CityScape

It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since I accepted the
position of City Manager. A lot can happen in a year and 2009
presented many challenges. Certainly the biggest and most difficult
challenge was (and continues to be) that of our financial status.
The economic downturn and state take-aways had an enormous impact
on city operations. Revenues that had been steadily increasing
began to decline. Sales tax and TOT receipts were significantly
reduced; property tax revenue, while relatively flat, did not meet
budget projections. Costs for supplies, services and personnel
continued to increase. Combined, these factors led to unprecedented
budget cuts. In response, we have modified the way we do business
in an effort to minimize expenses and retain service levels.
Employees have stepped up. They have maintained work levels with
fewer resources and should be recognized for their actions. This is
indicative of our dedication; it is a demonstration of the strength
of our city team. As we move into the 2010-11 budget cycle you can
be assured that I will keep you apprised of our progress in
addressing financial issues.
Despite the fiscal challenges of 2009 there are many
accomplishments to celebrate. We have moved forward on the
implementation of City Council goals, particularly in the area of
capital projects. Staff has worked diligently to secure federal
funding for the wastewater reclamation project. It is anticipated
we will receive grant funding for 30 percent of the construction
costs and a low interest loan for the balance. While there is a bit
of controversy surrounding the optimal alternative for the bridge,
no one can deny that obtaining state and federal funding for the
project is a success. Without these grant funds it is doubtful we
can move forward with any work on the bridge. Construction was
completed on Giorgi Park, providing residents with an upgraded park
facility including the customized play area for children and family
friendly picnic area. Other accomplishments include: City Council
adopted the 2030 General Plan and Housing Element Update; the
Healdsburg Family Apartments project, which will provide 64
low-income housing units, is under construction; and the Victory
Apartments transitional housing project has been completed. With
respect to internal operations, we have implemented new policies
and controls to facilitate fiscal stability. Departments have been
restructured to increase efficiencies and reduce costs. We have
leveraged volunteers and donations to supplement operational
budgets. Finally, the lines of communication between City Hall and
the public have been opened. This column and the corresponding
email address have inspired dialog about community issues and
concerns. We have taken another step toward our ongoing commitment
to provide open, transparent local government.
All things considered, we’ve had an exceptional year. Based on
my experiences over the past year I am confident we will be able to
overcome future obstacles. I opt to approach 2010 with realism and,
most importantly, hope.
It is a pleasure serving you. I thank you for your support and
look forward to our continued partnerships. Happy New Year!
Pilot Food Waste Program
Healdsburg is once again poised to assume a leadership role in
going green, this time with participation in a pilot food waste
program. In conjunction with Sonoma Compost and the Sonoma County
Waste Management Agency, Redwood Empire Disposal is launching a
program in Healdsburg to collect commercial food scraps for
composting. Commercial establishments producing food waste such as
restaurants, caterers, and grocery stores, will now have the option
of adding food scrap composting to their collection service. This
service will collect all food scraps, including veggie peelings,
plate scrapings, paper napkins, bones, meat, and dairy.
Residential customers can also help divert food scraps from the
landfill by using the current residential food scrap composting
program. Place vegetables, grains, bread, coffee grounds, and
eggshells in your green bin along with your yard clippings. It
should be noted that residential customers are not permitted to
include meat or dairy in the green bin.
Why is the food waste program important? Because approximately
30 percent of the current waste stream going to the landfill is
compostable food scraps. These food scraps do not decompose when
sealed in a landfill. Instead they emit methane, a toxic gas and a
major contributor to global warming. A better choice for handling
food scraps is composting, which turns the solid matter back into
nutrient rich soils. A combination of microorganisms, air and heat
convert food scraps into soil in a matter of weeks. This is a much
more sustainable solution than sending food waste to the
landfill.
Green City Committee Update
The Green City Committee recently enlisted the help of graduate
students to identify potential outreach and marketing programs. As
part of their Masters program, the students prepared an action plan
designed to help further the goals of the City Council to promote
environmentally-sound practices, develop green and sustainable
alternatives, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To accomplish
these goals the presentation targeted public education and outreach
through an enhanced presence on the City’s website, informational
kiosks or booths at local events such as the Farmer’s market and
informational utility bill mailers among other ideas. The Dominican
College MBA students will give their presentation to City Council
at the Jan. 19, 2010 meeting
Marjie Pettus is the Healdsburg City Manager. To submit ideas or
questions for this column, email ci*******@ci.us.