Brentwood e-Connection
JULY '21
Greetings,


Welcome to another edition of the City’s monthly newsletter. Today’s hot topic is election redistricting as the process begins for recruitment of Redistricting Commission members.
 
In 2019, the City of Brentwood initiated district elections to be in effect for the 2020 election starting with Districts 1 and 3. Every ten years, following receipt of updated U.S. Census population data, the boundaries for all four Brentwood City Council districts must be reestablished, consistent with state law, the City is required to update its election districts to reflect the 2020 census data in time for the 2022 election. 
 
This year, a commission, made up of community members appointed by an independent judge, will draft at least two sets of district boundary maps to submit to the City Council for consideration, the City Council then selects a final map without modification. The City Council chose this model to engage the community and to keep the boundary drafting process free from potential political influences.
 
The outcome of the redistricting process will affect the next ten years of Brentwood’s elections, which is why it is important that City Council district boundaries are defined with the help of community members who understand and represent Brentwood’s diverse neighborhoods.
 
If you or someone you know wants to help ensure fair representation for everyone – encourage them to apply today! Applications are due August 2, 2021. The Redistricting Commission could start meeting in September for a series of public meetings through the end of the year and into early 2022. Learn more about the redistricting process and apply for consideration at www.brentwoodca.gov/redistricting


Tim Ogden
City Manager
PARKS
9-Hole Disk Golf Coming to Creekside Park
What is Disc Golf?
 
Disc golf is a sport that started in the 70’s and played like golf except, it is played with flying discs. Like golf, to win, you must have the lowest throws. 
 
Disc golf equipment includes discs and disc golf baskets. There are various types of discs. Some are made especially for children or beginners. To begin playing, you will just need to grab some discs and know how to throw. 
 
Like all sports, the benefit of playing disc golf is awesome. It’s a great source of exercise and excellent for heart health. Disc golf is played outside, so it’s a perfect time to get in touch with nature while soaking up vitamin d. The outdoor air will not only boost your energy but may help you relieve some stress. 
 
Win or lose, disc golf is a sport that will bring families and friends together for a good time in the community. It may even be a gathering point to make some new friends.
 
We look forward to the completion of this new amenity at Creekside Park. 
 
 
NO FIREWORKS!
The city of Brentwood has launched the "Don't Get Burned" campaign to educate residents about the dangers of fireworks. Fireworks are illegal here in the city and law enforcement will be on the lookout for violators. If you see suspicious activity please call the Brentwood Police Department's non-emergency number 925-809-7911.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
This month we are honored to feature Brentwood Police Chief Tom Hansen. Chief Hansen has been a true gem in our community for over 25 years, and through his leadership and commitment to public safety, residents can genuinely say it's "Better In Brentwood".

1.     How long have you been with the City?
26 Years

2.     What has been your fondest memory of your
time with the City?
I have so many! I think when I look back, I will
reflect on what an honor and privilege it has been to serve the great
people of Brentwood, and work with such a talented and caring staff.

3.     What’s your favorite food?
Pizza

4.     What’s your favorite vacation spot
Incline Village, Tahoe

5.     What is your favorite hobby?
Golf & mountain biking

PUBLIC WORKS
Vineyards @ Marsh Creek Amphitheater
& Downtown Alley Rehabilitation (Diablo Way)
VINEYARDS @ MARSH CREEK

Last March, a City team comprised of representatives from various City departments along with the consultant architect, DLR Group, began work on the 30% design and design-build bridging documents for the Vineyards at Marsh Creek Event Center + Amphitheater (“Project”). Located on a 31-acre site west of Vineyards Pkwy. between Reserve Place. and Miwok Ave., the Project is comprised of a 750-1000 seat amphitheater along with amenities that may include a wedding venue, sculpture garden, and promenade. The current budget for the project is $8.1 million and utilizes the design-build method for Project delivery. 
The City held its first round of stakeholder workshops in early May with the Vineyards at Marsh Creek community, Brentwood businesses, performing and visual arts groups, and school/education representatives.
Additional workshops are planned throughout this summer to further the amphitheater program and conceptual design. Construction of the amphitheater is currently scheduled to start in the summer of 2022.




DOWNTOWN ALLEY REHAB

This project includes the installation of new water, sewer and storm drain facilities and either the removal or replacement of existing infrastructure to correct existing operations and maintenance constraints due to the age of the facilities located in Diablo Way. This project will allow the City to accommodate the anticipated development of the Downtown area and, where feasible, bring the aging facilities to current standards. The sewer main line, laterals and clean outs have already been removed and replaced from Brentwood Boulevard. to Oak Street. The sewer work is continuing for the remainder of Diablo Way, all the way to Fir Street. The City estimates project completion in the fall of this year.
The City of Brentwood 2020 Annual Water Quality Report is now available. The City continues to produce high-quality water that complies with or exceeds federal and state standards for safe drinking water. To view the Report and learn more about Brentwood’s drinking water, visit the City website at:
 
 
Water Conservation
Water conservation should be a Way of Life – not only considered during a drought. One of the top water users in homes is a running or malfunctioning toilet. Consider giving your toilet a tune-up if it’s continually running. Some common causes of a running toilet are:
·        Water level in toilet tank is too high and water flows over the top directly into the bowl.
·        Toilet fill valve is broken and will not shut off completely.
·        Flush valve flapper seal is leaking and allowing water to escape the tank into the bowl continuously.
·        Trip lever chain is obstructing the flapper valve from sealing.
·        Short trip lever chain (due possibly to being tangled) preventing a tight seal of the flapper valve.

Check out YouTube for ways to repair common toilet problems.


 
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Downtown Brentwood Open for Business
Downtown Brentwood is open for business this summer. The Makers Boulevard, an outdoor artisan and makers fair, will again join the Farmer’s Market and Downtown Brentwood businesses on Saturday, July 17, 2021, between 8:00 am and noon. The Makers Boulevard /Brentwood Makers Market will have a monthly market of 30+ artisan vendors and live entertainment to complement our downtown retailers and restaurants that be open to welcome you and your family.
More information about The Makers Boulevard can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/themakersboulevard/ and more information about Downtown Brentwood events and businesses can be found at https://www.facebook.com/DowntownBrentwood/

POLICE
Brentwood Police Participates in Special Olympics Torch Run
On June 22, 2021, the Brentwood Police Department participated in the Annual Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run. This event raises awareness for the Special Olympics and consists of 4.5 miles of running, biking, and even rollerblading. This annual event is followed by Tip-a-Cop events that raise money for the Special Olympics, generally in the fall and spring each year. The Brentwood Police Department starts the run with the torch and passes it to our neighboring City of Oakley. The torch eventually makes its way through multiple cities to reach UC Davis, where the Special Olympics games are held every 4th weekend of June. Brentwood Police Department has participated in this run for the past 15+ years!
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Land Use 101: The General Plan
On June 10th, the City held the first in a series of workshops related to land use laws and regulations that impact the City. The workshop provided useful information and updates to decision-makers and the public which allowed for a discussion of these important topics separate from a hearing on a particular project. The first workshop focused on an overview of the General Plan as a governing document for land-use decisions in the City of Brentwood. The presentation included an overview of General Plans, including a look at their scope, requirements, amendment processes, and role in land-use decisions; the Housing Element of the General Plan; and a discussion of future workshop ideas, format, and scheduling.  Future series topics will include housing laws and regulations, the entitlement process and CEQA, Community Enrichment and code enforcement, and the environment and sustainability. A video of the workshop is available on the City’s YouTube page  https://youtu.be/Bl-pSbxrD9M

RECREATION
Who’s ready for Summer Adventures?
Camp Brentwood 2021 is the new talk of the town! Kids ages 5 – 12 years of age will take part in themed adventures that include visiting the Brentwood Family Aquatic Pool daily, so find those tubes of sunscreen, swimsuits, and towels. Who is ready to make new memories?

Camp Dates: June 7th – July 17th
Space is limited!
The Brentwood Parks & Recreation Summer 2021 Camp and Aquatic Guides are out. There are many new and exciting classes all summer long. The Summer 2021Camp and Aquatic Guides can both be found here https://www.brentwoodca.gov/gov/parks/default.asp

You can register for classes here:
Picnic shelters are now open and a perfect gathering place for families! For more information about which spaces are rentable, please click here. https://www.brentwoodca.gov/gov/parks/rentals/parks/picnic.asp


All reservations are done online through this link:

FINANCE
When the pandemic began last year, the City reduced its revenue and expense budgets in anticipation of a significant economic slowdown. With most restrictions now lifted and business returning to a more normal state, in June the City Council approved budget adjustments to restore prior reductions. Following are some of the highlights:

·        Parks Master Plan Projects – The budget for four Parks and Recreation Master Plan Strategic Initiative projects were restored including: constructing up to six pickleball courts at Creekside Park near the existing tennis courts; constructing fully operational restrooms at Garin and Creekside Parks; trail enhancement and expansion to include rest areas, maps, signage, water and exercise stations; and adding fencing to Sunset Park to facilitate opening the park for non-scheduled use.

·        Economic Development – The budget was restored for certain  2020/21 – 2021/22 Strategic Plan Initiatives, including the Downtown Beautification Program and marketing materials for specific industries that will include marketing materials for the Innovation Center@Brentwood. Additionally, $100,000 from the proposed restoration of the Parking Management Plan will be instead used to develop a citywide beautification program initiative and a $190,000 budget increase to the Main Street America initiative was also approved.

·        Police Department 5th Beat - The Police Department proposed a 5th geographic beat requiring the addition of five new police officer positions in the original budget. The 5th beat cost was removed from the two-year budget in June of 2020 due to the pandemic uncertainty, however, the Council has approved the reinstatement of the 5th beat in the FY 2021/22 Operating Budget.

·        Library Extra Hours - Historically, the City has funded 21 additional library hours per week to supplement the 35 hours that was provided by the County for a total of 56 hours a week. The County announced that it will now provide 40 hours a week of service at no cost to the City. The County also provided three options for adding additional operating hours at levels of 6, 12 and 16 hour per week. The City Council gave direction to add additional operating hours at the 12 hour per week level and expressed interest in further discussing this item for a potential change in operating hours at the mid-year budget update in January 2022.

Including all amendments, the General Fund has a small projected surplus and maintains a General Fund reserve of 30%. The amended Operating Budget adheres to the City Council’s objectives and priorities and affirms the City’s commitment to fiscal strength and long-term financial stability.


HUMAN RESOURCES

The City of Brentwood Human Resources (HR) Department is more than hiring. HR supports connection with the individual person, not just the employee. Overall wellbeing is supported from day one. One way to accomplish this is through the City’s Wellness Program and the objective is to educate and promote optimal health, wellness, and a better quality of life through policy, venues, and programs that support lifelong healthy behaviors. Employees are afforded opportunities that are designed to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life and to promote healthier lifestyles through a lifelong commitment to wellness.

Phone: (925) 516-5191

CITY HALL
City Hall and many in-person City services will return on July 6th. For information on the City's reopening, visit our website: www.brentwoodca.gov
Address: 150 City Park Way
Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone: (925) 516-5400