City Council OKs 2017-18 budget
The City Council approved its fiscal year 2017-18 city budget and the five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget on June 20.
The city budget includes a $4.455 million General Fund budget, a CIP budget of $2.817 million, Other Funds budget of $4.817 million and a $711,000 plan to continue retiring the debt obligations of our Successor Agency (formerly the Redevelopment Agency). The General Fund services plan projects a modest annual surplus of $10,830 to address any contingencies in the coming year.
All in all, city services continue on financially sound footing under the watchful leadership of finance manager Kevin Mizuno and city manager Gary Napper.
Camera system in final stages
At earlier public meetings, the City Council approved agreements to purchase and install four camera systems for use by the Clayton Police Department. The two sets of cameras will be located at the four entry and exit points to Clayton.
This new technological tool for local law enforcement has become more prevalent in Contra Costa County and across the nation as part of the constant vigilance to maintain safe communities. It consists of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), plus “event” cameras for use when follow-up criminal investigations become necessary after an incident. It is expected the system’s operation will commence by mid-summer.
These systems will not be monitored daily or by personnel and will not be used to issue traffic citations or monitor compliant citizen activities. The purpose of ALPRs, used increasingly by neighboring cities, is to assist the Police Department in its detection of noted vehicles suspected of use in prior criminal activity and to further deter the criminal element from entering Clayton. The “event” cameras will assist the Police Department in its continuing efforts to keep the community safe from those with criminal or nefarious intent.
City Proclaims Father Richard Mangini Day
The City Council proclaimed Sunday, June 18, 2017, as Father Richard Mangini Day in Clayton. The proclamation was enacted in recognition of Mangini’s retirement after serving 21 years as pastor at St. Bonaventure’s Church.
Mangini was further honored at a retirement dinner on June 17 attended by about 560 parish and community members.
The city of Clayton was well represented at Mangini’s retirement, not only by many community members of the St. Bonaventure parish but also by Councilwoman Julie Pierce, City Manager Gary Napper and mayor Jim Diaz.
Representatives from regional, state and federal government included County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. State Senator Steve Glazier and Assemblyman Tim Grayson and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.
Send comments to the mayor at jdiaz@ci.clayton.ca.us.