Council receives Fresno River update

For The Madera Tribune

Dan Foss.

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At the most recent Madera city Council meeting, Madera City Manager Arnoldo Rodriguez updated those in attendance on the cleanup efforts of the Fresno River.

After the fire that occurred on May 17, the city partnered with the Madera Irrigation District and Cal Fire to begin clearing the riverbed of dry brush, grass, debris and homeless encampments, Rodriguez told the council at the City Council meeting on July 6.

With the clean-up, the city collected more than 170 tons of refuge from the river.

Madera Irrigation Distrit General Manager Tom Greci attributed the success of the cleanup to the crews, the city and all the agencies who were involved with the work every day.

The council recognized the following agencies with Certificates of Recognition for their partnerships and contribution to the Fresno River Cleanup Project: M.I.D., Cal Fire, Madera Police Department, City of Madera Code Enforcement, City of Madera Animal Control, City of Madera Public Works, City of Madera Parks and Community Services Department, City of Madera Engineering and the fleet squad.

The council also handed a Certificate of Recognition to Madera Police’s Lieutenant Dan Foss for his 20 years of service to Madera PD and as a Public Works Director.

Foss formed the O.L.I.V.E. organization, which provides education, outreach and empowerment to human trafficking victims.

Foss is leaving Madera to become the Chief of Police for Nevada City.

The council also talked about Measure T renewal in the November General Election. The original Measure T is supported by a 1/2 cent sales tax for transportation improvements. The measure is regulated by the Madera County Transportation Authority.

The measure provices locally controlled funding for transportation projects, including highway and interchange upgrades, road repairs and improvements, public transit, bike and pedestrian safety and other programs. The measure was approved with a 20-year experation date and will end in 2026. The MTCA has prepared a renewal plan which outlines how funding over the next 30 years will look.

Officials anticipate $866 million in revenue from Measure T over 30 years.