The issue of City of California utilities in the area of Cedar Street came under extensive discussion by the California City Council at its Tuesday, Sept. 2, meeting. Cedar Street begins at Owen Street, north of the elementary school, and runs west to end at Country Club Drive. Other than Cedar Apartments, there are few residences on the street. Although there is a city water line along the street, there are no city electric and sewer lines to serve the area.
Appearing before the Board of Aldermen to discuss the utilities situation were Sue Rouse, a California resident on Cedar Street, and David Jungmeyer, currently building a home nearby. The discussion of Mayor Norris Gerhart and the Board of Aldermen focused on whether to run sewer and electric service to residences which are in areas which have been annexed into the city limits, or have new lagoons or septic systems built inside the city limits. The issue was resolved on a temporary basis by Jungmeyer agreeing to construct a temporary septic system for his residence which will then be removed so the city sewer service can be connected. The city will put electric and sewer service into the area as soon as possible. Water is already available in the area. As a part of the solution to the problem, the council moved to allow Bartlett and West Engineering to look into construction of a sewer line and negotiate the necessary easements for electric and sewer.
The project to build, in the west part of the city, a new water tower and place the necessary water lines, is going faster than expected with the loan expected to close in late September. In addition, the project to drill a new well, with a customized well-house, near the new water tower is moving forward. A new road will be built to the well and tower.
In other business, GIS Mapping, concrete pad bids and the recreation department were discussed.
Presiding County Commissioner Kenny Kunze appeared to inform the council that the county is arranging for a photography flyover to update the GIS system. After discussion, the council approved contributing up to $3,000 for the photography which will then be used to update the computer maps of the city, including city services.
The low bid of Show Me Asphalt was approved for the concrete pads to be built in Proctor Park. The pads are being put in to hold the exercise equipment to be installed in the park.
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Jim Deeken informed the board that 159 k-6 students had signed up for soccer. Only five in the seventh and eighth grade signed up, so their registration fees are being returned. The t-shirt bids for soccer was awarded to low bidder BW Graphics. He is considering addition of more activities, such as golf, bowling and other sports.
Police Chief Mike Ward informed the council body cameras are being used by the officers.
The next regular council meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 6.