California discusses equalizing ward populations

Drinkard Contruction's new facility across from the California City Hall improves the looks of the uptown area of the city.
Drinkard Contruction's new facility across from the California City Hall improves the looks of the uptown area of the city.

The city of California Board of Aldermen, at its regular monthly meeting Aug. 6 in the Council Chambers, discussed making the population of wards 1-3 more equal.

Currently, Ward 1 is the smallest. The aldermen looked at a map, based on the 2010 Census. In future meetings, the aldermen plan to change boundaries to redistribute numbers from wards 1-3.

In other business, the board approved a bid of $2,957.62 from Huber Computer Maintenance for computer upgrades, as well as discussing several issues dealing with planning and management of the wastewater treatment plant. One of those was an amendment to a pump repair contract with Independent Electric Machinery Company, extending the completion deadline, since a part had to be ordered.

The North Street Sewer Project contract with Lehman Construction was amended to add work on Burkhardt and Taylor streets.

Vic Maurer, on behalf of the sanitation department, announced that the new sanitation truck should arrive in mid-September. Robert Pace, of the parks department, said that the new mower has arrived. He also said a new full-time person has been hired by the parks department.

It was announced that a tax levy hearing will be held at 6:45 p.m. Aug. 20. After the hearing, a special meeting is planned to discuss ward redistricting and a partnership with the California schools to provide a school resource officer.

Due to the Labor Day holiday, the next regular meeting is set for Tuesday, Sept. 4.