Interesting happenings at the Turlock City Council that don't warrant a full story? That's what Council Blips are all about.

Turlock Invests in Recycled Water Project

An oft-discussed plan to sell recycled Turlock wastewater to water-starved farmers in the westside Stanislaus County Del Puerto Water District earned an investment from the Turlock City Council Tuesday evening.

Councilmembers agreed to spend a maximum of $20,000 to join the Bay Area Recycled Water Coalition, a lobbying group which has been successful in obtaining federal funds to finance recycled water projects. The group has raised $15.6 million for 14 active members, plus millions more for past members.

“We see it as a very good potential return on investment,” said Municipal Services Director Dan Madden.

Police to Purchase Two Vehicles as Tests for Future Purchases

The Turlock Police Department will purchase two new unmarked police vehicles, a Ford Police Interceptor sedan and a Ford Police Interceptor SUV, from Patchetts Ford.

“Having it be from here in town is awesome,” Councilmember Amy Bublak said. “We're trying to keep the money here, keep it in the county.”

The purchases are part of a Turlock Police Department strategy to research potential replacement vehicles for its current fleet of Ford Crown Victorias. The Crown Victoria is no longer manufactured by Ford.

The Tulock Police Department stockpiled Crown Victorias in hopes of delaying a major purchase, but some successor car must be found by 2015, when the stockpile will be depleted.

Turlock purchased a Chevrolet Caprice police vehicle just a month ago as part of its research strategy. Future purchases may include the Dodge Charger police vehicle alternative.

Salvation Army Director Feted

Mayor John Lazar honored Salvation Army Major Debi Shrum with a proclamation Tuesday.

Shrum has spent 11 years as the director of the Turlock's Salvation Army branch, a time she described as “a joy.”

“It is not only a privilege for me to be able to receive this, but it is a blessing for me to be here in Turlock,” Shrum said.

Deputy Director of Municipal Services Position Created

The City of Turlock will create a new, temporary Deputy Director of Municipal Services position, as part of a succession planning program.

Current Director of Municipal Services expects to retire in the next eight to 10 months.

“By voting for this, it means you're trying to get us to let you leave,” said Councilmember Amy Bublak.

By employing a temporary deputy director, Madden hopes some institutional knowledge can be passed down, ensuring a smooth transition. The measure ultimately passed 5-0.

“As much as it pains me to vote yes, I must” said Councilmember Bill DeHart.

Annual Review of City Manager Delayed

Turlock City Manager Roy Wasden was due for an annual review Tuesday night, but that review was delayed until the next meeting of council.

The delay came due to the late hour, as the review was scheduled for after the close of regular council business. Wasden's review will now occur at 7 p.m. Feb. 12, before the start of the next regular meeting of council.

Council Approves Northwest Triangle Specific Plan Update

The Northwest Triangle Specific Plan will be revised to include three parcels which were initially not zoned to be part of the commercial district.

The NTSP guides the development of Monte Vista Crossings, covering 800 acres in the triangle created by Golden State Boulevard, Tegner Road, Taylor Road, and Fulkerth Road. Approximately 110 acres remain to be developed.

Three parcels within those 110 acres have yet to be rezoned to reflect their intended commercial usage. Those property owners requested the plan update, and have volunteered to contribute 50 percent of the up-to $260,000 cost to update the NTSP.

Turlock will submit requests for proposals, selecting a low bidder before the update will occur.