GRASS VALLEY
City Council Regular Meeting, Capital Improvements Authority and Redevelopment "Successor Agency"
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Council Chambers, Grass Valley City Hall | 125 East Main Street, Grass Valley, California Telephone: (530) 274-4310 – Fax: (530) 274-4399
E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.cityofgrassvalley.com AGENDA
Any person with a disability who requires accommodations to participate in this meeting should telephone the City Clerk’s office at (530)274-4390, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to make a request for a disability related modification or accommodation.
Mayor Hilary Hodge, Vice Mayor Haven Caravelli, Councilmember Jan Arbuckle, Councilmember Joe Bonomolo, Councilmember Tom Ivy
MEETING NOTICE
City Council welcomes you to attend the meetings electronically or in person at the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 125 E. Main St., Grass Valley, CA 95945. Regular Meetings are scheduled at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Your interest is encouraged and appreciated.
This meeting is being broadcast “live” on Comcast Channel 17 & 18 by Nevada County Media, on the internet at www.cityofgrassvalley.com, or on the City of Grass Valley YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@cityofgrassvalley.com Members of the public are encouraged to submit public comments via voicemail at (530) 274-4390 and email to [email protected]. Comments will be reviewed and distributed before the meeting if received by 5pm. Comments received after that will be addressed during the item and/or at the end of the meeting. Council will have the option to modify their action on items based on comments received. Action may be taken on any agenda item.
Agenda materials, staff reports, and background information related to regular agenda items are available on the City’s website: www.cityofgrassvalley.com. Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Council after distribution of the agenda packet will be made available on the City of Grass Valley website at www.cityofgrassvalley.com, subject to City staff’s ability to post the documents before the meeting.
Please note, individuals who disrupt, disturb, impede, or render infeasible the orderly conduct of a meeting will receive one warning that, if they do not cease such behavior, they may be removed from the meeting. The chair has authority to order individuals removed if they do not cease their disruptive behavior following this warning. No warning is required before an individual is removed if that individual engages in a use of force or makes a true threat of force. (Gov. Code, § 54957.95.)
City of Grass Valley, CA AGENDA March 10, 2026
Council Chambers are wheelchair accessible and listening devices are available. Other special accommodations may be requested to the City Clerk 72 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (530) 274-4390, we are happy to accommodate.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
AGENDA APPROVAL - The City Council reserves the right to hear items in a different order to accomplish business in the most efficient manner.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Honoring Eleanor Kenitzer
2. Recognition of Tim Kiser
CITY UPDATE
PUBLIC COMMENT - Members of the public are encouraged to submit public comments via voicemail at (530) 274-4390 and email to [email protected]. Comments will be reviewed and distributed before the meeting if received by 5pm. Comments received after 5pm will be addressed during the item and/or at the end of the meeting. Council will have the option to modify their action on items based on comments received. Action may be taken on any agenda item. There is a time limitation of three minutes per person for all emailed, voicemail, or in person comments, and only one type of public comment per person. Speaker cards are assigned for public comments that are on any items not on the agenda, and within the jurisdiction or interest of the City. Speaker Cards can be pulled until the opening of public comment at which time sign ups will no longer be allowed.
These cards can be found at the City Clerks desk. If you wish to speak regarding a scheduled agenda item, please come to the podium when the item is announced. When recognized, please begin by providing your name and address for the record (optional). Thirty minutes of public comment will be heard under this item in order of the speaker card assigned and the remaining general public comments will be heard at the end of the meeting. We will begin with number one.
CONSENT ITEMS -All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are to be considered routine by the City Council and/or Grass Valley Redevelopment Agency and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless, before the City Council and/or Grass Valley Redevelopment Agency votes on the motion to adopt, members of the Council and/or Agency, staff or the public request specific items to be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion and action but Council action is required to do so (roll call vote).Unless the Council removes an item from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion, public comments are invited as to the consent calendar as a whole and limited to three minutes per person.
3. Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2026 Recommendation: Council approve minutes as submitted.
4. Review of 2025 Annual Housing Element Progress Report
City of Grass Valley, CA AGENDA March 10, 2026
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Receive and File. No formal action required.
5. Review of 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: Receive and File. No formal action required.
6. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Grass Valley and Public Safety Management Unit #10
CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Grass Valley and the newly established Public Safety Management Unit #10, effective February 15, 2026 through June 30, 2026.
7. Purchase of Emergency Backup Generator for Fire Station 1 CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: That Council 1) that the City Council authorize the purchase and installation of a replacement emergency generator for Fire Station 1 in an amount not to exceed $75,000, utilizing Fire Development Impact Fee funds, 2) authorize the Fire Chief to complete the purchase through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program, and 3) authorize the Finance Director to make any necessary budget transfers and/or amendments to complete the purchase and installation of the equipment.
8. Updated Sewer System Management Plan
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: That Council adopts the proposed 2026 revision of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
9. Amendment to Legal Services Agreement with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: Approve Amendment to the Agreement for Legal Services with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC, designating David J. Ruderman as City Attorney and Michael G. Colantuono as Assistant City Attorney, and adjusting rates for litigation, labor and employment, other specialized legal services, and reimbursable services.
10. Approval of modifications of Police Chief, and Fire Chief, Appendix A of their respective employment agreement.
CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: That Council 1) approve the Amendment No. 1 and amended Appendix A of the Police Chief and Fire Chief Employment Agreements to modify the Retiree Health Plan Benefit, subject to legal review; and 2) authorize the City Manager to execute the Amendments subject to legal review.
11. Approval of Resolution No. 26-04 Support for a Potential Bear Yuba Land Trust Purchase of Land.
City of Grass Valley, CA AGENDA March 10, 2026
CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: That Council approve Resolution No.26-04 supporting the Bear Yuba Land Trust's potential purchase of potential open space/recreational property.
12. Loma Rica Open Space and Trail Adoption by Bicyclists of Nevada County CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: That the Council approve the proposed trail adoption by Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC).
13. Centreville Bike Park Project– Authorization to Award Contract CEQA: Categorically Exempt – Section 15332 “In-Fill Development Projects” Recommendation: That Council 1) award a Design Build contract for the Centreville Bike Park Project to Dynamic Trades, Inc., 2) authorize the Mayor to execute the contract, subject to legal review and, 3) authorize the City Engineer to approve construction change orders of up to 10% of the contract amount.
14. Memorial Park Magenta Drain Restoration Project- Environmental Services CEQA: N/A – Procedural Motion
Recommendation: The Council 1) approves a change order with Dudek for additional environmental consulting services for the Memorial Park Magenta Drain Restoration Project, 2) authorize the Deputy Public Works Director to execute all related documents, subject to legal review and, 3) authorize the Finance Director to make any necessary budget adjustments and transfers.
15. Resolution Number 26-05 “Appointing Police Chief Alex Gammelgard as Interim City Manager”
CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: By MOTION, adopt Resolution Number 26-05 “Appointing Police Chief Alex Gammelgard as Interim City Manager”
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION OR SEPARATE ACTION AND /
OR ANY ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
REORGANIZATION RELATED ITEMS
PUBLIC HEARING
ADMINISTRATIVE
BRIEF REPORTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURN
POSTING NOTICE
This is to certify that the above notice of a meeting of The City Council, scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., was posted at city hall, easily accessible to the public, as of 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 5,
2026. ________________________
Taylor Whittingslow, City Clerk
PROCLAMATION
HONORING ELEANOR KENITZER
WHEREAS, Eleanor Kenitzer has devoted decades of extraordinary service to the City of Grass Valley through her leadership, artistic vision, and deep commitment to preserving and celebrating the community’s unique cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, in 1990, Eleanor revived a cherished Grass Valley tradition when she became Director of the Grass Valley Cornish Carol Choir, recognizing from the outset that the folk carols belonged to the singers themselves and that their true value lay in the tradition, spirit, and shared excitement of the community; and WHEREAS, Eleanor directed the Grass Valley Cornish Carol Choir for thirty-six (36) years, guiding it to regional, national, and international recognition, where she expanded and strengthened the choir by inviting women to join, and filling soprano ranks previously held by boy altos; and WHEREAS, in 1997, together with then-Mayor Mark Johnson, Eleanor helped establish the sister city relationship between Grass Valley and Bodmin, Cornwall, initiating cultural exchanges that continue to enrich both communities today; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of her cultural leadership and contributions, Eleanor was made a Cornish Bard in Falmouth, Cornwall in 2000, and her work in Grass Valley has since inspired a revival of Cornish caroling in Cornwall itself, where she continues to serve as a mentor to musicians and musicologists; and WHEREAS, Eleanor was a founder of Grass Valley’s St. Piran’s Day celebration twenty-five (25) years ago, further strengthening the area’s Cornish heritage; and
WHEREAS, Eleanor’s civic leadership extends beyond music, including service as Chair of the Grass Valley Planning Commission and President of the Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2008, and as the first recipient of the Grass Valley Mayor’s Award in 1998; and WHEREAS, Eleanor has consistently reminded the community that “Music is to build our souls, our spirits, and our community consciousness,” a philosophy reflected throughout her life’s work; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the City Council of the City of Grass Valley hereby honors and recognizes ELEANOR KENITZER for her exceptional contributions to the cultural, civic, and community life of Grass Valley, and expresses its deepest gratitude for her enduring legacy and lifelong dedication to preserving the spirit, heritage, and heart of the community.
Dated this 10th day of March 2026
_____________________________ _____________________________ Hilary Hodge, Mayor Haven Caravelli, Vice Mayor
__________________________________
Jan Arbuckle, Council Member
____________________________________ ___________________________________ Joe Bonomolo, Council Member Thomas Ivy, Council Member
Item # 1.
GRASS VALLEY
City Council Regular Meeting, Capital Improvements Authority and Redevelopment "Successor Agency"
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Council Chambers, Grass Valley City Hall | 125 East Main Street, Grass Valley, California Telephone: (530) 274-4310 – Fax: (530) 274-4399
E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.cityofgrassvalley.com
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 6:02 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hodge led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Councilmember Jan Arbuckle
Councilmember Joe Bonomolo
Councilmember Tom Ivy
Vice Mayor Haven Caravelli
Mayor Hilary Hodge
AGENDA APPROVAL
Motion made to approve the agenda as submitted by Councilmember Arbuckle, Seconded by Vice Mayor Caravelli.
Voting Yea: Councilmember Arbuckle, Councilmember Bonomolo, Councilmember Ivy, Vice Mayor Caravelli, Mayor Hodge
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Nothing to report out of closed session.
INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
CITY UPDATE
PUBLIC COMMENT
In person public comments: Speakers 1 thru 5 (Noted changes no speaker #2) Virtual public comments attached.
CONSENT ITEMS -
Virtual public comments.
Item # 3.
City of Grass Valley, CA MINUTES February 24, 2026
Motion made to approve the consent as submitted by Councilmember Arbuckle, Seconded by Councilmember Bonomolo.
Voting Yea: Councilmember Arbuckle, Councilmember Bonomolo, Councilmember Ivy, Vice Mayor Caravelli, Mayor Hodge
1. Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2026.
Recommendation: Council approves minutes as submitted.
2. Joint Agreement with Grass Valley and Nevada County Consolidated Fire District for use of shared fleet facility.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: That Council 1) Approve the Fire Chief to enter into a cooperative license agreement between the City of Grass Valley and Nevada County Consolidated Fire District for shared use of the fleet maintenance shop.
3. 2025 Annual Measure E Street Rehabilitation Project – Final Acceptance CEQA: N/A – Project is Complete
Recommendation: That Council: 1) accept the 2025 Annual Measure E Street Rehabilitation Project as complete, and 2) authorize the City Engineer to file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder.
4. Downtown Street Rehab Project – Final Acceptance
CEQA: N/A – Project is Complete
Recommendation: That Council: 1) accept the Downtown Street Rehabilitation Project as complete, and 2) authorize the City Engineer to file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION OR SEPARATE ACTION AND /
OR ANY ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
REORGANIZATION RELATED ITEMS
PUBLIC HEARING
ADMINISTRATIVE
5. FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Review
CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council, by motion, approve the FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Review and the recommended budget revisions.
Jenifer Stzynski, Finance Director
Public comments: Bob Branstrom
Motion made to approve the FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Review and the recommended budget revisions by Councilmember Arbuckle, Seconded by Councilmember Bonomolo.
Voting Yea: Councilmember Arbuckle, Councilmember Bonomolo, Councilmember Ivy, Vice Mayor Caravelli, Mayor Hodge
6. Downtown Grass Valley Roundabout Project – Approve Final Concept
Item # 3.
City of Grass Valley, CA MINUTES February 24, 2026
CEQA: N/A – CEQA review will be completed as part of the project work Recommendation: That Council approve a final intersection treatment at Neal St and South Auburn St for the Downtown Grass Valley Roundabout Project Bjorn Jones, City Engineer, gave presentation to the council Public comment: Robin Davis, Jay Strauss, Bob Branstrom, Mark Demartni, Malina Sha, Larry Onios
Virtual comments attached.
Motion made to approve a final intersection treatment at Neal St and South Auburn St for the Downtown Grass Valley Roundabout Project with the original rightout/right-in configuration by Councilmember Arbuckle, Seconded by Councilmember Bonomolo.
Voting Yea: Councilmember Arbuckle, Councilmember Bonomolo, Councilmember Ivy, Vice Mayor Caravelli
Voting Nay: Mayor Hodge
BRIEF REPORTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilmember Ivy had nothing to report. Councilmember Bonomolo attended an interview on KNCO with WM. Councilmember Arbuckle attended the league of cities board meeting in Berkley, will be attending the Policies meeting, Small rural Cities, GVDA and Chamber Executive Board Meeting. Vice Mayor Caravelli Conducted Historical Commission interviews, and wanted to thank Public Works for their hard work during the storm, and will not be at next meeting but wanted to give thanks and appreciation to Tim for his service over the years and he will be missed. Mayor Hodge attended the wild and Scenic Film festival.
CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURN
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Adopted on:_______________
________________________ ________________________
Hilary Hodge, Mayor Taylor Whittingslow, City Clerk
Item # 3.
1 Taylor Whittingslow
From: PATRICK JOHNSON - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 3:07 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voicemail from PATRICK JOHNSON at Feb 24 2026 3:05 PM Attachments: 1771974358-00004711.mp3
You received a new voicemail message
New voicemail message
Time: Tuesday, February 24 2026 3:05 PM
From: PATRICK JOHNSON
Duration: 38 seconds
Voicemail box: 8880
Transcript:
Hi, my name is Patrick Johnson. My address is 16714 Scott way in grass valley. I am just calling to share my support for the roundabout project and I would like to encourage all the members of the city council to vote for the plan. I think it looks great as someone who travels from Alta Sierra to grass valley. I have dealt with that crazy intersection before, and I feel like this new plan is going to make that route so much easier. So I encourage everyone to please vote yes. And thank you for listening to my comment.
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Item # 3.
Item # 3.
4 Clear and easy access to downtown shops and parking from the freeway should be an essential component of the plan to help maintain a thriving downtown.
Highway 49 Off Ramp: The freeway off ramp at South Auburn was not included in the drawing, but is a critical component of this intersection. The off ramp has been the site of numerous accidents and an auto related pedestrian fatality. How will this exit be integrated into the proposed plan and how will it improve pedestrian safety here?
Grass Valley Charter School: The Grass Valley Charter School was also left off the plans, yet it generates substantial back-ups twice a day on South Auburn and Colfax and is a hub of pedestrian activity. Has its impact been taken into account?
Wolf Creek and Future Wolf Creek Trail: Wolf Creek is an asset to our downtown. Making the downtown section of Wolf Creek more pedestrian friendly, parklike, and accessible should be a goal of the plan or a future master plan. Access of the Wolf Creek Trail through this intersection is also critical, but it's not clear if it was considered in the plan.
Welcome Miner Sign: As side note and additional consideration, Grass Valley residents love the "Welcome" miner sign that was at the intersection of South Auburn and Main Street circa 1900, and it would be great to bring him back and place him at this intersection as public art that welcomes everyone to our town. Hopefully this will be taken into consideration too.
Is the proposed, somewhat heavy handed, car-centric roundabout the answer to addressing these issues? Or is a simpler pedestrian focused solution (eliminate stop lights? add stop signs? make Tinloy and Hansen one lane? eliminate the Tinloy extension between Neal and South Auburn?...) a better and more appropriate solution? As most city planners, architects, and engineers say, "less is more".
Thank you for your consideration of these items in your vote today, and in moving forward with any future plans.
Sincerely,
Mark Reilly
Grass Valley Home Owner, Resident, Pedestrian, Biker, and Architect
Item # 3.
5 Taylor Whittingslow
From: JOHNSON SEAN - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 1:00 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voicemail from JOHNSON SEAN at on Feb 24 2026 12:56 PM Attachments: 1771966592-00004389.mp3
You received a new voicemail message
New voicemail message
Time: Tuesday, February 24 2026 12:56 PM
From: JOHNSON SEAN
Duration: 1 minute 47 seconds
Voicemail box: 8880
Transcript:
Hi, my name is Sean Johnson, and I'm calling from Grass Valley, California. And I am calling to address the roundabout that I know is coming up for a vote, I believe at tonight's meeting. And I just want to put my support in for the plan that the committee selected a few months back. I think it's a really great plan. I like the streamlined approach. I like that there's no stoplights or stop signs interrupting the flow of the traffic. And while it could be confusing at first, I believe that very quickly the community members will adapt to this roundabout. And one thing they'll adapt to for sure is the flow of traffic that this roundabout will help. Because as we all know, this is a very troublesome intersection. And for a community of our size, it's sort of silly to have such a troublesome intersection. Also, comma, I would like to encourage the City Council to keep in mind that this is going to be the front door to our
Item # 3.
6 community for community members and for guests visiting. And I want to make sure that it is well landscaped, it is pedestrian friendly, it is wheelchair accessible, it is safe. And I would encourage them to think about the roundabouts we already have in our community, the roundabouts that are in Truckee, and think about public art to make them beautiful. Thank you.
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Item # 3.
7 Taylor Whittingslow
From: Amber Cubitt
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 11:09 AM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Regarding the proposed round about.
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Dear Members of the City Council,
I am wriƟng to express my opposiƟon to the proposed roundabout project. Based on the informaƟon provided, the plan does not appear to be a pracƟcal or cost-effecƟve soluƟon for our community.
The projected expense is significant, and it is unclear whether the roundabout will meaningfully improve traffic flow or safety. Given the financial impact and unanswered concerns, I respecƞully urge the Council to reconsider this proposal and explore more feasible alternaƟves that beƩer serve residents.
Thank you for your Ɵme and consideraƟon.
Sincerely,
Item # 3.
Item # 3.
9 Taylor Whittingslow
From: KEETH AARON - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 9:46 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voicemail from KEETH AARON at on Feb 23 2026 9:45 PM Attachments: 1771911914-00003acb.mp3
You received a new voicemail message
New voicemail message
Time: Monday, February 23 2026 9:45 PM
From: KEETH AARON
Duration: 14 seconds
Voicemail box: 8880
Transcript: Laura Lewis, 10140 Gold Drive, Grass Valley, California. And I would say no more roundabouts, please. Thank you.
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Item # 3.
Item # 3.
Item # 3.
Item # 3.
14 Taylor Whittingslow
From: HICKS TRACIE - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 4:22 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voicemail from HICKS TRACIE at ( on Feb 23 2026 4:20 PM Attachments: 1771892400-0000398b.mp3
You received a new voicemail message
New voicemail message
Time: Monday, February 23 2026 4:20 PM
From: HICKS TRACIE
Duration: 21 seconds
Voicemail box: 8880
Transcript:
Hi, this is Tracy Hicks. I'm at 210 Sutton Way, and I'm calling about this ridiculous roundabout on South Auburn Street It's dangerous. It takes away and deters from our historical value of our town It's a cockamamie idea and it needs to be stopped Rate this transcript's accuracy
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Item # 3.
16 Taylor Whittingslow
From: WIRELESS CALLER - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 4:11 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voicemail from WIRELESS CALLER at on Feb 23 2026 4:09 PM Attachments: 1771891790-00003950.mp3
You received a new voicemail message
New voicemail message
Time: Monday, February 23 2026 4:09 PM
From: WIRELESS CALLER
Duration: 29 seconds
Voicemail box: 8880
Transcript:
Hi, my name is Kayla and my address is 1449 Begsworth way number 14 grass Valley, California nine five nine four five and I'm calling in to Public comment about the roundabout and downtown grass valley And I would like to comment that I don't think that we should have that in our town And I was born and raised here and I feel like it looks catastrophic. So I'm saying no to the roundabout. Thank you Rate this transcript's accuracy
Item # 3.
Item # 3.
Item # 3.
20 Additionally, forcing southbound S. Auburn onto Neal will likely create unintended behavioral consequences. Drivers attempting to correct course will predictably begin using the Safeway parking lot as an informal turnaround or U-turn location in order to reorient themselves toward Highway 49.
Congestion on westbound Neal is already causing occasional diversion into Safeway with drivers using the parking area as a roadway to access Mills Street more quickly. This would introduce higher-speed directional changes within a busy commercial parking lot designed for local circulation — not arterial redirection. Such maneuvering significantly increases the risk of vehicle collisions and pedestrian injuries in an area with frequent foot traffic.
Downtown Grass Valley’s strength is its walkability and human scale. Concentrating additional vehicle traffic into its narrowest corridors is inconsistent with long-term safety and vitality. Grass Valley should be looking at ways to increase pedestrian safety on dangerous, narrow Neal Street and Option 5 is a dangerously scary scenario for pedestrians, library patrons and shoppers.
Conclusion: If an injury or fatality were to occur on Neal with its known safety hazards, or at Safeway as a foreseeable result of a known traffic diversion design, the City could face substantial liability exposure.
Additional thought: I don’t submit this comment as just a warning, I also submit it with a solution. With very minimal striping (blue) and curb redesign (pink), you’ll be able to retain access for through traffic in all directions without the need for complicated signals or construction. My solution would reduce traffic on Neal by retaining freeway access to drivers on S. Auburn St. I would also like to propose that the city work on additional solutions to improve pedestrian safety on Neal and reduce Mill Street traffic from speeding through the Safeway parking lot to access the freeway. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Item # 3.
21 Option 1 but with a 3-way stop would be accomplished with minimal infrastructure. Crosswalk would
Item # 3.
22 need to be setback into dedicated area. The southbound S.Auburn stop sign could be optional.
Item # 3.
23 Page 27
Item # 3.
24 This is an additional option requires no stop signs and allow southbound traffic to pass but does restrict access onto westbound Neal from the freeway, which isn’t ideal for Safeway access.
Item # 3.
25 Page 29
Item # 3.
26 These are rough overlays are drawn onto the Option 1 sketch for clarity, but both versions could be easily incorporated into the Option 5 sketch.
Respectfully,
Gio DiFabio
Master of Science, Transportation Management
Grass Valley, California
628-213-5101
Item # 3.
Item # 3.
28 Taylor Whittingslow
From: Janet Goodban
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 11:23 AM
To: Public Comments
Subject: South Auburn-Neal Street Roundabout
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I vehemently oppose this plan. Downtown is congested enough without creaƟng more chaos by building this roundabout. There are other places in GV that would be beƩer suited. There must be other beƩer less intrusive opƟons.
Please do NOT pass this plan!
- Janet Goodban
Grass Valley resident
Item # 3.
31 Taylor Whittingslow
From: ECKERLING G. - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 12:29 AM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voicemail from ECKERLING G. at ( 7 on Feb 23 2026 12:27 AM Attachments: 1771835230-00002a09.mp3
You received a new voicemail message
New voicemail message
Time: Monday, February 23 2026 12:27 AM
From: ECKERLING G.
Duration: 35 seconds
Voicemail box: 8880
Transcript:
Hi, this is Garrett Eckerling 1-1-9-5-3, Alta Sierra Drive, Grass Valley. I think that changing the traffic pattern on the South Auburn Street interchange that you guys are working on is a really bad idea. I'm not sure what the problem is that you're trying to fix, but it doesn't look like it would be very efficient doing it this way. don't make any changes. Thanks.
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Item # 3.
32 Mailbox Capacity: 97/99 available
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Item # 3.
33 Taylor Whittingslow
From: Mark DeMartini
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 8:28 PM
To: COGV General Voicemail
Subject: Roundabout Design
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I am a reƟred licensed Civil Engineer that used to work for Caltrans. I do not agree the proposed roundabout design would be good for our city!!! It would be beƩer to leave the area alone than to mess up the southbound traffic on South Auburn Street as proposed!!!
Mark DeMarƟni
Sent from my iPhone
Item # 3.
Item # 3.
36 Taylor Whittingslow
From: Mark DeMartini
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 8:20 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Bad Roundabout Design
[You don't oŌen get email from . Learn why this is important at hƩps://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdenƟficaƟon ]
I am a reƟred licensed Civil Engineer that used to work for Caltrans. I do not agree the proposed roundabout design would be good for our city!!! It would be beƩer to leave the area alone than to mess up the southbound traffic on South Auburn Street as proposed!!!
Mark DeMarƟni
5309134901
Sent from my iPhone
Item # 3.
37 Taylor Whittingslow
From: CARMAN STEVEN - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 7:15 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voicemail from CARMAN STEVEN at on Feb 22 2026 7:14 PM Attachments: 1771816444-000029e4.mp3
You received a new voicemail message
New voicemail message
Time: Sunday, February 22 2026 7:14 PM
From: CARMAN STEVEN
Duration: 58 seconds
Voicemail box: 8880
Transcript:
Hello, my name is Steve Carmen. My address is 10258 Cary Drive, Grass Valley. My comment is that I think the suggested change for the traffic pattern in downtown Grass Valley would be an absolute disaster. I see no reason why the changes suggested have to be made. I don't think there is a high enough risk that would cause this to be required and it seems like an absolute waste of money, time, and that the solution proposed makes little to no sense and makes the situation worse than it is now.
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Item # 3.
1 Taylor Whittingslow
From: KIMMICH RUDOLF - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 6:16 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voicemail from KIMMICH RUDOLF at on Feb 24 2026 6:11 PM Attachments: 1771985516-0000496a.mp3
You received a new voicemail message
New voicemail message
Time: Tuesday, February 24 2026 6:11 PM
From: KIMMICH RUDOLF
Duration: 3 minutes 15 seconds
Voicemail box: 8880
Transcript:
Hi, this is Matthew Coulter calling with comment on the consent calendar, item number three and four, the finalization and acceptance of the street projects. There's still some very large holes on South Auburn Street that haven't been dealt with. I'm really curious when that's going to happen. The curbs haven't been painted red, so people are parking on the street and literally blocking the streets because they don't know that it's not supposed to do that, which I find is odd. There's large patches on the sidewalks in several spots and a lot of hazardous trip hazards that haven't been completed and this is all being accepted as a finalization and that shouldn't be the case until these things are corrected and it's actually is finalized because much like Memorial Park, once you finalize it, nothing ever gets repaired that is still under construction during the initial construction of the project. that's three and four on the
Item # 3.
2 street projects. On a separate issue on the roundabout which isn't in the consent number six that really needs to be stopped immediately and rethought because what you are doing makes no sense at all to block the historic route of South Auburn Street is the main thoroughfare coming into downtown and having people turn on to Neal Street which will then take them up by the design this needs to be fired and we need to get somebody in that can actually put the pen to paper and fix some of the problems in town that we have and not design these very, very expensive and very, very unthought-out projects that make things more difficult. The pedestrian safety factor in this project alone is absolutely insane. Absolutely insane. People don't stop right now if you tried to cross the street even if they have a red light or a stop sign and if you have a crosswalk they'll blow right through it so how are they going to stop in a roundabout where there's no like mandatory stop or law for them to come to a stop for a pedestrian even though the pedestrians in the crosswalk it's an accident waiting to happen it needs to be thought out again and stopped before any more is done to destroy this town and the way. It was built by very intelligent designers and people that traveled the world designing things, not just lived in Grass Valley and played as a hobby at it. Thank you very much. Please stop the roundabout project until it can be thought out correctly. Thank you.
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Item # 3.
3 Taylor Whittingslow
From: KIMMICH RUDOLF - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 6:06 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voicemail from KIMMICH RUDOLF at ( on Feb 24 2026 6:03 PM Attachments: 1771984984-00004962.mp3
Follow Up Flag: Flag for follow up
Flag Status: Completed
You received a new voicemail message
New voicemail message
Time: Tuesday, February 24 2026 6:03 PM
From: KIMMICH RUDOLF
Duration: 1 minute 54 seconds
Voicemail box: 8880
Transcript:
Hello, this is Matthew Colter with public comment for the City Council meeting 24th of February 2026 Grass Valley City Council and I can see you're moving very quickly.
You even started the meeting early. If nobody has a clock, maybe we can help with that. And I would encourage the council to immediately enact a single crosswalk at the clock tower to end the very very dangerous situation. There's a very extreme shadow on the one crosswalk where John was hit and killed and I know that you guys have all acknowledged the danger of the situation but nobody will do anything about it and that's the sad part about it is the City's Council lack of action to do anything about anything including the homeless dangers in town, people stabbing
Item # 3.
4 downtown on the sidewalks in the morning in Grass Valley. These are problems set the safeways both Neal Street and Sutton are just out of control with the transients and the drug addict population causing chaos and stealing non-stop and fighting in the stores and everything that they're up to. There's just many no-go zones in Grass Valley now which is so sad because we used to including areas that people find dead bodies in, both in the city parks and on trails in town. And this is unacceptable and the city council really needs to address issues of public safety and health and safety and not necessarily pet projects. I'll be calling back on that, number six and number three and number four. Thank you.
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Item # 3.
5 Taylor Whittingslow
From: PAPOLA KATHLEEN - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 5:56 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voicemail from PAPOLA KATHLEEN at on Feb 24 2026 5:53 PM Attachments: 1771984429-00004957.mp3
Follow Up Flag: Flag for follow up
Flag Status: Completed
You received a new voicemail message
New voicemail message
Time: Tuesday, February 24 2026 5:53 PM
From: PAPOLA KATHLEEN
Duration: 34 seconds
Voicemail box: 8880
Transcript:
Hi, this is Kathy Popola. I own the building, the Victorian building at 167 South Auburn Street. Regarding the traffic on South Auburn Street, I am in favor of leaving it two ways from my office up towards Main Street. I believe making that a one-way street is going to impact all the arteries more than leaving it a two-way street. So that's just my thought on that. So thank you very much.
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Item # 3.
6 Mailbox Capacity: 97/99 available
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Item # 3.
7 Taylor Whittingslow
From: CARMAN FIRE - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 5:50 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voicemail from CARMAN FIRE at on Feb 24 2026 5:45 PM Attachments: 1771983929-0000494f.mp3
You received a new voicemail message
New voicemail message
Time: Tuesday, February 24 2026 5:45 PM
From: CARMAN FIRE
Duration: 3 minutes 1 second
Voicemail box: 8880
Transcript:
Good afternoon and good evening. My name is Clinton Carmen. I am a local to grass Valley third generation and live and work in the community and are raising my family here. I have seen the plans for the newly designed roundabout at South Auburn and Neal Street and And I have a major problem with the version that was accepted back in November. My job is that of a fire investigator and a fire protection engineer. My job takes me to many places around the state and the country that have suffered from catastrophic wildfires, including Paradise, Napa Valley, Maui, LA, Texas, Colorado, and time and time and again, what we see are towns and cities where people cannot get out of the city in time. Now, the changes that are currently undergoing and being worked on on Highway 49 south of Grass Valley are being done in part to improve the egress from the city in case of emergency. While in
Item # 3.
8 reviewing the proposed changes and the design for the roundabout between Neal Street, South Auburn, Tinloy, egress from the city would be greatly hampered. It would cause major problems trying to evacuate people. Right now, if someone is needing to evacuate southbound out of the city, you have three feeders being Tinloy, South Auburn, and Neal, which converge into a busy intersection, but you have three separate streets able to funnel traffic from across the downtown part of the city with this design you would eliminate one of them one of the most efficient ones in that case because it is a straight shot out of the city and one that most people are familiar with as it is the main pathway both in and out of the city please Please, please reconsider for safety of all of Grass Valley's citizens. Do not accept this design. There are many other designs that are available. I have come up with a few of my own, but this is not safe. Thank you for your time.
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Item # 3.
9 Taylor Whittingslow
From: HAMILTON CRAIG - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 5:35 PM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voicemail from HAMILTON CRAIG at on Feb 24 2026 5:32 PM Attachments: 1771983132-00004939.mp3
Follow Up Flag: Flag for follow up
Flag Status: Completed
You received a new voicemail message
New voicemail message
Time: Tuesday, February 24 2026 5:32 PM
From: HAMILTON CRAIG
Duration: 1 minute 4 seconds
Voicemail box: 8880
Transcript:
Hi, my name is Craig Hamilton, 131 Mill Street. I'm calling for public comment about the roundabout and my two cents on it is as I'm in favor of leaving South Auburn open and I feel that it would enhance the flow as much as possible and allow as much fluidity to the existing design and not be more impactful on on the businesses on South Auburn. I also feel that it allows for the most flexibility for future design creativity. And I think that's essential. I think that the design already has been constrained to a specific already voted on and limiting it more is eliminating the
Item # 3.
10 possibility for potentially some good ideas to get folded into the mix. Thanks so much.
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Item # 3.
City of Grass Valley
City Council
Agenda Action Sheet
Title: Review of 2025 Annual Housing Element Progress Report CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Receive and File. No formal action required.
Prepared by: Amy Wolfson, City Planner
Council Meeting Date: March 10, 2026 Date Prepared: March 4, 2025 Agenda: Consent
Background Information: The City adopted its 2019 – 2027 Housing Element on August 13, 2019. The 2019-2027 Housing Element Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocates 743 housing units to the City of Grass Valley during the Housing Element planning period, with income level targets as follows:
Income Level RHNA Allocation
Very Low 143
Low 126
Moderate 125
Above Moderate 349
State law requires each city and county to prepare an Annual Progress Report (APR) on the status of the implementation of their Housing Element. This report must be submitted to the City Council, Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1.
Attached is an excerpt summary of the City’s APR from forms adopted by HCD.
Entitlements for City’s housing numbers for 2025 include 57 units proposed, 46 permits issued, and 13 units finaled with certificates of occupancy for 2025. Of the permits issued, three were for very low-income units.
Within the eight-year housing cycle to date, the city has permitted 206 units. We have entitlements for a total of 413 additional units including those approved but not yet built in Loma Rica, Timberwood Estates, Berriman Ranch, and the Pines. Based on average annual build-out, the City can expect an additional 50 to 75 units by the end of the housing cycle in 2027, which means we will likely fall short of the units allocated for all income targets. The City is not responsible for ensuring build-out of their target allocation and is only responsible for ensuring there is adequate capacity to accommodate the build-out. However, jurisdictions do incur some consequences when build-out, largely not within their control, is not achieved including loss of some local
Item # 4.
control. If a jurisdiction misses its housing production goals, it becomes subject to the "builder's remedy," allowing developers to submit projects that do not comply with local zoning and general plan standards, provided the project includes a certain percentage of affordable housing (typically 20% for lower-income or 100% for moderate-income).
Developers also may take advantage of Streamlined Ministerial Approval (SB 35) for qualifying housing projects, which also must include a minimum of affordable units. It is worth noting, that few if any, jurisdictions manage to meet their housing build-out targets throughout California.
Council Goals/Objectives: This APR does not meet any specific or general goal or objective but is mandated by the State.
Fiscal Impact: Preparation of the APR has been completed with existing staffing resources. No impact to the General Fund will occur.
Reviewed by:
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment 1 – 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
Item # 4.
Jurisidiction Name
Reporting Calendar Year
First Name
Last Name
Title Click here to download APR Instructions
Email
Phone
Street Address
City
Zipcode
v_01_30_26
Please Start Here
General Information
2025
Grass Valley
Contact Information
Optional: Click here to import last year's data. This is best used when the workbook is new and empty. You
will be prompted to pick an old workbook to import
from. Project and program data will be copied exactly
how it was entered in last year's form and must be
updated. If a project is no longer has any reportable
activity, you may delete the project by selecting a cell in the row and typing ctrl + d.
Click here to add rows to a table. If you add too many
rows, you may select a cell in the row you wish to
remove and type ctrl + d.
125 East Main Street
Grass Valley
95945
Amy
Wolfson
City Planner
[email protected]
5302744711
Mailing Address
Annual Progress Report January 2020 Page 51
Item # 4.
Jurisdiction Grass Valley
Reporting Year 2025
Housing Element Planning Period 6th Cycle
Current Year
Deed
Restricted
0 Non-Deed
Restricted
0 Deed
Restricted
0 Non-Deed
Restricted
0 Deed
Restricted
0 Non-Deed
Restricted
0 Deed
Restricted
3 Non-Deed
Restricted
0 Deed
Restricted
0 Non-Deed
Restricted
0 46
49 Units by Structure Type Entitled Permitted Completed Single-family Attached004
Single-family Detached 48 436
2 to 4 units per structure333
5+ units per structure000
Accessory Dwelling Unit533
Mobile/Manufactured Home000
Total 56 49 16
Infill Housing Developments and Infill Units Permitted # of Projects Units 12 14
35 35
55 580000
Income Rental Ownership Total
Acutely Low
000
Extremely Low
000
Very Low
000
Low
000
Moderate
00 0
Above Moderate
000
Total000
Streamlining Provisions Used - Permitted Units # of Projects Units SB 9 (2021) - Duplex in SF Zone
00 SB 9 (2021) - Residential Lot Split
00 AB 2011 (2022)
00 SB 6 (2022)
00 SB 423 (2023)
00 Ministerial and Discretionary Applications # of Units Ministerial 55 58
Discretionary
00 Density Bonus Applications and Units Permitted
Number of Applications Submitted Requesting a Density Bonus 0 Number of Units in Applications Submitted Requesting a Density Bonus 0 Number of Projects Permitted with a Density Bonus
0 Number of Units in Projects Permitted with a Density Bonus 0 Housing Element Programs Implemented and Sites Rezoned Count 300
Total Housing Applications Submitted:
Number of Proposed Units in All Applications Received:
Total Housing Units Approved:
Total Housing Units Disapproved:
Total Units
Housing Applications Summary
Use of SB 423 Streamlining Provisions - Applications
Number of SB 423 Streamlining Applications
Above Moderate
Indicated as Infill
Not Indicated as Infill
Building Permits Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level
Programs Implemented
Sites Rezoned to Accommodate the RHNA
(Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
08/15/2019 - 08/15/2027
Units Constructed - SB 423 Streamlining Permits
Number of SB 423 Streamlining Applications Approved
Very Low
Low
Moderate
Acutely Low
Extremely Low
Item # 4.
Jurisdiction Grass Valley ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Note: "+" indicates an optional field Reporting Year 2025
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31) Housing Element Implementation Planning
Period 6th Cycle 08/15/2019 - 08/15/2027
Date
Application
Submitted
Total
Approved
Units by
Project
Total
Disapproved
Units by
Project
Streamlining Historic Sites Application
Status Project Type Notes
2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14
Prior APN+ Current APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID
Unit Category
(SFA,SFD,2 to
4,5+,ADU,MH)
Tenure
R=Renter
O=Owner
Date
Application
Submitted
(see
instructions)
Acutely LowIncome Deed
Restricted
Acutely LowIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Extremely
Low-Income
Deed
Restricted
Extremely
Low-Income
Non Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Low-Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Total
PROPOSED
Units by
Project
Total
APPROVED
Units by
project
Total
DISAPPROVE
D Units by
Project
Please select
state
streamlining
provision/s the
application was
submitted
pursuant to.
Is this project
located on a
site with an
associated
historical
designation as
outlined in
Government
Code Section
65400(a)(2)(N)
and reported on
Table L?
Did the
housing
development
application
seek
incentives or
concessions
pursuant to
Government
Code section
65915?
Were
incentives or
concessions
requested
pursuant to
Government
Code section
65915
approved?
Please
indicate the
status of the
application.
Is the project
considered a
ministerial
project or
discretionary
project?
Notes+
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 57 58 0 0 009-230-041 434 Maryland 25BLD-0702 2 to 4 R 12/25/2025 2 2 NONE No No N/A Pending Ministerial two manufactured homes 008-800-015 142 BEN
TAYLOR
CROSSING
Gilded Springs 25BLD-0690
SFD O
12/12/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-360-010 947 E. Main 25BLD-0642 SFD O 11/16/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Pending Ministerial 008-800-023 208 Ben Taylor
Crossing Gilded Springs 25BLD-0624 SFD O
11/5/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
029-161-024 457 S.
AUBURN 25BLD-0412 SFD R
7/16/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-680-019 109 BERRY Loma Rica 25BLD-0407 SFD O 7/15/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Pending Ministerial 035-680-020 113 BERRY Loma Rica 25BLD-0408 SFD O 7/15/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Pending Ministerial 035-680-018 105 BERRY Loma Rica 25BLD-0409 SFD O 3/6/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Pending Ministerial 035-680-021 117 BERRY Loma Rica 25BLD-0410 SFD O 7/15/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Pending Ministerial 035-670-038 212
UNDERWOOD Loma Rica 25BLD-0403 SFD O
11/10/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-670-021 209
UNDERWOOD Loma Rica 25BLD-0404 SFD O
7/15/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-670-022 205
UNDERWOOD Loma Rica 25BLD-0405 SFD O
7/15/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Pending Ministerial
035-660-034 104 PASCOE Loma Rica 25BLD-0396 SFD O 7/11/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 008-800-010 122 Ben Taylor
Crossing Gilded Springs 25BLD-0312 SFD O
5/29/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-660-039 124 PASCOE Loma Rica 25BLD-0296 SFD O 5/28/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 035-660-040 128 PASCOE Loma Rica 25BLD-0297 SFD O 5/28/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 035-660-041 132 PASCOE Loma Rica 25BLD-0298 SFD O 5/28/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 035-660-031 115 PASCOE Loma Rica 25BLD-0299 SFD O 5/28/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 035-660-036 112 PASCOE Loma Rica 25BLD-0300 SFD O 5/28/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 035-660-037 116 PASCOE Loma Rica 25BLD-0301 SFD O 5/28/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 035-660-038 120 PASCOE Loma Rica 25BLD-0302 SFD O 5/28/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 035-660-032 109 PASCOE Loma Rica 25BLD-0303 SFD O 5/28/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 035-660-033 105 PASCOE Loma Rica 25BLD-0304 SFD O 5/28/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 035-660-035 108 PASCOE Loma Rica 25BLD-0305 SFD O 5/28/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 035-670-034 127
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0306 SFD O
5/28/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-670-035 123
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0307 SFD O
5/28/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-670-036 119
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0308 SFD O
5/28/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-670-037 115
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0309 SFD O
5/28/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-660-042 230
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0266 SFD O
5/16/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-660-043 226
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0267 SFD O
5/16/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-660-044 222
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0268 SFD O
5/16/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-660-045 SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0269 SFD O 5/16/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 029-190-057 519 S. Auburn 25BLD-0248 ADU R 5/12/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 008-470-006 246 COLFAX 25BLD-0225 SFD O 5/1/2025 1 1 NONE Yes - Local No N/A Approved Ministerial 035-680-010 235
SHAMROCK Lom aRica 25BLD-0227 SFD O
5/1/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-680-011 239
SHAMROCK Lom aRica 25BLD-0228 SFD O
5/1/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-680-012 243
SHAMROCK Lom aRica 25BLD-0229 SFD O
5/1/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-680-013 303
SHAMROCK Lom aRica 25BLD-0230 SFD O
5/1/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
008-520-024 143 CONAWAY 25BLD-0197 ADU R
4/22/2025
1 1 NONE Yes - Local No N/A Pending Ministerial
035-680-014 307
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0184 SFD O
4/16/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-680-015 311
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0185 SFD O
4/16/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-660-029 310
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0186 SFD O
4/16/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-660-030 306
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0187 SFD O
4/16/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-680-016 315
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0177 SFD O
4/15/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-680-017 319
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0178 SFD O
4/15/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-660-027 318
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0179 SFD O
4/15/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-660-028 314
SHAMROCK Loma Rica 25BLD-0180 SFD O
4/15/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
008-422-005 314 BENNETT 25BLD-0167 ADU R 4/7/2025 1 1 NONE Yes - Local No N/A Approved Ministerial 035-670-028 106 Underwood Loma Rica 25BLD-0134 SFD O
3/20/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-670-029 114 Underwood 25BLD-0135 SFD O
3/20/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
035-140-025 146 Ventana
Sierra Habitat for Humanity 25BLD-0133
ADU O
3/18/2025
1 1 SB 9 (2021) -
Residential Lot
Split
No No N/A Approved Ministerial
008-800-030 211 Barker 25BLD-0097 SFD O 2/27/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 008-800-032 117 Ben Taylor
Crossing Gilded Springs 25BLD-0098 SFD O
2/27/2025
1 1 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial
029-241-028 120 BADGER 25BLD-0008 2 to 4 R 1/8/2025 3 3 NONE No No N/A Approved Ministerial 008-362-006 216 LLOYD 25BLD-0001 ADU R 1/2/2025 1 1 NONE No No N/A Pending Ministerial As-built ADU Table A
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
1 5
Project Identifier Unit Types Density Bonus Law
Applications
11 Housing Development Applications Submitted
Proposed Units - Affordability by Household Incomes
Item # 4.
Jurisdiction Grass Valley ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Reporting Year 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Housing Element Implementation Planning Period 6th Cycle 08/15/2019 - 08/15/2027
1 Projection
Period 3 4
RHNA Allocation
by Income Level
Projection
Period -
01/01/2019-
08/14/2019
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
Total Units to
Date (all
years)
Total Remaining
RHNA by
Income Level
Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - 30 - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - 3 - - -
Deed Restricted 1 - 3 - - 1 - 3 - -
Non-Deed Restricted 33 - 35 3 6 - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - 3 1 11 - - - - -
Above Moderate 349 22 - 24 14 - 4 7 46 - - 117 232
743
56 - 95 18 17 5 10 49 - - 250 493
Please note: The APR form can only display data for one planning period. To view progress for a different planning period, you may login to HCD's online APR system, or contact HCD staff at [email protected].
Acutely Low - -
*For years prior to 2025, data on deed-restricted vs. non-deed restricted Extremely Low-Income units is approximated from whether the projects reported any deed-restricted Very Low-Income Units. If you wish to edit this historical data for accuracy or have any questions about the data, you may login to HCD's online APR system, or contact HCD staff at [email protected].
Total Units
*For jurisdictions that received RHNA determinations for the current cycle prior to the passage of AB 3093 (September 19, 2024):
- You were not allocated Acutely Low-Income and Extremely Low-Income RHNA targets, therefore the allocations in Field 1 are listed as "0" - If you wish to set your own targets in these income categories for informational purposes, contact HCD staff at [email protected]. - All Acutely Low-Income and Extremely Low-Income units reported during the cycle are counted towards Very-Low Income RHNA progress 110
Total RHNA
-
41 Low
*For years prior to 2025, Acutely Low-Income units are reported within the Extremely Low-Income category Please Note: Table B does not currently contain data from Table F or Table F2 for prior years. You may login to the APR system to see Table B that contains this data.
Extremely Low -
15 Moderate
143
126
125
85 33
Income Level
Very Low
- -
This table is auto-populated once you enter your jurisdiction name and current year data. Past year information comes from previous APRs.
Please contact HCD if your data is different than the material supplied here 2 Table B
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
110
Item # 4.
Jurisdiction Grass Valley
Reporting Year 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Name of Program Objective
Projected Completion
Date in Housing
Element
Applicable Cycle Status of Program
Implementation Program Implementation Details Quantified Outcomes:
Category
Quantified Outcomes:
Count Supporting Documents
Program 1: Adequate Sites
for Housing
Accommodate the City’s share of
Nevada County’s future housing needs
Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027 (annexation related
polices are addressed as
property owners request
annexation)
6th Cycle
continuous
No annexations were proposed or processed in 2025. However, staff worked with an applicant on a pre-application/conceptual plan for a multifamily residential project in the City's sphere of influence to determine the scope of improvements required.
Currently, many areas of the city's sphere have limited access to connect to existing sewer infrastructure and city water. The City was awarded $115,000 in REAP funding to conduct a water infrastructure study for the southern portion of the city and its sphere to identify gaps in infrastructure and opportunities to expand water infrastructure to support future development and annexation efforts. The Final Report outlining options for addressing infrastructure needs was presented to City Council in July 2024.
No projects were proposed in the R-3 zone. However, the City continues to work with interested developers to build out residential parcels to their maximum capacity in all residential zones.
In 2022, the City approved an infill affordable housing project for Habitat for Humanity on Joyce Drive, that subsequently identified contamination on the site.
In 2023, the City purchased the site from Habitat in order to facilitate rehabilitation. The City was awarded $500,000 for an EPA Brownsfields Assessment Grant, which included a contract to hire Geocon for technical expersise. Geocon conducted an assessment of the site and prepare a response plan, that was completed in September 2023. The City applied for and received a $2 million dollar DTSC's Equitable Comunity Revitalization Grant (ECRG) in 2024, and is working with DTSC to approve a final cleanup plan. The City also worked with Habitat for Humanity on an AB9 lot split and development of four dwellings (including two ADUs) that will be deed-resttricted for low to ver low invome buyers.
The City worked with Foothill House of Hospitality, a local nonprofit serving the homeless population, to expand an existing supportive housing facility to provide additional supportive housing units for the ELI homeless and at risk of Units 250 https://acaprod.accela.com/grassvalley/default.aspx Program 2: Flexible
Development Standards
and Mixed-Use
Developments
Increase the options to provide for a
variety of housing to meet the needs of
all income groups
Use of Planned
Development and other
zoning techniques, current
and ongoing, 2019 – 2027.
Pre-annexation and preapplication meetings with
applicants will occur each
year as needed based on
property owner interest
6th Cycle
continuous
In December 2025, City Council approved a zoning text amendment and General Plan text amendment to add a RHNA combining district allowing affordable housing projects to be developed in the Corporate Business Park (CBP) zoning designation, without the commercial component that is generally required.
Habitat for Humanity has taken advantage of this policy change to propose 16 affordable housing units wihtin the CBP zone. In January 2024, the City released an RFP seeking consultants to assess the feasibility of increased residential capacity in the downtown area and develop a responsive ordinance. However, no responses were received. Therefore, the City developed an an SB 10 ordinance increase residential and mxied-use capacity in the downtown to meet a largely unmet need for workforce housing near downtown. The ordinance is scheduled to be heard by City Council in early 2025.
The South Auburn Street Master Plan was adopted in 2005 to cover approximately 2.5 acres along South Auburn Street that is entirely built out and comprised of 10 private lots. Implementation of the Plan relied on Redevelopment Agency funds that are no longer available. The City implements standards of the Town Core zone district in this area to encourage compatible redevelopment as property owners are interested.
Units 29
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ment/index?cc=GRASSVALCA&me=0fca8b4
ec4524f168887bc92d7a99fc3&ip=False
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Housing Programs Progress Report
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
Table D
Program Implementation Status pursuant to GC Section 65583
Item # 4.
Program 3: Reduce
Regulatory Barriers to
Affordable Housing
Reduce regulatory barriers to facilitating
the provision of a variety of housing for
all income groups. Request the state
understand and address the significant
cumulative costs of implementing state
housing regulations adopted by the
state that severely impact the costs to
housing, particularly those adopted after
2006
Ongoing monitoring 6th Cycle
continuous
Staff also continually reviews the Development Code and identifies ways to improve clarity and streamline housing development.
The City has not had any requests for density bonuses. However, the City identified a need for additional incentives to encourage residential uses in the downtown area. Therefore, staff prepared an SB 10 ordinance to be heard by City Council in early 2025 to encourage conversion of unused upper- and basement-space to residential units in the Town Core zoning district.
Staff worked with Habitat for Humanity in 2024 to expeditiously review a tenantive parcel map for a lot split, and subsequent ministerial SB 9 urban lot split to result in 3 parcels for 3 affordable single-family homes on Ventana Sierra Drive.The City worked with Habitat to ensure the resulting parcels would facilitate the desired development, and leave room for a fourth unit as a detached ADU if desired. Further, staff worked with Foothill House of Hospitality to respond to an appeal of the approval of their variance application for expanding a supportive housing facility. In both cases, the applicant had direct contact information for a designated staff member. In December 2025, City Council approved a zoning text amendment and General Plan text amendment to add a RHNA combining district allowing affordable housing projects to be developed in the Corporate Business Park (CBP) zoning designation, without the commercial component that is generally required. Habitat for Humanity has taken advantage of this policy change to propose 16 affordable housing units wihtin the CBP zone.
Due to staff turnover and capacity, City staff did not lobby the state directly in 2025. However, the City will continue to work with interested developers to address state requirements.
Units 22
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ment/index?cc=GRASSVALCA&me=b9061df
4fd1449eeaf187a706fbf0521&ip=False
Program 4: Implement
General Plan Policies
Through measures described in
programs 1 – 3, the City shall continue
to implement General Plan policies that
encourage efficient use of
unconstrained land and a healthy
economic base
Ongoing, 2019-2027 6th Cycle
continuous In January 2024, the City released an RFP seeking consultants to assess the feasibility of increased residential capacity in the downtown area and develop a responsive ordinance. However, no responses were received. Therefore, the City developed an an SB 10 ordinance increase residential and mxied-use capacity in the downtown. The ordinance is scheduled to be heard by City Council in early 2025. The intent of this ordinance is to promote infill mixed-use in the city's downtown area, thus encouraging use of unconstrained land and activating the downtown. Further, the City has encouraged construction of additional infill housing through ADUs.
Units 1
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ment/index?cc=GRASSVALCA&me=bead3a3
667be4a8fae5f4d139a5edf12&ip=False
Program 5: Encourage the
Use of Development
Agreements
To expedite the process of final
development approvals and ensure longterm protection for the City and developer
Current and ongoing, as
part of the application
process
6th Cycle
continuous No large residential developments were proposed in 2025; therefore, the City did not discuss development agreement opportunities. The City did discuss the development agreement as a potential option for a project known as Dorsey Marketplace, a mixed use project that includes 172 homes. Ultimately, the developer and City agreed their project could move forward with a phasing plan.
This project is currently seeking entitlment.
Meetings 1 none
Program 6: Annual
Housing Element
Monitoring Report
To evaluate progress annually and make
appropriate revisions to policies and
programs
Annual report as required
by State law 6th Cycle
continuous
The City submitted the 2024 APR to HCD on March 20, 2025 after receiving approval from City Council. The City continues to complete the APR annually.
In 2025, staff met and worked with, multiple developers and property owners interested in building housing. These include affordable housing developers, including Habitat for Humanity and Foothill House of Hospitality, as well as market rate developers and individual owners. Further, the City has encouraged homeowners to take advantage of SB 9 as well as adding ADUs to their property.
The results of these conversations included one SB 9 lot split for Habitat for Humanity, permananet supportive housing for 27 residents, seven ADUs, and several single family homes in 2024, inclusive of applications for two lowerincome homes.
Further, the City applied for and received a $2 million dollar DTSC Equitable Comunity Revitalization Grant (ECRG) to clean up a brownsfield site of interest to affordable developers, in order to further faciliate lower-income development.
Staff also continually reviews the Development Code and identifies ways to improve clarity and streamline housing development.
Meetings 1
https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocu
ment/index?cc=GRASSVALCA&me=5c5ce93
ed0824b79a101ec1314e65ee9&ip=False
Item # 4.
Program 7: Promote Infill
Development
To reduce infrastructure costs
associated with infill development
proposals
Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027 6th Cycle
continuous In January 2024, the City released an RFP seeking consultants to assess the feasibility of increased residential capacity in the downtown area and develop a responsive ordinance. However, no responses were received. Therefore, the City developed an an SB 10 ordinance increase residential and mxied-use capacity in the downtown. The ordinance is scheduled to be heard by City Council in early 2025. The intent of this ordinance is to promote infill mixed-use in the city's downtown area, thus encouraging use of unconstrained land and activating the downtown. Further, the City has encouraged construction of additional infill housing through ADUs.
Units 25 See Table A2, infill housing column
Program 8: Allow
Alternative Housing Types
to Meet Special Needs
Provide greater housing and shelter
opportunities for special needs groups
Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027 6th Cycle
continuous
In 2025, the City approved a zoning and general plan text amendment to allow affordable, residential-only housing in the Corporate Business Park zoning designation, which usually requires housing as part of a mixed use project.Habitat for Humanity took advantage of this with a project proposal of 16 units, currently approved and entitled. In 2024, the City met with Habitat for Humanity to process traditional lots split and SB 9 urban lot split to create three parcels for lower-income ownership units. Additionally, staff worked with Foothill House of Hospitality to respond to an appeal of the approval of their variance application for expanding a supportive housing facility and provide guidance on developing a nearby site with additional housing for residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The City allows ADUs in all residential zones and non-residential zones that allow residential uses.
Persons 59
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ment/index?cc=GRASSVALCA&me=b9061df
4fd1449eeaf187a706fbf0521&ip=False
Program 9: Housing for
Persons with Disabilities,
including persons with
Developmental Disabilities
Coordinate with the Regional Center and
other entities that provide supportive
housing to support and improve
housing and shelter opportunities for
persons with disabilities, including
persons with developmental disabilities
Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027 6th Cycle
continuous In 2025, the City met with Habitat for Humanity to process a traditional lots split and SB 9 urban lot split to create three parcels for lower-income ownership units. Additionally, staff worked with Foothill House of Hospitality to respond to an appeal of the approval of their variance application for expanding a supportive housing facility for persons with disabilities, and provide guidance on developing a nearby site with additional housing for residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Persons 27
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ment/index?cc=GRASSVALCA&me=b9061df
4fd1449eeaf187a706fbf0521&ip=False
Program 10: Housing
Opportunities for Large
Families
New Construction: 25 very low-income
units, 40-60 low-income units
Homebuyer Assistance: 2 extremely lowincome, 2 very low-income, 6 lowincome, and 10 moderate-income homebuyers
Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027; meet annually with
housing providers to
establish funding
priorities; apply quarterly
for available funding
based on annual priorities
and the schedule of the
state or federal program
6th Cycle
continuous
In 2025, the City entitlled 17 affordable housing units, and issued permits for 3 dwellings to Habitat for Humanity for affordable housing projects. The level of affordability for Habitat for Humanity housing is low-income or lower, but is not known until they know who the homeowner will be.
Units 20
https://acaprod.accela.com/grassvalley/default.aspx
25BLD-0133, 24BLD-0248 , 24BLD-0600
Program 11: Workforce
Housing Study
Provide greater housing opportunities
for local workforce
Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027 6th Cycle
continuous In 2025, the City worked with Habitat for Humanity several times to move singlefamily homes through to issued permits for deed-restricted homes. The City also applied for and received a $2 million dollar DTSC Equitable Comunity Revitalization Grant (ECRG) to clean up a brownsfield site of interest to affordable developers, in order to further faciliate lower-income development.
Cleanup is expected to occur in the Spring of 2026. Further, the City processed applications for ten ADUs in 2025.
Units 30
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ment/index?cc=GRASSVALCA&me=bead3a3
667be4a8fae5f4d139a5edf12&ip=False
Program 12: Density
Bonus
New Construction: 25 very low-income
units, 40-60 low-income units
Homebuyer Assistance: 2 extremely lowincome, 2 very low-income, 6 lowincome, and 10 moderate-income homebuyers
Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027 6th Cycle
continuous
Staff discussed the opportunity for a density bonus with one developer pursuing affordable housing during the year. However, no developers chose to pursue a density bonus. The City will continue to promote this opportunity for potential and proposed residential development opportunities.
Meetings1 none
Program 13: Pursue State
and Federal Funding for
Affordable Housing
Continue to apply for specific grants
and provide support to private
developers that are pursuing funding
assistance for lower income housing.
Based on past project approvals, the
City’s objective is:
New Construction: 25 very low-income
units, 40-60 low-income units
Homebuyer Assistance: 2 extremely lowincome, 2 very low-income, 6 lowincome, and 10 moderate-income homebuyers
Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027; meet annually with
housing providers to
establish funding
priorities; apply quarterly
for available funding
based on annual priorities
and the schedule of the
state or federal program
6th Cycle
continuous
Staff worked with Habitat for Humanity in 2025 to expeditiously review a tenantive subdivision map for 16 lotst, and issue building permits pursaunt to SB 9 and ADU law to Habitat for Humanity for three units (one additinal entitled) on Ventana Sierra Drive.The City worked with Habitat to ensure the resulting parcels would facilitate the desired development, and leave room for a fourth unit as a detached ADU if desired. Further, staff worked with Foothill House of Hospitality to respond to an appeal of the approval of their variance application for expanding a supportive housing facility.
Units 20
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ment/index?cc=GRASSVALCA&me=bead3a3
667be4a8fae5f4d139a5edf12&ip=False
Program 14: Tax Exempt
Bonds and Mortgage
Credit Certificates
Increase the availability of funding
options for new or rehabilitated housing
Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027 6th Cycle
continuous Due to limited funding, the City's first-time homebuyer program has been suspended. However, staff shared information on state opportunities with interested prospective owners.
Meetings2 none
Item # 4.
Program 15: Community
Reinvestment Act
Increase the availability of funding
options for new or rehabilitated housing
Annual presentations,
2019 – 2027, additional
meetings with specific
lenders as needed
6th Cycle
continuous The expansion of Sierra Guest Home was partially funded with a $6 million CDSS Community Care Expansion Progam grant to increase the availability of lower-income housing. The City's first-time homebuyer program has been suspended due to limited funding.
Persons 27
https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocu
ment/index?cc=GRASSVALCA&me=b9061df
4fd1449eeaf187a706fbf0521&ip=False
Program 16: Housing
Rehabilitation Programs
Rehabilitation of 2 extremely lowincome, 3 very low-income, and 5 lowincome housing units Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027 6th Cycle
continuous Due to limited capacity, the City was unable to secure rehabilitation funding in 2025.However, the Sierra Guest Home Supportive Housing project, did include rehabilitation of theexisting 13-room facility.
Persons 13 None
Program 17: Preservation
of At-Risk Housing
Preserve the affordability of 953
assisted rental housing units
The City will continue to
monitor and begin to
address as part of the next
Housing Element cycle
6th Cycle
continuous
No assisted rental units were lost in 2025. Meetings 1 Staff is currently reviewing one potential atrisk complex as part of the 7th cycle update.
Program 18: Rental
Assistance
Maintain availability of rental assistance
to Grass Valley residents
Annual collaboration with
the Housing Authority
during federal funding
request; information
distribution, current and
ongoing, 2019 – 2027;
ongoing promotion of
rental assistance program
to rental property owners
6th Cycle
continuous
The City continues to collaborate with the Housing Authority as requested to administer Housing Choice Vouchers. Meetings 1 None
Program 19: Preservation
of Mobile Home Parks
Preserve the condition and affordability
of larger mobile home parks containing
360 spaces; provide relocation
assistance to residents of parks that are
not feasible to preserve
Meet with park owners and
residents if requested to
determine feasibility of
preservation.
6th Cycle
continuous
No mobile home spaces were lost in 2025. Other None
Program 20: Housing Code
Enforcement
Improve substandard housing
conditions through correction of code
violations. Document housing
conditions and establish priorities for
future code enforcement, housing
rehabilitation assistance, and
neighborhood improvement efforts.
Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027 6th Cycle
continuous The City responded to complaints of code violations and substandard housing conditions. Staff compiled photo documentation of conditions and records of contact made and when the investigation was resolved. In addition to enforcing safe housing conditions, the City also proactively monitored vegetation overgrowth and other potential hazards to public health and safety and contacted property owners if violations were found. In 2025, staff responded to 36 residential code enforcement complaints, three of which were vegetation overgrowth complaints.
Households 36 Code enforcement information can be
produced upon request
Program 21: Re-Use of
Large, Older Homes
Efficiently re-use and preserve existing
residential structures and increase the
supply of housing.
Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027 6th Cycle
continuous
In 2025, the City met with owners of a 2-story dwelling on Henderson Drive to determine how to maximise the number of dwellings on the property, which resulted in duplex with an ADU. Staff has had similar conversations with other owners of large residences looking to mazimize their use of existing spae.
Owners of another residence on Bennett Street, built in approximately 1880 as a single-family home, converted to a duplex in 1987, are considering aconverting the home to a triplex, and converting a detached garage to two ADUs, to make the most of the property while preserving the historic integrity of the home. The owners are working with a contractor to develop plans for the conversion to increase housing supply.
Additionally, the City allows conversion of larger structures into multifamily structures in the downtown (TC), R-2, and R-3 zones. To further this, staff developed an SB 10 ordinance for the TC area to allow conversion of unused/underused commercial space to residential units in the downtown area.
This ordinance will be heard by City Council for consideration in February 2025.
Meetings 2
https://acaprod.accela.com/grassvalley/default.aspx
24BLD-0709, finaled 10/2025
Program 22: Fair Housing
Program
Educate the public on fair housing
issues, reduce housing discrimination,
and promptly resolve housing
discrimination complaints
Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027; identify annual
events in 2019 and include
fair housing information
beginning 2019 and
thereafter
6th Cycle
continuous
Staff provides fair housing resource information by request and in response to code violation complaints. No housing discrimination complaints were received in 2025.
Meetings
chromeextension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmka
j/https://www.grassvalleyca.gov/sites/main/fil
es/file-attachments/hud_fair_housing_poster_-
_english.pdf
Program 23: Energy
Conservation for New
Construction and
Residential Design
Reduce residential energy consumption Current and ongoing, 2019 – 2027 6th Cycle
continous The City continues to enforce state energy standards for new residential construction. The City participates in a collaborative effort with other County jurisdictions and agencies in the development of a Resource Resliliance Strategic Roadmap, which includes building efficiency as a means toward overall resilliency.
Meetings 4
https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/DocumentC
enter/View/61499/225-In-Person-CommunityWorkshop-Flyer?bidId=
Item # 4.
Program 24:
Weatherization and Energy
Conservation for Existing
Dwelling Units
Rehabilitation of 2 extremely lowincome, 3 very low-income, and 5 lowincome housing units Current and ongoing, 2019
– 2027 6th Cycle
continous In 2025, the City supported the Foodhill House of Hospitality in their rehabilitation and an 8-room expansion of Sierra Guest Home, which provides supportive housing at a 27-room capacity, along with two manufacutured homes on a nearby property (constructed as a primary and an ADU) to support 8- bedrooms. The grand opening of the rehabilitated space took place in February 2026.
Persons 35
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Program 25: Encourage
Development of Moderate
Income and Above
Moderate-Income Housing
Continue support of previously
approved housing projects and
encourage the development of at least
120 moderate and 350 above moderate
for-sale housing units.
Current and on-going
through housing element
planning period.
6th Cycle
continuous In 2025, the City issued building permits for 46 market-rate single-family homes, including the planned ocmmunities of Gilded Springs and Loma Rica Ranch, which included development of five ADUs. Staff also met with interested developers to discuss opportunities for market-rate residential development. All parties were encouraged to submit pre-application, or conceptual, plans; however, none were received. The city currently has issued entitlements for an additional 413 units. One development, Dorsey Marketplace, lost its entitlment as a result of a lengthy litigation challenge and is currently re-pursuing it with the City and includes a request for 172 multi-family residential units.
Units 413 none
Program 26: Encourage
Development of Market
Rate Rental Housing
Provide support for the development of
50 moderate and 25 above moderate
rental housing units.
Current and on-going
through housing element
planning period.
6th Cycle
continuous The City continues to encourage construction of ADU and SB9 units. Staff regulaly discusses these options with potential developers at the front counter.
Additionally, the developer of The Pines, a 108-unit apartment complex, has submitted grading plans for construction. The City issued 39 building permits for the Loma Rica Ranch development in 2025 .
Units 147
https://acaprod.accela.com/grassvalley/default.aspx
24GP-09
Program 27: Efficiency
Dwelling Units (Tiny
Homes)
Explore the feasibility of amending the
CA Building Code and CA Residential
Code to allow for tiny home
development. If feasible, the City will
encourage tiny home developments on a
case by case basis through the City’s
Planned Development process. If
feasible, the City will promote
development 20 very low-income and 10
low-income tiny homes.
Adopt ordinance by 2020,
if feasible 6th Cycle
continuous
The City has no minimum square footage requirements for housing beyond those established by the California Building Code. The City has adopted an SB10 ordinance to incentivize dwelling units in our downtown core, and has also adopted a zoining text amendment to encourage affordable housing projects to be developed in the Corporate Business Park Zone.
Meetings 2
https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocu
ment/index?cc=GRASSVALCA&me=0fca8b4
ec4524f168887bc92d7a99fc3&ip=False
Program 28: Facilitate the
Development of Affordable
Housing
Support Nevada County’s and the
Regional Housing Authority’s effort to
develop 40 transitional and supportive
housing units and rental units that will
not exceed 30% of the area’s median
income. Continue to cooperate with
Habitat for Humanity’s effort to build 2
to 3 housing units annually (assumes 20
for 2019-2027 Housing Element cycle)
for extremely low-income residents.
During Housing Element
Planning period 6th Cycle
continuous The City worked with Foothill House of Hospitality to rehabilitate and expand the Sierra Guest Home, which after expansion supports 27-rooms as a Supportive Housing Facility, along with a nearby development of two manufacutred homes supporting 8-rooms for supportive housing. The City has not received any requests for deferred fees for affordable housing development. The City has also worked with the County Department of Housing in support of a supportive housing porject involing the conversion of an existing motel in Grass Valley to a 16-room supportive housing facility, with a goal of supporting veterans experiencing homelessness.
In 2024, the City received a $2 million dollar DTSC Equitable Comunity Revitalization Grant (ECRG) to clean up a brownsfield site of interest to affordable developers, in order to further faciliate lower-income development.
The City has continued to work with DTSC to finalize the cleanup plan and we anticipate the cleanup to begin in Spring 2026.
Additionally, in 2025, the City met with Habitat for Humanity several times and issued permits for three residential units, and approved entitlement for 16 additional units.
Persons 51 https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/m/newsflas
h/home/detail/8542
Program 29: Development
Code, Policies and
Procedures Review
To streamline development and building
permit applications, in consultation with
the development community, the City
will continue to review its Development
Code, policies and procedures and
incorporate new systems to streamline
the City’s development review
processes.
Annual Review with
Supportive Housing
provisions within 1 year of
Housing Element adoption
6th Cycle
continuous The City allows transitional and supportive housing in residential zones in the same manner as residential uses in those zones, to streamline development of a variety of housing types. Further, in 2025 staff has continued to update a a comprehensive review of the Development Code to identify barriers to housing and clarity issues. The review resulted in a list of suggested changes to be made in 2026. The City is currently working with HCD to update its ADU Ordinance.
Other none
Program 30: Lower Income
By-Right Zoning
To streamline development and building
permit applications for lower income
multiple family housing units in
accordance with Government Code
65583.2 et. seq.
Within 2 years of adoption
of Housing Element. 6th Cycle
continuous The City allows residential uses, including single-family and multi-family, byright in the R-3 zone district, including lower-income housing. The City has supported Habitat for Humanity in issuance of 3 builing permits, and 16 additioanl housing entitlments in 2025. The City also supported the expansiong of the Sierra Guest Home supportive housing facility, and has recently met with a potential developer of a 10-unit SB 35 project, for which staff provided a Housing Development Pre-Application Form.
Units 29 none
Item # 4.
City of Grass Valley
City Council
Agenda Action Sheet
Title: Review of 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: Receive and File. No formal action required.
Prepared by: Amy Wolfson, City Planner
Council Meeting Date: March 10, 2025 Date Prepared: February 25, 2025 Agenda: Consent
Background Information: The City of Grass Valley General Plan was adopted in November 1999. The City’s last Housing Element was adopted in August 2019. Government Code Section 65400 mandates that cities and counties submit an annual progress report (APR) on the General Plan and progress on its implementation to the legislative body, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) by April 1 of each year. The intent of the legislation is to ensure that the City’s General Plan is relied upon for land use decisions and that it remains an effective tool for guiding development. The report provides the City Council with information regarding the current status of the General Plan policies and their implementation during the past year.
The attached document fulfills Government Code Section 65400.
The purpose of the APR is to provide the public and decision makers with an update of the City’s progress in implementing its General Plan vision. Staff reviewed actions and projects that progressed over the 2025 calendar year. A secondary purpose of the APR is to fulfill the housing element statutory requirements regarding the City’s progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs and its efforts to remove government constraints to the development of housing in accordance with Government Code Section 65584.3(c) and 65584.5(b)(5). The Housing Element APR has separate reporting requirements and forms, which will be submitted electronically by the City by the April 1, deadline.
Council Goals/Objectives: This General Plan APR does not meet any specific or general goal or objective but is mandated by the State.
Fiscal Impact: Preparation of the General Plan APR has been completed with existing staffing resources. No impact to the General Fund will occur.
Reviewed by: City Manager
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment 1 – 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report with Attachments
Item # 5.
City of Grass Valley
2025 General Plan
Annual Progress Report
Item # 5.
CITY OF GRASS VALLEY
GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2025 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Purpose of General Plan Annual Report 2
General Plan Background 2
City’s Responsibility 3
Amendments to the General Plan 3
Major Milestones and Projects 4
Status of General Plan Implementation Actions 10
Housing Element Annual Progress Report 10
Attachments:
Table B – Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress Permits Issued by Affordability Table D – Program Implementation Status Pursuant to GC Section 65583
Item # 5.
CITY OF GRASS VALLEY
GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2025 2
PURPOSE OF GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT
California Government Code Section 65400 mandates that cities and counties submit an annual progress report (APR) on the General Plan and progress on its implementation to the legislative body, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). The four purposes of the annual report are to:
1. Provide information to assess progress on implementation of the General Plan in accordance with the stated goals, policies, and implementation measures.
2. Provide information to identify necessary course adjustments or modifications to the General Plan to improve implementation.
3. Provide a clear correlation between land use decisions made during the reporting period, and the goals, policies, and implementation measures of the General Plan.
4. Provide information regarding local agency progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs and local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the development of housing.
This document fulfills Government Code Section 65400; however, it should be noted that Charter Cities such as Grass Valley were exempt of this General Plan requirement prior to 2019. Accordingly, other than the Housing Element Annual Progress Report, the City has not submitted annual reports prior to that date.
The purpose of the APR is to provide the public and decision makers with an update of the City’s progress in implementing its General Plan vision. This annual assessment provides an opportunity to adjust or modify its policies, goals, and objectives to ensure that the City meets its stated vision. A secondary purpose of the APR is to fulfill housing element statutory requirements regarding the City’s progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs and its efforts to remove government constraints to the development of housing in accordance with Government Code Section 65584.3(c) and 65584.5(b)(5). The Housing Element APR has separate reporting requirements and forms, which have been submitted electronically by the City by the April 1, deadline.
CITY OF GRASS VALLEY GENERAL PLAN BACKGROUND
The Grass Valley General Plan Update commenced June 30, 1998, with a “kickoff” meeting at the Grass Valley City Hall. From the onset, the Grass Valley General Plan Update was aided by the leadership of an appointed Steering Committee. The Steering Committee had eight members, appointed by the City Council. Two were Council members, two where members of the Planning Commission, and four were Members-at-Large. The Steering Committee guided General Plan activities through bi-monthly meetings with staff and consultants; sponsored Public Workshops designed to afford members of the public opportunity to participate in General Plan development; and served as the City’s decision-making body throughout General Plan formulation.
General Plan Elements – The 2020 Grass Valley General Plan includes the following General Plan Elements:Land Use
• Circulation
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• Conservation/Open Space (formally separate elements being combined) • Housing
• Noise
• Safety (formally Safety and Seismic Safety Elements, being combined) • Community Design (formallyUrban Design)
• Historical
• Recreation
• Mineral Management
The City’s General Plan addresses State General Plan requirements. California law requires that every city and county adopt a long-term General Plan that addresses eight specific topics or “elements.” The General Plan must be internally consistent and contain the State Government Code requirements.
CITY’S RESPONSIBLITY
The effectiveness of the General Plan ultimately depends on how it is implemented and maintained over time. State law requires that most actions of local governments affecting the physical environment be consistent with the General Plan. This implementation of the Plan is the responsibility of numerous departments and divisions including:
• City Manager’s Office (City Clerk, EconomicDevelopment and Communications) • Administrative ServicesDepartment (Finance & Human Resources) • CommunityDevelopmentDepartment (Planning, Building, Housing &Code Compliance) • Public Works & Engineering (Community Services, Facilities and Maintenance) • Fire Department (Fire abatement) and,
• PoliceDepartment (Community Services, Information Technology & AnimalControl) Additionally, several other governmental agencies provide services within the City. While these agencies are neither part of the City’s operational structure nor directly responsible for implementation of the General Plan, the City does coordinate its activities with these other agencies and relies upon their assistance forfull implementation of the General Plan. These agencies include, but are not limited to the following:
• Nevada Irrigation District
• Nevada Union High School
• Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission
• NevadaCountyCommunityDevelopment Agency
AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN
State law allows the City to amend its General Plan no more than four times per year (Charter Cities are Exempt from this requirement). Amendments may be proposed and acted upon at any time
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GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2025 4
during the year and one action may include multiple amendments. Any changes to the General Plan require a public hearing by the City Council upon recommendation by the Planning Commission and include evaluation of the environmental impacts as required by the California Environmental Quality Act. (CEQA).
There was one notable General Plan text amendment to the Land Use Element in 2025, made in an effort to support an affordable housing project initiated by Nevada County Habitat for Humanity. The amendment added language to the Business Park (BP) land use designation that allows affordable, residential-only projects in the Business Park land use designation when a proposed housing project is needed to satisfy State-mandated housing targets established by the California Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department through their Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process. Prior to the amendment, residential development within the BP designation needed to be subordinate and concurrent with a commercial project. 2025 MAJOR MILESTONES & PROJECTS
The following actions and projects within the City of Grass Valley furthered policies and goals of the 2020 General Plan
The following City Council Actions taken in 2025 supported safety policy, 6-SP: to incorporate fire hazard reduction considerations into land use plans/patterns, both public and private:
• Used Measure B funds to purchased Fireside Defensible Space Inspection Software – City Council 1/14/2025
• Adopted the Nevada County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan – City Council 2/11/2025
• Authorized purchase of an EMS Staff Commend Vehicle to replace current EMS vehicle for improved operational safety response 11/25/2025
• Authorized purchase of two sets of hydraulic vehicle extraction tools • Adoption of Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps – City Council 5/27/2025 • Purchase of a 107-foot ladder truck to enhance the Fire Department’s response capabilities – authorized 4/8/2025
• Purchase of a Skid Steer Masticator for wildfire vegetation removal and vegetation maintenance – 6/24/2025
The following City Council Actions taken in 2025 supported circulation policy, 3-SP: Improve pubic transportation to better link existing and future residential areas with high traffic generating/industrial nodes:
• Intersection improvements at Main Street and South Auburn Street to revert to a stopcontrolled intersection – Approved by City Council 1/14/2025 • Downtown Street Rehabilitation Project– Approved the streets rehabilitation project in February 25, 2025, South Auburn St between Main St and Neal St and East Main St between Richardson St and Church St. Other work includes concrete curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements, drainage improvements, pavement marking and striping, and signage Improvements occurred in spring 2025. - City Council 2/25/2025
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The following City Council Action taken in 2025 supported circulation policy, 2-CP, to plan for multipurpose transportation/recreation and pedestrian facilities to optimize facility usage and enhance potential funding:
• Enter into a contract for design and environmental support services for proposed restoration of the Memorial Park Magenta Drain - City Council 2/25/2025 The following City Council Action taken in 2025 supported historic element policy, 7-HP:
Rehabilitate older commercial areas utilizing Façade Improvements Program and other programs:
• Adopt an Ordinance consistent with SB-10, allowing up to 10 dwelling units to properties within the Town Core zoning designation – City Council 3/11/2025 The following City Council Action taken in 2025 supported circulation policy, 19-CP: Add vehicular parking in the downtown area.
• Completed the Mill Street Parking Lot construction project – City Council 3/11/2025 The following City Council Actions taken in 2025 supported Safety Element policy, 12-SP: Maintain a high level of inter-jurisdictional cooperation and coordination, including appropriate automatic aid agreements with fire protection/suppression agencies automatic aid agreements with fire protection/ suppression agencies in western Nevada County • Worked with Nevada County on the purchase of Tablet Command, a software platform to improve the interoperability amongst various fire agencies throughout the County – City Council 2/11/2025
• Authorized submittal of a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant in collaboration with the Fire Safe Council to support efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure, implement hazard fuels reduction using nature-based solutions, assist with hazard tree removal, expand the home hardening retrofit program, enhance the green waste program, and provide community education initiatives for the City - City Council 2/11/2025 • Enter and agreement with Nevada County on a Boundary Drop Response Plan, ensuring that the closest available resource will respond to an emergency regardless of jurisdictional boundary - City Council 3/11/2025
• Designate the City Manager to represent City on California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP) grant application agreements to support forest thinning and forest health improvements - 9/23/2025
The following City Council Actions taken in 2025 supported Circulation Element policies, 11-CO Develop and implement a comprehensive traffic safety program, including improvement of facilities serving pedestrian needs; 13-CO Improvement of the transportation system to facilitate commerce and economic development; and 14-CO Improvements and maintenance of adequate emergency access throughout the city:
• Annual Measure E Street Rehabilitation Project for the pavement resurfacing of East Main St, Brunswick Ave, Dorsey Dr, Sutton Way, Olympic Park Circle, Old Tunnel Road and Sierra College Drive. Project work primarily includes a micro surfacing overlay, pavement markings, and striping improvements – Authorized by City Council 4/8/2025 • Adopted the 5-year Capital Project List and budgets covering FY 25/26 through FY 29/30 – 6/10/2025
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• Completed the Condon Park Road Maintenance Project – 6/24/2025 • Completed the Bennett Street Bridge Maintenance Project – 6/24/2025 The following City Council Actions taken in 2025 supported Recreation Element policy, 1-RP to provide parks and open space of different sizes and types to respond to the needs of a diverse population, including trails for pedestrian and equestrian use, bicycle pathways, linear parkways and park-like natural areas
• Established an Ad Hoc Committee for the Condon Park Skatepark Expansion project. – 5/27/2025
The following City Council Action taken in 2025 supported Conservation /Open Space Element policy, 21-COSP to Continue to implement water quality improvement plans, including storm water separation and sewage treatment plant expansion
• Authorized bids for the Slate Creek Lift Station Pump Replacement Project – 8/12/2025; contract awarded 10/28/2025
The following City Council Action taken in 2025 supported Land Use Element policy, 39-LUP, assure that acceptable inter-agency agreements regarding future service and facility provision are in place prior to approval of any major new development.
• Execute an agreement amendment with Nevada Irrigation District to allow the City to expand its service area to parcels along LaBarr Meadows Road for improved service – 8/12/2025 The following City Council Action taken in 2025 supported Land Use Element policies 33-LUP, to promote Downtown as a hub for area cultural, entertainment and retail development. • Adopted Ordinance for art installations throughout the City -9/23/2025 The following City Council Action taken in 2025 supported Circulation and Community Design Element policies 11-CP, Design selected streets and intersections employing modern roundabouts and other traffic calming techniques; and 5-CDP, design and construct streetscape improvements along South Auburn Street and Colfax Avenue as they enter downtown to enhance the area visually and to improve pedestrian access.
• Approved engineering for the downtown Grass Valley roundabout project – 11/5/2025 The following City Council Actions taken in 2025 supported Land Use, objective, 13-LUO, to provide sufficient affordable housing units for those working in Grass Valley. • Approved extension of a Standard Agreement with the California Department of Housing And Community Development (HCD) to preserve eligibility for the use of these funds should the state unfreeze them in the future to support local housing activities , including construction, rehabilitation, and assistance to low-income households – 11/12/2025 • Approved a General Plan text amendment to allow residential-only projects, without a commercial component, when part of an affordable housing project proposed within the Business Park land use designation. 11/25/2025
The following City Council Action taken in 2025 supported Recreation and Community Design
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Permit in February 2023 for operational changes associated with Spirit House, which Element policies 6-RP, to provide non-motorized linkages between parks and open spaces; and 4- CDP, to provide connections for automobiles, bicycles and/or pedestrians between neighborhoods and commercial districts when neighborhood safety and character are not compromised. • Authorized submittal of a Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant for the Trolley Trail Multimodal Connector Study – 12/9/2025
Commercial Projects:
The following projects approved in 2025 supported Land Use goals 6-LUG to Promote a jobs/housing balance within the Grass Valley region in order to facilitate pleasant, convenient and enjoyable working conditions for residents, including opportunities for short home to work journeys; and 7-LUG, to create a healthy economic base for the community, including increasing employment opportunities through attraction of new and compatible industry and commerce, and through retention, promotion and expansion of existing businesses • Approved entitlement for an Issued a building permit for the Jada Windows expansion building for a ±70,000 square foot window and door manufacturing building for Jada Windows in March 2024. The entitlement approved February 2025, building permit issued September 2025 • Issued building permits for an 80-room hotel project on Plaza Drive in May 2025. Certificate of Occupancy is anticipated in Spring 2026.
• Certificate of Occupancy for a new Sherwin Williams paint store in September 2025.
The following projects approved in 2025 supported Land Use policy 35-LUP to recognize the importance of and encourage home-based businesses that do not conflict with the character of established neighborhoods
• The City issued 26 home-based businesses within the 2025 calendar year.
ResidentialProjects:
The following residential projects approved in 2025 supported Land Use policies and objectives 28- LUP, to promote the construction of affordable housing utilizing the techniques and approaches described in this General Plan; and 13-LUO, to provide sufficient affordable housing units for those working in Grass Valley.
• Habitat for Humanity - Entitlement granted for a 16-unit Habitat for Humanity affordable housing project on Gates Place.
• An expansion of the Sierra Guest Home, was approved in January 2024 for a total of 27 supportive housing rooms, including two full apartment units; The Certificate of Occupancy.
The following residential projects approved in 2025 supported Land Use and Community Design policies, 24-LUP, on large parcels, encourage clustering of residential units on the most developable portions of the site in order to reduce infrastructure and other housing-related construction costs; 25-LUP, to utilize clustering and other land use techniques to protect environmentally sensitive resources, such as heritage trees and wetlands; and 17-CDP, to assure adequate City design review
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of all new development.
• Loma Rica Ranch – Approved in 2019, the City issued 39 building permits for new home construction in 2025 for the new subdivision known as Loman Rica Ranch. Phase 1 of the Specific Plan has been approved with entitlement for 235 total homes. • Gilded Springs – Staff issued eight building permits, adding to the four previously issued, for residential construction in 2025 for this 26-unit residential infill subdivision. • Ridge Village/McKenna Subdivisions – 34 single family infill lots with floor plans ranging in size from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet. Subdivision improvements are complete. Staff has had conversations with several potential developers in 2025 and anticipates development will occur in 2026
• The Pines of Grass Valley – Currently reviewing grading permit for a 108 for-rent 1- & 2-bedroom apartments. The resort-style apartment project includes a swimming pool, hot tub, sundeck, private cabanas with TVs, fire pit, outdoor Yoga Studio, on-site business center, smart home features, on-site deli and market. Staff has continued to work with the developer to address retaining wall and grading permit corrections.
• Timberwood Estates – 45 single family home development, offering semi-customized homes in three sizes from 1,804 to 2,224 square feet, including 2-car garages. Building permits are issued in 2021. Buildout is on-going, with the majority of building permits issued in 2023. Staff has had several conversations with potential lot-purchasers in 2025 and is anticipating that the remaining lots will be built out in 2026.
The following residential projects approved in 2025 supported Community Design policy, 9-CDP, to continue to allow second units on lots in single-family residential areas subject to appropriate development standards and design criteria.
• The City issued building permits for eight Accessory Dwelling units in 2025
PRIOR YEARS APPROVED PROJECTS
• Target shopping center remodel and site improvements, completed in 2024. • Brunswick Commons: 41-unit affordable rental apartment project, designed to provide housing targeting the homeless and mentally ill, with a Certificate of Occupancy issued in 2022. • Southern Sphere of Influence Planning and Annexation Project – 1) an amendment to the General Plan land use designations on 237 of the 400 acres; 2) a prezone amendment on 237 of the 400 acres of land to various zone districts consistent with the proposed General Plan amendments; 3) an expansion of the boundaries and amendment to the Southeast IndustrialDistrict Combining Zone; 4) an amendment to add 31 acres to the City's Sphere of Influence; and 5) the annexation of approximately 400 acres.
• Grass Valley RV Resort and Annexation Project – The Grass Valley RV Park Resort and Annexation
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Project consists of 147 space RV Park Resort with 15 glamping spaces for short term camping on ±20 acres. The project also includes the annexation of ±25 acres of property into the City limits with a zoning designation that permits commercial and residential and combinations thereof. • Brockington Center Frontage Landscaping – The Brockington (Safeway) shopping center frontage landscaping improvement project includes installation of several decorative rock walls and new parking lot landscaping.
• Condon Park Accessibility & Parking Lot Improvement Project – The Condon Park Accessibility Project was initiated 2020 and completed in 2021. The project included grading and resurfacing the trail, repaving the roadway, and repairing and installing sidewalk to meet current ADA standards. The 2021 Parking Lot Improvement Project included installation of a new restroom building, repaving of the LOVE building and baseball field parking lots, and extension of existing concrete walkway.
• Slate Creek Road & Drainage Improvements – The Slate Creek Road & Drainage Improvement project includes replacing drainage culvert, installing infiltration trenches, repaving and other needed improvements on Slate Creek Road to the City limits. • Dutch Bros Coffee – The construction of a ±900 square foot Dutch Bros with drive-through was completed in 2021.
• McDonald's Remodel – The project consists of a façade, décor, drive-thru and restroom upgrade, as well as a 1,200 square foot building addition is under construction through 2021 with completion in 2022.
• Wendy's Restaurant – A ±2,366 square foot Wendy’s restaurant with drive-through with parking and landscaping is under construction in 2021 with completion in 2022. • West Olympia Hotel – A two-story, 74 room hotel that includes a pool and fitness center was approved by the Planning Commission on December 15th, 2020. Construction is anticipated in Spring/Summer 2022
• Brunswick Commons – The project is a mixture of affordable housing and homeless resource center which includes transitional housing units. The project is a Nevada County sponsored project consisting of 41 units of affordable housing for homeless and mentally ill. Also included are 33 one bedroom and 8 two-bedroom units. The project is being constructed in 2021 with completion in Spring/Summer 2022.
• Coach N Four Motel – Nevada County’s 18-unit motel will initially continue as temporary emergency housing for people experiencing homelessness, with a focus on families, veterans, and other vulnerable groups. Construction to convert the Coach N Four Motel into permanent housing has commenced in 2021 with completion slated in 2022. • Quick Quack Carwash – Development Review was approved for the car wash facility in June 2022; A building permit was issued in December 2022, and Certificate of Occupancy was granted in November 2023.
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STATUS OF GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
ACTIONS
The following table outlines selected General Plan policies and action items that the City made notable progress towards in 2025. The table is not a comprehensive list of all policies and action items in the General Plan; many policies/actions are under ongoing implementation and may not be listed. As most of the General Plan policies and related action items have been implemented through the adoption of ordinance and resolutions, incorporated into the regular governmental activities of the applicable departments, orincluded in development proposals as they are reviewed for consistency with the City’s policies, the purpose of providing the policy implementation below is simply to streamline the review and highlight the annual progress efficiently.
The City’s General Plan has always been built around central themes; all are key focus points of the City’s current vision:
• Preserve Grass Valley’s historical character and encourage restoration. • Expand public services to serve a growing population. • Encourage variety in residential building types and environments. • Include high density housing areas in the town center. • Provide better regional connections. Improve the circulation patterns within the City. • Protect and improve the Downtown Historic area.
• Diversify the economy and locate industry to avoid undue traffic. • Preserve scenic beauty and character.
To implement the City’s 2020 General Plan, the City adopted a strategic plan, last updated in April 2022. The concept of a long-range Strategic Plan was presented to the Grass Valley City Council in 2018. The purpose of the Strategic Plan was to provide a set of goals from which comprehensive programs would be developed and adopted to help direct the City’s future strategies and projects.
The Strategic Plan was developed with input from community focus groups consisting of an assortment of interested citizens and community leaders. Community contributors culminated at a Citywide public forum where discussion focused on the future direction of Grass Valley and potential projects to enhance the City’s livability. Seven core goals were identified: 1) Community Sense of Place; 2) Transportation; 3) Recreation and Parks; 4) Economic Development & Vitality; 5) High Performance Government & Quality Service; 6) Public Safety; 7) Water & Wastewater Systems & Underground Infrastructure.
HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
The State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), acting as the City’s Council of Governments, has determined the amount of affordable housing assigned to the City of Grass Valley for the planning period, known as the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). The 2019 – 2027 RHNA adopted by HCD allocates 743 housing units to the City of Grass Valley. This represents the number of housing units the City is responsible for accommodating during this planning period.
The RHNA identifies 269 units, approximately 36 percent, to be affordable to very low- and lowPage 71 Item # 5.
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GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2025 11
income households. The above-moderate income category represents the greatest need for Grass Valley’s total share of regional housing at 349 units or 47%. HCD has recently communicated the allocation for the 7th Cycle Housing Element Update and the number of residential units allocated to Grass Valley is nearly double that.
Over the past several years, the Planning Division has processed an average of 50 planning and zoning applications annually. Applications include General Plan Amendments, Rezones, Development Review Permits, Tentative Maps, Planned Developments, Use Permits, Lot Line Adjustments, etc.
Within the eight-year housing cycle to date, the city has permitted 206 units. We have entitlements for a total of 413 additional units including those approved but not yet built in Loma Rica, Timberwood Estates, Berriman Ranch, and the Pines. Based on average annual build-out, the City can expect an additional 50 to 75 units by the end of the housing cycle in 2027, which means we will likely fall short of the units allocated for all income targets. The City is not responsible for ensuring build-out of their target allocation and is only responsible for ensuring there is adequate capacity to accommodate the build-out. However, jurisdictions do incur some consequences when buildout, largely not within their control, is not achieved including loss of some local control. If a jurisdiction misses its housing production goals, it becomes subject to the "builder's remedy," allowing developers to submit projects that do not comply with local zoning and general plan standards, provided the project includes a certain percentage of affordable housing (typically 20% for lower-income or 100% for moderate-income). Developers also may take advantage of Streamlined Ministerial Approval (SB 35) for qualifying housing projects, which also must include a minimum of affordable units.
State law requires the city to complete a review of the implementation of the programs in the State Certified Housing Element. Table D attached lists each of the programs in the Housing Element and indicates the timeframe to complete the program and the City’s efforts to date. As the table illustrates, and as noted above, the City will likely fall short of its allocated housing targets for its 2019 – 2027 State Certified Housing Element.
The attached information is a summary of the housing unit activity of the City of Grass Valley during 2025. The information is an excerpt summary of Tables of the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
Item # 5.
City of Grass Valley
City Council
Agenda Action Sheet
Title: Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Grass Valley and Public Safety Management Unit #10
CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Grass Valley and the newly established Public Safety Management Unit #10, effective February 15, 2026 through June 30, 2026.
Prepared by: Taylor Whittingslow, Deputy City Manager
Council Meeting Date: 3/10/2026 Date Prepared: 3/5/2026 Agenda: Consent
Background Information: Historically, certain public safety management positions were included in Unit #1 – Management/Supervisory Professional & Confidential Employees. Due to the unique operational, scheduling, and benefit structures associated with public safety personnel, it was determined that separating these positions into a distinct bargaining unit would better address their specific needs and working conditions.
As a result, affected employees formed Public Safety Management Unit #10, which includes supervisory and management personnel within the Police and Fire Departments.
This separation allows the City and the affected employees to address public safety– specific operational issues while maintaining consistency with the City's overall labor relations structure.
The proposed Memorandum of Understanding for Unit #10 was developed by adapting the existing Unit #1 MOU, removing provisions that were not applicable to public safety management positions and keeping the provisions relevant to emergency services personnel.
The Unit agreed that the new agreement would remain largely consistent with the existing Unit #1 terms, with no substantive changes to compensation or benefits, with the following exception:
Item # 6.
Retiree Medical Benefit: Unit #10 employees will receive the same retiree medical benefit structure currently provided to Firefighter Union Local 3800 (Unit #8).
Aside from these modifications, the agreement maintains existing compensation structures, leave programs, retirement provisions, and other employment conditions already in place within the City's labor agreements. The MOU outlines wages, benefits, and working conditions for employees in the unit pursuant to the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act and the City's Employer-Employee Relations Resolution.
Because this is a newly formed unit, the agreement is structured as a short-term contract lasting through June 30, 2026. This allows the City and Unit #10 time to evaluate the new structure and return during the next negotiation cycle to address any necessary adjustments.
Council Goals/Objectives: This item executes portions of the work tasks towards achieving /maintaining the Strategic Plan goal to maintain a Productive and Efficient Workforce
Fiscal Impact: The proposed agreement is not expected to create a significant fiscal impact. The MOU largely mirrors the terms previously applied to the affected employees under Unit #1, with the addition of retiree medical benefits aligned with Unit #8 provisions.
Any associated costs are expected to be absorbed within existing departmental budgets.
Funds Available: N/A Account #: N/A
Reviewed by: City Manager
Attachments: R2026-03 & MOU
Item # 6.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-03
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRASS VALLEY
ADOPTING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE GRASS VALLEY PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGEMENT (UNIT #10) FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 15, 2026 – JUNE 30, 2026
WHEREAS, the labor negotiations team appointed to represent the City Council of the City of Grass Valley and representatives of the Grass Valley Public Safety Management (Unit #10) have engaged in conversations to create the labor Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between the City and Unit 10; and WHEREAS, the parties came to an agreement which incorporates updates to the attached Memorandum of Understanding;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRASS VALLEY, as follows:
1. The above recitals are true and correct and are a substantive part of this Resolution.
2. The City Council of the City of Grass Valley approves the Memorandum of Understanding for the Grass Valley Public Safety Management (Unit #10) for the period of February 15, 2026, through June 30, 2026, and authorizes the City Manager to execute said Side Letter.
PASSED AND ADOPTED as a Resolution of the City Council of Grass Valley at a meeting thereof held on the 10th day of March 2025 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember
NOES: Councilmember
ABSENT: Councilmember
ABSTAINING: Councilmember
_____________________________
Hilary Hodge, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________ __________________________
Taylor Whittingslow, City Clerk Michael Colantuono, City Attorney
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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY OF GRASS VALLEY CITY COUNCIL
AND
PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGEMENT UNIT #10
February 15, 2026 – June 30, 2026
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Table of Contents
AGREEMENT DESCRIBING SALARIES, BENEFITS AND WORKING CONDITIONS APPROVED BY
CITY OF GRASS VALLEY CITY COUNCIL FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS IN THE CITY'S UNIT #10 PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGEMENT.................................. 5 PREAMBLE............................................................................................................................................................... 5 ARTICLE 1- RECOGNITION .................................................................................................................................5 ARTICLE 2- SUPPORT OF AGREEMENT AND MEET AND CONFER PROCESS...................................... 6 ARTICLE 3- EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION RIGHTS ........................................................................................... 6 A. Unit #1 Member Meetings............................................................................................................................................. 6 B. Bulletin Boards.............................................................................................................................................................. 6 C. Use of Facilities.............................................................................................................................................................. 6 D. List of Designated Representatives................................................................................................................................ 6 E. Regular Employees .............................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
ARTICLE 4- MANAGEMENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITES .................................................................6 ARTICLE 5- HOURS OF WORK AND BASIS OF COMPENSATION............................................................. 7 A. Hours of Employment.................................................................................................................................................... 7 B. Pay Periods.........................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
C. Work Periods......................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
D. Lunch and Rest Periods.......................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
E. Calculation of Compensation..............................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
ARTICLE 6- SALARY..............................................................................................................................................9 A. Salary Schedule ............................................................................................................................................................. 9 B. Overtime ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9 C. Rules for Use of Salary Schedule.................................................................................................................................. 10 D. Other Considerations................................................................................................................................................... 11 E. Educational Incentive .................................................................................................................................................. 11 F. POST Incentive............................................................................................................................................................. 13 G. Professional Licenses................................................................................................................................................... 13 H. Telephone Call Back Pay .............................................................................................................................................. 13 I. Standby Time......................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
J. Shift Differential .................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
ARTICLE 7- LEAVE...............................................................................................................................................13
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A. Absence from Duty...................................................................................................................................................... 13 B. Personal Leave............................................................................................................................................................. 14 C. Extended Medical Leave .............................................................................................................................................. 15 D. Bereavement Leave ..................................................................................................................................................... 16 E. Holidays....................................................................................................................................................................... 16 F. Jury Duty Leave ........................................................................................................................................................... 17 G. Community Service Organization Leave....................................................................................................................... 17 H. Family and Medical Care Leave.................................................................................................................................... 17 I. Family Care School Partnership Act ............................................................................................................................. 18 ARTICLE 8 – LEAVE (BATTALION CHIEFS ONLY)........................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
A. Vacation/Sick Leave to Personal Leave Conversion ............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
B. Personal Leave Accrual (56-hour work week) .....................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
C. Worker’s Compensation Pay...............................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
D. Bereavement Leave ............................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
E. Holidays..............................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
ARTICLE 9- PROFESSIONAL AND REPRESENTATIONAL EXPENSES...................................................18 A. Professional Dues and Fees ......................................................................................................................................... 18 B. Travel .......................................................................................................................................................................... 18 C. Civic and Professional Participation............................................................................................................................. 18 D. Reimbursement........................................................................................................................................................... 19 E. Receipts and Billing ..................................................................................................................................................... 19 ARTICLE 10- RETIREMENT ..............................................................................................................................19 A. Retirement Benefits .................................................................................................................................................... 19 B. Retirement Contributions............................................................................................................................................ 19 C. Supplemental Retirement Benefit ............................................................................................................................... 20 D. Retiree Health Insurance Benefit................................................................................................................................. 21 ARTICLE 11- HEALTH AND WELFARE..........................................................................................................21 A. Insurance Benefits....................................................................................................................................................... 21 B. Cost Containment Committee ..................................................................................................................................... 22 C. Long Term Disability .................................................................................................................................................... 22
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D. Legal Defense Insurance .............................................................................................................................................. 22 E. Short Term Disability Insurance................................................................................................................................... 22 ARTICLE 12- SAFETY..........................................................................................................................................22 A. Safe Conditions, Equipment and Duties....................................................................................................................... 22 B. Uniforms...................................................................................................................................................................... 23 C. Employee Alertness..................................................................................................................................................... 23 D. Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy .................................................................................................................. 24 E. Employee Assistance Program..................................................................................................................................... 24 ARTICLE 13- REDUCTION IN FORCE AND RE-EMPLOYMENT...............................................................24 A. Layoff/furlough Provision............................................................................................................................................ 24 ARTICLE 14- GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE........................................................................................................24 A. Definition .................................................................................................................................................................... 24 B. Process........................................................................................................................................................................ 25 C. Procedures .................................................................................................................................................................. 25 D. Informal Grievance ...................................................................................................................................................... 25 E. Formal Grievance ........................................................................................................................................................ 25 F. General Conditions...................................................................................................................................................... 26
1. Review and determination of a grievance is applicable to certain interpretations and applications as set forth under Definitions and, as such, cannot change any City adopted salary schedules/ranges or such other benefits subject to the meet and confer process...................................................................................................................................................... 26 ARTICLE 15- RESIDENTIAL MILEAGE RESTRICTION ..............................................................................27 ARTICLE 16- MAINTENANCE OF NEGOTIABLE BENEFITS .....................................................................27 ARTICLE 17- NOTICE..........................................................................................................................................27 ARTICLE 18- SEVERABILITY SAVINGS CLAUSE .........................................................................................27 ARTICLE 19- TERMS OF AGREEMENT ..........................................................................................................27 RECOMMENDATION OF REPRESENTATIVES .............................................................................................28 APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT ............................................................................................................................28 APPENDIX A...........................................................................................................................................................29 APPENDIX B - PROCEDURE TO MONITOR CHAIN OF CUSTODY ..........................................................30
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AGREEMENT DESCRIBING SALARIES, BENEFITS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
APPROVED BY CITY OF GRASS VALLEY CITY COUNCIL FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS IN THE CITY'S UNIT #10 PUBLIC SAFETY
MANAGEMENT
PREAMBLE
This Memorandum of Understanding (the “Agreement” or the “MOU”) is made and entered into by and between the City of Grass Valley and the Public Safety Management Employee Unit # 10 (“Unit”), pursuant to the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act of the State of California and the City of Grass Valley's EmployerEmployee Relations Resolution (No 93-40).
This Memorandum of Understanding, hereinafter referred to as "MOU" or "Agreement", describes salaries, benefits and working conditions approved by the City of Grass Valley, hereinafter referred to as the "City", for employees in City Unit #10 – Public Safety Management, hereinafter referred to as "Employees".
The parties to this Memorandum of Understanding have met and conferred in good faith on matters within the scope of representation pursuant to Section 3500 et seq. of the California Government Code and the City of Grass Valley's Employer-Employee Relations Resolution (No 93-40).
ARTICLE 1- RECOGNITION
The City recognizes the Unit as the sole and exclusive representative of the City classifications listed in Appendix A.
During the term of this Agreement, the City agrees not to meet and confer with any other organization on matters upon which the Unit is the exclusive representative, and which is within its scope of representation.
The Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA) does not define either "confidential" or "management" employees, and Government Code section 3507.5 authorizes each local agency to adopt procedures for determining which of its employees will be designated confidential or managerial. The MMBA, however, does not exclude management and confidential employees from the definition of employees entitled to the organizational and representation rights of the Act. This MOU defines a "Confidential Employee" as "an employee who, in the course of his or her duties, has access to information relating to the City's administration of employer-employee relations, as determined by the City Manager.” It defines "Management/Supervisory Professional Employee" as "an employee having responsibility for formulating, administering, or managing the implementation of City policies or programs, as determined by the City Manager." While employees designated as Confidential Employees may be represented by the Unit, the parties acknowledge and agree that such designated employees may not represent the Unit, participate in the bargaining process, or share any confidential information in connection with labor relations that would undermine the respective roles of each party in the bargaining process.
It is acknowledged and agreed that the following management positions are expressly excluded from representation by the Unit and from coverage under this MOU: All elected officials, the City Manager, the City Clerk, all Department Directors.
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ARTICLE 2- SUPPORT OF AGREEMENT AND MEET AND CONFER PROCESS The Unit agrees that it shall utilize the regular meet and confer process and endeavor to reach agreement on wages, hours and conditions of employment only through that process. The City agrees to utilize the meet and consult process exclusively in a good faith attempt to reach consensus regarding wages, hours and conditions of employment. Unit representatives agree to pursue the "Open Door" policy of the City to resolve disputes that might arise concerning the interpretation or application of this Agreement. During the term of this MOU the parties agree, should the meet and confer process not be successful in addressing matters under this agreement, the parties will use the dispute resolution process as provided herein or within the Civil Service Rules as a means of adjudicating disputes between them.
ARTICLE 3- EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION RIGHTS
A. Unit 10 Member Meetings
Unit Members may meet to address Unit business as necessary during non-work time. The Unit members are responsible to ensure meeting spaces are properly secured and clean. Unit members may meet to address Unit business during reasonable times that impact the member’s work hours with prior written approval from the City Manager or their designee, which will not be unreasonably denied, and prior written notice to the member’s Department Head.
B. Bulletin Boards
The Unit may use bulletin boards designated for its use in appropriate places. All items to be posted shall be officially authorized by Unit #10 representatives and will include the date of posting and the date of removal.
C. Use of Facilities
Unit #10 members may use designated facilities, depending upon availability of space, for meeting purposes at no charge upon prior written approval from the City Manager, their designee or Department Head. No request for use of City facilities shall be unreasonably denied. City use of any facility will have priority over Unit use and may require the Unit to reschedule or relocate meetings.
D. List of Designated Representatives
Unit 10 will file with the Human Resources Manager annually, and update as needed, a list of Unit's Designated Representatives.
ARTICLE 4- MANAGEMENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Procedural Prerogatives - It is understood that the City retains the procedural prerogative to initiate or to refrain from initiating actions that may affect Unit members' wages, hours and conditions of employment and that such actions, once initiated by the City are subject only to the express procedural limitations that may be set forth in the MOU, Civil Service Rules, Charter or other law. Such matters include, but are not limited to, the procedural rights to contract out work not performed by active unit members, to transfer, lay off, terminate or otherwise discipline employees, to reasonably accommodate qualified disabled persons/employees, to make technological improvements, and to take necessary action to implement the terms and conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding.
Unit 10 recognizes and agrees that the City, on its own behalf and on behalf of the electors of the City, retains and reserves unto itself, limited only by the articles of this Agreement, all powers, rights, authority,
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duties and responsibilities conferred upon, and vested in it, expressed or implied, by the laws and the Constitution of the State of California and of the United States and the provisions of the City Charter.
Unit 10 recognizes and agrees that the exercise of the foregoing powers, rights, authority, duties and responsibilities of the City, the adoption of policies, rules, regulations, and practices in furtherance thereof, and the use of judgment and discretion in connection therewith shall be limited only by the specific and express terms of this Agreement.
Unit 10 recognizes and agrees that the City's powers, rights, authority, duties and responsibilities include, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the exclusive right to manage, plan, organize, staff, direct and control; to determine levels of service; to establish and change standards; to determine solely the extent to which the facilities of any department thereof shall be operated, and the outside purchases of products or services; the right to introduce new or improved methods and facilities and to otherwise take any action desired to run the entire operation efficiently, except as modified by this Agreement.
It is understood and agreed that the specific provisions contained in this Agreement shall prevail over City practices and procedures and over State Laws, and City Charter to the extent permitted by State Law, and that in the absence of specific provisions in this Agreement, such practices and procedures are discretionary with the City. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be interpreted as to imply or permit the invocation of past practice, or tradition, or accumulation of any employee rights or privileges other than those expressly stated herein. If a conflict arises between this Agreement and a City Charter provision or resolution incorporated herein, the City’s Charter provisions or resolution shall prevail.
ARTICLE 5- HOURS OF WORK AND BASIS OF COMPENSATION
A. FLSA Exempt Employees:
This subdivision shall only apply to Unit members who are FLSA exempt.
1. Hours of Employment
The Hours of employment and legal holidays to be observed shall be with due regard for the convenience of the public. Employees in this Unit who are defined as exempt status employees are expected to work whatever number of hours is necessary beyond normal workdays, periods, or weeks without additional compensation to accomplish their duties and responsibilities. Leave time for exempt employees will be accounted for in full day increments.
2. Pay Periods
The “pay period” shall be fourteen (14) calendar days from midnight Sunday to midnight of the second Saturday thereafter and refers to the period for computing compensation due for all normal working days during that period. Payroll checks will be available the ensuing Friday by noon following the end of the pay period. Direct deposit pay checks will have funding available on the morning of the Friday payroll date, pending release by the employee's bank, on the Friday payroll date.
3. Work Periods
i. The normal work period shall generally be eighty (80) hours within each pay period for each full-time employee unless established otherwise for any classification by the City Council. Employees are expected to engage in those hours of work that are
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necessary to fulfill the obligations of their classification. The work period shall coincide with the established two (2) week period (consisting of fourteen (14) days or two (2) weeks) from Saturday midnight to the second (2nd) following Saturday at midnight.
ii. The normal workday generally means a day on which an employee works eight (8) hours. Employees are expected to engage in those hours of work that are necessary to fulfill the obligations of their classification. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the establishment of alternative work schedules.
iii. The City will work with representatives of Unit 10 to establish and implement alternative work schedules. The schedules will be implemented to enhance productivity and coordination of work efforts. The normal work week designation may be modified as necessary to implement new work schedules. Alternative work schedules may be terminated by the City with two (2) weeks’ notice to employees.
The granting or elimination of alternative work schedules is not grievable.
4. Lunch and Rest Periods
i. Exempt employees are required to work the necessary hours to accomplish required duties and responsibilities. Use of time is to be coordinated with their supervisor.
5. Calculation of Compensation
Compensation is based on the hourly rates and pay schedule set forth in Appendix A.
Adjustments in hourly rates are rounded up to the next penny but may not exceed the top of any pay range. Pay is based on two thousand eighty (2,080) hours per year and twenty-six (26) equal pay periods.
B. FLSA Non-Exempt Employees (Shift Work):
This subdivision shall only apply to Unit members who are FLSA non-exempt.
1. Pay Periods:
The “pay period” shall be fourteen (14) calendar days from Sunday at 0800 to 0800 on the second Sunday thereafter, and refers to the period of computing compensation due for all normal working days during that period. Actual payment of payroll shall be made the ensuing Friday following the end of the pay period. The employee or his designee with valid ID may pick up payroll after 12:00 noon that Friday at the employee’s assigned station. There are twenty-six (26) equal pay periods per year.
2. Work Periods
i. For employees assigned to Shift Work, the work period will be twenty-eight (28) day work period.
ii. The average weekly duty hours shall be fifty-six (56) hours per week for Shift Employees.
iii. The Bi-weekly average work hours shall be one hundred twelve (112) hours for positions of Firefighter, Engineer and Captain who are assigned shift work Shift Work employees at fire station(s) and shall coincide with the established two (2) week pay period (consisting of fourteen (14) days or two (2) weeks). iv. Payroll checks will be available the ensuing Friday by noon following the end of the pay period. Direct deposit pay checks will have funding available on the morning of the Friday payroll date.
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3. Calculation of Compensation
i. Compensation for Shift Work employees is based on twenty-seven hundred, fiftysix (2,756) hours per year. The payment of compensation shall be calculated to the nearest one-quarter (1/4) hour. The amount of salary for the first pay period in a twenty-eight (28) day work period shall be calculated by multiplying the hourly rate by one hundred six (106) hours. The second pay period of a 28-day work period will be one hundred six (106) hours at the hourly rate plus FLSA overtime and other appropriate compensation earned during the entire 28-day work period. ii. Compensation is based on the hourly rates and pay schedule set forth in Appendix A. Adjustments in hourly rates are rounded up to the next penny, but may not exceed the top of any pay range.
4. Work Day
i. For Shift Work Eemployees working the normal work day means each day on which a shift work employee performs a normal working shift of twenty-four (24) hours including holidays, Saturday and Sunday. No work hours will be added or deducted due to daylight savings changes.
5. Work Schedule
The work schedule for employees will be posted fourteen (14) days prior to the work period. The normal work schedule for 2,080-hour employees is Monday through Friday.
6. Shift Trades
With approval of the department head or designee, the trading of hours between employees may occur without overtime or other financial liability to the City. The trading of time between employees may occur from one work period to another. All such trades will be voluntary by the employees affected. All shift trades shall be scheduled in accordance with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) #110.
ARTICLE 6- SALARY
A. Salary Schedule
1. Salaries shall remain as set forth in the Unit’s salary schedules, attached hereto as Appendix A of this MOU.
2. Exempt employees are paid on a fixed salary and are not compensated on an hourly basis.
As needed, they may be required to report their hours for purposes of charging appropriate budgets, grants, etc., for project or program time, or for assessing staff patterns.
B. Overtime (Non-Exempt Employees)
This subdivision shall only apply to Unit members who are FLSA non-exempt.
1. Policy- Overtime work shall be discouraged. Each Department Head shall arrange the work of his or her department so that full-time Police Department employees shall normally work
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not more than 171 hours in a twenty-eight (28) day work period; full-time Fire Department employees shall normally work not more than 212 hours in a twenty-eight (28) day work period; and that overtime work be held to a minimum consistent with the efficient performance of necessary functions.
2. Defined Overtime is authorized time worked in excess of 171 hours in a twenty-eight (28) day work period for Police Department employees; and 212 hours in a twenty-eight (28) day work period for Fire Department employees. All work authorized as overtime shall be calculated at the overtime rate which is one and one-half (1-1/2) times the regular hourly rate of pay (such calculation being non-cumulative for the same hours).
3. Compensatory Time Off
I. All non-exempt positions may receive Compensatory Time Off for overtime worked in lieu of pay upon approval of the Department Head.
II. In no event shall an employee be allowed to accumulate in excess of two hundred forty (240) hours of Compensatory Time Off (ninety-six (96) hours for Battalion Chiefs). In the event an employee has accumulated two hundred forty (240) hours (ninety-six (96) hours for Battalion Chiefs) of Compensatory Time Off, payment of overtime shall automatically be made unless mutually agreed otherwise by the City Manager and the employee.
4. Authorization of Overtime Work- Overtime work shall be performed only upon express authorization of the Department Head or designee.
5. Fringe Benefits not Affected by Overtime- Overtime work shall not be a basis for increasing vacation or sick leave benefits, nor shall it be a basis of advancing completion of required periods for probation, salary advance or evaluation dates or any other benefit.
C. Interagency Agreement Work -- Employee(s) assigned in writing by their Department Head to work under an interagency agreement will receive hourly compensation, including time and onehalf (1/2) pay or other applicable premium pay, provided the City is reimbursed such premium pay under the applicable interagency agreement. Example: If employee serves on an OES strike team or overhead assignment, and the City is reimbursed premium pay, employee will receive such premium pay for all hours outside his/her usual work period. Instances for such premium pay will be indicated on the timecard for the appropriate period. Payment of such premium pay will not be construed as treatment of exempt Unit members as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
D. Rules for Use of Salary Schedule
1. Each job has an applicable salary range as identified in Appendix B. All new appointments will generally enter the probationary period at the minimum salary of the applicable range.
The City Manager may, upon request of the Department Head, authorize entry at any point in the salary range to compensate for education and experience. Employees shall serve a twelve-month probationary period during which time it may be extended an additional six (6) months by the Department Head.
2. Each employee will receive an annual performance evaluation based on performance objectives including initiative, job knowledge, teamwork, stewardship, ethics, customer service, leadership and, when appropriate, human resources management, process improvement and organizational development. Based upon performance, employees may be granted salary increases of one to five (1 to 5%) percent effective on the anniversary date of appointment and up to the maximum salary range for their current job classification.
3. One Time performance bonuses may be granted to employees who have displayed outstanding performance on a project or other significant work effort. The City Manager, upon recommendation of a Department Head, may grant a performance bonus of up to ten
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(10%) percent of an employee's annual base salary, subject to required deductions and taxes.
Performance bonuses will generally be awarded as part of the annual performance evaluation process but may be considered at other times upon approval by the City Manager.
4. An employee promoted from their existing position to another with the City, outside of Unit 10 shall move to the closest salary step in the new class that gives a minimum of a five (5%) percent increase, as recommended by the Department Head to the City Manager. If the promotion is to a position within Unit 10 the employee will receive a minimum of a five (5%) percent increase, not to exceed the top of the salary range.
5. Transfer- An employee transferred from one department to another in the same classification for a reason other than discipline will continue to receive the same salary and will have no change in their anniversary date.
6. Out of Class- Special Project Pay- Employees meeting this temporary classification will be paid a five percent (5%) differential on their base salary for all hours worked in the assigned capacity. This differential shall apply only to hours actually worked in the temporary assignment and shall not be calculated on educational incentives, specialty pays, longevity pay, or any other additional compensation. The assignment of such pay shall not be used as a device for circumventing advancement to a higher paying civil service classification.
I. Department Head must appoint employee in writing to an "Acting" status or a "Special Project".
II. Department Head may appoint an employee to an "Acting" status or a "Special Project" when it is necessary to maintain proper and efficient departmental operations.
III. Department Head must review the need to continue the Acting status or Special Project assignment at minimum every ninety (90) days.
IV. Police Lieutenants and Captains may earn an overtime rate calculated at 1 and ½ times the top step hourly rate for a Police Sergeant, plus seven and one-half (7.5%) percent in State Emergencies or Mutual aid requests and only upon approval by the department head or designee.
Management reserves the right to determine whether a Battalion Chief will be used for shift coverage of another Battalion Chief, or whether a qualified actor fills that role on an acting basis.
E. Other Considerations
1. Assigned Vehicles- Employees may be assigned a City vehicle to perform their work when authorized by the department head. Use of such vehicle is a privilege and not a right and may be revoked at any time by the department head. Personal use of a City vehicle is prohibited except for commuting between work and the employee’s primary residence.
2. Cell Phone Reimbursement– Based on the defined business need and eligibility per City Policy 500.12, an employee shall be eligible for an allowance of forty-five ($45) dollars for a voice/text/data plan with a Cellphone requirement per month. In no event may the allowance exceed the price of the voice/text/data plan. It is expected that the allowance will not cover the full cost of the cellular service contract and not be subject to payroll taxes, but the parties agree to comply with applicable tax laws.
F. Educational Incentive
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Unit members shall be eligible for an academic educational incentive program with a maximum cumulative ceiling of seven and one-half (7.5%) percent of base salary. Only certificates and degrees granted by accredited institutions, which are above the minimum educational requirement of the employee's position, which enhance the employee's abilities and contributions as determined by the Department Head, will be considered. College units obtained to qualify for an incentive cannot be compounded to qualify for an additional incentive. For example, units used to obtain an A.A. and then utilized to obtain a B.A. cannot yield incentives for both degrees.
The eligible degrees, certificates and corresponding incentives are as follows:
Certificate/ Degree % of Base Salary
Certificate with a minimum of 30 semester Units 2.5% (max 2.5%) Associates of Science 2.5 %
Associates of Arts 2.5%
Bachelor of Arts (Not cumulative with AA or AS) 5.0%
Bachelor of Science (Not cumulative with AA or AS) 5.0% Master of Arts or Master of Science 2.5%
The Unit #10 Fire Employees are eligible for Fire Educational Incentive for the following in addition to the general degree eligibility above. Maximum combined eligibility for Fire and general educational incentives is ten (10%) percent:
Certificate/ Degree % of Base Salary
Executive Chief Officer Course Work 1.25%
Fire Investigator Course Work 1.25%
Confined Space Tech 1.25%
Swift Water Rescue 1.25%
RIC 1.25%
Rescue Systems 1 1.25%
Haz Mat IC 1.25%
Strike Team Leader/Task Force Leader 1.25%
Division/Group Supervisor 1.25%
Expanded Scope EMT Incentive
Unit member EMTs who show, at a minimum, proficiency in all expanded-scope EMT Skills (as defined by SSV) and 12 Lead EKG application shall receive a stipend in the amount of one hundred ($100) dollars a month. The stipend shall be paid in equal installments on a biweekly basis. For payroll calculation purposes, the stipend shall be converted to an hourly equivalent and included in the employee’s regular rate of pay for overtime calculation in accordance with applicable law. The stipend shall not constitute a promotion, reclassification, or assignment to a higher-paying classification.
Proficiency is required within six (6) months of the date of hire. Proficiency shall be proven with an SSV-approved testing process annually. Battalion Chiefs whose appointment to the position began after September 1, 2022, shall maintain Expanded Scope EMT as condition of employment.
EMS Coordinator Incentives
EMS Coordinator shall be eligible for an Academic Education Incentive program with a maximum cumulative (certificates and degrees) ceiling of 11% of base salary. Only the below certificates and degrees granted by accredited institutions, which are above the minimum
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educational requirement of the employee's position and enhance the employee's abilities and contributions will be considered. If an application for this incentive is denied it may be grieved.
The eligible degrees and certificates and corresponding incentives are as follows. Maximum combined eligibility is eight and one-half (8.5 %) percent:
Certificate/ Degree % of Base Salary
AHA ACLS Instructor 1.25%
AHA PALS Instructor, or PEPP Instructor, or APLS Instructor, or Handtevy 1.25% Instructor AHA CPR Instructor 1.25%
Designated Infection Control Officer (D.I.C.O.) 1.25%
Certificate Basic wildland firefighting certificate 1.25% (USFS or CalFire) Medical Unit Leader 1.25%
Fire Instructor Series 1.25%
Paramedic Incentive
Administrative EMS Coordinator with a current California paramedic license shall be eligible to receive a paramedic stipend of $600 a month.
G. POST Incentive
The City shall offer a POST incentive program for Police Department employees with a maximum cumulative ceiling of five (5%) percent of base salary for the following certificates:
POST Certificate % of Base Salary
Management 5%
Post Command College (or similar executive program) 2.5% H. Professional Licenses
The City will provide employees required training/educational opportunity and associated funding to maintain required licenses or certificates including renewal fees.
I. Telephone Call Back Pay (Non-Exempt Employees)
This provision shall only apply to Unit members who are FLSA non-exempt. When a non-exempt Unit member is contacted at home for the purpose of work that can be completed at home over the telephone or through other technology, the employee shall be compensated in fifteen (15) minute increments with call back pay at the overtime rate for the performance of that work.
J. Longevity Pay
The City shall pay two and one-half percent (2.5%) of base rate of pay upon the Unit member’s completion of ten (10) years of continuous service. Longevity pay shall be paid in equal installments during regular payroll periods and shall be included in the regular rate of pay for purposes of overtime calculation in accordance with applicable law.
ARTICLE 7- LEAVE
A. Absence from Duty
1. FLSA Exempt Unit Members:
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I. The employee or their authorized designee shall report the employee’s absence from duty to the employee’s Department Head. The employee or authorized designee shall state the reason for absence to the Department Head and, if unauthorized, the absence shall be recorded as absence without leave. An absent employee shall report their return to duty to their Department Head.
II. An absence that is not reported as required above shall be recorded as absence without leave.
III. Absence from duty without leave for five (5) consecutive days shall be deemed a constructive resignation from City employment.
2. FLSA Non-Exempt Unit Members (Shift Work):
I. The absence of an employee from duty shall be reported according to department S.O.P. Unauthorized absence from duty is sufficient cause for discipline up to and including termination of employment. Unauthorized absence from duty for two tours (96 hours) within a two week period shall be deemed a voluntary resignation from City employment.
B. Personal Leave
1. The purpose of Personal Leave is to provide Unit members with the ability to accrue time for vacation, sick leave, and personal leave situations.
2. Unit members who are FSLA exempt shall accrue Personal Leave hours at a rate of no less than two hundred fifty-six (256) hours and no more than three hundred twenty-eight (328) hours per year based on years of service as set forth below. One twenty-sixth (1/26) of such Personal Leave amount shall accrue each pay period.
3. Unit members who are FSLA non-exempt shall accrue Personal Leave hours at a rate of no less than three hundred eight-five (385) hours and no more than four hundred sixty-two (462) hours per year based on years of service as set forth below. One twenty-sixth (1/26) of such Personal Leave amount shall accrue each pay period.
4. No employee may carry a balance of more than five hundred twenty (520) hours of Personal Leave. Employees who have accumulated five hundred twenty (520) hours of Personal Leave will accrue no further usable Personal Leave until they have used Personal Leave in an amount sufficient to bring their accumulated Personal Leave balance below five hundred twenty (520) hours. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, employees who have accumulated five hundred twenty (520) hours of Personal Leave will accumulate sick leave at the same rate as Personal Leave. Sick leave accumulated pursuant to this paragraph shall be automatically placed in a banked leave account to be used as sick leave (only after all other leave banks have been depleted) in accordance with the City’s personnel rules, or to be converted to PERS service credit upon retirement from the City in accordance with CalPERS regulations. Employees shall not be paid out upon separation from service for any sick leave banked under this paragraph.
5. Employees may convert up to one hundred twenty (120) hours of accrued Personal Leave to salary compensation once each year. Personal Leave conversion must be submitted by December 20th of each year pursuant to the following:
I. Employees utilizing this provision will be required to submit an irrevocable election form by December 31st of the calendar year prior to the calendar year in which the Personal Leave hours to be cashed out are earned.
II. Employees that have submitted an irrevocable election form may submit a Personal Leave cash out request form at any time during the calendar year in which the Personal Leave hours are earned.
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III. The actual payment of the requested hours cannot occur until the hours to be cashed out for that calendar year have accrued. Cash-outs for hours accrued in prior years are not allowed.
IV. Employees that submitted an irrevocable election form in the prior year but did not submit a cash out request shall receive their Personal Leave cash out in the last paycheck of the calendar year in which the Personal Leave hours are earned.
6. FSLA Exempt employees who become subject to this Plan on or after July 1, 2020, must convert all accumulated Vacation Leave and Sick Leave to “Personal Leave”. Those hours of Sick Leave or Vacation Leave combined in excess of five hundred twenty (520) hours will be placed in a Sick Leave and Vacation Leave bank account to be utilized by the employee or paid out upon separation from service as set forth herein and converted to banked PERS service credit in accordance with CalPERS regulations. Upon separation from service, the City shall pay employee a one-time lump sum calculated on fifty percent (50%) of the employee’s banked unused Sick Leave and one hundred percent (100%) of the employee’s banked Vacation Leave and Personal Leave accrual balance. For example, if an employee is compensated for four hundred fifty (450) hours of banked Sick Leave, a maximum of fifty percent (50%) , or two hundred twenty-five (225) hours would be included in the one-time lump sum payout and the uncompensated two hundred twenty-five (225) hours would be converted to PERS service credit in accordance with CalPERS regulations.
7. FSLA Non-Exempt employees who become subject to Personal Leave Program must convert first any Vacation Leave and next any Sick Leave to “Personal Leave”. Any hours in excess of seven hundred twenty-eight (728) hours will remain in a Sick Leave account to be utilized by the employee, paid out upon separation from service as set forth herein, or converted to banked PERS service credit in accordance with CalPERS regulations. Upon separation from service, the City shall pay employee a one-time lump sum calculated on fifty (50%) percent of the employee’s banked unused Sick Leave and one hundred (100%) percent of the employee’s banked Vacation Leave and Personal Leave accrual balances. For example, if an employee is compensated for four hundred fifty (450) hours of banked Sick Leave, a maximum of fifty (50%) percent, or two hundred twenty-five (225) hours would be included in the one-time lump sum payout and the uncompensated two hundred twenty-five (225) hours would be converted to PERS service credit in accordance with CalPERS regulations.
8. FLSA Exempt Employees will accrue Personal Leave time at the following rates:
1 to 2 years of City service = 256 hours
2 plus years to 5 years = 272 hours (10.46 hours biweekly) 5 plus years to 10 years = 296 hours (11.38 hours biweekly) 10 plus years to 20 years = 316 hours (12.15 hours biweekly) 20 plus years = 328 hours (12.62 hours biweekly)
9. FLSA Non-Exempt Employees will accrue Personal Leave time at the following rates:
1 to 2 years of City service = 385 hours
2 plus years to 5 years = 380 hours
5 plus years to 10 years = 414 hours
10 plus years to 20 years = 444 hours
20 plus years = 462 hours
C. Extended Medical Leave
Those employees who have been granted approved extended medical leave shall not be required to provide weekly verification of their medical condition. The City reserves the right to require such verification as the Department Head or Human Resource Office has reason to believe is appropriate.
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Failure of an employee to supply the requested verification of medical condition is sufficient cause for termination of the extended medical leave. In the event that an employee faces termination for the sole reason of exhaustion of leave, the City shall meet with the employee to endeavor to reach agreement on alternatives, such as disability retirement, etc.
D. Bereavement Leave
1. FLSA Exempt Employees:
I. Employees may be granted a leave of absence with pay not to exceed a total of forty (40) hours per fiscal year, non-cumulative, for purposes of attending funeral services, making related arrangements for the family, or travel to and from the location of services on account of the death of any member of his/her immediate family.
Member of the immediate family means the employee’s or the employee’s spouse’s parent, grandparent, or grandchild; and the employee’s spouse, domestic partner, child, child-in-law, sibling, stepparent, parent-in law, and any relative living in the employee’s immediate household. It shall be the responsibility of the Department Head to account for such leaves. Leaves of more than forty (40) hours, if approved, shall be charged first against sick leave and then to other accrued leaves if no sick leave is available.
2. FLSA Non-Exempt Employees:
I. Employees shall be granted leave of absence with pay not to exceed forty-eighty (48) hours per fiscal year non-cumulative for the purpose of attending funeral services, making related arrangements for the family or travel to and from the location of services on account of the death of any member of his/her immediate family.
Member of the immediate family means the employee’s or the employee’s spouse’s parent, grandparent, or grandchild; and the employee’s spouse, domestic partner, child, child-in-law, sibling, stepparent, parent-in law, and any relative living in the employee’s immediate household..
II. Leaves in excess of the 48 hours as specified above (or in case of additional deaths) shall be charged to personal leave or compensatory time.
E. Holidays
1. FLSA Exempt Employees:
I. Holidays shall mean those days or hours designated as such by or pursuant to this Agreement, City Ordinance, or Resolution. Holiday time is time off from the normal work period. The Holiday will be the day as observed by the City. The value of a Holiday is eight (8) hours. Total Holiday hours equal eighty-eight (88) hours.
Recognized holidays shall include:
New Year's Day Martin Luther King Day
President's Day Veterans Day
Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day
July 4th The Day after Thanksgiving
Labor Day Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
II. Only regular and probationary employees in a current and paid status shall be eligible for holiday leave. A new employee whose first working day is the day after a paid holiday shall not be credited for that holiday. An employee terminating employment for any reason and whose last workday as a paid employee is the date before a holiday shall not be credited for that holiday day. An employee who is on consecutive leave
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of absence without pay or sick leave for both the regularly scheduled working day before and after the holiday shall not be credited for the holiday.
III. If Unit 10 employees are scheduled to work by their Department Heads or the City Manager or are called to active work on one of the eleven (11) designated holidays, employee shall schedule a corresponding day or days off, with approval of the corresponding Department Head, within two (2) pay periods (before or after) of the actual holiday. Similarly, if employee's regularly scheduled day off occurs on one of the designated holidays, employee shall schedule corresponding time off within the two (2) pay period timeframe, as approved by the corresponding Department Head.
2. FLSA Non-Exempt Employees:
I. In lieu of actual holidays, FLSA non-exempt employees will be cashed out six and one-half (6.5) hours of holiday pay each pay period at the employees’ base rate plus incentives at the same time and in the same manner as normal payroll is paid F. Jury Duty Leave
An employee shall be paid his/her normal salary for each workday, or portion thereof, he/she is required to be on jury duty. The employee shall sign over any payment the employee receives for the performance of jury service to the City.
G. Community Service Organization Leave
The City encourages employees to participate and be involved in community service organizations.
Employees may participate and be involved as a member or officer in community service organizations, provided the involvement does not create a conflict with the City or impedes the employee from performing their required duties. The City, in consideration of such allowed participation shall not budget, nor pay, nor reimburse the employee for any expenses, costs, fees or other charges of any kind for the employee’s participation or involvement in community service organizations. Non-exempt employees will be required to use leave time to participate if work hours are impacted.
H. Family and Medical Care Leave
1. A regular full-time employee, with more than one year of continuous service, or who has worked more than twelve hundred fifty (1,250) hours during the previous twelve (12) months may request an unpaid Family and Medical Care Leave (“FMLA”) of absence of up to twelve (12) weeks in any one continuous twelve (12) month period. This leave may be taken for the birth or adoption of a child, to care for a child, spouse or parent who has serious health condition or for the employee's own health which makes him/her unable to perform the essential functions of the job. If this leave is granted, upon return, the employee will be reinstated to the same or a comparable position as the position held before the leave unless such a position no longer exists. The employee must use available leave accruals concurrently with FMLA leave. For leaves related to an employee's own serious condition, or that of an eligible family member, sick leave will be utilized first, followed by other accrual (floating holiday, management leave, CTO, vacation). If all available accrual is depleted, then the employee may continue on unpaid leave until the twelve (12) weeks. If an employee desires to take an FMLA leave not associated with the serious health condition of him or herself, or eligible family member, sick leave hours accrued may not be used.
2. Whenever possible the employee must provide at least thirty (30) days’ written notice that they would like to take this leave of absence. When this is not possible the employee must notify their supervisor, in writing, as soon as possible. Failure to comply with these
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notification rules may result in the denial or deferral of the requested leave until the employee has complied with the notice provisions.
3. The requesting employee shall provide a certification from the health care provider who is attending to the serious health care condition of the employee or eligible family member. If there is a question concerning this certification, the City reserves the right to require additional certification(s). Unless otherwise agreed to by the City, any Family and Medical Care Leave must be taken in segments of one (1) full workday.
4. An employee has the right to take pregnancy disability leave and some amount of Family and Medical Care Leave. The employee should check with the City Manager or their designee to determine the eligibility of above-mentioned leave.
5. The cost of health care coverage while on a Family and Medical Care Leave less any portion of the premium the employee is required to pay will be paid for by the City for up to twelve (12) weeks. If the employee does not return from leave, they will be responsible for reimbursing the City for the insurance premiums paid on the employees' behalf after the expiration of FMLA leave.
6. While the above provisions will apply to most employees in most circumstances, there are certain exceptions under which the City may refuse to grant a Family and Medical Care Leave.
I. Family Care School Partnership Act
Employees shall be entitled to take advantage of the Family Care School Partnership Act without loss of benefits. Time off taken under this Leave shall, at the employee's election, be either approved unpaid leave or paid by using available compensatory or vacation time.
ARTICLE 9- PROFESSIONAL AND REPRESENTATIONAL EXPENSES
A. Professional Dues and Fees
The City shall budget and pay or reimburse employees for certain professional dues, fees, and costs of the employee necessary for his/her continuation and full participation or membership in state, regional, and local associations or organizations necessary for his/her professional participation, growth and development and for the good of the City, as determined by the Department Head.
B. Travel
The City shall budget and pay or reimburse employees for certain travel, fees, charges, lodging and subsistence and other related expenses of the employee for attending meeting(s) necessary for him/her to properly perform his/her duties or are necessary to continue his/her professional development or to represent the City, as determined by the Department Head. This may include, but is not limited to, associated conferences or meetings; relevant League of California Cities' conferences or meetings; such other state, regional or local governmental related meetings; or relevant training, short courses, institutes, seminars or such other meetings or educational sessions or classes related to his/her position or responsibilities.
C. Civic and Professional Participation
There is a need for the City to be periodically represented, from time to time, by employees through their attendance at or before local civic, service, professional, business, charitable, governmental or other organizations. As such, the City shall budget and pay or reimburse employees for certain expenses resulting from such periodic representational attendance, as authorized by the Department Head.
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D. Reimbursement
The City recognizes that to fulfill Paragraphs A, B, and C of this Article certain expenses of a jobaffiliated nature may be incurred by the employee in order to perform his/her duties or represent the City. The City shall pay or reimburse the employee for such general expenses as budgeted by the Council for costs that he/she may incur which may include, but are not limited to, costs for meals and lodging, registration fees, parking fees, bridge tolls, subscriptions, periodicals, publications, or professional dues or similar charges.
E. Receipts and Billing
All expenses or costs authorized and incurred under Paragraphs A, B, and C of this Article, as budgeted by the Council, shall be reimbursed or paid by the City to or on behalf of the employee upon receipt of billings, statements, receipts, expense forms or personal affidavits as customarily required by the City for expenditure of funds.
ARTICLE 10- RETIREMENT
A. Retirement Benefits
1. Fire Public Safety - Fire Department employees hired before January 1, 2013 and designated as local public safety members by the City are provided retirement benefits under the Public Employees' Retirement System's Local Public Safety (Fire) three percent at 55 (3% @ 55) formula.
2. Fire Public Safety PEPRA - Fire Department employees hired January 1, 2013, or after and designated as local public safety members by the City are provided retirement benefits under the Public Employee Pension Reform Act of 2013 Local Safety (Fire) 2.7% at 57 formula, unless the employee has been employed in with a CalPERS employer within the preceding six (6) months ("Classic" Employee). Classic employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, shall be placed in the 3% at 55 formula.
3. Police Public Safety (Tier 1) - Police Department employees hired before July 1, 2011, and designated as local public safety members by the City are provided retirement benefits under the California Public Employee's Retirement System Local Safety (Police) 3% at 50 formula.
4. Police Public Safety (Tier 2) - Police Department employees hired on or after July 1, 2011, but before January 1, 2013, and designated as local public safety members by the City are provided retirement benefits under the California Public Employee's Retirement System Local Safety (Police) 3% at 55 formula (Tier 2).
5. Police Public Safety PEPRA - Police Department employees hired January 1, 2013, or after and designated as local public safety members by the City are provided retirement benefits under the Public Employee Pension Reform Act of 2013 Local Safety 2.7% at 57 formula, unless the employee has been employed with a CalPERS employer within the preceding six (6) months ("Classic" Employee). Classic employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, shall be placed in the 3% at 55 formula (Tier 2).
6. Social Security - Employees are also provided retirement benefits under Social Security.
B. Retirement Contributions
1. Public Safety (Fire) designated employees will pay a pre-tax contribution for retirement for the employee share under CalPERS retirement plan as follows:
Employee will pay the full employee share of 9% (Classic) and 13.75% (PEPRA). PEPRA members are subject to possible increases or decreases to their pension benefit contribution rate based on the results of PERB annual actuarial valuations. PEPRA members shall be solely responsible for paying any such increased or decreased employee contribution rate.
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2. Public Safety (Police) designated employees will pay a pre-tax contribution for retirement for the employee share under CalPERS retirement plan as follows:
Employee will pay the employees full 9% (Classic) and 13.75% (PEPRA). PEPRA members are subject to possible increases or decreases to their pension benefit contribution rate based on the results of PERB annual actuarial valuations. PEPRA members shall be solely responsible for paying any such increased or decreased employee contribution rate.
3. The City will pay the full employer contribution to PERS.
4. The City will pay the employer contribution rate for Social Security.
5. The Employee will pay the full amount of the Employee's Contribution rate to Social Security.
C. Supplemental Retirement Benefit
The City shall pay a supplemental benefit to each eligible employee covered under the terms of this MOU who attains minimum retirement age (“Supplemental Retirement Benefit”). The term "minimum retirement age" is the age at which an employee elects to receive a disbursement under the terms of the employee retirement benefit plan. The term "elects" refers to employees who leave City employment for the sole reason of retiring under a PERS regular service retirement, disability retirement or industrial disability retirement and has at least ten (10) years of service with the City of Grass Valley. Those Unit 10 employees forced to retire under disability retirement or industrial disability retirements covered under the terms of this MOU are deemed to have a minimum of ten (10) years of service credit with the City of Grass Valley.
The Supplemental Retirement Benefit shall be a one-time lump sum payment, calculated on the basis of fifty (50%) percent of the straight time value of the retiring employee's accumulated but unused sick leave, up to four hundred fifty (450) hours on the date that the employee retires from City employment. For example, if an employee is compensated for four hundred fifty (450) hours at the fifty (50%) percent rate, the uncompensated two hundred twenty-five (225) hours would go to PERS service credit along with any other accrued hours in excess of four hundred fifty (450) hours. The reference to sick leave days in this Section is for purposes of calculating the benefit provided under this Section only and shall not operate to "vest" sick leave hours or otherwise create any entitlement to pay for those sick leave hours for an employee who terminates employment prior to attaining normal retirement age as defined in this sub- part. The straight-time value of the retiring employee's sick leave hours shall be computed solely and exclusively on the basis of the nonovertime normal wage rate paid to the employee, and no overtime premiums, or any other type of premium pay or pay for working out-of-class or employee benefits or other forms of non-straight time wage compensation shall be used for purposes of calculating the benefits due under this Section.
Any employee that shows an effective date of retirement into the PERS system within one hundred twenty (120) days of separation from employment with the City shall be credited with PERS service credit for all accumulated but unused or uncompensated sick leave.
Consistent with the sick leave provisions of this MOU, any employee whose employment with the City terminates for any reason, as opposed to being reinstated, prior to attaining normal retirement age, forfeits all accumulated but unused sick leave hours, and shall not become entitled or eligible to receive any benefits under the terms of this Section even if the employee is subsequently reemployed by the City. Notwithstanding the limitations contained in the previous sentences, the City shall pay a supplemental benefit consisting of all unused sick leave to the estate of any employee covered by this MOU who is killed in the line of duty. Any rehired or reinstated employee shall
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begin to accrue sick leave hours as if they had never worked for the City previously. The Supplemental Retirement Benefit shall not arise or vest until such time as the individual employee applying for the Supplemental Retirement Benefit becomes eligible for the Supplemental Retirement Benefit as provided in this Section and provides written notice to the City Manager of his/her intention to retire from employment with the City. The Supplemental Retirement Benefit shall not modify the City's obligations with respect to other benefits of employment, including, but not limited to, other retirement benefits, health and welfare benefits, sick leave benefits, disability benefits, or any other form of compensation or fringe benefits of whatsoever kind or nature.
D. Retiree Health Insurance Benefit
1. For employees hired prior to January 1, 2024, retiring from the City under PERS, after twenty-five (25) or more years of City service, is eligible for the following retiree health insurance benefit:
a. The City will pay the statutory administrative fee for PERS coverage. b. The City will pay fifty (50%) percent of the cost for medical insurance for the employee or employee plus 1. Amount will be equal to lowest cost available PERS insurance plan for Nevada County regardless of the plan selected by the employee of the medical plans offered by the City through PERS.
2. To receive this benefit a retiree must provide annual evidence of the retiree’s health insurance coverage through a PERS health insurance plan to the Human Resources Department.
3. Such benefit will cease upon the retiree receiving medical insurance coverage from a nonPERS medical insurance plan or receiving coverage through Medicare. If a retiree covered under a non-PERS medical insurance loses such coverage, this benefit will start or restart until the retiree is otherwise ineligible.
ARTICLE 11- HEALTH AND WELFARE
A. Insurance Benefits
During the term of this agreement the City will make available medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits to the employee and their dependents.
1. The City will pay a monthly flat rate contribution for health insurance (Medical, Vision, and Dental). The amount paid will be based on the employee’s selection of medical coverage based on the following:
I. For employees only: $1,314
II. For employees plus one dependent: $2,122
III. For employees plus two or more dependent: $2,630
2. If at any point during the term of this agreement increased flat rate contributions for health insurance are provided by the City to either Unit 6 or Unit 8, the amount paid to Unit 10 employees, based on the employee’s selection of medical coverage shown above, shall be immediately adjusted to the highest amount paid to either Unit 6 or Unit 8 employees.
3. All benefits shall be subject to the standard provisions set forth in the insurance policy or policies, or PERS regulations.
4. Employees who waive medical insurance coverage shall receive two hundred fifty ($250) dollars per month, less the cost of any elected dental and/or vision coverage. Employees must provide proof of alternative health insurance to be eligible for this benefit. The waiver incentive shall be paid on a biweekly basis and shall be included in the employee’s regular rate of pay for purposes of overtime calculations.
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5. Disputes concerning the hospital/medical, vision and life insurance provided pursuant to this MOU-including, but not limited to, questions as to the scope of benefits or disability coverage, eligibility, and premium rate shall not be subject to the Grievance Procedure.
6. The retiree health care benefit is subject to policy or policies or PERS regulations, including the payment of administrative fees, which will be paid by the City. Subject to provisions/policies of the insurance carrier, retirees and their dependents may, at their own expense, continue coverage under the City’s program, which may extend beyond the COBRA period.
7. The dental and vision plans selected for Unit members shall be maintained in the Human Resource Office for reference.
8. The City agrees to supply life insurance for each employee in the amount of fifty thousand ($50,000) dollars for each employee, five thousand ($5,000) dollars for the employee's spouse and fifteen hundred ($1,500) dollars for other eligible dependents without cost to the employee.
B. Cost Containment Committee
The City shall establish a health care cost containment committee, which shall be advisory only; its purpose shall be to review alternatives, and to recommend long-term strategies. These recommendations will be made to the City Council via the City Manager for review and advisement.
C. Long Term Disability
The City shall provide without cost to the employee an income protection insurance program that shall insure an employee’s income to a maximum of sixty-six and two thirds percent (66 2/3%) of monthly earnings with a ceiling of six thousand dollars ($6,000) in calculated base. Conditions of coverage shall be controlled by the master agreement with the insurance company.
D. Legal Defense Insurance
The City shall provide legal defense insurance offered through the California Police Officers' Association for Police Department employees. The plan agreed upon contains a zero ($0) dollar deductible and a four hundred and seventy ($470) dollar annual premium.
E. Short Term Disability Insurance
So long as it is available on a bargaining unit-wide basis only, and solely at employee expense, the City agrees to take the necessary steps to enroll Unit members in the State of California State Disability Insurance Program. It is understood and agreed that any such program will be on an integrated basis (with sick leave or other accruals, as appropriate) and funded by employee payroll deductions. If a less expensive optional STD Insurance program is available, the City and Union will meet to allow the change for the employee group.
During the transition time into SDI (date of signature through July 31, 2024, or effective date of SDI plus an additional six (6) months) the City will cover two thirds (2/3) of base salary up to six thousand ($6,000) dollars a month for any short-term disability with a doctor’s note and time out exceeds two (2) weeks
ARTICLE 12- SAFETY
A. Safe Conditions, Equipment and Duties
1. The City and employees agree to maintain a safe and healthful place of work and to maintain safety as well as sanitary conditions in accordance with all applicable state laws. Unsafe
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working conditions or hazardous jobs which jeopardize the health and safety of the employees shall be directed to the attention of the employee's supervisor or Department Head. The City shall investigate the complaint and make any and all corrective measures as deemed necessary by the City. Employees shall cooperate fully in carrying out safe practices and in using safety devices provided by the City.
2. Employees agree that the duties and tasks performed by them shall be performed in a safe and healthful manner.
3. The City agrees to purchase rain gear for employees that are required to work in the elements.
All rain gear purchased shall remain the property of the City.
4. Personnel will receive an annual safety allowance of one hundred twenty-five ($125) dollars per year to be used for safety equipment that assures and enhances the personal and direct safety of the employee and their job. The employee Department Head and the City Safety Officer must approve reimbursement of this allowance. The rollover option extends to personnel to a maximum of two hundred fifty ($250) dollars and if the allowance is not used in the second year, the benefit will be lost for that year.
B. Uniforms
1. For Battalion Chief the City will provide the following:
I. The Battalion Chief shall receive a uniform allowance of thirteen hundred seventyfive ($1,375) dollars per fiscal year in two installments. Each installment shall be paid in a lump sum of six hundred eighty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($687.50).
The first installment shall be paid the first pay period in July of each year. The second installment shall be paid the first pay period of January of each year. For PERS Classic members, uniform allowance(s) shall be considered pensionable compensation and will be reported to CalPERS each pay period on a prorated basis, to the extent legally permissible. Employees will purchase a Class A uniform within two years of hire. New hires will purchase a Class A uniform within three years of hire.
II. Individual S.C.B.A. masks; and
III. Other approved work-related benefits as may be appropriate that Firefighters receive.
2. For Sworn Police members the City will provide the following:
I. The Sworn Police members shall receive a uniform allowance of thirteen hundred seventy-five ($1,375.) dollars per fiscal year in two installments. Each installment shall be paid in a lump sum of six hundred eighty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($687.50). The first installment shall be paid the first pay period in July of each year.
The second installment shall be paid the first pay period of January of each year. For PERS Classic members, uniform allowance(s) shall be considered pensionable compensation and will be reported to CalPERS each pay period on a prorated basis, to the extent legally permissible.
II. The Police Department employees shall be reimbursed for actual cost of professionally cleaning one uniform per week at an established vendor. For PERS Classic members, the actual average cost per employee of the laundered uniform service shall be considered pensionable compensation and will be reported to CalPERS each pay period on a prorated basis, to the extent legally permissible. In no event shall the cost for maintaining the laundered uniform service exceed one thousand two hundred ($1,200) dollars per year.
C. Employee Alertness
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1. The most effective safety equipment an employee possesses is an alert mind. Conversely, an employee whose judgment, reactions and analytical processes are impaired or influenced by alcohol or drugs poses a risk to themselves, their coworkers and to the public. The City, therefore, expressly retains the right as explained in this Article to verify that employees covered by the Agreement are alert and are not under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, drugs or other conditions which would tend to affect or impair judgment, reactions or thought processes.
2. The parties recognize the problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace and recognize the safety hazard, which would be presented if an employee worked while under the influence of alcohol, intoxicating drugs or controlled substances. The parties further agree that a testing procedure with both privacy and accuracy safeguards is one appropriate means of protecting the safety of employees.
3. The employees and the City have reached complete agreement on a drug and alcohol policy reference in the Personnel Commission Compendium.
D. Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy
A model "Chain of Custody" procedure as set forth in the Personnel Commission Compendium will be utilized in the event the City contracts for testing services.
E. Employee Assistance Program
The City has established an Employee Assistance Program. This program provides confidential counseling help for employees and their families. This benefit allows for three (3) visits per year per family member, at no cost to the employee. This program endeavors to provide counseling services for personal problems related to marital/family, relationship problems, alcohol or drug abuse, stress related problems, depression and other types of psychological problems, for employees in need of such referral and intervention.
ARTICLE 13- REDUCTION IN FORCE AND RE-EMPLOYMENT
A. Layoff/furlough Provision
In the City’s sole discretion, the City may pursue consideration of a furlough or reduction of hours on a departmental basis lieu of layoff as follows:
1. City Council makes a finding that for reason of lack of work, lack of funds, or for reorganization that a reduction in services is needed.
2. Department Head consults with the Unit to explore alternatives:
I. Voluntary furloughs/hours reduction on an individual basis is sought first.
II. Involuntary furloughs or reductions in hours may be imposed on a uniform basis by class within a department, but not to exceed forty (40) hours per year. Management is required to meet and confer regarding the impact on unit members resulting from the involuntary furlough.
III. Direct cost benefit accruals shall not be reduced for employees. Insurance shall still be paid as provided for in this agreement by the City. Leave accruals will continue with no impact.
ARTICLE 14- GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
A. Definition
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A grievance is any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of this resolution, or of rules or regulations governing personnel practices or working conditions, or of the practical consequences of a City rights decision on wages, hours and other terms and condition of employment.
B. Process
Grievances shall be processed in accordance with procedures established by the City.
C. Procedures
1. All grievances shall be processed only in accordance with the procedures and general conditions set forth below.
2. It is the intent of these procedures to encourage resolution of complaints and grievances informally, at the nearest practical organizational level from which it emanates, and as promptly and fairly as possible to all concerned.
3. Failure of the grievant to follow the time limits set forth herein will constitute a waiver and bar to further processing of the grievance.
D. Informal Grievance
1. Informal Grievance: Within five (5) working days following an occurrence giving rise to a grievance, the employee shall orally present the grievance situation to his/her immediate supervisor. (Exception: where the grievance directly involves the working relationship with the supervisor, the grievance shall be presented to the next higher level of supervision). The employee and supervisor have a mutual responsibility to have the grievance resolved at their level whenever possible.
2. Presentation of an informal grievance shall be necessary prior to processing it further as a formal grievance.
E. Formal Grievance
Formal Grievance: A formal grievance shall only be initiated in writing to each appropriate step of the grievance procedure with a copy to the Human Resource Office.
Step 1:
1. If a mutually satisfactory solution of the grievance was not resolved informally, the employee may file a written grievance with his/her Department Head (or designated representative) within five (5) working days after the last meeting between the employee and supervisor. Within ten (10) working days after the formal grievance is received, the Department Head shall investigate the facts and issues at the earliest date consistent with the nature of the grievance and the normal conduct of the department's business. Within five (5) working days after concluding the investigation, the Department Head shall render a decision in writing to the employee and Human Resource Office.
2. Unless a decision of the Department Head is appealed by the employee to Step 2, in the time limits provided, the grievance shall be deemed resolved, final and binding.
Step 2:
1. If the employee finds that the grievance has not been resolved in Step 1, he/she may, within five (5) working days after the Department Head's decision is rendered, request in writing that the City Manager consider the grievance and decision as rendered by the Department Head. Within ten (10) working days after the grievance is received, the City Manager (or designated representative) shall review the facts, issues and make such further investigation as is necessary
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at the earliest date consistent with the nature of the grievance and normal conduct of City business. Within five (5) working days after concluding the review, the City Manager shall render a decision in writing to the employee, Department Head and Human Resource Office.
2. Unless the decision of the City Manager is appealed by the employee to Step 3, in the time provided, the grievance shall be deemed resolved, final and binding.
Step 3:
1. If the employee finds that the grievance has not been resolved in Step 2, he/she may, within five (5) working days after the City Manager's decision is rendered, request the City Council that it considers the grievance and decision rendered by the City Manager. The employee must submit this request in writing to the City Clerk. The City Council shall commence conducting its review of the grievance at its next regular City Council meeting that is more than fifteen (15) working days after the grievance is received. The City Council shall determine the best means to conduct the review of the facts, issues and such further investigation as is necessary at the earliest date consistent with the nature of the grievance and normal conduct of City business. The City Council, or its designee, shall render a decision in writing to the employee, City Manager, Human Resource Office and Department Head, within five (5) working days from the conclusion of the City Council’s review of the grievance.
2. The decision rendered by the City Council shall be final and binding.
F. General Conditions
1. Review and determination of a grievance is only applicable to certain interpretations and applications as set forth under Definitions and, as such, cannot change any City adopted salary schedules/ranges or such other benefits subject to the meet and confer process.
2. Performance Appraisals and merit step determinations are not grievable matters.
Performance Appraisals and merit increase concerns should be brought forward to the Human Resource Office, with a final determination to be made by the City Manager. If an employee does not receive a due evaluation within a month after the due date, the employee may file a grievance.
3. Grievances regarding termination of employment may be made only on behalf of an employee who has successfully completed the required probationary period and attained permanent status.
4. An employee may choose to represent himself/herself or select a representative of his/her choice. The employee shall be personally present at any meeting which may be held, unless he/she specifically waives that right in writing.
5. In the event that more than one (1) employee is directly involved in a grievance, they shall select one (1) person from among them to carry the grievance forward on their behalf. This person may also select a representative of his/her choice. The employee shall be present at any meeting held on their behalf, unless he/she specifically waives that right in writing.
6. Any time limit of these procedures may be extended by mutual consent of the parties.
7. During the grievance process, there shall be no interruption of scheduled work of a department or the City.
8. It is understood that the City is currently in the process of revising the Personnel Rules and Regulations, including the Grievance Procedure, and Unit 10 will review and have input to the Grievance Procedures prior to finalization. It is agreed once the Grievance Procedures have been finalized, they will be incorporated into this MOU.
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ARTICLE 15- RESIDENTIAL MILEAGE RESTRICTION
Sworn employees in this unit shall live no further than thirty (30) air miles from the City limits. The Fire or Police Department employees shall have discretion to permit sworn employees to live further than thirty (30) air miles from the City limits when, in the Chiefs' opinion, the employee will be capable of responding to an emergency in a reasonable period of time.
ARTICLE 16- MAINTENANCE OF NEGOTIABLE BENEFITS
It is understood and agreed by the parties that there exist within the City certain negotiable past practices, policies, or procedures which pertain to wages, hours, and conditions of employment. Such matters shall not be modified or rescinded during the term of this MOU except by the giving of notice to the employees and providing the opportunity to meet and confer on the matter.
ARTICLE 17- NOTICE
Whenever provision is made in this MOU for the giving, service, or delivery of any notice, statement, or other instrument, the same shall have been deemed as delivered, duly served or given upon personal delivery or upon mailing the same by United States registered or certified mail, proof or service, to the party entitled thereto at the address set forth below:
Employer:
City Manager
City of Grass Valley
125 E. Main Street
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Bargaining Unit:
Unit 10 Representative
City of Grass Valley
125 E. Main Street
Grass Valley, CA 95945
ARTICLE 18- SEVERABILITY SAVINGS CLAUSE
A. If, during the life of this Agreement, any law or any order issued by a Court or other tribunal of Competent Jurisdiction shall render invalid or restrain compliance with or enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, such provision shall be inoperative so long as such law or order shall remain in effect, but all other provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and shall continue in full force and effect.
B. In the event of suspension or invalidation of any Article or Section of this Agreement, the parties mutually agree to meet and negotiate within ninety (90) days after such determination for the purpose of arriving at a mutually satisfactory replacement for such Article or Section.
ARTICLE 19- TERMS OF AGREEMENT
A. This Agreement shall be effective upon the approval by the City Council and shall continue in full force and effect until June 30, 2026.
B. This Agreement may be extended; provided that either party notifies the other within thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date of this Agreement of its desire, and both parties mutually agree in writing to the extension.
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RECOMMENDATION OF REPRESENTATIVES
The City and representatives of the employees for Unit 10 have held meetings and discussed the above, and representatives of the employees have caused this Agreement to be signed, and the representative of the City has caused this Agreement to be signed to signify their mutual recommendation for approval by the City Council as follows:
_____________________________ _________________________________ Timothy Kiser, City Manager Brian Blakemore, Unit 10 Representative _____________________________ _________________________________ David Ruderman, City Attorney Chris Armstrong, Unit 10 Representative
APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT
Approval and adoption of this Memorandum of Understanding is made this 10th day of March 2026 and is effective from February 15, 2026, through June 30, 2026, by the Grass Valley City Council. _____________________________
Hilary Hodge, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Taylor Whittingslow, Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
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Appendix A
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APPENDIX B - PROCEDURE TO MONITOR CHAIN OF CUSTODY
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Upon implementation of its drug/alcohol-testing program, the City of Grass Valley should enter a contractual agreement with a NIDA certified physician service, hospital, and/or laboratory.
Inter alia, the contractee should design a chain of custody procedure, a copy of which should be provided by the City to the Bargaining Unit. Items to be addressed include:
A. Who will coordinate the urinalysis program? This question really has two parts: What department will be responsible for the program, and who will collect the sample? B. How will sample tampering be prevented?
C. Chain of custody samples: Starting at the time of collection, a sample's chain of custody must be documented and protected. Chain of custody is a legal term that refers to the ability to trace the sample from the time it was donated by the employee or applicant through all the steps in the process: from collection, through analysis, to reporting the result.
1. Were the specimen and the reported result correctly matched?
2. It will be further required that each time the sample changes hands or is moved from one place to another, it is signed and kept in a secure area to insure against inadvertent or intentional switching with another sample.
3. The elements of a good chain of custody procedure include the following:
I. The employee should be supervised while delivering the specimen.
II. The specimen container/s, preferably tamper-proof, should be banded directly to the person supervising the collection and labeled and sealed immediately. (The sample should be split, with one container held in reserve for possible re-testing).
III. The collector and the donor should initial the bottle to indicate that both agree that the bottle contains the person's urine specimen.
IV. The name of each person who has access to the specimen should be noted on a form accompanying the specimen.
V. The sample should be kept in a secure place such as a locked room or refrigerator until it is either tested or sent to the laboratory.
VI. Testing performed at the workplace should be done in a secure location to avoid the possibility of a passerby exchanging samples.
VII. The sample must be transported to an outside laboratory. It should be mailed in a sealed container. U.S. Mail, or a commercial postal service or courier is all acceptable means for transporting specimens.
VIII. The specimen must be in the same condition when offered as evidence as it was when taken, unless the change is for a justified purpose such as an alteration required for the testing procedure.
D. Further items to be addressed concern the documentation procedures and consequences when an employee:
1. Refuses to submit a specimen; or
2. Alleges that he/she cannot provide a specimen.
E. Maintenance of confidentiality by facility and employer:
1. If the medical department does the testing and the results become part of the medical file, that file is protected under law.
2. Stringent confidentiality is required by all departments of the City. Unless there is justifiable reason to know the test results, the information should be confidential.
Item # 6.
City of Grass Valley
City Council
Agenda Action Sheet
Title: Purchase of Emergency Backup Generator for Fire Station 1 CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: That Council 1) that the City Council authorize the purchase and installation of a replacement emergency generator for Fire Station 1 in an amount not to exceed $75,000, utilizing Fire Development Impact Fee funds, 2) authorize the Fire Chief to complete the purchase through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program, and 3) authorize the Finance Director to make any necessary budget transfers and/or amendments to complete the purchase and installation of the equipment.
Prepared by: Mark Buttron- Fire Chief
Council Meeting Date: 03/04/2026 Date Prepared: 03/10/2026 Agenda: Consent
Background Information: Fire Station 1 serves as one of the City of Grass Valley Fire Department’s primary operational facility and houses front-line emergency response apparatus and personnel. The station relies on a backup generator to maintain operations during power outages. The current generator has been in service for over 30 years and is experiencing reliability issues. Due to its age and declining performance, replacement is necessary to ensure the station remains operational during power disruptions.
Fire stations are critical public safety infrastructure and must remain operational during power outages, including those related to storms or wildfire-related Public Safety Power Shutoffs. The replacement generator will provide sufficient capacity to support modern electrical demands within the station and ensure critical systems remain operational, including communications equipment, station alerting systems, lighting, and apparatus bay doors.
The generator will be purchased through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program, allowing the City to utilize competitively bid national contracts while reducing procurement time.
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Council Goals/Objectives: : Exceptional Public Safety consistent with the City of Grass Valley Strategic Plan
Fiscal Impact: The cost of the generator purchase and installation is estimated not to exceed $75,000 and will be funded through Fire Development Impact Fees. There is no impact to the General Fund or Measure E funding.
Funds Available: Yes Account #: Fire Development Impact Fees Reviewed by: City Manager
Attachments: None
Item # 7.
City of Grass Valley
City Council
Agenda Action Sheet
Title: Updated Sewer System Management Plan
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: That Council adopts the proposed 2026 revision of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
Prepared by: Trever Van Noort, Utilities Director
Council Meeting Date: 3/10/26 Date Prepared: 3/4/26
Agenda: Consent
Background Information: The Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) outlines the City’s policies, procedures, and responsibilities for the effective management of the municipal sewer system. It establishes the operational, maintenance, and emergency response protocols necessary to ensure reliable system performance and regulatory compliance. The State Water Resources Control Board requires the City to review and update its SSMP every three years. The most recent revision was approved in 2023. In 2025, the City engaged Larry Walker Associates (LWA) to assist with the required review. LWA determined that the existing SSMP remained effective and recommended only minor updates for this revision cycle.
Council Goals/Objectives: This action promotes the goals of Public Safety and Water and Wastewater Systems and Underground Infrastructure.
Fiscal Impact: None
Funds Available: Yes Account #:
Reviewed by: __ City Manager
Attachments: Grass Valley SSMP Update 2026
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FEBRUARY 202 6
CITY OF GRASS VALLEY
Sewer System Management Plan
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR :
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1. INTRODUCTION AND GOALS................................................................................................... 3 Regulatory Context..................................................................................................................... 3 Sewer System Management Plan Goals ..................................................................................... 3 SSMP Updates............................................................................................................................ 4 Collection System Asset Overview.............................................................................................. 4
2. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE .............................................. 5
3. LEGAL AUTHORITY .................................................................................................................. 5
4. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM........................................................................ 6 Sewer Collection System Mapping ............................................................................................. 6 Preventive Operations and Maintenance................................................................................... 6 Training ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Equipment and Replacement Parts............................................................................................ 7
5. DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE PROVISIONS ............................................................................. 8
6. SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN........................................................................................ 8 Goals ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Notification Process.................................................................................................................... 9 Public Observation.................................................................................................................. 9 Receipt of Lift Station and/or Treatment Plant Alarm ............................................................ 9 Staff Observations .................................................................................................................. 9 Safety ......................................................................................................................................... 9 Spill Response Procedures........................................................................................................ 10 Dispatch and Initial Assessment of the Situation.................................................................. 10 Restore Flow......................................................................................................................... 11 Initiate Spill Containment Measures..................................................................................... 11 Clean-up ............................................................................................................................... 12
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Follow-up Activities .............................................................................................................. 13 Water Quality Sampling and Analysis................................................................................... 13 Public Notification ................................................................................................................ 14 Estimated Volume of Spilled Sewage.................................................................................... 15 Internal Spill Reporting Procedures...................................................................................... 16 External Spills Reporting Procedures.................................................................................... 16 Spill Documentation and Recordkeeping Requirements....................................................... 18 Post-Spill Event Debriefing and Training............................................................................... 25
7. SEWER PIPE BLOCKAGE CONTROL PROGRAM ...................................................................... 25
8. SYSTEM EVALUATION, CAPACITY ASSURANCE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS.................... 26 Rehabilitation and Replacement Plan....................................................................................... 26 Capital Improvement Plan........................................................................................................ 26
9. MONITORING, MEASUREMENT AND PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS ....................................... 27
10. INTERNAL AUDITS ................................................................................................................. 27
11. COMMUNICATION PROGRAM .............................................................................................. 27
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: SSMP Implementation Schedule.......................................................................................................4 Table 2: City’s Authorized Representatives (LROs).........................................................................................5
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: Public Works Department Organization Chart
Appendix B: Emergency Contact Numbers
Appendix C: City of Grass Valley Standby Call Flow Chart Appendix D: Sewer Backup Prevention & Response
Appendix E: Sanitary System Overflow Initial Assessment Form Appendix F: Example Spill Warning Sign
Appendix G: Log of SSMP Revisions
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1. INTRODUCTION AND GOALS
A Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) is a document that describes the activities that public agencies use to effectively manage their wastewater collection systems. The City of Grass Valley (City) SSMP outlines the City’s policies, procedures, and activities for managing its sanitary sewer system, preventing and responding to spills, and maintaining compliance with applicable regulations. Implementation of the SSMP is coordinated across City departments and includes regular training, field inspections, asset management, and system performance evaluations.
The City has dedicated funds for both short- and long-term repair and replacement of critical mechanical and non-mechanical infrastructure elements of the sewer collection system contained both in annual operating budgets and within the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Two funding sources (user rates and impact fees) are reviewed annually during the budget process to ensure that program priorities are consistent with the needs of operating an effective utility.
REGULATORY CONTEXT
On May 2, 2006, the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB or State Water Board) promulgated a waste discharge requirement (WDR) permit to provide a consistent, statewide regulatory approach to regulate sanitary sewer systems and address spills. The 2006 Order and its subsequent amendments were superseded by in 2022, with the issuance of Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems Order No. WQ 2022-0103-DWQ (2022 SSS WDR). The 2022 SSS WDR was issued on December 6, 2022 and became effective on June 5, 2023.
The 2022 SSS WDR, among other things, requires local public sewer collection system agencies, referred to as “Enrollees,” to develop SSMPs.
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN GOALS
The goals of the City’s Sanitary Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) are:
• To efficiently and effectively manage, operate, and maintain all components of the City's sewer collection system
• To provide adequate capacity to convey peak wastewater flows. Adequate capacity, for the purposes of this SSMP, is defined as the capacity to convey peak wastewater flows per the City Improvement Standards
• To prevent and reduce the frequency of spills/sanitary sewer overflows (SSO) • To mitigate the impacts that are associated with any spill that may occur • To meet all applicable regulatory requirements
• To provide and make available comprehensive staff training on the proper operations and maintenance of the sewer collection system, its infrastructure and equipment
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SSMP UPDATES
The City’s SSMP was first developed to comply with the 2006 SSS WDR. As required by 2006 regulation, the City has been self-auditing its SSMP and updated it several times over the years.
The updates were needed in order to comply with amendments to the 2006 Order and as well as to reflect changing City practices. The most recent update to the SSMP was completed in December 2022. This current update, in 2026, is driven by the 2022 SSS WDR; this update incorporates changes from the 2022 WDR and addresses deficiencies noted in the City’s latest SSMP Audit from November 2025. A list of revisions in this latest version of the SSMP is provided in Appendix G.
Upon certification by City Council, the City’s Legally Responsible Official (LRO) will upload the SSMP to the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) database, which is the State Water Board’s regulatory and water quality information management system.
Per the 2022 SSS WDR, the SSMP must be self-audited at least once every three (3) years and updated every six (6) years from the original adoption date by the Enrollee’s governing board.
The schedule for required future audits and SSMP updates is provided in Table 1.
Table 1: SSMP Implementation Schedule
Activity Due Date
2028 Internal Audit February 2, 2028
2031 Internal Audit February 2, 2031
2031 SSMP Update and Certification August 2, 2031
COLLECTION SYSTEM ASSET OVERVIEW
The City owns and operates a sewer collection system that collects wastewater from a total service population of approximately 12,800. The City has 3,478 residential and 518 commercial and industrial and sewer connections.
The system is comprised of 1,385 manholes and approximately 98,300 feet of sewer collection system pipelines of varying sizes dependent upon the area dynamics of location and number of customers served. The system also has eight (8) lift stations that are maintained by utility operations personnel. The City owns and manages the lower section of sewer laterals, from the start of public right-of-way to the sewer main. There are no structures diverting storm water to the sewer system. Maps of the City’s collection system are available on the City website at:
https://www.cityofgrassvalley.com/sites/main/files/fileattachments/11x17_sewer_full_set.pdf? 1601677529
The City utilizes NEXGEN Asset Management software for comprehensive sewer collection system work order tracking and asset management. NEXGEN provides asset inventory management, work order tracking, preventive maintenance scheduling, condition assessment capabilities, and integration with the City's GIS database.
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2. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This section of the SSMP identifies City staff responsible for implementing this SSMP, responding to spill events, and meeting the spill reporting requirements.
The City's authorized representative in all sewer system matters is the City Manager or his designee. The Utilities Director and the City Engineer have designated authority to submit verbal, electronic, and written reports on behalf of the City to the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Valley Water Board), State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), Nevada County Department of Environmental Health, California, Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), Nevada Irrigation District (NID), and California Office of Emergency Services (CAL-OES).
The City Manager, Utilities Director, and City Engineer are currently enrolled to certify electronic SSO reports submitted to the State Water Board via CIWQS. All management personnel mentioned in this section are authorized to submit CIWQS reports. The contact information for the LROs is provided in Table 2.
Organizationally, the Utilities Division and its labor allocation is part of the Department of Public Works and under the direction of the Utilities Director or designee. Ultimately, the Utilities Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining all elements of the SSMP.
Emergency contact information for all personnel, including management staff is readily available to all department staff and on-call personnel.
A copy of the organizational structure is included in Appendix A. Further details on the chain of communication for reporting spills is provided in the section, Spill Emergency Response Plan.
Table 2: City’s Authorized Representatives (LROs)
Title Name Email Phone Number
City Manager Timothy Kiser [email protected] (530) 274-4312 City Engineer Bjorn Jones [email protected] (530) 274-4353 Utilities Director Trever van Noort [email protected] (530) 274-4371
3. LEGAL AUTHORITY
The City of Grass Valley Municipal Code, Title 13, is the legal authority for regulating the sewer collection system. The City has enforcement authority over sewer violations as established in Title 13 of the Grass Valley Municipal Code. The City has authority for all facilities installed on private property to be maintained, repaired or replaced by the water department without consent or interference of the owner of the property per Municipal Code Section 13.04.200. The City's Building Standards Code is also part of the Municipal Code, Title 13. The Municipal Code can be easily accessed at www.cityofgrassvalley.com in a searchable format.
The City also owns and manages the stormwater infrastructure in the City jurisdiction. At this time, there is no potential for spills to reach a stormwater system outside of the City jurisdiction.
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Additionally, the City has authority for designing, constructing, installing, testing, and inspecting all public improvements. The Design Standards and Construction Standards and Standard Details, collectively referred to as "Improvement Standards" were revised most recently in May 2016. The Improvement Standards apply to, regulate, and guide the design and construction of all public improvements, and set guidelines for certain private improvements within the City.
The Improvement Standards are posted on the City's website at www.cityofgrassvalley.com.
4. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM MAPPING
The City’s Engineering Division maintains sewer collection system maps in AutoCAD and record drawings. Sewer collection system maps are available electronically to all field crews, which can submit map change work orders to the Engineering Division if they discover a discrepancy or need to add/remove an element of infrastructure onto the mapping system. The Engineering Division confirms the changes and incorporates the updates into the system through a thirdparty contractor. The goal is to complete critical revisions within three (3) months and minor revisions annually. These maps are also available on the City website at:
https://www.cityofgrassvalley.com/sites/main/files/fileattachments/11x17_sewer_full_set.pdf? 1601677529
PREVENTIVE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Preventive maintenance is a key component in the proper operation of the sewer collection system. The City schedules approximately 30 percent of the sewer collection system for cleaning annually. Maintenance equipment includes a truck-mounted hydraulic sewer cleaner and closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection equipment. Increased maintenance priorities are given to those areas that have demonstrated an ability to potentially experience operational difficulties.
The City schedules regular maintenance of certain sewer lines with a higher potential for blockages (e.g., locations with a reduced slope, a history of fats, oils, and grease [FOG] or root problems, customer complaints, odor issues) on a more frequent basis. There are currently 19 segments cleaned on a quarterly basis with another 5 segments being cleaned annually, for a total of approximately 1.5 miles of pipe on an increased cleaning frequency. Other areas are added to the list as needed — based on field observations, spill frequency, etc. Once a particular system segment isidentified as a "Hot Spot", a reoccurring work order is developed, and field crews are assigned to perform required maintenance on an increased frequency.
The City continually learns from deficiency events such as spills in order to redefine and possibly expand existing maintenance and frequency of service programs. At team meetings, staff regularly discusses "field findings" such as identification of problem areas requiring repair before potential failures, continued maintenance concerns, and development of future individual CIP program elements. Staff add known or suspected problem areas (e.g., frequent spills/stoppages, root intrusion, high flows during storm events) to a tracking spreadsheet. Crews also identify manholes that have high flow during off hours that may indicate inflow and infiltration (I&I).
In the past few years, the City converted its maintenance system to a new work order and mapping software (NEXGEN). Using NEXGEN, each asset (e.g., manhole to manhole gravity sewer
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segments, manholes, lift stations, force mains) was assigned a unique identifier and all data associated with that asset (e.g., service calls, spills, repairs, condition assessment, flows) are being recorded with the assets unique identifier. The City will be able to analyze the performance and cost of each asset over time, which, in turn, will become the basis for maintenance and capital improvement decisions.
The City has a goal of conducting CCTV inspections for five miles per year, plus all the segments with a reoccurring work order or where a spill has recently been observed. All CCTV inspections are conducted to Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) standards. The City also has a push cable camera system capable of inspecting segments of smaller pipe.
Mechanical elements of the system such as lift stations are checked for operational effectiveness at least two times per week; maintenance records for lift stations are kept at each site and in the NEXGEN work order system. Generators at these sites are also tested on a weekly basis. The City is in the process of making improvements at the lift stations to ensure their continued operational reliability:
• Pending future development of the Berriman Ranch housing project, add a new lift station and eliminate the need for the Taylorville lift station. • Schedule emergency generator fuel polishing every two years to prevent bacterial growth in the fuel tanks.
TRAINING
The City implements a spill training program for first responders that provide training for operation of sewer response equipment (vacuum/jet truck, Ring-O-Matic vacuum, etc.). Standby personnel are required at least 16 hours per year of actual operation of sewer response equipment to increase operational proficiency. Staff are also encouraged to attend trainings, certification seminars, and industry conferences such as those organized by California Water Environment Association (CWEA) on a wide variety of issues, including collection system maintenance and spill prevention. The City also hosts training on their Spill Emergency Response Plan, estimation of spill volume, and electronic CIWQS reporting procedures. The most recent training by the City was conducted on July 23, 2025.
EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT PARTS
The City owns two vacuum/jet trucks, a skid-mounted vacuum on a flatbed, lights, pumps, generators, backhoe, Bobcat, dump truck, and miscellaneous service/utility trucks as well as other equipment needed for sewer line repair. The City also has a large inventory of miscellaneous parts that allow crews to handle emergencies. The City maintains a list of contractors and suppliers that are available in emergencies with equipment and personnel. This list is available in the utility system trucks and at the Corporation Yard.
City staff periodically test and rebuild sewer-cleaning equipment (e.g., root cutter, hydropressure) to ensure its performance supports field crew effectiveness and productivity.
The equipment on the City's 'initial-response' truck includes traffic control and containment/ cleanup equipment sufficient to respond to a 100 gallon spill. The truck is stocked at all times
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and a supply list will be kept on the truck for crews to re-stock any time supplies have been used.
5. DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE PROVISIONS
In May 2016, the City revised its most recent version of the City's Design Standards and Construction Standards and Standard Details, collectively, the "Improvement Standards". The Improvement Standards apply to, regulate, and guide the design and construction of all public improvements, and set guidelines for certain private improvements within the City.
The Improvement Standards contain inspection and testing methods and acceptance thresholds in order for improvements to achieve acceptance. The Engineering Division has licensed professional engineers and competent construction field inspection staff available to ensure strict adherence to the stated design, construction, and testing standards.
Section 8 of the Design Standards and Section 5 of the Construction Standards apply specifically to the design and construction standards for the sewer collection system and reflect a collaborative effort between the Utilities Divisions to ensure competent design and construction of utility infrastructure.
The Design and Construction Standards are posted on the City's website at:
www.cityofgrassvalley.com.
6. SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
The purpose of the Spill Emergency Response Plan is to convey an orderly, consistent, efficient, and effective response to spill events.
GOALS
The City’s goals in responding to spills are to:
• Respond quickly to minimize the volume of the spill
• Eliminate the cause of the spill and restore flow
• Contain spilled wastewater to the maximum extent feasible • Minimize public contact with the spilled wastewater
• Mitigate the impact of the spill
• Meet the regulatory reporting requirements
• Provide effective public notification when a threat to public health exists • React to spill events in a manner that instills confidence in the public that the system operators are protecting public health
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NOTIFICATION PROCESS
The processes employed to notify the City staff of a spill include: observation by the public, receipt of an alarm, or observation by City staff during the normal course of their work. The notification procedures for working hours and after-hours are presented in Appendix C.
Public Observation
Public observation is one of the most common ways that the City is notified of blockages and spills. Contact information for reporting sewer spills and backups are available on the City's website: www.cityofgrassvalley.com. The business hours telephone number for reporting sewer problems is (530) 274-4350 although additional City personnel are trained to respond to these emergency calls and make appropriate staff notifications. The after-hours telephone number is (530) 265-7880 (Sheriff Dispatch).
Normal Work Hours Response Protocol
The City's regular working hours for its sewer staff is Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except holidays. When a report of a sewer spill or backup is made, City staff receives the call, takes the information from the caller, and communicates the information immediately to the field crew who provide prompt emergency response to the site. Management staff also respond to spill events to ensure protocols and reporting requirements are followed.
After-Hours Response Protocol
Reports from the public are initially received by the Nevada County’s Emergency Dispatch Call Center. Once a Dispatcher receives the call and the pertinent information from the caller, the dispatcher communicates the information to the Public Works On-Call Standby Person. Public Works On-Call is staffed at all times outside of those identified as regular working hours. The Dispatcher leaves a message on the City’s emergency call line and the message immediately relays to all Public Works On-Call staff member(s).
Receipt of Lift Station and/or Treatment Plant Alarm
If a lift station or treatment plant alarm is received, the appropriate City staff or on-call duty staff is notified via the Wastewater Treatment Plant cellular phones. Treatment plant staff monitor the treatment plants and lift stations via the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
Staff Observations
City staff conducts periodic inspections of the sewer system facilities as part of their routine maintenance activities. Any issues, concerns, or problems observed with the sewer system facilities are reported to appropriate City personnel who, in turn, respond to potentially emergency situations.
SAFETY
All department first responders are generally responsible for the job site safety and following safety procedures and protocols at all times. In conjunction with the City’s National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training, the first employee on site is responsible for all safety
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concerns and considerations of the site until he/she is relieved of these responsibilities formally by a more senior employee or responding management personnel. It is understood by all department staff that specialized and possibly extraordinary safety precautions must be observed when performing sewer system emergency and routine maintenance work. These safety precaution considerations include not only working with the potential contamination aspects of sewage but also the work unique environment hazards such as active traffic lanes, working with high pressure water such as that generated by a sewer jet, and other specialized and sometime excessively noisy equipment.
During non-regular work hours, it is critical that City personnel responding to a sewer system event become fully compliant and recognize potential safety hazards of sewer system work. All On-Call Primary Responders are trained in proper sewer system maintenance protocols. In such cases, it is appropriate to take the time to discuss safety issues, consider the order of work, and check safety equipment and make duty assignments according to level and knowledge of assignments before beginning the tasks of the job.
SPILL RESPONSE PROCEDURES
Sewer service calls and lift station alarms are considered high-priority events that require immediate response to the reported location of the event to minimize or eliminate any spills.
Crews must respond to the reporting party, lift station, or site of the problem immediately and visually check for potential sewer stoppages or overflows. The goal of each spill response is to preserve and protect public health, environment, and property and to restore the affected area to normalcy as soon as possible.
Responding personnel will work to contain and control the discharge to the maximum extent possible. They will establish safe perimeters and control zones with traffic cones, barricades, vehicles, or terrain to ensure that spill material exposure is contained to as small an area as possible and to eliminate a potential expansion of contamination by outside forces such as vehicles or pedestrians. Every effort is made to prevent the discharge of sewage into waterways or conveyances to waterways both above and below ground. Staff also promptly identify cause and effect of the spill event and/or the need for additional resources (e.g., people, equipment).
The Spill Response Procedures are summarized in Appendix D.
Dispatch and Initial Assessment of the Situation
• Receive a brief description of the nature of the problem from the person making the report. Fill out the SSO Spill Report Form (Appendix E). • Determine appropriate response measures based on the circumstances and information provided by the caller (e.g., location, weather and traffic conditions, small backup vs. sewage flowing on the ground) and begin the emergency mobilization of manpower, equipment, and resources to the site.
• Verify the existence of an spill or backup upon arrival at the reported location. • Call the appropriate Public Works Management personnel (during working hours) or the Police Dispatcher or Public Works/Utility Management staff (after-hours) to request additional Public Works/Utility staff to assist in the spill response as necessary.
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• Take detailed job notes including notification and arrival time(s), conditions, and any other required information for purposes of external formal notification. • Use the SSO Spill Report Form (Appendix E).
• Take photos to document the incident.
• Take the necessary measures to contain and/or mitigate spilled sewage to the maximum extent feasible regardless of whether the spill or backup is caused by a private lateral or another agency sewer system. City staff is relieved of this duty when representatives of the responsible third party arrive and take control of the site/event. Third party spills are considered as incidents and forms detailing the event are required to be completed.
Restore Flow
• In the event of a sewer system failure event, relieve the stoppage or restore the lift station operation as soon as possible through the use and application of the appropriate equipment.
• If addressing a main blockage, set up downstream of the blockage and hydro-clean or rod upstream from a clear manhole. Attempt to remove the blockage from the system and observe the flow to ensure that the blockage does not recur or transition downstream. • If the blockage cannot be cleared within 15 minutes of arrival or the sewer requires construction repairs to restore flow, or if the lift station operation cannot be restored within the wet well holding time, initiate expanded containment efforts to the degree practical and/or bypass pumping. If assistance is required, immediately contact the Public Works Director/City Engineer, or designee (all hours) and other required employees.
Initiate Spill Containment Measures
The first responder(s) should attempt to the extent possible to contain as much of the spilled sewage as possible using the following steps:
• Keep sewage from entering the storm drain system to the maximum extent practicable by blocking storm drain inlets and catch basins or by containing and diverting the sewage away from open channels and other storm drain facilities using sandbags, inflatable dams, plastic mats, etc. Sandbags and a spill containment kit are standard equipment in the On-Call Vehicle at all times.
• Review sewer maps for possible temporary upstream flow diversion through bypassing. • Pump around the blockage/pipe failure/lift station.
• Dike/dam (or sandbag) the spill by building a temporary berm to collect and control the spilled sewage.
• If overflowing sewage has contacted the storm drain system, attempt to contain the spilled sewage by plugging the nearest unaffected downstream storm drain.
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• Modify these methods as needed to accommodate wet weather conditions where the feasibility of containment may be impacted by the quantity of stormwater runoff. • If containing spilled sewage in storm drain system methods are used, thoroughly clean, vacuum, wash, and disinfect the storm drain system as part of the recovery and clean-up phase.
Clean-up
The recovery and clean-up phase begins immediately after the flow is restored and the spilled sewage has been contained to the extent possible. Depending on the situation, the spill recovery and clean up may include:
Recovery of Spilled Sewage
To the extent practicable, crews will vacuum up or pump the spilled sewage and return it back into the sewer collection system.
Clean-up and Disinfection
When disinfecting a sewage-contaminated area, crews will take every effort to ensure that the disinfectant or sewage treated with the disinfectant is not discharged to the storm drain system or surface waters. Methods may include blocking storm drain inlets, containing and diverting disinfectant and sewage away from open channels and other storm drain fixtures, and removing the material with vacuum equipment.
The following clean-up and disinfection procedures should be implemented to reduce the potential for human health issues and adverse environmental impacts that are associated with a spill event. The following procedures described are for dry weather conditions and should be modified as required for wet weather conditions.
Hard Surface Areas
• Collect all sewage solids and sewage-related material either by gloved hand or with the use of various hand tools such as rakes, brooms, and/or shovels. • Disinfect all areas that were contaminated from the spill using the disinfectant solution of household bleach diluted 10:1 with water. Apply minimal amounts of the disinfectant solution using a hand sprayer.
• Flush wash any affected area with clean water until the water runs clear. Take all safe and reasonable steps to contain and vacuum up the wastewater. • Repeat the process as often as necessary until it is obvious that additional cleaning is not required, and the area is safe again.
Landscaped and Unimproved Natural Vegetation
• Collect all signs or examples of sewage solids and sewage-related material either by gloved hand or with the use of various hand tools such as rakes, brooms, and/or shovels. • Wash down the affected area with clean water until the water runs clear. The flushing volume should be approximately three times the estimated volume of the spill.
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• Either contain or vacuum up the wash water so that none is released. • Allow the area to dry. Repeat the process if additional cleaning is required. • Do not apply disinfectant solution to landscaped areas or unimproved natural vegetation.
Wet Weather Modifications
Management staff may decide to omit flushing and or disinfection during heavy storm events with heavy runoff where spill area flushing is determined not to be required.
Follow-up Activities
In situations where sewage has reached the storm drain system, crews will vacuum/pump out the catch basin and any other portion of the storm drain system that may have contacted the sewage. All vacuumed or pumped material collected is deemed contaminated material and must be returned to the sewer collection system.
During nighttime spill events, a re-inspection should be conducted at first adequate light the following day. The field crew should look for signs of sewage solids and sewage-related material that may warrant additional clean-up activities. Staff shall always err on the side of caution and reinstitute clean-up activities when any doubt exists regarding public safety and overall public health.
Following any re-inspection, the staff will investigate to identify determine the probable cause of the spill event and to identify proactive action(s) that will minimize or eliminate future potential for a spill to reoccur. The investigation should include reviewing all relevant data to determine appropriate positive or corrective action(s), the investigation should include:
• Reviewing and completing the SSO Spill Report Form (Appendix E) • Reviewing past maintenance records
• Reviewing available photographs, where applicable
• Conducting a CCTV inspection within the next two (2) business days after an event, where necessary to determine the line condition
• Interviewing staff who responded to the spill
Water Quality Sampling and Analysis
To determine the extent of any impact of a spill, the City makes every effort to conduct water quality sampling and testing whenever 1,000 gallons or more of untreated sewage enters a surface water. The sampling procedures are summarized below:
• The first responder collects samples as soon as practical after the discovery of the spill event. Sampling kits are available in the Utility System trucks, standby trucks, and at the Corporation Yard.
• For discharges into flowing water (e.g., rivers, creeks), water quality samples should be collected from as near as possible to 100 feet upstream of the spill, from the spill area,
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and at 100 feet downstream of the spill at determined intervals. (Coordinate with Nevada County Environmental Health.)
• For discharges into stationary water (e.g., lakes, ponds), water quality samples should be collected from the spill area, at determined sample collection points on either side of the spill. (Coordinate with Nevada County Environmental Health.) • A certified laboratory will analyze the samples to determine the nature and impact of the discharge. First responders are responsible for collecting the samples and contacting the contract lab to arrange timely pickup of the samples. Information on the contracted laboratory is kept on file at the Corporation Yard. Additional samples will be taken to determine when posting of warning signs can be discontinued. The basic analyses will include Escherichia coli (E. coli) and ammonia nitrogen.
Public Notification
The public could be at risk and must be warned to avoid all contact with raw sewage and/or contaminated water resulting from a spill or other hazardous material or chemical release which may cause a risk of illness. The extent of public notification shall be at the direction of the Public Works Director/City Engineer, or designee, in conjunction with Nevada County Environmental Health. The design of these procedures and the extent of public notification is needed to preserve public health are unique to each event. Procedures may include:
• Local agencies and individuals may need to be contacted as soon as possible, depending on the situation. For example, the Police Department may be called upon to assist with public notification where determined practical. Public Works staff may decide to close public areas such as parks and will need assistance to communicate with local residents and/or businesses who may beimpacted by the sewage spill. Posting of warning signs and control of all contaminated areas and or job site(s) with "Yellow Caution Tape" and barricades may be necessary to keep vehicles and pedestrians away from contact with spilled sewage.
• Warning signage, where deemed as a necessary or appropriate means of public notification shall not be removed until such time as directed by the Public Works Director/City Engineer, or designee. In situations where water sampling is required by environmental health authorities, warning sign posting shall remain in place until analytical results demonstrate that the area is safe for human contact and confirmation authority is received from the Nevada County Department of Environmental Health (A sample of the public notification warning sign is included as Appendix F). • Property and creeks that have been contaminated as by a spill or other hazardous material release should be posted at visible access locations until the risk of contamination has subsided to background levels. The warning signs, once posted, should be checked daily at a minimum to ensure that they are still in place. • Major spills may warrant broader public notice and possible use of local media.
The Public Works Director/City Engineer or designee, in conjunction with Nevada County Environmental Health, will contact local media when deemed appropriate for the
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preservation of public health. As with any effective use of media as a public communication tool, it is important that there be a single point of contact to disseminate information and in these instances the Public Works Director/City Engineer or designee is the sole responsible person sanctioned for media contact. The Nevada County Department of Environmental Health may also issue media releases when deemed appropriate.
Estimated Volume of Spilled Sewage
Crews will use standardized industry photograph materials or accepted mathematical calculation means to estimate the volume of the spilled sewage. When possible, the volume estimate will be documented using photos of the spill site before and during the recovery operation. Initial volume estimates will be recorded using the SSO Spill Report Form. Final spill volumes will be reviewed by the City Engineer.
Spill Categories
The State Water Board established guidelines for classifying and reporting spills. Reporting and documentation requirements vary based on the type of spill. The categories of spills are:
• Category 1 – A spill of any volume of sewage that results in a discharge to:
o A surface water, including a surface water body that contains no flow or volume of water; or
o A drainage conveyance system that discharges to surface waters when the sewage is not fully captured and returned to the sanitary sewer system or disposed of properly.
Any spill volume not recovered from the storm drain system is considered a discharge to surface water unless the storm drain system discharges to a stormwater infiltration basin or facility.
• Category 2 – A spill of 1,000 gallons or greater that does not discharge to a surface water.:
o A spill of 1,000 gallons or greater that spills out of a lateral and is caused by a failure or blockage in the sanitary sewer system, is a Category 2 spill. • Category 3 –A spill of equal to or greater than 50 gallons and less than 1,000 gallons, from or caused by a sanitary sewer system regulated under the 2022 SSS WDR that does not discharge to a surface water.
o A spill of equal to or greater than 50 gallons and less than 1,000 gallons, that spills out of a lateral and is caused by a failure or blockage in the sanitary sewer system is a Category 3 spill.
• Category 4 – A spill of less than 50 gallons, from or caused by a sanitary sewer system regulated under the 2022 SSS WDR that does not discharge to a surface water. o A spill of less than 50 gallons that spills out of a lateral and is caused by a failure or blockage in the sanitary sewer system is a Category 4 spill.
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Internal Spill Reporting Procedures
Flow charts outlining internal spill reporting procedures are presented in Appendix C.
Category 1 Spills
The first responder will immediately notify, as practical, the Public Works Director/City Engineer or designee. Where deemed appropriate the Public Works Director/City Engineer or appropriate management staff on-call, or designee will meet with field crew(s) at the spill site to assess the situation and document the conditions or potential hazards, possibly with photos. The first senior management staff member is responsible for documenting the spill event using the spill Spill Report Form (Appendix E) and turning it in to management staff. A second senior management staff member will review the form for completeness and accuracy and complete CIWQS online form within the time limits required by the State Water Board. In the event of a large spill or one that has increased exposure to diminishing public health, management staff will notify the Public Works Director/City Engineer who may deem it necessary to notify the City Manager and/or City Council.
Other Spills
The first senior management staff member will complete the SSO Spill Report Form (Appendix E) and turn it in to the appropriate management staff and complete the CIWQS form within the time limits required by the State Water Board. Management staff will review the form for completeness and accuracy and will forward it to the Public Works Director/City Engineer or designee for further action where appropriate.
External Spills Reporting Procedures
For any spills 1,000 gallons or greater, the responsible LRO will notify the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) at 800-852-7550 within two hours of being notified of a spill and obtain a spill number to reference in other reports. The following information must be provided in the notification to Cal-OES:
• Name and phone number of the person notifying Cal-OES • Estimated spill volume (gallons)
• Estimated spill rate from the system (gallons per minute) • Estimated discharge rate (gallons per minute) directly to surface waters or into the storm drain system where it is not fully captured
• Spill incident description including a brief narrative of the spill event and location (address, city, zip code, closest cross streets and/or landmarks) • Contact information for the person on-scene
• Date and time the City was informed of the spill event • Name of the sanitary sewer system causing the spill
• Spill cause or suspected cause (if known)
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• Amount of spill contained (gallons)
• Name of surface water receiving or potential receiving discharge • Description of surface water impact and/or potential impact to beneficial uses Following the initial notification to Cal-OES and until the LRO or designee certifies the spill report to CIWQS, the LRO or designee must provide updates to Cal-OES if there are substantial changes to the following information:
• Estimated spill volume (increase or decrease in gallons initially estimated) • Estimated discharge volume discharged directly to surface waters or into the storm drain system where it is not fully captured (increase or decrease in gallons initially estimated) • Additional impact(s) to surface waters and beneficial uses CIWQS will be used for reporting spill information to the State Water Board.
The following section details the external reporting response requirements based on the type of spill. Flow charts outlining external spill reporting procedures are also presented in Appendix C.
For Category 1 Spills, the following reporting requirements apply:
• Within 15 calendar days of the conclusion of spill response and remediation, the LRO or designee will certify the final report in CIWQS. The LRO or designee can update the certified report as new or changed information becomes available up to 90 days after the spill end date. After 90 days, a request must be made directly to the State Water Board at [email protected] to amend the report. The updates can be submitted at any time and must be certified.
• In addition, for Category 1 Spills where 50,000 gallons or more of sewage reach a surface water or enter the storm drain system and is not fully captured and returned to the sewer collection system, the LRO will prepare and certify in CIWQS a Spill Technical Report within 45 calendar days after the end date of the spill. The requirements for the Spill Technical Report are detailed in the SSO Documentation and Record Keeping Requirements section.
For Category 2 Spills, the LRO or designee must submit a Draft Spill Report to CIWQS within three business days of being notified of the spill event. Within 15 calendar days, the LRO or designee must submit the Certified Spill Report to CIWQS. Upon completion of the Certified Spill Report, a final spill event identification number will be issued by CIWQS. The LRO or designee can update the certified report as new or changed information becomes available up to 90 days after the spill end date. After 90 days, a request must be made directly to the State Water Board at [email protected] to amend the report. The updates can be submitted at any time and must be certified.
For Category 3 Spills, the LRO or designee must submit a certified report to CIWQS within 30 business days after the end of the calendar month for all Category 3 Spills that occurred in the calendar month (e.g., all Category 3 spills occurring in the month of February must be reported and certified by March 30). The LRO or designee can update the certified report as new or
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changed information becomes available up to 90 days after the spill end date. After 90 days, a request must be made directly to the State Water Board at [email protected] to amend the report. The updates can be submitted at any time and must be certified.
For Category 4 Spills, the LRO or designee must submit a certified report to CIWQS within 15 days after the end of a calendar quarter for all Category 4 Spills that occurred in that calendar quarter (e.g., all Category 4 spills occurring in the January to March quarter must be reported and certified by April 15). The LRO or designee can update the certified report as new or changed information becomes available up to 90 days after the spill end date. After 90 days, a request must be made directly to the State Water Board at [email protected] to amend the report. The updates can be submitted at any time and must be certified.
For privately-owned sanitary sewer systems or privately-owned lateral spills, images and documentation shall be filed for the City’s own records. This documentation should specify that the sewage discharge was caused by a private lateral and identify the responsible party (other than the City), if known. Reporting private lateral spills to the CIWQS database is not required.
If CIWQS is not available, the Utilities Superintendent/City Engineer or designee will email all required information to the Central Valley Water Board office (916-464-4660) in accordance with the time schedules identified above. In such event, the City will submit the appropriate reports using CIWQS as soon as practical.
Spill Documentation and Recordkeeping Requirements
The first management responder will complete an electronic work order and make any final changes to the SSO Spill Report Form.
Category 1 SSO Spill Report
The Draft SSO Spill Report for a Category 1 Spill must include, at a minimum, the following information:
• Contact information, including the name and telephone number of the City’s contact person to respond to spill-specific questions
• Spill location name
• Date and time the City was notified of, or self-discovered, the spill • Arrival time of first responder
• Estimated spill start date and time
• Date and time the City notified Cal-OES and the assigned control number • Description, photographs, and global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the sewer collection system where the spill originated
o If a single spill event results in multiple appearance points, provide GPS coordinates for the appearance point closest to the failure point and describe each additional appearance point in the spill appearance point explanation • Estimate total spill volume exiting the sewer collection system
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• Description and photographs of the extent of the spill and its boundaries • Did the spill reach the storm drain system? If yes:
o Description of the storm drain system transporting the spill o Photographs of the storm drain system entry location(s) o Estimate spill volume fully recovered from the storm drain system o Estimated spill volume remaining in the storm drain system • Description and photographs of all discharge point(s) into the surface water • Estimated spill volume discharged to surface water
• Estimated total spill volume recovered
The Certified SSO Spill Report for a Category 1 Spill must include the information in the Draft SSO Spill Report and, at a minimum, the following information:
• Description of the spill event destination(s), including GPS coordinates, if available, that represent the full spread and reach of the spill
• Spill end date and time
• Description of how the spill volume estimations were calculated, including at a minimum:
o The methodology, assumptions, and type of data, such as SCADA records, flow monitoring, or other telemetry information, used to estimate the volume of the spill discharged and the volume of the spill recovered
o The methodology, assumptions, and type of data used to estimate the spill start and end times
• Spill cause(s) (e.g., root intrusion, grease deposit) • System failure location (e.g., main, lateral, lift station) • Description of the pipe material and estimated age of the pipe material at the failure location
• Description of the impact of the spill
• Whether or not the spill was associated with a storm event • Description of the spill response activities including description of the immediate spill containment and clean-up efforts
• Description of spill corrective action, including steps planned or taken to reduce, eliminate, and prevent recurrence of the spill, and a schedule for major milestones for those steps
• Spill response completion date
• Detailed narrative of the investigation and investigation findings of cause of spill • Reasons for on-going investigation (if applicable) and the expected completion date
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• Name and type of receiving water(s)
• Description of the receiving water(s), including, but not limited to:
o Impacts on aquatic life
o Public closure, restricted public access, temporary restricted use, and/or posted health warnings due to spill
o Responsible entity for closing/restricting use of receiving water o Number of days closed/restricted as a result of the spill • Whether or not the spill was located within 1,000 feet of a municipal water intake or municipal groundwater well
• If water quality samples are collected, identify the sample locations and the parameters for which the samples were analyzed. If no samples were taken, it should be reported as N/A
For spills where 50,000 gallons or more reach surface water drainage channel or surface water or enter the storm drain system and is not fully captured and returned to the sewer collection system, the LRO will prepare a Spill Technical Report. At a minimum, the Spill Technical Report will include the following information:
• Causes and circumstances of the spill
o Complete and detailed explanation of how and when the spill was discovered o Photographs illustrating the spill origin, the extent and reach of the spill, storm drain system entrance and exit, receiving water, and post-clean-up site conditions o Diagram showing the spill failure point, appearance point(s), spill flow path, and final destination(s)
o Detailed description of the methodology employed and available data used to calculate the volume of the spill and, if applicable, the spill volume recovered o Detailed description of the cause(s) of the spill
o Description of the pipe material and the estimated age of the pipe material at the failure location
o Description of the impact of the spill
o Copies of original field crew records used to document the spill o Historical maintenance records for the failure location • The City’s response to spill
o Chronological narrative description of all actions taken by enrollee to terminate the spill
o Explanation of how the Spill Emergency Response Plan was implemented to respond to and mitigate the spill
o Final corrective action(s) completed and/or planned to be completed, including a schedule for actions not yet completed
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• Local regulatory enforcement action taken against an illicit discharge in response to this spill, as applicable
• Identifiable system modifications and operations and maintenance program modifications needed to prevent recurrence
• Necessary modifications to the Spill Emergency Response Plan to incorporate lessons learned in responding to and mitigating the spill • Water Quality Monitoring
o Description of all water quality sampling activities conducted o List of pollutants and parameters monitored, sampled, and analyzed o Laboratory results, including laboratory reports
o Detailed location map illustrating all water quality sampling points o Other regulatory agencies receiving sample results (if applicable) • Evaluation of spill impact(s), including a description of short- and long-term impact(s) to beneficial uses of the surface water
Category 2 SSO Spill Report
The Draft SSO Spill Report for a Category 2 Spill must include, at a minimum, the following information:
• Contact information, including the name and telephone number of the City’s contact person to respond to spill-specific questions
• Spill location name
• Date and time the City was notified of, or self-discovered, the spill • Arrival time of first responder
• Estimated spill start date and time
• Date and time the City notified Cal-OES and the assigned control number • Description, photographs, and GPS coordinates of the sewer collection system where the spill originated
o If a single spill event results in multiple appearance points, provide GPS coordinates for the appearance point closest to the failure point and describe each additional appearance point in the spill appearance point explanation • Estimate total spill volume exiting the sewer collection system • Description and photographs of the extent of the spill and its boundaries • Did the spill reach the storm drain system? If yes:
o Description of the storm drain system transporting the spill o Photographs of the storm drain system entry location(s) o Estimate spill volume fully recovered from the storm drain system
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o Estimated spill volume remaining in the storm drain system • Estimated total spill volume recovered
The Certified SSO Spill Report for a Category 2 Spill must include the information in the Draft SSO Spill Report and, at a minimum, the following information:
• Description of the spill event destination(s), including GPS coordinates, if available, that represent the full spread and reach of the spill
• Spill end date and time
• Description of how the spill volume estimations were calculated, including at a minimum:
o The methodology, assumptions, and type of data, such as SCADA records, flow monitoring, or other telemetry information, used to estimate the volume of the spill discharged and the volume of the spill recovered
o The methodology, assumptions, and type of data used to estimate the spill start and end times
• Spill cause(s) (e.g., root intrusion, grease deposit) • System failure location (e.g., main, lateral, lift station) • Description of the pipe/infrastructure material and estimated age of the pipe material at the failure location
• Description of the impact of the spill
• Whether or not the spill was associated with a storm event • Description of the spill response activities including description of the immediate spill containment and clean-up efforts
• Description of spill corrective action, including steps planned or taken to reduce, eliminate, and prevent recurrence of the spill, and a schedule for major milestones for those steps
• Spill response completion date
• Detailed narrative of the investigation and investigation findings of cause of spill • Reasons for on-going investigation (if applicable) and the expected completion date • Whether or not the spill was located within 1,000 feet of a municipal water intake or municipal groundwater well
Category 3 SSO Spill Report
The monthly reporting for all Category 3 Spills must include, at a minimum, the following information:
• Contact information, including the name and telephone number of the City’s contact person to respond to spill-specific questions
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• Spill location name
• Date and time the City was notified of, or self-discovered, the spill • Arrival time of first responder
• Estimated spill start date and time
• Description, photographs, and GPS coordinates of the sewer collection system where the spill originated
o If a single spill event results in multiple appearance points, provide GPS coordinates for the appearance point closest to the failure point and describe each additional appearance point in the spill appearance point explanation • Estimate total spill volume exiting the sewer collection system • Description and photographs of the extent of the spill and its boundaries • Did the spill reach the storm drain system? If yes:
o Description of the storm drain system transporting the spill o Photographs of the storm drain system entry location(s) o Estimate spill volume fully recovered from the storm drain system o Estimated spill volume discharged to a groundwater infiltration basin or facility (if applicable)
• Estimated total spill volume recovered
• Description of the spill event destination(s), including GPS coordinates, if available, that represent the full spread and reach of the spill
• Spill end date and time
• Description of how the spill volume estimations were calculated, including at a minimum:
o The methodology, assumptions, and type of data, such as SCADA records, flow monitoring, or other telemetry information, used to estimate the volume of the spill discharged and the volume of the spill recovered
o The methodology, assumptions, and type of data used to estimate the spill start and end times
• spill cause(s) (e.g., root intrusion, grease deposit) • System failure location (e.g., main, lateral, lift station) • Description of the pipe/infrastructure material and estimated age of the pipe material at the failure location
• Description of the impact of the spill
• Whether or not the spill was associated with a storm event