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A Message from the Interim City Manager
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Dear Residents of Pinole,
It is with great enthusiasm that I write to you today, as the Interim City Manager, to share some exciting developments and initiatives that are up and coming.
As we prepare for upcoming transitions and tackle various challenges, I am inspired by the resilience and spirit of our community. The recent 4th of July Celebration was a testament to this vibrant and innovative place, and it was a joy to see many of you there.
On August 26, 2024, the City will start a new chapter in leadership with Kelcey Young as the new City Manager. I am confident that she will provide a fresh perspective and collaborative leadership to see the City of Pinole through financial challenges and continue to build upon our successes.
I am also pleased to announce that our efforts to recruit a new Chief of Police are making great progress. Your valuable feedback through the recent survey has provided invaluable insights, guiding us towards selecting a leader who will uphold our commitment to public safety and community trust.
As we embark on this journey of progress together, I encourage you to stay engaged and share your ideas. Your voices are integral to shaping the future of Pinole, and I am committed to listening and acting in the best interests of our community.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to the exciting developments ahead.
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In Service,
Neil H. Gang
Interim City Manager
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CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS
Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, July 22, 2024, 7pm - CANCELLED
Community Services Commission - Wed, July 24, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall- CANCELLED
City Council Meeting - Tues, August 6, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall
Planning Commission - Mon, August 12, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall
TAPS Meeting - Wed,August 14, 6pm - Zoom/City Hall
City Council Meeting - Tues, August 20, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall
Planning Commission - Mon, August 26, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall
The public may attend and participate in-person in the City Hall Council Chamber or via Zoom. Agendas, minutes, and other detailed information regarding how to attend and participate in Pinole’s public meetings can be found on the website.
CITY-SPONSORED EVENTS
Community Creek Clean-up - Sat, July 20, 10am-12pm - Fernandez Park
Senior Food Program – Tues., July 23, 10-11am - Senior Center
Food Distribution – Mon., August 12, 9-10am - Senior Center
Coffee with the City - Wed. August 14, 8-10am – A La Mode Donut Shop
Outdoor Movie: Super Mario Bros– Fri., July 26, Sundown approximately 8:15pm- Fernandez Park
Outdoor Movie: Jurassic Park– Fri., August 9, Sundown approximately 8:15pm- Fernandez Park
Outdoor Concert: Afroholix – Thur., August 1, 6pm - 8pm - Fernandez Park
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Inside the Council Chambers
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Community Development Department Intern, Luke Schalz, posing for a picture with City Council upon receiving his proclamation.
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City Council awarded proclamations in honor of Independence Day, Bastille Day, and Community Development Department Intern Luke Schalz, who has assisted with building, planning, code enforcement and affordable housing projects over the past 5 months. Notable work that he has done includes the Earth Day Student Art Contest and design of outreach materials for weed abatement. Schalz is majoring in political science at UC Davis.
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A Public Hearing for Sewer Rate Study was conducted during July 16, 2024, council meeting. Staff presented council with various options that would impact the delivery of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects for sanitary sewer infrastructure over the next 5 years. City Council voted to adopt a resolution to increase the residential sewer rates by 8% each year over the next 5 years to meet regulatory requirements, rising cost of operation and maintenance, and maintain a reserve fund to continue providing uninterrupted service to customers. With the adoption of sewer rate increase Council directed staff to: 1) complete a review on what $60 million dollars in capital debt looks like by 2026, 2) review the baseline residential fee and usage fee look like and implementation plan, increase communication about the reason for capital improvement projects and status, 3) confirm that projects are prioritized which are needed for short term, and 4) leverage grant opportunities.
Factors driving the Financial Plan include compliance to new regulations, rising operating and maintenance costs, rising personnel costs, and funding ongoing sewer capital projects to continue providing uninterrupted service. Read the full Sewer Rate Study.
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HALF CENT SALES TAX MEASURE TO BE ON 2024 BALLOT
Council unanimously voted to put a half cent sales tax measure on the November 5, 2024 ballot to be considered by voters. If passed, the measure would raise approximately $2.5 million dollars annually. The proposed tax is a general tax that would be used to offset a projected growing deficit in order to fund critical City services and basic maintenance. Finance Director Guillory explained that priorities identified by residents for new funding included:
- Maintaining 911 emergency response times
- Keeping public areas and parks healthy, safe and clean
- Maintaining fire protection and response
- Maintaining crime prevention programs
- Providing clean water
Sales tax is paid not just by Pinole residents, but also visitors who purchase goods and services in Pinole. Essential purchases like groceries and medicine are exempt from sales tax. The City will be conducting outreach and education pertaining to the measure in the next coming months.
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The start of the drone light show spelling out PINOLE.
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Cirque performers pose with a happy neighbor!
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Adorable children in their patriotic outfits rest in between activities.
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Pinoleans take their seats in the bleachers in preparation of the grand finale.
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Members of Walk N' Talk Pinole march and wave to excited onlookers in the 4th of July parade.
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4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION WAS A SUCCESS
We have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback about the 4th of July celebration. The patriotic celebration was filled with live entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, a community parade led by Mayor Toms, and over 3,000 community members who watched as the drone show ended the night. Thank you to everyone who organized, supported, and collaborated to provide an amazing celebration without incident including Community Services, WCCUSD, Public Works, PCTV, and the Pinole Police Department for their hard work, collaboration, and execution.
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THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2024
The City of Pinole General Municipal Election is held during even-numbered years. The City Council is comprised of five members elected at large to four-year terms. The Mayor is rotated amongst the Council on a yearly basis. In addition to Council Members, the City Treasurer is also an elected position.
The next general municipal election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Current positions: Pinole City Council (2 seats); Treasurer (1 seat)
Eligibility and Candidacy
To be eligible to run for office of Council member or Treasurer a candidate must be a registered voter and resident of the City of Pinole.
Nomination Period
This is the period when individuals officially receive, circulate and file nomination papers for candidacy. The Nomination Period for the November 8, General Election opens at 8:30 a.m. on July 15, 2024 and closes at 4:30 p.m. on August 9, 2024. Candidates must schedule an appointment with the City Clerk to take out and/or file nomination papers. For additional information please contact the City Clerk, Heather Bell at hbell@pinole.gov or (510) 724-8928.
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AN UPDATE ON PHONES AT THE CITY OF PINOLE
The majority of City of Pinole business lines are still down, and AT&T has informed us that there is no estimated time for restoration. The City has set up call forwarding to temporary devices. We have scheduled a new phone system and phone tree to be deployed for City Hall phone lines and Police Department business lines on July 29, 2024. The new phone system will also give residents the option to use a main phone line to reach all departments. Visit our website for contact information for key departments.
FOR EMERGENCIES DIAL 911 or TEXT-TO-911.
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A NEW DOMAIN CHANGE
As part of our efforts to modernize and streamline our processes, the City has changed the domain from ci.pinole.ca.us to pinole.gov. This means that the email addresses of City employees now end in @pinole.gov. However, if you send a message to the old email address, that employee will still receive that email. This is to ensure no gaps in communication.
The City is also working on building a new and improved website with an anticipated go live scheduled for the end of July. The new website will also use the pinole.gov domain.
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SINGLE-USE PLASTIC FOODWARE AND BAGS ARE BANNED AT FOOD AND RETAIL BUSINESSES
City Council has passed an ordinance that bans single-use plastic foodware and bags at food and retail businesses. The ordinance highly encourages food providers to maximize reusables where feasible. Compostable foodware will be allowed for dine-in and takeout. Food businesses will also need to convert to paper bags. The ordinance bans plastic bags at retail businesses, not subject to SB270. Retailers must accept customer-owned bags. Retail businesses can provide paper bags and compostable bags to customers for a mandatory 15 cent surcharge fee. Equity is an important element of the ordinance. Waivers and extensions of times will be granted to businesses that meet eligibility. At minimum, simple technical assistance will be provided to all businesses. The City is actively exploring comprehensive technical assistance. The ordinance will be effective January 1, 2025 and enforcement of non-compliance will begin July 1, 2025. Visit PinoleSpeaks.com/plasticwise to learn more about the development process and future updates on this initiative.
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Trash and debris leftover from a birthday party near a catch basin in Fernandez Park. Photo courtesy of Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed.
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KEEP OUR PARKS CLEAN
Please remember to clean up after yourselves when you visit Pinole's parks. Put trash in the trash can and recycling in a recycling bin so we can keep our parks looking beautiful, and keep debris from entering the Pinole Creek watershed. The Pinole Creek is filled with local wildlife and leads to the bay, so let's do our part to help protect our creeks and oceans.
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Reminders
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County will be providing free bags of fresh produce every second Monday of the month. The next drive-thru distribution is Monday, August 12, 2024, from 9 AM to 10 AM (or as supplies last) at the Pinole Senior Center parking lot, (2500 Charles Avenue) You do not need to be a member of the Pinole Senior Center or a senior to receive food. One bag per household and this will be a contactless event, please follow the directions from staff and volunteers when you arrive. Parking or exiting your vehicle will not be allowed. Please open your vehicle's trunk when you enter the parking lot. Food items will be placed in the trunk only by staff/volunteers. If you have any questions, contact mpicazo@pinole.gov or call us at (510) 724-9800.
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HOW TO REPORT POTHOLES
Report potholes by calling (510) 724-9010 or email publicworks@pinole.gov. Please be prepared to describe the location of the pothole. Over the past month, our Public Works team patched 39 potholes (and counting) in Pinole!
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Youth Summer Camps
Join us to create a Summer to Remember. Now offering a variety of weekly camp options such as Day Camps, Specialty Camps, and Summer Sports Camps for youth ages 5 - 12 years old. For questions, contact youth@pinole.gov.
TINY TOTS FALL REGISTRATION
Come join the fun at Tiny Tots! Online registration for fall session is underway! Children will enjoy learning through arts & crafts, music, and story time. A few spots remain in our Tuesday & Thursday Early Learning class. Fall session is held from August 26th to November 15th. Please visit https://www.pinole.gov/city_government/tiny_tots or email tinytots@pinole.gov for further details.
Summer Series at Fernandez Park
Cross movies and concerts off your summer bucket list with our Summer Series at Fernandez Park (595 Tennent Avenue) which will be hosted all summer long. Our outdoor concerts will feature the bands, La Gente SF and Afroholix along with food trucks to enjoy. Movies include The Super Mario Bros. and Jurassic Park. Grab some snacks and a blanket and we will see you there.
For questions, contact recreation@pinole.gov.
Summer Craft Fair
Get crafty this summer at the Summer Craft Fair on Saturday, July 27th from 10 am - 3 pm. Vendors will be selling various crafts and goods. Come and support your local vendors! Entry is free! For questions, contact mpicazo@pinole.gov.
Senior Food Program
The City of Pinole Senior Center will be partnering with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County to offer the Senior Food Program. Low-income senior citizens ages 55+ will be able to receive free groceries, including healthy pantry staples, eggs, cheese, and assorted meats twice a month. The program at the Senior Center (2500 Charles Avenue) is available for Pinole senior residents only. This program will take place every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The next distribution will be on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 10:00 am - 11:00 am.
Individuals interested in the program must complete the Senior Food Program Application. Applications will be available at the Senior Center and can also be found on the Pinole Senior Center website:
https://www.pinole.gov/city_government/senior_center
For questions, contact, mpicazo@pinole.gov.
WE ARE HIRING
The City of Pinole Community Services Department is hiring a Recreation Coordinator and Rental Custodian Attendants. Become a member of our team – Visit our website to apply today!
COMMISSION VACANCIES
PINOLE residents are encouraged to become involved with their community and serve in an advisory capacity on a board or committee. The City of Pinole has the following vacancies:
Community Services Commission: One (1) vacancy, two-year term
Community Services Commission
Applications due to City Clerk: Open until Filled
The Pinole Community Services Commission is a seven-member panel that seek to enhance quality of life for the citizens of Pinole through responsive and interactive community services. A critical aspect of the Commission is their community advocacy. They provide feedback for a number of organizations and projects. The Committee meetings take place on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 5:00 pm.
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