Thompson Sealcoating / Prepared for: City of Corning / February 26th, 2026 Executive Summary
About Us
Thompsons Sealcoating Redefining the Standard in Pavement Asset Management.
We're more than just a company; we're problem solvers.
Thompsons Sealcoating was born from a commitment to tackling the complex challenges our clients face in managing their pavement assets. Built upon years of industry experience and a foundation of trust, our goal is simple: to revolutionize the way you manage your pavement assets.
OUR MISSION? We strive to make pavement management a breeze. We've developed a special system that offers the vital information clients need to make smart decisions, all without the headache of handling it themselves.
We believe in the power of simplicity and truth. We uphold our promises, ensure easy communication, and respond swiftly to calls and emails. And when challenges arise, we're the first to face them, head-on.
So, welcome aboard Thompsons Sealcoating, where we're paving the way to a stress-free pavement management experience!
Hot Rubberized Crack Sealing Total: $22,750.00
Sealcoating Total: $22,750.00
Thompson Sealcoating / February 26th, 2026 / Prepared for: City of Corning Proposal Details
Crack Seal asphalt pond
Areas will be properly barricaded during the time that work is being completed and until the material is cured.
Crack Sealing will take approximately three days
The area to be sealcoated is approximately 53000 square feet.
We will clean the entire asphalt surface to prep for the application of sealer.
We will be installing the sealer by spray application.
Heavy oil spots will be treated with a bonding agent
The area will be properly barricaded throughout the sealcoating process and until the area(s) that have been sealed are cured and ready for traffic.
The sealcoat will include 2% latex additive.
Thompson Sealcoating / February 26th, 2026 / Prepared for: City of Corning Proposal Maps
Crack Seal asphalt pond
Area
Area: 53000 feet
2
Thompson Sealcoating / February 26th, 2026 / Prepared for: City of Corning Price Breakdown
Crack Seal asphalt pond
Services Qty Rate Investment
Hot Rubberized Crack Sealing 1 $22,750.00 $22,750.00
Sealcoating 1 $22,750.00 $22,750.00
Project Total: $45,500.00
Thompson Sealcoating / February 26th, 2026 / Prepared for: City of Corning Contract
Crack Seal asphalt pond
Date:
For City of Corning
Eli Stanley
24862 Gardiner Ferry Road
Corning, CA, 96021
For Thompson Sealcoating
Mike Thompson
14284 Indian Acres Trail
Redding, CA, 96003
Thompson Sealcoating / February 26th, 2026 / Prepared for: City of Corning Proposal Terms
Crack Seal asphalt pond
Proposal Terms
All asphalt surfaces will ultimately crack, including those that are resurfaced. Thompsons Sealcoating does not guarantee their work against cracking, which is a natural occurrence outside the contractor's control.
It is impossible to guarantee against cracking due to temperature, moisture, and soil conditions (which might cause cracking). The customer is aware that this is a risk that comes with the job.
Areas with flaking sealer, standing water, or moss may continue to fail after the seal coat is applied.
The hot rubberized crack sealer will not be used to fill surface cracks or degraded regions.
Large cracks are those that are 1/4" or wider in width.
Following completion, vehicles should be removed from the sealed asphalt for at least 24 hours.
Sprinklers on the job site's perimeter should not be turned on for at least 48 hours after the job is completed.
During or after the job, Thompsons Sealcoating is not liable for any water damage caused by the customer's direct fault.
Thompsons Sealcoating is not liable for any concrete damage or surface restoration in and around the work area.
Thompsons Sealcoating reserves the right to work with any subcontractors.
All agreements are subject to any unforeseen events or delays.
Any additional material or labor required to finish any portion of this proposal as a result of revisions or mistakes made by other contractors will be done only upon written order and will be charged separately.
Any additional material (asphalt, stone, crack sealer, seal coat) ordered after the aforementioned contract agreement will be completed only upon written order and will incur a fee.
If a cancellation notice is not received within three business days following the contract agreement, Thompsons Sealcoating will assume that the customer has accepted the work under the terms of the contract. Any cancellation of this contract after the first three business days of contract acceptance may result in a partial charge to The customer to cover any planned preparations and supplies already ordered or applied on the construction site.
Payment in full is expected upon completion of the work.
The crack seal that Thompsons Sealcoat uses manufactured by Crafco and the name of the product is called Super Flex.
The Sealcoat that Thompsons Sealcoat uses is manufactured by Eemultech and the name of the product is called Black Diamonds
ITEM NO: J-4
ORDINANCE 718,
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE
CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL
AUGUST 11, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: BRANT MESKER, CITY MANAGER
ELIJAH STANLEY, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUMMARY:
The City of Corning Municipal Code Section 13.08.170 establishes the requirements of the City for the installation of and the use of backflow devices for the public water system. The current language of the code does not meet the updated requirements of the State Water Resources Control Board relating to cross-connection control and backflow prevention. The CrossConnection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH), adopted by the Water Board on December 19, 2023, or any subsequent version, replaces previous regulations effective July 1, 2024, and carries the full force and effect of law. This update to the City of Corning Municipal Code meets the current updated requirements and is established to:
a. Protect the City’s public potable water supply system from contamination or pollution by isolating the water user’s internal systems or private water sources that could backflow into the City’s system;
b. Promote the elimination or control of actual or potential cross-connections between potable and non-potable systems; and
c. Maintain an effective Cross-Connection Control Program to systematically minimize potential risks to the City’s potable water supply.
DISCUSSION:
A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between the public drinking water system and a source of contamination. During events such as a water main break, high water demand, or firefighting activities, changes in water pressure can allow contaminated water to flow back into the public water system, creating a potential health risk.
The Cross-Connection Control Program helps protect the City's drinking water by ensuring backflow prevention devices are properly installed and tested. While annual testing of existing devices is already required, this ordinance formally establishes those requirements in the Municipal Code, provides clear expectations for property owners, and creates a consistent enforcement process for all water customers.
The proposed ordinance has been drafted to be consistent with and complementary to the requirements of CCR Title 17, California Health and Safety Code Section 116800 et seq., and guidance issued by the SWRCB Division of Drinking Water. It does not create new state requirements but provides the City with the local authority needed to effectively administer and enforce the program.
CEQA:
The City of Corning finds that this Ordinance is not a “project” according to the definition set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15061(b)(3) (there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment), the adoption of this ordinance is therefore not subject to the provisions requiring environmental review.
FINANCIAL:
There is no financial impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
• INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 718 (FIRST READING), AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORNING AMENDING SECTION 13.08.170 OF THE
CORNING MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL
MUNICIPAL CODE TO COMLY WITH THE CCCPH, AND SCHEDULE SECOND READING FOR AUGUST 25, 2026.
• WAIVE READING OF FULL ORDINANCE AND DIRECT CITY CLERK TO READ BY TITLE ONLY.
ORDINANCE NO. 718
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORNING AMENDING SECTION 13.08.170 OF THE CORNING MUNICIPAL CODE,
RELATING TO CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL.
WHEREAS, The City of Corning (“City”) provides water service to the residents of the City of Corning and maintains procedures for establishing water connections and protecting the safety of the water supply; and
WHEREAS, Cross-connections are actual or potential connections between a public water system and any source or distribution system containing liquid, gas, or other substances not from an approved water supply; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of a cross-connection control program is to prevent contaminants from entering the public water system’s distribution system so as to protect customers from serious health risks; and
WHEREAS, On December 19, 2023, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted new cross-connection control standards through its Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, which became effective July 1, 2024, and the City needs to implement a Cross-Connection Control Program to ensure compliance with these new state standards; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Corning deem it necessary to amend Chapter
13.08.170 of the Corning Municipal Code for the purpose of protecting the City’s potable water supply against actual or potential contamination through cross-connections or backflow and identifying unknown cross-connections, and to ensure compliance with state law.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORNING DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 13.08.170 of Chapter 13.08 of Title 13 is hereby repealed and replaced as follows:
§13.08.170- Cross-connections
A. Purpose.
The purpose of this Chapter is to comply with the requirements of the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) relating to cross-connection control and backflow prevention. The Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH), adopted by the Water Board on December 19, 2023, or any subsequent version, replaces previous regulations effective July 1, 2024, and carries the full force and effect of law. This Chapter is established to:
1. Protect the City’s public potable water supply system from contamination or pollution by isolating the water user’s internal systems or private water sources that could backflow into the City’s system;
2. Promote the elimination or control of actual or potential cross-connections between potable and non-potable systems; and
3. Maintain an effective Cross-Connection Control Program to systematically minimize potential risks to the City’s potable water supply.
B. Application.
1. The provisions of the CCCPH and all referenced California Health and Safety Code sections, as amended, are adopted by reference.
2. The City’s Cross-Connection Control Program shall be accomplished primarily through premises containment. However, the City may, on a case-by-case basis, accept backflow prevention assemblies installed within internal plumbing systems in lieu of premises containment.
3. The City shall not be responsible for identifying or abating all cross-connections within private property.
C. Definitions.
In addition to the definitions outlined in the CCCPH, the following terms are defined for the purpose of this chapter:
Air Gap Separation (AG): The term "Air Gap Separation" shall mean a backflow method meeting the requirements of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A112.1.2-2012(R2017), consisting of a physical vertical separation of at least two (2) times the effective pipe diameter between the free-flowing discharge and of a potable water supply pipeline and the flood level of an open or non-pressurized receiving vessel, and in no case less than one (1) inch.
Approved Water Supply: The term “Approved Water Supply” shall mean a water source that has been approved by the State Water Board for domestic use in a public water system and designated as such in a domestic water supply permit issued pursuant to section 116525 of the CHSC.
Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly: The term “Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly” shall mean a backflow prevention assembly that is listed by at least one of the following: Standards found in Chapter 10 of the Manual of Cross-Connection Control, Tenth Edition, published by the University of Southern California Foundation for CrossConnection Control and Hydraulic Research.
Standards of American Society of Sanitary Engineers International (ASSE) current as of 2022 that include ASSE 1015-2021 for the DC, ASSE 1048-2021 for the DCDA & DCDAII, ASSE 1013-2021 for the RP, and ASSE 1047-2021 for the RPDA & RPDA-II, and must have the 1YT mark signifying twelve (12) months of field testing has been successfully completed.
Auxiliary Water Supply: The term “Auxiliary Water Supply” shall mean a source of water, other than an approved water supply, that is either in use, equipped, or can be equipped, to be used as a water supply, and is located on the premises of, or available to, a water user. Examples of auxiliary water supplies include, but are not limited to private wells, storage tanks, and bodies of water (lakes, rivers, streams, ocean).
Backflow: The term "Backflow" shall mean the undesirable or unintended reversal of flow of water and/or other liquids, gases, or other substances into a public water systems distribution system or approved water supply.
Backpressure: The term "Backpressure" shall mean a hydraulic condition characterized by the elevation of water pressure within premise piping that has the potential to cause a reversal of the normal direction of water flow.
Backsiphonage: The term "Backsiphonage" shall mean a hydraulic condition characterized by negative or sub-atmospheric pressure in the potable water supply system that has the potential to cause a reversal of the normal direction of water flow.
Backflow Prevention Assembly: The term “Backflow Prevention Assembly” shall mean a mechanical assembly designed and constructed to prevent backflow, such as that while in-line it can be maintained and its ability to prevent backflow, as designed, can be field- tested, inspected and evaluated. The types of approved backflow prevention assemblies include:
Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly (DC): The term DC shall mean an assembly consisting of two independently-acting internally-loaded check valves, with tightly closing shut-off valves located at each end of the assembly (upstream and downstream of the two check valves) and fitted with test cocks that enable accurate field testing of the assembly. This type of assembly may only be used to isolate low hazard cross connections.
Double Check Detector Backflow Prevention Assembly (DCDA): The term DCDA shall mean a double check valve backflow prevention assembly that includes a bypass with a water meter and double check backflow prevention assembly, with the bypass water meter accurately registering flow rates up to two gallons per minute and visually showing a registration for all rates of flow. This type of assembly may only be used to isolate low hazard cross connections.
Double Check Detector Backflow Prevention Assembly- Type II (DCDA-II): The term DCDA-II shall mean a double check valve backflow prevention assembly that includes a bypass around the second check, with the bypass having a single check valve and a water meter accurately registering flow rates up to two gallons per minute and visually showing a registration for all rates of flow. This type of assembly may only be used to isolate low hazard cross connections.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker Backsiphonage Prevention Assembly (PVB): The term PVB shall mean an assembly with an independently-acting internally-loaded check valve and independently-acting loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check valve; with test cocks and tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the assembly that enable accurate field testing of the assembly. This type of assembly may only be used for protection from backsiphonage, and is not to be used to protect from backpressure. PVBs may only be used as premises containment on roadway right of way irrigation systems not subject to backpressure.
Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RP): The term "RP" shall mean an assembly with two independently acting, internally-loaded check valves, with a hydraulically operating mechanically independent differential-pressure relief valve located between the check valves and below the upstream check valve. The assembly shall have shut-off valves located upstream and downstream of the two check-valves, and test cocks to enable accurate field testing of the assembly.
Reduced Pressure Principle Detector Backflow Prevention Assembly (RPDA): the term RPDA shall mean a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly that includes a bypass with a water meter and reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly, with the bypasses water meter accurately registering flow rates up to two gallons per minute and visually showing a registration for all rates of flow.
Reduced Pressure Principle Detector Backflow Prevention Assembly – Type II (RPDAII): The term RPDA-II shall mean a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly that includes a bypass around the second check, with the bypass having a single check valve and a water meter accurately registering flow rates up to two gallons per minute and visually showing a registration for all rates of flow.
Spill-Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker Backsiphonage Prevention Assembly (SVB):
The term SVB shall mean an assembly with an independently-acting internally-loaded check valve and an independently-acting loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check valve; with shut off valves at each and at least a test cock and bleed/vent port, to enable accurate field testing of the assembly. This type of assembly may only be used for protection from backsiphonage and is not to be used to protect from back pressure.
Cross Connection: The term “Cross Connection” shall mean any actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public water system, including a piping system connected to the public water system and located on the premises of a water user or available to the water user, and any source or distribution system containing liquid, gas, or other substances not from an approved water supply.
High Hazard Cross Connection: The term “High Hazard Cross-Connection” shall mean a cross connection that poses a threat to the potability or safety of the public water supply.
Materials entering the public water supply through a high hazard cross connection are contaminants (health hazards).
Low Hazard Cross-Connection: the term “Low Hazard Cross Connection” shall mean a cross connection that has been found to not pose a threat to the potability or safety of the public water supply, but may adversely affect the aesthetic quality of the potable water supply. Materials entering the public water supply through a low hazard cross-connection are pollutants (non-health hazards).
Potential: The term “Potential” shall mean having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future.
Premises Containment: The term “Premises Containment” shall mean protection of a public water systems distribution system from backflow from a user’s premises through the installation of one or more air gaps or backflow prevention assemblies, installed as close as practical to the user service connection, in a manner that isolates the water users water supply from the public water systems distribution system.
Service Connection: The term "Service Connection" shall mean the downstream end of the water meter, or the point in a water system where the approved water supply can be protected from backflow using an air gap or backflow prevention assembly. This is the point of delivery to the Water User's water system where the City loses jurisdiction and sanitary control of the water.
User Supervisor: The term “User Supervisor” shall mean a person designated by a Water User to oversee a water use site and who is responsible for preventing cross connections.
Used Water: The term "Used Water" shall mean any water supplied by the City from a public potable water system to a Water User's water system after it has passed through the service connection and is no longer under the City’s control.
Water User: The term “Water User” shall mean any person obtaining water from the public water system.
D. Determination.
1. The City shall ensure hazard assessments and surveys of its service area are conducted to identify Water User premises where actual or potential cross-connections are likely to occur. Such hazard assessments shall evaluate the degree of hazard, and any backflow protection needed.
i. Hazard assessments must be completed in accordance with the City’s CrossConnection Control Plan approved by the State Water Resources Control Board. ii. Water users shall provide reasonable access during normal business hours for inspections. Continued refusal of access shall require installation of an RP or RPDA on all services to the premises.
2. Not withstanding anything contained herein, the City may require premises that are classified “High-Hazard” in Appendix D of the CCCPH, such as premises with more than one service connection, to install appropriate backflow prevention without a full evaluation.
E. Notice.
Upon determining that a cross-connection exists, the City shall provide written notice to the affected water user specifying the required type, location, and quality of backflow prevention assembly. The water user shall install the required protection at their own expense and in accordance with City standards.
F. Installation.
1. The location of any approved backflow prevention assembly installed pursuant to this Section shall be at the Water User's point of connection to the City's water System; within the Water User's premises, or both, as determined by the City’s Cross-Connection Control Specialist.
2. Where an approved backflow prevention assembly is required to be installed on the Water User's connection to the City's water, it shall be located at or near the property line of the premises or immediately outside the building being served, but, in all cases, at a place deemed acceptable by the City so that it is located before the first branch line leading off the service line.
3. In all cases, backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in accordance with the applicable City engineering specifications.
4. Freeze protection must be maintained and shall not utilize hazardous substances such as unencapsulated fiberglass insulation.
5. Water users permitted to install backflow prevention assemblies in an alternate location within a structure are advised of, and acknowledge, the potential risk of water damage.
G. Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance.
1. All assemblies shall be field tested upon installation, repair, permanent relocation, and at least annually thereafter. The City may determine the necessity for more frequent testing on a case-by-case basis. All costs associated with the inspection, testing, and maintenance of required backflow prevention assemblies shall be borne by the Water User.
2. The City shall oversee annual testing of all required assemblies by third-party contractors hired by, and at the expense of the customer. Contractors performing the assembly testing are required to be certified in accordance with Article 4 of the CCCPH, and agree to comply with the code of conduct established in the City’s CCC Plan. The City shall provide customers with a resource list of contractors meeting this criteria.
3. In the event that a backflow prevention assembly fails the required testing, or is otherwise found to not comply with City requirements, the Water User shall cause the necessary repairs or replacements to be completed within the timeframe provided by the City. Following such repairs or replacement, passing test results shall be submitted to the City within five (5) calendar days.
4. Test results and records of all inspections, replacements, and repairs performed on required backflow prevention assemblies shall be maintained by the Water User and reported to the City in a manner deemed acceptable to the City.
H. Enforcement.
1. The City may discontinue or refuse to supply water and/or sewer service to any premises that is not in strict compliance with the requirements of this Chapter, or if it is found that a required backflow prevention assembly has been removed, bypassed, or otherwise modified, or if unprotected cross-connection otherwise exist on the premises.
2. The City may also disconnect water and/or sewer service to any premises if the health and safety of any person is immediately threatened by a cross-connection.
3. The City may refuse to restore such service to the premises until the cross-connection is controlled through the proper installation and testing of an approved backflow prevention assembly.
4. At its discretion, the City may elect to have backflow prevention assemblies installed, tested, and/or repaired when the customer has failed to comply. All costs, along with an administrative fee will be added to the utility bill for the premise in question.
I. Administration.
The Public Works Director shall maintain policies and procedures consistent with this Chapter and shall designate at least one certified Cross-Connection Control Specialist to administer and enforce its provisions.
Section 2. Severability.
If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases of this Ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance. The City Council of the City of Corning hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection subdivision paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections subdivisions paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.
Section 3. CEQA.
The City of Corning finds that this Ordinance is not a “project” according to the definition set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15061(b)(3) (there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment), the adoption of this ordinance is therefore not subject to the provisions requiring environmental review.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was introduced and read by the City Council of the City of Corning at a regular meeting on the 25th day of August, 2026, and was duly read and adopted at a regular meeting on the 8th day of September, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
________________________
ROBERT SNOW, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
RUBI ORDAZ, City Clerk
ITEM NO.: J-5
APPROVE & ADOPT THE
UPDATED CITY OF CORNING
UTILITY POLICY
August 11, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR & COUNCILMEMBERS
FROM: BRANT MESKER, CITY MANAGER
KHRYSTIE SHOEMAKER, ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR
SUMMARY:
The City of Corning provides municipal water and sewer services to residential and commercial customers. The City’s utility operations require consistent procedures for establishing accounts, collecting deposits, processing payments, managing delinquent accounts, establishing payment arrangements, discontinuing and restoring water service, and closing utility accounts.
The proposed Utility Policy consolidates these procedures into a single policy document intended to provide customers and City staff with clear and consistent requirements. The policy is designed to complement the existing requirements contained in Corning Municipal Code, which governs sewer and water services, respectively.
The policy establishes procedures for both new property owners and tenants, including documentation requirements for establishing an account. It also establishes a minimum utility deposit of $100, with deposits adjusted based on customer payment history and classification.
This policy comes to City Council following the new utility billing system with Tyler Technology and the updated water and sewer fee study. During implementation staff recognized the need to update the policy.
Key Policy Updates Summarized:
NEW ACCOUNTS
o Documentation required if owner passes away
o Forms of ID accepted to open account
o Identified documentation needed for new tenant accounts o Increased deposit to $100.00 for all new accounts (owners as well as tenants) o Specified limitation of information sharing due to confidentiality o Listed all payment methods available (new software has added more options) • Option of Payment Plan for customers who experience unexpected water leaks
ADDITIONAL FEES
o Late fee of $15.00 applied to accounts every 30 days past due o $35.00 fee for returned checks and returned online payments (updated to new bank charges) o Tampering fee of $250.00
GENERAL:
o Additional contact information for Finance Office
o Deposit on commercial accounts (collected after water shut off) was changed from 3-months’ worth of charges to one month (using 12-month average)
o Upon closing an account, included an option to transfer funds to a different account instead of receiving refund check (this is possible with new software) Adoption of the policy will provide a centralized and consistent framework for utility administration, improve communication with customers, and establish clear procedures for addressing delinquent accounts and customer payment concerns.
FINANCIAL:
Adoption of the Utility Policy is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact. The policy primarily formalizes and consolidates utility account administration, billing, collection, payment plan, and servicedisconnection procedures.
The policy establishes or confirms certain fees, including late-payment penalties, returned-payment fees, meter tampering charges, and water reconnection fees. These fees are intended to recover costs associated with the administration and restoration of utility services.
RECOMMENDATION:
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVE & ADOPT THE UPDATED CITY OF CORNING UTILITY POLICY
UTILITY POLICY FOR THE CITY OF CORNING, CA
Revised 08/2026
1. PURPOSE
This policy establishes rules and procedures for the provision, billing, and maintenance of the municipal water and sewer services to ensure fair, consistent, and reliable service to all customers.
A. City Code – Chapter 13.04
The sewer service rules and regulations are contained in Chapter 13.04 of the City Code.
B. City Code – Chapter 13.08
Water services are governed by Chapter 13.08 of the City Code
2. ESTABLISHING UTILITY ACCOUNT
A. Application & Documentation
A utility form must be completed in person or online. The completion of this application shall signify the customer’s willingness and intention to comply with all regulations imposed to pay for water and sewer services rendered. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. o NEW OWNERS
• If the customer is a new owner, a final grant deed must be provided. - Owner name must appear on grand deed for name to appear on utility account and print on utility bill. - If grant deed is under the name of a family trust, then documentation must be provided to correlate customer name with family trust name.
- If new ownership is pending due to original owner being deceased, a death certificate and a document granting authorization to live on property shall be collected. For example, a rent/lease agreement, property deed, or other court paperwork. Subsequently, temporary responsibility and new utility accounts will be granted to the new applicant.
o After 12 months, if the new owners are not finalized, due to probate duration or other legalities, proof of continuous activity on the matter will be requested and timeline extended. o TENANTS
• If the customer is a tenant, a signed rental agreement or owner statement must be provided. An owner’s statement consists of a document signed by the owner of the property authorizing the tenant to reside at the property and will only be accepted if there is no rental agreement. • Tenant name must appear on the rental agreement or owner statement for name to appear on utility account and print on utility bill.
• If tenant wants to start an account and property is in past owner’s name, then the steps above for new owners must be met in addition to the rental agreement or owner statement. • All owner accounts must be paid in full before account can be changed to tenant name and responsibility.
B. Deposit
A minimum $100.00 deposit will be collected from all customers to create a new account. This deposit will be applied to final bill and any balance will then be refunded when service is terminated by customer. o Deposit amount will depend on customer payment history and customer classification (residential vs commercial)
• If customer has a negative payment history, maximum deposit collected will be $200.00.
C. Identification
A valid U.S. government-issued identification, with a photograph, must be presented at time of application. o Temporary forms of identification, without a photograph, will not be accepted. o Foreign forms of identification will not be accepted. - A social security card may be presented along with a photo identification with matching name.
3. BILLING SCHEDULE, FEES, & PAYMENT OPTIONS/PLAN
A. Billing Schedule
o Bills are issued once a month for water and sewer services B. Payment Options
o Accepted payment methods: cash, credit/debit card, cashier’s checks, money order, check, automatic bank draft*
• If water services are shut off due to non-payment, only cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, or card payments will be accepted to restore services.
• Credit and debit card transactions may be subject to additional processing fees. • Our Finance Department staff does not process payments over the phone in-house. - If customers would like to make a payment over the phone, they may call 1-833-941-6951. Additional fees may apply.
o Online website is: Corning.org
o Finance Department Phone Number: (530) 824-7020
o Customers may qualify for a payment plan if they experience an abnormally high-water bill due to a leak on the customer’s side of the water meter. A leak is defined as unintentional water loss caused by broken or damaged plumbing fixtures, pipes, and/or irrigation equipment, not caused by the willful or intentional act of the customer. Under this exception, The City will not discontinue water service if the customer meets the following conditions:
o The leak was on the customer’s side of the water meter. - Shutting off the source of the leak is not considered a repair. o The leak has been repaired within the specified time frame required by the Public Works Department. o Leak repair must be confirmed before payment plan may be approved. o A written request for a payment plan must be submitted to the Finance Department before water services are shut off.
o Payment plans may be denied if high usage is due to a different situation deemed negligent or wasteful. o Accounts with a balance more than 60 days past due may result in water disconnection. o Payment of entire account balance plus a reconnection fee will be required to restore water services.
C. Additional Fees
o Late payments are subject to late fees. A penalty of $15.00 will be applied to all balances not paid by their due date. Another $15.00 will be applied to account every 30 days thereafter if balance remains unpaid. o Tampering with meters or the unauthorized obtaining of water will result in additional fees or other consequences, which could include the filing of criminal charges. Meter tampering is very hazardous and can result in injury.
• An additional charge of a minimum of $250.00 may be applied to bill if meter is tampered with or damaged, along with any direct costs incurred by the city for the repair. o There will be a minimum $35.00 fee for any checks or reversed online payments returned by the bank for nonsufficient funds (NSF). • After 2nd NSF transaction, personal checks and online payments will no longer be accepted as a form of payment.
Customers will be required to make timely cash, money order, or card payments for a 12-month period before they will be permitted to make personal check and/or online payments again. • Customers will be notified via email or by mail about the payment limitations. o Reconnection fee during normal operating hours is $50.00. o Reconnection fee outside of normal operating hours is $150.00. o All reconnection fees may be subject to an annual adjustment for changes in the Consumer Price Index beginning January 1, 2021.
D. Other
○ Account balances are considered confidential and may not be shared without prior authorization of account holder.
• If grant deed shows two or more owners and account is opened under one sole name, prior authorization will be required to add the second owner’s name (after account creation).
4. ADMINISTRATION OF DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS
A. Due Date & Notices
o All bills are delinquent if balance is not paid by the due date printed on utility bill. o When payments are 31-59 days past due, at least 1 payment reminder will be sent to customers in form of a paper statement or a phone call.
o The City will not discontinue water services for nonpayment until the payment by customer has been delinquent for at least 60 days.
o At least 7 business days prior to water shut off of a detached single-family dwelling (or 10 days if a multi-unit residential), the City will contact customers in writing or by phone to provide notice of the disconnection as set forth below:
• If the notice is by phone, the City will offer to provide the customer with the City’s utility policy, provide balance owed on account, and discuss options to avoid discontinuing water service, including payment plans, bill review, and appeal.
• If the notice is given in writing, the notice will be given to customers, in form of a letter or hanger placed on the door. This will be placed at the service address. If the mailing address on account is different than the service address, a copy of the notice will be sent to the mailing address as well. The notices must include the following:
- Account name
- Service address
- Past due balance
- Date by which payment or arrangement of payment is required to avoid water shut off - Description of medical and financial factors that may qualify customers for a payment plan - Description of the procedure by which a customer can request a deferred, amortized, reduced or alternative payment schedule.
- Procedure to petition for review and appeal the bill:
If the customer appeals the water bill using the process set forth under Corning Municipal Code Section 13.08.210, then the City will not discontinue service while the appeal is pending.
If the City personnel are unable to contact the customer (or an adult occupying the resident by phone), written notice is returned through the mail as undeliverable, or door hanger is returned, the City shall make a good faith effort to visit the residence and leave another notice.
B. Payment Plan for Qualifying Customers
The City will not shut off residential water service if the customer meets the following health and financial conditions:
o The customer or tenant of the customer submits a certification of a primary care provider that discontinuation of water service (1) would be life threatening to or (2) pose a serious threat to the health and safety of, a resident of the premises where residential service is provided. o The customer demonstrates that he or she is financially unable to pay for residential service within the City’s normal billing cycle. The customer will be deemed financially unable to pay if any member of the customer’s household is (1) a current recipient of CalWORKs, CalFresh, General Assistance, Medi-Cal, SSI/State Supplementary Payment Program, or California Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children or (2) the customer declares that the household’s annual income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level. o The customer is willing to enter an alternative payment plan consistent with the written policies provided pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 116906 of the California Health and Safety Code, with respect to all delinquent charges.
If customer meets all the conditions set above, then:
o The City will offer the customer an alternative payment plan for the unpaid balance over a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 12 months. However, the City may allow a longer repayment period if it’s necessary to avoid undue hardship to the customer based on the circumstances of the individual case. • The customer will be required to pay the past due amounts according to the agreed upon payment plan plus the current water service charges each month.
• Late penalties will be waived for period that the payment agreement is valid. • Failure to comply with the payment plan, each billing period will nullify the agreement, and water may be shut off following 5-days’ posting of a final notice. Failure may be defined as customers failing to pay delinquent charges or current residential services charges for 60 days or more.
C. Landlord-Tenant Accounts
If the property receiving service is an individually metered residential service to detached single-family dwellings, multi-unit residential structures or mobile home parks, where the property owner or manager, not the tenant, is the customer of record:
o At least 10 days (7 days if the property is a detached single-family dwelling) prior to the possible termination of water service, the City will inform the occupants by written notice that water service will be terminated. The written notice must also inform the tenants that they have the right to become customers to whom the service will be billed, without having to pay any of the delinquent amounts. o If one or more tenants/occupants assumes responsibility for subsequent charges to the account to the City’s satisfaction, or there is a physical means to selectively terminate service to those tenants/occupants who have not met the City’s requirements, then the Water Department may make service available only to those tenants/occupants who have met the requirements.
If a tenant is shut off and does not provide an update to the Finance Department within 7 days, to state intent to settle amount owed, account will revert to the property owner’s name.
D. Water Shut Off & Re-Establishing Service
Customers who fail to make a timely payment after final notice is delivered to service address (door hanger), shall have their water turned off until entire account balance is paid and any other necessary fees/increased deposit.
o Deposits - Such deposits will remain on account until the final termination of service by the customer. • Single Family & Multi-Unit Residential Customers may be required to increase their deposit to a maximum of $200.00
• Commercial Accounts
- If services have not been stopped in the past, a $200.00 deposit will be collected. - If services have been turned off once before, customers shall pay an additional deposit to restore service. The deposit will be calculated as an average of 12 months’ charges. o If the classification of an account is not clear, commercial account will be defined by its zoning.
o Reconnection Fee (Water Turn-On Fee) – All reconnection fees may be subject to an annual adjustment in the Consumer Price Index Beginning January 1, 2021. Fees should not exceed the actual cost of reconnection if less.
• A reconnection fee of $50.00 will be charged to customers if services are restored during normal operating hours.
• A reconnection fee of $150.00 will be charged to customers if services are restored outside of normal business hours.
Only authorized employees of the City of Corning Public Works Department shall turn the water on or off from any building or premises or perform work with pipes in the meter boxes or with any other part of the water system.
Meter tampering fee may apply.
5. CLOSING ACCOUNTS
It is the responsibility of the customer to notify the Finance Department personnel of changes that have occurred at the service address, including contact information. When a customer moves from the account location, and closes their account, the deposit shall be applied against any unpaid balance, and the remainder shall be refunded within 30 days of the date upon which the customer gives notice of termination of service.
If they are the owner, they must pay the balance before a new tenant is allowed to move in. Should a customer abandon the premises, leaving a bill unpaid, the deposit shall be applied to the unpaid balance, and any remaining balance due shall be referred to collections. After closing account, if there is an excess balance, customer has the option of transferring funds to a different account instead of receiving refund check. Customer requesting balance transfer shall provide a signed acknowledgement specifying account to/from information. All transfers are final and may not be reversed once processed.
Water services may be turned off by customer request; however, sewer charges will continue until customer change is finalized.
Before a new tenant can start an account, owner must pay any pending balance on current account.
6. POLICY REVIEW
This policy and any related policy is available in Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog online at Corning.org. The policy may also be made available in any other language spoken by at least 10% of the people residing in the City of Corning jurisdiction.
This policy will be reviewed as necessary to update any changes in law, technology, or procedures.
ITEM NO: J-6
APPROVE A SUPPLEMENTAL
BUDGET APPROPRIATION,
PURCHASE OF A NEW SERVER, AND
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT
August 11, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: BRANT MESKER, CITY MANAGER
EDUARDO CURIEL, CHIEF OF POLICE
SUMMARY:
The Corning Police Department’s existing server is well over a decade old and has reached its end of life. Staff is requesting the replacement and upgrade of the server to ensure the ongoing safety and effectiveness of our police force.
The single quote was received from Computer Logistics, the City’s IT provider. This purchase is urgent as communications are critical as the pricing for the server is volatile. Staff previously received a quote of $28,000 prior to the 2026-2027 fiscal year and since then, the price has increased to $49,942.82.
FINANCIAL:
During the 2026/27 Fiscal Year Budget, $28,000 was budgeted for the replacement of the server. Staff is requesting a supplemental appropriation of funds in the amount of $21,942.82 from the General Fund. The total cost for equipment and installation is $49,942.82.
RECOMMENDATION:
MAYOR AND COUNCIL APPROVE THE:
• CITY COUNCIL DETERMINES THAT THIS PURCHASE IS EXEMPT FROM THE CITY’S PURCHASING POLICY PER SECTION 3.12.082 A-4 OF THE CORNING MUNICIPAL CODE;
• AUTHORIZE A SUPPLEMENTAL APPRORIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,942.82 FROM THE GENERAL FUND.
• AUTHORIZE THE CCITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND SIGN AN
AGREEMENT WITH COMPUTER LOGISTICS FOR THE PURCHASE AND
INSTALLATION OF A NEW SERVER AND EQUIPMENT.