City of Benicia This Week
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In this edition: State Variant Tracking Information, Emergency Financial Assistance for Seniors, COVID-19 Rent Relief, Draft Utility Rate Study for Review, Council Meetings Now at 6 p.m., Openings on City Boards & Commissions, Compost Giveaway, City Employee Spotlight, Recall Election Information, COVID Assistance
Message from the City Manager
July 19, 2021

Hello Everyone,
Once again California is facing a challenging year ahead in terms of wildfires. Last week we sent Engine 312 to the Dixie Fire with three of our firefighters. Additionally, our Office of Emergency Services (OES) engine E-401 was dispatched to the Bootleg Fire in Southern Oregon. I’ve pointed out in the past the critical importance of our mutual aid system in fighting these devastating fires. Please keep our brave firefighters in your thoughts as they put themselves in harms way to protect our larger state and national community.
 
On a positive note, the Vallejo City Council voted unanimously last week to reopen the Glen Cove fire station, which has been closed for many years. While important for the community of Glen Cove, it is actually very important to the regional fire response, especially for Benicia. As you may or may not be aware, as fire stations respond to fires and are pulled out of their areas, other stations (including from neighboring cities), fill in gaps left by those responses to ensure response times that do not put the community at risk. This becomes even more important with the increasing risk of wildfires, as they tend to pull a large number of resources. As you can imagine, the Glen Cove station was a vital link in the regional ability to ensure prompt responses and adequate coverage. If you have a moment, please let the Vallejo Council know how much this means to our community as well!
 
I’d like to close by talking briefly about our streets. As I have mentioned, we have, in progress now, the largest amount of work on our roads in decades. We are currently seeing the work all over town. Certainly, it would be my preference that this work had been spread out over time. Unfortunately, the reality of the condition of our roads is going to require several years of this level of work to get our roads back to ‘Satisfactory’ (in the 70 range of the ‘Pavement Condition Index’) from the ‘Poor’ rating they currently sit at. Credit to our City Council for making this a priority. We already have a significant amount of money put aside for next summer to conduct a similar level of work. We appreciate your patience as this roadwork impacts your neighborhoods. If you have any issues that you need Public Works to look at, please utilize the Submit a Service Request feature on our website. For more information about our streets paving and management, please click here. Your City staff is working incredibly hard to bring our streets back to their proper condition. 

Thank you for your interest in the City of Benicia This Week!

Erik Upson
City Manager
City News
State Variant Tracking Information
Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been identified globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Variants are determined by their genetic sequences. It's important to understand that genetic mutations of the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, are expected, and that there are many strains of the virus. Public health, academic, and clinical partners are working together to sequence the genetic material of the virus in California.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is monitoring the spread of variants throughout California. The state has developed a variant tracking page that explains how, which, and why variants are tracked. At the bottom of the webpage, the state also provides information on known variants and what proportion of variants have changed over time. Click here to view the state tracking variance site.
 
Information on COVID-19 in Solano County is available at https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ph/coronavirus.asp. To find info on nearby vaccines and testing, click here.
Emergency Financial Assistance for Seniors
The Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging is providing one-time emergency assistance to seniors age 60+ and permanently disabled adults over the age of 18 with a verified disability. They must have an emergency situation that has caused an inability to pay rent, utilities or other financial needs. An application and documentation will be required. 

To receive an application or for additional information, Kendall Lara of the Benicia Family Resource Center at klara@ci.benicia.ca.us or 707.746.4352.
COVID-19 Rent Relief
On behalf of the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the City of Benicia is sharing information on the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program.

As of June 28, California critical eviction protections have been extended through September 30, 2021 to help keep California families in their homes.

Additionally, the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program now covers 100% of unpaid and future rent and utilities for income-eligible renters and their landlords who have been impacted by the pandemic. Those who have already applied and received payment will receive additional funds to reach 100% compensation.

Interested landlords and renters can check eligibility and apply at HousingIsKey.com or by calling 833.430.2122. Applicants may qualify regardless of immigration status and will not be required to show proof of citizenship. All application information is kept private and will not be shared.

Assistance from the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program does not count as earned income for renters, and will not interfere with eligibility for any other state benefit assistance programs.
Draft Utility Rate Study for Review
Approximately every five years, the city re-evaluates its water and wastewater finances and costs of providing service, which are summarized in a rate study. The rate study examines the current rate structure, previous expenditures and revenues, current operations, and reasonably foreseeable future costs.
 
Just as important as the rate study is input from the public. On Tuesday, July 20, this year’s draft rate study will be available for review at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/watersewerrates

On Tuesday, July 27, City Council will hold a virtual public study session to review the draft rate study, answer questions, and solicit input. The meeting agenda and Zoom link will available on Wednesday, July 21 at https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas.

Questions on the water and wastewater rate study may be emailed to the Public Works Department at pw@ci.benicia.ca.us.
Council Meetings Now at 6 p.m.
At the June 15 City Council meeting, the City Council adopted an ordinance, which includes a proposed amendment to the start time of the City’s regular meetings of the City Council. The ordinance amends Section 2.04.010 (Meeting Time and Place) of the Benicia Municipal Code to change the start time of regular City Council meetings to be 6 p.m., and removes the reference to the start times of closed sessions, which will be noticed as special meetings on the agenda, as needed.
Openings on City Boards & Commissions
Benicia residents interested in volunteering to serve on a City Board or Commission, may apply for one of the following openings. To learn what each Board and Commission does and when they meet, visit https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/cbc, then click here to apply. Applications will be reviewed, then interviews conducted by a City Council subcommittee prior to final appointment at a City Council meeting.

  • Arts and Culture Commission, 4 full terms, expiring July 31, 2025
 
  • Building Code Board of Appeals, 1 full term, expiring July 31, 2025
 
  • Community Sustainability Commission, 1 full student term, expiring July 31, 2022, 1 full term, expiring July 31, 2025
 
  • Economic Development Board, 1 full term, expiring July 31, 2025
 
  • Historic Preservation Review Commission, 2 full terms, expiring July 31, 2025
 
  • Housing Authority Board, 2 full terms, expiring July 31, 2025
 
  • Human Services Board, 1 partial term, expiring July 31, 2024, 5 full terms, expiring July 31, 2025
 
  • Open Government Commission, 1 full term, expiring July 31, 2025
 
  • Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Commission, 1 full student term, expiring July 31, 2022, 2 full terms, expiring July 31, 2025
 
  • Planning Commission, 1 full term, expiring January 31, 2025
 
  • Sky Valley Open Space Committee, 1 full term, expiring January 31, 2023
Compost Giveaway
Spruce up your garden for planting with compost from the Free Compost Giveaway on Saturday, August 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the E Street lot, corner of East Second Street and Kuhland Alley.

The compost giveaway is by appointment only for crowd control and safety. For instructions and to sign up, visit
https://calendly.com/recycle1/benicia-compost-giveaway-8-7-21. Questions may be directed to Marie Knutson, Recycling Coordinator for Republic Services, at mknutson@republicservices.com or 925.671.5814.
City Employee Spotlight
Recently, a City employee had a medical emergency, losing consciousness while driving a City vehicle inside the Corporation Yard, causing the vehicle to strike a building.

Two City employees, Robert Roe of Public Works and Jeff Penrod of Parks and Community Services Department, immediately jumped into action, got the employee out of the vehicle and administered first aid until medics arrived. The employee is now recovering.

Last week, the City Manager stopped by the Corp Yard to present Robert and Jeff with certificates of appreciation for their quick action. The City Manager noted that he is so thankful and proud that that the City has employees who are willing to step in, without hesitation, to assist their co-workers in need.
Recall Election Information
The California Gubernatorial Recall Election will occur on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Ballot boxes will be available to drop off your ballot in the City Hall lobby, 250 East L Street, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. beginning August 12. A second ballot box will be available at Raley's, 890 Southampton Road, from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.

To find out more about the election and other ways to cast your ballot, visit the Solano County Registrar of Voters website.
COVID Assistance
Find resources and information for seniors, local food access, basic needs and rental assistance, mental health, stress and coping, and more courtesy of Solano County Public Health. Benicia residents in need of help during these difficult times may find assistance through these local resources:
Save the Date
  • Jul 19 - Community Sustainability Commission meeting, 6 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jul 20 - City Council meeting, 6 p.m. via livestream. Watch live at https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jul 22 - Community Sustainability Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jul 23 - City Offices closed for Alternate Friday.
Modified service due to COVID-19
City Hall is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you require entrance to City Hall offices outside of these hours, please make arrangements with staff from the department that you will be visiting.

All visitors shall be required to enter City Hall from East L street through the door located on the left (East) side of the building closest to the Post Office. Please check in with the staff person at the designated Welcome Window.

You will be required to wear a face covering over both your nose and mouth for the duration of your visit to City Hall. Please maintain 6 feet of social distancing between other visitors and staff. Do not visit City Hall if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Appointments can always be rescheduled.
City of Benicia This Week is published each Monday morning. Previous editions are available here. We also communicate on Nextdoor.com and AlertSolano.com. Sign up now!