SUISUN CITY NEWS

Fireworks Sales Permit Applications Now Available

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:15:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Suisun City Council has legalized the sale of State-certified Safe and Sane fireworks within city limits from approved wholesalers to help raise money needed to fund future July 4th celebrations.

Local non-profit organizations interested in obtaining one of three available fireworks sellers permits can now apply to be selected.

The general process is as follows:

Qualified non-profit groups can apply for one of three sales permits to be issued for 2012
Applications are available at the Fire Station, City Hall and on this web page
Completed applications with $50 application fee are due to the City Manager's Office by May 18
If necessary, a lottery will be held at 10 a.m. May 22 in City Hall
Selected groups will be notified, and must complete all the steps outlined on the application, including submission of $85 permit fee, by June 11

For more information on the process, including links to the application and other important documents, please go to www.suisun.com/FD/Fireworks-Sales.html

Copper Thieves Target Street Lights

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:52:00 +0000

RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

SUISUN CITY, Calif. – Copper thieves are once again stripping street lights of their wiring in Suisun City, and the public’s help is needed to catch these criminals and safeguard our street lighting.

On April 17, the Police Department reported four street lights were not working on Railroad Avenue near Village Drive. When Public Works crews responded, they discovered the wiring had been cut and stolen from the conduit between the street lights, and found that additional lights also were affected.

Replacing street light wiring is both time-consuming and very expensive. The City does not have equipment necessary to rewire the lights so a private contractor must be hired, which is an unbudgeted expense.

For a period of more than a year, copper thieves have been stealing wiring from street lights on Walters Road and in the Peterson Ranch subdivision.

Residents should watch for unusual activity near street lights poles particularly during evening hours. Legitimate work on City street lights is normally conducted during the daytime by crews with vehicles and uniforms bearing the City emblem, PG&E logos, or a contractor employed by the City.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to immediately call the Police Department at 707-421-7373.

Free Family Movies Saved for 2012 by Suisun Foundation and Kiwanis

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:20:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Suisun City Community Services Foundation will keep the summer tradition of Saturday Night at the Movies alive this year thanks to a generous donation from the Kiwanis Club of Suisun City. The free family movies will run for eight consecutive weeks starting July 7, 2012.

"In a time where families are experiencing severe cutbacks in their personal budgets, entertainment is usually the first to go!" said Lori Wilson, Foundation co-chair. "This event helps families enjoy a fun night out at the beautiful marina and fosters a sense of community. It's exciting to know that organizations within the community care about the families of Suisun City."

Saturday Night at the Movies was among the community events cut from the city budget after redevelopment was abolished in California. The Foundation is working to raise enough money to continue as many of these events as possible, with particular focus on the July 4 celebration.

"Special thanks to Kiwanis, who helped the foundation save its first event!" Wilson said.

>> Read more, including the movie schedule

This Week in Suisun City - Community Meeting, Wildflower Train, Live Theater

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:05:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - Here is a capsule look ahead at what's going on this week in Suisun City:

Wednesday, April 18, 7 p.m. - Community meeting on youth, crime and drugs at the Nelson Community Center
Wednesday, April 18 - Scenic Limited Wildflower Train, Western Railway Museum
Thursday-Sunday, April 19-22 - 'Distracted' by Solano College Theatre at the Harbor Theater. This is the closing weekend for this show that has gotten tremendous reviews!
Saturday, April 21 - Earth Day in Suisun City presented by Mission Solano. A full day of activities for the whole family on Sheldon Plaza.
Saturday, April 21 - Native American Walk presented by the Suisun Wildlife Center at Rockville Hills Park
Saturday, April 21 - Vintage Comet Wine Tasting Train, Western Railway Museum
Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22 - Scenic Limited Wildflower Train, Western Railway Museum

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

April 28 - Rush Ranch Open House
April 28 - MS Walk: Solano County
April 28 - Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
May 13 - Mother's Day Artisan Fair

For more about all these events, go to www.visitsuisuncity.com or "Like" us at www.facebook.com/SuisunCity

This Week in Suisun City: Events fundraisers, wildflower trains, live theater

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:48:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - Here is a capsule look ahead at what's going on this week in Suisun City:

Wednesday, April 11 - Scenic Limited Wildflower Train, Western Railway Museum
Wednesday, April 11 - Suisun Foundation Fundraiser Hosted by Athenian Grill, 5 pm to closing - 20% of meal ticket donated to support community events
Friday-Sunday, April 13-15 - 'Distracted' by Solano College Theatre at the Harbor Theater, playing through April 22
Saturday, April 14 - Suisun Foundation Fundraiser Hosted by Sunset Bay Kayaks - 50% of rental fees donated to support community events
Saturday, April 14 - Vintage Comet Wine Tasting Train, Western Railway Museum
Saturday & Sunday, April 14-15 - Scenic Limited Wildflower Train, Western Railway Museum

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

April 21 - Native American Walk
April 21 - Earth Day
April 28 - Rush Ranch Open House
April 28 - Prescription Take-Back Day
April 28 - MS Walk: Solano County

For more about all these events, go to www.visitsuisuncity.com or "Like" us at www.facebook.com/SuisunCity

Field Survey & Monitoring Consultant Sought for Grizzly Island Trail Project

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:00:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Building and Public Works Department issued a request for proposals for firms qualified to perform field survey and monitoring work associated with the Grizzly Island Trail Project.

Under the direction of the Director of Building and Public Works, the consulting firm(s) is expected to perform

Pre-construction surveys
Perform follow-up field surveys
Monitor the project site
Coordinate and meet with regulatory agencies
Provide guidance to City staff on implementing necessary measures
Provide contractor education and training, prepare a noise monitoring plan
Prepare reports on field surveys, and
Perform other related work as described in this Request for Proposals (RFP)

The project is located along a portion of Highway 12, between Marina Boulevard and Grizzly Island Road.

>> For more information, go to www.suisun.com

Notice Issued Seeking Construction Bids for Grizzly Island Trail Project

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:00:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Building & Public Works Department has issued a notice seeking construction bids for the Grizzly Island Trail Project.

The project is located along a portion of Highway 12, between Marina Boulevard and Grizzly Island Road. The planned work includes:

a 0.8-mile-long concrete pathway parallel to portions of Marina Boulevard and Highway 12, and
a 0.13-mile-long sidewalk along Grizzly Island Road.

The pathway adjacent to Marina Boulevard and Highway 12 will be 12-feet wide, and the portion adjacent to Grizzly Island Road will be sidewalks with varying widths. Other improvements include a school bus turnout and parking stalls in the southeastern portion of the work along Grizzly Island Road and other ancillary work. Other locations along the new pathway may include seat walls or other features that will require lightly loaded foundations. The site is at a relatively low elevation and some areas of the project may receive fills a few feet thick to improve drainage and for compliance with ADA criteria.

Bid are due April 17, 2012.

>> For more information, go to www.suisun.com

Regional Water Board Approves Suisun City Walmart Center

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:55:00 +0000

Regional Water Board Grants Suisun City Walmart Approvals

By Barry Eberling, Daily Republic
OAKLAND — Walmart won approval Wednesday from a regional water board for environmental steps that help clear the way for a proposed Suisun City store.

The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board heard from both proponents and opponents at a meeting in the state’s Elihu M. Harris building in downtown Oakland. Then it approved environmental mitigations for the project by a 4-0 vote, with one member abstaining.

Walmart is now waiting for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife biological opinion and a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit. Suisun City’s city manager, Suzanne Bragdon, expressed hope that construction of the 182,000-square-foot Walmart supercenter will be under way this fall.

>>Read more at www.suisuncitybusiness.com or www.dailyrepublic.com

Regional Career Fair Scheduled for April 5

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:29:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The 14th biannual WIB Regional Career Fair will bring more than 80 employers with current jobs to fill together with job seekers on Thursday April 5.

The Career Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Phoenix at 5253 Business Center Drive, Fairfield. >> map

This is the largest regularly scheduled job fair sponsored by the Workforce Investment Board of Solano County.

To help job seekers prepare for to meet prospective employers at the Fair, one-hour preparation workshops are being offered at the Fairfield and Vallejo WIB offices.

For more information and a complete list of employers, please go to www.solanowib.org or call 707-863-3596.

Audio Equipment and HVAC Bids Now Being Accepted

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:35:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Building and Public Works Department has opened bidding for two projects:

Council Chamber Conference System, and
HVAC Controls Upgrade Project

Proposals and/or bids for each project are due on March 27, 2012. For more information, please visit www.suisun.com

The Council Chamber Conference System project consists of replacing the digital audio conferencing system used in the City Hall Council Chamber. The system must consist of nine council microphones, one audience podium microphone and one presenter microphone.

The HVAC Controls Upgrade Project involves upgrade or replacement of existing HVAC control system at the Community Center, install new compatible controls at City Hall, the Police Station and the Senior Center; integrate all locations to be computer controlled at the City Hall location; and other incidental work as required.

More detailed information about both projects, including complete notices, are available at www.suisun.com

City Recruiting for an Accountant

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 01:52:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Administrative Services Department is accepting applications for the position of accountant. Applications are due March 26.

The is an excellent career position for someone with two years of professional accounting experience, particularly in a municipal government environment. The monthly salary range is $4,225 to $5,703.

The position performs professional accounting work, recording and reporting of financial transactions and budgeting controls for assigned funds and City departments; reviews accounts payable, payroll, receivables and other fiscal records; and prepares financial report statement and analyses. Positions in this class require prior experience.

Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction and assistance as new or unusual situations arise, are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit, and require the ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative.

For more information or to apply, please visit www.suisun.com today.

The Waterfront Cafe Pulling Into Suisun City Train Station

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:31:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY — A new café will open in the Suisun City Train Station to provide convenient food service and a unique atmosphere for commuters, transit users and nearby office workers.

The City signed a lease with The Waterfront Café, LLC., in December, concluding a search for a new operator for the historic Train Station location, a key regional transportation hub.

“We are very excited about the strong potential for The Waterfront Café to be a terrific ambassador welcoming people to Suisun City while providing commuters the services they deserve,” said Marketing Manager Scott Corey.

Local entrepreneurs Tina Montez and Kevin Smith are working to launch The Waterfront Café by early February, featuring as many local, healthy and sustainable products as possible.

“We’re looking forward to servicing the commuters as well as the community who live, work and visit the Waterfront District,” Smith said.

The café will complement the station’s key transportation services, including the Amtrak/Capitol Corridor, Fairfield-Suisun Transit (FAST), and Greyhound and other local connections provided at the station by the City of Rio Vista Delta Breeze transit service.

Terms of the lease require the station to be open by 6 a.m. weekdays to serve commuters using the increasingly popular Amtrak/Capitol Corridor train service, which operates 32 trains daily connecting Solano County’s only commuter rail stop with Sacramento and the entire Bay Area.

Supreme Court Delivers Worst-Case Scenario for Suisun City Redevelopment

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:15:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY — When the California Supreme Court upheld on Thursday the dissolution of Redevelopment Agencies and struck down a voluntary program to keep them alive, it delivered the worst-case scenario for the Suisun City Redevelopment Agency.

The elimination of the Redevelopment Agency will require cutting the current City budget by $1.4 million, which the City Council has discussed in theory for several months. Because the option to pay annually to retain the Redevelopment Agency was eliminated, Suisun City stands to lose approximately $13 million in additional cash and assets.

“We’re still digesting the court’s decision,” said City Manager Suzanne Bragdon. “But from reading the basic background provided by the court, it’s clear that those not at the local level – people not on the ground – miss the whole concept that redevelopment provides tools to make new development and new projects happen that wouldn’t happen by private investment alone.

"Instead, they describe redevelopment as a big shell game that allows cities to grab property taxes from other entities, rather than a tool to grow the overall property tax pool – not to mention the creation of other tax revenues and jobs – which benefits everyone, including schools and the State," Bragdon said. "This decision has severely limited future business development in a community like Suisun City.”

>> Read about more local impacts and link to the court opinion

$4.7 million Suisun City Affordable Housing Renovation Complete

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:40:00 +0000

Public-Private Partnership Extends Life of Housing Complex

SUISUN CITY — A $4.7 million renovation of the Village II apartment complex in Suisun City has been completed providing residents of the 106-unit affordable housing complex modern kitchens, bathrooms and other amenities.

The modernization project of the 40-year-old complex was undertaken by the Solano Affordable Housing Foundation (SAHF), with support from the City of Suisun City and numerous other federal, state and local public programs.

“The renovation of the Village II is a textbook example of how the community benefits when public and private entities work together,” said Suzanne Bragdon, Suisun City Manager. “Creating partnerships is how we get things done in Suisun City.”

Veronica Champine

With new affordable housing projects difficult to complete, it was important for the community to extend the lifespan of existing complexes such as the Village II, located at 506 Civic Center Blvd., in Suisun City.

Coordinating the strengths of government programs, a non-profit developer, and for-profit construction and management companies resulted in upgrades averaging $44,000 per unit. Many units received all new kitchens and bathrooms, washer/dryer, and upgraded electrical systems. The complex exterior and grounds also were upgraded.

The work pumped several million dollars into the local economy during a period when many construction projects are frozen. Local subcontractors performed $2.2 million of the construction work, with the balance awarded to companies in neighboring counties. Contractor Tricorp Hearn has offices in Vacaville, and the key on-site personnel are Solano County residents.

“SAHF strives to utilize as many local contractors as reasonably possible when building or renovating a complex,” said Michael Rice, President of Suisun City-based builder Main Street West Partners and a member of SAHF’s Board of Directors.

Financing the project was complex and involved federal, state, and local government agencies. The starting point was the City of Suisun City, which approved the use of tax-exempt bonds for the debt structure of the project. Though the City took on no obligation for repayment, it had to approve the bonds as meeting a public purpose. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided the mortgage insurance needed to secure the financing, and two departments of the California Treasurer’s Office issued the bond and tax-credit allocations.

Several private sector entities also participated, including the transaction lender PNC Financial of San Francisco. Equity for the transaction was provided by Oakland’s Merritt Community Capital Corporation (MCCC), a non-profit affordable housing investor that has provided several million dollars for Solano County affordable housing.

The project developer and general partner for the ownership group is SAHF, a non-profit corporation located in Fairfield, charged with increasing and improving the supply of affordable housing in Solano County. In its 20-year history, SAHF has constructed or renovated more than 1,000 dwelling units, and brought more than $80 million in affordable financing for housing to the County.

“Affordable housing transactions are very complex requiring the teamwork of a number of both public and private entities,” said Dennis McCray, Executive Director for SAHF. “The result for Village II was particularly positive: in 9 ½ months the team temporarily relocated 106 families and their belongings, and performed more than $40,000 per unit in improvements. The relocation tab alone was just shy of $1 million. The success of the project is largely due to the expertise of Tricorp Hearn, the contractor, the supervising architect, Construction Services Division of John Stewart Company, and the relocation firm of David Richman.”

Because affordable housing is increasingly difficult to build due to ever-increasing costs and complex regulations, upgrading 106 existing affordable units to current standards is a substantial benefit for both the community and building residents.

Marvin Leaks

Tenants at the Village II were very pleased with the results.

“I had all original fixtures in my apartment, now I feel like I have a brand new home!” said Veronica Champine, a 12-year resident of the Village. “I love my new kitchen with so much more cabinet space, the new bathroom is wonderful, and I got brand new carpet, which was a surprise. We now have air conditioning too! I love coming home. It’s the closest thing I have to owning my own home. I love it!”

“It’s just lovely!” said 14-year resident Marvin Leaks, fondly referred to as “Mr. Marv.” “We are so excited about our new kitchen cabinets, countertops, the new flooring, beautiful new closet doors, and air conditioning. We love our new home so much we bought a few new decorations for it. Property management did an excellent job preparing us for the construction process and temporary relocation. I love the whole deal.”

Salvation Army Needs Turkeys to Help Local Families in Need

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:28:00 +0000

The Salvation Army is known for helping those in need during the holidays. But that support is only possible when the community supports the Salvation Army. Right now, they need turkeys. Here's a press release the Salvation Army, Solano County issued today:

SUISUN CITY, Calif. – The Salvation Army serving Solano County is in the midst of the 2^nd Annual 12 Days of Turkey campaign with a goal of obtaining 900 turkeys for Christmas food boxes. The first week of the drive has produced a couple hundred turkeys but over 700 are still needed to ensure all registered families in need receive a turkey for their Christmas dinner. The drive runs through December 18^th.

Donations are still very much needed and can be dropped off Monday –Friday from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-4:00 PM at assorted Salvation Army locations across Solano County.

Monetary donations are also accepted and often area a more efficient way to go.

“The Salvation Army is fortunate enough to receive a non-profit discount for the purchase of turkeys,” said Captain Jonathan Harvey, Suisun City Kroc Center Administrator. “We will be able to purchase turkeys for less than what the public would pay. We are urging monetary donations because we will be able to make the public’s dollar really stretch.”

Monetary and turkey donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

Fairfield: 1216 Missouri Street (707) 426-6244
Suisun City: 278 A Sunset Ave (707) 439-7880
Vacaville: 630 Orange Drive # M (707) 455-8191
Vallejo: 630 Tuolumne Street (707) 643-8621

Police Department Launches Sergeant Recruitment

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:18:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, CA. - The Suisun City Police Department is now recruiting for a police sergeant. Applications are due no later than Dec. 8, 2011.

The department offers a variety of specialty assignments including: Patrol, Traffic, Investigations, Canine, School Resource Officer, Marine Patrol, Major Crimes Unit / CSI, and regional SWAT Team. The department is staffed by 24 sworn officers including Chief of Police Ed Dadisho, a Police Commander and 4 Police Sergeants. The department has its own dispatch center, code enforcement officers, and youth services bureau. The department has the latest in law enforcement technology and equipment.

Under direction of a Police Commander, supervises, assigns, reviews, and participates in the work of law enforcement staff involved in the protection of public health, safety, and welfare and the enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local laws; assumes responsibility for assigned collateral services, special programs, projects, or department-wide functions or activities; coordinates activities with other divisions, units, watches, City departments, outside agencies, organizations and the public; and performs a variety of administrative and technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

For a full description of the position, please see the Police Department careers site.

Workshops to help homeowners save energy & money

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:59:00 +0000

New Energy Upgrade California Program offers cash rebates and healthier homes, creates jobs

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - Homeowners in Solano County are invited to attend free workshops for Energy Upgrade California (www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org), the new statewide program that reduces energy use, saves homeowners money and creates local jobs.

Sponsored by Energy Upgrade California and the Solano Center for Business Innovation, the series of workshops will provide homeowners valuable information about Energy Upgrade California’s “whole house approach” to energy efficiency, as well as how to access rebates up to $6,000 and 3% fixed-interest financing for home energy upgrades. Homeowners will also learn about additional resources available for Solano County residents only through the “Solano +” program.

FREE WORKSHOPS

Wednesday, November 9, 6:30pm
Ulatis Community Center
1000 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville >> map
Info & RSVP: http://vacaville-euc.eventbrite.com

Thursday, November 10, 6:30pm
Nelson Community Center
611 Village Drive, Suisun City >> map
Info & RSVP: http://suisuncity-euc.eventbrite.com

Monday, November 14, 6:30pm
Dixon Fire Department
205 Ford Way, Dixon >> map
Info & RSVP: http://dixon-euc.eventbrite.com

MORE INFO ABOUT “SOLANO +” PROGRAM

Charles Rieger, Solano Center for Business Innovation
707-861-0724 or charles.rieger@solanoinnovation.org

ABOUT ENERGY UPGRADE CALIFORNIAEnergy Upgrade California is a collaborative program between the California Energy Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission, utilities and local governments that provides tools to accomplish and promote a “whole house” approach to home efficiency improvements. Based on “building science” principles, the program emphasizes an integrated approach to energy efficiency, starting with an assessment of current systems to identify solutions that will improve the comfort and energy performance of a home. For more information, visit www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org
.

Pintail Drive Rehabilitation Paving Work Set for Thursday through Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:28:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - Road surface grinding and paving on Pintail Drive from Sunset Avenue to Blackspur Drive is scheduled for Thursday Oct. 20 through Saturday Oct. 22 from about 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

After conducting informal traffic surveys, Ghilotti Construction set the schedule to include a Saturday to minimize impacts on Suisun Elementary School, users of other nearby public facilities and residents.

Residents can expect traffic delays and temporary detours during the construction period. Drivers are urged to be alert for construction zone signage and road workers. If possible, plan to avoid the area during construction hours.

For more information regarding this project, please go to www.Suisun.com/Pintail.html.

2011 Wreath Project Remembers Fallen Veterans at the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:53:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif - Every December since 2006, holiday wreaths are placed on grave sites at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon. The wreaths are purchased and placed by The Wreath Project.

The community group has been able to place wreaths on every grave site, one of the few veterans cemeteries in the nation to achieve that goal. To continue the tradition, the group will need to purchase 9,000 wreaths.

Wreaths will be placed during a ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2011. The cemetery is located at 5810 Midway Road in Dixon. >> Map

To donate or get more information about the project, go to www.wreathproject.org, call 707-761-3343 or e-mail wreathproject@yahoo.com

Hearing on New Water Rates Set for Nov. 22, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:54:00 +0000

The Suisun-Solano Water Authority (SSWA) will consider adopting a new rate structure for all Suisun City users to provide more funding for current and future operations, repairs and replacements at 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at City Hall.

Based on the Financial Plan and Water Rate Update Study, the proposed rates redistribute the cost of service between residential and non-residential customers to improve proportionality.

Increases in the past have ensured the water service is in good financial shape. Recognizing the tough economic conditions, a general rate increase was delayed for two and a half years. The SSWA Board spent considerable time and effort to keep the rates as low as possible, including budget reductions and use of one-time reserves.

In accordance with the Financial Plan, SSWA is considering two rate adjustments:

4% effective January 2012
4% effective January 2013

The proposed rate structure includes a new emergency rate schedule to be imposed in the event of a declared water shortage or drought. Rate surcharges, intended to address the financial impacts of a water shortage, would only apply as long as a water shortage or drought condition exists.

The proposed emergency surcharges, which are based on water usage, are

8% during a Stage II drought
20% during a Stage III drought
40% during a Stage IV drought

>> For more information, including the meeting notice, rate study and proposed rate structure

Suspect in Early Morning Residential Burglaries Arrested

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:23:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY – The Suisun City Police Department arrested a 27-year-old Suisun City man on Tuesday on suspicion of numerous hot prowl residential break-ins dating back to mid-August.

After intensive targeted patrols and an extensive investigation, police collected enough evidence to arrest Jason Lee Harris for entering 11 homes on the east side of Suisun City during late night or early morning hours while the residents slept. Upon entering the home through unlocked doors, the suspect would take any accessible items of value that could be easily concealed then flee.

“This series of hot prowl burglaries was extremely unsettling for Suisun City residents, and very uncharacteristic of local criminal activity,” said police Commander Tim Mattos. “Thanks to the focused efforts of all our officers and civilian personnel on both day and night shifts, we were able to make this arrest and restore peace and safety to neighborhoods east of Emperor Drive.”

Since the burglary spree started in mid-August, the Suisun City Police Department increased enforcement in the areas of the break-ins, and assigned extra officers to special details to identify and apprehend the suspect.

The Police Department also notified all Suisun City residents asking them to be extra vigilant in securing their homes and report any suspicious activity or people to police.

Jason Lee Harris became a person of interest after officers spotted him several times during early morning hours in the area of the reported burglaries. He also lived nearby.

But police investigators were able to secure an arrest warrant for Harris on Tuesday after finding a key piece of evidence at the site of a recent break-in that linked him to the crime.

Harris was arrested and booked into Solano County Jail on multiple burglary charges, and is awaiting arraignment.

The Police Department investigation into this series of break-ins continues. Anyone with information regarding these incidents should call Sgt. Dave Kasid or Commander Tim Mattos at 707-421-7373.

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:03:00 +0000

This announcement was released today by the U.S. Department of Defense. We are distributing it as a service to Suisun City area veterans and eligible service members. This is not a program of the City of Suisun City.

The Oct. 21, 2011, deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) is one month away. The deadline was previously extended to allow those eligible more time to apply for the benefits they have earned under the program guidelines.

     "The nation has rallied behind this effort -- the military services have been joined by the White House, Congress, the VA, veteran and military service organizations, and friends and family members around the world," said Lernes Hebert, director of Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management. "Despite these remarkable outreach efforts, some people may still not yet have applied. If you think you are eligible, and have not yet applied, now is the time to do so."

     Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay was established to compensate for the hardships military members encountered when their service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss authority between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. Eligible members or their beneficiaries may submit a claim to their respective military service in order to receive the benefit of $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status.

     When RSLSP began on Oct. 21, 2009, the services estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and beneficiaries were eligible for this benefit. Because the majority of those eligible had separated from the military, the services have engaged in extensive and persistent outreach efforts, to include multiple direct mailings, public service announcements, and continuous engagements with military and veteran service organizations, social networks and media outlets.

     To apply, or for more information on RSLSP, including submission requirements and service-specific links, go to http://www.defense.gov/stoploss .

Suisun City Seeks Train Station Cafe Operator

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:20:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - Suisun City is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial-minded operator who can provide cafe (or similar) services at the Suisun City Train Station.

This unique location has a number of advantages over the typical café / food service location. It is easily accessible from the Central County Bikeway, which connects the City from end to end; it is positioned at the only Capitol Corridor commuter rail service stop in Solano County; serves as a multi-modal transit hub for Solano County with regular Greyhound stops; it is within a 10-minute walk from the Solano County Administrative Building and within walking distance of the scenic Suisun City Promenade. Additionally, the Train Station is adjacent to a popular park-n-ride lot and is visible to passing cars on Main Street which offers a vast pool of potential customers.

Suisun City envisions the Train Station as a transit center; as such it is an important gateway to our community and more specifically the revitalized Waterfront District. When a traveler passes through the Suisun City Train Station, the first and sometimes only impression they have of Suisun City is the one they receive while visiting the Train Station.

As a result, the City is keenly interested in creating a lasting positive impression that entices people to return and further explore the Waterfront District. This directly relates to the overall Waterfront District goals and objectives that are geared towards building local economic activity through destination tourism. It is important to ensure the Train Station is open and welcoming for travelers and visitors alike while offering convenient services to enhance their travels and experience in Suisun City.

Submittals are due Oct. 20, 2011.

>> Click here for detailed information on this opportunity

City Council to Hold Budget Workshop Focused on Service Priorities

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:17:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY, Calif. – Faced with making $1.4 million in additional budget reductions on the heels of 35% budget cuts in recent years, the Suisun City Council will hold a public budget workshop at 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 20, at City Hall. >> map >>

While Suisun City has avoided significant service reductions, layoffs and furloughs during the national economic downturn, the additional 13% reduction in the City’s budget forced by recent State action will undoubtedly impact future service levels, City officials said.

In June, the State enacted two laws that changed the way redevelopment functions in California. Whether the Suisun City Redevelopment Agency is eliminated entirely or modified as required by the State, the City will face an approximate $1.4 million budget shortfall starting in July 2012.

Though a lawsuit is pending in the California Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of those laws, the City Council wants to begin discussing budget cuts that will be necessary if legal challenges fail.

Among the issues to be discussed during the Tuesday night workshop are

The basic structure of the City’s budget.
The strategy of selling select fixed assets and reducing spending that preserved public services thus far during a significant economic downturn, which has forced other cities to slash budgets and programs.
The State’s decision to end Redevelopment as it previously existed during a prolonged economic slide that has forced the City to face very difficult decisions, and its impact on Suisun City.
An array of budget changes that could reach $1.4 million.
Service level priorities that will help guide future decision-making.

Given the severity of the challenges that lie ahead, the City Council wants the public to provide input to help prioritize services that are most important to Suisun City residents. The City Council may set additional workshops in the future.

The workshop agenda and supporting information will be posted online by Thursday evening to www.Suisun.com.

World Trade Center Artifacts Arrive in Suisun City

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Corey, public info. officer) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:30:00 +0000

SUISUN CITY - "We are now the custodians of a piece of American history," Suisun City Fire Chief Mike O'Brien declared Thursday as two steel beams recovered from the World Trade Center were delivered to the Suisun City Fire Department.

The 10-foot-long beams were donated to the Suisun City Fire Department ,and delivered for free across the country from the New York Port Authority by L&A Transport of Union, New Jersey.

The 9/11 artifacts will be a centerpiece of a 10th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony to be held on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, at Harbor Plaza. More information on this event.

The beams were immediately loaded onto a trailer so they could be moved around the City for various temporary displays. Their first stop within hours of arriving in Suisun City was Suisun Elementary School, where the entire student body waited with flags and banners.

The beams will be integrated into a permanent 9/11 memorial to be erected in front of the Fire Station at 621 Pintail Drive. The Suisun City Firefighters Association is raising $20,000 to construct the memorial. More information on how to help or call the Fire Station at 707-429-1297.

The Firefighters Association launched a Facebook page to help gather support for the Memorial at www.Facebook.com/Suisun911Memorial.