Shafter council ready to fill open planning posts

The Shafter City Council approved procedures that will be used to fill two open seats on the Planning Commission.

The council will invite residents to submit a letter of interest, then will interview the candidates at a council meeting. The council will then cast ballots, with the two highest vote-getters filling the open seats.

The council also heard a presentation from the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California. Paola Ilescas and other members of the coalition talked about activities that have been undertaken at Mannel Park to make improvements. They have held clean-up events and discussed the possibility of installing bike racks at the park, as well as signage.

Ilescas said that Mannel Park has been a beacon for the other communities around the valley, with the installation of the outdoor gym and different activities related to healthy choices for the community.

In other council action, a one-time expenditure of $77,000 was approved for a patrol vehicle that will be utilized by the Richland schools' resource officer from the Shafter Police Department.

During public comment, Jeff Martin from American Refuse updated the council on the progress of the 3-cart system rollout for the city.

Martin said that the majority of the community has done a wonderful job in following procedures using the new system, and they have had to tag only a few cans that were in violation of the sorting guidelines.

Martin said that it will take a little time for the system to get fully operational and is very pleased with the progress made so far.