Clayton considers traffic safety improvements near schools

This year, the Clayton City Council has had couple a hearings regarding traffic safety near the elementary and middle schools.

The city is looking at completing and funding some initial improvements, including renewing street and crosswalk striping near the elementary school, adding interactive stop signs at the Pine Hollow/Mitchell Canyon intersection, adding a lighted/interactive “signal ahead” warning sign on outbound Clayton Road approaching the middle school and intersection improvements near the middle school entrance for a “scramble pedestrian cycle.”

With schools back in session, please talk to your kids about overall traffic safety. Let’s continue to work together on this item.

Land Use Committee

At our interim city manager’s suggestion, the council recently discussed and decided to form a Land Use Committee. The purpose of the committee is to provide an opportunity for early feedback on potential developments and land use policies.

The committee will not make any decisions and does not replace the Planning Commission or City Council. It will not have any regular schedule but will meet as needed. The committee consists of Jeff Wan and me from the City Council, and AJ Chippero and Peter Cloven from the Planning Commission.

Downtown planter box project

During the last few decades, the planter boxes along downtown Main Street have become increasingly deteriorated – in part because some of the trees within them have overgrown the current boxes. The city has been working on a replacement project for some time.

In August, the council was finally able to award a contract to start work on the replacement project.

Within the next few months, we will see the existing boxes and some of the trees removed, along with the installation of new planter boxes and trees. The new boxes will also be provided with an electrical outlet, offering an opportunity for seasonal lighting.

Making A Difference

In June, the City Council had the pleasure of recognizing the first recipients for the Making A Difference awards. Our first theme was for an outstanding teacher, mentor or coach. With the recent back-to-school events, I am sure many of you agree that we are lucky to have so many awesome teachers in our community.

We are now looking for nominations for the next Making A Difference theme, for an exemplary community contributor, giver and/or benefactor. If you know of someone who fits the description, help us recognize them by submitting a nomination with a brief description of the reasons your nominee is exemplary to ClaytonMakingADifference@gmail.com.

Oktoberfest approaching

Clayton Oktoberfest is coming up on Oct. 5-6. Sign up to volunteer for a couple hours to be part of this community event at www.claytoncbca.org and/or email me for questions at volunteers@claytoncbca.org.

Mayor’s office hours

If you have a question for me or want to talk, see me 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Cup O’ Jo. I will also be at Clayton’s Oktoberfest, all day on both days (Oct. 5-6) at or near the volunteer check-in booth.

Contact me at tcatalano@ci.clayton.ca.us and follow at www.facebook.com/CouncilmemberTuijaCatalano for more updates.