Many Shasta County rural water districts are in crisis mode with the current drought conditions. The Bureau of Reclamation has reduced allocations to just 25% of their contracted amounts. The City of Redding, swimming in somewhat of a surplus of groundwater, might come to the aid of three area districts, Bella Vista, Shasta and Clear Creek, by selling them some municipal water. If the council approves on Tuesday, a total of 2,200 acre-feet will be sold at the city’s cost plus a $30 per acre foot administrative fee. Through its various sources the city can produce about 30,000 acre feet of water this year.
At Tuesday’s meeting the Redding City Council will consider a plan to charge a first responder fee for medical calls handled by the fire department. The annual cost to the city is almost $14 Million, or about 65% of the fire department’s annual budget. The proposal is for a fee of $326 per call. Many cities in California already charge such a fee. Patients who can’t afford it or don’t have insurance can submit a hardship waiver.
The Redding City Council will be asked Tuesday to give final approval to a use permit for an expanded Holiday Market commercial complex at Hartnell and Shasta View. The planning commission has already signed off on the project. A new grocery store would be built right across the street from their existing store. The new 30,000 square foot market on the southeast corner of the intersection would be accompanied by five other businesses, including a drive-through restaurant, a coffee drive through and a convenience store with a gas station. a large mini-storage facility is also proposed.
The council will also be asked to approve a new community park for Lake Boulevard at Panorama Drive.