Printed on Recycled Paper
City Council Strategic Goal/Objective
Goal: Preserve & Enhance Public Safety
Objective: Explore mediation options in resolving neighbor-to-neighbor disputes and seek direction from the City Council as necessary.
Fiscal Impact
There is no funding source identified for mediation services. Depending on the Council’s direction costs to establish the mediation program as described would range between $1,600 and $14,000.
Background/Analysis
Neighbor-to-neighbor disputes are common occurrences in the community and can arise from a wide range of issues, large and small. Common disputes include property boundaries, parking problems, and shared fences. These disputes often involve a breakdown in communication or understanding, leading to tension between neighbors which requires staff intervention such as Code Enforcement, Building, or Planning.
Disputes between neighbors can have significant impacts on the community and affect the overall quality of life of the residents.
• Disputes create tension and mistrust between neighbors leading to a breakdown in the sense of community.
• Ongoing disputes can make a neighborhood less desirable to potential buyers or renters.
Noise, visible property damage, or unpleasant interactions can decrease neighborhood appeal and potentially lower property values.
• Disputes can grow in scope and severity to a point where the disputes become a violation of municipal codes or criminal statutes.
Mediation services provide a tool to empower neighbors to come to an agreement or resolve their differences with the assistance of an objective third party trained in guiding parties toward a resolution.
Disputes are inevitable, but they do not have to be a source of long-term conflict. Most disputes can be resolved through open communication, mediation, and willingness to compromise. In response to the Council’s Strategic Objective staff have evaluated the possibility of offering mediation services to resolve conflict in the community. Mediation services can be a valuable tool for managing conflict between neighbors and reducing staff workload in the various City Departments.
ITEM 11 Agenda Packet Page 114
Subject: Mediation Services to Resolve Neighbor-to-Neighbor Disputes Date: February 12, 2025
Printed on Recycled Paper
Recommendation 1: Citrus Heights Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) Officers already play a vital role in resolving conflicts within the community by applying problem-solving strategies to address underlying issues and promote cohesion.
POP Officers are equipped with specialized training in conflict resolution, active listening, and negotiation skills, allowing them to mediate disputes effectively while maintaining neutrality and respect.
Their role goes beyond law enforcement, as they work to de-escalate situations, prevent violence, and find constructive solutions that promote long-term peace. By addressing underlying issues and encouraging dialogue, POP Officers help build trust, reducing the need for legal interventions and contributing to a safer, more cohesive community. Enhanced Mediation Training can ensure POP Officers are better armed to resolve neighborhood disputes. There are two well-regarded and local training options to support this effort:
1. UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education offers a 40-hour Mediation Course. By the end of the course, the individual will have a solid understanding of the fundamental mediation concept and be equipped with essential best practices for effectively mediating disputes. The individual will have completed the 40-hour training required by the Dispute Resolution Program Act to become a certified mediator. UC Davis offers an online mediation course, the next course is offered on March 31, 2025, for $650 (per person).
2. The Sacramento Mediation Center (SMC) offers mediation training to learn the art of mediation and conflict resolution. Topics include communication and listening skills, the process of mediation, confidentiality, neutrality, cultural competence, emotional intelligence, and ethics. The training uses lectures and roleplays and is highly interactive, and most importantly it gives universal tools for dealing with conflict in a variety of situations. The individual will have completed a 40-hour training course and is on Zoom to become a certified mediator. Trainings are offered in late summer – early fall, for $800 (per person). In addition, SMC has engaged in private mediation training for groups (which could include more than POP Officers), via Zoom and in person. This type of training can be tailored to the group's needs: the cost is TBD depending on the number of people.
Estimated Cost for Recommendation 1: $650-$1,450.
Staff Recommendation: Send one (1) POP Officer to attend mediation training to provide conflict resolutions between neighbors. POP Officers would meditate on the conflict and provide a written agreement signed by both parties for the City’s records.
Recommendation 2: In certain cases, POP Officers will be unable to fully mediate the disputes they face. In other instances, it may be beneficial to have an outside third party to mediate disputes. An outside resource is another tool to resolve disputes.
The Sacramento Mediation Center (SMC) has been a program provided under the California Lawyers for the Arts since 2008. SMC provides confidential and neutral conflict resolution ITEM 11 Agenda Packet Page 115
Subject: Mediation Services to Resolve Neighbor-to-Neighbor Disputes Date: February 12, 2025
Printed on Recycled Paper
services to residents, businesses, governmental entities, and other organizations of Sacramento County to address conflict. SMC is known for its ability to bring together parties, facilitate a dialogue that results in respect and understanding, and then move the parties into active problemsolving.
SMC Approach to Mediation
The most important function of mediation is to have both parties listen to one another. In a typical mediation session, the parties meet face-to-face, with the co-mediator(s) to discuss their concerns. Mediators do not offer legal advice or counseling to any party and do not advocate on anyone's behalf.
1. The cost to open a mediation case with CLA-SMC is $25.
2. Each mediation session is for up to 3 hours. There may be a desire for a second session.
3. Each party’s fee for the first two mediation sessions is due in advance and is based on the individual’s income.
4. The mediator introduces themselves and outlines ground rules and procedures for discussing the dispute.
5. Each party is asked to describe the conflict from their perspective. Parties may meet with a mediator in private to allow them to speak freely.
6. Once the dispute has been identified, the mediator helps to solicit suggestions for solving the dispute.
7. As the parties discuss the conflict, the mediator helps to identify points of agreement or compromise. At the end of the session, the mediator asks if they want to write an agreement formalizing their ideas for resolution. If so, the mediator helps the parties to draft the agreement.
8. The mediator does not follow up with the parties to see if the agreement is followed, but the parties may decide they want further help.
SMC Fee Schedule Based on Income
Income Fee
0 – 25,000 $25
25,001 – 50,000 $50
50,001 – 75,000 $75
75,001 – 100,000 $100
100,001 – 200,000 $250
200,001 – 500,000 $500
500,001 and more $1000
Estimated Costs for Recommendation 2: Estimating 10 households receiving 2 mediation sessions: $12,000
Staff Recommendation: Consider a one-year Pilot Project with Sacramento Mediation Center to provide conflict resolutions between neighbors. The City would pay for the initial cost to open a mediation case, up to two mediation sessions, with a written agreement signed by both parties ITEM 11 Agenda Packet Page 116
Subject: Mediation Services to Resolve Neighbor-to-Neighbor Disputes Date: February 12, 2025
Printed on Recycled Paper
at the end of the mediation. If a resolution is not achieved through this effort, or either party does not follow the agreement, the next available option would be a civil case initiated by either party through the court system.
Council Direction
Consider a staff presentation on mediation options and provide feedback and direction on resolving neighbor-to-neighbor disputes using mediation services.
ITEM 11 Agenda Packet Page 117