Recent Issues & Responses

By Duane Picanco

What are you doing to bring jobs and businesses to Paso Robles?

I am a full time mayor. First and foremost, I have the time to meet and greet potential new companies and businesses coming to town. I have and will walk any entity through the process of relocating or establishing their businesses here. I meet with new businesses to review their needs and direct them through the City. I reach out to local businesses to assist them in expanding or networking. And I regularly visit our businesses to let them know I am here to assist their needs from the city in any way I can.

For example, I met with Specialty Silicone and assisted them in moving their three locations to Paso Robles under one new 104,000 sq ft facility that is under construction. This expansion will bring jobs and attract other like users. I have networked local businesses that purchase parts from out of the area to other large local businesses to find a better product at a lower price, thus bringing more income to both companies. I worked with Regency Center on the opening of the new Bed, Bath, & Beyond. I believe we must let people know that Paso Robles shoppers like to spend their money in their community!

What do you feel the Parking Solution is in the downtown?

Parking is crucial to the economic well being of the downtown. Ultimately, we need to build a parking structure. We have site locations identified and we need to plan for the costs. The vibrancy of the downtown is centered to the core of our City. We need to start by doing anything we can to improve our parking needs. An immediate solution is to install angled spaces which would add approximately 180 spaces in the downtown area. This would be an affordable and positive step towards easing our parking issues for a cost of about $25,000. This combined with 30 minute green parking spaces on every block downtown would help relieve the pressure as well. The Vibrancy of the downtown is centered to the core of our City. We need to start now to work together to improve our parking downtown.

What is going on with the Water in Paso Robles?

The State of California is threatening to take away some of our water rights. We were fortunate enough to have the option to own our own water through the purchase of the Nacimiento water. We recently passed a water rate increase to provide for the costs and accomplish our goal of meeting our needs permanently. I will continue to work on planning ahead for the City's water and sewer needs, not just for today but to secure quality water for the City in the future.

The Borsht water lawsuit has caused the City thousands of dollars that could have been used towards other items such as the Municipal Pools. Our water plant construction is on hold until this lawsuit is resolved. However, the plant is being designed. As soon as the lawsuit is released, the project will begin. It will be paid for by the recent water rate increase.

Will securing water for the City cause more growth?

Like in the Chandler Specific Plan, developments will be responsible to pay their own way. Any new development will be a model of building green in our community.

What is the status of Sewer?

We have been receiving large fines by the State Water Regional Control Board for our improper sewage discharge levels. A sewer plant upgrade is in the process of being sent out for design bidding. We need the design to calculate the funding needs and how it will affect our future rates. I am actively pursuing this completion to stop the bleeding from the fines! We have also purchased a new roto rooter truck that has begun the cleaning of the sewer lines on the Westside of Paso Robles. This will help improve the quality of the discharge also.

What is the current status of infrastructure and maintenance within the City?

Unfortunately, the other Council members approved multimillion dollar studies that could have gone toward maintenance or other needs of our City. (I voted against the spending.) Continued budget constraints have caused neglected maintenance. I haven't given up! I am reaching out to the community for help by organizing groups to clean up the medians, parks, repaint the streets and other projects. I will see to it that the City makes the cuts necessary to balance the budget. Every town is doing more with less. I work regularly with staff to find resources to address our major repairs or find new government grants to assist in our needs. South Vine Street repaving was completed with one of these types of grants.

Why did the City hire the law firm Best & Best?

We recently met to vote on the continuing of the legal representation, under the same contract, after our attorney's firm completed a merger. We did not vote to extend or modify the contract in any form.

What do you think about the Quality of Life in Paso Robles?

Paso Robles is vibrant. This vibrancy attracts families and businesses. Our community is about the people and the synergy of those who live here. We try to meet the housing and recreational needs of all the citizens. I support youth sports, work force housing, bike paths, handicap accessibility, and volunteerism. I have personally served beans in the park on Pioneer Day for over 40 years. I am passionate about Paso Robles!

On the business side, I encourage the staff to look for ways to reduce time and cost with development. The City needs a fast tract team for new business development. We are looking at the potential use of redevelopment funds to provide incentives to increase business. I plant to revisit the Economic Strategy plan which has not been updated since 2006. Our economical times have severely changed. We need to develop a more aggressive economic plan that relates to the current economy.