Cotati City Council
December 9, 2025

C:\Users\kduran\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\1MA9JXJN\Summary City Council Committee Appointents 3.11.25(2024)(1).docx Cotati City Council
Appointments and Assignments for 2025
REVISED 12/4/2025
Name of Committee Current
Member(s)
Alternate

POSITIONS HELD BY COUNCILMEMBERS
Ad-Hoc Sub-Committees
None active.

Regional Committees/Boards
(City Council Appointed)
Assoc. of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Sylvia Lemus Susan Harvey CRPUSD (Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District) 2x2x2x2 Laura Sparks John Savage
N/A
Rohnert Park-Cotati Library Advisory Board John Savage Ben Ford Mayors’ and Councilmembers Legislative Committee Representative Sylvia Lemus Laura Sparks REMIF/CIRA Board of Directors Damien O’Bid Susan Harvey Russian River Watershed Association Ben Ford Laura Sparks Sonoma Clean Power Sylvia Lemus Ben Ford
Sonoma Co. Transportation Authority/Regional Climate Protection Authority (SCTA/RCPA)
Susan Harvey Ben Ford
Sonoma Co. Waste Management Agency (SCWMA/Zero Waste Sonoma) Susan Harvey Sylvia Lemus Sonoma Water Advisory Committee (WAC) Laura Sparks Sylvia Lemus Groundwater Sustainability Agency (Santa Rosa Plain) Susan Harvey Sylvia Lemus League of California Cities’ Annual Meeting Voting Delegate (assigned prior to meeting)
(assigned prior to
meeting)
Liaisons
Cotati Chamber of Commerce Sylvia Lemus John Savage
Rancho-Cotati Rotary Club Susan Harvey Laura Sparks
Regional Committees/Boards
(Appointments as Indicated)
Joint Cotati City Council/Rohnert Park City Council Appointments Sonoma County Homeless Coalition Board of Directors
(Formerly the Continuum of Care Board of Directors)
Jackie Elward
(Rohnert Park)
Laura Sparks
Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association Appointments
Executive Board/City Selection Committee Mayor Vice Mayor League of California Cities’ North Bay Exec. Board Susan Harvey N/A Recommended by City Selection Committee (Appointed by County Board of Supervisors) LAFCO Susan Harvey N/A
Measure “O” Oversight Committee (County Mental Health Tax) Ben Ford N/A

POSITIONS HELD BY COTATI CITIZENS
(APPOINTED BY CITY COUNCIL OR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, AS NOTED) AB 939 Local Task Force (Board of Supervisors appointment) Mark Soiland N/A Library Commission-Sonoma County Library (City Council appointment) Tina Poles N/A Marin/Sonoma Mosquito Vector Control Dist. (City Council appointment) Susan Harvey N/A Climate Action Advisory Committee
(Cotati RCPA Director appointment, 2 members)
Neil Hancock
Ryan Martin-Dent N/A
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C:\Users\kepatterson\Downloads\Detail Committee Assignments (2024).docx Cotati City Council
Appointments and Assignments Worksheet 2025
REVISED 12/4/2025
Name of
Committee
Hours/Duties

POSITIONS HELD BY COUNCILMEMBERS
Ad-Hoc Sub-Committees
Community-Police
Advisory Selection
Committee
NOT

CURRENTLY
ACTIVE
Dept.: City Manager
Hours: 1-2 hours per application received for review and interview of candidates.

Duties: Review applications to serve on the advisory committee and participate in the interviews and candidate selection.

Regional Committees/Boards
City Council Appointed Positions
Assoc. of Bay Area
Governments
(ABAG)
Dept.: City Manager
Hours: General Assemblies meeting in spring and fall
Duties: Attend and vote as needed at general assembly meetings Note: ABAG Alternates have voting rights
CRPUSD (CotatiRohnert Park
Unified School
District ) 2x2x2x2
Generally meets monthly, or as needed, to discuss issues in common with the Cities of Cotati and Rohnert Park and the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District. Meetings are typically 1-2 hours each. More recently has also include representatives from Sonoma State University.

Rohnert ParkCotati Library
Advisory Board
Optionally attend meetings in February, April, June, August, October and December, normally on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library. Liaisons are non-voting members.
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C:\Users\kepatterson\Downloads\Detail Committee Assignments (2024).docx Name of
Committee
Hours/Duties
Mayors’ and
Council Members
Legislative
Committee Liaison
Dept.: City Manager.

Hours: Third Friday of each month in-person in Santa Rosa, 9 am – 11 am.

Duties: The Legislative Committee, established by the Mayors and Councilmembers Bylaws, consists of a Mayor or Councilmember from each of the member cities, chosen by their respective Councils. Its duties are to review pending policy issues affecting cities and to advocate for those on behalf of the cities within Sonoma County. The committee Chairperson shall be the liaison to the Mayors and Councilmembers Board of Directors and shall provide regular updates at the Board of Directors meetings.

REMIF/CIRA
Board of Directors
Dept.: City Manager.

Hours: Board meetings 4 times per year in Sacramento (generally all day); 2-day annual meeting each January (location rotates). Cotati also currently holds the Vice Chair seat on the Executive Committee, the Underwriting Committee, the Health Plan Transition Committee and Chair of the REMIF Board of Directors, each which generally meets monthly, virtual or in person in Sacramento.

Duties: Day to day management of risk management activities.

Qualifications: Specialized knowledge of risk management; recommended that staff be appointed given operational implications of this board.

Russian River
Watershed
Association
Dept.: Public Works
Hours: Meetings typically held from 9-11 am on 4th Thursday of the month every other month in Windsor. 2 hours every other month for Board meeting, plus time for preparation, travel, etc.

Duties: Attend RRWA Board meetings, as Cotati is a member. This group works on a variety of watershed issues that affect all members in the Russian River Watershed. It is an informational and advocacy group that focuses on watershed pollutants, permit issues, etc. The biggest issue currently is the pending municipal stormwater discharge permits.

Qualifications: Should have an interest and preferably background in regional watershed issues.
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C:\Users\kepatterson\Downloads\Detail Committee Assignments (2024).docx Name of
Committee
Hours/Duties
Sonoma Clean
Power
Dept: N/A
Hours: Meets in Santa Rosa on the 1st Thursday of every month from 9:00am – 12 noon. Allow for 3 hours every month for SCP Board meetings, plus time for preparation, travel, etc. Agendas and related documents can be lengthy and time consuming to review. Allow 5-15 hours per month.

Duties: Represent Cotati on regional green power agency. Weigh in on myriad power issues related to procurement and provision of clean energy on a regional basis. Involvement in representing the interests of California’s community choice electricity providers in the legislature and at state regulatory agencies. Work to help lead county wide GHG reduction efforts.

Qualifications: Should have some background and interest in power issues, clean power, and GHG emission reduction efforts. Preferably served as an alternate on SCP BOD for several years before becoming primary. Established working relationships with Sonoma County councilmembers and supervisors preferable.

Sonoma Co.

Transportation
Authority/Regional
Climate Protection
Authority
(SCTA/RCPA)
Dept.: Public Works
Hours: Meetings typically held from 3:00-5:00 pm on 1st Monday of the month in Santa Rosa. 2 hours every month for SCTA Board meetings, plus time for preparation, travel, etc. Agendas and related documents are lengthy and very time consuming to review. Allow 5-15 hours minimum per month.

Duties: Weigh in on a myriad of transportation related issues, including all modes of transportation. Involved in local and regional (Caltrans) projects. Also evolving to coordinate county wide GHG reduction efforts, which will become important.

Qualifications: Should have an interest in and preferably a background in transportation issues, including how they relates to GHG emissions. Preferably served as an alternate on SCTA/RCPA BOD for several years before becoming primary. Established working relationships with Sonoma County councilmembers and supervisors crucial.
*This is a critical assignment.

Sonoma Co. Waste
Management
Agency (SCWMA
aka Zero Waste
Sonoma)
Dept.: City Manager
Hours: Meets in Santa Rosa on 3rd Wednesday 9-11am, time commitment approx. 6 hours/month
Duties: Joint Powers agency with oversight of landfill and county-wide recycling efforts and hazardous materials.
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C:\Users\kepatterson\Downloads\Detail Committee Assignments (2024).docx Name of
Committee
Hours/Duties
Sonoma Water
Advisory
Committee (WAC)
Dept.: Public Works
Hours: Meetings typically held from 9-12 am on 1st Monday of the month at the Santa Rosa Utilities Field Office. 3 hours every month for WAC Board meetings, plus time for preparation, travel, etc. Agendas and related documents are lengthy and very time consuming to review. Allow 10 hours minimum per month Duties: Weigh in on issues related to Sonoma Water water supply. The continuing Potter Valley Project issue is time consuming and may also require out of state travel to advocate on behalf of the City.

Qualifications: Should have an interest in and background in regional water supply issues. It will be especially important as the City deals with these issues. *This is a critical assignment. If the representative does not attend the City does not get a vote. Staff are not able to vote on behalf of the City.

Groundwater
Sustainability
Agency (Santa
Rosa Plain)
Dept: Public Works
Hours: Typically 2nd Thursday, every other month, 1-3:30 PM Duties: Administered by Sonoma Water, Cotati sits on the GSA Board for the Santa Rosa Plain. This board reviews groundwater management activities and oversees monitoring.

Qualifications: Should have an interest in and background in regional water supply issues.

League of
California Cities’
Annual Meeting
Voting Delegate
Votes on resolutions at the annual business meeting during the Cal Cities annual conference. Generally Mayor and Vice Mayor, unless one or both are unable to attend.

Liaisons
Chamber of
Commerce
Attend monthly Chamber of Commerce Board of Director’s meetings on the 2nd Tuesday at 5:15 p.m., immediately before the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

Rancho Cotati
Rotary Club
Hours: Thursdays at noon.

Location: China Village, 8501 Gravenstein Hwy, Cotati
Duties: Attend meetings on behalf of the City.
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C:\Users\kepatterson\Downloads\Detail Committee Assignments (2024).docx Name of
Committee
Hours/Duties
Regional Committees/Boards
Appointments as Indicated
Joint Cotati City Council/Rohnert Park City Council Appointments Sonoma County
Homeless
Coalition Board of
Directors
(Cotati-Rohnert
Park
Representative)
Dept.: City Manager
Hours: Monthly meetings of Board, currently with various subcommittee appointments. Board meetings typically 4 hours each (1 – 5 pm). Allow for 12 hours per month, with an additional 4 hours per month of meeting preparation.

Duties: To ensure a well-functioning homelessness system of care in Sonoma County that works for the entire county.

Qualifications: Can be staff, elected, or citizen jointly appointed by the Cotati and Rohnert Park City Councils. Dense subject matter, so an understanding of homelessness systems or long-term appointment to be conversant in the subject matter desirable.

Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association Appointments
Executive Board
and City Selection
Committee
Member and alternate established by Gov’t Code § 50270 et seq League of
California Cities’
North Bay Exec.

Board
Appointed by the Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association Board of Directors; term expires TBD
Board of Supervisor Appointments (Recommended City Selection Committee) LAFCO Dept.: Board of Supervisors appointment; Recommended by City Selection Committee; current 4 year term expires 2/2027
Hours: Monthly in the Board of Supervisors’ Chamber on the first Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.

Duties: To regulate the boundaries of cities and special districts. 401 of 545

C:\Users\kepatterson\Downloads\Detail Committee Assignments (2024).docx Name of
Committee
Hours/Duties
Measure “O”
Oversight
Committee
(County Mental
Health Tax)
Dept: Board of Supervisors appointment; Recommended by City Selection Committee; current 3 year term expires 12/2027.

Hours: Approximately quarterly, meetings currently held virtually. 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Duties: Review the receipt and expenditures of Measure O revenue, including the County’s annual independent audit in conjunction with the County’s budget process. Produce an annual oral or written report on its review which shall be considered by the Board at a public meeting. The committee’s responsibilities shall not include decision-making on spending priorities, financing plans or tax rate projections or assumptions and the committee shall have no authority to direct, nor shall it direct, County or City staff or officials.

POSITIONS HELD BY COTATI CITIZENS
(APPOINTED BY CITY COUNCIL OR

THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, AS NOTED)
Name of
Committee
Hours/Duties
AB 939 Local Task
Force
Dept.: City Manager
Hours: Bi-monthly - Second Thursday of the month - 1:30-3:00 p.m. - at Sonoma County Department of Transportation & Public Works
Duties: To develop goals, policies, and procedures which are consistent with guidelines and regulations adopted by the Board, to guide the development of the Siting Element of the County-wide integrated waste management plan.

Library
Commission –
Sonoma County
Library
Dept.: N/A
Hours: Meets at Santa Rosa City Hall, generally meets monthly on the first Monday, but the day may vary, with additional special meetings as needed.

Duties/term: Council-appointed citizen commissioner.

Marin/Sonoma
Mosquito and
Vector Control
District
(MSMVCD)
Dept.: N/A
Hours: Board of Trustees meet monthly at MSMVCD headquarters in Cotati at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Duties/term: City Council appointed for 2 or 4 year terms. 402 of 545

C:\Users\kepatterson\Downloads\Detail Committee Assignments (2024).docx Climate Action
Advisory
Committee
(CAAC)
Dept. City Manager. Two representatives are chosen by each RCPA Board members from their respective jurisdictions.

Duties: The CAAC provides information and advice to the Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA) Board, staff and project consultants during the development and implementation of climate action programs. The CAAC does not take official votes or make direct recommendations to any hearing body and consists of stakeholders selected by the RCPA Board of Directors, to represent a diversity of viewpoints and areas of technical expertise.

Hours: The CAAC meets quarterly on the 2nd Friday in January, April, July, and October.
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: PROCLAMATION SCHEDULE FOR 2026
Date: December 9, 2025
Written by: Damien O'Bid, City Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council have an initial discussion, and if ready, adopt a motion approving the public awareness process and the proclamation schedule for 2026.

Background
On July 25, 2023 the City Council adopted a recognition and flag policy. At that time, the City Council also adopted an initial schedule of proclamations. Since then, the Council has annually updated this proclamations table for the upcoming year. The most recent table, for 2025, is attached.

Analysis/Discussion
As is often the case, other proclamations may come up that are not on the schedule but can be added as needed. The intent of the schedule of proclamations is to forecast recurring proclamations and assist with planning. Proclamations are published in the agenda packet for the meeting at which they will be read.

Currently, the full text of all proclamations are posted on the City website “headlines” following the City Council meeting. However, it is recommended by staff that the following changes to this process be adopted to raise public awareness on topics of interest to the City:
• If the City Council or Staff are indicated as the “organizing lead”, the full text of proclamations will continue to be posted on the City website “headlines”, but the photo of the proclamation recipient with the City Council will also be posted on the City social media accounts.
• Other proclamations that are requested by outside groups would not be posted on the 404 of 545
website or social media, unless specifically requested by the City Council on a case-by-case basis.

Financial Considerations
Proclamations, if there is a template provided, typically do not take more than 1-2 hours of staff time to agendize and coordinate with the receiving party. This can get significantly more time consuming if template materials are not provided, sensitivity of the subject matter, or desire for ceremonies/events following the proclamation.

Environmental Issues
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378.
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Annual Calendar of City Proclamations
Proclamation Title Timing/Frequency
(X) Only if Requested by
a Community
Organization
Organizing Lead Flag Flag
Ceremony
January
-
February
Black History Month Annual Lemus
March
Women’s History Month Annual Sparks
National Surveyor's Week Begins 3rd Sunday Annual X
American Red Cross Month Annual X
April
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Annual X
WOTYC Proclamation
(Week of the Young Child) 1
st or 2nd week Annual X
NPST Week
(National Public Safety Telecommunicators
Week)
Annual STAFF
MOVES Proclamation
(Children's Memorial Day) 4th Friday Annual X
National Library Week Proclamation Late April Annual X
May
Asian Pacific Islander History Month Annual Lemus
Mental Health Awareness Month Annual X
Bike Month Proclamation Annual X
Affordable Housing Month Annual X
National Public Works Week Mid-May Annual STAFF
June
Pride Month Annual Savage X X
Women Veterans Day June 12, Annual Harvey
Juneteenth Proclamation June 19, Annual Ford X 406 of 545X Annual Calendar of City Proclamations
Proclamation Title Timing/Frequency
(X) Only if Requested by
a Community
Organization
Organizing Lead Flag Flag
Ceremony
July
Zero Waste Week Proclamation Last Week of July Annual STAFF August
Women's Equality Day Proclamation August 26 Annual X
September
Latino Heritage Month Annually, 9/15-10/15 Lemus
International Day of Peace Annually, Sept. 21 X
Creek Week Begins 3rd Monday, Annual STAFF
October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Annual Harvey
Disability Employment Awareness Month Annual X
World Polio Awareness Day 4
th Tuesday of October X
November
Indigenous Peoples Day (2nd Monday of
October) / Native American Heritage Month
(November)
Annual Lemus
Transgender Rememberance Day Annual Savage
December
-
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: 2026 VERONDA-FALLETTI RANCH WORKPLANS AND NEW

LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH AGRI-CULTURE AND

EXTENSION OF THE SANDY LOAM LICENSE
Date: December 9, 2025
Written by: Damien O'Bid, City Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution: 1. Approving the 2026 work plan for the Veronda Falletti Ranch (Ranch), 2. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a 3-year license agreement with Agri-CULTURE to operate the livestock, horticulture, compost and other related programs, substantially in the form attached and subject to final approval of the City Attorney, 3.

Authorizing the City Manager to amend the license agreement with Sandy Loam to synchronize the term dates, and other minor edits and 4. Authoring the requested budget amendment.

Background
The Veronda Falletti Ranch (Ranch) is a City owned ranch that is intended to serve as a venue for a wide variety of agricultural-based education and events.

The City received notice that Farmster was winding down operations, effective July 31, 2024. Beginning in late July 2024, Fern Homestead (dba Phoenix Farm Concepts) assumed operations from Farmster as an interim operator for 6 months and Sandy Loam continued as the second licensed operator. Phoenix Farm Concepts managed the city-owned livestock, compost program, and horticulture program for all ages. Sandy Loam manages the Ranch common areas, conducts a variety of all-age community workshops and open farm events, as well as programs with a focus on youth education.

Following a public RFP process, the City selected Phoenix Farm Concepts to continue as the second licensee for a 3-year term. However, Phoenix Farm Concepts ultimately declined to continue as a licensee for 2025. A member of the Phoenix Farm Concepts team, Bryce Nahas, expressed interest in assuming the licensed operation. The City Council subsequently approved 408 of 545
an interim license with Bryce Nahas for 12 months, ending in January 2026. During 2025, City staff believe that Bryce Nahas (dba Agri-CULTURE) has performed admirably and brought new ideas to the Ranch, including the initial pilot CSA food box program.

Analysis/Discussion
Sandy Loam and Agri-CULTURE work closely together and with the City to design and run community programming. For 2026, they have submitted a joint annual workplan, attached.

The workplan is tailored to focus on areas of community interest, integration between the licensees and City input on priorities to develop a mix of paid, low cost and free programming with a focus on fiscal sustainability.

Sandy Loam would continue to be the lead operator for overall property maintenance and management.

In addition to the workplan, the City will need to revise and extend the license agreement with Agri-Culture and approve a budget amendment to implement the workplan. Staff suggest a 3 year term and an amendment to the Sandy Loam license agreement so that they have the same term dates (1/1/2029). Sandy Loam’s license agreement currently expires in 2026.

Financial Considerations
The 2025 Agri-Culture work plan has a cost of $80,990, which is similar to the budget authorized for Farmster in 2024. The 2025 Sandy Loam work plan has a cost of $126,445, which is similar to the workplan cost in 2024. The total programming and maintenance costs for the Ranch in 2025 was slightly reduced to $207,435, compared to 2024, and is expected to finish the year on budget. Based on revenue in 2025 to date, offsetting revenue is expected to be approximately $40k (19% cost recovery), with a net total annual General Fund contract cost of approximately $167,000.

Cost control and revenue generation, while simultaneously ensuring accessibility of community programs, continues to be a significant focus at the Ranch in 2026. Regardless, all expenditures go towards the matching grant requirements. The proposed workplan for 2026 includes expenditures of $324k, an increase of approximately $116k over the 2025 workplan. However, the increase in expenditures is expected to be offset by $180k in revenue, for a net City expenditure of $143k (56% cost recovery), which is a $24k reduction in net annual operating costs for the City. With the long-term resources in place for 2026, the workplan projects continued program growth and higher revenue in 2027.

The increase in budgeted expenditures are intended to reach full operations and a future steady state of operations to maximize the community programming and cost recovery. The multi-year cost recovery goal is to achieve a net licensee operating cost of $100k to achieve stability and protect long-term access and programming for the community. Although not accounted for in the workplan, other potential revenue sources may include grants or jointly funded programs that 409 of 545
are aligned with the mission of the Ranch.

The Ranch workplan years are based on calendar years, so they bridge City fiscal years and are budgeted across fiscal years accordingly. In the current fiscal year budget, the City has budgeted $205,000 in expenditures and $20,500 in revenue, based on the 2025 workplan projections. To approve the workplan, the City Council will also need to authorize a budget amendment to accommodate the higher expenditures and revenues that are anticipated.

Environmental Issues
Where it can be determined with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA review.

This general rule can be applied to activities which could be subject to the CEQA process, but which logic dictates should not be subject to CEQA review. Therefore, based on the information provided above, the proposed resolution is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 14.03.021 of the CEQA Guidelines in that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant impact on the environment.
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RESOLUTION NO. (XX)
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI 1. APPROVING THE 2026 WORK PLAN FOR THE VERONDA FALLETTI RANCH (RANCH), 2.

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A 3-YEAR LICENSE

AGREEMENT WITH AGRI-CULTURE TO OPERATE THE LIVESTOCK,

HORTICULTURE, COMPOST AND OTHER RELATED PROGRAMS,

SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE FORM ATTACHED AND SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL OF THE CITY ATTORNEY, 3. AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER

TO AMEND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH SANDY LOAM TO
SYNCHRONIZE THE TERM DATES, AND OTHER MINOR EDITS AND 4.

AUTHORING THE REQUESTED BUDGET AMENDMENT.

WHEREAS, the Veronda Falletti Ranch (Ranch) is a City owned ranch that is intended to serve as a venue for a wide variety of agricultural-based education and events; and WHEREAS, Bryce Nahas (dba Agri-CULTURE) manages the city-owned livestock, compost program, and horticulture program for all ages and Sandy Loam manages the Ranch common areas, conducts a variety of all-age community workshops and open farm events, as well as programs with a focus on youth education; and
WHEREAS, Agri-CULTURE assumed licensed operation on a 12 month interim basis, ending in January 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City believes that Agri-CULTURE has performed admirably in 2025 and brought new ideas to the Ranch, including the initial pilot CSA food box program, and desires to extend the license agreement with Agri-CULTURE for 3 years (ending 1/1/2029); and WHEREAS, Sandy Loam continues to perform well as the primary licensee at the Ranch and the City Council desires to extend their license agreement as well to align with the end date of the Agri-Culture license agreement; and
WHEREAS, the City has reviewed the proposed combined 2026 Workplan for the Ranch and finds that it is aligned with the vision for the Ranch; and WHEREAS, where it can be determined with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA review. This general rule can be applied to activities which could be subject to the CEQA process, but which logic dictates should not be subject to CEQA review. Therefore, based on the information provided above, the proposed resolution is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 14.03.021 of the CEQA Guidelines in that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant impact on the environment.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Cotati hereby determines:

1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated into the findings herein.

2. The 2026 Workplan for the Ranch is approved (Exhibit A). 411 of 545

3. The City Manager is authorized to enter into a 3-year license agreement with Bryce Nahas (dba Agri-CULTURE) in substantially the form attached as Exhibit B, subject to final approval by the City Attorney.

4. The City Manager is authorized to extend the existing license agreement with Sandy Loam to align with the end date of the Agri-CULTURE license agreement and other minor clarifying edits.

5. Approve the budget amendment for additional appropriations and estimated increased revenues, attached as Exhibit C.

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cotati held on December 9, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

Approved:___________________________
Mayor
Attest:______________________________
Kevin Patterson, City Clerk
Approved as to form:______________________________
City Attorney
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BRYCE NAHAS (dba Agri-CULTURE)

VERONDA-FALLETTI RANCH DEMONSTRATION FARM LICENSE AND

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
THIS LICENSE AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (this
“Agreement”) is entered into this _____ day of ________, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), by and between the City of Cotati, a municipal corporation of the State of California (the “City”), and Bryce Nahas, a sole proprietor (“Licensee”). The City and Licensee are sometimes individually referred to as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties.”

RECITALS
A. The City is the owner of that certain real property located at 175 West Sierra Avenue, in the City of Cotati, Sonoma County, California (the “Property”) including the Licensed Premises, as more particularly described and depicted in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, consisting of approximately 4.4 acres including a perimeter pathway and picnic area at the corner of East School Street and El Rancho.

B. The Property may contain one or more non-exclusive licenses to further the public purpose of the Property, including use as a demonstration farm, recreation area, and farm based and historical education. This non-exclusive license agreement covers access to the Property, which includes the perimeter fencing and all areas and structures within the perimeter fencing, including the Licensed Premises in Exhibit A (the “Licensed Premises”).

C. The Property and Licensed Premises are subject to restrictions in use, as described in that certain Deed and Agreement by and between the City of Cotati and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District recorded October 17, 2008 as Document No. 2008-095027 (the “Conservation Easement”) and that certain Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (“Open Space District”) and the approved City Work Plan dated July 1, 2021 attached hereto as Exhibit B, as may be subsequently amended, both incorporated herein by this reference.

D. On September 24, 2018, the City and Farmster entered that certain Veronda-Falletti Ranch Demonstration Farm License Agreement (the “2018 License Agreement”) for a threeyear period ending September 24, 2021, with up to three additional 5-year renewal terms unless either party gave notice to terminate.

E. On October 26, 2021, the City approved new license agreements with Farmster and Ammamma Tati to cover the primary conditions of use of the property for a 5-year term, while relying on an annual Farm Work Plan process for operational and programming details to maintain flexibility as community needs dictate.

F. On February 13, 2024, the City revised the license agreements to incorporate the sublicensee template and various other minor amendments to clarify administrative procedures.

G. On July 1, 2024, Farmster provided the City with official notice of its intent to dissolve and discontinue operations on the Property, effective July 31, 2024. 435 of 545
H. On July 9, 2024, the City Council authorized the execution of a 6-month license agreement with Tomi Henry to perform work in the approved Farm Work Plan.

I. On December 10, 2024, the City Council authorized a 3-year agreement with Tomi Henry and her team (including Bryce Nahas).

J. Tomi Henry subsequently declined the license; however Bryce Nahas expressed an interest in assuming the license for the Property.

K. Due to the change in licensee and the adjustment to the workplan for 2025, the City issued a 12-month interim license agreement.

L. During the interim 12-month term license, Byrce Nahas has performed admirably and the City desires to continue the licensed operation of the Property.

MJ. To accomplish the programs and activities contemplated for the Property, the City may, in its sole discretion, enter into additional non-exclusive license agreements with any other party (“Other Licensees”) to operate programs and facilities on the Property, including mutual access rights over the Property.

NK. The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement in order to continue available programming and activities on the Property by the Parties for the benefit of the community during the 6 monthfor a 3-year license period, under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Grant of License. City hereby grants to Licensee a revocable, non-transferrable, nonexclusive license (the “License”) to enter the Property and for the specific uses set forth in this Agreement for the Licensed Premises. The License is subject to the terms, covenants, and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and Licensee covenants as a material part of the consideration for this Agreement to keep and perform each and all of the terms, covenants, and conditions set forth herein. The License does not grant a leasehold or grant any property rights to Licensee in the Property or the Licensed Premises. Licensee hereby acknowledge that this Agreement grants a license, not a lease, and therefore Licensee does not have a possessory interest in the Property or the Licensed Premises. City expressly retains the right to grant other licenses relating to the Property and Licensed Premises to any Other Licensees on such terms as City may, in its sole discretion, deem appropriate, but which do not unreasonably interfere with the License granted hereunder or would inhibit Licensee’s ability to perform each and all of the terms, covenants, and conditions set forth herein.

It is understood and agreed by Licensee that the Property and the Licensed Premises are subject to concurrent and superior use by the City including but not limited to the City’s use of the Property and Licensed Premises as open space or other future community use, provided, however, City will not inhibit Licensee’s ability to perform each and all of the terms, covenants, and conditions set forth herein.
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Licensee shall not interfere with the use of or access to the Property or the Licensed Premises by City or by any Other Licensees, nor shall Licensee interfere with any other activity the City deems fit to conduct on the Property, including the Licensed Premises.

2. Expiration of License. The License granted hereunder will automatically expire on January 31, 20295 (the “Expiration Date”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the License granted by the City herein is non-transferrable, non-exclusive, revocable, and may be terminated at any time in accordance with Section 27.

If Licensee does not surrender the Property and/or the Licensed Premises upon the Expiration Date or the sooner termination of the License, Licensee shall be deemed a trespasser and shall be liable to the City for damages, and any personal property of Licensee remaining on the property after the Expiration date or sooner termination of the License shall be deemed to have been abandoned. Licensee agrees to indemnify, defend (with counsel approved by City) and hold the City and its elected and appointed officers, officials, employees, agents and representatives (all of the foregoing collectively “Indemnities”) harmless from and against all liability, loss, cost, claim, demand, action, suit, legal or administrative proceeding, penalty, deficiency, fine, damage and expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of litigation) (all of the foregoing collectively “Claims”) resulting from Licensee’s failure to surrender the Property and/or Licensed Premises, including, without limitation, any Claims made by any Other Licensee or succeeding licensee. Licensee’s indemnification obligations set forth in this Section 2 shall not apply to Claims arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnitees.

3. License Fee. For and in consideration of this Agreement and the License granted herein, on or before the Effective Date and each anniversary thereof, Licensee shall pay to City a fee (the “License Fee”) in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per year, which is in addition to Licensee’s agreement to operate the Licensed Premises in accordance with the Farm Work Plan.

4. Appointment of Property Manager. City hereby appoints Licensee as the Property Manager for the Licensed Premises portion of the Property with the responsibilities for managing, operating, maintaining and servicing the Licensed Premises, only (collectively, the “Management Services”). The specific Management Services required to be performed by Property Manager on the Licensed Premises are set forth in the Farm Work Plan and Exhibit C attached hereto and incorporated into this Agreement by this reference.

5. Representations and Warranties. Licensee represents and warrants to the City that: (i) Licensee and Licensee’s employees, contractors or subcontractors have the necessary skills, experience and resources to provide the Management Services at the Licensed Premises; (ii) Licensee and any of Licensee’s employees, contractors or subcontractors providing the Management Services at the Licensed Premises are qualified to perform the duties of Licensee under this Agreement in full compliance with the laws of the State of California and hold all required licenses, certifications and permits (if any) necessary to perform such duties; (iii) Licensee is duly organized entity as stated under the preamble and validly existing under the State of California; (iv) Licensee has full right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement; and (v) this Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Licensee, enforceable against Licensee in accordance with its terms. 437 of 545

6. Conditions of Use.

Farm Work Plan. Licensee has provided an approved plan to the City which sets forth the plan for the management and operations of the Licensed Premises, which shall be incorporated into an overall plan for the management and operations of the Property in coordination with any Other Licensees on the Property (the “Farm Workplan”).

Farm Work Plan. Each year, Licensee shall provide a plan to the City which sets forth the plan for the management and operations of the Licensed Premises, which shall be incorporated into an overall plan for the management and operations of the Property in coordination with any Other Licensees on the Property (the “Farm Workplan”).
- A detailed proposal for the operation and proposed programming of the demonstration farm.
- A detailed plan that sets forth the scope of work for the management of the Property and the Licensed Premises.
- A preliminary schedule of public events and programs, including cost estimates and estimates of off-setting revenue as well as prior Farm Work Plan year estimates of participants by event and program. - A detailed list of any animals that are owned by Parties that will be or are residing on the Licensed Premises.
- The designation of the person that will act as the Property Manager of the Licensed Premises. This will be the City’s single point of contact for all matters concerning the Licensed Premises. Contact information shall be provided to the City and updated immediately upon any changes. - The proposed construction of any proposed new structures on the Property or the Licensed Premises. Prior to constructing structures on the Licensed Premises in accordance with the Farm Work Plan, Licensee shall obtain advance approval from the Open Space District, as required.

The Farm Workplan must be provided to the City for approval within 60 days of execution of this agreement if no Farm Work Plan exists or shall be updated no less than annually each February, in consultation with the City. City meetings with Licensee shall occur at least monthly, unless another frequency is mutually agreed upon.
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B. Compliance with Laws. Licensee shall comply with the Farm Workplan and with all state, federal and local laws, regulations, rules and orders, applicable to this Agreement, the management of the Demonstration Farm, the Property, the Licensed Premises and the License, including without limitation all Environmental Laws (defined in Exhibit D attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference). Licensee shall not cause or permit any Hazardous Material (defined in Exhibit D) to be generated, brought onto, used, stored, or disposed of in or about the Property.
(i) Notice of Release or Investigation. If during the term of this Agreement, Licensee becomes aware of (a) any actual or threatened release of any Hazardous Material in, on, under, or about the Property, or (b) any inquiry, investigation, proceeding, or claim by any government agency or other person regarding the presence of Hazardous Material in, on, under, or about the Property, Licensee shall give City written notice of the release or investigation within five (5) days after learning of it and shall simultaneously furnish to City copies of any claims, notices of violation, reports, or other writings received by Licensee that concern the release or investigation.
(ii) Remediation Obligations. If the presence of any Hazardous Material brought onto the Property by Licensee or Licensee’s agents, employees, invitees, customers, consultants, contractors or subcontractors results in contamination of the Property or any part thereof, Licensee shall promptly take all necessary actions to remove or remediate such Hazardous Materials, whether or not they are present at concentrations exceeding state or federal maximum concentration or action levels, or any governmental agency has issued a cleanup order, at Licensee’s sole expense, to return the Property to the condition that existed before the introduction of such Hazardous Material. Licensee shall first obtain City’s approval of the proposed removal or remedial action.

C. Minimum Wage Requirements. Licensee shall comply with minimum wage laws, as those wages are determined pursuant to Labor Code Section 1182.12 et seq. (“Minimum Wage Laws”).

Licensee shall indemnify, defend (with counsel reasonably approved by City) and hold the Indemnitees harmless from and against all Claims which directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, are caused by, arise in connection with, result from, relate to, or are alleged to be caused by, arise in connection with, or relate to, the payment or requirement of payment of minimum wages (including without limitation, all claims that may be made by contractors, subcontractors or other third party claimants pursuant to Labor Code Sections 1726 and 1781), whether or not any insurance policies shall have been determined to be applicable to any such Claims. It is further agreed that City does not and shall not waive any rights against Licensee which they may have by reason of this indemnity and hold harmless agreement because of the acceptance by City, or Licensee’s deposit with City of any of the insurance policies described in this Agreement. The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this 439 of 545
Agreement. Licensee’s indemnification obligations set forth in this Section 6.C shall not apply to Claims arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnitees.

D. Pesticide, Herbicide Use. Licensee agree not to apply pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, or other chemical treatments on the Property, except with the prior written consent of the City Manager. At his or her sole discretion, the City Manager may either approve or disapprove of any chemical treatments.

E. Property Management. Licensee shall comply with the Farm Workplan in carrying out the required Management Services. The City reserves the right to request additional Management Services, at the discretion of the City Manager, at any time during the term of this Agreement; provided, however, Licensee shall have the option to terminate this Agreement, in accordance with Section 27, if the additional Management Services requested by the City would result in undue burden on Licensee, as determined is Licensee’s sole discretion. Except as otherwise set forth in the Farm Work Plan and Exhibit C, Licensee shall have no responsibility for management, maintenance, or operation of the Property.

F. Responsibility for Visitors. Licensee may host visitors, educational classes, and special events in accordance the Farm Workplan. Licensee will provide the City with notice of any special events anticipated to exceed 30 visitors no later than ninety (90) calendar days before the date Licensee plans to host the event, unless waived by the City Manager. Licensee will not allow visitors to enter structures that are not suitable for public entry. Licensee will ensure that all activities are conducted in accordance with the Farm Workplan, licensing and other laws and will ensure that each visitor signs a release, waiving any and all Claims against City that arise from visitor’s presence on the Property.

G. Access Routes; Interference. The License includes a non-exclusive license to enter on and use the established access routes and the right of ingress and egress to and from the Property for the purposes of conducting Farm Workplan activities on the Property and providing the Management Services.

H. Improvements. Except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the City, and subject to Section 6.J, below, any changes in infrastructure, fencing, signage, structures or other improvements necessary to implement the Farm Workplan will be funded by Licensee at no cost to the City. If not included in the Farm Workplan, they must be submitted to the City Manager, and/or the Open Space District, as may be required, for written approval prior to any changes.

I. Repair and Maintenance.. All repair and maintenance of improvements installed by the Licensee, or any damage thereto due to the negligence of the Licensee, shall be the obligation of the Licensee. Except as described under Section 7, all other maintenance and repair of the Licensed Premises shall be the obligation of the City, subject to the discretion of the City Manager and available budget to perform the work. Licensee shall immediately notify the City Manager in writing 440 of 545
of the need for maintenance and repair of the Licensed Premises that is the responsibility of the City.

Licensee will use its best efforts and due diligence to deliver the Management Services at the Licensed Premises in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Farm Workplan and policies recommended from time to time by City or by Licensee and approved by City.

J. City Contribution. As agreed to annually in the Farm Work Plan, and subject to budget availability, the City will provide operational funding support for community programming, events and general property maintenance to promote engagement at the Property and Licensed Premises. Unless otherwise agreed in a specific case and subject to the City’s sole discretion, City will arrange for and construct all capital (non-maintenance) improvements. Capital improvements generally are the construction of significant new or replacement infrastructure or structures on the Licensed Premises. Determination of whether work constitutes a capital improvement is within the City’s sole discretion. All capital improvements performed by the City are subject to a mutually agreeable schedule, funding availability, and approval by the City.

K. Temporary Structures. Licensee will have the right to erect, maintain, and remove at Licensee expense, a temporary fence on the Licensed Premises, provided that such fence, including removal, does not damage the Property in any way. Any planned placement or construction of moveable buildings, temporary structures, or signage must be included in the Farm Workplan or otherwise approved by the City in advance.

L. Reimbursement of Farm Expenses. City shall reimburse Licensee for expenses associated with activities approved in the Farm Workplan.

Licensee shall submit an itemized invoice to the City Manager no more frequently than monthly for reimbursement of authorized expenses associated with Farm Workplan. All expenses incurred during the City fiscal year (July 1- June 30), must be submitted no later than August 1 of each year. The City will reimburse Licensee for authorized expenses within thirty (30) days of receipt of the invoice.

M. Use of City Property. Licensee is not permitted to donate, sell or otherwise use materials or products from the Property, except as approved in the Farm Work Plan or by the City Manager. All City funded events and programs must use the City’s designated registration system and all funds and donations shall be remitted to the City. All Licensee events or programs occurring on the Property, regardless of funding source, must be authorized by the City in advance and scheduled on the City’s calendar. Non-City events or programs on the Property are not eligible for reimbursement and paid events or programs will be subject to the current rental rates per the City’s current Fee Schedule. 441 of 545
N. Inspection of Property. City, its contractors and agents, together with the Open Space District, shall have the right to enter in or upon the Property and the Licensed Premises at any time to examine or inspect the same and to perform such construction, improvement, repair, or alteration as City Manager, in his or her opinion, may deem necessary and to post notices of non-responsibility.

O. Background Checks. The Property hosts various children’s programs and camps.

Therefore, the Licensee, any employees and any contractors, or volunteers under the control of the Licensee that are on the Property shall be subject to a background check using the method and format required by the City. The Licensee is required to provide a background check for the Licensee, and initial employees, contractors, and volunteers to the City within 10 business days of the Effective Date of this License Agreement, and the Licensee shall provide a background check for any additional employees, contractors, or volunteers within 10 business days of starting work on the Property. The City may exempt contractors that perform intermittent work, such as routine landscape contractors, janitorial contractors and similar. The City, in its sole discretion, may, in response to a person’s background check exclude the person from the property, and may require updates to background checks at any time.

7. Damages to Property and Licensed Premises. Licensee shall bear responsibility for the cost of any and all damages to or on the Property or Licensed Premises and improvements thereon caused by Licensee’s operations or by any act or omission of Licensee, unless such damages are caused by reasonable wear and tear, as determined by City, or caused by the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City or Other Licensees.

8. Indemnity. Licensee shall indemnify, defend (with counsel reasonably approved by the City), and hold harmless the Indemnitees from and against any and all Claims, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, or liabilities of any kind, arising out of or in connection with Licensee’s actions or inactions relating to this Agreement or Licensee’s failure to comply with any of its obligations contained in this Agreement, except such loss or damage caused by the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City or Other Licensees. Licensee’s obligations under this Section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

9. Release. City makes no representations or warranties whatsoever regarding the condition of the Property or the Licensed Premises, including, without limitation, the suitability or fitness of the Property or the Licensed Premises for the permitted uses. Licensee shall be solely responsible for any damage or harm whatsoever suffered by Licensee, its employees, agents, contractors, servants, licensees, invitees, livestock and other property, and hereby releases, waives and discharges the City and its officers, officials, agents, employees, and volunteers from any claims and demands arising out of such damage or harm. Licensee is aware of the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542 which provides:

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE

CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER

FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF
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KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS
OTHER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.

As relates to this Section, Licensee hereby waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits which Licensee may have under California Civil Code Section 1542. _______________
Licensee’s Initials

7. Liens and Other Encumbrances. Licensee shall keep the Property free and clear of any and all liens and other encumbrances.

8. Insurance. Throughout the Term, Licensee’s will maintain in full force and effect a comprehensive insurance policy applicable to Licensee’s use of the Property with limits of liability of at least:

A. General Liability: $1 million per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. If Commercial General Liability Insurance or other form with a general aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to the Property or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit. Licensee’s general liability statement will name City, its respective officers, officials, agents, employees, and representatives as additional insureds. Licensee will also maintain such other insurance as required by law.

B. Automobile Liability: For the purposes of this interim license, licensee shall maintain no less than $500,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage, with no less than $1 million in umbrella coverage. Additionally, licensee shall not permit any persons to be in the automobile with licensee while performing business related to this license agreement.$1 million per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

C. Workers Compensation: Licensee’s shall provide workers compensation insurance in the amounts required by the State of California.

D. Insurance Requirements. All policies of insurance required hereunder shall be provided by insurance carriers licensed to issue such policies in the State of California and which have a current A.M. Best’s rating of no less an A:VII.

Prior to the Effective Date, Licensee’s shall furnish City with certificates of insurance in form acceptable to City evidencing the required insurance coverage and duly executed endorsements evidencing such additional insured status. The certificates shall contain a statement of obligation on the part of the carrier to notify City of any material change, cancellation, termination or non-renewal of the coverage at least thirty (30) days in advance of the effective date of any such material change, cancellation, termination or non-renewal. Coverage provided by Licensee shall be primary insurance and shall not be contributing with any 443 of 545
insurance, or self-insurance maintained by City, and the policies shall so provide.

The insurance policies shall contain a waiver of subrogation for the benefit of the City.

9. Taxes.

A. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE PROPERTY INTEREST TO BE

CREATED BY THIS AGREEMENT AND TO BE VESTED IN LICENSEE

PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE

PAYMENT OF POSSESSORY INTEREST TAXES LEVIED ON SUCH
INTEREST. THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN PURSUANT TO CAL. REVENUE & TAXATION CODE SECTION 107.6.

B. Licensee’s shall pay any and all taxes assessed as a result of the treatment of Licensee’s interest under this Agreement as a possessory interest under the Revenue and Taxation Code of the State of California. Licensee’s shall also pay before delinquency, all taxes or assessments which may be levied or assessed during the term of this Agreement on all animals and other personal property owned or placed on the Property by Licensee.

10. Assignment. This License is personal to Licensee and may not be transferred or assigned, except with the prior written consent of the City. If, during the term of this Agreement, any Other Licensee on the Property remains in default under their license agreement with the City after expiration of all applicable cure periods, the City may offer, in writing, to cause the assignment of the defaulted license agreement to Licensee before issuing the defaulted license to another entity. Licensee shall have thirty (30) days to accept that assignment of the defaulted license agreement and assume the obligations thereunder. Upon mutual agreement of the Licensee and City, the City may assign the defaulted license agreement to the Licensee.

11. Sublicensee. A sublicensee is any person or group that occupies a portion of the Licensed Premises in any capacity beyond short term permitted events. “Short Term Permitted Event” is defined as any event or activity that is 48 hours or less in duration, unless otherwise permitted by the City. The Licensee may sublicense the Licensed Premises only upon written authorization by the City, in accordance with the City’s authorized sublicense agreement.

12. Amendment. This Agreement can be amended only by a written instrument executed by the City and Licensee.

13. Waiver. The waiver by either Party of any term, covenant, or condition contained in this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a continuing waiver of such term, covenant, or condition, or any subsequent breach of the same or any other term, covenant, or condition in this Agreement.

14. No Rights in Third Parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer any rights or remedies hereunder on any third party, nor is anything in this Agreement intended to relieve or discharge any obligation or liability of any third party to any Party hereto, nor shall any provision in this Agreement give any third party any right of subrogation or action over or against any Party to this Agreement.
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15. Time of Essence. Time is and shall be of the essence of the performance of this Agreement.

16. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California and the City of Cotati Municipal Code.

17. Successors and Assigns. The provisions, terms, and conditions of this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Parties, their heirs, successors, executors, administrators, and permitted assigns. Licensee shall not assign, sublicense or transfer its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the City.

18. Relationship of Parties. The Parties intend by this Agreement to establish the relationship of Parties only, and do not intend to create a partnership, joint venture, joint enterprise, or any other business relationship other than that of Parties. At all times during the term of this agreement, Licensee and Licensee employee’s, agents and any approved subcontractors or assigns shall be independent contractors and are not employees of City. Notwithstanding any other local, state, or federal policy, rule, regulation, law, or ordinance to the contrary, Licensee and any of its employees, agents, and approved subcontractors or assigns providing services under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any and all claims to, any compensation, benefit, or any incident of employment by City.

19. Remedies Cumulative. No remedy or election of remedies provided for in this Agreement shall be deemed exclusive but shall be cumulative with all other remedies at law or in equity. Each remedy shall be construed to give it the fullest effect allowed by law.

20. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall to any extent be or become invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each provision of this Agreement shall be valid and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

21. Notices, Payments, and Demands. All notices, payments, and demands of any kind which either Party may require or desire to serve on the other in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing and may be served (as an alternative to personal service) by first class mail, postage prepaid and addressed to the Party to be served as follows:

City: City Manager
201 West Sierra Avenue
Cotati, CA 9493 I
707-665-3622
Licensee:

Bryce Nahas
7 Cordelia Drive
Petaluma, CA 94952-22281
Attn: Bryce Nahas
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Either Party may change its address by giving notice of such change to the other Party in the manner provided in this Section. All notices and other communications mailed in accordance with this Section shall be deemed communicated as of the earlier of (i) actual receipt or (ii) the fifth day following deposit in the United States Mail.

22. Integration. This Agreement, including any Exhibits hereto, contains all of the agreements and understandings of the Parties with respect to any matter mentioned in this Agreement, and supersedes and terminates all prior and contemporaneous agreements between Parties with respect to the matters covered in this Agreement.

23. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

24. Default and Termination. Unless otherwise set forth in this Agreement, either Party may terminate this Agreement with or without cause upon delivery of not less than 30 days’ advance written notice delivered in accordance with Section 24. If the City or Licensee provides written notice of a default of the terms of this Agreement either Party has thirty (30) days to cure the default. If the default cannot by its nature be cured within such thirty (30) day period, then the City or Licensee will have an additional thirty (30) days to cure the default. A termination for cause pursuant to this provision shall not prejudice or waive any rights or remedies in law which one Party may have against the other.

In the event of a life, health or safety issue on the Licensed Premises, as determined by the City Manager, the City may immediately terminate this Agreement and of all Licensee activities on the Property and the Licensed Premises. City may take any remedial action to abate the life, health or safety issue, at the discretion of City.

The Parties agree to make a good faith attempt to resolve any dispute arising out of this Agreement through mediation prior to commencing litigation. The foregoing does not in any way limit the City’s legal remedies, including but not limited to the remedies set forth herein. The Parties shall mutually agree upon the mediator and shall divide the costs of mediation equally.

Upon termination of this Agreement, Licensee will, at Licensee’s expense, surrender the Property and Licensed Premises in good order and condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and will remove all of Licensee’s personal property. Except as may otherwise be agreed in writing by City and Licensee at the time of installation, all permanent improvement and alterations to the Property, including all equipment, furniture, furnishings, tools, supplies, inventory and other property of City in the possession of Licensee, other than trade fixtures owned by Licensee, will belong to City. Licensee may retain ownership of, and will remove, all sheds, mobile buildings, signs, and other non-permanent improvements Licensee may have made to the Property. Licensee shall deliver to City copies of all books, records and files in possession of Licensee relating to the management, maintenance, operation, marketing and use of the Property, and all keys, combinations to locks, and other security devices on the Property.

Licensee shall assign all existing contracts, if any, relating to the operation, maintenance, and marketing of the Property as City directs in writing. Licensee shall render such assistance as City may reasonably request to facilitate an orderly transition in the management of the Property. 446 of 545

25. Construction and Interpretation. It is agreed and acknowledged by Licensee that the provisions of this Agreement have been arrived at through negotiation, and that Licensee has had a full and fair opportunity to revise the provisions of this Agreement and to have such provisions reviewed by legal counsel. Therefore, the normal rule of construction that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not apply in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

CITY: LICENSEE
______________________________ ______________________________ Damien O’Bid, City Manager Bryce Nahas
ATTEST:
______________________________
Kevin Patterson, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
John Bakker, City Attorney
5530479.1
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EXHIBIT A

PROPERTY EXHIBIT
Licensee’s Licensed Premises is indicated in Yellow outline, including the area outlined in Red. 451 of 545

EXHIBIT A

PROPERTY EXHIBIT
452 of 545

EXHIBIT B
CONSERATION EASEMENT (B-1) & OPEN SPACE APPROVED CITY WORKPLAN (B-2) 453 of 545

EXHIBIT B
CONSERATION EASEMENT (B-1) & OPEN SPACE APPROVED CITY WORKPLAN (B-2) 454 of 545

EXHIBIT C

LICENSE PROVISIONS SPECIFIC TO LICENSEE
Maintenance and Access
Licensee is responsible for the Licensed Premises and the Property between the external fence and public pathways/sidewalks (Exhibit A), including maintenance, scheduling of events, and public access. Licensee acknowledges that the License granted herein is non-exclusive, and that Licensee shall provide access to the Property and the Licensed Premises to any Other Licensee(s) in accordance with the Farm Work Plan or otherwise upon reasonable advance coordination; notwithstanding the foregoing, Other Licensee(s)’s access to the Property and Licensed Premises shall not be restricted by Licensee, except as otherwise agreed in writing between the Licensees.

Any additional terms and conditions regarding reasonable advance coordination of access to or through the Licensed Premises by Other Licensee(s) may be determined under separate agreement between Licensee and the Other Licensee(s), subject to City’s review prior to execution.

Management Services
The Property must be managed in accordance with the Conservation Easement, the approved City Work Plan, the Roots Restoration Project, and the current Farm Work Plan, as may be amended. This includes, but is not limited to, weed abatement, pest abatement, and maintaining the Property in good repair and tidy appearance.

Grazing; Animals. In addition to other uses, the Licensed Premises are licensed to Licensee for the purpose of operating a demonstration farm, consistent with the terms of this Agreement. City shall have the right to prohibit or limit grazing if the City Manager determines that the soil moisture content is excessive or if the Licensed Premises is exhibiting signs of overgrazing.

Grazing will be accomplished in accordance with accepted good pasture management practices, good farming practices and animal husbandry. The City Manager shall have sole discretion to limit animal unit loading
Compost Hub
The City has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Zero Waste Sonoma to operate a pilot community compost hub. The Licensee agrees to operate the compost hub and abide by the terms of the MOU.
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EXHIBIT C

LICENSE PROVISIONS SPECIFIC TO LICENSEE
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EXHIBIT D

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
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EXHIBIT D

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
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EXHIBIT E

STANDARD SUBLICENSE AGREEMENT FORM
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12/4/2025 12:03:50 PM Page 1 of 4
Budget Adjustment Register
Cotati, CA Adjustment Detail
Packet: GLPKT13679 - VF Ranch - Plan Adjustments 2026 - CC 12/9/2025
Adjustment Number Budget Code Description Adjustment Date BA0000069 Adopted Budget for FY 2025… Sandy Loam - Increase Budget Revenues and Expense 12/9/2025 Increase Sandy Loam Proposed Revenues and Expenses within FY 2025/26 Budget based on Workplan for 2026.

Expenditures:

Budget for 2025/26 = $130,000 / 2 = $65,000 for July-December 2025.

Revised Budget for 2025/26 Jan-June = $103,600 = + $38,600 ($103,600-$65,000) Revenues:

Budget for 2025/26 = $20,500 / 2 = $10,250 for July-December 2025.

Revised Budget for 2025/26 Jan-June = $90,230 = + $79,980 ($90,230-$10,250) Summary Description:

Account Number Account Name Adjustment Description Before Adjustment After 101-22-80185-000000 CNTRCT SVCS-PROFESSIONAL S… Sandy Loam - Increase Budget Revenues and E… 205,000.00 38,600.00 243,600.00 January: 38,600.00
101-24-66020-000000 FALLETTI RANCH REVENUE Sandy Loam - Increase Budget Revenues and E… 0.00 -79,980.00 -79,980.00 January: -79,980.00
Adjustment Number Budget Code Description Adjustment Date BA0000070 Adopted Budget for FY 2026… Sandy Loam - Increase Budget Revenues and Expense 7/1/2026 Increase Sandy Loam Proposed Revenues and Expenses within FY 2026/27 Budget based on Workplan for 2026.

Expenditures:

Budget for 2026/27 = $130,000 / 2 = $65,000 for July-December 2026.

Revised Budget for 2026/27 July-Dec = $103,600 = + $38,600 ($103,600-$65,000) Revenues:

Budget for 2026/27 = $20,500 / 2 = $10,250 for July-December 2026.

Revised Budget for 2025/26 July-Dec. = $90,230 = + $79,980 ($90,230-$10,250) Summary Description:

Account Number Account Name Adjustment Description Before Adjustment After 101-22-80185-000000 CNTRCT SVCS-PROFESSIONAL S… Sandy Loam - Increase Budget Revenues and E… 205,000.00 38,600.00 243,600.00 July: 38,600.00
101-24-66020-000000 FALLETTI RANCH REVENUE Sandy Loam - Increase Budget Revenues and E… 0.00 -79,980.00 -79,980.00 July: -79,980.00
Adjustment Number Budget Code Description Adjustment Date BA0000071 Adopted Budget for FY 2025… Agri-Culture 2026 Work Plan - FY 2025/26 12/9/2025 Increase Agri-Culture Proposed Expenses within FY 2025/26 Budget based on Workplan for 2026.

Expenditures:

Budget for 2025/26 = $75,000 / 2 = $35,000 for July-December 2025.

Revised Budget for 2025/26 Jan-July = $58,370 = + $20,870 ($58,370-$35,000) Summary Description:

Account Number Account Name Adjustment Description Before Adjustment After 101-22-80185-000000 CNTRCT SVCS-PROFESSIONAL S… Agri-Culture 2026 Work Plan Budget Adjustme… 205,000.00 20,870.00 225,870.00 January: 20,870.00
Adjustment Number Budget Code Description Adjustment Date BA0000072 Adopted Budget for FY 2026… Agri-Culture Plan Budget Adjustment FY 26/27 7/1/2026 Increase Agri-Culture Proposed Expenses within FY 2026/27 Budget based on Workplan for 2026.

Expenditures:

Budget for 2026/27 = $75,000 / 2 = $35,000 for July-December 2025.

Revised Budget for 2026/27 July-Dec = $58,370 = + $20,870 ($58,370-$35,000) Summary Description:

Account Number Account Name Adjustment Description Before Adjustment After 101-22-80185-000000 CNTRCT SVCS-PROFESSIONAL S… Agri-Culture Plan Budget Adjustment FY 26/27 205,000.00 20,870.00 225,870.00 460 of 545
Budget Adjustment Register Packet: GLPKT13679 - VF Ranch - Plan Adjustments 2026 - CC 12/9/2025 12/4/2025 12:03:50 PM Page 2 of 4
July: 20,870.00
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Budget Budget Description Account Account Description After Budget Code Summary
Before Adjustment
2025-2026 Adopted Budget for FY 20… 101-22-80185-000000 CNTRCT SVCS-PROFESSIONAL SVCS 205,000.00 59,470.00 264,470.00 101-24-66020-000000 FALLETTI RANCH REVENUE 0.00 -79,980.00 -79,980.00 2025-2026 Total: 205,000.00 -20,510.00 184,490.00
2026-2027 Adopted Budget for FY 20… 101-22-80185-000000 CNTRCT SVCS-PROFESSIONAL SVCS 205,000.00 59,470.00 264,470.00 101-24-66020-000000 FALLETTI RANCH REVENUE 0.00 -79,980.00 -79,980.00 2026-2027 Total: 205,000.00 -20,510.00 184,490.00
Grand Total: 410,000.00 -41,020.00 368,980.00
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Budget Adjustment Register Packet: GLPKT13679 - VF Ranch - Plan Adjustments 2026 - CC 12/9/2025 12/4/2025 12:03:50 PM Page 4 of 4
Fund After
Fund Summary
Before Adjustment
Budget Code:2025-2026 - Adopted Budget for FY 2025/26 Fiscal: 2025-2026 101 205,000.00 -20,510.00 184,490.00
Budget Code 2025-2026 Total: 205,000.00 -20,510.00 184,490.00 Budget Code:2026-2027 - Adopted Budget for FY 2026/27 Fiscal: 2026-2027 101 205,000.00 -20,510.00 184,490.00
Budget Code 2026-2027 Total: 205,000.00 -20,510.00 184,490.00 Grand Total: 410,000.00 -41,020.00 368,980.00
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A NEW

CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PLAN FOR THE CITY OF

COTATI PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER

RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD'S CROSS-CONNECTION

CONTROL POLICY HANDBOOK
Date: December 9, 2025
Written by: Craig Scott, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Recommendation
It is recommended the City of Cotati City Council adopt a resolution adopting a new CrossConnection Control Plan for the City of Cotati pursuant to the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook.

Background
The California Code of Regulations, Title 17, requires public water systems to protect the potable water supply from contamination by implementing and maintaining an effective crossconnection control program. The California State Water Resources Control Board ("SWRCB") issued the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook ("Handbook") in 2023, establishing new minimum statewide standards for cross-connection control programs. The Handbook requires public water systems to adopt or revise their Cross-Connection Control Plans ("CCCP's" to comply with the standards and procedures outlined in the Handbook, including provisions for hazard classification, backflow prevention, inspections, enforcement, and incident response).

The SWRCB requires that all public water systems in the State adopt a CCCP no later than December 31, 2025.

Analysis/Discussion
Staff has reviewed the requirements of the Handbook and prepared a Cross-Connection Control Plan (CCCP) for the City of Cotati that aligns with State regulations and ensures the continued protection of the public water supply. Adoption of the City's Cross-Connection Control Plan 464 of 545
reflects the City of Cotati's commitment to public health, regulatory compliance, and water quality protection.

The proposed CCCP reflects the new statewide standards set forth in the Handbook and demonstrates the City of Cotati’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring regulatory compliance. Key elements of the plan include:
• Hazard Assessment and Service Connection Classification. The CCCP includes a riskbased classification system to evaluate service connections based on the degree of hazard they pose to the potable water system (i.e. high, moderate, or low). This classification determines the level of backflow protection required.
• Backflow Prevention Device Requirements. The plan mandates the installation of appropriate backflow prevention assemblies (e.g. air gaps, reduced pressure principle assemblies, or double check valve assemblies based on hazard level. • Testing, Maintenance, and Inspection Procedures. All backflow prevention assemblies are required to be tested annually by a certified tester. The CCCP outlines detailed testing protocols, documentation standards, and responsibilities for both the water suppliers and the customer.
• Certified Personnel Requirements. The plan reinforces all program activities – surveys, inspections, and testing – be conducted by personnel certified by an approved agency. • Recordkeeping and Data Management. The plan incorporates new digital tracking procedures for all backflow devices, inspections, and customer compliance data. The updated CCCP aligns with the SWRCB’s expectations for accurate, real-time reporting and readiness for audits.
• Enforcement and Corrective Action. The CCCP establishes enforcement procedures for noncompliance, including formal notices, service disconnection for unaddressed violations, and timelines for corrective action. This ensures the water system can effectively manage risk and take corrective action to protect public health. • Public Education and Communication. The CCCP includes outreach strategies to inform customers, especially those in high-risk categories, about their responsibilities related to cross-connection control and the importance of device maintenance. • Backflow Incident Response Plan. The plan outlines procedures for immediate containment, regulatory notification, investigation, corrective action, and documentation in response to suspected or confirmed backflow incidents to protect public health and the water system.

Impact on Existing and Future Services with Fire Sprinklers The Handbook includes specific backflow protection requirements for Public Water Systems serving water to users with fire protection systems such as fire sprinklers. The City has customers with fire protection system with no backflow prevention device which makes them subject to the stricter new requirements. The attached Guidance document from the State Water Resources Control Board seeks to clarify what these new requirements mean to existing and new commercial and residential customers with fire protection systems.

There is flexibility on how the requirements can be met. The Guidance document presents options on how these requirements can be implemented. For low hazard situations, which apply 465 of 545
to just about all the City’s customers with fire sprinklers systems and no backflow device, have the following options:

1. Meet the criteria in section 3.2.2(e)(3) of the Handbook (residential only),

2. High Hazards
a. Require Reduced Pressure Backflow Device (Handbook, § 3.2.2(e)(1)).

3. Low Hazards
a. Require Double Check Backflow Device within 10 years per Handbook Section

3.2.2(e),
b. Propose an alternative to Double Check Backflow Device protection via its CCCP (Handbook, Section 3.2.2(e)(2)(B), or
c. Propose a compliance date extension via its CCCP (Handbook Section

3.3.3(e)(2)(A).

The CCCP includes all of these options as each customer’s situation differs and we want to provide them with the most flexibility for compliance.

Financial Considerations
There will be additional staff time in administering the expanded backflow prevention program and it is expected that there will be additional costs to hire a third-party contractor to conduct hazard surveys of every customer in the City. Depending on the customer type, compliance timeframes are 10-15 years.

While the City already has a backflow device program and requires all customers with reduced pressure backflow devices to test their devices annually, it is likely that some amount of new customers will be identified through the hazard survey. These customers will be expected to add or upgrade a backflow device on their water service. For the reduced pressure backflow device (the standard for higher hazards), there will also be an on-going annual testing cost. Assuming a relatively straightforward installation, backflow devices for typical 3/4 inch service is approximately $5,000, but can get significantly more costly for complicated situations. Annual testing costs vary between $100-200 per device per year. These costs are borne by the water customer.

For new developments, the initial hazard survey is expected to become a condition of approval for occupancy as these new properties are attached to the public water system.

Environmental Issues
Where it can be determined with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA review.

This general rule can be applied to activities which could be subject to the CEQA process, but which logic dictates should not be subject to CEQA review. Therefore, based on the information provided above, the proposed resolution is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 14.03.021 of the CEQA Guidelines in that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant impact on the environment.
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RESOLUTION NO. (XX)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI ADOPTING

A NEW CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PLAN FOR THE CITY OF COTATI

PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL

BOARD'S CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL POLICY HANDBOOK
WHEREAS, the California Code of Regulations, Title 17, requires public water systems to protect the potable water supply from contamination by implementing and maintaining an effective cross-connection control program; and
WHEREAS, the California State Water Resources Control Board ("SWRCB") issued the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook ("Handbook") in 2023, establishing new minimum statewide standards for cross-connection control programs; and WHEREAS, the Handbook requires public water systems to adopt or revise their CrossConnection Control Plans ("CCCP's") to comply with the standards and procedures outlined in the Handbook, including provisions for hazard classification, backflow prevention, inspections, enforcement, and incident response; and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the requirements of the Handbook and prepared a CrossConnection Control Plan for the City of Cotati that aligns with State regulations and ensures the continued protection of the public water supply; and
WHEREAS, adoption of the City's Cross-Connection Control Plan reflects the City of Cotati's commitment to public health, regulatory compliance, and water quality protection.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Cotati that it does hereby adopt the Cross-Connection Control Plan, attached as Exhibit A, in accordance with the California State Water Resources Control Board Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, as written in Exhibit A and subject to minor edits.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager or designee is hereby authorized and directed to execute documents pertaining to same for and on behalf of the City of Cotati.

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cotati held on December 9, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

Approved:___________________________
Mayor
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Attest:______________________________
Kevin Patterson, City Clerk
Approved as to form:______________________________
City Attorney
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EXHIBIT A

CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL PLAN
For
City of Cotati
City of Cotati
Approved:
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Applicability

1.2 California Safe Drinking Water Act

1.3. The California EPA's Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook Adoption

1.4. Legal Authority

BACKFLOW PROTECTION AND CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL

2.1. Definitions

PROGRAM APPROACH

3.1. Initial Hazard Assessment

3.2. Ongoing Hazard Assessment

APPLICATION OF BACKFLOW PREVENTERS

4.1 Backflow Protection Table

4.2 Standards for Types of Backflow Protection

4.3 Installation Criteria for Backflow Protection 10

4.4 Fire Protection System Cross-Connection Control Requirements 10 TESTING BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLIES 12
Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers and Cross Connection Specialist

6.1 Process for Ensuring Qualifications 14
RECORD KEEPING 15
ENFORCEMENT 17
PUBLIC EDUCATION 18
10 BACKFLOW INCIDENT RESPONSE PLAN 19

10.1 Incident Identification and Initial Response 19

10.2 Investigation and Verification 19

10.3 Response and Follow-Up Actions 20
APPENDIX A- ASME A112.1.2-2012(R2017) XXII

APPENDIX B - HIGH HAZARD CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PREMISES XXIII

APPENDIX C-RELATED STATUTES AND REGULATIONS XXV

APPENDIX D - SAMPLE BACKFLOW INCIDENT RESPONSE FORM XXIX

APPENDIX E - ORDINANCE
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1. INTRODUCTION
The Cross-Connection Control Plan for the City of Cotati Water Division is designed to protect the public water system from contamination and pollution caused by backflow incidents. This plan is meticulously aligned with the guidelines and requirements outlined in the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) "Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook," which became effective on July 1, 2024. Our objective is to ensure that the potable water supply remains safe and secure by preventing any possible cross-connections that could lead to backflow into the water distribution system.

The purpose of this document is to outline the City of Cotati's Cross Connection Control policies for all non-residential, institutional, industrial, residential and miscellaneous water customers, and are summarized as follows:
• Protect the public water system from contaminants and/or pollutants that could backflow through the customer service connection.
• Promote the elimination of actual and/or potential cross-connections between the public potable water system and non-potable water systems, plumbing fixtures, sources and/or systems containing substances of unknown or questionable quality. • Provide guidance for the maintenance of a continuing Cross Connection Control program.

1.1.Applicability
In accordance with CA-EPA-CCCPH Standards and Principles for California's Public Water Systems as defined in California Health and Safety Code (CHSC section 116275 (h)). Compliance with the CA-EPA-CCCPH is mandatory for the City of Cotati.

Prior to the CA-EPA-CCCPH, the City of Cotati conformed to the standards established by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), as set forth in its publication entitled: AWWA.C506- 78 Standards for Reduced Pressure Principle, and Double Check backflow prevention devices. A "Certificate of Approval" issued by an approved testing laboratory, certifying full compliance with AWWA Standards.

1.2.California Safe Drinking Water Act
In 2014, the State Water Resources Control Board assumed responsibility for the drinking water, and financial programs throughout the State, prior to that it was CA-DHS. On October 6, 2017, Assembly Bill 1671 (AB 1671) was approved and filed with the Secretary of State (see Appendix A). AB 1671 amended California's SDWA through the establishment of CHSC sections 116407 and 116555.5. AB 1671 also amended section 116810 of the CHSC, which is briefly discussed in Appendix C.

On October 2nd, 2019, Assembly Bill 1180 (AB 1180) was approved and filed with the Secretary of State. AB 1180 Amended Section 116407 of the CHSC and added section 13521.1 to the water code. AB 1180 requires that the CA-EPA-CCCPH include provisions of the swivel or change over 471 of 545
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device to supply potable water to a dual-plumbed system during interruption in recycled water service.

1.3. The California EPA's Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook Adoption The California Environmental Protection Agency completed development of the Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook for standards and principles for California's Public Water Systems. In this document for the City of Cotati, it will be referred to as the CA-EPA-CCCPH. The State Water Resources Control Board adopted the CA-EPA-CCCPH on December 19th, 2023, and went into effect on July 1st, 2024. Upon the effective date of the CA-EPA-CCCPH.

A PWS must implement a cross-connection control program that complies with the standards adopted by the State Water Board. The development of the CA-EPA-CCCPH included consultation with stakeholders, including state and local agencies, on an array of subjects related to crossconnection control, consistent with the statutory mandate, as well as consideration of input from other stakeholders and the general public in a February 20, 2020, workshop.

1.4. Legal Authority
The City of Cotati has operating rules, By-laws, and regulations established for enforcement throughout the distribution system. These rules and regulations are documented in the City of Cotati's Code of Ordinances Title 13 Chapter 13.04 Cross-Connection Regulations.

2. BACKFLOW PROTECTION AND CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL
A cross-connection is an interconnection between a potable water supply and a non-potable source via any actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a PWS and any source or distribution system containing liquid, gas, or other substances not from an approved water supply.

Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, improperly installed swivel, or change-over devices and other temporary or permanent devices through which, or because of which backflow can occur are cross-connections. The CA-EPA-CCCPH includes acceptable installation criteria for swivel-ell and other types of backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) to prevent backflow.

Backflow is the undesired or unintended reversal of flow of water and/or other liquids, gases, or other substances into PWS's distribution system or approved water supply. The presence of a crossconnection represents a location in a distribution system through which backflow of contaminants or pollutants can occur. Backflow occurs when a non-potable source is at a greater pressure than the potable water distribution system. Backflow can occur from either back-siphonage or back pressure.

Back-siphonage occurs when a non-potable source enters the drinking water supply due to negative (i.e., sub-atmospheric) distribution system pressure. Back pressure occurs when the pressure from a non-potable source exceeds the pressure in the potable water distribution system.

Back-siphonage may be caused by a variety of circumstances, such as main breaks, flushing, pump failure, or emergency firefighting water demand. Backpressure may occur when heating, cooling, waste disposal, or industrial manufacturing systems are connected to potable supplies and the pressure in the external system exceeds the pressure in the distribution system. Both situations act to 472 of 545
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change the direction of water, which normally flows from the distribution system to the customer, so that non-potable substances from industrial, commercial, or residential premises flows back into the distribution system through a cross-connection.

Cross-connections are not limited to industrial or commercial facilities. Submerged inlets are found on many common plumbing fixtures and are sometimes necessary features of the fixtures if they are to function properly. Examples of this type of design are siphon-jet urinals or water closets, flushing rim slop sinks, and dental cuspidors.

Older bathtubs and lavatories may have supply inlets below the flood level rims, but modern sanitary design has minimized or eliminated this cross-connection in new fixtures. Chemical and industrial process vats sometimes have submerged inlets where the water pressure is used as an aid in diffusion, dispersion, and agitation of the vat contents. Even though a supply pipe may be installed above a vat, back-siphonage can still occur. Siphon action has been shown to raise a liquid in a pipe such as water almost 34 feet. Some submerged inlets are difficult to control, including those which are not apparent until a significant change in water level occurs or where a supply may be conveniently extended below the liquid surface by means of a hose or auxiliary piping. A submerged inlet may be created in numerous ways, and its detection may be difficult.

Chemical and biological contaminants have caused illness and deaths during known incidents of backflow, with contamination affecting several service connections, and the number of incidents reported is believed to be a small percentage of the total number of backflow incidents that occur.

The public health risk from cross-connections and backflow is a function of a variety of factors including cross-connection and backflow occurrence and type and number of contaminants.

2.1. Definitions
"Air-gap separation" or "AG" means a physical vertical separation of at least two (2) times the effective pipe diameter between the free-flowing discharge end 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.
"AMI" means automated meter infrastructure. Smart Meter, Electronic Meter "Approved water supply" means 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.
"Auxiliary water supply" means a source of water, other than an approved water supply, that is either used or 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.
"Backflow" means an undesired or unintended reversal of flow of water and/or other liquids, gases, or other substances into a public water system's distribution system or approved water supply.
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"Backflow prevention assembly" or "BPA" means a mechanical assembly designed and constructed to prevent backflow, such that while in-line it can be maintained and its ability to prevent backflow, as designed, can be field tested, inspected and evaluated. "Backflow prevention assembly tester" means a person who is certified as a backflow prevention assembly tester.
"BPA" means Backflow Prevention Assembly.
"Community water system" means a public water system that serves at least 15 service connections used by yearlong residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-long residents of the area served by the system.
"CA-EPA-CCCPH" means California Cross Connection Control Handbook "Cross-connection" means any actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public water system, including a piping system connected to the public water system 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. "Cross-connection control specialist" means a person who is certified as a cross-connection control specialist.
"District Boundary" Is a boundary established by a local agency formation commission or organization, established within the county where services are served, and may not serve outside the District Boundary.
"Distribution system" has the same meaning as defined in section 63750.50 of CCR, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 2.
"Double check detector backflow prevention assembly" or "DCDA" means a double check valve backflow prevention assembly that includes a bypass with a water meter and double check backflow prevention assembly, with the bypass's 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 valve backflow prevention assembly" or "DC" means 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.
"Existing public water system" or "existing PWS" means a public water system initially permitted on or before July 1, 2024, as a public water system by the State Water Board. "Hazard Assessment" means an evaluation of a user premises designed to evaluate the types and degrees of hazard at a user's premises.
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"High hazard cross-connection" means 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 or health hazards.
"Low hazard cross-connection" means 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 or non-health hazards.
"PWS" means Public Water Supply.
"Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly" or "RP" means 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" or "RPDA" means a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly that includes a bypass with a water meter and reduced pressure principle backflow. prevention assembly, with the bypass's water meter accurately registering flow rates up to two gallons per minute and visually showing a registration for all rates of flow.
"State Water Board", unless otherwise specified, means the State Water Resources Control Board or the local primacy agency having been delegated the authority to enforce the requirements of the CCCPH by the State Water Resources Control Board.
"Swivel-Ell" means a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly combined with a changeover piping configuration (swivel-ell connection) designed and constructed for recycled water/non-potable switchover situations within a Services District. "User premises" means the property under the ownership or control of a water user and is served, or is readily capable of being served, with water via a service connection with a public water system.
"User's service connection" means either the point where a water user's piping is connected to a water system 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. "User Supervisor" means a person designated by a water user to oversee a water use site and responsible for the avoidance of cross-connections.
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3. PROGRAM APPROACH
The process for conducting initial and ongoing hazard assessments under the CCCPH involves a structured approach to identifying potential cross-connection risks and implementing the necessary protective measures. This process ensures the safety and integrity of the water distribution system by evaluating all existing and proposed water service connections for potential contamination hazards.

The water connections and plumbing systems of all service connections or accounts shall be initially assessed for the presence of cross-connections. As a result of the initial assessment, a detailed record of each account shall be established. A certified AWWA Cross-Connection Control Specialist shall be responsible for assessments. Individuals responsible for conducting inspections shall have obtained sufficient training on cross-connection rules, identification, and corrective actions.

The highest priority for assessments shall be placed on facilities that pose a high degree of hazard, that have a high probability that backflow will occur, or have the potential for cross-connections.

Once initial assessments are complete then an assessment frequency shall be determined for each account based on the degree of hazard and potential for backflow. The AWWA M14 Cross Connection Rules Manual will be a guide in classifying the degree of hazard of each account. However, in general, situations in which backflow could cause illness or death shall be considered high hazard. Other factors such as new construction, water quality complaints, or anomalies in customer billing, may prompt an immediate re-inspection. After initial cross-connection assessments are complete, a comprehensive list or inventory of all backflow prevention assemblies, methods and devices shall be on record including all pertinent data.

3.1. Initial Hazard Assessment
All new water service connections must undergo an initial assessment before activation. Existing connections shall be assessed in accordance with the City of Cotati's cross-connection control program timeline. Commercial, industrial, public agency, and other potential high hazard facilities that have not received an initial hazard assessment will be surveyed within seven years of this plan's acceptance. Residential and multifamily facilities without a prior assessment will be surveyed within fifteen years of the plan's adoption.

To evaluate the potential risk of backflow into the public water system, the City of Cotati will carry out an initial hazard assessment of user premises within its service area. This hazard evaluation will take into account the following considerations as necessary:
a) The presence of cross-connections;
b) the types of materials handled or present on the premises, including those likely to be encountered;
c) the complexity and accessibility of the piping system; d) access to auxiliary water supplies, pumping systems, or pressure systems; e) conditions within the distribution system that may increase the likelihood of a backflow event, such as hydraulic gradient differences caused by main breaks, high water demand, or multiple service connections that could lead to flow-through conditions; f) accessibility of the premises;
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g) any history of backflow incidents on the premises or similar sites; and h) the requirements and guidance provided in the CCCPH.

Each hazard assessment must classify the level of risk to the distribution system as a high-hazard cross-connection or a low-hazard cross-connection. Examples of high-hazard cross-connection activities can be found in Appendix B.

The hazard assessment must determine whether an existing backflow prevention assembly (if any) provides adequate protection based on the degree of hazard.

3.2. Ongoing Hazard Assessment
Ongoing or follow-up hazard assessments are required following the initial hazard assessment described in Section 3.1. A follow-up hazard assessment will be conducted under the following circumstances:
a) if a user premises is newly connected to the PWS;
b) if evidence exists of potential changes in the activities or materials on a user's premises. d) if backflow from a user's premises occurs;
e) periodically, as identified in the Cross-Connection Control Plan f) if the State Water Board requests a hazard assessment of a user's premises; and g) if the PWS concludes an existing hazard assessment may no longer be correct.

The City of Cotati must ensure a certified AWWA cross-connection control specialist reviews the hazard assessments and makes a written finding that, in their judgment based on crossconnection control principles, the hazard assessment properly identified all hazards, the appropriate degree of hazards, and the corresponding backflow protection.
4 APPLICATION OF BACKFLOW PREVENTERS

4.1 Backflow Protection Table
The following table outlines acceptable backflow protection for certain types of cross-connection conditions that may be encountered. The table is to be used as a guideline in determining adequate crossconnection control measures, not as an absolute requirement.

Backflow Preventer
Type
Degree of
Hazard
Application Applicable Standard
Backflow prevention assemblies:

Double Check Valve
Assembly (DCV)
Low hazard Backpressure or
backsiphonage
ASSE 1015, AWWA C510,
CSA B64.5, CSA 864.5.1
Double Check Detector
Assembly (DCDA)Type I & Il
Low hazard Backpressure or
backsiphonage
ASSE 1048
Pressure Vacuum Breaker
Assembly (PVB)
High or low hazard Backsiphonage ASSE 1020, CSA B64.1.2 477 of 545
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Reduced Pressure Principle
Backflow Prevention
Assembly (RP)
High or low hazard Backpressure or
backsiphonage
ASSE 1013, AWWA C5411,
CSA B64.4, CSA B64.4.1
Reduced Pressure Detector
Assembly (RPDA) Type I & Il
High or low hazard Backpressure or
backsiphonage
ASSE 1047
Spill-resistant Vacuum
Breaker Assembly (SVB)
High or low hazard Backsiphonage ASSE 1056
Backflow prevention method:

Air Gap (AG) High or low hazard Backsiphonage ASME A112.1.2

4.2 Standards for Types of Backflow Protection
a) AG's must meet the requirements in Section 603.3.1 of the 2019 California Plumbing Code (See Appendix A).
b) Newly installed pressure vacuum breaker, DCVs, and RPs for protection of the PWS is approved through both laboratory and field evaluation tests performed in accordance with either:

Standards found in the 10th edition of the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research of the University of Southern California Manual of CrossConnection Control; ii. certification requirements for backflow prevention assemblies in the Standards of ASSE International current as of 2020; or iii. a testing process with equivalent testing requirements to (i) or (ii).
c) Backflow prevention assemblies must not be modified from the approval granted in CCCPH Section 3.3.1 (b). The City of Cotati will require backflow prevention assembly testers to notify the City's Cross-Connection Specialist if a water user or utility-owned backflow prevention assembly has been modified from Section 4.2 b) approval.

4.3 Installation Criteria for Backflow Protection
a) For AGs, the following is required:

The receiving water container must be located on the water user's premises at the water user's service connection unless an alternate location has been approved by the City of Cotati.
ii. all piping between the water user's service connection and the discharge location of the receiving water container must be above finished grade and be accessible for visual inspection unless an alternative piping configuration is approved by the City of Cotati.
iii. the City of Cotati will ensure that the AG specified in section 4.1 a) has been installed; and
iv. any new air gap installation at a user service connection must be reviewed and approved by the State Water Board prior to installation. 478 of 545
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b) A RP must be installed such that the lowest point of the assembly is a minimum of twelve inches and, unless an alternative is approved by the City of Cotati's Cross-Connection Specialist, a maximum of thirty-six inches above the finished grade. c) DCs installed or replaced after the adoption of the CCCPH must be installed according to Section 4.3 ii. Below ground installation can be considered by the Cotati Water Department if it determines no alternative options are available.
d) A PVB or SVB must be installed a minimum of twelve inches above all downstream piping. e) PVBs and SVBs may not be used for premises isolation. f) A RP or DCV installed after the adoption of the CCCPH must have a minimum side clearance of twelve inches, except that a minimum side clearance of twenty-four inches must be provided on the side of the assembly that contains the test cocks. g) Backflow protection must be located at the water user's service connection unless one or more alternative locations have been approved by the Cross-Connection Specialist. If internal protection is provided, the City of Cotati or designated agent must obtain access to the user premises and must ensure that the on-site protection meets the requirements of this Chapter for installation, testing and inspections.
h) Each backflow prevention assembly and air gap separation must be accessible for field testing and maintenance.

4.4 Fire Protection System Cross-Connection Control Requirements Except as noted below, City of Cotati must ensure that its distribution system is protected with no less than Double Check (DC) protection for a user premises with a fire protection system within ten years of the adoption of the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH). a) A high-hazard cross-connection fire protection system—including, but not limited to, systems that may utilize chemical additives (e.g., wetting agents, foam, anti-freeze, corrosion inhibitors) or an auxiliary water supply—must have no less than Reduced Pressure (RP) protection.
b) If an existing fire protection system cannot install DC protection within ten years of CCCPH adoption, the City of Cotati may propose an alternative method of backflow protection that provides an equivalent level of public health protection. c) Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA) is not required for a low-hazard fire protection system on a residential user premises if all of the following criteria are met:

The user premises has only one service connection to the PWS. ii. A single service line enters the premises and then splits on the property for both domestic and fire protection system flow, allowing the fire protection system to be isolated from the rest of the premises.
iii. A single, industry-standard water meter measures combined domestic and fire protection system flow.
iv. The fire protection system is constructed of piping materials certified to meet NSF/ANSI Standard 61.
v. The fire protection system's piping is looped within the structure and connected to one or more routinely used fixtures (e.g., a water closet) to prevent stagnant water. 479 of 545
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5 TESTING BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLIES
When assessments have been completed, a comprehensive list of backflow preventers installed on customer plumbing systems will be on record. The backflow preventers that are testable assemblies shall be placed on a routine testing schedule. All testable assemblies will be tested upon installation, upon repair and on an annual basis.

Upon notice from the City, the water customer shall be responsible to arrange and absorb any costs associated with assembly testing and subsequent repair/replacement of backflow prevention assemblies.

Following the initial cross-connection assessments and the subsequent classification of accounts (e.g., assigning a degree of hazard), assembly testing notices shall be sent annually to both non-residential and residential water customers. Customers will have thirty (30) days from the date of the notice to complete the required testing.

If the City does not receive a completed test report within the initial 30-day period, a second notice will be issued, allowing 15 additional days for compliance. If necessary, a third notice will follow, providing a final 5-day compliance period. Failure to submit a completed test report after the 5 days may result in the discontinuation of water service to the premises.

The notices will:
• Clearly identify the assembly requiring testing (size, make, model, location, etc.) • Stipulate the date by which the assembly must be tested. Indicate that tests must be completed by a certified tester.
• a list of testable backflow prevention assemblies on the premises.

When assembly testing reports are received by the utility, they will be checked for the following:
• All the necessary information was provided.
• Name and certification number of the tester is provided. • The test results appear valid.
• The assembly tested matches the assembly requiring testing (Make, Model, etc.). • The assembly is approved.
• A backflow tester found falsifying test results or not meeting the City of Cotati's performance standards will be removed from the approved tester list and may be subject to additional regulatory action.

Test results are only valid if testing was performed by an individual holding an active certification from an organization recognized by the State Water Board, see section 6. a) Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Result Reports:

Accurate and Timely Reporting: Every test conducted on a backflow prevention assembly must be documented in a format approved by the City. These reports detail the condition of the assembly, test results, and any repairs or replacements made. The 480 of 545
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water utility must ensure that testers are submitting accurate and complete reports after each test.
ii. Review and Verification of Reports: The utility shall review all test result reports for completeness and accuracy. This includes confirming that all fields are correctly filled out, that the results align with acceptable performance standards, and that any failed tests are followed up with repairs and retesting.
iii. Archiving Reports: All test result reports must be archived for regulatory compliance purposes. The utility will have a system for tracking and storing reports, ensuring they are readily available for review by regulatory authorities. These records are essential for demonstrating compliance with the state's cross-connection control requirements.
• Backflow prevention assemblies that fail the field test are required to be immediately reported to the City. The failed device is required to be repaired, replaced, and re-tested within 30 days.
• Backflow prevention assembly testers is required to notify the City's Cross-Connection Specialist within one day if a backflow incident or cross-connection is observed during testing.

Air-gap separations installed pursuant to sections 4.2 and 4.3 must be visually inspected at least annually to determine compliance with this Chapter by persons certified as backflow preventer assembly testers or certified as a cross- connection control specialist pursuant to Section 6. 6 Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers and Cross Connection Specialist To comply with the California Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, it is essential that all individuals responsible for testing, inspecting, and maintaining backflow prevention assemblies meet the necessary qualifications and certifications. This process ensures that the water distribution system is safeguarded from contamination risks by having only competent, certified professionals handle backflow prevention assemblies. Key elements of this process include verifying the individual's certification, ensuring the calibration of test equipment, and maintaining accurate reports of test results.
a) Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers and Certified Cross-Connection Control Specialists — The City of Cotati must ensure all backflow prevention assembly testers and cross-connection control specialists used are certified per Article 4 of the SWRCB CCCPH

6.1 Process for Ensuring Qualifications
a) Verification of Certification as a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester:

Certification Requirements: Every individual performing testing or inspections on backflow prevention assemblies must be a certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester, as defined by the SWRCB CCCPH. Certification typically requires passing a written and practical examination administered by a state-approved certification agency.
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ii. Initial Verification: Before authorizing a tester to conduct work within the water system, the water utility must confirm the individual holds a valid certification. This is typically done by requesting a copy of the tester's certification and checking it against a list of approved certification agencies.
iii. Ongoing Compliance: The utility must regularly verify that the tester's certification remains current. Certification usually requires periodic renewal, which may include continuing education or retesting. A record of certification status should be maintained for each tester authorized to work within the City's service area. b) Test Kit Calibration:

Calibration Requirements: To ensure the accuracy of backflow prevention assembly testing, testers must use calibrated testing equipment. Test kits must be calibrated at least annually or more frequently if recommended by the manufacturer. ii. Verification of Calibration: Before permitting a tester to perform inspections or testing, the utility must verify that their test kit has been calibrated within the required timeframe. This can be done by reviewing a calibration certificate from an accredited calibration facility or manufacturer.
iii. Ongoing Monitoring: The utility should maintain a schedule of calibration due dates for each tester's equipment and require updated calibration certificates as a condition for continued work. Uncalibrated equipment should not be allowed for testing until calibration is confirmed.
7 RECORD KEEPING
A robust tracking system is essential for managing and maintaining compliance with the California Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH). This system ensures that all relevant information about backflow prevention assemblies is readily available, up-to-date, and meets the recordkeeping requirements outlined in the CCCPH. The system is designed to track vital details, including recordkeeping information, the location and type of backflow prevention assemblies, and the specific hazards each assembly protects against.

A system of cross-connection record keeping shall be maintained. Special software specifically for cross-connections may be used for:
• Efficient record searches
• Easy reporting
• Simple updating
• Automatic letter generation
• Automatic deadline notification
All hazard assessment information must be in the records including:
• Address and location
• Owner name and contact information
• List of testable assemblies
• Description of other cross-connections within the facility Air gaps • Non-testable assemblies
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• Degree of hazard classification and basis
• Required re-inspection frequency
All testable assemblies must be in the records including:
• Location of the assembly
• Name and contact information of assembly owner
• Make, model, and size of assembly
• Degree of hazard classification Required testing frequency and basis • Test history
Standard letter, form, and report templates may be used to simplify the program requirements including:
• Inspection forms
• Assembly testing forms
• Inspection and/or assembly testing notification letters • Noncompliance letters
• Water service termination notice
Monitoring changes in water usage and identifying new customers are essential aspects of the cross-connection control program. The City of Cotati will make every effort to prevent and eliminate cross-connections during installations to ensure ongoing compliance. Collaboration and communication with the City's building department will be prioritized to support this objective. 483 of 545
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8 ENFORCEMENT
To safeguard public health, water customers found in violation of cross-connection regulations will be required to comply promptly or risk having their connection to the public water system terminated. The City of Cotati's ordinance grants authority to inspect facilities, terminate water service, and impose fines to enforce these rules.

Following an inspection, if a violation is identified, the customer will be issued a non-compliance notice. The timeframe for completing corrective actions will be determined by the City's CrossConnection Specialist, based primarily on the severity of the risk posed by the violation, but also considering the complexity and cost of the required actions. Cross-connections that present an imminent and extreme hazard will be immediately disconnected and remain so until proper protection is installed. Less severe cross-connections are generally expected to be resolved within 30 to 60 days. The specific corrective actions and deadlines will be outlined in the non-compliance notice.

Failure to submit a test form for a backflow prevention assembly that has passed testing requirements is considered a cross-connection violation and must be corrected. Non-compliance may result in water service termination.

In cases where water service must be shut off to protect the public water system, the SWRCB, Utility Billing Dept, Utilities Manager, and Public Works Director need to be notified. 484 of 545
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9 PUBLIC EDUCATION
The cross-connection control program staff must have a good understanding of the program. The City staff shall ensure their cross-connection control staff receives proper in-the-field training as well as classroom education focusing on terminology, backflow prevention devices/assemblies, regulations, and hydraulic concepts. In addition, cross-connection control staff will be encouraged to receive continuing education to be made aware of new backflow prevention devices/assemblies, regulation changes (i.e. plumbing code updates), new water use devices that pose cross-connection concerns, etc.

Furthermore, attempts to educate the public about cross-connections may be made by distributing information either by UB mailing, social media, or other platforms on common residential crossconnections, providing onsite education of facility management and maintenance staff during routine inspections.

The public outreach and education program is designed to raise awareness about the importance of cross-connection control and the potential risks associated with backflow. The program aims to inform and educate property owners, businesses, and the general public about their responsibilities in preventing cross-connections and ensuring the safety of the public drinking water system.

Target Audience:
• Property owners
• Businesses
• Building officials
• Plumbing officials
• General public
Key Components:
• Educational Materials:
o Develop informative materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, and fact sheets that explain the concept of cross-connections, the potential risks, and the importance of backflow prevention.
o Include clear and concise information about the requirements of the CCCPH and the role of property owners and businesses in preventing cross-connections. • Online Resources:
o Develop a dedicated website or online portal with resources related to cross-connection control, including educational materials, FAQs, and contact information. 10 BACKFLOW INCIDENT RESPONSE PLAN
The City shall develop and maintain an Emergency Response Plan document to appropriately respond to a backflow event. The written ERP shall be readily available to designated personnel. This procedure outlines the process for investigating and responding to suspected backflow incidents to safeguard public health and ensure the safety and quality of the water supply. It addresses steps from initial 485 of 545
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reporting through investigation, corrective actions, and follow-up. A sample incident response can be found in Appendix D.

10.1 Incident Identification and Initial Response
Consideration of Complaints or Reports of Changes in Water Quality as Possible Backflow Incidents.
• When a complaint or report of a change in water quality is received, further investigation may be conducted by the City's Cross-Connection Specialist to determine if a potential backflow incident may have occurred. Common complaints that could indicate backflow include:
o Unusual taste, odor, or color in water
o Visible debris or particles in water
o Reports of illness that could be linked to water quality o Changes in water pressure or flow
Initial Response:
• Customer Interview: Contact the customer to gather detailed information about the complaint (e.g., location, time, and description of the issue). • Dispatch Team: Send a field technician to the reported location for an initial assessment and water quality sampling.

10.2 Investigation and Verification
Water Quality Sampling and Pressure Recording.
• Once a suspected backflow incident is reported, a thorough investigation will be initiated, involving both water quality testing and pressure monitoring.

Steps:

1. Water Quality Sampling
o On-Site Testing: Field personnel will conduct immediate water quality tests at the site of the reported incident, which may include testing for parameters such as:
• Chlorine residual
• pH
• Turbidity
• Presence of bacteria or contaminants
o Laboratory Analysis: If required, water samples will be sent to a certified laboratory for more comprehensive
testing, including testing for chemicals, pollutants, or pathogens that may indicate contamination from
backflow.

2. Pressure Recording
o System Pressure Evaluation: Review pressure data from the local area, focusing on any recent drops in system pressure that could indicate a backflow event. Field 486 of 545
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technicians may also install temporary pressure loggers in the affected area to monitor any ongoing pressure fluctuations.

3. Cross-Connection Inspection
o Perform a survey of the suspected location and surrounding areas to identify potential cross-connections that could have led to backflow. Verify that these connections are properly protected by backflow prevention assembly(s)/devices.

10.3 Response and Follow-Up Actions
Documentation of the Investigation, Response, and Follow-Up Activities.

Every step of the investigation, response, and follow-up will be documented to ensure a clear record of actions taken and to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

Steps:

1. Incident Report
o Details of the Report: The utility will create a formal report documenting the nature of the complaint, location, time of the report, and the suspected cause of the backflow incident.
o Investigation Summary: The report will include details of the investigation, such as:
• Results of water quality testing
• Pressure monitoring data
• Findings from cross-connection inspections
• Condition of backflow prevention devices

2. Corrective Actions
o Immediate Actions: If backflow is confirmed, the utility will isolate the affected area, notify customers, and initiate system flushing and disinfection procedures. o Repair or Replacement: Backflow prevention devices that are malfunctioning or improperly installed will be repaired or replaced. Any identified crossconnections will be corrected. o Customer Notification: Affected customers will be informed of the findings and the steps taken to restore safe water quality.

3. Follow-Up Activities
a Continued Monitoring: After the incident has been resolved, water quality in the affected area will continue to be monitored to ensure no further issues occur. o Regulatory Reporting: A formal report will be submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board or other relevant regulatory bodies, detailing the incident and corrective measures taken.

4. Recordkeeping and Review o Documentation Retention: All documentation, including the incident report, test results, and corrective action logs, will be stored in the utility's records management system for future reference and auditing. 487 of 545
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o Incident Review: The utility will conduct an internal review to assess whether any changes are needed in cross-connection control measures or backflow prevention device maintenance practices.
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APPENDIX A - ASME A112.1.2-2012(R2017)
Table 1, Minimum Air Gaps for Generally used Plumbing Fixtures, 1 page 4 TABLE 1
Minimum Air Gaps for Generally used
Plumbing Fixtures1

FIXTURES WHERE NOT

AFFECTED BY

SIDEWALLS
(inches)

WHERE AFFECTED BY
SIDEWALLS2
(inches)
Effective opening 2 not
greater than % of an inch
in diameter
1 Effective openings3 not
greater than % of an inch
in diameter
1 1/2 21/4
Effective openings3 not
greater than 1 inch in
diameter
2 3
Effective openings3
greater than 1 inch in
diameter
Two times the diameter of
effective opening
Three times the diameter of
effective opening
1 Air gaps less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) shall be approved as a permanent part of a listed assembly that has been tested under actual backflow conditions with vacuums of 0 to 25 inches of mercury (85 kPa).
1 Reprinted from ASME Al 12.1.2-2012(R2017), by permission of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. All rights reserved
2 The effective opening shall be the minimum cross-sectional area at the seat of the control valve or the supply pipe or tubing that feeds the device or outlet. Where two or more lines supply one outlet, the effective opening shall be the sum of the crosssectional areas of the individual supply lines or the area of the single outlet, whichever is smaller.
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For Sl units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm
Notes:
1 Sidewalls, ribs, or similar obstructions do not affect air gaps where spaced from the inside edge of the spout opening at a distance exceeding three times the diameter of the effective opening for a single wall, or at a distance exceeding four times the effective opening for two intersecting walls.
2 Vertical walls, ribs, or similar obstructions extending from the water surface to or above the horizontal plane of the spout opening other than specified in Footnote 1 above. The effect of three or more such vertical walls or ribs has not been determined.

In such cases, the air gap shall be measured from the top of the wall. 490 of 545
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APPENDIX B - HIGH HAZARD CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PREMISES The list below identifies premises that require backflow protection provided by an air gap or a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly, unless noted otherwise. The list below is not intended to be all-inclusive. A PWS, State Water Board, or local health agency may require an AG, RP, or both to protect a PWS from other hazards not listed below and identified in premises through the hazard assessment completed in CCCPH section 3.1. A PWS may reduce or increase the minimum protection required for a previously hazard-assessed user premise following a hazard reassessment as described in CCCPH section 3.1.

1. Sewage handling facilities

2. Wastewater lift stations and pumping stations

3. Wastewater treatment processes, handling, or pumping equipment that is interconnected to a piping system connected to a PWS (+)

4. Petroleum processing or storage plants

5. Radioactive material storage, processing plants or nuclear reactors

6. Mortuaries

7. Cemeteries

8. Sites with an auxiliary water supply interconnected with PWS (+)

9. Sites with an auxiliary water supply not interconnected with PWS

10. Premises with more than one connection to the PWS (++++)

11. Recycled water

12. Recycled water interconnected to piping system that contains water received from a PWS (+)

13. Graywater systems, as defined in California Water Code Section 14876, that are interconnected to a piping system that is connected to a PWS

14. Medical facilities

15. Kidney dialysis facilities

16. Dental office with water-connected equipment

17. Veterinarian facilities

18. Chemical plants

19. Laboratories

20. Biotech facilities

21. Electronics manufacture

22. Dry cleaner facilities

23. Industrial or commercial laundry facilities

24. Metal-plating facilities

25. Business park with a single meter serving multiple businesses

26. Marine-port facilities

27. Car wash facilities

28. Mobile home park, RV park, or campgrounds with RV hookups

29. Hotels/motels

30. Gas stations
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31. Fire stations

32. Solid waste disposal facilities

33. Pet groomers

34. Agricultural premises

35. Hazard assessment access denied or restricted

36. Railroad maintenance facilities

37. Incarceration facilities (e.g. prisons)

38. Temporary connections to fire hydrants for miscellaneous uses, including construction

39. Private water distribution mains

40. Drinking water storage tank overflow connected to a sump or storm drain (+)

41. Airports
(+) Premise isolated by air gap only except as allowed through CCCPH Section 3.2.2 (c) (++) Dual-plumbed use areas established per CCR Title 22, Section 60313 through 60316 where recycled water is used for individually owned residential unit.
(+++) Residences using recycled water for landscape irrigation as part of an approved dual plumbed use area established pursuant to CCR Title 22, sections 60313 through 60316 shall use a DC backflow prevention device. The recycled water supplier may obtain approval of the local public water supplier or the State Water Board, if the water supplier is also the supplier of the recycled water, to utilize an alternative backflow protection plan that includes an annual inspection of both the recycled water and potable water systems and an annual shutdown test of the recycled water and potable water systems pursuant to subsection 60316(a) in lieu of any backflow prevention assembly. (++++) All connections must receive at least the same level of protection (e.g. if one connection requires an RP then all connections must have RPs installed).
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APPENDIX C - RELATED STATUTES AND REGULATIONS
The following laws and regulations are considered related or tangential to the CCCPH, and are included in a descriptive format to provide additional, relevant background information California Laws and Regulations
In addition to the California SDWA statutory requirements cited in CCCPH Chapter 1, section 1.3.1, California has statutes addressing certain authorities and requirements that may have influenced the CCCPH or may otherwise be of interest.
• Urban and community water systems must have a written policy on discontinuation of residential service for nonpayment and must not discontinue residential service for nonpayment if certain conditions are met. (CHSC sections 116900 — 116926)
• Senate Bill 1263 (2017) requires that before a person submits an application for a permit for a proposed new public water system, the person shall first submit a preliminary technical report which must include a cost comparison of a new public water system and consolidations with an existing system. (CHSC section 116527)
• Effective June 24, 2015, Senate Bill 88 (SB 88) (Statutes 2015, Chapter 27) added sections 116680-116684 to the CHSC, allowing the State Water Board to require certain water systems that consistently fail to provide safe drinking water to consolidate with, or receive an extension of service from, another public water system. The consolidation can be physical or managerial. • Local health officers may maintain programs for the control of cross-connections by water users, within water users' premises, where public exposure to backflow may occur. Such programs may include water user premises inspections, collection of fees, certification of backflow prevention assemblyl (BPA) testers, and other discretionary elements. Local health officer BPA tester certification standards must be consistent with the standards prescribed in the CCCPH. Water users are required to comply with all orders, instructions, regulations, and notices from the local health officer regarding installation, testing, and maintenance of a BPA. (CHSC sections 116800 - 116820). • Pursuant to the California Building Standards Law (CHSC sections 18901 — 18949.31), the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) must administer the processes related to the adoption, approval, and publication of regulations referred to as the California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulation). Title 24 serves as the basis for the minimum design and construction of buildings in California and includes the California Plumbing Code (Part 5 of Title 24), which contains requirements pertaining to crossconnection control and backflow prevention. • A backflow preventer intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption via drinking or cooking must meet California's "lead free" requirements. (CHSC section 116875) • xxv
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• Limits are established for the installation of backflow protection equipment where automatic fire sprinkler systems are utilized. (CHSC section 13114.7) • Cross-connection control must be addressed in engineering reports that are required (CCR Title 22, section 60323) for recycled water projects. (Wat. Code section 13552.8) • If a public agency requires the use of recycled water for toilet and urinal flushing in a structure (except certain mental health facilities), the public health agency must prepare an engineering report that addresses cross-connection control. (Wat. Code section 13554) • Prior to indoor use of recycled water in a condominium project, the entity delivering the recycled water must submit a report, for State Water Board approval, and include the following related to cross-connection control (Wat. Code section 13553(d)(1)):
• The condominium project must be provided with a backflow prevention assembly approved by the State Water Board.
• The backflow prevention assembly must be inspected and tested annually by a certified tester. • The condominium project must be tested by the recycled water agency or local agency at least once every four years for indications of possible cross- connections between the condominium's potable and non-potable systems
• California's Department of Water Resources was required to convene a task force, known as the 2002 Recycled Water Task Force, to identify constraints, impediments, and opportunities for the increased use of recycled water and report to the Legislature by July 1, 2003. The task force was also asked to advise and make recommendations concerning cross-connection control, including the applicability of visual inspections instead of pressure tests for crossconnections between potable and non-potable water systems. (Wat. Code section 13578(b)(1). The final report4 provided the following recommendations to the State Water Board — Division of Drinking Water (Division):
• Prepare guidance on dual plumbed regulations (22 CCR sections 60313-60316) consistent with Appendix J of plumbing code (Chapter 15 of 2019 California Plumbing Code, formerly Chapter 16A).
• Support thorough assessment of risk associated with cross-connections between disinfection tertiary recycled water and potable water.
• Ensure uniform interpretation of cross-connection control requirement of Title 22 regulations (recycled water) and Title 17 (cross-connection control regulations) o Recommend stakeholders to review draft Title 17 regulations.
• A person engaged in the salvage, purchase, or sale of scrap metal who knowingly possesses a backflow prevention assembly (or connections to the assembly or any part of the assembly), or who failed to report the possession of such items, which was previously owned by a utility or public agency, is guilty of a crime. (Pen. Code section 496e) 494 of 545
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• Junk dealers or recyclers who possess a backflow prevention assembly (or connections to that assembly or any part of the assembly) without a written certification from the agency or utility owning or previously owning the assembly will be liable to the agency or utility for the wrongful possession. (Civ. Code section 3336.5 and, similarly, Bus. & Prof. Code section 21609.1)
Please note that a number of the codes, regulations, and statutes cited above are implemented under the authority of regulatory entities other than the State Water Board and would therefore be beyond the scope of this CCCPH. The intent of providing such citations is to increase general awareness with respect to other potential statutory requirements associated with cross-connection control. The list is not exhaustive and does not include other requirements that may exist, including those via regulations that may have been adopted by an appropriate regulatory entity.

Federal Laws and Regulations
All suppliers of domestic water to the public are subject to regulations adopted by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974, as amended (42 U.S.C. section 300f et seq.), as well as by the State Board under the California SDWA (Health & Saf. Code, div. 104, pt. 12, ch. 4, section 116270 et seq.). Additionally, the State Water Board has been delegated primacy - the responsibility and authority to administer U.S. EPA's drinking water regulations within California — on the condition that California adopt enforceable requirements no less stringent than U.S. EPA's.

The U.S. EPA currently has no distinct cross-connection control requirements that apply broadly to public water systems (PWS); however, the importance of cross-connection control is evident by the issue papers and guidance documents developed by U.S. EPA and their recognition that crossconnections and backflow represent a significant public health risk (see discussion in Chapter 2).

Although U.S. EPA currently has no distinct cross-connection control requirements, the subject of cross-connection or backflow prevention assemblies is included in the U.S. SDWA and the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) in relation to PWS, including the following:5 • If used exclusively for non-potable services, a backflow prevention assembly is exempt from the federal lead prohibitions. (42, U.S.C. section 300g) • Allows increasing disinfectant concentrations in a PWS distribution system in the event of a cross-connection (backflow) event. (40 C.F.R. section 141.130(d)) • Proper maintenance of the distribution system, including cross-connection control, is identified as a best available technology (BAT) for microbial contaminant control. (40 C.F.R. section 141.63(e))
• Under the federal Revised Total Coliform Rule, a PWS having a cross-connection control program is one of the enhancements necessary to reduce monitoring for a PWS that had been under an increased monitoring frequency. (40 C.F.R. section 141.854(h)(2)) 495 of 545
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• Under the federal Revised Total Coliform Rule, a PWS having a cross-connection control program is a criterion for a state to allow a reduced monitoring frequency (40 C.F.R. section o
• If a state allows the monitoring frequency reductions previously mentioned under the federal Revised Total Coliform Rule, a state is required to include in its primacy package to U.S. EPA how a PWS will be required to demonstrate cross-connection control. (40 C.F.R. section 142.16(q))
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Created: 2024-12-10 12:13:47 [EST]
(Supp. No. 49)
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APPENDIX D - SAMPLE BACKFLOW INCIDENT RESPONSE FORM

BACKFLOW INCIDENT REPORT FORM
Many backflow incidents occur that are not reported. This is usually because they are of short duration, are not detected, the customer needs to be made aware they should be reported, or it may not be known to whom the incident should be reported. If you have any knowledge regarding incidents, please complete the form below and return it to the Municipal Engineer at the above address.

Reporting Agency: Report Date:

Reported By: Position:

Mail Address: City:

Province: Postal Code: Telephone:

Date of Incident: Time of Occurrence:

General Location (Street, etc.):

1. Backflow Originated From:

Name of Premise:

Street Address: City:

Contact Person: Telephone:

Type of Business:

2. Description of Contaminant(s):
(Attach Chemical Analysis if available)

3. Distribution of Contaminant(s):

Contained within customer's property: Yes: No: Number of persons affected:

4. Effect of Contamination:

Illness reported:
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Physical irritation reported:

5. Cross Connection Source of Contaminant:
(boiler, chemical pump, irrigation system, etc.)

6. Cause of Backflow:
(main break, fire flow, etc.)

7. Corrective Measures Taken to Restore Water Quality:
(main flushing, disinfection, etc.)

8. Corrective Action Ordered to Eliminate or Protect from Cross Connection:
(type of backflow preventer, location, etc.)

9. Previous Cross Connection Survey of Premise:

Date: By:

10. Type(s) of Backflow Preventer Isolating Property:

RPDA: DCVA: DCDA: PVB: SVBA: AVB: Air Gap: None: Other Type:

11. Date of Latest Test of Device:

12. Notification of Health Department:

Date: Time: Person Notified:

Attach sheets containing any additional information, sketches, etc., to the back of this form. 498 of 545
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xxx

APPENDIX E - ORDINANCE
Chapter 13.20 CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL, GENERAL POLICY

13.20.010Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is:

A. To protect the public potable water supply of the city from the possibility of contamination or pollution by isolating within the customer's internal distribution system or the customer's private water system such contaminants or pollutants which could backflow into the public water systems; B. To promote the elimination or control of existing cross-connections, actual or potential, between the consumer's in-plant potable water system and nonpotable water system, plumbing fixtures and piping systems;
C. To provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of cross-connection control which will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of all potable water systems. (Ord. 470 § 1(part), 1987)

13.20.020 Responsibility.

The city public works department and State Health Department shall be responsible for the protection of the public potable water distribution system from contamination or pollution due to the backflow of contaminants or pollutants through the water service connection. If, in the judgment of the city public works department an approved backflow prevention assembly is required for the safety of the water system, the public works department or its designated agent shall give notice in writing to said customer to install such approved backflow prevention assembly at specific location on customer premises. The customer shall immediately install such approved assembly at the customer's own expense; and failure, refusal or inability on the part of the customer to install and maintain said assembly shall constitute a ground for discontinuing water service to the premises until such requirements have been satisfactorily met.
(Ord. 470 § 1(part), 1987)

13.20.030 Authority.

The official in charge of the public works department of the city, or his appointed authority, is invested with the authority and responsibility for the implementation of an effective cross-connection control program and for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 470 § 1(part), 1987)

13.20.040 Regulations.

To comply with the "Regulations Relating to Cross Connections" (Title 17) of the State of California Department of Health Services, the city will require the installation of approved backflow prevention 499 of 545
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devices by and at the expense of the customer before service will be granted under any of the following conditions:

A. Where an unapproved fresh water supply is already available from a well, spring, reservoir, or any other source, unless the customer agrees to remove all pumps and piping necessary for the utilization of this supply, the installation of a backflow protective device will be required; B. Where polluted water under pressure is available for industrial or fire protection purposes; C. Where the premises are or may be engaged in industrial processes using or producing process waters or liquid wastes, or where the premises are or may be engaged in handling sewage or other dangerous substances;
D. Where circumstances are known or suspected such that there is special danger of backflow of sewage or other contaminated liquids through plumbing fixtures or water-using or treatment equipment, or storage tanks and reservoirs.
(Ord. 470 § 1(part), 1987)

13.20.050 Backflow prevention.

Wherever backflow protection has been found necessary on a water supply line entering a customer's premises, then any and all water supply lines form the city's mains entering such premises, building, or structures shall be protected by an approved backflow device. The type of protection is dependent upon the degree of hazard. Backflow prevention devices shall be placed as required by Title 17 and as approved by the state of California Department of Health Services. (Ord. 470 § 1(part), 1987)

13.20.060 Testing, inspection, maintenance and repair.

A. Testing Required. Backflow protection assemblies shall be inspected and tested after installation, repair or relocation, and at least annually thereafter. The owner of the premises on which a backflow assembly has been installed shall be responsible for having the required inspection and testing completed as set forth in this chapter. Inspection and testing must be done by a person certified by the state of California to perform cross-connection control testing and inspection. Any assembly that is found to be defective shall be repaired or replaced by the owner of the premises and the backflow protection assembly shall be re-tested before being placed back in service. All test reports shall be submitted to the city within the time limits set forth in this section.

B. Installation Testing. Each owner of premises on which a backflow protection assembly is required shall cause such assembly to be inspected and tested and shall submit the test report to the city within ten calendar days of the installation.

C. Annual Testing. Each owner of premises on which a backflow protection assembly is required shall cause such assembly to be inspected and tested annually and shall submit the test report to the city.

The city will send a notice to the property owner and the water customer by July 1st of each year as notification that the inspection is due within sixty calendar days. The notice will be sent along with a 500 of 545
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test report form and a list of certified testers. If a completed test report is not received by the city by the due date set forth in the notice, the city may proceed to conduct the testing and charge the property owner for any expenses incurred for the administration and performance of the testing, and any repairs that may be necessary. All costs incurred in testing, inspection, servicing, repair, and replacement of a defective device will be billed to the owner in addition to an administrative fee.

D. Additional Inspection and Testing. Additional testing and inspection of backflow assemblies may be conducted by the city as necessary as determined by the public works superintendent. Such additional inspection and testing shall be at the expense of the owner. (Ord. 773 § 1, 2005; Ord. 470 § 1(part), 1987)

13.20.070 Expenses considered a lien.

Expenses incurred by the city for testing, inspection, maintenance and repair, and all penalties thereon when confirmed by the city council as provided in this chapter shall constitute a lien upon the real property served and such lien shall continue until the charge and all penalties are fully paid or the property is sold therefor. The lien shall be prior to all other liens recorded after the lien for inspection and testing expenses is recorded as provided in this section.

In addition, the city council may authorize the city clerk to place the lien on the tax roll of the property served.

The provisions for notice, hearing, separate remedy, and additional remedy as set forth in Sections 13.43.070 through 13.43.100 et seq. shall apply to this chapter. (Ord. 773 § 2, 2005)
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State Water Resources Control Board
TO: PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS AND

LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
FROM: Cross-Connection Control Committee

DIVISION OF DRINKING WATER
DATE: September 17, 2025
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE ON CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL POLICY

HANDBOOK REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Introduction
On December 19, 2023, the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) was adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) with an effective date of July 1, 2024. The CCCPH replaced the regulations on backflow and cross-connection control that were in Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. (Health & Saf. Code, § 116407, subd. (c).) Public water systems (PWSs) must comply with the CCCPH. (Health & Saf. Code, § 116555.5.) Amendments to the CCCPH were adopted in March 2025 and June 2025. Backflow protection requirements on fire protection systems were not impacted by these amendments.

The CCCPH includes specific backflow protection requirements for PWSs serving water to users with fire protection systems such as fire sprinklers. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on how PWSs can best comply with the CCCPH’s backflow protection requirements applicable to fire protection systems.

Background
Before the CCCPH took effect, PWSs were subject to the backflow protection requirements in Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Section 7604 of title 17 of the California Code of Regulations required double check valve backflow preventers (DC), reduced pressure principle backflow preventers (RP), or air gaps for fire sprinklers depending on if the premises (use site) had auxiliary water or recycled water or if there were elevated tanks or pumps. The regulations did not have specific requirements for use sites without auxiliary water, recycled water, elevated tanks, or pumps. 502 of 545
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Some PWSs serving water to users with fire sprinkler systems did not need to comply with the applicable Title 17 backflow protection requirements because they were statutorily exempt pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 13114.7, subdivision (b).

The statute exempts backflow preventer installation in AWWA-defined Class 1 and Class 2 fire sprinkler systems. Class 1 and Class 2 fire sprinkler systems were described in in the 1st and 2nd Editions of the AWWA M-14 Manuals when classes were used to classify fire sprinkler systems based on water source and arrangement of supplies (AWWA, 1973; AWWA, 1989; USC, 1993). The AWWA classification system for fire sprinklers is no longer in use, as some Class 1 or 2 fire sprinkler installations pose cross-connection risks and should have backflow protection (AWWA, 2004; Cal Fire, 2009; USC-FCCHR, 1993). Class 1 fire sprinkler systems were automatic fire sprinklers with direct connections from public water mains only, i.e. no pumps, tanks, or reservoirs, no physical connection from other water supplies, no antifreeze or additives of any kind, and all sprinkler drains discharged to atmosphere or other safe outlets. (Health & Saf. Code, § 13114.7.) Class 2 fire sprinklers were similar to Class 1 fire sprinklers, except that booster pumps may be installed in the connections from the street mains. (Health & Saf. Code, § 13114.7.) The statute is still in effect, therefore it is possible that a PWS serving water to users with fire protection systems falls under the exemption. This is discussed in more detail below.

How to determine whether a PWS serving water to users with fire sprinkler systems is statutorily exempt under Health and Safety Code section 13114.7 from the CCCPH’s backflow protection requirements? If a PWS believes that a water user’s fire sprinkler system is statutorily exempt from the CCCPH’s backflow protection requirements for fire sprinkler systems pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 13114.7, then the State Water Board recommends the PWS reach out to its local fire authorities to determine whether it falls within the exemption. If the local fire authorities determine that the exemption applies, then the PWS should provide this documentation to the State Water Board.

What are the Sanitary Concerns of Fire Sprinklers?
Generally, the concerns with fire sprinkler installations include stagnant water and associated water quality impacts, pipe materials that may leach into the water, and use of chemical additives such as antifreeze. Use of antifreeze or other chemical additives in fire sprinklers systems have long been recognized as a contamination hazard that requires installation of an RP for containment. During backflow events, there is a risk that stagnant water and/or chemicals in the fire sprinkler piping may enter the distribution system and impair the drinking water supply.

Stagnant water in fire sprinkler systems that backflows into drinking water may cause the PWS to violate drinking water standards. Stagnant water is a pollutant (i.e. aesthetic 503 of 545
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concern) but in some cases may also be a health concern due to the potential for heavy metal leaching and/or microbial growth (as discussed below).

The AWWA Research Foundation describes studies that show black steel pipe can leach heavy metals, including lead, into the water contained within a fire sprinkler system. (Duranceau et al.,1998.) While the volume of water that can backflow from a fire sprinkler system could be limited to a small area of the distribution system, there is a risk that customers receive water with elevated lead concentrations. The US EPA determined that there is no safe level of lead exposure and requires PWSs to take necessary steps for the protection of public health when the concentration of lead in drinking water reaches the US EPA action level of 15 ppb (US EPA, 2021). Additionally, in compliance with the California Safe Drinking Water Act (Health & Saf. Code, division 104, part 12, chapter 4, commencing with section 116270), PWSs have a duty to deliver water to customers that is pure, wholesome, healthful and potable and to ensure that its system will not be subject to backflow (Health & Saf. Code, § 116555, subd. (a)(2)-(3)).

Backflow protection for PWSs with fire sprinkler systems is therefore necessary for the protection of public health.

What are the requirements in the CCCPH for PWSs serving water to users with fire sprinkler systems?
The CCCPH requires that PWSs address fire sprinkler backflow risks and provides PWSs with various means of compliance. The fire sprinkler requirements in the CCCPH apply to both new and existing fire sprinkler installations. (CCCPH, § 3.2.2(e).) The CCCPH requires a minimum of DC for fire protection systems within 10 years of the effective date of the CCCPH, or July 1, 2034. (CCCPH, § 3.2.2(e).) This is the default requirement unless a PWS has residential service connections that meet specific criteria to not require a DC, a PWS has documented an alternative date for compliance, or the PWS has documented an alternative method of backflow protection in its CrossConnection Control Plan (CCC Plan) (CCCPH, § 3.2.2(e)(2)).

In summary, PWSs that are subject to the CCCPH fire sprinkler requirements have five options for compliance with fire sprinkler backflow protection:

1. Meet the criteria in section 3.2.2(e)(3) of the CCCPH (residential only).

2. Require RP (minimum for high hazards) (CCCPH, § 3.2.2(e)(1)).

3. Require DC within 10 years (low hazard only) (CCCPH, § 3.2.2(e)).

4. Propose an alternative to DC protection via its CCC Plan (low hazard only) (CCCPH, § 3.2.2(e)(2)(B)).

5. Propose a compliance date extension via its CCC Plan (low hazard only)(CCCPH, § 3.2.2(e)(2)(A)).

A Note on CCC Plan Requirements
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The CCC Plan is a living document and is expected to be updated as PWS information and conditions change. The CCC Plan may include a preliminary approach for addressing backflow protection on fire sprinkler systems that must be updated by the PWS as more information is available. (CCCPH, § 3.1.4(d).) When a PWS substantively updates its CCC Plan, the PWS must submit the revised CCC Plan to the State Water Board’s Division of Drinking Water for review. (CCCPH, § 3.1.4(d).) Recommendations for New Fire Sprinkler Installations
For new installations, the State Water Board recommends that the PWS coordinate with their local planning or building permit entities and the local fire authority to ensure new construction for residential is designed to meet the CCCPH’s backflow protection requirements.

Recommendations for Existing Fire Sprinkler Installations The State Water Board recognizes that fire sprinklers are critical safety features, and that retrofitting existing fire sprinkler installations for backflow protection may pose a challenge due to engineering constraints and costs of retrofit. Any modifications to fire sprinklers will likely require a hydraulic study and possibly necessitate costly modifications to install a backflow preventer.

One suggested approach is to consider risk management and prioritization. Generally, risk management involves assessing the likelihood of exposure to hazards (i.e. risk) and then abating, managing, monitoring, or accepting risk. Fire sprinklers that are considered a higher risk for backflow should be prioritized for evaluation. For low-risk fire sprinklers, a PWS can assess the nature of the risk and propose an alternative to DC protection or a compliance date extension. (CCCPH, § 3.2.2(e)(2).) To determine the level of risk, the first step is to complete a hazard assessment of the water user’s premises and fire sprinkler system, which will provide the basis for any following actions.

To determine if a fire sprinkler system poses a high or low hazard and the appropriate backflow protection, the PWS must assess fire sprinkler systems to determine the degree of hazard. (CCCPH, § 3.2.2(e)(1).) How a PWS completes an assessment of a fire sprinkler system may vary based on the type of water user. Industrial or commercial user premises with fire sprinkler systems may require a more involved assessment than residential users with fire sprinkler systems. A customer can often provide relevant information to facilitate the fire sprinkler system hazard assessment. If the customer cannot provide the information, the PWS may conduct a visual inspection and/or review plans or building permits, construction year, and if unavailable, a best estimate by the PWS of any hazards present. The cross-connection control specialist will need to document if the fire sprinkler system is low or high hazard. A fire sprinkler system is 505 of 545
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considered high hazard if it utilizes chemical addition (e.g., wetting agents, foam, antifreeze, corrosion inhibitor, etc.) or an auxiliary water supply. (CCCPH, § 3.2.2(e)(1).) To determine if chemicals may be used in the fire sprinkler system, the PWS may need to consult with its local fire authorities.

Alternative proposals should consider the likelihood of backflow and water supply impairment, include a mechanism that reduces the likelihood of backflow and verification that the mechanism is operational, such as testing or inspection. For example, the AWWA Manual M14, Fifth Edition (2024) describes a possible alternative for an existing low hazard fire system equipped with a modern Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL)-listed alarm check valve that contains no lead and is maintained in accordance with NFPA standard 25 (p. 93).

In addition, DDW recommends that the assessment of a fire sprinkler system should include the following considerations when proposing an alternative to DC backflow protection:
• What is the pipe material and hazard?
• What is the age of the fire protection system? Older installations may have components containing lead.
• Were installation standards followed when the fire sprinklers were installed? • How severe is the risk of backflow? In the event of a distribution system backsiphonage event, is the backflow limited to a single connection or are multiple connections impacted?
• What is the building and fire protection system elevation relative to the PWS distribution system (i.e. are there significant pressure differentials)? • Is the fire protection system already equipped with a backflow prevention device, such as a functioning single check valve?
• Does the PWS employ other potentially mitigating measures? • What is the fire sprinkler system size? A larger fire sprinkler system probably contains a larger amount of water that can backflow.
• Maintenance and inspection frequency and history of the fire sprinklers. • Any other factors that could impact the potential for the fire sprinkler system to backflow or degrade the water quality.

Any exemptions or alternatives to DC protection for residential fire sprinklers that are low hazard must be documented as part of the hazard assessment for the premises. (CCCPH, § 3.5.1(a).) Some fire systems may be found to be at higher risk of backflow and should be addressed as soon as possible. A PWS should not wait ten years to install necessary backflow prevention assemblies for fire sprinklers where a higher risk of backflow exists.

Conclusion
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In complying with low hazard fire sprinkler system requirements outlined in the CCCPH, PWSs are required to comply with the default requirement of minimum DC protection unless (1) the PWS is subject to the statutory exemption under Health and Safety Code section 13114.7, (2) the criteria in section 3.2.2(e)(3) of the CCCPH are satisfied, or (3) the PWS has an alternative described in its CCC Plan. High hazard fire systems are required to have RP or AG backflow protection. A PWS that believes it has a fire sprinkler system that is statutorily exempt should reach out to their local fire authorities and notify the State Water Board of this determination. Any substantive changes to a PWS fire sprinkler system backflow protection must be reflected in its CCC Plan and submitted to DDW for review. PWSs should develop and maintain an inventory of fire sprinkler systems within its service area, as well as the degree of hazard associated with each fire system and any exemption or alternative applied to the fire system.

Industry guidance noted in references below provides additional information on assessing fire sprinklers.
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References and Further Reading
American Water Works Association (AWWA). (1973). Backflow Prevention and CrossConnection Control: Recommended Practices (1st ed., Ser. Manual of Water Supply Practices M14). American Water Works Association.

AWWA. (1989). Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control: Recommended Practices (2nd ed., Ser. Manual of Water Supply Practices M14). American Water Works Association.

AWWA. (2004). Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control: Recommended Practices (3rd ed., Ser. Manual of Water Supply Practices M14). American Water Works Association.

AWWA. (2024). Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control: Recommended Practices (5th ed., Ser. Manual of Water Supply Practices M14). American Water Works Association.

Backflow Management Inc. (BMI). (2011). Cross Connection from A to Z: A Comprehensive Guide to Cross Connection Control Programs. Backflow Management Inc.

CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal. (2009). Residential Fire Sprinkler/Water Purveyor Task Force: Final Report/Recommendations.

California Building Standards Commission (CBSC). (2022). California Plumbing Code. https://www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc/codes
CBSC. (2022). California Residential Code (Chapter 3, section R313). https://www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc/codes
CBSC. (2022). California Fire Code (Section 903). https://www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc/codes Duranceau, S. J., Foster, J., V., & Poole, J. (1998). Impact of wet-pipe fire sprinkler systems on drinking water quality. AWWA Research Foundation and American Water Works Association.

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and The United Association (UA) of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada. (2016). Backflow Prevention Reference Manual (3rd ed.). n.p.: International Pipe Trades Joint Training Committee.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). (2025a). Standard for the Installation of Fire Sprinklers (NFPA 13).
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Guidance on CCCPH Requirements - 8 - September 17, 2025 for Fire Protection Systems
NFPA. (2025b). Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and TwoFamily Dwellings and Manufactured Homes (NFPA 13D).

NFPA. (2025c). Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies (NFPA 13R).

Pacific Northwest Section American Water Works Association (PNWS AWWA). (2012).

Cross-Connection Control Manual (7th ed.). Portland, OR: Pacific Northwest Section American Water Works Association.

Ritland, R. L., & O’Brien, L. (2019). Backflow Prevention: Theory and Practice (3rd ed.).

Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.

State Water Resources Control Board. (2023). Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook Staff Report. Retrieved 2025, from
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/drinkingwater/docs/2023/sta ffrpt-adopt-2023-12-19.pdf.

USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC-FCCHR). (1993). Manual of Cross-Connection Control. Foundation for Cross-connection Control and Hydraulic Research, Ninth Edition, University of Southern California.

USC-FCCHR. (2009). Manual of Cross-Connection Control. Foundation for Crossconnection Control and Hydraulic Research, Tenth Edition, University of Southern California.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Federal Register for Lead and Copper Rules revisions (Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, 2021). Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, 86 F.R 4198 (January 15, 2021) (codified as 40 C.F.R. §§141.2-141.154 and §§141.201-142.15).
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-15/pdf/2020-28691.pdf U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). (2003). Cross-Connection Control Manual (EPA 816-R-03-002). Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water 509 of 545
Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: 2025 CALPERS UNFUNDED ACTURARIAL LIABILITY

REVIEW, POLICY COMPLIANCE AND FUNDED STATUS
Date: December 9, 2025
Written by: Angela Courter, Director of Administrative Services Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the 2025 Pension Liability Review prepared by Ridgeline Municipal Strategies, LLC. No action will be taken.

Background
In October 2025, Ridgeline Municipal Strategies, LLC completed a comprehensive review of the City of Cotati’s pension liabilities with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Ridgeline completed its latest review using the most current CalPERS actuarial data available, which reflects the pension plans’ status as of June 30, 2024 (FYE 2024). The analysis evaluated the City’s Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) as of June 30, 2024, reviewed CalPERS’ recent investment performance through June 30, 2025, examined the long-term amortization structure of the City’s pension obligations, and provided recommendations for managing future pension costs.

In 2022, the City issued Pension Obligation Refunding Loans that enabled a reduction of the UAL by $6 million, which was refinanced at interest rates significantly lower than the CalPERS discount rate. By refinancing a portion of the City’s long-term pension liability at lower interest rates, the City achieved estimated cash-flow savings of approximately $2.25 million. Since that time, the City has continued to make annual UAL payments to CalPERS along with payments on the two refinancing loans. Additionally, the City has made voluntary Additional Discretionary Payments (ADPs) and has requested CalPERS to convert certain amortization bases to level payment structures to mitigate the effects of negative amortization.

Analysis/Discussion
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CalPERS administers pension benefits for the City through two consolidated plan groupings:

Safety (Police) and Miscellaneous.

CalPERS’ investment performance has significantly influenced recent changes in the City’s UAL. Based on the most recent actuarial valuations as of June 30, 2024, the City’s combined plans held approximately $40.4 million in assets against an actuarial accrued liability of approximately $47.5 million, resulting in a total UAL of $7.1 million and an overall funded status of 85.1%. According to this actuarial valuation, CalPERS earned a 9.3% investment return, exceeding the assumed rate of 6.8%. While CalPERS also recorded certain noninvestment actuarial losses due to higher-than-expected salary increases and cost-of-living adjustments statewide, the net impact to Cotati was a reduction of approximately $445,000 in the City’s UAL.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, CalPERS announced a preliminary 11.6% return for the year. While final actuarial reconciliations are not yet known, current estimates indicate that this investment performance will reduce Cotati’s UAL by an additional $1.94 million.

When considering all known factors, such as regular City and employee contributions, ADPs, benefit payments, investment performance, and interest on the UAL. Ridgeline estimates that Cotati’s pension plans reached an approximate funded level of 90% as of June 30, 2025. This achievement aligns with the target funded status established in the City’s Unfunded Accrued Liability Management Policy adopted in 2022.

It is important to note that the UAL reduction attributable to the 2025 investment performance will be treated by CalPERS as a “credit base” and amortized over a 20-year period with a fiveyear ramp-up. The first credit will be recognized in fiscal year 2028, which will help lower longterm UAL payment obligations.

Ridgeline also reviewed the City’s Normal Cost rates, which reflect the ongoing annual cost of pension benefits earned by active employees. For fiscal year 2027, most Normal Cost rates for Miscellaneous and Safety employees are projected to decrease slightly for the employer, with no change for employees.

Conclusion
Based on current projections, Ridgeline concludes that the City does not require any policymandated additional discretionary UAL payments or actuarial base modifications for fiscal year 25/26. The City’s funded status is strong, and recent investment gains appear to have significantly reduced long-term UAL exposure.

However, Ridgeline recommends that the City consider making additional discretionary contributions, either directly to CalPERS or into the City’s Pension Rate Stabilization Fund when financially feasible and in alignment with City Policy. Such contributions would provide greater long-term stability, reduce future interest costs, and help protect the City from potential future market underperformance or actuarial adjustments.
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Financial Considerations
There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with receiving this report. Any additional discretionary payments undertaken by the City in future years would require separate Council consideration and appropriation.

Environmental Issues
This action is not a project under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore does not require environmental review.
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2213 P LAZA D RIVE , R OCKLIN , CA 95 765
T EL : 916.25 0 .1590 ; WEB : WWW . RIDGELINEMUNI . COM

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
To: Ms. Angela Courter, City of Cotati
Mr. Damien O’Bid, City of Cotati
From: Dmitry Semenov, Ridgeline Municipal Strategies, LLC Date: October 31, 2025
Re: 2025 Pension Liability Review; Ridgeline #23035

INTRODUCTION
Ridgeline Municipal Strategies, LLC (Ridgeline) has performed a review of the Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) that the City of Cotati (City) has outstanding with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) as of FYE 2024. This technical memorandum documents the review results and outlines recommended actions the City could take to reduce future UAL costs.

Recommended for Implementation:
• No policy-mandated ADPs or actuarial base modifications are necessary for FYE 2026.

Recommended for Consideration Based on Overall Budget Outlook:
• Additional discretionary payments to reduce the UAL or contributions to the Pension Rate Stabilization Fund.

CITY’S PENSION PLANS AND UNFUNDED ACCRUED LIABILITY
The City provides pension benefits to its employees and retirees through six pension plans with CalPERS. Beginning with FYE 2024, CalPERS consolidated its reporting and now provides two reports: one report for all Safety (Police) plans and one report for all Miscellaneous plans.
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City of Cotati
2025 Pension Liability Review – 11/24/2025

As of 06/30/2024 (the most recent official information available as of the date of this memorandum), the plans had a total actuarial accrued liability (the estimated amount necessary, as of the valuation date, to fund all earned pension benefits for current employees, retirees, and beneficiaries) of approximately $47.5 million, held approximately $40.4 million in assets, and were underfunded by approximately $7.1 million. The pension plans were 85.1% funded, as summarized in Table 1 below.

Source: CalPERS’ Actuarial Valuation Reports as of June 30, 2024 In January 2022, the City issued a pension obligation refunding loan and a street improvements financing loan (UAL Refunding Loans) that allowed it to pay down the UAL by $6,000,000. Since then, the City has been making reduced UAL payments to CalPERS on the remaining UAL, as well as payments on the two loans. Since the loan interest rates are significantly lower than the interest rate charged by CalPERS, the refunding allowed the City to generate approximately $2.25 million in total cash flow savings at the time of the refunding.

Subsequently, CalPERS’ investment performance and reconciliation adjustments resulted in additional UAL changes.

Since 2023, the City has been making Additional Discretionary Payments (ADPs) to offset the effects of negative amortization on new UAL balances, as well as requesting CalPERS to convert some of the actuarial bases to level amortization.

Figure 1 shows the recent and future UAL and UAL Refunding Loans amortization schedule. This schedule reflects the official CalPERS 2024 amortization schedule and DOES NOT include the ADPs made by the City. However, it does incorporate the impact of these ADPs on future UAL payments.

Pension Plan Total Accrued
Liability
Market Value
of Assets
Unfunded
Accrued
Liability
%
Funded
Safety - Police $21,078,060 $17,824,084 $3,253,976 84.6% Miscellaneous $26,425,977 $22,609,348 $3,816,629 85.6%
TOTAL $47,504,037 $40,433,432 $7,070,605 85.1%
City of Cotati
Table 1
Pension Plans Summary - 06/30/2024
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2025 Pension Liability Review – 11/24/2025

Figure 1
City of Cotati
Current UAL and UAL Refunding Loan Amortization Schedule (in $ millions) Source: CalPERS’ Actuarial Valuation Reports as of June 30, 2024 and UAL Refunding Loans Amortization Schedules 515 of 545
City of Cotati
2025 Pension Liability Review – 11/24/2025

CALPERS INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE FOR FYE 2024 and FYE 2025 For FYE 2024, CalPERS generated an investment return of 9.3%, which exceeds the CalPERS’ performance target of 6.8%. This resulted in a UAL decrease, some of which was offset by certain actuarial reconciliation adjustments.

CalPERS recently announced an estimated FYE 2025 investment return of 11.6%, exceeding the 6.8% target. This will result in an additional UAL reduction. However, other actuarial reconciliation adjustments for FYE 2025 are not yet known. Figure 2 below shows the history of CalPERS’ annual investment returns.

Figure 2
City of Cotati
History of CalPERS’ Annual Investment Returns, FYE 1996-2025 Source: CalPERS
The average annual investment returns as reported by CalPERS are as follows:
• 5 years: 8.0%
• 10 years: 7.1%
• 20 years: 6.7%
• 30 years: 7.6%
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City of Cotati
2025 Pension Liability Review – 11/24/2025

The average returns indicate that historically CalPERS has been able to achieve the longterm investment target rate of 6.8% (the current discount rate). CalPERS has gradually lowered its target rate over recent decades. It appears that the current target rate corresponds favorably to the past performance. However, past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

SUMMARY OF FYE 2024 UAL CHANGES
For FYE 2024, CalPERS added two new actuarial bases to each of the City’s pension plans:
• The Investment Gain base decreased the UAL to account for the investment overperformance of 2.5%, compared to the 6.8% discount rate. • The Non-Investment Loss base is the annual reconciliation to account for the differences between the actuarial assumptions and the actual plan experience for the year. This base increased the UAL, reportedly due to the larger than expected salary increases and COLA adjustments within the pension pool.

Table 2 summarizes the impacts of these two bases on the City’s UAL.

Source: CalPERS’ Actuarial Valuation Reports as of June 30, 2024 The combined impact of these two bases reduced the City’s total UAL by approximately $445,000, which helped to somewhat offset the back-to-back UAL increases of the two prior years.

IMPACT OF FYE 2025 CALPERS’ INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE ON THE CITY To assess the impact of CalPERS’ FYE 2025 investment performance on the funded status of pension plans, it is important to remember that to maintain an unchanged funded ratio, among other things, CalPERS needs to achieve an investment gain equal to the discount rate, which is currently 6.8%. Whenever investment returns fall below the discount rate, the funded level of the pension plans decreases and an additional UAL is created.

Pension Plan Investment
Returns Other Factors Total UAL Change
Safety - Police (444,285) 230,067 (214,218)
Miscellaneous (556,829) 326,494 (230,335)
TOTAL (1,001,114) 556,561 (444,553)
Table 2
City of Cotati
FYE 2024 UAL Change Factors
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City of Cotati
2025 Pension Liability Review – 11/24/2025

Conversely, whenever the investment returns are above the discount rate, the funded level increases and the UAL amount is reduced.

The 11.6% investment return translates into a 4.8% funding surplus (the difference between the 6.8% discount rate and the 11.6% estimated investment return). This surplus is projected to reduce the City’s UAL by approximately $1.9 million, subject to future actuarial adjustments.

Table 3 shows the 2025 investment performance impact estimates for the City’s plans.

Source: Ridgeline
The investment overperformance impact is estimated based on the FYE 2024 market value of assets within each pension plan multiplied by 4.8%. However, CalPERS may make additional adjustments to account for actual vs. projected plan experience and methodology changes, similarly to what was done in FYE 2024.

CITY’S NORMAL COST RATES
In addition to the UAL changes, the City should be aware that its Normal Costs are changing as follows for FYE 2027:
• Classic Miscellaneous Tier 1 Plan: reduced by 0.02% of salaries (from 16.09% to

16.07%) for the City, while remaining unchanged for the employees; • Classic Miscellaneous Tier 2 Plan: reduced by 0.01% of salaries (from 10.76% to

10.75%) for the City, while remaining unchanged for the employees; • PEPRA Miscellaneous Plan: reduced by 0.03% of salaries (from 7.96% to 7.93%) for the City, while remaining unchanged for the employees;
• Classic Safety Tier 1 Plan: appears to have been eliminated (no active employees); Pension Plan Estimated 2025
UAL Change
Safety - Police ($856,000)
Miscellaneous ($1,085,000)
TOTAL ($1,941,000)
Table 3
City of Cotati
Estimated 2025 Investment Return Impact
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City of Cotati
2025 Pension Liability Review – 11/24/2025

• Classic Safety Tier 2 Plan: increased by 0.02% of salaries (from 20.15% to 20.17%) for the City, while remaining unchanged for the employees;
• PEPRA Safety Plan: reduced by 0.08% of salaries (from 13.99% to 13.91%) for the City, while remaining unchanged for the employees.

CITY’S ESTIMATED FYE 2025 PENSION PLAN FUNDED LEVELS
CalPERS will publish the 06/30/2025 actuarial reports in or around August 2026. The reports will reflect any changes that have taken place during the fiscal year, including the investment performance, City’s and employees’ contributions, including ADPs, benefit payments to plan beneficiaries, and CalPERS’ adjustments to reconcile the actual vs. projected plan experience and to account for actuarial methodology changes.

While the reconciliation and methodology adjustments are unknown at this time, Ridgeline has developed an estimate of the other changes, including the FYE 2025 ADPs, which are summarized in Table 4 below.

Sources: CalPERS, Ridgeline
Description Misc Plans Safety Plans Total
Market Value of Assets
2024 Balance $22,609,000 $17,824,000 $40,433,000
Normal Cost Contribution $504,000 $332,000 $836,000
UAL Payment $247,000 $230,000 $477,000
ADP $218,000 $180,000 $398,000
Investment Gain / (Loss) $2,623,000 $2,068,000 $4,691,000 Benefit Payments ($1,310,000) ($1,100,000) ($2,410,000) Estimated 2025 Balance $24,891,000 $19,534,000 $44,425,000 Unfunded Accrued Liability
2024 Balance $3,817,000 $3,254,000 $7,071,000
UAL Payment ($247,000) ($230,000) ($477,000)
Interest $260,000 $221,000 $481,000
ADP ($218,000) ($180,000) ($398,000)
Investment (Gain) / Loss ($1,085,000) ($856,000) ($1,941,000) Estimated 2025 Balance $2,527,000 $2,209,000 $4,736,000 Pension Plan 2025 Funded Level 90.8% 89.8% 90.4%
City of Cotati
2025 Pension Plan Funded Level Estimate
Rounded to '000s
Table 4
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City of Cotati
2025 Pension Liability Review – 11/24/2025

The amounts calculated in Table 4 are estimates only and can only be finalized once CalPERS publishes the 06/30/2025 actuarial reports in August 2026.

The UAL payments and benefit payments estimates were generated by CalPERS. ADP amounts reflect actual payments paid by the City. The Normal Cost contributions, investment gain / loss, and UAL interest estimates were generated by Ridgeline.

It is estimated that the City’s Miscellaneous and Safety plans were approximately 90% funded as of 06/30/2025, before any additional adjustments that could be made by CalPERS.

Concurrently with the issuance of the UAL Refunding Loans, the City adopted an Unfunded Accrued Liability Management Policy, which calls for the City to maintain a target pension plan funded level objective of 90%. The City has now reached that target funded level.

AMORTIZATION OF UAL CREDIT
The 2025 UAL credit will be amortized over a 20-year period with a 5-year ramp-up. The first application of the credit will take place in FYE 2028 (July 2027).

Figure 3 illustrates how the UAL credit will impact the City’s UAL repayment structure for the combined plans. The estimated amortization schedule is based on the 2025 UAL base balances shown in Table 3 above and does not include any additional changes that could be made by CalPERS.
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City of Cotati
2025 Pension Liability Review – 11/24/2025

Figure 3
City of Cotati
UAL Repayment with Projected 2025 UAL Investment Gain Credit (in $ millions) Source: CalPERS’ Actuarial Valuation Reports as of June 30, 2024, UAL Refunding Loans Amortization Schedule, Ridgeline 521 of 545
City of Cotati
2025 Pension Liability Review – 11/24/2025

Table 5 provides the annual detailed estimate of the existing UAL amortization, the UAL Refunding Loans repayments, and the new UAL amortization schedule.

Source: CalPERS’ Actuarial Valuation Reports as of June 30, 2024, UAL Refunding Loans Amortization Schedules, Ridgeline POB Street Loan Existing UAL 2025 UAL POB Street Loan Existing UAL 2025 UAL Total Debt Service UAL Total 2023 $197,540 $73,354 $218,709 $0 $489,603 $150,855 $56,018 $190,922 $0 $397,796 $477,768 $409,631 $887,399 2024 $197,539 $73,354 $192,898 $0 $463,791 $150,855 $56,018 $170,871 $0 $377,744 $477,766 $363,769 $841,535 2025 $197,541 $73,354 $247,153 $0 $518,048 $150,856 $56,018 $229,636 $0 $436,510 $477,769 $476,789 $954,558 2026 $197,542 $73,354 $301,275 $0 $572,172 $150,857 $56,018 $267,121 $0 $473,996 $477,772 $568,396 $1,046,168 2027 $197,540 $73,354 $326,930 $0 $597,824 $150,855 $56,018 $281,859 $0 $488,732 $477,767 $608,789 $1,086,556 2028 $197,539 $73,354 $330,083 ($26,601) $574,375 $150,854 $56,018 $283,142 ($20,987) $469,028 $477,766 $565,637 $1,043,403 2029 $197,541 $73,354 $370,495 ($53,203) $588,187 $150,856 $56,018 $315,198 ($41,974) $480,098 $477,769 $590,516 $1,068,286 2030 $197,540 $73,354 $356,843 ($79,804) $547,933 $150,855 $56,018 $304,305 ($62,961) $448,218 $477,768 $518,383 $996,151 2031 $197,543 $73,354 $343,191 ($106,406) $507,682 $150,857 $56,018 $293,412 ($83,948) $416,340 $477,772 $446,250 $924,022 2032 $197,537 $73,354 $343,191 ($133,007) $481,076 $150,853 $56,018 $293,414 ($104,934) $395,351 $477,763 $398,664 $876,427 2033 $197,541 $73,354 $343,191 ($133,007) $481,079 $150,856 $56,018 $293,409 ($104,934) $395,349 $477,769 $398,659 $876,428 2034 $197,542 $73,354 $343,190 ($133,007) $481,079 $150,856 $56,018 $293,413 ($104,934) $395,353 $477,771 $398,662 $876,432 2035 $197,539 $73,354 $343,192 ($133,007) $481,079 $150,855 $56,018 $293,413 ($104,934) $395,351 $477,766 $398,664 $876,430 2036 $197,539 $73,354 $343,191 ($133,007) $481,077 $150,854 $56,018 $293,413 ($104,934) $395,351 $477,765 $398,663 $876,428 2037 $197,540 $73,354 $343,191 ($133,007) $481,079 $150,855 $56,018 $293,414 ($104,934) $395,353 $477,768 $398,664 $876,432 2038 $0 $73,354 $343,191 ($133,007) $283,538 $0 $56,018 $293,412 ($104,934) $244,496 $129,372 $398,662 $528,034 2039 $0 $73,354 $343,189 ($133,007) $283,536 $0 $56,018 $293,416 ($104,934) $244,500 $129,372 $398,664 $528,036 2040 $0 $73,354 $343,188 ($133,007) $283,535 $0 $56,018 $277,790 ($104,934) $228,874 $129,372 $383,037 $512,409 2041 $0 $73,354 $343,191 ($209,610) $206,935 $0 $56,018 $277,794 ($184,898) $148,914 $129,372 $226,476 $355,849 2042 $0 $73,354 $343,190 ($343,190) $73,354 $0 $56,018 $277,789 ($277,789) $56,018 $129,372 $0 $129,372 2043 $0 $0 $111,857 ($111,857) $0 $0 $0 $79,379 ($79,379) $0 $0 $0 $0 2044 $0 $0 $266,391 ($266,391) $0 $0 $0 $192,475 ($192,475) $0 $0 $0 $0 TOTAL $2,963,105 $1,467,082 $6,840,920 ($2,394,124) $8,876,983 $2,262,830 $1,120,365 $5,788,997 ($1,888,820) $7,283,371 $7,813,381 $8,346,972 $16,160,354 Debt Service UAL
Table 5
City of Cotati
Estimated UAL Amortization Schedule - CalPERS
FYE
Miscellaneous Plan Safety Plan Total
Debt Service UAL
Total
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City of Cotati
2025 Pension Liability Review – 11/24/2025

The debt service allocation to the Miscellaneous and Safety plans is made based on the UAL balances paid down with the UAL Refunding Loans (see Table 6 below).

Source: UAL Refunding Loans Amortization Schedules
The 2025 UAL credit amortization calculation is estimated based on the Market Value of Assets for each plan.

PENSION COST OPTIMIZATION STRATEGIES ASSESSMENT
When the UAL Refunding Loans were issued, the City adopted a UAL Management Policy to guide future pension liability management.

In addition to following the historical practice of prepaying the UAL payments by July 31 of each year, in FYEs 2024 and 2025, the City made ADPs to address negative amortization. The combination of these ADPs and the two years of favorable market returns have allowed the City to achieve the 90% funded level target within the plans, as shown in Table 7.

Source: Ridgeline
Description UAL
Paydown %
Miscellaneous Plan UAL Payoff $3,402,000 56.70%
Safety Plan UAL Payoff $2,598,000 43.30%
Total $6,000,000 100.00%
Table 6
City of Cotati
Debt Service Allocation
Description Amount Comments
Estimated 2025 MVA $44,425,000 See Table 4
Estimated 2025 UAL $4,736,000 See Table 4
Estimated 2025 Total Accrued Liability $49,161,000
Estimated 2025 Funded Level 90.4% See Table 4
90% Funded Level Amount $44,245,000
ADP Required to Achieve 90% Funded Level ($180,000) Funded Target Met Table 7
City of Cotati
FYE 2025 Funded Ratio Target Estimate
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City of Cotati
2025 Pension Liability Review – 11/24/2025

The Investment Gain bases added to the City’s plans for FYE 2024 and expected to be added for FYE 2025 have the negative amortization dynamic working in the City’s favor:
• The ramp-up structure of Investment Gain bases helps maximize the interest cost offset benefit.
• The level amortization for Non-Investment Loss bases ensures that their amortization starts with the first payments.
• The accrued interest during the first two “no payment” years for the NonInvestment Loss bases is offset by the accrued interest on the Investment Gain bases.

The FYE 2023 bases have been converted from ramp-up to level repayment, and no further action is required for them.

CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATIONS
Given the estimated funded level of the plans, the prior actions taken by the City, and the FYE 2024 actuarial bases dynamic, no policy-mandated ADPs are needed in FYE 2026.

Additionally, unless CalPERS makes significant adjustments to the plans in FYE 2026, at this time we do not expect that policy-mandated ADPs will be needed in FYE 2027.

Based on the overall budget outlook, the City could consider making discretionary ADPs or Sequestered Savings contributions into its Pension Rate Stabilization Fund. 524 of 545
2025 Pension
Liability Update
December 9, 2025
Municipal Advisory | Pension Optimization | Financial Planning 525 of 545
City of Cotati – 2025 Pension Liability Update 12/09/2025 2 CalPERS UAL Refunding Overview
• Jan 2022 – City closed on Pension Obligation and Street Improvement Loans • The closing took place right before interest rates run up and locked in low rates for the City • Loan proceeds provided funds (incl. freed up reserves) to pay down CalPERS UAL by $6M and saved the City ≈ $2.25M
• Recent CalPERS Performance:
• FYE 2023 investment gain of 5.8% (1% below 6.8% discount rate) • FYE 2024 investment gain of 9.3% (2.5% above 6.8% discount rate) • FYE 2025 estimated investment gain of 11.6% (4.8% above 6.8% discount rate) 526 of 545
City of Cotati – 2025 Pension Liability Update 12/09/2025 3 06/30/2024 Pension Plans Overview
Source: 06/30/2024
CalPERS Actuarial
Reports
Pension Plan Total Accrued
Liability
Market Value
of Assets
Unfunded
Accrued
Liability
%
Funded
Safety - Police $21,078,060 $17,824,084 $3,253,976 84.6% Miscellaneous $26,425,977 $22,609,348 $3,816,629 85.6%
TOTAL $47,504,037 $40,433,432 $7,070,605 85.1%
Definitions:

Total Accrued Liability = What You Need
Market Value of Assets = What You Have
Unfunded Accrued Liability = What You Owe
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City of Cotati – 2025 Pension Liability Update 12/09/2025 4 2025 Funded Level Estimate (Rounded)
All 2025 numbers are
estimates and may vary
Source: 06/30/2024
CalPERS Actuarial
Reports
Description Misc Plans Safety Plans Total
Market Value of Assets
2024 Balance $22,609,000 $17,824,000 $40,433,000
Normal Cost Contribution $504,000 $332,000 $836,000
UAL Payment $247,000 $230,000 $477,000
ADP $218,000 $180,000 $398,000
Investment Gain / (Loss) $2,623,000 $2,068,000 $4,691,000 Benefit Payments ($1,310,000) ($1,100,000) ($2,410,000) Estimated 2025 Balance $24,891,000 $19,534,000 $44,425,000 Unfunded Accrued Liability
2024 Balance $3,817,000 $3,254,000 $7,071,000
UAL Payment ($247,000) ($230,000) ($477,000)
Interest $260,000 $221,000 $481,000
ADP ($218,000) ($180,000) ($398,000)
Investment (Gain) / Loss ($1,085,000) ($856,000) ($1,941,000) Estimated 2025 Balance $2,527,000 $2,209,000 $4,736,000 Pension Plan 2025 Funded Level 90.8% 89.8% 90.4%
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City of Cotati – 2025 Pension Liability Update 12/09/2025 5 2024 UAL + POB Amortization Schedule
Historical Payments
Sources: 06/30/2024
CalPERS Actuarial Reports
and Loan Amortization
Schedules
UAL and Debt Service
Payments only – no
normal cost
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City of Cotati – 2025 Pension Liability Update 12/09/2025 6 2025 CalPERS Performance
• Estimated gain of 11.6% (Aug 2025)
• Funding surplus of 4.6% (after discount rate)
• FY2026 results are too early to tell
UAL reduction is estimated based on CalPERS preliminary returns (11.6% gain) and does not include any other possible adjustments. Actual UAL change may vary.

Pension Plan Estimated 2025
UAL Change
Safety - Police ($856,000)
Miscellaneous ($1,085,000)
TOTAL ($1,941,000)
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City of Cotati – 2025 Pension Liability Update 12/09/2025 7 2025 Investment Impact Estimate
Historical Payments
Sources: 06/30/2024 CalPERS
Actuarial Reports, Loan
Amortization Schedules,
CalPERS, and UAL estimates
UAL and Debt Service
Payments only – no
normal cost
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City of Cotati – 2025 Pension Liability Update 12/09/2025 8 UAL Policy Implementation:
• FYE 2024: ≈$290,000 ADP (negative amortization)
• FYE 2025: ≈$400,000 ADP (negative amortization)
• With ADPs and market performance, FYE 2025 pension plan funded level is estimated at ≈90% => no new ADPs are needed at this time 532 of 545
12/09/2025 9
Questions?
Dmitry Semenov
Ridgeline Municipal Strategies, LLC
(916) 250-1590
[email protected]
RidgelineMuni.com
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: 2025 STATE OF THE CITY
Date: December 9, 2025
Written by: Damien O'Bid, City Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council receive a presentation on the 2025 State of the City. No action will be taken.

Background
With the support of the community through the overwhelming approval of Measure S, and many years of hard work and focus by the City Council and staff, the City is now in a place where we are leading Sonoma County in virtually every meaningful metric.

The attached presentation provides a summary of the 2025 State of the City as well as key risks that we are continuing to monitor closely.
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City of Cotati
2025 State of the City
Damien O’Bid
City Manager
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Stay away from Cotati!
The Past
Anti-development
Difficult place to do business
But that’s not Cotati today…
Business-friendly
Streamlined approvals
Clear standards
We want to help you succeed!
You may have heard that before - I certainly have……
We asked our community what their priorities are: Housing, housing, and then more housing. 536 of 545
Cotati Today
Permit Streamlining
Cut out unnecessary City reviews & requirements
Rapid feedback, clear design standards
Reduces risk, cost and gets you to construction faster
Double Density
Up to 2x density allowed citywide
No Impact Fees
For high quality lodging
Affordable units in market rate multi-family projects
Business & Project Liaisons
Dedicated support for existing and new businesses
Development project manager from beginning to end
Zoned for more allowances in priority development areas City Council supportive of policies to remove unnecessary barriers and promote housing 537 of 545
Housing Approved

2.5x
RHNA Requirement
Cotati has approved 2.5 times our Regional Housing Needs Allocation, with more projects in the pipeline!
Opportunities Areas:

Train Depot TOC Area
Downtown Area
Highway 116 Corridor
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Top Ranked City for Housing
In Sonoma County!
2025 State of Housing in Sonoma County
Generation Housing
Cotati has highest score of all cities or the County, ranked across 7 categories in advancing housing production
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Commitment to Infrastructure Investment
The City Council has heavily invested in roads and park infrastructure over the past decade 90%
Road Condition
90th percentile for Bay Area cities our size
& the best roads in Sonoma County!
45%
Annual Investment in Road & Parks
Equivalent to almost half of General Fund revenue invested yearly (past 5 years)
Roads: From among the worst to now the best in Sonoma County to reduce future costs Parks: 3 parks completely refurbished, more coming…
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Commitment to Safety
We’ve been busy getting DUI’s off the road to protect other road users! In 2024:

Received the Top Cop and Century Awards by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) 224 DUI arrests
Our “Top Cop” made more DUI arrests than any other officer, ever, in Sonoma County and the most in Northern California (30 counties) for 2024 541 of 545
Fiscal Excellence
17 Years Balanced Budgets GFOA Triple Crown Winner
6 consecutive years.
90% Reserve Average
General Fund reserve as a percentage of annual operating expenses over past 5 years
Constant focus on cost control
and conservative budgeting
90% Funded – Future Pension Liability
Now estimated to be a 90% funded, within the City Council policy target.
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Challenges
State Highway 116
Leading regionally serving
improvements to “unstick”
new housing projects
Flat Revenue
3rd year of downward sales tax slide,
only city in Sonoma County without
lodging
Rising Costs
Operating expenses outpacing
revenue, double digit utility &
insurance costs
Business Friendly
Clear requirements, transparent
and timely permit reviews
Project manager to support your
success
Development Opportunities
Train Depot TOC Area
Downtown Area
Highway 116 Corridor
Veronda Falletti Ranch
Be a sponsor of new barns at this
public demonstration ranch!
Opportunities – Come with Us!
Long-term City goal: Diversify business types and depth for greater fiscal stability & vibrant business community 543 of 545
Your Partner in Success
Central Location
Excellent infrastructure
Clear Requirements
Transparent, timely reviews
Ready to Grow
We'll help you succeed
Business-friendly Cotati: Let's build together!
Consider Cotati
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS POSTED To: City Council
Subject: INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS POSTED Date: December 9, 2025
Written by: Kevin Patterson, City Clerk
Recommendation
Information or written comments pertaining to this meeting, and which was received after the agenda was posted, is attached below.

Pursuant to City Council Policy 2025-03: City Council Rules section IV A., written Communications, interested persons or their authorized representative may address the Council by written communication on any matters concerning the City’s business, or any matters over which the Council has control.

1. To be considered for inclusion in the agenda packet, such written communication shall be delivered to the City Clerk no later than 11:00 a.m. of the Wednesday the week preceding the regular Council meeting for which such written communication is intended.

2. If received after the above date and time, but no later than noon the day before the meeting, written communications received by the City Clerk shall be posted on the website by the end of that day and notification provided to the electronic Agenda mailing list by the end of the day. All written communications received by the City Clerk by 5 pm on the City Council meeting day shall be made available to the City Council and public at the City Council meeting.

City Council Policy 2025-03 is available at the online meeting portal at www.cotaticity.gov or by request from the City Clerk at 707-665-3622 or [email protected]. 545 of 545