Electric transformers were among the topics discussed by the City of California Board of Aldermen at its regular monthly meeting, Monday, Jan. 7, at the City Hall Council Room.
After discussion, the council approved the purchase of two electric transformers for $14,950 each. One of the transformers is for installation at the C & R Market location. The second one is to be added to inventory on hand, according to Electric Supervisor Rick Graham.
Several weeks ago, a new pad-mount transformer was installed at California Care Center, replacing three low-profile transformers. The old transformers are non-PCB units in good condition and hard to find. Purchase of one similar reconditioned transformer is estimated at about $5,000. Graham proposed sending these to be reconditioned. Since the cost of reconditioning is estimated at about $1,500 each, the council directed several bids be obtained before a final decision is made.
Recreation Director Skylar Smothers reported on the municipal pool. The new heaters are working well, with air temperature holding at about 87 degrees and the water temperature at 85 degrees. The air is supposed to be slightly warmer than the water to avoid condensation and it was reported that no condensation has been noticed.
Justin Mitchell appeared before the council to propose an Eagle Scout project. His plans are for a picnic table on a concrete pad to be placed near the start of the Frisbee golf course at Proctor Park. He and Park Supervisor Robert Pace are finalizing the project and working to get a trash can placed close by.
Allan Burger appeared before th council with an update on his Eagle Scout project. He brought a sample of the type of bracket which will be mounted on the period streetlights around the courthouse and the city hall building to hold a pair of U.S. flags. There will be a total of nine lights with mounted flags.
According to Police Chief Fred Kirchoff, there were, in December, 28 tickets issued, 30 crime investigations, two charges filed, three referrals to the county, 54 contact calls and six accidents investigated. For the year of 2012, he reported 331 tickets, 258 crime investigations, 21 charges filed, 36 referrals to the county, 900 contacts and 93 accidents accidents investigated.
Fire Chief Allen Smith reported that for the year of 2012, there were 55 fire calls, 32 rescue calls, 372 medical calls and 10 "other" for a total of 469.
The city is working with Co-Mo Connect on the possibility of making their fiberoptic service available in the city. Socket will make a presentation at a special council meeting Tuesday, Jan. 22. The next regular council meeting is Feb. 4.
As of press time, those who have filed for the April 2 election for city offices are:
mayor - Norris Gerhart, incumbent; Ward I Alderman - Nathan Lewis and Tina Kirchner (The seat is currently held by Tony Wineland); Ward II Alderman - Cameron Freiner, incumbent, and Charles E. Roll; Ward III Alderman - Carol Rackers, incumbent. No one has filed for City Collector.