COLUSA, CA (MPG) — City Council members Dave Markss and Denise Conrado met with residents during Coffee with Council on Thursday, Aug. 21, on the back patio of Caffeinated in Colusa.
City Manager Jesse Cain, Police Chief Josh Fitch and Colusa County District 5 Supervisor Janice Bell also attended.
Residents raised several concerns, including water quality. Carolina Gonzalez Jaramillo asked about differences between water on 13th Street and 3rd Street. Cain explained that larger water lines in some areas allow for better flow and prevent sediment buildup. He noted the city includes water quality reports in water and sewer bills.
Colusa. City Council members Dave Markss and Denise Conrado hosted the event, joined by City Manager Jesse Cain, Police
Chief Josh Fitch and Colusa County Supervisor Janice Bell. Photo by Lloyd Green Jr.
“Brown water after hydrant flushings is a good sign,” Cain said. “It means they have disturbed the sediments and are being cleaned out.”
Cain said work is being done on city wells to improve overall quality. Resident Marilyn Davison reported air in water at her home in Country Club. Cain explained that the well in that area failed, and the city is temporarily tied into water from Colusa Industrial Properties, which has caused the issue.
“We are working to fix the issue, and to fix the well to solve the issue,” Cain said.
Bell asked if the city had received feedback on Colusa Ground Water Authority tax assessment ballots. City officials said they had not. Bell raised concerns that some property owners may not have received ballots or may be improperly assessed.
Traffic safety was also discussed. Gonzalez Jaramillo raised concerns about the intersection of Fremont and 10th streets, calling it dangerous during school drop-off and pickup times. Cain said the intersection falls under Caltrans’ responsibility. He explained the city has applied for a grant to improve the area but does not meet state standards for a traffic signal.
“You can’t just put up a light to put up a light,” Cain said. “Caltrans’ requirement to put in a light is three deaths in one year.”
Fitch said the schools’ new drop-off plan has improved traffic flow, with staff helping direct cars.
He also addressed questions about Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Colusa County.
“Nothing has changed for us, they come and go as they will,” Fitch said. “Locally we haven’t seen any changes here. There isn’t a lot of communication, they can be here and gone and we wouldn’t know it.”
Cain updated the group on projects at the State Park, including landscaping around the flagpole, installing kiosks and bike repair stations, and recent bathroom repairs. He said the flag is maintained with help from veterans’ organizations, and a service is in place to replace damaged flags.
Resident Roberta James asked about pickleball courts, noting discussion at a Colusa Unified School District meeting. Cain said the city is working on options and that Rotary has expressed interest in helping construct courts.