On July 1st, The City of Cloverdale is about to wrap up the current fiscal year (FY 2022-23) and embark on a new fiscal year (FY 2023-24). Cities, like most government entities, operate on a fiscal year. A fiscal year is a 12-month period that serves as the financial accounting period for budgeting, financial reporting, and resource management purposes. While the calendar year follows the January to December timeline, the Fiscal Year for the City of Cloverdale is July 1st to June 30th.
With the completion of the Fiscal Year 2022-23, we strive to keep you informed about the various departments and initiatives that contribute to our shared progress over the last year. In this edition, we bring you updates from the Police Department, Finance Department, Public Works Department, and Planning Department. Read on to stay connected and engaged with the City of Cloverdale!
Police Department:
The dedicated officers of the Cloverdale Police Department continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our residents. Initiatives for the new year include the development of a new website for the Police Department that will enable the Police Department to provide a web-accessible police log (currently the police log is available for review at the Police Department) to enable community members to stay updated on recent police activities in the City. The digital police log is expected to promote transparency by making incident information readily available via the City’s website to the community. In addition to a new website, in the coming months the Police Department will introduce a city-wide Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) camera system. ALPRs capture computer-readable images of license plates and vehicles, allowing officers to compare plate numbers against those of stolen cars or wanted individuals in various crime databases. The new ALPR system is expected to be a valuable tool for our Police Department.
The Cloverdale Police Department is hosting the annual National Night Out event at the Downtown Plaza on Tuesday, August 1st, from 6 pm to 9 pm. National Night Out is an opportunity for the community to meet and greet local emergency and public service personnel. Multiple emergency preparedness booths and fire, ambulance, and police emergency vehicles will be displayed. The evening will be filled with free activities for the kids, free food, candy, and snow cones while supplies last. Over $1,000 in raffle prizes-bicycles, scooters, gift cards, and more will be given out throughout the evening (must be in attendance to win).
Finance Department:
The Finance Department has been diligently managing the city’s budget and resources to support the operations of the Cloverdale. We are pleased to report that our financial health remains strong, allowing us to invest in essential services and infrastructure improvements.
During the City Council meeting on April 12, 2023, the FY 2021/22 City of Cloverdale Audited Financial Statements were accepted, identifying a surplus of $1,745,900 in the general fund balance compared to the previous year. In accordance with the General Fund Surplus Policy, the surplus was allocated based on specified priorities. First, $100,000 was transferred to the Emergency Reserve, increasing the balance to $688,105. Then, $48,894 was moved to the Contingency Reserve, bringing the balance to $1,668,436. The remaining surplus was allocated to various reserve funds, including the Equipment Replacement Reserve, Police Vehicle Replacement Reserve, Facility Replacement and Maintenance Reserves, and Compensated Absences Reserve, resulting in current balances of $171,891, $279,215, $235,596, and $113,061, respectively. Additionally, $318,519 was transferred to assigned fund balances. It is worth noting that the general fund balance reserves also include $900,816 in American Rescue Act Funds previously assigned to specific projects in the water and wastewater enterprise funds.
Despite the City’s strong financial position, the City is facing strong headwinds that affect the City financial standing. With the slowing of the global economy, the City is forecasting a reduction in key revenues includes sales tax revenues and a slowing of growth in property tax due to a reduction in property sales and is witnessing significant increase in the cost of goods and services much of which has been driven by the increase in global inflationary rates. The Finance department is closely monitoring the City’s financial positions and will embark on preparation of an updated financial audit starting in July for fiscal year 2022-23 completed on June 30.
Public Works Department:
The Public Works Department continues their work to maintain and improve our city’s infrastructure. Over the past months, the Public
Works department has been hard at work maintaining the water system that provides Cloverdale residents with clean drinking water year-round. Our Senior Water Treatment operator Darren Hernandez and Water Treatment Plant Operator Trevor Andersen are tasked with the production of approximately 20+ million gallons of clean drinking water to supply the City of Cloverdale each month. The Water Treatment Plant team is overseeing water plant maintenance projects, including well rehabilitation projects and effluent pump rebuilds and replacements. The rehabilitation of the City’s Wells will provide for the upcoming high demand summer months. The Water treatment plant employs a Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), providing around the clock access to important treatment plant operational data and automated function control. The SCADA system is also undergoing much needed updating and maintenance to provide safety of operation and security of the treatment plant computerized system.
The City of Cloverdale is continuing steps to enhance its drought response and improve water management through the WaterSmart project, an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. This project involves replacing and upgrading approximately 3,300 water meters with “WaterSmart Meters,” enabling near real-time updates to the city’s customer portal. The AMI technology aims to conserve water, enhance customer service, and increase operational efficiency. Through an online web portal, residents will have the ability to monitor their water consumption and make informed decisions to manage their usage. The installation process will occur over the next year, with minimal water shutoffs anticipated. The city’s Utility Billing Team will also receive upgrades to detect leaks and securely share water use information with customers. As the project progresses, the city will provide updates on connecting to the WaterSmart web portal for monitoring water usage.
Planning Department:
The Planning Department plays a vital role in shaping the future of Cloverdale. Over the past month, Community Development staff have been busy working on planning initiatives to update the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. At the June 14th City Council meeting, the Council adopted an Ordinance amending the Municipal Code in order to improve the general community and residents’ quality of life by ensuring conformity with state law, as well as consistency with the City’s General Plan. The Zoning Amendment made a number of updates to the City’s Zoning Code.
In addition, our City staff have been busy addressing development projects underway in the southwest area of the City. Current development project include two residential projects that will provide affordable housing for Cloverdale. These housing projects aim to address the diverse housing needs of different groups. Let’s take a closer look at each project: BI’DU KHAALE SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT.
The first project known as the BI’DU KHAALE HOUSING PROJECT is designed to provide housing for senior members of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians. The project includes 25 single-story detached homes located on an 87-acre site. The project also includes a 1,600 square foot community building for events
and gatherings.
The second project known as the Baumgardner Ranch affordable housing project consists of three phases, the first two of which are currently under construction. The first phase is a 101 multi-family unit affordable project, with on-site amenities including a Tot Lot, open space, and a Creekside trail. The second phase of the project provides 60 affordable townhouse style units, a club house, and other amenities. A third phase of the project includes single-family residential lots and dedication of land to the City for a future community park.
If you would like any additional information about these or other projects, please email Kevin Thompson, Assistant City Manager/ Community Development Director at kthompson@ci.cloverdale.ca.us
Conclusion:
As we conclude this edition of the City of Cloverdale newsletter, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support and engagement. The City of Cloverdale thrives on the active participation and enthusiasm of its residents. We encourage you to stay informed, get involved, and be part of the positive changes happening in our community.
Remember, your voice matters, and together we can build a brighter future for Cloverdale.
