The California Board of Aldermen met Monday for its first meeting of the new year, taking care of business for a number of city departments.
The City Council's first order of business was adopting an ordinance removing provisions from the city's code related to helmet laws. Since the state of Missouri passed new legislation on the issue, cities are no longer able to regulate the issue themselves; this ordinance brings California into compliance with state law.
In the water and sewer department, Missouri American Water's line at the Hickory Hills subdivision is complete.
In wastewater, the California plant will see a Department of Natural Resources inspection next Tuesday. Work on the aeration basin project continues, as new sluice gates are currently being manufactured.
Finally, the Board of Aldermen approved another 30-day extension for the city's contract for biosolids work. At last month's meeting, the contract had been extended through the end of the year.
In the street department, Street Supervisor Victor Maurer informed the board a school resource officer with the Moniteau County R-1 School District approached him about utilizing a portable speed bump in the street outside of California Middle School for one hour each day. The Board of Aldermen voted to approve this when school is in session. The speed bump also is not to be deployed in inclement weather.
In the parks department, the city will plan to solicit bids soon for the mowing contract at the cemetery so it can be included in the next year's budget. This time, the board plans to include a renewal provision of up to five years.
For the California Fire Department, firefighters responded to 340 total calls in 2020.
The CFD will also continue awaiting its new vehicle from Columbia's department. CFD Chief Allen Smith said he was informed the vehicle could be ready for California by February at the earliest but will likely take a bit longer.
In parks and recreation, the first half of the youth basketball season is now complete, and one week remains for volleyball registration.
Recreation Supervisor Leslie Scheidt informed the board she plans to apply for the Missouri Parks Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, which can go toward the city's pool project.
After further discussion, the board set an official opening date for the city's existing pool on March 1; the pool will be open for all normally scheduled events starting on that date.
Finally, City Clerk Aimee Hill informed the board 11 certificate of deposit accounts will be maturing throughout the month of February at Hawthorn Bank. The board approved soliciting one-year bids for each account.
The California Board of Aldermen's next meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 1.