Jospeh Lopez thanked by Council

April 26, 2003
Santa Paula City Council
By Peggy Kelly Santa Paula TimesA city “short-timer” who temporarily filled some pretty big shoes was honored by the City Council at the April 21st meeting.Councilman Rick Cook presented a proclamation to Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Joseph Lopez, noting that it “really does please the council that he has done so much for us in such a short period of time.”Lopez stepped in late last year to replace Norm Wilkinson, who had retired after a long city career; his last day with the city is May 2nd. Cook noted that Lopez brought “many years of experience and assisted staff and council members in many ways.”Lopez has been instrumental in moving forward “many critical projects such as the skate park, renovation of the soccer fieldsat Teague and Las Piedras Parks, and needed improvements to our water infrastructure, and has overseen the completion of the Railroad Plaza Phase II project and the placement and dedication of the monument to the St. Francis Dam disaster, said Cook.Lopez has also played a “major role” in discussions with the City of Fillmore as both cities continue to examine proposals for the construction of a joint wastewater treatment plant. Lopez has spent many hours, “working with staff and consulting engineers in developing and analyzing data to be considered by the joint City Councils.”
Another future need, developing standardized development impact fees, will ensure that future development in “our community contributes financially to the impacts on City services of new development,” said Cook.Refreshing about Lopez are his working relationships, “characterized by an obvious dedication to getting the job done well . . .his dedication and zeal in his work as our interim public works director/city engineer has won him the respect and affection of the community. He’s rendered service to this community that really deserves special recognition,” Cook noted.“This is really something I never expected and am really proud of,” said Lopez. “It’s been a pleasure serving you and the community. . .my cousin was born here in 1925 and was a member of a family that picked lemons here in the valley.”“Joe always has a smile that transmits positive energy,” that has benefited the staff and council alike, said Mayor John Procter.



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