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STATE AUDITOR'S REPORT

This past week, it was disappointing to discover that the City is at the top of the State Auditor's list of 'high risk' cities for experiencing financial distress (as laid out in the Sacramento Bee's article, 'Three Northern California Cities have shaky finances. Can they recover?' ).

City Manager's Response:

It is deeply troubling to read in more than one news article this past week that the State Auditor is ready to conduct a State Audit of the City of Marysville’s finances based on outdated information from the City's 2016-17 Audit.

 

For the record, in June of 2016, Marysville voters passed a 1% General Sales Tax. In less than two years, the City’s General Fund Reserve has gone from $269,729 (as of 6-30-16) to $2,456,504 (as of 6-30-18) and from a total General Fund Revenues of $7,385,154 (FY16-17) to $9,252,199 (FY18-19). In Fiscal Year 2019-20, General Fund Revenues are projected to exceed $10 million. Furthermore, the City’s S&P and Moody’s bond ratings moved up for the second year in a row to ‘A/Stable’ and ‘BAA2’, respectively.

 

The City is also reaping the tax benefits of two marijuana dispensaries, as well as opening its doors to allow for indoor Cannabis cultivation, lab testing, volatile extraction and edible manufacturing.

Just a month ago, the City issued new and reissued old bonds for two burdensome liabilities - its unfunded pension liability and a Certificate of Participation for real property – the total savings to the City will be approximately $385K per year and more than $9 million over the life of both bonds. The City is also currently refinancing a sewage bond that is expected to bring additional savings to the City’s Enterprise/Sewage Fund.

 

In addition, cost recovery efforts have been instituted in both the Fire and Community Development Departments, as well as realizing cost savings by changing medical insurance providers, scrutinizing and updating historic contracts and revisiting old payment plans.

 

The City has also developed a financial model in order to forecast revenues and expenses over a seven-year horizon, plan for the future, and prepare for future changes in the economy.

 

In addition to all of these efforts, the City is also on the cusp of updating its 32-year old General Plan to develop a 20-20 vision for a revitalized Marysville that is anticipated to lead to more growth, development and economic opportunity. It’s also developing a financial strategy and plan to address its deteriorating roads and other infrastructure challenges.

 

Unfortunately, the State Auditor’s damaging and outdated remarks only further hinder the renaissance of cities like Marysville by deterring already difficult to attract private investment and public-public partnerships, as well as exacerbating historic and negative stereotypes of the City.

The Sacramento Bee has been contacted with this up-to-date financial information about the City. Hopefully, they will be interested in writing a second story that highlights the City's road to recovery and turnaround efforts. The City Manager's Office is also reaching out to other media networks that might be interested in telling the City's story.

RECRUITMENT

'SMALL TOWN, DOWNTOWN TURNAROUND' - SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH AND UPCOMING HOLIDAY SHOPPING KICK OFF AND CELEBRATION

The results are in and the retail window makeover was a huge success! Now, we're going to create a pop-up retail hot spot with a big kick off to this pilot project the night before the Christmas Parade on December 6. Stay tuned for more information!

STREET PAVEMENT PROJECT (SB 1 FUNDS)

The City will start a pavement project (with SB1 funds) in early November initially focused on East 17th Street. In the spring and after the rainy season, additional pavement projects will include

CODE ENFORCEMENT

For the past few months, Code Enforcement, Fire and Police have partnered with property owners to demolish the buildings at Ramirez, East 13th and 14th Streets. After three fires to these structures earlier this year, they have finally been demolished. Final clean up and debris removal is currently underway and expected to be complete by the end of November.

NEW STOP SIGN INSTALLATION

In recent months, PD and Public Works have received several traffic complaints regarding cut-through traffic on 17 ^th at C Streets. Engineering conducted a traffic assessment that included collision data. Upon final review, stop signs were approved and installed east and west bound at 17th and C Streets, replacing the existing yield signs.

There have also been several complaints regarding high speed traffic on I Street between 5th and 9th Streets. As a result, a traffic assessment was completed and it was concluded that stop signs should be installed at 6th and I Streets (north and south bound). Stop sign installation will be completed by mid-November.

MARYSVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE - DON'T FORGET TO ENTER!

The City is currently accepting applications and sponsorships for the Marysville Christmas Parade. This year's theme: 'Nautical or Nice!' Check out Sapphire Marketing Group's website (the City's event coordinators) for more information.

FORTHCOMING AMENDED CANNABIS ORDINANCE

On November 5, 2019, the City Council will consider amending the City's Cannabis Ordinance to allow for 'Adult Use' and delivery of Cannabis. In addition, recommendations will be made to adjust setback requirements and definitions to be consistent with State regulations.

FREE TIRE DISPOSAL COUPONS

Marysville residents can now request a coupon for the free drop-off of up to 20 residentially-generated passenger car and light truck tires per household (for rims up to 22 inches in diameter). This program is for residential use only – no businesses – and tires are not required to be removed from the rims.

Coupons will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. Coupons will expire 30 days from the date of issuance and a valid coupon must be presented when the waste tires are delivered to the drop-off location.

For more information or to request a coupon, call the Regional Waste Management Authority weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (530) 634-6890. Callers will need to be prepared to provide the number of tires being disposed. 

This program is funded by a grant from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).

CD&S DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY - SEPTEMBER 2019

In September, the Community Development & Services Department processed 64 building permits, conducted 103 building inspections, initiated 38 code enforcement investigations, received and completed 87 public service requests, and executed 15 transportation or encroachment permits.

CALLS FOR SERVICE

Additional seasonal fire fighters continues to help with staffing a second vehicle. As a result, the MFD has been able to provide more rapid response with multiple apparatus responding, especially during wind events and Red Flag conditions.

FIRE APPARATUS

The Ford F550 specifications for the new Quick Attack are under final review and the chassis is scheduled to be taken to Cascade Fire Equipment in Oregon. It will be complete by the end of this year or early 2020.

In addition, MFD staff returned to Wisconsin and finalized the specifications for the Type I Fire Engine. Final drawings are being developed before construction begins towards the end of this year. The Type 1 is expected to be complete and delivered to Marysville by April 2020.

FIRE PREVENTION

October is National Fire Prevention month and the fire safety message is, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” This month everyone should focus on fire safety measures including changing smoke detector batteries, practicing fire escape drills and completing a safety check around the home. During the month,the MFD will head to local schools to share fire safety messages with the students.

In addition, the MFD completed its Vegetation Management Program in the Hollywood Trailer Park area with great results. A total of three days were spent removing vegetation, clearing access roads and burning levees to reduce the risk of hazardous fire and to increase access for emergency responders. Yuba County, Marysville and PG&E collaborated to achieve these results. The MFD plans to conduct a couple of more target hazardous areas in Thorn Tree and the two City cemetery locations prior to winter setting in.

TRAINING

MFD staff attended an Emergency Operations Center training simulation with Cal Water Service to train on operations. The joint training led to greater understanding of each other’s capabilities and responsibilities.

MFD EXPERIENCES WATERSHED FOURTH QUARTER - RECEIVING MORE THAN $675K IN GRANT MONIES!

The MFD received a $487K SAFER grant to hire three Fire Engineers that will be funded for the next three years. Recruitment is underway and the Department anticipates on boarding the Engineers by January 2020.

The MFD also received a SAFER Retention and Recruitment grant in an effort to bolster the Reserve Program. This grant has no matching funds and will provide four-years worth of revenue to support the Program. 

The Department also received a $167K grant for AFG Equipment to replace outdated Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. The City's budgeted match is $8,000.

MFD received final approval for the Volunteer Fire Assistance grant for a total of $28,000.00 and are in the process of purchasing new fire turnouts for personnel. The grant is a 50/50 match and the Fire Department will expend budgeted funds of $14,000. This is a great help to maximize MFD's ability to purchase equipment at a reduced cost.

Finally, the MFD is preparing grants to CAL Water and Firehouse Subs that require no matching funds. Both grant requests combined are in the amount of $50,000.00.

'PINKTOBER' - BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fire Fighters are wearing pink fire department T-shirts. T-shirts will be sold at the fire department and proceeds will go to the Cancer Research Center.

FIRE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY - SEPTEMBER 2019

Firefighters responded to 307 calls for service in the month of August. The Department received 201 Rescue and Emergency Medical Calls, 29 Fire Calls and 99 other calls.

MAJOR CASES/DETECTIVES

MPD officers investigated two separate homicides in the past few months. Personnel conducted extensive investigations and have made arrests in both homicide investigations. One arrestee also pled guilty to 30 years to life in prison and the other arrestee is pending court proceedings.

During the past month, the Detective Division also closed 27 investigations.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT

Parking enforcement cited 41 vehicles for abatement, 31 of which were moved by the owners, 8 vehicles were towed, and 2 semi-trailers are pending towing.

Several complaints were received at Anna McKenney and Kynoch Schools for illegal parking in the mornings and afternoons for drop-offs and pick-ups. As a result, extra enforcement was conducted and a total of 38 citations were issued for illegal and/or unsafe parking.

CANNABIS COMPLIANCE & NEW ORDINANCE

Department personnel identified six locations within the City that were conducting illegal cannabis grows, in violation of the Marysville Municipal Code. All six locations were provided notices to correct and become compliant. Administrative proceedings are currently in process. 

If anyone wants to report an illegal cannabis grow operation, please contact Lt. Manny Cardoza at [email protected] or (530) 749-3958.

City staff presented the new Cannabis Ordinance at the October 10 council meeting. The Ordinance will return to the City Council at its November 5, 2019 meeting for adoption and approval.

EQUIPMENT

The Department purchased and issued new tasers to department personnel. The MPD is also in the process of outfitting new rifles to Patrol Officers.

MPD IMPLEMENTS GRANT FUNDING

AND TAKE ACTION

As a result of recent grants, MPD staff conducted Tobacco Education and Enforcement deployments in the past month and more are scheduled in November.

The Department also received a $35,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety for Selective Traffic Enforcement. Over the course of the next 12 months, MPD staff will conduct selective enforcement details in an effort to reduce traffic violations within the City.

The MPD is also seeking approval to partner with the Central California Intelligence Center (CCIC) for Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR). This program will assist the Department's efforts to reduce auto theft in the Yuba-Sutter area and increase recovery rates of stolen automobiles.

ANIMAL CARE SERVICES (ACS)

Animal Care Services had a busy month - 38 cats were fixed via the weekly TNR program and 32 cats were fixed at the most recent overnight trapping event. Field Haven also received 46 kittens and 2 adult cats.

On October 24, Animal Care Services partnered with Field Haven Feline to conduct another overnight trapping event at First United Church at 730 D Street.  Animal Care Services will also be conducting a vaccine clinic on November 10, 2019 in the back parking lot of City Hall.

'PINKTOBER' - BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

 'Pinktober' is here and the MPD created a “Pink Patch Challenge” to raise awareness! Participating community members are encouraged to display the pink patch wherever they go and see how far and wide awareness can be raised. So far, the MPD 'pink patch' has traveled to Hawaii, Canada, Tennessee, Santa Cruz, and most recently to Hong Kong. Photos are displayed on the Marysville Police Department Facebook page. The Marysville Police Officers Association will have Pink Patches for sale at the Department. MPD personnel will wear pink through out the month of October.

POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY - SEPTEMBER 2019

In September, 1,787 calls for service were received, 586 reports were prepared and processed, and 114 arrests were made. In Dispatch, 1,263 911-calls were received, and more than 5,249 non-emergency calls were processed.