DIXON, CA (MPG) - While October saw busy city meetings, November started with a flatline, and the December 20 City Council Meeting will be cancelled. Here's what else happened.

In October, Dixon Fire Chief Todd McNeal welcomed and introduced three new Firefighter/Paramedics Ricky Rodarte, Terry Kuntz, and Jimmy Perry. It was also announced that Detective Brent Dawson was honored as the 2022 Officer of the Year at the October 21 Night of Honor ceremony.

A Public Hearing on Issuance of Tax-Exempt Bonds for Silvey Villas at Homestead Apartments took place. That involved: 1. Conduct a Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act Hearing in consideration of the issuance of tax-exempt bond financing by the California Statewide Communities Development Authority for the benefit of Silvey Villas Partners, L.P., to provide financing for the acquisition, construction, improvement, and equipping of a 72-unit senior multifamily rental housing project generally known as Silvey Villas at Homestead Apartments; and 2. Adopt a resolution approving the issuance of Bonds by the California Statewide Communities Development Authority not to exceed $18,000,000, for the benefit of Silvey Villas Partners, L.P., to provide financing for the acquisition, construction, improvement, and equipping of a 72-unit senior multifamily rental housing project generally known as Silvey Villas at Homestead Apartments.

The City accepted a donation of $3,100 for pickleball court striping at the existing Hall Park tennis courts and approved the corresponding FY 22-23 budget amendment.

"This donation will go to striping one existing court in a contrast color to existing tennis (will make 4 pickleball courts).  The existing court will still be usable for tennis. This eliminates the chalk/tape method of striping currently used by the group, " said Louren Kotow, City of Dixon Public Works Director. "The existing courts will be demolished in spring, along with this “gift.” The donating group is aware and accepts this."

In probably one of Dixon's shortest City Council Meetings ever, the Dixon City Treasurer Jim Ward gave his first quarter report to the Mayor and City Council during the public comments portion of the November 1 meeting as apparently, he had been left off the agenda.

"Inflation increased 0.4% in September, more than expected despite rate hikes by the Feds. Consumer prices rose 0.4% in September and were up 8.2% from a year ago, according to recent data," he began. "Prices consumers pay for a wide variety of goods and services rose more than expected in September as inflation pressures continued to weigh on the U.S. economy. Another large jump in food prices boosted the headline number. The food index rose 0.8% for the month, the same as August, and was up 11.2% from a year ago. The rising cost of living is squeezing households to the brink with food prices seeing the largest increase since 1979. You all already know the bad news…the economy is in a tough spot and it's taking a toll on everyone." "¨He shared an estimation from a senior economist at Moody's, a renowned investor service, that "surging prices for food and fuel are costing American households an extra $460 per month." Ward added that inflation is showing little sign of slowing down, as it's now been above 8% for seven months in a row, plus core inflation, which is prices minus the volatile categories of energy and food, rose 6.6 percent in September on an annual basis. That number was the same in August.

"Our 1st Quarter 2023 Investment Summary is as follows: Our cash and investment held by the City of Dixon has slightly increased. However, our expenditures have exceeded our revenues. Our General Fund balance decreased $2.9 million dollars, but our overall fund type balances increased $2.7 million dollars--mostly due to an increase in Capital projects revenues. Inflation remains red hot as feds are expected to raise interest rates again. Again, I caution spending," he said.

While Ward did not mention his frustration with not being put on the agenda like he requested, Community Activist Michael Ceremello, did.

"It was my understanding that Councilman Johnson and Councilman Hendershot asked in July after Ward did his 4th Quarter of 2022 presentation for Ward's presentations be included on the agendas but again, it was not, and I find that offensive," he said.

Ward did express his concern after the meeting about certain Councilman's comments and said, "Go back and review what Councilman Scott Pederson said, and people will be smart enough to make their own determinations."

There were many Dixon High School students in attendance completing required government class requirements but will have to return as the meeting was not long enough.