City Council Agenda August 11, 2025
1 1863572-2
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT/CALIFORNIA BROWN ACT
NOTIFICATION FOR THE CITY OF HUGHSON
This Agenda shall be made available upon request in alternative formats to persons with a disability as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 12132) and the Ralph M. Brown Act (California Government Code Section 54954.2).
Disabled or Special needs Accommodation: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons requesting a disability related modification or accommodation in order to participate in the meeting and/or if you need assistance to attend or participate in a City Council meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (209) 883-4054. Notification at least 48-hours prior to the meeting will assist the City Clerk in assuring that reasonable accommodations are made to provide accessibility to the meeting.
City of Hughson
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Hughson City Hall – 7018 Pine Street Hughson, California MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor George Carr
ROLL CALL: Mayor George Carr
Mayor Pro Tem Randy Crooker
Councilmember Alan McFadon
Councilmember Julie Ann Strain
Councilmember Susana Vasquez
FLAG SALUTE: Mayor George Carr
AGENDA
HUGHSON CITY COUNCIL
How to participate in, or observe the Meeting:
• In person in the City Council Chambers and submit public comment when invited during the meeting. • Observe only via YouTube live, by accessing this link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-PwkdIrKoMmOJDzBSodu6A?view_as=subscriber If a technical issue arises with any streaming option, the City Council meeting will continue unless the meeting is being held pursuant to the provisions of Assembly Bill 2449. • In addition, recorded City Council meetings are posted on the City’s website the second business day following the meeting. Recorded videos can be accessed with the following link:
Upcoming Meetings | Hughson CA
City Council Agenda August 11, 2025
2 1863572-2
INVOCATION: Hughson Ministerial Association
1. PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR (No Action Can Be Taken):
Please limit presentations to three minutes. If you wish to speak regarding an item on the agenda, you may be asked to defer your remarks until the Council addresses the matter. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54954.2(a)(3), no action or discussion may be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except that the City Council, or its staff, may briefly respond to comments or questions from members of the public, provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, or direct staff to place the issue on a future agenda.
2. PRESENTATIONS:
2.1: Introduction of Lily Yap, Executive Director of the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR:
All items listed on the Consent Calendar are to be acted upon by a single action of the City Council unless otherwise requested by an audience member, or individual Councilmember, for special consideration. Otherwise, the recommendation of staff will be accepted and acted upon by roll call vote.
3.1: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 28, 2025.
3.2: Approval of the Warrants.
3.3: Approval of a Budget Adjustment for Fund 100 for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Final Budget.
3.4: Approval of a Budget Adjustment for Fund 280 for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Final Budget.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
4.1: Considering a Resolution that will Authorize an Application for Funding for the Hughson Water Consolidation Project (Cobles Corner/Country Villa) from the State Water Resources Control Board under their Consolidation Incentive Program.
5. PUBLIC HEARING: NONE.
6. NEW BUSINESS: NONE.
7. CORRESPONDENCE: NONE.
8. COMMENTS:
A brief report on notable attendance at a meeting, or conference, or other notable topics of City business shall be made. The Brown Act does not allow for discussion or action of items by the City Council during this time.
8.1: Staff Reports and Comments:
City Council Agenda August 11, 2025
3 1863572-2
City Manager
City Clerk
Director of Finance
Community Development Director
Police Services
City Attorney
8.2: Council Comments:
9. CLOSED SESSION: NONE.
10. ADJOURNMENT:
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2025, at 6:00 pm.
In accordance with California Government Code Section 54957.5, any writing or document that is a public record, relates to an open session agenda item, and is distributed less than 72 hours prior to a regular meeting will be made available for public inspection in the office of the City Clerk at Hughson City Hall during normal business hours. If, however, the document or writing is not distributed until the regular meeting to which it relates, then the document or writing will be made available to the public at the location of the meeting, as listed on the agenda.
Notice Regarding Non-English Speakers
Pursuant to California Constitution Article III, Section IV, establishing English as the official language for the State of California, and in accordance with California Code of Civil Procedures Section 185, which requires proceedings before any State Court to be in English, notice is hereby given that all proceedings before the City of Hughson City Council shall be in English and anyone wishing to address the Council is required to have a translator present who will take an oath to make an accurate translation from any language not English into the English language.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Aug 11 • City Council Meeting, City Council Chambers/YouTube Live Stream, 6:00PM Aug 12 • City/Fire 2+2 Committee Meeting, Hughson Fire District, 5:30PM Aug 12 • Parks, Recreation and Entertainment Commission Meeting, City Council Chambers, 6:00PM
Aug 19 • Planning Commission Meeting, City Council Chambers, 6:00PM Aug 25 • City Council Meeting, City Council Chambers/YouTube Live Stream, 6:00PM
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
Date: August 8, 2025 Time: 11:00AM
Name: Ashton Gose Title: City Clerk
Meeting Date: August 11, 2025
Subject: Approval of the City Council Minutes
Presented By: Ashton Gose, City Clerk
Approved By:
____________________________
City Manager
______________________________________________________________________ Recommended Council Action:
Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 28, 2025.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.1
SECTION 3: CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council Minutes July 28, 2025
1 MINUTES
City of Hughson
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Hughson City Hall – 7018 Pine Street
Hughson, California
MONDAY, JULY 28, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Goerge Carr
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mayor George Carr
Mayor Pro Tem Randy Crooker
Councilmember Alan McFadon
Absent: Councilmember Susana Vasquez
Councilmember Julie Ann Strain
Staff Present: Dominique Romo, City Manager
Andy Pinasco, City Attorney (via WebEx)
Ashton Gose, City Clerk
Carla Jauregui, Community Development Director
Kim Weimer, Director of Finance and Administrative Services Brock Dias, Chief of Hughson Police Services
________________________________________________________________
1. PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR (No Action Taken): NONE.
2. PRESENTATIONS:
2.1: Proclaiming August 5, 2025, as National Night Out.
Mayor Carr proclaimed August 5, 2025, as National Night Out.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR:
HUGHSON CITY COUNCIL
City Council Minutes July 28, 2025
2 3.1: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 14, 2025.
3.2: Approval of the Warrants.
3.3: Amending the Joint Powers Agreement with Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (CSJVRMA).
3.4: Approval the designation of Mayor George Carr as the Voting Delegate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, scheduled for October 8– 10, 2025, at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California.
3.5: Establishing the Annual Special Tax for the City of Hughson, Province Place Community Facilities District, 2017 for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and Establishing the Annual Special Tax for the City of Hughson Community Facilities District (Parkwood), for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
CARR/McFADON 3-0-0-2 motion passes to approve the Consent Calendar, as presented, with the following roll call vote:
CROOKER VASQUEZ STRAIN McFADON CARR
AYE ABSENT ABSENT AYE AYE
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE.
5. PUBLIC HEARING:
5.1: Confirming Diagrams, Assessments and Reports and Levying Assessments for Fiscal Year 2025-26, for all Landscape and Lighting Districts and all Benefit Assessment Districts within the City of Hughson.
City Manager Romo presented the staff report on this item.
Mayor Carr opened the public hearing at 6:12PM. There was no public comment. Mayor Carr closed the public hearing at 6:13PM.
CARR/McFADON 3-0-0-2 motion passes to adopt Resolution No. 2025-24, confirming diagrams, assessments and reports and levying assessments for Fiscal Year 2025- 26, for all Landscape and Lighting Districts and all Benefit Assessment Districts within the City of Hughson; and direct Harris & Associates Assessment Engineer to file, or cause to be filed, a certified copy of said Resolution and the report for each Assessment District with the Stanislaus County Tax Collector, with the following roll call vote:
CROOKER VASQUEZ STRAIN McFADON CARR
AYE ABSENT ABSENT AYE AYE
City Council Minutes July 28, 2025
3 6. NEW BUSINESS: NONE.
7. CORRESPONDENCE: NONE.
8. COMMENTS:
8.1: Staff Reports and/or Comments:
City Manager Romo informed the City Council that an item on the Water Consolidation Project for Cobles Corner and Country Villa will be presented at the August 11, 2025, City Council meeting. She attended the PAD events on July 18, 2025, and July 25, 2025.
8.2: Council Member/Mayor Comments
Councilmember McFadon thanked all city staff for their continued hard work.
Mayor Pro Tem Crooker thanked staff for their continued hard work.
Mayor Carr attended a Transportation Conference. He encouraged residents to attend the National Night Out event.
9. CLOSED SESSION: NONE.
10. ADJOURNMENT:
McFADON/CROOKER 3-0-0-2 motion passes to adjourn the July 28, 2025, meeting at 6:17PM, with the following roll call vote:
CROOKER VASQUEZ STRAIN McFADON CARR
AYE ABSENT ABSENT AYE AYE
APPROVED:
_____________________
GEORGE CARR, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
ASHTON GOSE, City Clerk
Meeting Date: August 11, 2025
Subject: Approval of Warrants Register
Presented By: Kim Weimer, Director of Finance
Approved By: ____________________________
Dominique Romo, City Manager
Recommended Council Action:
Approve the Warrants Register as presented.
Background and Overview:
The warrants register presented to the City Council is a listing of all expenditures paid from July 25, 2025, through August 8, 2025.
Fiscal Impact:
There are reductions in various funds for payment of expenses.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.2
SECTION 3: CONSENT CALENDAR
8/8/2025 10:35:15 AM Page 1 of 2
Check Report
Hughson By Check Number
Date Range: 07/25/2025 - 08/07/2025
Vendor Number Vendor Name Payment Date Payment Type Discount Amount Payment Amount Number Bank Code: Payable Bank-Payable Bank
01603 Amazon Capital Services, Inc. 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 311.26 59765 00822 BlueTriton Brands Inc 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 107.93 59766 00154 BOBCAT CENTRAL INC. 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 2,486.29 59767 00302 CITY OF WATERFORD 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 3,376.08 59768 00332 CONDOR EARTH TECHNOLOGIES 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 1,565.55 59769 01570 CSG Consultants 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 7,497.00 59770 00475 FGL ENVIRONMENTAL 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 134.00 59771 00527 GIBBS MAINTENANCE CO 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 1,840.00 59772 01962 NJA Architecture 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 4,760.00 59773 01049 STANISLAUS COUNTY 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 130,264.20 59774 00016 ABS DIRECT INC 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 5,000.00 59775 01603 Amazon Capital Services, Inc. 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 278.58 59776 02073 Availability Professional Staffing 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 1,231.72 59777 00123 BAY ALARM CO 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 289.50 59778 01817 Black Castle Construction 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 200.00 59779 00324 CODE PUBLISHING COMPANY 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 680.00 59780 00475 FGL ENVIRONMENTAL 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 715.20 59781 00510 G3 ENGINEERING, INC 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 7,755.62 59782 01583 Hunt & Sons, Inc. 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 1,258.55 59783 00682 KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 6,439.11 59784 00611 Mid Valley Publications 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 453.25 59785 01090 SUTTER HEALTH PLUS 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 21,430.09 59786 01149 TURLOCK IRRIGATION DIST. 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 39,057.07 59787 01176 USA BLUE BOOK 07/28/2025 Regular 0.00 6,748.38 59788 00464 EZ NETWORK SYSTEMS, INC. 07/29/2025 Regular 0.00 1,532.22 59789 00614 HUGHSON FARM SUPPLY 07/29/2025 Regular 0.00 2,377.14 59790 00659 J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning 07/29/2025 Regular 0.00 2,461.50 59791 **Void** 07/30/2025 Regular 0.00 0.00 59792
01420 CALIFORNIA STATE DISBURSEMENT UNIT 07/30/2025 Regular 0.00 40.12 59793 00293 CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK 08/06/2025 Regular 0.00 86,736.28 59794 00718 LEAGUE OF CALIF. CITIES 08/06/2025 Regular 0.00 600.00 59795 01638 U.S. Bank National Association 08/06/2025 Regular 0.00 153,282.39 59796 01040 STANISLAUS COUNTY SHERIFF 08/06/2025 Regular 0.00 132,557.08 59797 Regular Checks
Manual Checks
Voided Checks
Discount
Payment
Payment Type Count
Bank Code Payable Bank Summary
Bank Drafts
EFT's
32 0
1 0
0 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
33 0.00
Payment
623,466.11
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
623,466.11
Payable
Count
61 0
0 0
0 61
Check Report Date Range: 07/25/2025 - 08/07/2025
8/8/2025 10:35:15 AM Page 2 of 2
All Bank Codes Check Summary
Payment Type Discount
Payment
Count Payment
Payable
Count
Regular Checks
Manual Checks
Voided Checks
Bank Drafts
EFT's
32 0
1 0
0 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
33 0.00
623,466.11
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
623,466.11
61 0
0 0
0 61
Fund Name Period Amount
Fund Summary
999 POOLED CASH/CONSOLIDATED CASH 7/2025 250,290.36
999 POOLED CASH/CONSOLIDATED CASH 8/2025 373,175.75
623,466.11
Meeting Date: August 11, 2025
Subject: Approving a Budget Adjustment for Fund 100 for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Final Budget
Presented By: Ashton Gose, Executive Assistant/City Clerk Approved By: __________________________
City Manager
Recommended Council Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-25, approving a budget adjustment in the amount of $1,300.00 to the City Clerk Fund for training and meetings expenses.
Discussion:
On June 23, 2025, the City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Final Budget. General Fund Account Number 100-1035-60050 City Clerk – Trainings and Meetings was budgeted for an amount of $1,700.00 for the attendance of the League of California Cities (LOCC) City Clerks New Law and Elections Seminar (November 12 – 14, 2025).
After the approval of the FY 2025-26 Final Budget, staff became aware of an additional training opportunity (VOLT Institute Supervisor Academy) for an amount of $500.00. The LOCC Seminar had a registration increase of $100.00, and hotel expenses are more than in years past.
Staff is requesting an increase in the Training and Meetings Account in the amount of $1,300.00, to cover the additional Academy and Seminar expenses, bringing the total Account budget to $3,000.00.
Fiscal Impact:
If this item is approved, a budget adjustment to the General Fund will be made to account number 100-1035-60050 in the amount of $1,300.00.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.3
SECTION 3: CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY OF HUGHSON
CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-25
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUGHSON APPROVING AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 FINAL BUDGET
WHEREAS, on June 23, 2025, the City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Final Budget; and
WHEREAS, staff is requesting an adjustment to the account 100-1035-60050 Trainings and Meetings; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hughson approves a budget increase to account number 100-1035-60050 by $1300.00 to $3000.00.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Hughson at its regular meeting held on this 11th day of August 2025, by the following roll call votes:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
APPROVED:
______________________
GEORGE CARR, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
ASHTON GOSE, City Clerk
Meeting Date: August 11, 2025
Subject: Budget Amendment to USF Fund (Fund 280) for Building Maintenance Expenses
Enclosure: Flooring Invoice from United Samaritan Foundation (USF) Presented By: Dominique Romo, City Manager
Kim Weimer, Director of Finance and Administrative Services Approved By: ______________________________
City Manager
Recommended Council Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-26, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hughson approving a budget amendment in the amount of $3,021.00 to the USF Fund for building maintenance expenses.
Background and Overview:
In 1998, the City of Hughson entered into a Development Agreement with the United Samaritans Foundation (USF) to support the development, maintenance, and oversight of the Community Center located on Third Street between Elm Street and the alley to the north. Although the facility is not owned by the City, the partnership allows the City to provide the Hughson community with access to a centralized location for educational, civic, and community-based activities.
The Community Center continues to serve as a vital resource for local non-profit organizations, youth programming through Little Luminaries in partnership with Parks and Recreation, and private event rentals. Despite these efforts, the facility does not generate sufficient revenue to fully offset its operational and maintenance costs. Over the past several fiscal years, the USF Fund (Fund 280) has always maintained a negative fund balance.
Discussion:
Over the years, the aging carpet in the facility deteriorated significantly. Public Works staff were unable to remove deep-set stains, and the carpet fibers had worn beyond salvage. Residents and community groups expressed concerns about the condition and appearance of the flooring.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.4
SECTION 3: CONSENT CALENDAR
2 In response, City staff collaborated with USF to address the issue. Both parties agreed to split the cost of replacing the flooring, with USF managing the installation and completion of the task. The total cost of the project was $23,000, with the City’s share being $11,500.
The new vinyl flooring has now been installed, offering improved cleanliness, durability, and a projected lifespan of 20–25 years. Feedback from renters and community users has been overwhelmingly positive, as the facility is much cleaner looking, which may make it of more interest to the community to rent for their future events.
Unfortunately, a placeholder for this future expense was missed in the FY 2025–26 Budget, and the invoice is now due. On a side note, staff also identified that an annual transfer of $8,479 from the USF Fund to the General Fund is no longer warranted and will be annulled during the mid-year budget review in January. With this transfer no longer needed, $8,479 will remain the USF fund, which can be applied towards the flooring replacement costs in building maintenance.
Fiscal Impact:
Approval of this budget amendment will increase appropriations in the USF Fund (Fund 280) by $3,021 to cover the City’s remaining share of the flooring replacement costs. A large portion of this expense will be absorbed back by the fund transfer cancellation of $8,479; and the budget amendment of $3,021 will allow for full payment of the outstanding invoice. These actions, once all completed, will lower the negative balance of the USF fund that is carried out in the FY 2025-26 Budget from 12,771.00 to $8,813.00 However, the annual transfer of $8,479 from the USF Fund to the General Fund being cancelled will decrease revenue to the City’s General Fund in that amount.
CITY OF HUGHSON
CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUGHSON APPROVING A BUDGET AMENDMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,021 TO THE USF FUND (FUND 280) FOR BUILDING
MAINTENANCE EXPENSES
WHEREAS, in 1998, the City of Hughson entered into a Development Agreement with the United Samaritans Foundation (USF) for the development, maintenance, and oversight of the buildings and grounds located on Third Street between Elm Street and the alley to the north; and WHEREAS, the United Samaritans Foundation continues to own the facility, which serves as a community center for the Hughson community, offering educational enrichment, community development, service programs, and civic activities; and WHEREAS, the partnership between the City and USF allows for community access to the facility, which is utilized by local non-profit organizations, the Little Luminaries program in coordination with Parks and Recreation, and private event rentals; and WHEREAS, despite efforts to generate revenue through rentals and programming, the USF Fund (Fund 280) has maintained a negative balance over the past several years due to insufficient revenue to fully offset maintenance costs; and
WHEREAS, the City Council continues to support the continued operation and availability of the Center by approving a budget amendment in the amount of $3,021 to Fund 280 to cover necessary building maintenance expenses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Hughson hereby approves a budget amendment in the amount of $3,021 to the USF Fund (Fund 280) for the purpose of building maintenance.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Hughson at a regular meeting held on this 11th day of August 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
>
>
>
2 APPROVED:
________________________
GEORGE CARR, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
ASHTON GOSE, City Clerk
1876472-3
Meeting Date: August 11,2025
Subject: Consider Resolution No. 2025-27, Authorizing an Application for Funding from the State Water Resources Control Board under their Consolidation Incentive Program
Presented By: Carla C. Jauregui, Community Development Director Dominique Romo, City Manager
Approved By: ______________________________
Recommended Council Action:
Consider Resolution No. 2025-27, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Hughson authorizing an application for funding for the Hughson Water Consolidation Project (Cobles Corner/Country Villa) from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
SB 88 Compliance Statement:
The city is pursuing this potential consolidation voluntarily and in partnership with the State’s Consolidation Incentive Program. Staff have conducted a thorough evaluation of operational, capacity, and fiscal impacts to ensure that consolidation would not result in undue burden or hardship to the City’s water system or ratepayers. Council retains full discretion over final project approval, with grant funding and environmental review in place to protect the interest of the City and its community.
Background and Overview:
In 2014, the city was approached by the State of California (“State”), asking if the city would consider providing water service to two small, private water systems east of the city. The private water systems include Cobles Corner (A gas station with 9 trailer park units in the back) and Country Villa Apartments (23 units), with a combined population of approximately 100 residents. Both water systems own private wells that produce water exceeding state and federal drinking water standards for arsenic and 1,2,3-TCP. The State’s recommended solution was to consolidate the water systems with the City of Hughson through its Consolidation Incentive Program and State Grant funding, in-lieu of requiring the property owners, who operate these properties as commercial enterprises to directly address mitigation on site, due to the costs associated.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.1
SECTION 4: UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1876472-3
The City’s position is to ensure that any consolidation supports safe and reliable service for residents without shifting undue cost or operational impacts to the City’s public water system. The State recommended that the city apply for grant funding to make the necessary improvements to allow consolidation of the water systems.
The city agreed at that time to explore consolidation. Using State funding available through a State technical services consultant, Self-Help Enterprises, the City has completed the following tasks associated with the proposed Project to date: (1) design improvements required to connect and provide water service to the small water systems, (2) environmental documentation associated with the improvements, and (3) draft Water Service Agreement(s) in accordance with State requirements that defines the terms and conditions by which water service would be provided to the small water systems.
Completing the application package for grant funding for the Project is the next step.
The improvements necessary to provide water service to the private water systems include the installation of new water mains, including a main in Whitmore Avenue (from Tully Road to Geer Road), a water main in Euclid Avenue (Whitmore Avenue to Locust Street), water main extensions to the private systems from the intersection of Geer Road and Whitmore Avenue, and other minor improvements necessary for water service. Initial estimated project costs were approximately $3.2 million.
While available funding may cover the construction and installation of the new mains, staff are carefully considering the ongoing operational and maintenance responsibilities associated with these system expansions. The additional infrastructure will increase the overall cost of system upkeep, and those recurring costs have been thoroughly reviewed to ensure protection of ratepayers and compliance with State guidance that prohibits undue financial hardship to the City’s water system.
The city water service (as defined in the draft Water Service Agreements) was reviewed and approved by the private water system owners. In brief, if approved by the Council, the City would agree to provide permanent water service to the private water systems, and the private water systems would agree to pay the City for water in accordance with the Water Service Agreements. The Water Service Agreements would become null and void if a construction grant is not awarded in full. The Project cost estimate includes approximately $87,000 for City water impact fees, to potentially be funded by the State grant.
Discussion:
A construction grant application for the Project has been prepared and will be updated by City staff and Self-Help Enterprises for submittal to the State. Importantly, the application itself does not obligate the city to proceed with consolidation. Upon receiving a Notice of Award and funding terms, the City Council will retain full discretion to evaluate, approve, or decline the final project, consistent with statutory protections under SB 88. Any funding agreement for the Project proposed by the State will require approval by the City Council, should it be offered at a future date. If approved, work could begin as soon as early 2027. 1876472-3
Approval of the final Water Service Agreements will be required soon and are currently under review with the City Attorney to ensure that project terms fully protect the interests of the City and its ratepayers. Approval of these agreements by all parties will provide the State with assurances that the service conditions are acceptable to both the City and each small water system; however, the City will only proceed if all operational, financial, and legal protections are met.
Environmental Clearance:
The State grant application process requires the submittal of adopted environmental documentation with the submittal of the grant application. In accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Initial Study of the project was prepared and independently reviewed by City staff and consultants. The Initial Study identified potentially significant environmental effects, but these effects were determined to be reduced to a less than significant level with mitigation measures recommended in the Initial Study. Based on the Initial Study, a proposed Negative Declaration was prepared.
In 2023, the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) was circulated for public and agency review for 30 days, locally and through the State Clearinghouse; a Notice of Intent to adopt the Negative Declaration was published in accordance with the State requirements.
A revised resolution authorizing the application was requested by SWRCB due to the time elapsed since the 2017 resolution adoption. Importantly, the application is part of a voluntary process and does not obligate the city to proceed. The council will retain full discretion to approve or decline any consolidation once the Notice of Award is received and all operational, legal, and fiscal considerations have been reviewed to protect the City’s existing water customers.
Current Status of the City’s Water System:
In December 2023, the City contracted with QSI to begin operating the City’s water and wastewater systems following the unexpected departure of the City’s contracted certified operator. Initial discussions regarding operational support began in July 2023, but the urgency of the staffing gap required immediate action. Upon transition, QSI’s initial focus was to assess the operational condition of both systems, review compliance with permits, evaluate infrastructure, and identify areas for improvement in standard operating procedures to enhance performance and resilience.
It was determined that the City’s water system would benefit from targeted improvements.
Over the past 19 months, several critical improvements have been implemented to stabilize system operations and proactively address maintenance, efficiency, and reliability needs. 1876472-3
Key accomplishments include:
• Near completion of the new SCADA and controls programming project to improve monitoring and system reliability.
• Reactivation of the Fox Road storage tank, which had been out of service. • Suspension and redesign of the 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) treatment project at Well 8 to incorporate broader system reliability measures. • Transition to a new certified laboratory for all analytical and water quality testing. • Improvement of documentation and procedures to support ongoing permit compliance and reporting.
Ongoing and Outstanding Needs:
Despite the progress, several key regulatory and infrastructure matters requiring continuing attention remain:
• There are active compliance orders related to arsenic and 1,2,3-TCP detections that the city continues to address.
• The State Water Board has provided directives recommending additional corrective actions.
• Wells 9 and 10, although recently constructed, are currently undergoing optimization of their filter systems to meet and sustain all applicable standards; resolution measures are in progress.; .
• Well 8 remains in the rehabilitation phase, with required mechanical and treatment upgrades in progress.
• Nitrate levels at Wells 3 and 8 are being monitored as they approach the MCL (81– 94%). Should levels exceed and be confirmed above this threshold, usage restrictions would be evaluated in accordance with regulatory protocols. • Additional system needs have been identified; these are part of long-term capital planning and will be prioritized consistent with capacity and fiscal planning safeguards.
Water Demand and System Capacity:
During peak summer months, the City’s daily water demand approaches 2 million gallons per day (MGD), or approximately 1,388 gallons per minute (GPM). Regulatory planning requires systems to meet both Maximum Day Demand (MDD) and Peak Hour Demand (PHD). Based on State data, Hughson’s MDD is 2.18 MGD and PHD is 2,269 GPM.
Although State records reflect a combined well production capacity of 6,700 GPM (from Wells 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10), the current operational production capacity is approximately 4,900 GPM. If Wells 3, 4, and 8 were removed from service due to regulatory or operational concerns, only Wells 9 and 10 would remain, with a combined capacity of 3,000 GPM. It is important to note that the California Water Code requires urban water systems to plan for the scenario in which their highest producing well is offline for any reason, to ensure supply reliability during peak demand periods. In the City’s case, Wells 9 and 10 both rely on a shared filtration system, and any disruption to that system would be managed through 1876472-3
contingency and redundancy planning. To improve long-term capacity and system reliability, staff are currently evaluating alternative water supply options, including the potential use of surface water and the drilling of a new well.
Well Status Summary:
Since assuming operations in December 2023, QSI and City staff have worked hard to stabilize the water system and are addressing long-standing compliance and infrastructure issues. However, significant work remains to achieve full compliance and ensure system resilience.
Fiscal Impact:
There are no fiscal impacts associated with this action. The City of Hughson will continue to receive technical assistance from Self-Help Enterprises, which has been a long-standing partner in supporting the State and City’s efforts on this project. Their continued involvement will ensure that all necessary application requirements are completed efficiently and in compliance with State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) guidelines. Should the project proceed to implementation, the City will do so only with adequate grant funding to fully cover capital costs and without causing undue burden to existing ratepayers, consistent with SB 88 protections for receiving water systems.
CITY OF HUGHSON
CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-27
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUGHSON AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION
FOR FUNDING FROM THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD FOR THE COBLES
CORNER/COUNTRY VILLA CONSOLIDATION PROJECT AND DESIGNATING THE CITY MANAGER TO
SIGN AND SUBMIT THE APPLICATION
WHEREAS, the City of Hughson is a municipal corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of California, and has the authority to construct, operate, and maintain the City of Hughson Water System; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hughson is considering, on a voluntary and exploratory basis, the potential consolidation of its water system with two private water systems located outside City limits in order to improve access to safe, reliable drinking water for area residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Hughson desires to apply to the State Water Resources Control Board for funding assistance under the Consolidation Incentive Program in order to study, plan, and if appropriate, design and construct potential consolidation improvements, provided that such application is made solely to investigate and evaluate the feasibility and advisability of entering into any future agreements regarding consolidation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hughson acknowledges that, as a condition of receiving Consolidation Incentive Program funding, the State Water Resources Control Board may require the City to negotiate or enter into an out-of-boundary service agreement or consolidation agreement, but nothing in this resolution shall be construed to obligate the City to execute such agreements absent subsequent, specific City Council approval in accordance with all applicable laws and procedures; and
WHEREAS, participation in the funding program, submission of an application, or receipt of funds under this Resolution shall not obligate the City to take further action regarding consolidation unless and until authorized by subsequent resolution or action of the City Council, and is expressly subject to completion of due diligence, environmental review, compliance with all applicable law and regulations, and the negotiation and execution of agreements acceptable to the City Council in its sole discretion; and
WHEREAS, this resolution does not authorize or approve the extension of municipal water service, execution of any connection or consolidation agreement, or amendment of the City’s sphere of influence or service area.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hughson (the “Entity”), AS FOLLOWS:
A. The City Manager (the “Authorized Representative”) or designee is hereby authorized and directed to sign and file, for and on behalf of the Entity, a Financial Assistance Application for a financing agreement from the State Water Resources Control Board for the planning, design, and construction of the Hughson Water Consolidation Project for Cobles Corner and Country Villa (the “Project”).
B. This Authorized Representative, or his/her designee, is further authorized to provide the assurances, certifications, and commitments required for the financial assistance application, and commitments required for the application and any related funding agreements, to the extent consistent with the purposes and protections stated herein, and subject to the review and approval of the City Attorney as to form.
C. No approval is granted herein for the extension of water service, the provision of out-ofboundary service, the execution of any final consolidation or connection agreement, or the undertaking of construction activities. Any such action shall require subsequent specific City Council approval after compliance with all legal requirements, including but not limited to negotiation of agreeable terms and conditions.
D. By adoption of this Resolution, the City Council expressly preserves and does not waive any local discretion or rights regarding the governance, operation, or extension of the City’s water system, and reserves the right to approve or deny any future agreements or actions related to consolidation for any reason, in its sole discretion.
E. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Hughson at its regular meeting held on this 11th day of August 2025 by the following roll call votes:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
APPROVED:
_________________________
GEORGE CARR, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
ASHTON GOSE, City Clerk
CERTIFICATION
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of a resolution duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of the City Council of the City of Hughson on August 11, 2025. ______________________
ASHTON GOSE, City Clerk