ATTACHMENT 1
City of Hesperia
2023 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
CITY COUNCIL
Brigit Bennington, Mayor
Larry Bird, Mayor Pro Tem
Cameron Gregg, Council Member
Allison Lee, Council Member
Rebekah Swanson, Council Member
9700 Seventh Avenue, Hesperia, CA 92345. 760-947-1018. www.cityofhesperia.us
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2023 Legislative Platform Process
Purpose
The Legislative Platform provides a means for summarizing the City’s core legislative principles to support advocacy efforts at the reg ional, state, and federal level. Recognizing the importance of promoting City priorities and legislative initiatives, the legislative platform focuses on the City’s commitment to service, community, and economic development initiatives. Adopted annually, the Legislative Platform serves as a reference guide for urgent requests of support, opposition, or neutrality of a legislative p roposal and provides direction for the City Council and staff throughout the year.
Guiding Principles
1. Preserve and Enhance Local Control
Support measures that preserve and protect the City’s local authority to enact policy pertaining to local affairs. Oppose measures that seek to preempt local control without the concurrence of the City.
2. Maintain Fiscal Responsibility
Support measures that promote fiscal stability, predictability, and financial independence at the local level. Support efforts that preserve and promote the City’s ab ility to maintain and grow its revenue base. Oppose measures that diminish the Cit y’s revenue sou rces thereby threatening its ability to provide and maintain critical services.
3. Promote Economic Development
Support legislative efforts that are designed to provide local governments with the tools necessary to bolster economic development. Support legislation and regulatory streamlining initiatives that would enhance the City’s abi lity to attract and retain businesses as well as encourage business expansion and job retention.
4. Support Funding Opportunities
Support measures that allow the City to compet e for its fair share of regional, state , and federal funding including competitive grants and other funding programs . Support initiatives that promote dedicated funding streams to cities for critical service areas.
5. Collaborate with Regional Partners
Support opportunities to work collaboratively with local and regional partners on areas of mutual interest. Maintain strong relationships with other municipalities, local transportation agencies, special districts, regional government agencies, local elected officials, school districts, and college boards.
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Goals and Objectives
The primary objective is for the City Council to adopt official City positions on clearly stated legislative issues and to adopt a guideline for funding priorities at the start of the l egislative session. The Legislative Platform also sets forth the City’s legislativ e objectives for the 20 23 legislative session and provides direction for our legislative advocates as they work to secure clear and strategic initiatives in Sac ramento and Wa shington, D.C. By doing this, the legislative approval process is streamlined by e liminating the need for repetitive concurrence and direction from the City Council on previously approved issues.
A secondary objective is to implement a process that ensures the City Council provides input and direction on legislative issues that have not been previously reviewed by the City Council. This objective will ensure that staff will seek the Council’s guidance on issues that are not contained within the City’s ado pted legislative platform.
With the dynamic growth of the City over the years an d planned development in the future, the City’s Legislative Platform is aimed at securing legislative policies and resources that will help the City manage this growth, fund critical infrastructure needs, keep the City safe and maintain and enhance the quality-of- life residents have come to enjoy.
Process
The following outlines the process that is used to develop and implement the various elements of the City of Hesperia’s Legislative Platform:
1. Develop Legislative Policy Statements
Each year, the City Man ager’s Office submits the Legislative Platform with its proposed S tate and Federal Legislative Policy Statements compiled in accordance with the following:
a. Input from Senior Management and City’s legislative advocates. b. Research of current law and pending legislation.
c. A review of legislative priorities and any other issues recommended by the League of California Cities, the National League of Cities, the City’s legislative ad vocates, or any other agencies conducting legislative analysis and advocacy on behalf of cities. d. City’s adopted Mission Statement and Values.
e. Consideration of special, unique, or changing interests of the City of Hesperia.
Staff will use the 2023 Legislative Policy Statements as a guiding policy when reviewing and analyzing bills that have an impact on the City’s interests. The City will have discretion in determining on which specific bills to take official position . Official City positio ns are not aut omatically assumed on bills simply due to their similarity with the policy stateme nts contained within this document. Furthermore, the policies established within the platform do not preclude City Council consideration of additional legislative matters arising throughout the year that may be brought forward for City Council action.
2. Legislative Monitoring and Advocacy
The City Council recognizes that it is vital to the fiscal health and self- determination of the City to effectively communicate with state legislators and federal representatives in order to favorably influence state and f ederal legislation, regulations, and funding requests. Legislative Advocates at the f ederal and
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state levels provide a useful service in the success of the City ’s legislative goals and objectives by providing the necessary communication link with our Congre ssional Delegation and State Legislators to further Hesperia’s priority projects for funding consideration. To that end, funding for Legislative Advocates will be considered by the City Council on an annual basis.
Upon the Legislative Platform’ s adoption, the City Manager’s Office will exercise day -to-day oversight of legislative matters. Staff will monitor and review state and f ederal legislation as well as write letters, contact legislators, or otherwise communicate the City’s position, as war ranted. T he City Manager is authorized to send such letters on adopted legislative positions, along the following lines:
• Support: Legislation that the City should support as drafted. • Oppose: Legislation that the City should oppose as drafted. • Oppose Unless Amended: Legislation the City should oppose unless amended. • No Position or Watch: Legislation that the City does not take a formal position on but continues to monitor for progress.
3. Staff Responsibilities in the Legislative Process
In addition to c oordinating formal action through the City Council, City staff responsibilities in the implementation of the Legislative Platform include:
1. Prepare support/opposition analyses and correspondence.
2. Seek and solicit support/opposition from other interested entities.
3. Participate in and attend legislative meetings with legislators and staff, as well as other local public officials and staff, to actively engage and stay apprised of legislative trends and upcoming legislation.
4. Prepare and present testimony on behalf of the City before the state and federal government.
5. Monitor and track key bills through the legislative process utilizing the City’s advocacy services, legislative websites, and government/professional associations.
6. Update City Council on legislatio n that th e City has taken a position on, including any significant amendments that would impact the City’s adopted positions.
7. Ensure City Council Members receive copies of all legislative correspondence.
8. Work with City’s f ederal and state lobbyists to ide ntify fu nding resources for departmental projects.
4. City Council Role in the Legislative Process
Through adoption of the Legislative Platform, the City Council prohibits any of its members from lobbying, advocating, or taking a position contrary to the Council’s adopted position on any legislative item. Council Members may, as allowed for by law, take opposing positions as an individual citizen; however, said communication is discouraged and considered detrimental to the success of the City and this Legisl ative Platform specifically.
Written correspondence by individual City Council Members on legislative items not adopted by the City Council may be transmitted if the correspondence identifies that it is a position as an individual citizen as opposed to an elected official of the City of Hesperia. Any individual correspondence must be on personal stationery that is free of any City of Hesperia identifying information, including logos, addresses, phone numbers, etc.
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City Council Members may be asked to participate in meetings with legislators and staff, as well as other local public officials. Council Members may also be asked to present testimony on behalf of the City before the state and federal government. Council Members will be provided copies of all correspondence related to the City’s activities in the legislative process.
When proposed legislation, or a significant public policy issue, comes to th e attention of City officials that is not specifically addressed in the Legislative Platform, it may be brought to Council for consideration. If the Council determines that the proposed legislation or policy issue is of importance to the City, it will recommend that a f ormal position on the matter be taken, which may include adoption of a City Council Resolution.
5. Identify Funding Priorities
Each year, Senior Management provides input on funding priorities for the City’s major infrastructure projects. These projects and programs are identified and listed in the annual Legislative Platform and once approved b y Co uncil, become the basis for preparing the City’s annual Legislative Priorities book. The Legislative Priorities book is the vehicle by which f ederal and s tate r epresentatives are provided information on the City’s top priority projects for which the City seeks funding.
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2023 State Legislative Policy Statements
The following categories of policy statements are broad and are not intended to be all- inclusive, rather they will be used as a reference tool and guideline for the City’s State advocacy efforts in 2023.
Administrative Services
General Area of Review: Elections, Brown Act, Public Records Act, Political Reform Act, Conflict of Interest, Insurance, Tort Reform, Open and Transparent Government.
1. Support a comprehensive state performance r eview an d au dit system and long -range financial planning and performance budgeting to enhance accountability, efficiency, and responsiveness at all levels of government.
2. Support legislation that controls the costs of elections as long as the elections proc ess is n ot adversely affected, (e.g., purge voter rolls, limit costs for candidate statements, and prevent abuse of the mail ballot process).
3. Support legislation that woul d increase voter turnout in local elections, (e.g., mail ballots, more information to voters for judicial elections).
4. Support legislation that reduces the amount of recall abuse while improving, streamlining , and ensuring that the public has full knowledge of the issues.
5. Support legislation that strengthens local control over election r elated matters such as boundary and district requirements.
6. Support measures that enable cities to maximize their ability to administer local elections, including programs designed to encourage and increase voter education, registration, and voter turn-out efficiently and effectively.
7. Support reforms to modernize the structure, governance, management, and method of financing State government.
8. Support legislation that discourage s baseless and frivolous claims and demands made against municipalities, their officers, and employees.
9. Support legislation that would allow a city presented with an allegation of a violation of the California Voter Rights Act (CVRA) to address the allegat ion before any person may file a lawsuit related to the alleged violation.
10. Support legislation providing City Council more flexibility to fill city council vacancies including extending the appointment period to fill a vacancy.
11. Support limi ted tort liabili ty and provide certain tort immunities for public entities for unauthorized use of public property.
12. Support comprehensive tort reform, including limiting the joint and separate liability of governmental agencies to a liability equal to their percentage of their wrongdoing.
13. Support measures that preserve the integrity and fundamental s of the Brown Act while opposing measures that would constrain communication among staff and local officials.
14. Support measures increasing local autonomy, prote cting privacy , and maintaining the City’s authority over public records. This includes measures t hat provide for the recovery of costs with regard to public records requests.
15. Support efforts to amend rules that limit and restrict local governments’ ability to achieve greater transparency of governmental business by improving the platform in which agencies can publish and advertise notices, resolutions, orders, or other matters required by law.
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16. Support measures that promote transparency, public participation , and first ame ndment rights, while preserving procedures that continue to foster efficient government proceedings.
17. Support alternative methods of meeting public notice requirements and enhancing them using cost effective and innovative, technology friendly methods of communication.
18. Support legislation that maintains and enhances local franchising au thority for cable television and wireless services.
19. Support legislation that provides funding and financial relief to local communities directly impacted by the C OVID-19 pandemic by assisting with budget shortfalls due to the reduction in sales and use taxes.
20. Oppose l egislation that expands or increases municipal liability , or, conversely, further limits municipal immunity.
21. Oppose legislation that li mits the author ity of municipalities to enforce their own ordinances in municipal courts.
22. Oppose any legislation that diminishes or does not assure local franchise fees for all utilities’ use of City right-of- way.
23. Oppose legislative efforts to impose bind ing arbitration that w ould remove local government authority on matters of local interest. Specifically, sup port all legislative and legal efforts to overturn any legislation that implements binding arbitration on local government.
24. Oppose legislation that seeks to lessen the City’s ability to enforce contractual language agreed to and contained within existing franchise documents.
Economic Development
General Area of Review: Economic Development, Redevelopment, Enterprise and Opportunity Zones, Job Creation.
1. Support r egional economic development policies that provide for planned economic growth in the City and neighboring communities.
2. Support legislation that promotes sustainable economic development.
3. Support legislation that would enhance a city’s ability to attract a nd retain local businesses, and encourages business expansion and retention throu gh job creat ion, inv estment in capital equipment, and employer facility development.
4. Support legislation that provides incentives (tax benefits, grants, loans, credits for aff ordable units) to local agencies to rehabilitate residential and commercial properties.
5. Support legislation that promotes business formation and growth.
6. Support legislation that promotes “re-shoring” of manufacturing processes.
7. Support legi slation that will establish a meaningful and useful tax increment financing (TIF) program to support local economic development.
8. Support state and federal legislation to maximize the economic benefits of Opportunity Zones for communities and businesses, in cluding environmental streamlining and flexibility to expand or change existing designations.
9. Support legislation that ensures all assets (real & personal property, loans , and grants receivable, etc.) are retained by the sponsoring entity of a former redev elopment agency for the benefit of the former redevelopment project area(s) and the elimination of physical and economic blight.
10. Support legislation that clarifies and narrows the prevailing wage standard for economic development and affordable housing projects.
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11. Support polices and legislation that promote an increase in housing development and subsequently an increase in commercial development.
12. Support zone changes and policies that incentivize and encourage development of property west of the Interstate 15 (I-15) Highway, such as e-commerce and distribution centers.
13. Oppose legislation that is deemed by the City to be “anti-business” and/or “job killer.”
14. Oppose legislation that would reduce funds dedicated to the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and the HOME program and support the expansion of eligibility and allowable uses under these programs.
15. Oppose le gislation th at restricts the building industry and consequently diminishes economic development in the City.
16. Oppose legislation that would contribute to a decrease in property values within the City.
Employee Relations and Risk Management
General Area of Review: Labor Relations, Employee Relations, and Human Resources.
1. Support legislation that would reform the State’s Workers’ Compensation System to draw a balance b etween reasonable claimant benefits versus the increasing costs/corruption that has plagued the System to date.
2. Support legislation that improves access to, and reduces the cost of, healthcare for public employees.
3. Support legislation tha t expands the City ’s ability to offer health, welfare , and wellness services for employees.
4. Support reform o f the California tort law system to curtail unreasonable liability exposure for municipalities and to facilitate the ability to obtain affordable ge neral liability an d workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
5. Support local government efforts to establish succession planning and mentoring programs.
6. Support efforts to provide additional flexibility in the provision and administration of retirement and medical benefit programs while ensuring those programs are sustainable for past, current, and future employees.
7. Oppose the taxability of employee benefits.
8. Oppose legislation that would add administrative burdens or taxes to self-insurance programs.
9. Oppose legislation or re gulations that would increase employer medical costs for workers’ compensation.
10. Oppose legislation that would promote workers’ compensation claim litigation.
11. Oppose legislation that presumptively expands workers’ compensation coverage to illness or injuries that are not work-related.
12. Oppose legislation that creates unnecessary burdens o n or lim its the City ’s ability to decide employment issues, including collective bargaining, binding arbitration, benefits, and leaves.
13. Oppose legislation im posing state-mandated costs for mandatory employee training programs when there is no guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits.
14. Oppose legislation that would create additional financial burden on, or threaten the viability of, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS).
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Environmental
General Area of Review: Air, Wa ter and Wa ter Quality, Climate Change, CEQA, Energy Efficiency, Recycling, Solid Waste Management, Hazardous Materials, and Utilities.
1. Support legislation t hat pr omotes regi onal improvement of air quality, recognizing that air pollution does not follow jurisdictional boundaries.
2. Support legislation to assure that federal, state, and county agencies have adequate authority and resources to enforce air quality regulations.
3. Support legislation and regulations that provide authority for local governments to im plement vehicle emissions reductions programs.
4. Support legislation requiring local government participation on the governing bodies of air quality management districts without diluting any existing authority already held by the City.
5. Support efforts that maintain and enhance local decision -making authority in the development and implementation of air quality attainment strategies.
6. Support water quality legi slation that results in reasonable water quality control regulations that are cost effective and can show identifiable benefits.
7. Support regional approaches to provide needed water and encourage local conservation and efficient use of the water supply.
8. Support legislation and regulations that promote the appropriate and beneficial use of reclaimed water.
9. Support continued federal and state funding for water and wastewater treatment infrastructure to reduce local costs and expedite construction of necessary treatment, distri bution, and collection facilities to comply with federal and state mandates.
10. Support efforts that help local governments maintain water efficiency programs that meet state objectives, are cost effective, and make sense for the local conditions.
11. Support sta te and federal efforts to increase water efficiency ratings for common consumer products that use water.
12. Support streamlined environmental processing for f ederal and state regulatory permits administered by Caltrans and various other stat e and federal agencies for the purpose of expediting public infrastructure developments.
13. Support major revisions to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and its state counterpart, including delisting of endangered species that have thrived and recovered through effective resource management.
14. Support legislation to include consideration of the economic impact s of proposed species listings, as well as support the delisting of species no longer threatened or endangered.
15. Support efforts to repeal AB 32 and SB 375 legislation.
16. Support efforts to streamline and improve the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA ) process to reduce time and cost of compliance while ensuring that the environment is adequately protected.
17. Support “green” projects and regulations that do not place an undue burden on local government and other financial incentives for reductions in Greenhouse Gases.
18. Support programs and policies that promote advanced low emission vehicle technology and encourage or promote alternative fuels such as biodiesel, hydrogen, and compressed natural gas.
19. Support legislation that increases availability and promo tes the ad option of energy efficient technologies and use of alternative/renewable energy sources.
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20. Support legislation that encourages and funds energy eff iciency and conservation while allowing local design and implementation of the program.
21. Support loca l govern ment’s adopt ion and implementation of recycled content and green procurement policies.
22. Support legislation to provide changes to AB 939 regarding mandated waste diversion goals that will streamline its provisions and assist in compliance , placing more emphasis on implementation of waste diversion programs and less on strict mathematical accounting.
23. Support legislation th at delays or reduces pe nalties fo r noncompliance with SB 1383 to allow jurisdictions to implement the many components of the regulations.
24. Support fund ing for implementation of SB 1383 including funding t o increase the capaci ty of facilities that accept, and process organic waste and fundi ng increase the capacity of food recovery services and organizations.
25. Support legislation that cl arifies and broadens the regulatory authority of local government to ensure the efficient management of recyclable material and solid waste.
26. Support legislatio n that provides incentives and funding for programs that promote waste reduction, reuse, and recycling and development of related infrastructure.
27. Support expansion of the market for recyclable materials.
28. Support legislation that allows the City to continue controlling risks from hazardous materials use, storage and transportation through the Uniform B uilding and Fire Cod es an d related local amendments.
29. Oppose legislation that would require the City to divert more than 50 percent of the solid waste stream and places undue burden on local government.
30. Oppose legislation that requires the City to reduce the amou nt of organic was te by 5 0 to 75 percent and requires disposed edible food to be used for human consumption accompanied by infrastructure, procurement, and implementat ion requirements which places a financial burden on local government.
31. Oppose mand ated mat erial disposal ban s or r estrictions in circumstances where there is an insufficient capacity within the private recycling market to handle these materials in a more beneficial way besides landfilling.
32. Oppose legislation that restricts the City’s ab ility to adopt local regulations for hazardous materials, including review and approval of the location of facilities that use or store hazardous materials or hazardous waste.
33. Oppose air quality legislation that restricts a local agency’s land use authority.
34. Oppose all state and/or federal legislation that would allow for lower water quality testing limits based on any other parameters than scientific evidence.
35. Oppose legislation that would impose a tax on residential water service customers, including requirements characterized as voluntary contributions.
36. Oppose the expansion of the State listing of endangered or threatened species without economic impact analyses and valid scientific data.
37. Oppose any additional listings to the California Endangered Specie s Act wh en such l istings threaten development and the local economy and impose an undue financial burden on local agencies.
38. Oppose all unfunded mandates on local governments to address climate change (which is outside the City’s control).
39. Oppose expanding the cur rent unfunded mandate to meet Environmental Protection Agency regulations aimed at the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
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Grants and Funding
General Area of Review: Competitive, Discretionary, Formulaic Sources of Funding f or Capital Projects and Operations.
1. Support and pursue funding for projects that improve the quality of life in Hesperia.
2. Support and pursue funding to increase public safety service levels in the City and unincorporated areas.
3. Support measures that al low the C ity to compete for its fair share of regional, state and federal funding.
4. Support initiatives that promote dedicated funding streams to cities for critical service areas.
5. Support legislation that provides incentives or grant opportunities for comm unity improvements such as cultural services for the education, entertainment, and enrichment of the community.
6. Support tax credits, grants, loans , and other incentives to assist the public, businesses, and local agencies that invest in energy efficient eq uipment a nd technology, and fuel efficient, low emission vehicles.
7. Support and pursue funding that specifically benefits the City ’s transportation and publ ic works projects, including for new railroad grade crossings.
8. Support legislation or policy, whethe r state o r federal, that creates and makes available grant funds for economic development and tax increment financing (TIF) programs.
9. Support legislation th at maintains or enhances funding for parks, trails, and recreation services and facilities.
10. Support legislation that provides funding for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure; flood prevention, water resources planning and development; water q uality improvement; and water resources related regulatory reform.
11. Support legislation that provides sustainable funding support for disaster preparedness, Homeland Security, Court Security and other local emergency management and law enforcement activities.
12. Support legi slation that addresses full reimbursement of law enforcement costs of state and federal mandates.
13. Support legislation that ensures communities of all sizes remain eligible for funding, not just large urban areas or communities identified through overly prescriptive eligibility criteria.
14. Support legislation that directs proceeds from cap -and-trade auction revenues to projects in the City that result in improved air quality, active modes of transportation, and the reduction of harmful pollutants.
15. Support legislation that provides funding and resources for local governments to implement Healthy Cities programs and policies aimed at reducing obesity, childhood obesity, high rates of diabetes, heart disease, and other health conditions.
16. Support legislation that provides funding t o implement unfunded mandates such as the organi c waste reduction mandates included in SB 1383.
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Housing, Community Development and Planning
General Area of Review: Housing, Land Use, Development, Annexation, Incorporati on, Building Standards, Mobile Home, and Sign Regulations.
1. Support joint efforts to develop mutual development standards for unincorporated areas that are binding upon the County and the City.
2. Support changes to Sphere of Influence legislation to limit county development and allow cities to annex logical growth.
3. Support local City input on all regional land use and planning issues.
4. Support legislative strategies and programs that promote efficient and sustainable land use and building practices.
5. Support legislation that protects the Cities ’ land use authority and their right to make land use decisions with respect to water supply.
6. Support a streamlined right-of-way acquisition process.
7. Support land use patterns that maintain safe residential neighborhoods, b olster economic prosperity, preserve open space, and enhance overall quality of life in Hesperia.
8. Support legislation and regulations that protect a local agency’s control over the cultivation and possession of cannabis, including the licensing of dispensaries and abatement of illegal activities.
9. Support legislation that encourages home ownership, inc luding p rograms that are intended to alleviate the national housing crisis.
10. Support legislation that preserves municipal authority over the public right -of-way including fair and reasonable compensation for use of the right-of-way.
11. Support legislation that facilitates the creation and maintenance of payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements that support the development of affordable housing projects.
12. Support legislation t o relax eligibility regulations related to affordable housing production requirements.
13. Support state a nd federal legislation that enhance the viability of public housing authorities (PHAs), including funding mechanisms, and protects the authorities and powers of PHAs.
14. Support legislation t hat preserves local control and decision making over housing and land use based on local factors and conditions.
15. Oppose legislation that would limit or restrict local land use decision-making authority.
16. Oppose affordable h ousing production mandates without necessary funding to support said housing mandates.
17. Oppose measures that remove local authority over housing decisions that best fit the City and its population.
18. Oppose legislation that limits local abilit y to regulate, manage or generate alternative sources of funding for affordable housing, including public-private partnerships.
19. Oppose l egislation that increases administrative burdens and costs associated with affordable housing without increasing provision of services at the local level.
20. Oppose efforts by any regulatory commission from promulgating rules and regulations that infringe on local land use decisions and management of the public right-of-way.
21. Oppose legislation that would inappropriately limit local govern ment authority to impose growth impact fees.
22. Oppose legislation similar to SB 375 w hich unfairly ties road funding to l ocal decisions on density and affordable housing.
23. Oppose legislation similar to AB 32 which will require compliance with climate change regulations.
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24. Oppose legislation similar to SB 9 which required cities to ministerially approve, without condition or discretion, the number of units allowed on a parcel without considering local conditions and community input.
25. Oppose legislation that limit s or removes local authority to manage the right -of-way concerning broadband deployment.
Local Control
General Area of Review: Preservation of Local Authority and Decision-Making Powers.
1. Support en hanced local control over public nuisance s, ( e.g., adult entertainment facilities, problem alcohol establishments, drug paraphernalia establishments, etc.).
2. Support legislation that strengthens local control over gaming issues.
3. Support the creation o f mo re affordable, innovative, and quality childcare options while maintaining strict adherence to childcare regulations and guidelines.
4. Support efforts to increase opportunities for community-wide citizen volunteer programs.
5. Support legislation to fund s ummer youth employment and training programs a nd expand funding for year- round youth employment and leadership in order to better prepare youth for future self-sufficiency and prevent youth violence and crime.
6. Support efforts to promote and finance program s to combat pet overpopulation, increase pet adoptions and s pay/neuter programs and educate citizens on the dangers and nuisance of roaming, uncontrolled animals and other animal control issues that risk public health and safety and quality of life.
7. Support pr ograms and efforts aimed at assisting with the clean -up of abandoned and/or inoperative vehicles.
8. Support for expansion of aviation services at Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA), provided no quality of life or economic competitiveness issues are impacted in Hesperia.
9. Support legislation and regulatory efforts that provide people with the social, economic, and physical environments needed to make healthy choices and lead healthy lifestyles.
10. Oppose any legislation that preempts local authority or transfers jurisdiction over local programs.
11. Oppose legislation and the promulgation of rules and regulations that allow any regulatory agency to en croach on or supersede local authority including, but not limited to, the City’s right to franchise for the right to operate in the public right-of-way.
12. Oppose legi slation that supports federal, or s tate iss ued mandates which infringe up on an individual’s freedom of choice regarding medical decisions, such as vaccine mandates.
Public Safety
General Area of Review: Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, Emergen cy Communica tions, Emergency Services, Disaster Preparedness, and Nuisance Abatement.
1. Support ad equate financing of jails and c riminal justice facilities. Address the need to devote equal time and energy to develop effective alternatives to incarceration , including ea rly intervention of at-risk youth and counseling and rehabilitation programs.
2. Pursue addit ional opportunity for partic ipation in regional Restoration of Competency (ROC) programs.
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3. Support legislation that limits the placement of sex offender and parolee ho mes within the City limits.
4. Support measures that protect the public against disease and disability and promote health.
5. Support increased authority and resources devoted to cities for abatement of graffiti and other acts of public vandalism.
6. Support legislation that provides local law enforcement agencies authority to recover any costs associated w ith com plying with any federal, state or court -ordered licensing, registration , and testing requirement.
7. Support legislation that has the potential to reduce in cidents of violence in the community, especially through the development of treatment and intervention programs for youth.
8. Support legislation that provides greater protection to victims of crime.
9. Support efforts of the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act.
10. Support efforts to resolve the medicinal cannabis collective issue throu gh judi cial or legi slative action.
11. Monitor impacts of regulation of medical cannabis and recreational cannabis.
12. Support legislation that c ontinues efforts to maximize opportunity for reimbursement for inmate medical and mental health care, as well as ass isting with continuity of care p ost-release and pursuing funding for increased needs resulting from realignment. Mitigate liabilities in areas such as health, mental health, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other areas of legal concern.
13. Support legislation establishing protocols and funding for shared, statewide emergency response communications.
14. Support legislation that protects senior citizens from criminal exploitation.
15. Support legislation that protects society against identity theft.
16. Support legislation that protects juveniles from sexual predators on the internet.
17. Support legislation aimed at reducing gang violence and support enhanced sentences fo r criminal offenses committed by gang members.
18. Support legislation that provides education for public safety training.
19. Support legislation which would amend Proposition 47 and restore felony status to crimes which were reduced to misdemeanors and/or requir e the completi on of drug rehabilitation to the reduction of said related crimes to a misdemeanor.
20. Address changes made by Propos ition 47 regarding implementation and state and local criminal justice system impacts.
21. Support legislation that addresses the impacts of long-term jail sentences.
22. Support legislation and funding to provide law enforcement/p ublic safety agencies greater access to wireless communication necessary to support a national wireless broadband network capable of use by any public safety entity to serve and protect communities throughout the nation.
23. Support legislation that promotes p rograms that enhance the benefits of mutual aid agreements between local governments.
24. Support additional funding for local agencies to recoup the costs associated with fire safety in the community.
25. Support legislation that strengthens the City’s ability to prohib it the use and sale of fireworks and that allows the San Bernardino County Fire District to prohibit and otherwise control fireworks.
26. Support legislation that supports the physical and financial ability of the San Bernardino County Fire District to actively ban the sale and/or transportation of fireworks.
27. Support legislation that promotes fire safety, education, and prevention with the goal of reducing injury, loss of life, and property damage.
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28. Support statewide efforts to coordinate solutions to the systemic overc rowding of local Hospital Emergency Rooms and reduce Ambulance overdependence or Ambulance Patient Offload Delays (APOD).
29. Support legislation that provides the San Bernardino County Fire District the authority to recover any costs associated with complying w ith any federal, state , or co urt-ordered licensing, registration, and testing requirement.
30. Support measures that encourage disaster preparedness and emergency planning.
31. Support statewide efforts to coordinate disaster preparedness programs in local jurisdictions, and support guidelines to identify the strengths and weaknesses of local preparedness efforts.
32. Oppose programs that have the potential to compromise officer safety.
33. Oppose unfunded mandate s on local government in relation to tracking of paroled se xual predators.
34. Oppose any State or local fire related tax or fee increase that does not go back to local agencies.
Revenue and Taxation
General Area of Review: Finance Administration, Taxation R eform, General and Special Revenue, and Revenue Sources at the federal, state, and local levels.
1. Support efforts to protect local government revenue sources and the provisions of Propositions 1A and 22.
2. Support legislation/initiatives that guarantee all local histo rical funding sources shall be a dedicated revenue source for local governments.
3. Support legislation designed to protect, without unnecessarily restricting, the investments of local government agencies.
4. Support local control of the awarding of contracts and the accountability of local officials for those actions.
5. Support legislati on that f acilitates an d enab les the timel y co llection of delinquent assessments and strengthens or maintains the lien position of those assessments.
6. Support legislation that would require the State to comply with its obligation and original intent of the State Mandated Costs c laim process to reim burse cities for costs incurred because of State- mandated programs and processes.
7. Support measures that promote fiscal stab ility, predictability, and financial independence at the local level.
8. Support efforts that p reserve and promote t he City ’s ability to maintain and grow its revenue base.
9. Support regional cooperation on common interests and goals by providing access to shar e incremental growth in ERAF (Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund) property tax.
10. Support legislation that provides a more balanced mix of property tax revenues related to public service costs among cities, counties, and special districts.
11. Support full cost reimbursement to the City for all federal, state, and county-mandated programs.
12. Support legislation that provides for adequate transparency of the City’s investment activity.
13. Oppose measures that diminish the City’s revenue sources that are required to maintain critical services.
14. Oppose imposition of state, federal, and regional mandates upo n local governments, a s well as federal mandates on the state, especially those for which no funding exists.
15. Oppose taxes or fees on local refuse programs to fund statewide programs.
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16. Oppose legislation that would preempt or threaten local taxation authority.
17. Oppose any change i n reve nue allocations that wo uld negatively affect local government, including sales, use and property tax, tax increment, gas tax (HUTA), transient occupan cy tax (TOT) and vehicle in-lieu fees (VLF).
18. Oppose restrictions on the City’s ability to adopt its own investment policies.
19. Oppose any legislation that would require municipalities to participate in investments that do not meet the objectives set forth in the City’s policies.
Transportation, Communication and Public Works
General Area of Review: Transportation, Construction, Telecommunications, and General Public Works Related Areas.
1. Support increased transportation funds allocated to local jurisdictions for discretionary projects.
2. Support legislation to enhance transportation funding equity within the State.
3. Support efforts to encourage flexibility in federal funding and regulations to better meet the needs of small to medium size communities.
4. Support legislation that facilitates cooperative progra ms among government agencies in or der to help the City meet its basic needs, including transit, street, highway, road and bridge construction and maintenance, and safe corridors for bicyclists and pedestrians.
5. Support new processes to expedite the permitti ng and environmental review a nd ap proval of transportation projects.
6. Support legislation that requires the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Federal PUC and railroad operators to ado pt and fund pr ograms to construct grade separations necessary fo r public safety and welfare.
7. Support legislation that would lift the minimum requirement of payment of prevailing wages on municipal Public Works projects to amounts greater than $500,000.
8. Oppose the reduction/elimination of previously dedicated funds f or any transportation project s, especially those that are currently nearing construction and have been delayed by agency actions beyond the City’s control.
9. Oppose transportation proposals that w ould a dversely affect the quality of life in Hesperia by increasing traffic congestion, air pollution, or other problems.
10. Oppose legislation that ties transportation funds to compliance with land use, housing, or climate change goals.
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2023 Federal Legislative Policy Statements
The following categories of policy statements are broad and are not intended to be all-inclusive but will be used as a reference tool and guideline for the City’s federal advocacy efforts in 2023.
1. Support funding that specifi cally benefits the City of Hesperia’s transportation and publi c works projects. Support ef forts to ensure funding to semi-urban/rural areas, and provide a permanent, direct percentage of unrestricted federal transportation funds to local government transportation departments for priority work in such areas.
2. Support streamlined environmental pro cessing for federal re gulatory permits issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Federal Highway Administration , and various other state and federal agencies for the purpose of expediting public infrastructure projects.
3. Support efforts to establish regional recognition of the limits of authority by the US Army Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act.
4. Support direct federal funding from the Economic Development Administration for economic development and public works projects.
5. Support federal leg islation t hat recognizes the importance of sales and use tax to local municipalities and equitably distributes sales tax collections on e-commerce transactions.
6. Support direct federal funding to cities, with out matching requirements, to use in drug prevention, intervention, and enforcement efforts.
7. Support efforts to ensure protection of sufficient radio spectrum to meet public safety’s current and future nee ds. Public safety needs should have priority ove r private, or for- profit, communication systems.
8. Support l egislation that enhances and continues the Healthy Forests Initiative which protects public safety and welfare by caring for forest areas and ensuring that losses from wildfires are minimized.
9. Support efforts to secure a Federal Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) designation for the City.
10. Support local/regional control and administration of federal programs and strategic placement of federal personnel to ensure expedited decision-making.
11. Support responsible and equitable legislation to help stabilize the housing market.
12. Oppose cuts to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs. Advocate for a more streamlined application process and for greater flexibility of local appropriation and use of monies.
13. Oppose any legislation that mandates a Social Security tax for public employers and employees.
14. Support legislation to modify inappropriate sections of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as it relates to regulating public sector employment.
15. Oppose any changes to the Mortgage Interest Deduction.
16. Oppose any efforts by government sponsored entities (FNMA & Freddie Mac) that will destabilize the housing market including bulk sales of real estate owned properties (REOs).
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2023 City Council Funding Priorities
Transportation
Main Street Widening and Aqueduct Bridge Construction
Three heavily congested corridors are all that exist in the City of Hesperia (City) to move traffic east-west through the city. To improve circulation, Main Street will be widened from the Interstate 15 (I-15) to Eleventh Avenue from four lanes to six lanes with center turn lanes and an additional aqueduct bridge adjacent to the existing bridge will be constructed consistent with the California Department of Water Resource s (DWR) bridge requirements. The project will enhance capacity by more than 30% and will include raised medians to restrict traffic movements and a three-lane bridge together with shoulder, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and aqueduct safety features.
The project will improve t he critically needed east-west traffic circulation, improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improve safety and safety response times for emergency vehicles, provide efficient connectivity for residents and bus iness centers, create jobs, inc rease use of non- motorized transportation systems, and facilitate growth. The project will alleviate current congestion along Main Street that is anticipated to worsen due to growth. The widening will achieve the ultimate con figuration of Main Street whi ch is classified as a Ma jor Arterial Roadway in the City’s Circulation Element of the General Plan.
Total project cost is $18.9 million for Main Street widening and $10.1 million for aqueduct bridge construction. The City inten ds to deliver the project in three (3) phases w ith each phase totaling about $10 million. The first phase would be construction of the aqueduct bridge. The goal for construction of the Main Street improvements is $25 million in grant funding. The City wil l advocate for funding for th e Main Street Wi dening project from a variety of s tate and f ederal sources.
Bear Valley Road Rehabilitation and Widening Project
Bear Valley Road, between Interstate 15 (I -15)
and the Mojave River, carries more traffic volume
than any other roadway in the High Desert. The road way is shared with the City of Victorville; the north half is located and maintained by Victorville while the south half is located and maintained by the City of Hesperia. The roadway is the primary entr ance to the Town of Apple Valley. The route also se rves a s the primary access to the City’s large industrial area. The roadway contains three eastbound travel lanes but many areas along the street frontage are not fully improved. A large majority of the properties fronting Bear Vall ey Roa d are vacant, an d roadway improvements are still to be constructed.
The City desires to partner with the City of Victorville and construct missing curb, gutter, sidewalk, and bike lanes along both sides of the roadway t ogether with pavement rehabilitatio n to keep this v ital r oadway in good condition. Like other roadway improvement projects, the project will improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improve safety and response times for emergency vehicles , provide efficient connectiv ity for residents and b usiness
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centers, create jobs, increase use of non -motorized transportation systems, and facilitate growth. The project is consistent with the City’s Circulation Plan of the General Plan.
Total project cos t is $3.8 million. The City’ s goal is to acquire $ 3.5 mi llion in grants and $0.3 million of local funds to complete the project. The City continues to advocate for funding for the project from a variety of state and federal grant sources.
Traffic Signals
Traffic signals are valuable devices for the control of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. They assign the right-of-way to the various traffic movements and thereby profoundly influence traffic flow.
Traffic signals that are properly designed, located, operated, and maintained have one or more of the following advantages:
• They provide for the orderly movement of traffic.
• They increase the traffic-handling capacity of the intersection if:
a. Proper physical layouts and control measures are used; and b. The signal operational parameters are re viewed and update d (if needed) on a regular basis (as engineering judgement determines that significant traffic flow and/or land use changes have occurred) to maximize the ability of the traffic control signal to satisfy current traffic demands.
• They reduce the frequency a nd severity of certain types of crashes, especially right -angle collisions.
• They are coordinated to provide for continuous or nearly continuous movement of traffic at a definite speed along a given route under favorable conditions. • They are used to interr upt heavy traffic at intervals to permit other traffic, vehicular or pedestrian, to cross.
The Traffic Signal project focuses on two intersections in the City that have exceeded the collision threshold wh ich warrants traffic signal install ation. Traffic signals will be installed at the following intersections:
• Seventh Avenue and Sequoia Avenue
• Escondido Avenue and Sultana Street
These intersections currently experience a low Level of Service (LOS) which fall below general circulation plan goals coupled with numerous collisions. The project will potentially reduce all types of collisions and increase public safety. The LOS goals of D or better will be restored.
Total project cost is estimated at $1.3 million with the City advocating for $1 million in grant funding from a variety of state and federal sources.
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I Avenue Widening
I Avenue connects a large residential area to commercial services in the City of Hesperia. It contains both horizontal and ve rtical sight distance deficie ncies. Over the past 1 0 years, there were 182 accidents along I Avenue, of which 22 involved bicyclists and pedestrians with four resulting in fatalities. In addition, 31 of these accidents were located near schools.
To improve these safety deficiencies, I Avenue will be widened between Ranchero Road and Bear Valley Road, approximately 6.4 miles. I Avenue is currently a north -south two -lane roadway terminating at Ranchero Road in the south and Bear Valley Road in the north. I Av enue is classified as a four -lane divided Arterial w ith a center turn lane for its entire length. The project will create a community vision that prioritizes safety improvements for all roadway users addressing safety concerns, travel patterns, and infrast ructure. The City recently c ompleted a planning study funded through Caltrans’ Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant. The study identified improvement segments and segment costs.
The project will focus on the following goals:
1. Provide increased capaci ty to improve safety conditions fo r both motorize d and non - motorized users.
2. Create a healthy, livable, and sustainable community by providing complete stre ets, thereby increasing walking, biking, and transit trips while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Improve public transit services for the entire community.
4. Connect Hesperia's residents to destinations that bridge the healthcare divide, provide education opportunities, and provide access to spur economic growth.
5. Promote commerce and economic vitality by facilitating goods mo vement along I Avenue and improving efficiency.
6. Involve the community in developing a long -term prioritized strategy and plan fo r promoting reliable and efficient mobility for people, goods, and services.
The total project cost is estimated at $53.2 million. Segments are:
1. Segment 1 – Ranchero Road to Danbury Avenue
2. Segment 2 – Danbury Avenue to Redbud Street
3. Segment 3 – Redbud Street to Hercules Street
4. Segment 4 – Hercules Street to “E” Street
5. Segment 5 – “E” Street to Catalpa Street
6. Segment 6 – Catalpa Street to Bear Valley Road
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The City will endeavor to construct improvements in segments. The City has elected to construct Segments two (2) and three (3) initially to address traffic congestion, safe routes to schools, and to increase safety. These segments are estimated at $15 million. The City will pursue $10 million in grant funding from a variety of s tate and federal sources and match the amount with local funds of $5 million.
Sultana Street, Muscatel Street, and Cedar Stre et (Mariposa Road to Escondido Avenue) Street Improvements
Over t he past couple of decades, residential development has occurred in the area generally bounded by Main Street to the North, the California Aqueduct to the East, Cedar Street to the South, and Mariposa Road to the West. I t is anticipated that growth in the area will continue in the future. The area contains a large wash (A -04 Drainage Corridor) that prevents these developments from having improved access to Mariposa Road. To gain access to the Main Street commercial corridor and/or to Interstate 15 (I -15), residents primarily use Escondido Avenue as alternate improved routes are not available. All eastbound routes are terminated at the California Aqueduct. These conditions have created signi ficant tra ffic congestion both along Main Street and Escondido Avenue in addition to safety concerns.
The City desires to construct three roadway connections along Sultana Street, Muscatel Street, and Cedar Street together with roadway widening along Mar iposa Road to facilitate traf fic movements to both the Main Street commercial corridor and to Interstate 15 (I-15) and Highway
395. The City will collaborate with San Bernardino County and San Bernardino County Transportation Authority to complete the project. The work will include construction of drainage system imp rovements so th at storm water will continue to be conveyed along the A -04 wash under the new roadways to the northeast, embankment construction that must comply with State Division of Dam Safe ty requirements, and two -lane roadways along each street togethe r with r oadway improvements along Mariposa Road that will include widening to four lanes, a center turning lane, pavement rehabilitation, and traffic signals at each intersection. The roadways will also inclu de pedestria n sidewalks and bike lanes to encour age non -motorized transportation.
Like other roadway improvement projects, the project will improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improve safety and response times for e mergency vehicles, provide efficient connectivity for residents a nd busi ness ce nters, create jobs, increase use of non- motorized transportation systems, and facilitate growth. The project is consistent with the City’s Circulation Plan of the General Plan.
Total project cos t is $21.4 m illion. The City’s goal is to acqu ire $20 million in grants and $1.4 million of local funds to complete the project. The City continues to advocate for funding for the project from a variety of state and federal grant sources.
North-South Corridor Improvements
Between the California Aquedu ct and the Bur lington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad corridor, the City lacks any improved major arterial between Ranchero Road, soon to be improved to a five - lane roadway, and Bear Valley Road, th e busiest roadw ay in the Hi gh Desert. The City wants to study the area to determine which corridors should be improved to facilitate access to and from
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the north and south ends of the C ity. Routes to be considered include Hesperia Road, Seventh Street, Cottonwood Avenue and Maple Avenue.
The roadway, consistent with the City’s Circulation Plan, will be widened to five lanes which will include two travel lanes in each direction, a center turn -lane, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and traffic signals. Like other roadway improvement projects, the project will improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improve safety and response times for emergency vehicles, provide efficient connectivity for residents and business centers, create jobs, increase use of non-motorized transportation systems, and facilitate growth.
The estimated cost to study these corridors is estimated at $0.5 million. The City’s goal is to fund the entire project with grant funding. The City continues to advocate for f unding for the project from a variety of state and federal grant sources.
Flood Control
Cataba Road Basin
The City of Hesperia experiences storm -related flooding and sediment transport throughout the City. In particular, the Oro Grande Wash conveys runoff from over 30 square miles to the Mojave River. The focus of the subject project is the area just upstream of the California Aqueduct.
There are two existing box culverts under the aqueduct that restrict flow. The drainage tributary is 4,969 acres tha t generates a 100-year peak flow rate of 1,671 cubic feet per second (cfs). The City has received numerous complaints from the State of California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) regarding sediment and debris accumulation. The primary concern from DWR is if such accumulations block the culvert system, its sy stem may be impacted preventing state water pr oject deliveries to millions of Southern Californians. DWR indicates that it expends approximately $35,000 annually to ensure the system is appropriately maintained.
To address these concerns, the City propo ses to construct the Cataba Road Basin to be l ocated immediately upstream of the Aqueduct crossing to capture sediment and debris for proper disposal. The project includes planning, design, sit e acquisition, permitting, and construction of a detention facility together with related facilities (e.g. inlet and outlet structures and emergency spillway). The Basin will accommodate large flows reducing peak flow rates while capturing sediment and deb ris. The project consists of an inlet spillway system leading into the b asin through energy dissipaters, a low flow outlet, and storm drain connection to the existing dual culverts.
Total project cost is $5.2 million with $3 million being requested in grant funding.
Temecula Avenue Basin
The City o f Hesperia experiences storm related flooding and sediment transport throughout the City. To address these concerns, the City proposes to construct the Temecula Avenue Basin located northwest of the Arrowhead L ake Road and Mono Drive inter section. Sediment build-up occurs in the do wnstream storm drain systems. The Temecula Basin will accommodate large flows reducing peak flow rates while capturing sediment. The project consists of constructing an
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inlet headwall lo cated along the existing cr eek and leading i nto a series of two basins with a combined storage capacity of 39 acre -feet together. Water will flow from the 26-acre-foot basin to the 13 -acre-foot basin through an outlet spillway. The 13 -acre-foot basin will then discharge storm water through a low flo w outlet and st orm drain c onnecting to the existing 96 feet of storm drain located approximately 280 feet north of the Arrowhead Lake Road and Mono Drive intersection.
The project will enhance flood protection by eliminating flooding alon g Arrowhead Lake R oad, reducing maintenance costs, improving local water supplies, improving local water quality, and reducing sediment transport to the Mojave River.
Total project cost is estimated at $3.9 million. The aggreg ate goal for construction of the Temecula Avenue Basin is $3.5 million in grant funding.
A-04 Corridor Flood Protection Program
Prior to the City of Hesperia’s incorporation in 1988, development occurred that only included minor alterations to natural to pography. As a result, natural drainage cours es meander through developed areas, and streets follow the natural contours of the land, often without culverts or bridges across drainage channels. This leads to localized flooding, property damage, road closures, erosion damage, negativ e econ omic impac ts, and signifi cant sediment and debris accumulation even during moderate storm events. To address the drainage conditions along the A-04 corridor, one of the many corridors, the City will construct various flo od control improvements inclu ding basins and c onveyance pipe lines. Dur ing moderate storm events, flooding occurs all along the entire drainage corridor. The project includes planning, design, site acquisition, permitting, construction of basins, and conv eyance pipelines between basi ns. T he basins will also be used for recharge of imported and recycled water.
The project will enhance flood protection for nearly 10 miles of developed, and to be developed, areas in the cities of Hesperia and Victorville. Th ese areas are or will be de veloped with commercial and res idential la nd uses. In addition, the flooding area includes several major arterials. The project will also improve water supply management to the High Desert region.
Total project cost is $50 million. The City will advoc ate for $35 milli on in funding f rom a variety of state and federal sources and pursue all eligible funding sources. Match funds will be accumulated by use of the City’s recently adopted A-04 Special Development Impact Fee.
Sewer Improvements
Wastewater System Improvements
The City will be constructing a new wastewater treatment plant and conveyance facilities to treat wastewater locally. Currently, all wastewater is conveyed to a regional wastewater treatment plant near the Helendale Community located more than 11 miles downstream of the City. There are no opportunities to return recycled water to the City. The proposed plant will end the City’s need to send water miles away, will allow the City to treat wastewater locally, and will provide the City wi th the opportuni ty to reuse rec ycled water. The initial plant will be constructed with four million gallons of daily capacity. To convey flow to the plant, offsite conveyance system
2023 Legislative Platform Page 23 of 27
improvements must also be constructed. The project includes construction of the wastewa ter treatment plant, a regional lift station, force mains, and gravity sewers.
The project will be constructed in phases – the first phase will include the wastewater treatment plant together with the Bear Val ley Road lift station estimat ed at $57 million. The second phas e includes grav ity sewer a long Sant a Fe Avenue estimated at $8 million. The City is pursuing a variety of state and federal funding sources.
Township Septic to Sewer
To permit development of infill parcels, and to protect groundwater quality, the City is proposing to expand its existing wastewater collection system to provide service to undevelopable lots and to convert onsite wastewater treatment systems to the sewer system. The wastewater wi ll be treated, and effluent will be recycled for irrigation uses and aquifer recharge.
The Township area is one of the oldest communities in the City of Hesperia. Due to regional water quality control board requirements related to onsite disposal system s, very small lots within the Township area, a severely disadvantag ed community, c annot de velop without the construction of a wastewater collection system. Local construction of a system is cost prohibitive.
In addition, the existing high-density onsite disposal systems are impacting aquifer water quality, the only water supply source for the City.
The project will provide sewer service to this high- density area and thereby permit infill development in a Disadvantaged Community Area. Additionally, sewer improvements in this area will enhance aquifer water quality protection.
Both th e total p roject cost and the aggregate goal for construction of the Township Septic to Sewer Project is $19.7 million in loans and grant funding. The City has been advocating for funding for the Township Septic to Sewer Project from a varie ty of s tate and federal sources in multiple funding cycles and continues to vigorously pursue all eligible funding sources.
Mesa Area Septic to Sewer
To protect groundwater quality, the City is proposing to expand its existing wastewater collection system to provide service to convert onsite wastewater treatment systems to the sewer system.
The wastewater will be treated, and effluent will be recycled for irrigation uses and aquifer recharge.
The Mesa area is one of the highest density communities in the C ity of Hesperia . Local construction of a system is cost prohibitive. In addition, the existing high- density onsite disposal systems are impacting aquifer water quality, the only water supply source for the City. The project will provide sewer service to this high-density area protecting aquifer water quality.
The project will be delivered in phases which include construction of the Peach Avenue lift station together with force mains and gravity sewers as well as a phase that includes local gravity sewers and septic to s ewer conversions. The total project cost is $80 million. The project cost
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per phase will be $10 million for each individual phase. The City will pursue project funding from a variety of state and federal sources in multiple funding cycles.
Water System Improvements
Hesperia Well Field Construction
Water supplies remain a challenge for the City. Due to growth and regulations, the City will continue to explore opportunities t o enhance its ability to dev elop cost effective water supplies.
Areas along the Mojave River near the south portions of the City appear to be an excellent opportunity. The City desires to complete a hydrogeologic/infrastructure study of the area to identify well production locations and infrastructure needed to convey water supplies from these well production plants to the City’s existing water system. Production of water supplies will permit the City to reduce pumping in areas that currently experience “pumping holes” and to avoid production in areas where water qual ity does not co mply with health standards. In addition, the City is anticipating growth over the next three decades that will require an increased water supply.
The City estimates that the study will require grant funding in the amount of $0.5 million.
Recycled Water System Improvements
Distribution System Improvements
As noted above, the City will be constructing a local wastewater treatment plant to treat all wastewater generated within the City. Recycled water su pplies currently lost to the region w ill be captured increasing the recycled water supplies by a factor of three. To distribute r ecycled water to irrigation users and recharge facilities, the City desires to expand its recycle d water distribution system. The system will include storage facil ities, pumping plants, and conveyance pipelines.
Greater use of recycled water supplies w ill reduce the need for local production and will reduce the region’s dependence on State Water Project (SWP) supplies.
The City estimates that the project impl ementation will cost $28 million. The City will pursue project funding from a variety of state and federal sources in multiple funding cycles.
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Monthly Overview
2023 State Legislative Calendar
Below is an overvi ew that summarizes major legislative ev ents and key dat es that occur month- to-month. The 2023 Legislative Calendar is created by the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.
January
The previous year ’s laws go in to effect January 1. Legislature reco nvenes January 4 to d iscuss the new year of l egislation ahead, and al l bill requests must be submitted to the Office of Legislat ive Counsel by January 20. Budget must be submitted by the Governor by January 10.
February
The last day for bills to be introduced occurs on February 17.
President’s Day is observed February 20.
March
Spring recess begins upon adjournment on March 30 and reconvenes April 10.
Cesar Chavez day is observed March 31.
April
April 10 Legislature re convenes from Spring recess. April 28 marks the last day for policy committee s to hear and re port to fiscal committees regarding fiscal bills being introduced.
May
Policy committees must hear and report non -fiscal bills by May 5. Policy committees last da y to meet is May 12 before convening in June. May 19 marks the last day for fiscal committees to he ar and report to the floor bills introduced in their house.
Floor session conducted May 30-June2.
June
June 2 marks last day for each house to pass bills introduced in their house.
Committee meetings may resume June 5.
Budget Bill must be passed by midnight on June 15.
July
Policy committees meet and repor t fiscal bills by July 1 4. Independence Day observed on July 4. Summer Recess begi ns upon adjournment of July 14 session, provided Budget Bill has been passed.
August Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess on August 14.
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September
Last d ay for Fiscal committees to meet and repo rt bills to the Floor is September 1. September 5-14 floor session on ly. Last da y to amend bills on the floor is September 8. Last day for each house to pass bills is September 14.
Interim Study Recess begins at the adjournment of the September 14 session.
Labor Day is September 4.
October October 14 is the last day f or Governor to sign or ve to bills passed by the Legislature.
November
December
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Elected Officials Representing Hesperia
CALIFORNIA STATE GOVERNOR
Name Capitol Address Capitol Numbers
Governor Gavin Newsom State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-558-3160
CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY
Name Capitol Address Capitol Numbers Local Address Local Numbers Juan Carrillo
39th Assembly District
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249
Phone: 916-319-2039
Fax: 916-319-2139
9700 Seventh Ave., #227
Hesperia, CA 92345
Phone: 760-244-5277
Fax: 760-244-5447
Chris R. Holden
41st Assembly District
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249
Phone: 916-319-2041
Fax: 916-319-2141
415 W. Foothill Blvd. #124
Claremont, CA 91711
Phone: 909-624-7876
Fax: 909-626-2548
Tom Lackey
34th Assembly District
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249
Phone: 916-319-2034
41301 12th St., Suite F
Palmdale, CA 93551
Phone: 661-267-7636
CALIFORNIA STATE SENATOR
Name Capitol Address Capitol Numbers Local Address Local Numbers Senator Scott Wilk
21st Senate District
State Capitol, Rm 4090
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-651-4021
Fax: 916-651-4921
14343 Civic Dr., 1st Floor
Victorville, CA 92392
Phone: 760-843-8414
Fax: 760-843-8343
Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
23st Senate District
1021 O Street, Rm 7220
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-651-4023
Fax: 916-651-4923
1758 Orange Tree Lane, #B
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 909-335-0271
Fax: 909-335-0282
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISOR
Name District Address District Numbers
Supervisor Paul Cook
First District
12474 Cottonwood Ave., Ste. A
Victorville, CA 92395
Phone: 760-995-8100
Fax: 760-995-8105
UNITED STATES CONGRESS
Name Washington Address Washington
Numbers
Local Address Local Numbers
Congressman Jay Obernolte
8th Congress District
1222 Longworth House
Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-5861 9700 Seventh Ave., #201
Hesperia, CA 92345
Phone: 760-247-1815
UNITED STATES SENATOR
Name Washington Address Washington
Numbers
Local Address Local Numbers
Senator Dianne Feinstein
331 Hart Senate Bldg.
Washington, D.C.
20510
Phone: 202-224-3841
Fax: 202-228-3954
11111 Santa Monica
Blvd., #915
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 310-914-7300
Fax: 310-914-7318
Senator Alex Padilla 112 Hart Senate Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-3553
Fax: 202-224-2200
255 E Temple Street
Suite 1860
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 202-224-3553
Fax: 202-224-2200