Council approves new grant funded projects

At the Oct. 2 City Council meeting, Development Services Director Jay Schlosser introduced Tehachapi's new City Planner Salvador Morales and announced that Andrew Norton has been promoted to the position of City Engineer.

Norton presented and the City Council unanimously approved a project to install curb, gutter and sidewalks that would close gaps on Dennison Road between Tehachapi Blvd. and Pinon Street. Norton explained that the project will also include improving sidewalks, installing flashing crosswalk signs and bike lanes on Dennison Road near Tehachapi High School. The project will be financed by an ATP Grant received by the city to improve the safety and accessibility of pedestrian and bicycle routes to the high school.

The Council also authorized City staff to apply for, accept and administer grant funding from CalRecycle as assistance in setting up the new mandatory organics recycling program. According to Assistant City Manager Corey Costelloe, as the Council has already approved consultant and software agreements for the implementation and monitoring of the program, these grants would be used in the financing of the program. The City is eligible for $75,000 during the initial round of funding.

Police Chief Richard Standridge announced that the Tehachapi Police Department has sent three new cadets to the police academy. Officer Jared McCombs has been assigned to the Police Academy as a training officer. The cadets will spend six months in training at the academy.

The Tehachapi City Council meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. They are currently meeting at the Police Department Community Room, 220 W. C St.