6/24/25 | Item H1 | Staff Report
comparable size. The five-year claims history is used in calculating the City's premiums. The City's claims are regularly reviewed to learn from and identify areas for correction to prevent future exposure.
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
For the 2023-24 Coverage Period, the City’s cost of claims remains below the pool average for both Workers Compensation and General Liability claims. There are 126 member agencies making up the CJPIA, of which only approximately 40 agencies have Law Enforcement and Fire.
The City continues to perform better than other cities of a comparable size, many of which are either not full service or do not have either Law Enforcement or Fire.
1. Workers Compensation: The total number of worker’s compensation claims in the 2023- 24 policy year was 45, with 40 closed. The highest frequency was strains, with an overall average severity of $31,978 for the five-year period. Consistent with the rest of the pool, the City’s majority of losses occur amongst employees engaged in the more physical work activities within Departments such as Police, Fire and Public Works. Although these Departments have the highest incidents of claims, in overall comparison with the pool claim volume is relatively low and the cost to the City remains 28% below the pool average, per $100 of payroll.
2. General Liability Program: The City had 12 total liability claims for the policy year. Of those claims, 9 were closed and the additional 3 continue to be managed with the assistance of Carl Warren, the CJPIA’s Third Party Administrator. Currently, 2 claims have resulted in litigation. Over the five-year period, the City has paid on average 32% less than the pool average, per $100 of payroll. The City’s claims for damages include claims related to Police and Fire. Only approximately 40 of the agencies in the pool include Police and Fire in their data and statistics and Atascadero continues to remain below the pool average. Staff and CJPIA continue to manage and defend the City to limit its exposure.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA
Lara K. Christensen, Deputy City Manager
CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Item H2
Department: City Clerk
Date: 6/24/25
Placement: Management
Report
TO: JAMES R. LEWIS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: LARA CHRISTENSEN, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK
PREPARED BY: ALYSSA SLATER, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
SUBJECT: Introduction of Draft Ordinance Amending Title 2, Chapter 14 of the Atascadero Municipal Code to add Section 2-14.03 to Allow for Electronic and Paperless Filing of Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Campaign Disclosure Statements and Statements of Economic Interest
RECOMMENDATION:
Council introduce for first reading, by title only, a Draft Ordinance amending the Atascadero Municipal Code Title 2 (Administration) Chapter 14 (Elections) to add Section 2-14.03 “Electronic Filing of Campaign Disclosure Statements and Statements of Economic Interest” to allow for the implementation of electronic/paperless filing of several types of FPPC forms, including Forms 460, 470, 496, 497, and 700.
DISCUSSION:
On January 1, 2013, Assembly Bill 2452 went into effect, adding Government Code Section 84615 to the Political Reform Act of 1974. This legislation authorizes local government agencies to allow online or electronic filing of campaign statements, reports, or other documents for elected officials, candidates, committees, and other persons required to file under the Act, provided they receive contributions or make expenditures totaling $2,000 or more in a calendar year. Since the passage of this legislation, many local agencies throughout California have adopted electronic filing systems to enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and reduce paper use. The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) strongly supports and encourages the transition to electronic filing systems. The City Council has also demonstrated its commitment to expanding the use of digital signatures and electronic documents to the fullest extent permitted by law, as reflected in the adoption of Resolution 2024-007 in April 2024.
Currently, the City Clerk's Office accepts campaign disclosure statements in paper format and manually processes, redacts, and uploads them to the City website. Additionally, Assembly Bill 2151 requires campaign statements to be posted online within 72 hours of filing, further increasing the administrative burden. Transitioning to an electronic filing system will streamline these processes, improve compliance, and increase public access to campaign finance information.
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To implement electronic filing of campaign statements, the City Council must adopt an ordinance approving the use of an online filing system and affirming that the system operates securely, effectively, and does not place an undue burden on filers. The ordinance must also include legislative findings that the system ensures data integrity, uses standardized formats compatible with the Secretary of State, is free of charge to filers, and provides public access to filings.
The NetFile system meets all legal requirements and is specifically designed for agencies administering campaign finance and economic interest filings. It supports electronic filing of several FPPC forms, including Forms 460, 470, 496, and 497, which are the most commonly used forms in local campaigns. The system is highly secure, employing industry best practices such as bank-level data encryption, multi-location data storage, and regular data backups to ensure data integrity and disaster recovery.
Adoption of this ordinance will enable the City to fully implement the NetFile system for campaign finance disclosure, ensuring compliance with state requirements while providing a more efficient and transparent filing process.
STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS (FORM 700) ELECTRONIC FILING The City Clerk is also responsible for managing the annual filing of Form 700 Statements of Economic Interests for designated City staff, advisory bodies, and consultants. This requires staff to send initial and follow-up notifications to a significant number of filers as well as track submittals and request additional information or amendments. The NetFile electronic filing system includes a built-in review process that alerts filers to errors as information is entered, significantly reducing the need for amendments and follow-up by the City Clerk’s Office. With the transition to electronic filing of campaign disclosure statements, staff recommends that all future Form 700 filings for City staff, advisory bodies, and consultants also be submitted electronically.
Implementation of the Form 700 component of NetFile does not necessitate the adoption of an ordinance, and is simply an internal procedural change.
As of January 1, 2025, the FPPC requires Form 700 submittals for all 87200 Filers, which include the City Council, Planning Commission, City Manager, City Treasurer and City Attorney, to be done electronically utilizing the FPPC’s eDisclosure system. The City’s implementation of NetFile does not change this requirement. The FPPC will remain the filing official for 87200 filers, and they will continue to file their annual Form 700 electronically with the FPPC.
CONCLUSION
Implementation of the NetFile system will enhance transparency and provide greater convenience for committees, individuals, and the public by allowing 24-hour filing and viewing access to campaign finance information from any computer, anywhere. Additionally, the system is designed to improve the accuracy of campaign statements by preventing filings with missing or incomplete information, while increasing staff efficiency in processing and managing filings. To ensure a smooth transition, both NetFile and the City Clerk’s Office will provide training and support to all filers.
6/24/25 | Item H2 | Staff Report
ALTERNATIVES TO THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
1. Council may take no action.
2. Council may modify and introduce the Ordinance.
3. Council may provide alternative direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The annual subscription cost for the NetFile electronic filing system is $4,500 (guaranteed for five years) and is incorporated into the City Clerk’s existing budget. The system also provides cost savings through reduced staff time for processing and managing filings.
REVIEWED BY OTHERS:
This item has been reviewed by the Deputy Director of Administrative Services and the City Attorney.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA
_______
Lara K. Christensen, Deputy City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Draft Ordinance
6/24/25 | Item H2 | Attachment 1
DRAFT ORDINANCE NO. __
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ATASCADERO AMENDING TITLE 2 (ADMINISTRATION),
CHAPTER 14 (ELECTIONS) OF THE ATASCADERO
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD SECTION 2-14.03 TO ALLOW
FOR ELECTRONIC AND PAPERLESS FILING OF FAIR
POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION (FPPC) CAMPAIGN
DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS AND STATEMENTS OF
ECONOMIC INTEREST
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 84615 currently provides that a local agency may adopt an Ordinance to require an elected officer, candidate, committee, or other person required to file statements, reports, or other documents required by Chapter 4 of the Political Reform Act (commencing with Section 84100 of the Government Code), except an elected officer, candidate, committee, or other person who receives contributions totaling less than $2,000 and who makes independent expenditures totaling less than $2,000 in a calendar year, to file those statements, reports, or other documents online or electronically with the local filing officer; and
WHEREAS, the City of Atascadero has entered into an agreement with NetFile, Inc., a vendor approved by the California Secretary of State, to provide an online electronic filing system (“System”) for campaign disclosure statements and statements of economic interest forms; and
WHEREAS, the System meets all legal requirements, is highly secure, employs industry best practices for operational security and efficiency, will not unduly burden filers and is specifically designed for agencies administering campaign finance and economic interest filings supporting electronic filing of a variety of Fair Political Practices Committee (FPPC) forms; and WHEREAS, the City of Atascadero desires to amend Title 2, Chapter 14 of the Atascadero Municipal Code to add Section 2-14.03 “Electronic Filing of Campaign Disclosure Statements and Statements of Economic Interests” relating to filings required by the FPPC and the City’s Conflict of Interest Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and the City Council so finds and determines.
SECTION 2. Findings. The City Council of the City of Atascadero finds that the System will operate securely and effectively and will not unduly burden filers. Specifically, the System will:
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Ensure the integrity of the data and includes safeguards against efforts to tamper with, manipulate, alter, or subvert the data;
Only accept a filing in the standardized record format developed by the Secretary of State and compatible with the Secretary of State's system for receiving an online or electronic filing; and
Be available free of charge to filers and to the public for viewing filings. These findings are based upon the vendor’s approval by the California Secretary of State to provide these services and the representations of the vendor that the System meets the requirements of Government Code Section 84615.
SECTION 3. Municipal Code. Chapter 2-14.03 is hereby added to Title 2 (Administration) of the Atascadero Municipal Code as shown on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 4. CEQA. The City Council finds, pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15378(b)(5), that this ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in that it is a governmental, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
SECTION 5. Effect of Invalidation. If this entire Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, any repeal or amendment of the Atascadero Municipal Code or other City Ordinance by this Ordinance will be rendered void and cause such previous Atascadero Municipal Code provision or other City Ordinance to remain in full force and effect for all purposes.
SECTION 6. Severability. If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
SECTION 7. Notice. The City Clerk is directed to certify the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, cause it to be entered into the City of Atascadero’s book of original ordinances, make a note of the passage and adoption in the records of this meeting and within fifteen (15) days after the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, cause it to be published or posted in accordance with California law.
SECTION 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance will take effect on the 30th day following its final passage and adoption.
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INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on ___________, and PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Atascadero, State of California, on ____________.
CITY OF ATASCADERO:
Charles Bourbeau, Mayor
ATTEST:
Lara K. Christensen, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Dave Fleishman, City Attorney
06/24/25 | Item H2 | Attachment 1 | Exhibit 1
Exhibit A
§ 2-14.03 Electronic Filing of Campaign Statements and Statements of Economic Interests.
(a) Any elected officer, candidate, committee or other person required to file statements, reports or other documents required by Chapter 4 of the Political Reform Act (commencing with Section 84100 of the Government Code), shall file such documents online or electronically with the City Clerk, unless exempt from the requirement to file online pursuant to Government Code section 84615(a) because the elected officer, candidate, committee or other person receives contributions totaling less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) and makes expenditures totaling less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) in a calendar year. (b) Any person holding a position designated in the City’s local conflict of interest code adopted pursuant to Government Code Section 83700 shall file any required Statement of Economic Intertest reports (Form 700) electronically with the City Clerk unless any designated person is required to file said reports directly with the FPPC. (c) Filings set forth in Section 2-14.03(a) which are filed and received electronically with the City Clerk are not required to also be filed with the City Clerk in paper format. An electronic filing will be the official record of such filing. Filers must sign electronic filings in the system under penalty of perjury.
(d) In any instance in which an original statement, report or other document must be filed with the California Secretary of State and a copy of that statement, report or other document is required to be filed with the City Clerk, the filer may, but is not required to, file the copy electronically. (e) If the City Clerk’s electronic system is not capable of accepting a particular type of statement, report or other document, an elected officer, candidate, committee or other person shall file that document with the City Clerk in an alternative format. (f) The City Clerk is authorized to adopt such administrative policies and procedures as deemed necessary by the City Clerk to implement this Section 2.-14.03.
CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT H3
Department: Community
Services &
Promotions
Date: 6/24/25
Placement: Management
Report
TO: JAMES R. LEWIS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: TERRIE BANISH, DIRECTOR COMMUNITY SERVICES & PROMOTIONS PREPARED BY: TERRIE BANISH, DIRECTOR COMMUNITY SERVICES & PROMOTIONS SUBJECT: Update on Zoo’s Rebranding Process and Next Steps RECOMMENDATIONS:
Council receive an oral report on the Zoo’s Rebranding Initiative update and next steps.
DISCUSSION:
Since achieving initial accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 1991, the Charles Paddock Zoo has undergone significant transformation in operations, programming, and infrastructure. Most recently, the Zoo received another five-year AZA accreditation – an important achievement not just for the Zoo, but for the entire City.
The AZA requires accredited institutions to undergo a rigorous review process every five years. As part of the most recent review, a critical requirement for reaccreditation was the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan focused on long-term fiscal sustainability and financial support through conservation, education, and strategic marketing efforts. This is essential not only to receiving accreditation but being able to maintain accreditation. The accreditation process evaluates the Zoo’s financial health, safety standards, guest experience and long-term planning, the City’s governance and oversight of the Zoo, as well as the role of the Zoo’s support organization, the Friends of the Charles Paddock Zoo. All these criteria are critical to building broader support, increasing visitation, and securing the funding needed to ensure the Zoo’s continued success and sustainably.
The City presented, a rebranding initiative plan to the AZA Accreditation Commission, intended to broaden the Zoo’s visibility and appeal, strengthen and expand marketing and sponsorship opportunities, align with the AZA’s long-term sustainability goals and position the Zoo for future growth. As part of staff outreach and after careful consideration of options and alternatives, the
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name Central Coast Zoo, came out to be the clear, favorite selection for the Zoo’s rebrand. This rebrand positions the Zoo to reach a broader audience and increase the opportunities for funding, grants, sponsorships and partnerships that support its long-term goals and aligns with accreditation requirements.
While the rebranding of the Zoo was essential to the Zoo’s accreditation and the future sustainability of the Zoo, it remains important to preserve the legacy of the Zoo’s founder, Charles Paddock. The founder remains honored through the dedication of the “Charles Paddock Plaza,” at the Zoo’s entrance, which features a commemorative statue and archway and serves as a prominent tribute. Mr. Paddock’s contributions are also featured on the new history page on the Zoo’s website’s and as a featured section in the new children’s activity book focused on conservation education.
In the coming months, Zoo staff will implement a comprehensive summer media campaign to expand outreach and engagement. This includes the release of educational videos, the launch of the children’s activity book (to be distributed in hotels and local restaurants), and targeted advertising efforts running from July through September across both digital and traditional platforms. Zoo staff will continue to work closely with the Friends of the Charles Paddock Zoo to enhance sponsorship opportunities and grow revenue streams through expanded membership, donor engagement, and the development of a new capital campaign. These efforts support the Zoo’s long-term goals and are essential components of maintaining AZA accreditation and ensuring the Zoo’s continued success.
Council’s support of the creation and implementation of a strategic plan, operational plan and marketing plan, focused on financial support of the Zoo, has been and continues to be necessary in both gaining and maintaining accreditation
FISCAL IMPACT:
Preparation for the rebranding process is part of both the Zoo’s budget and the City’s Marketing budget collectively and will result in an estimated expenditure of $45,000.
REVIEWED BY OTHERS:
This item has been reviewed by the Zoo Director and the Deputy City Manager.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA
Lara K. Christensen, Deputy City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S): None