The City of California Board of Aldermen were informed of the progress made on various city projects at the regular monthly meeting, Monday, Feb. 1, at the City Hall Council Chamber.
Park Supervisor Robert Pace reported that the children's playground equipment has been installed at the Proctor Park east shelter house area near the tennis courts. One set of the "fun and exercise" equipment was purchased from National Playground, with assistance of a matching grant from the Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). One set is for ages two to five. Located several feet north of that equipment is another set for ages six to 12. A new shelter house is under construction at the location. The old shelter house was removed several months ago.
Bob Gilbert, Bartlett and West Engineering, reported that the new well, at the location of the new water tower on the west end of the city, will begin pumping soon. The start-up date is Wednesday, Feb. 10. The council approved the lettering to be put on the older, larger, water tower on Russellville Road when it is refurbished. The lettering will be the name "California" in six foot letters on the north side near the town and 10 foot letters on the side facing the new four-lane Highway 50. After the older water tower has been refurbished, the smaller water tower at Cargill will be taken down.
Gilbert explained that, in the area of Randolph and Howard Streets, a lot of testing has been going on concerning the sewer line work planned. The work is a search for the laterals to make certain all are connected when the new sewer line is installed. Work is also being done to determine the sewer needs in the area of Cedar Street so the engineering can begin on the planned sewer lines in the area.
The council was also updated on the progress being made towards the "Welcome to California" sign planned for the four lane Highway 50 / 87 interchange. The sign design has been reviewed by an engineer, and is now being reviewed by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).
In other business, Wastewater Operator Patrick Murphy reported the treatment plant has been pumping 2.7 million gallons a day. The system is successfully processing the water which collected in the lagoons during and after the heavy rains in December. California Police Chief Mike Ward reported 371 calls for service to the police department in January. There were 392 officer-initiated calls in the same month. Officer-initiated calls include business checks, vacation checks and other local safety and security checks. Street Supervisor Vic Maurer reported that an ADA ramp is to be installed on a sidewalk at Oak and Patrick streets.
The process of developing the budget for the fiscal year beginning April 1 is nearing, with the first special budget meeting to be held mid-February.