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The State of the City is definitely looking up Mayor John Procter told attendees at Wednesday’s Chamber of Commerce Awards luncheon held at the Limoneira Visitors Center.
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State of the City: Procter tells of SP’s year, future at Chamber Awards
March 20, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
With development on the horizon, tax revenues up and the looming deal to purchase the wastewater treatment plant and slash the interest rate borne by cost-weary residents Mayor John Procter said the State of the City is definitely looking up.
Procter made the State of the City address at the annual Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Awards luncheon held Wednesday at the Limoneira Visitors Center.
Santa Paula High School Agriculture Academy and FAA Director Alex Flores was honored as Citizen of the Year at the luncheon, which drew the full City Council, city staff, other elected officials and business leaders to the historic ranch.
Procter, who previously served two terms on the council (2000-2008) before being elected in November, told how Santa Paula was incorporated in 1902 and presently has more than 30,000 residents.
The city now has “113 full-time employees,” and 18 part-time/seasonal workers, as “We’re creeping back up,” after cutbacks and layoffs.
In spite of the Great Recession, the city has achieved a balanced budget “every year,” including the present year with a total $34.5 million budget that includes the General (about $12.8 million) and Enterprise ($18.6 million) fund budgets. Special Funds are just shy of $3 million, Reserves are at $1.1 million and Development Impact fees of $65,000 were also noted, but not utility bond accounts.
The city has negotiated a reduction in insurance premiums for a few years, implemented online payments for utility users, and created $76,000 in new revenue by renegotiating new leases on city owned property.
But the big news is a proposed city purchase: “To me, the issue of the wastewater treatment plant came full-circle,” noted Procter, one of two councilmen who objected in 2007 to the new plant being built as a private enterprise.
With that $60 million deal, he noted, came an 8.21 variable interest rate that created huge sewer bills for residents.
But, “Now we’re doing it right,” with a buyout using bonds projected to be issued at a 3.75 interest rate a deal that took place after several years of “behind the scenes” work.
In addition, Procter said the soon-to-be-city owned plant — it is purchasing the facility for $70.8 million — could generate government grants for future capital improvements, which the city “Could not get before,” due to private ownership.
The city will save $9 million in interest, as well as $10 to $15 million in property taxes (at the annual rate of about $600,000) through the deal because the plant was “an improvement” built on city owned property that triggered the high property tax.
There are also possible sewer rebates for customers on the way.
East Area 1 and East Area 2 are moving along: Limoneira President/CEO Harold Edwards attended the luncheon and when asked by Procter said he expects the project — including 1,500 homes, schools and parks — will break ground in 2016.
Procter noted that East Area 2 — home to commercial, retail and other development south of Highway 126 — might be fast-tracked and built concurrently with East Area 1.
Recology is the city’s new refuse service provider in a transition that Procter said has gone smoothly and Crown Disposal is moving ahead with its plans to create a food digester at the city’s old wastewater plant that would employ about 60 people.
As the city moves along so do the citizens who in recent weeks were introduced to Valley Express, the new inner-city bus service and also moving are city recreation programs offered to all but with an emphasis on youth sports.
Volunteering and community caring is high with efforts ranging from sprucing up area parks and restrooms to America in Bloom growing more awareness of Santa Paula with is programs that garnered the city honors in its first national competition.
There were 2,382 Fire Department service calls in 2014 and the department is still struggling in the aftermath of the November 18 Santa Clara Waste Water explosions that injured three firefighters still out on medical leave; in addition, the under-equipped department lost an engine but a new one was already on order (due this month) and Ventura City Fire donated a truck to the department.
But, noted Procter, “It was bad for us … ”
The SPFD remains active in community outreach programs (including emergency preparedness via Ready Santa Paula) ranging from the Smoke House and fire safety classes for all 4th grade students to hosting BBQs to benefit youth programs.
Building and Safety closed 144 code enforcement cases in 2014 and opened 150 new ones; there were 492 building permits issued with a valuation of $6.8 million.
Planning has been kept busy working with new and existing businesses including the remodel of Carl’s, the renovated Carrows into Denny’s and Duke’s into El Polo Loco and 14 lease spaces at Calavo Park, among other projects. On the horizon is the remodel of the old Ford dealership by new owner ARP for new warehousing and plenty of jobs; other industrial is also growing and the Santa Maria Industrial Park is near completion.
Housing has also been created with several senior complexes and future development of upper- and moderate-income single-family residences by Williams Homes near the historic Hardison home that will reflect the home’s original architecture.
Police Officers increased from 21 to 30, “or 29, the number is always moving,” said Procter.
Police K9s he noted, “Always have a special place in my heart … not only are the dogs good officers they are also great PR,” for the department that is “moving forward and continually improving,” with more training opportunities, among others.
Crime is down, specialized units are up, there are two officers at local schools, special programs such as Neighborhood Watch have been expanded, and the Explorers force is active and growing; the SPPD sponsored Santa & Me program gifted 700 children with presents.
Procter said personnel increases include more dispatchers, vital to police services and other support staff.
Capital improvement projects tackling streets, water and even security with camera installations is moving forward and ongoing infrastructure maintenance is replacing 50-year-old water meters and worn manholes, rehabilitating water wells and pipelines (water and sewer), and sidewalk and median repairs.
Major road and water projects are planned as is improving Highway 150 with a $600,000 grant to focus on bicycle lane and pedestrian improvements, the later project coordinated with America in Bloom.
In conclusion, Procter said that one day while looking at the letters SP on South Mountain, “I realized it didn’t only mean Santa Paula, but Special Place, Special People … you are those special people,” that have helped Santa Paula remain a special place.
Also recognized at the annual event was Large Businesses of the Year California Resources Corporation and the hometown Santa Paula Community Bank; Fria was selected Small Business of the Year. Familia Diaz was honored with the Sam Edwards Lifetime Community Achievement Award and Citizens for a Safer Santa Paula received a Community Service Award.
