AGENDA
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Regular City Council Meeting/MHSCD 7:00 PM
ADMINISTRATION LOCATION CITY COUNCIL
STEVEN J.
PINKERTON
City Manager
JOHN BAKKER
City Attorney
MARGARET
WIMBERLY
City Clerk
MOUNTAIN HOUSE CITY COUNCIL
MOUNTAIN HOUSE COMMUNITY SERVICES
DISTRICT BOARD
Mountain House Town Hall Board Chambers
251 East Main Street
Mountain House, CA 95391
ANDY SU
Mayor
BERNICE KING
TINGLE
Vice Mayor
Council Members
MATT DISKO
RONNA GREEN
DANIEL HARRISON
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
The public is invited to participate in the City Council meeting using any of the following methods:
In Person:
Public Comment forms should be submitted prior to the time the item is announced. Completion of the form is voluntary. People that do not fill out the form but still wish to speak will be allowed to do so. Public Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per person. Please turn off all electronic devices. Please, no personal attacks.
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E-mail:
Public Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected]. Comments that are received at least two hours prior to the start of the meeting will be distributed to the Mayor and City Council Members.
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To Watch or Listen Only:
The public may view the meeting via one-way video feed on the City's agendas page or City's YouTube Account at www.youtube.com/@cityofmountainhouse. •
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. 2.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments are limited to three minutes per person, the public is invited to make comments on items of public interest that are within the City Council’s subject matter jurisdiction and that are not listed on the current agenda.
Under the Brown Act, Items brought up during public comment that are not on the agenda cannot be discussed or acted upon by the Council, however, items necessitating a response will be included in the next City Manager update and posted on the City’s website.
RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, OR PRESENTATIONS
Youth Action Committee Update
Presentation on the Public Safety, and Monthly Report from Rank Security and Mountain House Police Services provided by San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department, and Mountain House Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) presented by French Camp Fire Department
CITY COUNCIL/MHCSD CONSENT ITEMS
Consent agenda items (which may include Ordinances, Resolutions, Informational Reports, Approval Actions and Motions) will be acted upon at one time without discussion. Any Council Member may request removal of an item from the consent calendar for discussion.
Minutes of June 25, 2025 Page 15
List of Recent Contracts Page 20
Investment Portfolio Page 22
Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Joe Kriskovich for Human Resources and Risk Management Consulting Services
Staff recommends that the City Council approve an agreement with Joe Kriskovich for human resources and risk management consulting services, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $1,010,184. The agreement also provides for two one-year extensions at the City’s discretion for a scope of work and price to be negotiated by the City Manager.
Ordinance to Designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the Local Responsibility Area
Staff recommends that the City Council conduct the second reading and adopt an
4. 5.
6. 6.1
6.2 7.
7.1 7.2
7.3 7.4
7.5 City Council/MHCSD Meeting Agenda Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Mountain House Page 2 of 4
ordinance designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Local Responsibility Area of the City of Mountain House.
Conflict of Interest Code for the City of Mountain House and the Mountain House Community Services District
Staff recommends that:
1) The City Council adopt a Resolution adopting the City of Mountain House Conflict of Interest Code; and
2) The Board of Directors of the Mountain House Community Services District (MHCSD) adopt a Resolution adopting the District’s Conflict of Interest Code.
Approval of Professional Services Agreement with MoreThanTalk LLC for Communications Specialist Services
Staff recommends the City Manager approve a Professional Services Agreement with MoreThanTalk LLC to provide Communications Specialist services for the City of Mountain House for fiscal year 2025–2026 in an amount not to exceed $54,995.
CITY COUNCIL POLICY AND ACTION ITEMS
Approval of Resolution Imposing Liens for Unpaid Service Charges for Utility Bills
Staff recommends that the City Council hear and consider protests made by property owners liable to be assessed by means of a property tax lien for delinquent accounts, review the attached Report of Delinquencies (Attachment A), revise the Report as deemed appropriate, confirm the Report as revised, and approve the Resolution imposing liens for unpaid service charges for utility bills.
Authorize Amendment No. 1 to Increase Funding for Agreement A-2324-43 with J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to:
1. Execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement A-2324-43 with J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning, increasing the contract value by $800,000, for a total revised not-to-exceed amount of $1,550,000.
2. Take all necessary and appropriate actions to carry out the intent of thisrecommendation.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS
Verbal Report on State of the City
Update on the Veterans Liberty Garden Project Page 90
This is a discussion item to provide an update on the Veterans Liberty Garden project,
7.6 7.7
8. 8.1
8.2 9.
9.1 9.2
City Council/MHCSD Meeting Agenda Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Mountain House Page 3 of 4
including progress on design development, refinements to the sponsorship program, and recent community engagement activities. No Council action is requested at this time.
City Manager's Update Page 93
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Report of Future Agenda Items and Long-Range Calendar Page 108
COUNCIL COMMENTS
CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
If you need disability-related modification or accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (209) 831-5039 or at [email protected] at least 48 hours prior to the start of the meeting.
Government Code Section §54954.2 (a). Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in Town Hall located at 251 East Main Street during normal business hours.
POSTING STATEMENT: On July 18, 2025, a true and correct copy of this agenda was posted on the City Hall Bulletin Board, outside Mountain House Town Hall, 251 East Main Street, Mountain House, CA 95391 and at our website www.mountainhouseca.gov.
9.3 10.
10.1 11.
12. 13.
14. City Council/MHCSD Meeting Agenda Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Mountain House Page 4 of 4
Public Safety
Staff Report
TITLE: Public Safety Security Report
MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Anthony De Frenchi, Captain
SUBJECT: RANK Update on Recent Incidents and Initiatives RECOMMENDATION:
Public Safety Security recommends that the City Council receive this report on recent incidents, emergency responses, and department activities.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report provides an update on key security activities within the city of Mountain House. Our security officers have either discovered or dispatched to over 39 specific incidents.
In addition to those duties, we continue to provide security duties to specific Mountain House facilities and villages and continue to support the Mountain House Police Services in non-law enforcement activities and the Mountain House Fire Department.
We continue doing extra patrol checks of Safeway, parks, and trails. Six Public Safety Security officers assisted with State of the City Assembly and the drone show. Officers also assisted with traffic control after the event. Officers assisted with the road closure and public safety for the 4th of July parade.
ANALYSIS:
Officer Activity Log
Specific Incident Documentation: 39
• Suspicious Person: 3
• Suspicious vehicle: 10
• Occupied vehicle welfare check: 7
• Trespassing: 10
• Noise Disturbance: 5
• Citizen Assist: 5
• Daylighting Violation Warning: 60
• Traffic Control for Police Services and Fire Department: 7 • Vacation checks: 74S
Item 6.2
2 • Security checks: 731
• Park Hours: 9
• Security activity log: 1,178
Equipment and Facility Updates
• New Equipment: Two new Explorers are in service now. Our new repeater should be up soon.
PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES:
Community Outreach:
● Public Safety Security was provided for the city function of the State of the City and the Recreation Dept for the July 4th parade.
● Public Safety Security meets with all Public Safety Team members (Police, Fire, Community Preservation) and the Recreation Department.
● The owner of Rank Security sponsored Movies in the park.
Camera Monitoring:
Public Safety Security dispatch continues to monitor the Mountain House strategically placed security cameras 24/7. Incidents are reported directly to the Mountain House Police Item 6.2
Public Safety
Staff Report
TITLE: Police Services Public Safety Report
MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Armando Izaguirre, Lieutenant
SUBJECT: Police Services Update on Recent Incidents and Initiatives RECOMMENDATION:
Police Services recommends that the City Council receive this report on recent Police Services incidents, emergency responses, and department activities.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This report provides an update on key Mountain House Police Services activities. **Reminder to lock ALL doors, both vehicles and homes and take valuables out of the vehicles and into your homes**
**Reminder for all on bicycles, e-bikes, and electrical scooters to follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic signals/signs**
**Reminder that unregistered motor/dirt bikes are not permitted on city streets & subject to citations and towing*
ANALYSIS:
Incident Reports
Total MH Police Services Incidents: 801 calls for service (914 Previous month) Property Crimes: 15 Incidents (12 incidents previous month) Violent Crimes: 0 Incidents (0 Previous Month)
Other Assaults: 6 (4 Previous Month)
Traffic Stops: 87 Traffic Stops (167 Previous month)
Traffic Citations issued: 119 Traffic Citations Issued (07 Stop Sign) & (128 Citations Issued the previous month)
Parking Citations Issued: 15 Citations Issued (27 issued previous month) Vehicle Accidents: 18 (16 Previous month)
DUI Arrest: 2 Incident (3 DUI arrests previous month) Item 6.2
2 Outside Agency Assist: 14 (18 assists previous month) Helmet Citations: 0 Citations (0 citation previous month) Significant Incidents for June 2025:
25-11488; Arrest of multiple individuals was made who were responsible for multiple burglaries/thefts throughout Mountain House and San Joaquin County / Alameda County.
Responsible for multiple trailer thefts and vehicle burglaries. Arrests: 13 Physical Arrests (12 Fresh Charges, 1 Warrant Arrest) Recruitment/Personnel
• Deputy Thomas Price began on Mountain House on 7/14/2025 on SWING Shift. (Photo Attached). High Passion for traffic enforcement.
• Deputy J. Fuentez was transferred back to County Patrol.
Equipment and Facility Updates
New Equipment: e-Citation software: We will be starting the initial testing phase within the next 2 weeks, along with the collision software.
1 Chevy Truck, 2 Chevy Tahoes purchased by the City have arrived and are awaiting equipment purchases to begin the outfitting process.
PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES:
Community Outreach:
The Mountain House Police Services Motor Competition is in the planning stages for this Fall (September 27th, 2025) in Manteca, due to the large number of participants being expected.
Prevention Programs:
Next Traffic Enforcement Operation is being planned for August.
PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES:
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Traffic Citations Issued during the current fiscal year (monthly) B. Deputy Thomas Price Photograph
Item 6.2
Citations Issued Monthly
July 2024: 182 Citations (52 Stop Signs)
August 2024: 70 Traffic Citations (19 Stop Signs)
September 2024: 78 Traffic Citations (21 Stop Signs)
October 2024: 133 Traffic Citations (81 Stop Signs)
November 2024: 70 Traffic Citations (24 Stop Signs)
December 2024: 84 Traffic Citations (7 Stop Signs)
January 2025: 161 Traffic Citations; Updated to 188 (65 Stop Signs) February 2025: 133 Traffic Citations; Updated to 178 (51 Stop Signs) March 2025: 146 Traffic Citations; Updated to 188 (45 Stop Signs) April 2025: 169 Traffic Citations; Updated to 270 (39 Stop Signs) May 2025: 90 Traffic Citations; Updated to 128 (27 Stop Signs) June 2025: 87 Traffic Citations; Updated to 119 (7 Stop Signs) *** Citations are hand-entered by Records Staff and can take up to 3 weeks to be processed and entered into RMS, may not reflect true and accurate numbers ***
Item 6.2
Item 6.2
Public Safety
Staff Report
TITLE: Mountain House Fire Department
MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Marty Cornilsen, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Public Safety Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Fire recommends that the City Council receive this report on recent Fire Department incidents, emergency responses, and department activities.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The new school year in Mountain House begins on August 6th. As students return to school, you’ll see more children walking and biking in the mornings and afternoons, as well as school buses on the roads.
Please be extra cautious while driving through our neighborhoods and school zones. Slow down, stay alert, and help keep our kids safe as they begin the new academic year. Mountain House Fire Department encourages all drivers to remain vigilant, drive safely, and avoid distractions while behind the wheel.
ANALYSIS:
Incident Reports
EMS and Fire Calls Fed: Calls: 78 June 2024- Calls: 89
Rescue/Medical-61 Fires-3 (0 Structure, 2 Grass) Traffic Accidents-4 Alarms/Good Intent-10 Significant Incidents: 11 overlapping calls for the month, 14.1% of incidents dispatched. Department Activities: The Mountain House Fire Department currently has 10 firefighter candidates and 2 lateral engineer candidates in the background process and scheduled for medical evaluations. We anticipate launching an internal fire academy soon, with the goal of having candidates on shift by mid-October. We are proud to be expanding our team and look forward to welcoming skilled and dedicated professionals to the Mountain House Fire Department.
Equipment and Facility Updates
Equipment Status: Engine 16-2 out service/ warranty work.
Facility Improvements: No new update.
Item 6.2
2 PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES:
Community Outreach:
• Lammersville Summer Program Water Day (See Attachment A) • MHFD Water Rescue w/ SCFPA, SJ Co. Sherrif’s (See Attachment B) • Debut for Moose the Fire Support Dog (See Attachment C) • MHFD Station 2 Ribbon Cutting and Engine 16-2 Push-in. (See Attachment D)
Prevention Programs: School is back in session starting Aug 6th. • Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible.
• Always cross at crosswalks or intersections.
• When riding a bike or scooter, wear a properly fitted helmet. • Drivers remember it’s illegal to pass a school bus that’s stopped to load and unload children.
Watch for the yellow or red flashing lights and stop arm.
PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES:
ATTACHMENTS:
ATTACHMENT: A
ATTACHMENT: B
Item 6.2
3 ATTACHMENT: C
Item 6.2
4 ATTACHMENT: D
Item 6.2
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Present:
Andy Su, Mayor
Bernice King Tingle, Vice Mayor
Matt Disko, Council Member
Daniel Harrison, Council Member
Ronna Green, Council Member
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Su called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Su held a moment of silence.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Disko led the pledge of allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Vice Mayor Tingle
Second: Council Member Disko
It was moved/seconded by Tingle/Disko to approve the agenda as presented by staff. Motion carried with Disko, Green, Harrison, Tingle and Mayor Su in Favor.
Vote: Carried
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Arryan Singh Rawat, Senior Mountain House High School, spoke regarding the need for an internship program school seniors interested in pursuing a career in local government.
6. RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, OR PRESENTATIONS
6.1 Presentation on the Monthly Report from Rank Security and Mountain House Item 7.1
Police Services provided by San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department Rex Osborn, Public Safety Consultant, reported on Fireworks enforcement activities.
Captain Anthony De Frenchi, RANK Security, provided a report from Public Safety Rank Security.
Chief Armando Izaguirre provided a report from Mountain House Police Services.
6.1.1 Public Security Report
6.1.2 Police Services Public Safety Report
6.2 Presentation on the Monthly Report from Mountain House Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) presented by French Camp Fire Department Marty Cornilsen, Fire Chief, reported on Mountain House Fire Department.
6.2.1 Mountain House Fire Department
7. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT ITEMS
Motion: Vice Mayor Tingle
Second: Council Member Green
To adopt the Consent Calendar as recommended by staff. Motion carried with Council Members Disko, Green, Harrison, Tingle and Mayor Su in favor.
Vote: Carried
7.1 Minutes of June 11, 2025
7.2 List of contracts signed by the City Manager, or designee, under the Purchasing Agent authority, during the month of May 2025.
7.3 Receive the Monthly Financial Report for January, February and March 2025.
7.4 A Resolution Approving the Final Map for Mountain House Neighborhood B11 – Phase 1 (Tract No. 3618)
7.5 Award Construction Agreement for the Mountain House Parkway Traffic Signal Synchronization Project
Item 7.1
7.6 Approve a Resolution to Apply for Elective Coverage of State Disability Insurance for Full-Time and Regular Part-Time Employees
8. CITY COUNCIL POLICY AND ACTION ITEMS
8.1 Approval of Resolutions Adopting the Annual Engineers’ Reports and Levying Assessments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (Mountain House Community Services District Consolidated Landscape Maintenance Assessment Districts Nos. 2008-1, 2016, and 2019)
Following the presentation of the staff report, Mayor Su opened the public comment period, there being no one wishing to speak it was closed.
Motion: Council Member Disko
Second: Council Member Harrison
Adopt Resolutions 2025-42, 2025-43, and 2025-44 adopting the Annual Engineers’ Reports and Levying Assessments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (Mountain House Community Services District Consolidated Landscape Maintenance Assessment Districts Nos. 2008-1, 2016, and 2019). Motion carried with Council Members Disko, Green, Harrison, Tingle, and Mayor Su in favor.
Vote: Carried
8.2 Adopt a Resolution Approving the Fiscal Year 2025–26 Project List for Funding through Senate Bill 1
Following the presentation of the staff report, Mayor Su opened the public comment period, there being no one wishing to speak it was closed.
Motion: Council Member Harrison
Second: Council Member Green
Adopt resolution 2025-45 approving the fiscal year 2025/26 project list for funding through Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, as required by the California Transportation Commission. Motion carried with Council Members Disko, Green, Harrison, Tingle, and Mayor Su in favor.
Vote: Carried
8.3 Ordinance to Designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Local Responsibility Area
Following the presentation of the staff report, Mayor Su opened the public comment period, there being no one wishing to speak it was closed.
Item 7.1
Motion: Council Member Green
Second: Council Member Harrison
Introduce and conduct the first reading of an ordinance designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Local Responsibility Area based on the map provided by CalFire on February 24, 2025. Motion carried with Council Members Disko, Green, Harrison, Tingle, and Mayor Su in favor.
Vote: Carried
8.4 Award Consultant Agreement for General Plan Update
Following the presentation of the staff report, Mayor Su opened the public comment period, Arjun Juturu, Resident, inquired about the public participation in the process.
There being no one else wishing to speak the public comment period was closed.
Staff indicated there would be public workshopsin coordination with this process.
Motion: Vice Mayor Tingle
Second: Council Member Disko
Authorize the City Manager to execute a Consultant Agreement with De Novo Planning Group to prepare the City of Mountain House’s first comprehensive General Plan, as required by California Government Code Section 65360, in an amount not to exceed $560,747.25, with the contract term extending through December 31, 2026. Motion carried with Council Members Disko, Green, Harrison, Tingle, and Mayor Su in favor.
Vote: Carried
8.5 Status of Vacancies in Compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 Following the presentation of the staff report, Mayor Su opened the public comment period, there being no one wishing to speak it was closed.
Motion: Council Member Harrison
Second: Vice Mayor Tingle
(1) receive and file this report and (2) direct staff to continue recruitment and retention efforts. Motion carried with Council Members Disko, Green, Harrison, Tingle, and Mayor Su in favor.
Vote: Carried
9. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS
9.1 Neighborhood ROW Tree Maintenance Program Discussion Item 7.1
Following a presentation from Jodi Almassy, Deputy City Manager and Doug Louie, Operations and Maintenance Supervisor, Council provided direction to staff.
9.2 City Manager‘s Update
Steven Pinkerton, City Manager, provided an update to the City Council.
10. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
10.1 Report of Future Agenda Items and Long-Range Calendar Steven Pinkerton, City Manager, provided an overview of upcoming agenda items and the long range calendar.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Harrison reported on a tour of RANK Security.
Council Member Green reported on the Juneteenth celebration and thanked all who participated.
Council Member Disko congratulated Mountain House Fire on the Ribbon Cutting of Fire Station 2, and thanked Public Works for their work on the Tree program.
12. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
None.
13. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Su adjourned the meeting at 9:46 pm
Item 7.1
TITLE: List of Recent Contracts
MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Simrann Sidhu, Management Analyst
RECOMMENDATION
There is no action required for this information item.
DISCUSSION
To maintain alignment with past practices, staff is bringing forward the report of contracts signed under the City Manager’s spending authority.
Attached is a list of contracts signed by the City Manager, or designee, under the Purchasing Agent authority, during the month of June 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no adverse fiscal impact to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 adopted budget.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Attachment A: List of Recent Contracts
Item 7.2
CONSENT ITEM 7.3
ATTACHMENT A
City of Mountain House 2024-2025 Consultant/Contractor Agreements Under City Manager's Signing Authority
Agreement # Contractor/Consultant Scope of Service PO Total Contract Amount
A-2425-57 Skyrunner Drone Light Shows LLC Drone show for 7/1 870 $ 20,000.00 A-2425-56 Rrooar Academy Youth Summer Camp 875, 876 55,972.80 A-2425-58 Weblative Video Production Services 873 30,000.00 7/18/2025
Item 7.2
TITLE: Investment Portfolio
MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Thomas Retchless, Finance Director
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this quarterly investment report.
BACKGROUND
On June 11, 2025, the Council approved an investment policy (Attachment A). The investment policy allows the Council to approve investment of funds, such as special deposits from developers, into investment programs. The policy approved by the Council includes the following:
The City is guided by three objectives (listed in order of priority) in the investment of these public funds: safety, liquidity and yield.
The investments would be made only in securities legally permissible by the California Government Code. Permitted investments are listed in the attached policy. The Council is responsible for the management and oversight of the investment program and has delegated day-to-day management to the City Manager.
The City Manager will provide quarterly reports of investment activity verifying that the investment portfolio complies with the City policy.
The Council will review the investment policy annually.
DISCUSSION
The City’s investment portfolio is currently composed of U.S. Treasury / Agency Securities, FDIC Insured Certificate of Deposits, and Corporate Medium-Term Notes. Currently, $4,422,000 is invested. There is $14,783 held in a money market account. The investments are expected to produce an average yield of
3.48%. All investments are in compliance with the City’s investment policy. Information on the portfolio is shown in Attachment B.
FISCAL IMPACT
The investment portfolio is estimated to produce $187,004 annually, based on the current composition of the investments.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Investments helps the City achieve the following goal: Identify and secure new sources of revenue.
ACTION FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
Item 7.3
In compliance with the policy for investment, staff will continue to direct investments and provide quarterly updates to the Council.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Investment Policy for Special Deposits
B. Investment Portfolio
Item 7.3
Section 620
OVERVIEW
This Investment Policy may be amended by the Council as it deems appropriate from time to time in the prudent investment of the City’s special deposits.
Policy Statement - The City is guided by three objectives in its investment of public funds.
In order of priority those objectives are:
1.1. Safeguarding of principal.
1.2. Ensuring that investments satisfy the liquidity needs of the City.
1.3. Obtaining an optimal rate return on available assets, commensurate with an appropriate level of risk.
2. Scope - This investment policy applies to all special deposit funds not required for the immediate operating needs of the City and are accounted for in the City’s monthly financial report.
3. Objectives: The priority ranked objectives of the City’s investment activities shall be:
3.1. Legality. Investments shall only be made in securities legally permissible by the California Government Code, Sections 53635, 53635.2 et seq.
3.2. Safety. Investments shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to ensure preservation of capital in the overall portfolio. To attain this objective, diversification is required. Investments must be made in securities of high quality to avoid credit risk and loss of principal.
3.3. Liquidity. The investment portfolio must remain sufficiently liquid to enable the City to meet all foreseeable operating requirements.
3.4. Return on Investment. The investment portfolio shall be designed with the objective of attaining a market rate of return, taking into consideration policy objectives and cash flow characteristics of the portfolio.
4. Delegation of Authority - The City Council is responsible for the management and oversight of the investment program. Day to day management responsibility for the investment program is delegated to the City’s City Manager, who will ensure that the investment program is in accord with the Council’s directives. The City Manager shall be responsible for all transactions undertaken and will establish a system of controls to regulate the activities of appropriate staff members.
5. Prudence - Investments shall be made with time relevant judgment and care, which persons of prudence, discretion and intelligence exercise in the management of their own affairs, and not for speculation, but for investment, considering the probable safety of principal as well as the probable income to be derived. The standard of prudence to be used by investment officials shall be the “prudent person” standard and shall be applied in the context of managing an overall portfolio with aims to safeguard the principal and maintain the liquidity needs of the agency. The prudent investor
INVESTMENT POLICY
Item 7.3
standard states that when investing, reinvesting, purchasing, acquiring, exchanging, selling, or managing public funds, a trustee shall act with care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing, including but not limited to, the general economic conditions and the anticipated needs of the City, that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiarity with those matters would use in the conduct of funds of a like character and with like aims to safeguard the principal and maintain the liquidity needs of the City.
6. Borrowing for Purposes of Making Investments - Management is prohibited from the practice of borrowing for the sole purpose of making investments.
7. Authorized Investments and Limits - The City Manager or his/her designee may only invest funds in the following secure and reliable permitted investments:
7.1. Investment in the California Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF), San Joaquin County pooled cash account, California Asset Management Program (CAMP), or other professional investment services permitted for all local agencies under California Government Code Section 53601(p). Funds shall be placed with these investment services as alternative liquid investments under this policy.
7.2. Shares of Beneficial Interest issued by diversified management companies, otherwise known as Mutual Funds, investing in the securities and obligations as authorized by the California Government Code, sections 53601 et seq.
7.3. United States Treasury Bills, Notes, Certificates of Indebtedness, or those for which the full faith and credit of the United States are pledged for the payment of principal and interest.
7.4. Savings Accounts or Certificates of Deposit issued by a nationally or state chartered bank, or, savings association fully insured by the FDIC or FSLIC.
7.5. U.S. Federal Agency or United States government-sponsored enterprise obligations, participations or other instruments issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association (FHLMC), the Federal Farm Credit System (FFCB), and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Company/Farmer Mac (FAMCA).
7.6. Medium Term Corporate Notes, defined as all corporate and depository institution debt securities with a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less, issued by corporations organized and operating within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by the United States or any state operating within the United States. Notes eligible for investments under this subdivision shall be rated “A” or better by a nationally recognized rating service.
8. Maximum Maturities - To the extent possible, investments shall be made to match anticipated cash flow requirements. Furthermore, no investment with a term in excess of five years may be made.
Item 7.3
9. Internal Control - As part of the City’s annual independent audit, the investment program shall be reviewed for appropriate internal controls that provide assurance of compliance with policies and procedures.
10. Reporting - The City Manager shall provide the City Council with a quarterly report of investment activity verifying that the investment portfolio is in compliance with the City’s investment policy. The report will also include a statement indicating the City’s ability to meet its expenditure requirements for the ensuing six months or to provide an explanation as to why sufficient funds shall not or will not be available.
11. Ethics and Conflicts of Interest – Officers and employees involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal business activities that could conflict with proper execution of the investment program, or which could impair their ability to make impartial decisions.
12. Investment Policy Review - The City Council shall review the investment policy annually. The Council shall accept and approve the investment policy and any changes.
Item 7.3
INVESTMENT TYPE AMOUNT YIELD PORTFOLIO %
Pooled Cash $158,959,244 4.37% 0.0%
Money Market $14,783 0.40% 0.3%
U.S. Treasury / Agency Sec. $1,420,000 4.14% 32.0%
FDIC Insured Certificate of Deposits (CD's) $847,000 4.41% 19.1% Corp. Medium Term Notes $2,155,000 2.69% 48.6%
Total Special Funds $163,396,027 3.20% 100%
The City's investments comply with the City's Investment Policy, internal controls and department procedures.
MATURITY YEAR AMOUNT INVESTMENT %
2025 $730,000 17%
2026 $735,000 17%
2027 $499,000 11%
2028 $563,000 13%
2029 $680,000 15%
2030 $1,215,000 27%
AMOUNT YIELD
Pooled Cash $158,959,244 4.37%
Mountain House Investment Portfolio
Pooled Cash
Maturity Schedule
Money Market,
$14,783, 0%
U.S. Treasury / Agency
Sec., $1,420,000, 32%
FDIC Insured Certificate of Deposits (CD's),
$847,000, 19%
Corp. Medium Term Notes,
$2,155,000, 49%
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
Item 7.3
AMOUNT YIELD
Money Market $14,783 0.40%
ISSUER TYPE PRICE AMOUNT YIELD CASH FLOW MAT. CUSIP#
TVA - US Agency AGY $110.49 $235,000 3.25% $15,863 11/1/2025 880591CJ9 FED Home Loan Bank AGY $99.80 $315,000 4.21% $13,073 10/3/2028 3130B32K8 Federal Farm Credit Bank AGY $100.00 $280,000 5.00% $14,000 4/9/2029 3133ERAC5 Fanny Mae AGY $100.00 $295,000 4.00% $11,800 4/10/2030 3136GAFE4 Freddie Mac AGY $100.00 $295,000 4.25% $12,538 5/20/2030 3134HBSE2 Total & Average $1,420,000 4.14% $67,273
ISSUER TYPE PRICE AMOUNT YIELD CASH FLOW MAT. CUSIP#
Capital One Bank FDIC CD $100.00 $244,000 4.50% $10,980 5/17/2027 14042RVT5 Wells Fargo Bank FDIC CD $100.00 $248,000 5.05% $12,524 11/14/2028 949764HT4 BMW Bank NA FDIC CD $100.00 $150,000 4.00% $6,000 5/9/2029 05612LER9 AMEX Bank FDIC CD $100.00 $205,000 4.10% $8,405 5/7/2030 02589AHH8 Total & Average $847,000 4.41% $37,909
ISSUER Type Price AMOUNT YIELD CASH FLOW MAT. CUSIP#
Bank of America STEP MTN $100.00 $100,000 0.85% $1,000 10/30/2025 06048WK25 Local Initiatves Sup. MTN $100.00 $130,000 1.00% $1,300 11/15/2025 53961LAA7 Georgia Pacific MTN $108.49 $265,000 4.20% $19,544 12/1/2025 373298BN7 Deutche Bank NY MTN $101.35 $260,000 1.40% $4,384 3/19/2026 25160PAF4 Morgan Stanley MTN $109.42 $255,000 1.20% $7,969 7/27/2026 61761J3R8 Baker Hughes MTN $101.68 $220,000 1.70% $4,534 12/15/2026 05724BAD1 Toyota Motor Credit MTN $100.00 $255,000 4.35% $11,093 10/22/2027 89236TMU6 Morgan Stanley STEP MTN $100.00 $250,000 4.51% $11,000 1/31/2029 61760QPN8 JP Morgan Chase MTN $100.00 $420,000 5.00% $21,000 2/14/2030 48135NTF3 Total & Average $2,155,000 2.69% $81,823
Total & Average of Invested Funds $4,422,000 3.48% $187,004 FDIC Insured Certificate of Deposits (CD's)
U.S. Treasury / Agency Sec.
Corporate Medium Term Notes
Invested Funds
Money Market Item 7.3
TITLE: Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Joe Kriskovich for Human Resources and Risk Management Consulting Services
MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Sarah Ragsdale, Administrative Services Director
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve an agreement with Joe Kriskovich for human resources and risk management consulting services, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $1,010,184.
The agreement also provides for two one-year extensions at the City’s discretion for a scope of work and price to be negotiated by the City Manager.
BACKGROUND
The City’s human resources and risk management functions are assigned to the Administrative Services Department. Current staff includes one position assigned to human resources - the Human Resources Manager - and there is no position assigned specifically to risk management. As the City has grown, so has the activity in both areas. Staff anticipates that these functions will require expanded staffing in the future but in the meantime, contracting for additional support provides an opportunity to manage growth using a scaled approach while laying out a framework to meet current and future needs.
Staff prepared a Request for Proposals (RFP) combining the human resources and risk management functions. The services were combined because of the many overlapping causes and mitigation methods of employment issues and general liability risks. Risk management is typically part of the human resources departments of municipalities. The City will benefit from the services of a single vendor who will consider and address the interactions between human resources and potential general liability issues.
The scope of work as outlined in the RFP included the following:
Human Resouces Consulting:
• Assessing the City’s human resources needs, talents, and optimal placement of staff • Providing quality position descriptions and performance evaluations • Assisting with recruiting, training, retaining and promoting staff • Building a quality workplace environment, treating employees fairly and consistently • Evaluating the quality of fringe benefit packages provided to staff and monitoring the marketplace for other options that may be more cost-effective and beneficial to employees • Providing direction on human resource policies and practices, union negotiations, and legal requirements
• Overseeing human resources record-keeping systems
Item 7.4
• Advising managers and supervisors on employee evaluations, discipline options and actions, and performance improvement plans that will provide employees with clarity on improving their performance
• Reviewing and updating the City’s Personnel Policies and Procedures as deemed necessary • Serving as a key contributor and participant in negotiations with the labor union Risk Management Consulting:
• Identifying the City’s insurable exposures and recommending professional methods to reduce, assume, or transfer the risk loss
• Assisting all City departments by reviewing policies and practices to provide direction on how to address and mitigate potential exposures
• Recommending any additional coverages that the City should obtain • Assisting in the preparation of applications, renewals, statements of values as required by the City’s insurer and in the preparation of cost estimates for the City’s annual budget • Developing a process for documenting damages to City property, ensuring removal of hazards, creating a procedure for assigning responsibilities to various departments, and collecting damages when possible
• Developing a course of safety training classes and working with the Human Resource Manager to ensure completion
• Reviewing and providing direction on certificates of insurance submitted by contractors, vendors, professionals, and participants in recreational activities and rentals • Serving as the City’s representative at meetings of the Municipal Pooling Authority • Reviewing insurance requirement in the City’s contract templates for appropriate levels of coverage and providing comments on vendors’ requests for changes to standard templates • Participating in development of inventories of City assets by recommending information needed to ensure adequate insurance coverage
RFPs were distributed on June 4, 2025 with a due date of June 27, 2025. The RFP was sent to seven potential vendors and posted on our website and social media. The City received two responses, one of which was unresponsive in that the vendor bid only on the human resources consulting portion of the work. The other response was submitted by Joe Kriskovich. Mr. Kriskovich has provided consulting services including representing the City in labor negotiations, supporting and mentoring the Human Resources Manager, facilitating membership in the Municipal Pooling Authority, and serving as the Mountain House representative on its Board of Directors. Mr. Kriskovich has many years of experience in both municipal and commercial settings. He is familiar with Mountain House staff, operations and processes and has been responsive to requests for direction and assistance. Finally, Mr. Kriskovich proposal for services was responsive to the scope listed in the RFP.
The cost for the proposed agreement is shown in the table below.
Item 7.4
Contract Year Ending Human Resources Risk
Management
Miscellaneous
Costs Total
06/30/2026 $ 144,000 $ 96,000 $ 10,000 $ 250,000
06/30/2027 138,000 111,600 10,000 259,600
06/30/2028 129,792 129,792 10,000 269,584
06/30/2029 72,000 72,000 10,000 154,000
06/30/2030 36,000 36,000 5,000 77,000
Totals $ 519,792 $ 445,392 $ 45,000 $ 1,010,184
DISCUSSION
In five nearby agencies (Cities of Lathrop, Oakley, Tracy, Brentwood, and Manteca), an average of $350,000 in total compensation is paid for Human Resources Directors. As is customary for most cities, the risk management function is assigned to the human resources departments for all of the cities other than Oakley. In Oakley, the finance department supervises risk management.
The following information shows a comparison of human resources and risk management costs for the cities of Patterson, Lathrop, and Mountain House with the proposed agreement included. Patterson and Lathrop were used for this comparison because the cities have populations similar to Mountain House.
City Population FTEs Assigned
to Human
Resources/
Risk
Management
Compensation
Including
Director/
Manager
Cost of
Proposed
Contract –
Year 1
Total
Compensation
Costs for
Human
Resources &
Risk
Management
Cost per
Capita
Patterson 25,889 4.0 $ 831,072 $ 831,072 $32.13
Lathrop 47,031 5.4 1,119,048 1,119,048 28.99
Mountain
House 27,069 1.0 300,287 $250,000 550,287 20.33
As noted above in this report, current staff includes one position assigned to human resources - the Human Resources Manager - and there is no position assigned specifically to risk management. As the City has grown, so has the activity in both areas. Staff anticipates that these functions will require expanded staffing in the future but in the meantime, contracting for additional support provides an opportunity to manage growth using a scaled approach while laying out a framework to meet current and Item 7.4
future needs, as shown in the per capita costs above. Taking advantage of services offered by with the proposed agreement could save the City $320,000 - $550,000 per year.
FISCAL IMPACT
As shown above, the average cost of these proposed services over the first three years is $260,000. The vendor is anticipating that the cost will decrease for the last two years to $154,000 and $77,000, respectively, due to the implementation of policies and practices developed during the first years of the agreement.
Sufficient funds are available in the recently adopted budget for fiscal year 2025/26 and funding will be requested in future budget proposals.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Approval of the agreement with Joe Kriskovich will help the City address the following mission statements:
• Human Resources: Manage recruitment and retention programs, assist employees with benefit and employment issues, provide opportunities for training, coordinate with risk management to minimize employment issues and litigation, and comply with professional standards and legal requirements. • Risk Management: Manage City processes, policies, assets and infrastructure to minimize liability and loss.
CEQA
Not applicable.
ACTION FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
City Manager will execute agreement with Joe Kriskovich for human resources and risk management consulting services.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Agreement with Joe Kriskovich for human resources and risk management consulting services.
Item 7.4
251 E MAIN STREET, MOUNTAIN HOUSE, CA 95391
(209) 831-2300 ʀ (209) 831-5610 FAX
CONSULTANT AGREEMENT
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
DATE: ______________
PARTIES: City of Mountain House: City of Mountain House 251 E. Main Street
Mountain House, CA 95391
CONSULTANT: Joseph Kriskovich
2171 Hillcrest Drive
Tracy, CA 95377
The Parties agree as follows:
1. Priority of Documents:
Each of the items listed below is hereby incorporated into this Agreement by this reference. In the event of an inconsistency in this Agreement, the inconsistency shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:
$ Applicable Federal and State of California statutes and regulations, this Agreement and its exhibits.
B. Consultant’s Proposal dated June 20, 2025.
2. Terms of Services:
2.1 Scope of Services. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Consultant agrees to provide Human Resources and Risk Management Consulting Services, as further described in Exhibit A, Scope of Service (the “Work”).
2.2 Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall commence on the date fully executed by the City Manager and continue until June 30, 2030. unless said Work is completed on a date prior thereto or unless terminated earlier as provided herein. Consultant shall complete the Work described in Exhibit A on or before that date, unless the term of the Agreement is otherwise terminated or extended, as provided for in Section 8. The time provided to
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
2 Consultant to complete the services required by this Agreement shall not affect City of Mountain House’s right to terminate the Agreement, as referenced in Section 8.
2.3 Standard of Performance. Consultant shall perform all Work in a first-class manner in conformance with the standards of quality normally observed by a person practicing in Consultant’s profession.
2.4 Inspection. All Work performed and materials (if any) provided by Consultant shall be subject to inspection and approval by City of Mountain House.
2.5 Consultant’s Warranties and Guarantee. Consultant warrants to City of Mountain House that all materials and equipment furnished under this Agreement will be new unless City of Mountain House agrees otherwise in writing, and that all Work will be of good quality, free from faults and defects and in conformance with this Agreement. All Work not so conforming to these standards may be deemed defective by City of Mountain House. If required by City of Mountain House, the Consultant shall furnish to City of Mountain House satisfactory evidence as to the kind and quality of materials, equipment, and methods of installation by the Consultant or sub-Consultants.
Consultant shall guarantee the Work to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year following City of Mountain House’s acceptance of the Work (“Consultant’s Guarantee”). As part of Consultant’s Guarantee, Consultant agrees to make, at Consultant’s sole cost and expense, all repairs or replacements made necessary by defects in material or workmanship which become evident within the one-year guarantee period.
2.6 Assignment of Personnel. Consultant shall assign only competent personnel to perform services pursuant to this Agreement. In the event that City of Mountain House, in its sole discretion and at any time during the term of this Agreement, desires the reassignment of any such persons, Consultant shall, immediately upon receiving notice from City of Mountain House of such desire of City of Mountain House, reassign such person or persons.
2.7 Time is of the Essence. The parties agree time is of the essence. Consultant shall devote such time to the performance of the Work as may be reasonably necessary to timely finish the Work, meet the standard of performance provided in Section 2.3 above, and satisfy Consultant’s obligations hereunder.
2.8 Public Works Requirements. Because the Work described in Exhibit A constitutes a public works within the definition of Section 1720(a)(1) of the Labor Code, Consultant is required to comply with the provisions of the Labor Code applicable to public works projects, as further described in Exhibit D. Consultant shall waive, indemnify, hold harmless, and defend City of Mountain House concerning any liability arising out of Labor Code Section 1720 et seq.
3. Terms of Payment.
3.1 Compensation. City of Mountain House hereby agrees to pay Consultant a sum not to exceed one million, ten thousand, one hundred eighty-four dollars ($1,010,184) notwithstanding any contrary indications that may be contained in Consultant’s proposal
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
3 for services to be performed and reimbursable costs incurred under this Agreement. City of Mountain House shall pay Consultant for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement at the time and in the manner set forth herein. The payments specified below shall be the only payments from City of Mountain House to Consultant for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall submit all invoices to City of Mountain House in the manner specified herein. Except as specifically authorized by City of Mountain House in writing, Consultant shall not bill City of Mountain House for duplicate services performed by more than one person.
Consultant and City of Mountain House acknowledge and agree that compensation paid by City of Mountain House to Consultant under this Agreement is based upon Consultant’s estimated costs of providing the services required hereunder, including salaries and benefits of employees and sub-Consultants of Consultant. Consequently, the parties further agree that compensation hereunder is intended to include the costs of contributions to any pensions and/or annuities to which Consultant and its employees, agents, and sub-Consultants may be eligible. City of Mountain House therefore has no responsibility for such contributions beyond compensation required under this Agreement.
3.2 Invoices. Consultant shall submit invoices not more often than once a month during the term of this Agreement based on the cost for services performed and reimbursable costs incurred prior to the invoice date via e-mail to [email protected]. Invoices delivered to any other e-mail address will be deemed undelivered and not paid.
Invoices shall contain the following information:
a. Contract ID number;
b. Federal Tax Payer Identification Number;
c. The beginning and ending dates of the billing period; d. A task summary containing the original contract amount, the amount of prior billings, the total due this period, the balance available under the Agreement, and the percentage of completion;
e. At City of Mountain House’s option, for each Work item in each task, a copy of the applicable time entries or time sheets shall be submitted showing the name of the person doing the Work, the hours spent by each person, a brief description of the Work, and each reimbursable expense;
f. The total number of hours of Work performed under the Agreement by Consultant and each employee, agent, and sub-Consultant of Consultant performing services hereunder; and
g. The Consultant’s signature.
3.3 Monthly Payment. City of Mountain House shall make monthly payments, based on invoices received, for services satisfactorily performed and for authorized reimbursable
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
4 costs incurred. City of Mountain House shall have thirty (30) days from the receipt of an invoice that complies with all of the requirements above to pay Consultant.
3.4 Final Payment; Retention Payment. If all services required have been satisfactorily performed, City of Mountain House shall pay the last five percent (5%) of the total sum due pursuant to this Agreement within sixty (60) days after completion and acceptance of the Work, or other applicable event under law, and submittal to City of Mountain House of a final invoice.
3.5 Total Payment.
a. City of Mountain House shall pay for the Work performed by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement. City of Mountain House shall make no payment for any extra, further, or additional service pursuant to this Agreement. b. In no event shall Consultant submit any invoice for an amount in excess of the maximum amount of compensation provided above either for a task or for the entire Agreement unless the Agreement is modified prior to the submission of such an invoice by a properly executed change order or amendment. c. City of Mountain House shall not pay any invoice or otherwise provide compensation to Consultant in excess of the maximum amount of compensation provided herein unless the Agreement is modified prior to the performance of such Work or services. d. City of Mountain House shall not pay any invoice or otherwise provide compensation to Consultant for Work or services performed after the expiration or termination of this Agreement unless the Agreement is modified prior to the performance of such Work or services.
3.6 Hourly Rate/Fees. Unless the services provided are for a lump sum or flat fee, fees for Work performed by Consultant on an hourly basis shall not exceed the amounts shown on the compensation cost proposal attached hereto as Exhibit B and incorporated herein. In the event of a conflict in or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and Exhibit B, the Agreement shall prevail.
3.7 Reimbursable Expenses. Reimbursable expenses are specified in Exhibit B.
Reimbursable expenses not listed in Exhibit B are not chargeable to City of Mountain House. Reimbursable expenses shall not include a mark-up and shall be billed as a direct costs. In no event shall expenses be advanced by City of Mountain House to the Consultant. Reimbursable expenses are included in the total amount of compensation provided under this Agreement that shall not be exceeded.
3.8 Payment of Taxes. Consultant is solely responsible for the payment of employment taxes incurred under this Agreement and any similar federal or state taxes.
3.9 Payment upon Termination. In the event that City of Mountain House or Consultant terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8, City of Mountain House shall compensate the Consultant for all outstanding costs and reimbursable expenses incurred for Work satisfactorily completed as of the date of written notice of termination.
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
5 Consultant shall maintain adequate logs and timesheets to verify costs incurred to that date.
3.10 Authorization to Perform Services. The Consultant is not authorized to perform any services or incur any costs whatsoever under the terms of this Agreement until receipt of authorization from the Contract Administrator.
4. Consultant’s Status:
4.1 Independent Consultant. In the performance of the Work, duties, and other obligations imposed by this Agreement, the Consultant is at all times acting as an Independent Consultant practicing his or her profession and not as an employee of City of Mountain House. Consultant shall perform the Work in accordance with currently approved methods and standards of practice in the Consultant’s professional specialty. A copy of Consultant’s current business license shall be provided to City of Mountain House. The Consultant shall not have any claim under this Agreement or otherwise against City of Mountain House for vacation, sick leave, retirement benefits, social security or worker’s compensation benefits. The Consultant shall be responsible for federal and state payroll taxes such as social security and unemployment. San Joaquin County will issue a form 1099 at year-end on behalf of City of Mountain House for fees earned.
4.2 Consultant Not an Agent. Except as City of Mountain House may specify in writing, Consultant shall have no authority, express or implied, to act on behalf of City of Mountain House in any capacity whatsoever as an agent. Consultant shall have no authority, express or implied, pursuant to this Agreement to bind City of Mountain House to any obligation whatsoever.
4.3 Non-Exclusive Rights. This Agreement does not grant to Consultant any exclusive privileges or rights to provide services to City of Mountain House. Consultant may contract with other agencies, private companies, or individuals for similar services.
5. Legal Requirements.
5.1 Compliance. Consultant shall comply with all Federal, State and local laws, regulations and requirements necessary for performance of the Work. Consultant shall comply with all laws applicable to wages and hours of employment, occupational safety, and to fire safety, health and sanitation.
5.2 Licenses and Permits. Consultant represents and warrants to City of Mountain House that Consultant and its employees, agents, and any sub-Consultants have all licenses, permits, qualifications, and approvals of whatsoever nature that are legally required for the performance of the Work. Consultant represents and warrants to City of Mountain House that Consultant and its employees, agents, and any sub-Consultants shall, at their sole cost and expense, keep in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement any licenses, permits, and approvals that are legally required to perform the Work.
5.3 Conflict of Interest Statement. Consultant covenants that Consultant, its officers or employees or their immediate family, presently has no interest, including, but not limited to, other projects or independent contracts, and shall not acquire any such interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of the
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
6 Work. Consultant further covenants that in the performance of this Agreement no person having any such interest shall be employed or retained by Consultant under this Agreement. Consultant shall not hire City of Mountain House’s employees to perform any portion of the Work, including secretarial, clerical, and similar incidental services, except upon the written approval of City of Mountain House. Performance of the Work by associates or employees of Consultant shall not relieve Consultant from any responsibility under this Agreement.
5.4 Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity. Consultant shall not discriminate, on the basis of a person’s race, religion, color, national origin, age, physical or mental handicap or disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation against any employee, applicant for employment, sub-Consultant, bidder for a subcontract, or participant in, recipient of, or applicant for any services or programs provided by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, policies, rules, and requirements related to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment, contracting, and the provision of any services that are the subject of this Agreement, including but not limited to the satisfaction of any positive obligations required of Consultant thereby.
5.5 Drug Free Workplace. Consultant shall comply with the provisions of Government Code Section 8350 et seq., otherwise known as the Drug-Free Workplace Act.
5.6 Form Law. The Laws of the State of California shall govern this Agreement. Venue is San Joaquin County. The provision of this paragraph shall survive expiration or other termination of this Agreement regardless of the cause of such termination.
5.7 Subcontracts. Consultant shall include the provisions of this Section 5 in any subcontract approved by the Contract Administrator or this Agreement.
6. Indemnification, Hold Harmless and Defense.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend City of Mountain House, its directors, officers, employees, agents and authorized volunteers, and each of them, from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, penalties, judgments, awards, decrees, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, losses or liabilities, in law or in equity, of every kind or nature, including but not limited to personal injury, bodily injury, wrongful death, and property damage including any damage to City of Mountain House’s property, arising out of Consultant’s alleged negligence, or wrongful acts related to or in connection with Consultant’s performance of duties under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, City of Mountain House shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Consultant, its directors, officers, employees, agents and each of them (collectively referred to as “Consultant Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, penalties, judgments, awards, decrees, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, losses or liabilities, in law or in equity, of every kind or nature, including but not limited to personal injury, bodily injury, wrongful death, and property damage including any damage to the Consultant’s property, arising out of City of Mountain House’s
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
7 alleged negligence, or wrongful acts related to or in connection with City of Mountain House’s performance of duties under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, to the extent this Agreement is a “construction contract” as defined by Civil Code Section 2782, as may be amended from time to time, such duties of Consultant to indemnify shall not apply when to do so would be prohibited by Civil Code Section 2782.
7. Insurance.
Before beginning any Work under this Agreement, Consultant, at its own cost and expense, unless otherwise specified below, shall procure the types and amounts of insurance described in Exhibit C, incorporated herein, against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property that may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Work hereunder by the Consultant and its agents, representatives, employees, and sub-Consultants. Consistent with the following provisions, Consultant shall provide proof satisfactory to City of Mountain House of such insurance that meets the requirements of Exhibit C and under forms of insurance satisfactory in all respects, and that such insurance is in effect prior to beginning Work to City of Mountain House. Consultant shall maintain the insurance policies required by Exhibit C throughout the term of this Agreement. The cost of such insurance shall be included in the Consultant’s proposal. Consultant shall not allow any sub-Consultant to commence Work on any subcontract until Consultant has obtained all insurance required by Exhibit C for the sub-Consultant(s) and provided evidence that such insurance is in effect to City of Mountain House. Verification of the required insurance shall be submitted and made part of this Agreement prior to execution.
8. Termination and Modification.
8.1 Termination. City of Mountain House may cancel this Agreement at any time and without cause upon written notification to Consultant. Consultant may cancel this Agreement upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to City of Mountain House and shall include in such notice the reasons for cancellation.
In the event of termination, Consultant shall be entitled to compensation for services performed to the effective date of termination; City of Mountain House, however, may condition payment of such compensation upon Consultant delivering to City of Mountain House any or all work product, including, but not limited to documents, photographs, computer software, video and audio tapes, and other materials provided to Consultant or prepared by or for Consultant or City of Mountain House in connection with this Agreement.
8.2 Extension. City of Mountain House may, in its sole and exclusive discretion, extend the end date of this Agreement beyond that provided for in Section 2.2. Any such extension shall require a written amendment to this Agreement, as provided for herein. The City of Mountain House City Manager is hereby authorized to negotiate and execute such extension.
8.3 Amendments. The parties may amend this Agreement only by a writing signed by all the parties.
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
8 8.4 Assignment and Subcontracting. City of Mountain House and Consultant recognize and agree that this Agreement contemplates performance of specialized services by Consultant and is based upon a determination of Consultant’s unique competence, experience, and specialized knowledge. Consultant may not assign this Agreement or any interest therein without the prior written approval of the Contract Administrator.
Consultant shall not subcontract any portion of the performance contemplated and provided for herein, other than to the sub-Consultants noted in the proposal, without prior written approval of the Contract Administrator. Any such assignment, transfer, delegation or subcontract without the prior written consent shall be considered null and void.
8.5 Survival. All obligations arising prior to the termination of this Agreement and all provisions of this Agreement allocating liability between City of Mountain House and Consultant shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
8.6 Options upon Breach by Consultant. If Consultant materially breaches any of the terms of this Agreement, City of Mountain House’s remedies shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. Immediately terminate the Agreement;
b. Retain the plans, specifications, drawings, reports, design documents, and any other work product prepared by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement; c. Retain a different Consultant to complete the Work described in Exhibit A not finished by Consultant; or
d. Charge Consultant the difference between the cost to complete the Work described in Exhibit A that is unfinished at the time of breach and the amount that City of Mountain House would have paid Consultant pursuant to Section 3 if Consultant had completed the Work.
9. Miscellaneous.
9.1 Contract Administrator. The Consultant Administrator shall be designated, and may be changed, by the City of Mountain House City Manager in writing.
9.2 Notices. Any notice required to be given pursuant to the terms and provisions hereof shall be in writing and shall be effected by personal delivery or by first class mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid, return receipt requested. Unless otherwise designated by either party in writing, such notices shall be mailed as shown on the first page of this Agreement.
9.3 Non-Liability of Officials, Employees and Agents. No officer, official, employee or agent of City of Mountain House shall be personally liable to Consultant in the event of any default or breach by City of Mountain House or for any amount that may become due to Consultant pursuant to this Agreement.
9.4 Attorneys’ Fees. If a party to this Agreement brings any action, including an action for declaratory relief, to enforce or interpret the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
9 party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.
9.5 Documents. All drawings, specifications, documents and other memoranda or writings relating to the Work hereunder, shall remain or become the property of City of Mountain House upon termination of this Agreement, whether executed by or for the Consultant for City of Mountain House, or otherwise, by or for the Consultant, or by or for a subConsultant operating under the Consultant’s supervision, or direction, and all such documents and copies thereof shall be returned or transmitted to City of Mountain House forthwith upon termination or completion of the Work under this Agreement. Prior to termination Consultant shall deliver to City of Mountain House any such records upon request.
9.6 Force Majeure. It is agreed that neither party shall be responsible for delays in delivery or acceptance of delivery or failure to perform when such delay or failure is attributable to Acts of God, war, strikes, riots, lockouts, accidents, rules or regulations of any governmental agencies or other matters or conditions beyond the control of either the seller/Consultant or the purchaser.
9.7 Waiver. No waiver of any breach of any covenant or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of any other covenant or provision hereof, and no waiver shall be valid unless in writing and executed by the waiving party. An extension of time for performance of any obligation or act shall not be deemed an extension of the time for performance of any other obligation or act, and no extension shall be valid unless in writing and executed by the waiving party.
9.8 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or shall be deemed to confer upon any person, other than the parties, any rights or remedies hereunder.
9.9 Headings. The headings of the sections and exhibits of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only. They do not constitute part of this Agreement and are not to be used in its construction.
9.10 Entire Agreement and Modification. This Agreement supersedes all previous Agreements either oral or in writing and constitutes the entire understanding of the parties hereto. No changes, amendments or alterations shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties.
9.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one agreement. *Signatures on following page*
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
10 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, City of Mountain House and Consultant have executed this Agreement on the day and year first written above.
Consultant City of Mountain House
State of California
By: ____________________________
Joseph Kriskovich
By: ___________________________
Steven J. Pinkerton
City Manager
Date: _________________________ Date: _________________________ Approved as to Form:
By: ___________________________
John Bakker
City Attorney
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
11 EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
[Attached]
Item 7.4
June 20, 2025
Sarah Ragsdale
Administrative Services Director
City of Mountain House
Dear Sarah,
I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your Request for Proposal (RFP) for Human Resources and Risk Management Consulting Services. I am excited for the opportunity to continue to work with the City of Mountain House and believe that my qualifications make me an ideal partner for your project.
I have worked as a professional in Human Resources and Risk Management for nearly 40 years. I have managed every process in HR, which includes, but not limited to recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, investigations, ADA, evaluations, project management, employee relations, training and labor relations. I have multiple certifications in HR, labor and training. I have been fortunate to have implemented new HR systems, recruiting platforms, and evaluation systems.
As a Risk Manager, I also have many certifications in OSHA training, compliance and workers compensation management. In addition, I am a one of 22,000 Certified Safety Professionals (CSP) worldwide.
I held the job title of Director of Human Resources and Risk Management for over 17 years in two diƯerent municipalities. I am uniquely qualified to address any HR or Risk related questions. I also understand that risk management is more than workers compensation and insurance, it plays a huge role in all aspects of Human Resources. There is inherent risk in recruitments, employee investigations, harassment complaints, issues with evaluations and anything related to labor. I will rely on my many years of experience and I will leverage the relationships I have maintained in the HR and Risk arena.
My contact information:
Joe Kriskovich
2171 Hillcrest Drive
Tracy CA 95377
209-321-2277
[email protected]
Item 7.4
Proposals and Relevant Experience
Evaluations
- Focus on finding a web-based platform compatible with ADP payroll system - Prioritize upfront and recurring costs, as well as customer support - Ensure the system allows for job-specific criteria and automated tracking I have been in a position for three diƯerent employers to improve and replace an existing evaluation system. In the private sector, I was part of a team charged with replacing a paper evaluation process to an internal proprietary web-based platform that vastly improved the eƯiciency and eƯectiveness of evaluations. In two cities, Tracy and Manteca, I was in charge of replacing and upgrading their existing evaluation system which were also paper processes that lacked consistency, timely follow-up and accurate appraisal data. In all three examples, the antiquated paper process was very labor intensive, involved manual tracking, follow-up was non-existent and the process lacked accountability at all levels of the organization.
The new systems will be web based and once the evaluations are loaded into the system, they are auto generated annually or at chosen intervals. Reports will show overdue, pending and those completed by department and manager. It will have a profound impact on accountability at all levels, reduce late or not completed evaluations, and consistency will be greatly enhanced. The set-up can be tailored to best fit the city needs and ongoing maintenance is minimal.
Recruitment
- Implement a web-based system like NEOGOV to streamline processes - Utilize updated job descriptions as the foundation for the recruitment system - Customize requisitions and approval processes for eƯiciency - Benefit reviews at all levels
I have researched and selected a recruiting system to enhance the City of Manteca’s recruitment eƯorts. I reviewed multiple options from various vendors before choosing the NEOGOV system. Although many of the systems function very similarly, NEOGOV was selected due to its overall platform and its large footprint within many agencies across the country. Most recruitment systems have similar functionality with the biggest return on investment is the time and staƯ savings. The system eliminates many manual tasks, tracks all EEO data, and assists in scheduling applicants for interviews. In addition, all notifications and letters can be customized for the city and can be sent with the click of the mouse.
An advantage for the city is the updated job descriptions which will be the centerpiece of the system.
System set-up may take time but the end result will be much faster processing time of open requisitions.
Local, statewide or national job exposure is available. Web-based approval at every step of the process continues to ensure the recruitment remains timely.
As part of the recruitment process the overall benefit package needs to be evaluated. From the type of benefits oƯered to the cost of such benefits. New approaches to elected benefits will be examined to ensure Mountain House is able to recruit the best talent.
Personnel policies and procedures
- Update and maintain comprehensive policies and regulations - Ensure legal compliance and alignment with existing MOUs
Item 7.4
- Use these as tools for accountability and consistent administration I have written Personnel Policies and Procedures (PPP) as well as Rules and Regulations (RR) for both the City of Tracy and Manteca. As of this date many of those PPP and RR are still in place and being actively utilized. I partnered with two legal firms to review the final version of both to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations. Another important aspect that had to be reviewed was ensuring they did not conflict with any existing MOU.
The better the PPP and RR the more accountability for all employees. PPP and RR have to avoid the lack of any real or perceived loop-holes in the event disciplinary action needs to be taken. I have many examples of using PPP and RR to justify taking the appropriate disciplinary action. In combination with the MOU, these prove to be powerful tools to ensure everyone is aware of and plays by the same set of rules throughout the city. The PPP and RR can be consistently administered to all members of the city, regardless of their job title or position.
Labor
- Maintain a solid partnership with SEIU
- Negotiate a fair and enforceable MOU
- Provide guidance and oversight on all labor related issues and concerns I have negotiated over 100 MOUs with various unions and groups represented by law firms. The next step for the city is to start holding employees accountable to the language in the MOU and enforcing progressive discipline when needed. A new evaluation system and updated policies and procedures can assist to ensure all employees are performing at an acceptable level and if disciplinary action is needed it is administered fairly and impartially across the board and is not punitive in nature.
Risk Management
- Take a holistic approach, covering insurance, workers' compensation, and other risks - Implement systems for tracking insurance certifications and subrogation claims - Utilize training programs like Target Solutions for employee education Risk management is not just insurance and workers compensation but a whole array of overlapping risks associated with many diƯerent functions within a city. As a risk manager I have been an integral part of two pooling authorities, including being a member of the executive committee for more than 12 years and serving as the president elect of the Municipal Pooling Authority (MPA) for over 7 years.
I understand the importance of risk transfer and to ensure the city is protected when any vendor, project or request for proposal is made to the city. I have set up spreadsheets to track insurance certifications so the vendors are never out of compliance. I reviewed with the MPA all projects to ensure the city is protected from any potential risk and the associated cost of that risk.
I have set up a subrogation collection system that tracks all damage to city property claims and the status of those claims. I have been working with Doug and we currently have an excel spreadsheet for tracking claims with the plan to enhance the spreadsheet to set up automated alerts and track the actual dollars collected.
Compliance and risk training have to occur on a regular basis for all employees. The city is oƯ to a good foundation with Target Solutions being an excellent option for assigning and tracking training. I will work to
Item 7.4
further educate the employees and managers on potential risks and their mitigation. Preventing risk will be everyone’s responsibility.
I would work with each department to compile a list for inventory itemization and asset management.
Ensuring insurance coverage is adequate and suƯicient. This will also provide the opportunity to identify any surplus equipment not be utilized as surplus property and ensure the allocated cost is accurate for all equipment and supplies.
I have worked closely with Employment Risk Management Authority (ERMA), serving on the board of directors for many years. It is an important resource as many HR related risks, from recruitment challenges, disparate treatment, harassment complaints and evaluation concerns need to be brought forward to them. It is a much larger part of risk management that often is not properly accounted for. I will utilize ERMA so every employee and employment concern is properly investigated and corrective action is taken to ensure the prevention of recurrence is addressed.
Approach
- Conduct a thorough assessment of current systems and processes - Prioritize implementation of recruitment and evaluation systems - Streamline processes and involve subject matter experts from each department - Develop a timeline for policy updates and risk management improvements - Create a communication plan to inform and educate employees about new systems and processes - Create a citywide understanding of risk management best practices It is exciting to be on the ground floor of a city putting in place processes and systems to enhance and improve the everyday experience for all employees. The HR department has to evolve as the go to department for all employee related processes from recruiting to evaluation to investigations to labor issues as they arise. It must earn the trust of the entire city with consistently delivering results with the highest standards. To start this evolution, my approach would be to identify a recruiting system and an evaluation system. The most important aspect of both of these systems is the new job descriptions that will have been approved by the employee, the manager and HR. These will identify the key elements of each job, which is the starting point for improved recruitments, meaningful evaluations, methodology for accountability and staƯing models to ensure eƯiciency of the work being undertaken.
Utilizing a web-based recruiting system will streamline the recruiting process, identify a subject matter expert (SME) for each department, and eliminate manual steps throughout the whole process. Requisitions should be included in the system so approval is done in minutes as opposed to days, and once approved, a meeting should be held with the department SME and HR. This will address if any further screening tools, such as supplemental questions, will be needed as be part of the process. Once the recruitment is open only HR would screen the applicants and those meeting the minimum qualifications would be forwarded to the SME for their approval. Once a suƯicient number of qualified applicants has been reached all interviews and follow-ups can be set up within the system.
A robust web-based evaluation system is a must for any entity. It will bring increased accountability to the employees, the managers, the departments and the entire city. Step one will be to meet with the stakeholders to review the new system, their role and responsibility and the expectation moving forward.
Each position can have customized evaluations with specific criteria. This eliminates the current system that rates everyone and every position on the same criteria. Step two will be the manager and employee
Item 7.4
meeting to discuss the elements in which the employee will be rated upon, seeking their understanding and input. The updated job descriptions will play a major role in identifying the elements. Once the criteria has been established, and expectations discussed with the employee, the evaluation is uploaded into the system. The process is fully automated and would be set for annual evaluations with alerts going to the manager 90, 60 and 30 days prior to the evaluation due date. HR can then monitor the process and escalate if evaluations are not being performed within the established time frame.
I am a huge proponent that the better the evaluation criteria coupled with a timely evaluation leads to a better review with the employee and the end result is more accountability for meeting the expectations of the position. This in turn leads to a fair and consistent approach for all employees which will enhance the overall well-being of the employees. It will determine future staƯing needs and any adjustments needed in staƯing. It will identify employees not meeting expectations and requiring additional training or job coaching. It is a great aid for managers to objectively evaluate their employees and determine the optimal number of positions needed to better serve the community. In some cases, corrective action may need to be addressed using progressive disciplinary. HR can guide that process to ensure the steps are followed properly with the goal for the employee to understand the corrective action needed and work toward improving those short comings.
As I referenced earlier, Personnel Policies and Procedures (PPP) and the Rules and Regulations (RR) will need to be evaluated as part of the process. I would start with PPP and RR that have federal or state laws or statues to ensure compliance. Along with the evaluation process and a sound labor agreement which already exists, this will add to the overall health of the organization. Part of this process would include record keeping guidelines and a record retention system to be put in place.
My approach to risk management is similar to that of human resources management as the key is providing employees with an expectation and understanding of risk management. The culture of the city has to become immersed in the concept of risk mitigation. We have to develop this culture with the simple phrase, “if you see something say something.” If it does not look right or there is an obvious problem, such as a raised sidewalk, extension cord in a walk path, a potential hit and run accident, it is everyone’s responsibility to bring that to the attention of the risk management team. No matter what your job level is we all provide a risk- free environment for our citizens, visitors to the city and our fellow workers.
Risk mitigation strategies will reduce the likelihood or impact of risks, such as implementing new controls or procedures. The cornerstones of this approach are three principles. The first being risk avoidance. We need to decide if certain risks should be avoided altogether. The second, risk transfer, in which we explore options for transferring risks to third parties, and we have been successful using insurance and additional insured language. And last, risk acceptance. We accept certain risks if the cost of mitigation outweighs the potential impact. We will educate employees about the risk management plan and their roles in mitigating risks.
I will engage stakeholders to identify potential risks across various areas, such as strategic, compliance, operational, financial, and reputational risks. Once all identified risks are clearly outlined with their potential impact, we can look at mitigation strategies. Then we can evaluate the likelihood of each risk occurring and the potential impact if it does.
Most of the compliance training can be done through the on-line training portal. The MPA oƯers member cities specific compliance and risk certifications such as TraƯic, Cone and Flagging, which the city will have access to and utilize when the opportunity arises.
Item 7.4
By focusing on these areas and following a structured approach, we can significantly improve the HR and risk management functions within the City of Mountain House.
Cost
It is diƯicult to separate the HR from the risk on a cost basis since there are so many areas that need addressed that have overlapping ramifications. Once the city has the web-based recruiting platform and evaluation process, some of that risk will be mitigated.
The role is two positions in one – the Director of HR and a Risk Manager. Within the cities current salary structure the director role would command an annual salary between $175,000 and $200,000. The manager role would command an annual salary between $125,000 and $150,000.
My cost proposal is based on the significant gains that will be made in both areas in the first three years. I will usher in the new processes and platforms, have updated policies and procedures, and will have a staƯing model for HR/Risk and the other city departments. By year four I am extremely confident that all of the processes will be in place, the staƯing sustainable and my role will be reduced to oversight or potentially eliminated. My goal is to eliminate the need for this consultant by the end of year four, if not sooner. I would include an additional $10,000 for travel to board meetings, training and conferences to support the city in human resources and risk management. An 4% annual adjustment is included.
Human Resources Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Monthly $12,000 $11,500 $10,816 $6,000 $3,000
Annual $144,000 $138,000 $129,792 $72,000 $36,000
Risk Management Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Monthly $8,000 $9,300 $10,816 $6,000 $3,000
Annual $96,000 $111,600 $129,792 $72,000 $36,000
Total Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Monthly $20,000 $20,800 $21,632 $12,000 $6,000
Annual $240,000 $249,600 $259,584 $144,000 $72,000
Misc Amount $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $5,000
Grand Total $250,000 $259,600 $269,584 $154,000 $79,000
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
12 EXHIBIT B
COMPENSATION SCHEDULE & REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES
1) Compensation Schedule.
2) Reimbursable Expenses.
Reimbursable expenses for Consultants working for City of Mountain House shall follow the guidelines outlined below. An invoice and receipts, outlining travel expenses, shall be submitted to City of Mountain House after the travel has occurred.
Expense Type Reimbursement Policies Receipt Required
Airfare Actual cost of the least expensive class available.
Business class and first class are not reimbursable.
Yes
Airline Baggage Fees Actual expense. Yes
Rental Car Reimbursement for rental cars will be for a
standard size car or smaller and will be
reimbursed for the actual expense.
Yes
Airport Shuttle Actual expense, including gratuity. Yes Taxi Actual expense, including gratuity. Yes
Meals & Incidentals Actual expense, including gratuity. Itemized receipts must be included for reimbursement. No
alcohol.
Other incidentals per itemized receipt.
Yes
Hotel Lodging obtained will be reasonable and in line
with the moderate priced hotels for the area.
Reimbursement will be only for room charge,
taxes, and parking (if applicable).
Itemized receipts must be included for
reimbursement.
Yes
Privately Owned Vehicle
Mileage Rate
IRS allowable rate for the current year. No
Office Incidentals Actual expense.
Copies/printing, courier/express delivery fees,
phone calls.
Yes
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
13 EXHIBIT C
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
1) Required Coverage. Consultant shall maintain all required insurance listed herein for the duration of this Agreement.
TYPE OF INSURANCE MINIMUM LIMITS
Commercial General Liability
Premises Liability; Products and Completed
Operations; Contractual Liability; Personal
Injury and Advertising Liability
$1,000,000 per occurrence;
Bodily Injury and Property Damage
$2,000,00 in the aggregate; Commercial general
coverage shall be at least as broad as Insurance
Services Office Commercial General Liability
occurrence form CG 0001 (most recent edition)
covering comprehensive General Liability on an
“occurrence” basis
Commercial or Business Automobile
Liability
All owned vehicles, hired or leased
vehicles, non-owned, borrowed and
permissive uses. Personal Automobile
Liability is acceptable for individual
Consultants with no transportation or
hauling related activities
$1,000,000 per occurrence;
Any Auto; Bodily Injury and Property Damage.
Automobile coverage shall be at least as broad as
Insurance Services Office Automobile Liability
form CA 0001 (most recent edition), Code 1 (any
auto). No endorsement shall be attached limiting
the coverage.
Workers’ Compensation (WC) and
Employers Liability (EL)
Required for all Consultants with
employees
WC: Statutory Limits
EL: $100,000 per accident for bodily injury or
disease. Consultant may rely on a self-insurance
program to meet those requirements, but only if the
program of self-insurance complies fully with the
provisions of the California Labor Code. The
insurer shall waive all rights of subrogation against
City of Mountain House and its officers, officials,
employees, and volunteers for loss arising from
Work performed under this Agreement
Professional Liability/Errors &
Omissions
Required for all Consultants performing
services with licensed professionals.
Includes endorsements of contractual
liability
$1,000,000 per occurrence
$2,000,000 policy aggregate; Any deductible or
self-insured retention shall not exceed $150,000 per
claim
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
14 2) Additional requirements. Each of the following shall be included in the insurance coverage or added as a certified endorsement to the policy:
a) Term. All required insurance shall be maintained during the entire term of the Agreement with the following exception: Insurance policies and coverage(s) written on a claims-made basis shall be maintained during the entire term of the Agreement and until three (3) years following termination and acceptance of all Work provided under the Agreement, with the retroactive date of said insurance (as may be applicable) concurrent with the commencement of activities pursuant to this Agreement. b) Additional Insured. All insurance required above with the exception of Professional Liability, Personal Automobile Liability, Workers’ Compensation and Employers Liability, shall be endorsed to name as additional insured: City of Mountain House, its Board of Directors, and all City of Mountain House officers, agents, employees, volunteers and representatives.
c) Primary Insurance. For any claims related to this Agreement or the Work hereunder, the Consultant’s insurance covered shall be primary insurance as respects City of Mountain House, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by City of Mountain House, its officers, officials, employees, or volunteers shall be excess of the Consultant’s insurance and shall not contribute with it. d) Cancellation. Each insurance policy required by this clause shall be endorsed to state that coverage shall not be canceled by either party, except after 30 days’ prior written notice has been provided to City of Mountain House.
e) Certificates of Insurance. Before commencing operations under this Agreement, Consultant shall provide Certificate(s) of Insurance and applicable insurance endorsements, in form and satisfactory to City of Mountain House, evidencing that all required insurance coverage is in effect. City of Mountain House reserves the rights to require the Consultant to provide complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies.
f) Sub-Consultants. Consultant shall include all sub-Consultants as an insured (covered party) under its policies or shall furnish separate certificates and endorsements for each sub-Consultant. All coverages for sub-Consultants shall be subject to all of the requirements stated herein.
g) Claims-made limitations. The following provisions shall apply if the professional liability coverage is written on a claims-made form:
i) The retroactive date of the policy must be shown and must be before the date of the Agreement.
ii) Insurance must be maintained and evidence of insurance must be provided for at least five years after completion of the Agreement or the Work, so long as commercially available at reasonable rates.
iii) If coverage is canceled or not renewed and it is not replaced with another claimsmade policy form with a retroactive date that precedes the date of this Agreement,
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
15 Consultant must purchase an extended period coverage for a minimum of three (3) years after completion of Work under this Agreement. iv) A copy of the claim reporting requirements must be submitted to City of Mountain House for review prior to the commencement of any Work under this Agreement.
3) All Policies Requirements.
a) Acceptability of insurers. All insurance required by this section is to be placed with insurers with a Bests' rating of no less than A:VII. Insurance shall be maintained through an insurer with a minimum A.M. Best Rating of A- or better, with deductible amounts acceptable to City of Mountain House. Acceptance of Consultant’s insurance by City of Mountain House shall not relieve or decrease the liability of Consultant hereunder. Any deductible or self-insured retention amount or other similar obligation under the policies shall be the sole responsibility of the Consultant.
b) Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions. Consultant shall disclose to and obtain the written approval of City of Mountain House for the self-insured retentions and deductibles before beginning any of the Work called for by any term of this Agreement.
At the option of City of Mountain House, either: the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects City of Mountain House, its officers, employees, and volunteers; or the Consultant shall provide a financial guarantee satisfactory to City of Mountain House guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses. c) Wasting Policies. No policy required by this Section 4 shall include a “wasting” policy limit (i.e. limit that is eroded by the cost of defense). d) Waiver of Subrogation. Consultant hereby agrees to waive subrogation which any insurer or Consultant may require from vendor by virtue of the payment of any loss.
Consultant agrees to obtain any endorsements that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation. The Workers’ Compensation policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the entity for all Work performed by Consultant, its employees, agents, and sub-Consultants.
4) Remedies. In addition to any other remedies City of Mountain House may have if Consultant fails to provide or maintain any insurance policies or policy endorsements to the extent and within the time herein required, City of Mountain House may, at its sole option exercise any of the following remedies, which are alternatives to other remedies City of Mountain House may have and are not the exclusive remedy for Consultant’s breach:
a) Obtain such insurance and deduct and retain the amount of the premiums for such insurance from any sums due under the Agreement;
b) Order Consultant to stop work under this Agreement or withhold any payment that becomes due to Consultant hereunder, or both stop work and withhold any payment, until Consultant demonstrates compliance with the requirements hereof; and/or c) Terminate this Agreement.
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
16 EXHIBIT D
REQUIREMENTS OF PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS
1) Wages. As applicable pursuant to Federal and State of California statutes and regulations:
a) In accordance with Labor Code Section 1773.2, City of Mountain House has determined the general prevailing wages in the locality in which the Work described in Exhibit A are to be performed for each craft or type of work needed, as published by the State of California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Statistics and Research, a copy of which is on file in City of Mountain House Public Works Office, and shall be made available on request. Consultant and sub-Consultants engaged in the performance of the Work shall pay no less than these rates to all persons engaged in performance of the Work.
b) In accordance with Labor Code Section 1775, Consultant and any sub-Consultants engaged in performance of the Work shall comply with Labor Code Section 1775, which establishes a penalty of up to $200 per day for each worker engaged in the performance of the Work for which Consultant or any sub-Consultant pays less than the specified prevailing wage. A mistake, inadvertence, or neglect in failing to pay the correct rate of prevailing wages is not excusable if Consultant or sub-Consultant had knowledge of their obligations under the Labor Code. Consultant or sub-Consultant shall pay the difference between the prevailing wage rates and the amount paid to each worker for each calendar day or portion thereof for which each worker was paid less than the prevailing wage rate.
If a sub-Consultant worker engaged in performance of the services described in Exhibit A is not paid the general prevailing per diem wages by the sub-Consultant, Consultant is not liable for any penalties therefore unless Consultant had knowledge of that failure or unless the Consultant fails to comply with all of the following requirements:
i) The contract executed between Consultant and the sub-Consultant for the performance of part of the Work shall include a copy of the provisions of Labor Code Sections 1771, 1775, 1776, 1777.5, 1813, and 1815.
ii) Consultant shall monitor payment of the specified general prevailing rate of per diem wages by the sub-Consultant by periodic review of the sub-Consultant’s certified payroll records.
iii) Upon becoming aware of a sub-Consultant’s failure to pay the specified prevailing rate of wages, Consultant shall diligently take corrective action to halt or rectify the failure, including, but not limited to, retaining sufficient funds due the sub-Consultant for performance of the Work.
iv) Prior to making final payment to the sub-Consultant, Consultant shall obtain an affidavit signed under penalty of perjury from the sub-Consultant that the subConsultant has paid the specified general prevailing rate of per diem wages for employees engaged in the performance of the Work any amounts due pursuant to Labor Code Section 1813.
c) In accordance with Labor Code Section 1776, Consultant and each sub-Consultant engaged in performance of the Work shall keep accurate payroll records showing the name, address, social security number, work, straight time and overtime hours worked each day and week, and the actual per diem wages paid to each journeyman, apprentice, worker, or other employee employed in performance of the Work. Each payroll record
Item 7.4
CONTRACT ID # A-2526-22
17 shall contain or be verified by a written declaration that it is made under penalty of perjury, stating both of the following:
i) The information contained in the payroll record is true and correct. ii) The employer has complied with the requirements of Sections 1771, 1811, and 1815 for any work performed by the employer’s employees on the public works project.
The payroll records required pursuant to Labor Code Section 1776 shall be certified and shall be available for inspection by City of Mountain House and its authorized representatives, the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards of the Department of Industrial Relations, and shall otherwise be available for inspection in accordance with Labor Code Section 1776. d) In accordance with Labor Code Section 1777.5, Consultant, on behalf of Consultant and any sub-Consultants engaged in performance of the Work, shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with Labor Code Section 1777.5 governing employment and payment of apprentices on public works contracts.
e) Consultant or any sub-Consultant, in performance of the Work, employs any person in a trade or occupation (except executive, supervisory, administrative, clerical, or other nonmanual workers as such) for which no minimum wage rate has been determined by the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations, Consultant shall pay the minimum rate of wages specified therein for the classification that most nearly corresponds to the Work performed by that person. The minimum rate thus furnished shall be applicable as a minimum for such trade or occupation from the time of the initial employment of the person affected and during the continuance of such employment. 2) DIR Registration.
At all times, Consultant shall be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations and qualified to perform public work consistent with Labor Code section 1725.5, except in limited circumstances as set forth in Labor Code section 1771.1. No Consultant or sub-Consultant may be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5. Consultant agrees, in accordance with Section 1771.4 of the Labor Code, that if the Work under this Agreement qualifies as a public works project, it is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations.
5615290.3
Item 7.4
TITLE: Ordinance to Designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the Local Responsibility Area
MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Brad Wall, Contract Planner
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council conduct the second reading and adopt an ordinance designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Local Responsibility Area of the City of Mountain House.
BACKGROUND
This item seeks City Council adoption of an ordinance to designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) within the City’s Local Responsibility Area (LRA), and to formally reference the City of Mountain House LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map, published on February 24, 2025.
The ordinance was introduced for the first reading at the June 25, 2025, City Council meeting. The related staff report is included for reference (Attachment A).
DISCUSSION
Following adoption, the ordinance will be published in the Tracy Press within twenty (20) days, in accordance with legal requirements.
In accordance with Government Code Section 51179(c), a copy of the adopted ordinance and the associated map will be transmitted to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection within thirty (30) days of adoption.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the adoption of the ordinance.
Staff time associated with preparing the ordinance, coordinating with the Fire Department, and required public noticing has been absorbed within existing departmental budgets. No new costs or funding allocations are anticipated.
STRATEGIC PLAN
City Council adoption of the LRA FHSZs Map and associated ordinance will help the City achieve the following goals and objectives:
Continue to collaborate effectively with developers and partners to build a safe, vibrant community for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Improve community engagement with Fire prevention services.
Item 7.5
CEQA
Adoption of the ordinance designating FHZs within the LRA is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as defined by Public Resources Code Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. The ordinance does not authorize development or land use changes, nor does it commit the city to any specific action that would result in a physical change to the environment. As such, it is not subject to CEQA review.
ACTION FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
Following adoption, the ordinance will be published in the Tracy Press within twenty (20) days, in accordance with legal requirements.
In accordance with Government Code Section 51179(c), a copy of the adopted ordinance and the associated map will be transmitted to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection within thirty (30) days of adoption.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Staff Report from the June 25, 2025 City Council Meeting B. Ordinance Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the Local Responsibility Area Item 7.5
TITLE: Ordinance to Designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Local Responsibility Area
MEETING DATE: June 25, 2025
PREPARED BY: Brad Wall, Contract Planner
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce and conduct the first reading of an ordinance designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Local Responsibility Area based on the map provided by CalFire on February 24, 2025.
The second reading and adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for July 9, 2025.
BACKGROUND
This ordinance proposes the adoption of updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) within the City’s Local Responsibility Area (LRA), based on a map developed and issued by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) on February 24, 2025.
Under state law, the State Fire Marshal is responsible for identifying and classifying lands within State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) into various levels of fire hazard severity. In response to the catastrophic Oakland Hills Fire in 1991, the Legislature expanded this requirement in 1992 to include Local Responsibility Areas as well. Initially, these LRA maps only included areas identified as “Very High” hazard.
However, in 2021, CalFire was directed to expand the classifications to also identify “Moderate” and “High” hazard zones.
These updates ensure that all LRAs across California now reflect the full range of fire hazard classifications.
The updated maps apply specifically to lands where local governments, rather than state or federal agencies, have primary responsibility for fire protection.
CalFire developed the hazard maps using a scientific, field-tested model that evaluates a range of factors such as historical wildfire data, vegetation type and density, topography, typical fire weather conditions, flame length, and ember behavior. These maps are intended to represent long-term hazard potential – similar in concept to flood hazard maps – by estimating the likelihood of wildfire over a 30- to 50-year timeframe. They do not account for local mitigation measures like vegetation management or fireresistant construction.
Importantly, local governments were not involved in developing these maps and were not given an opportunity to review or comment on the draft designations. Under California Government Code Section 51179, local agencies must accept and adopt the maps as provided. Jurisdictions are permitted to increase hazard designations if warranted but cannot reduce or remove areas identified by the State Fire Marshal.
DISCUSSION
ATTACHMENT A
Item 7.5
California Government Code Section 51179(a) requires cities, counties, and other local agencies responsible for fire protection to adopt an ordinance designating "Very High," "High," and "Moderate" FHSZs within their LRA, based on maps provided by the State Fire Marshal. This designation must occur within 120 days of the agency’s receipt of the final map from the State.
The City of Mountain House received its updated LRA FHSZs Map from CalFire on February 24, 2025, triggering the 120-day deadline. This deadline falls on June 24, 2025. Due to noticing requirements under Government Code Section 51179(g), the ordinance was noticed and scheduled for introduction at the June 25, 2025, City Council meeting, with second reading and adoption planned for July 9, 2025. While this adoption schedule technically falls just outside the 120-day window, CalFire has not established formal penalties for jurisdictions that adopt shortly thereafter. Staff believes this approach satisfies the legislative intent, as the process is proceeding in good faith with proper public notice.
The proposed ordinance designates both “High” and "Moderate" Fire Hazard Severity Zones as identified in the updated LRA map. Although the City does not contain any areas designated as "Very High", adoption of the ordinance is still required to formally recognize the “High” and "Moderate" classifications and fulfill the City’s legal obligations. Staff coordinated with the Mountain House Fire Department to review the map and prepare this ordinance for City Council consideration.
To comply with noticing requirements, a public notice was published in the Tracy Press on June 13, 2025, and posted at the offices of the San Joaquin County Recorder, County Assessor, and County Planning Department, as required by Government Code Section 51179(g).
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the adoption of the ordinance designating FHSZs in the LRA.
Staff time associated with preparing the ordinance, coordinating with the Fire Department, and issuing required public notices has been absorbed within existing departmental budgets. No new costs or funding allocations are anticipated as a result of this action.
STRATEGIC PLAN
City Council adoption of the City of Mountain House LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map and associated ordinance will help the city achieve the following goals and objectives:
Continue to collaborate effectively with developers and partners to build a safe, vibrant community for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Improve community engagement with Fire prevention services.
CEQA
Adoption of the ordinance designating FHZs within the LRA is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as defined by Public Resources Code Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. The ordinance does not authorize development or land use changes, nor does it commit the City to any specific action that would result in a physical change to the environment. As such, it is not subject to CEQA review.
ATTACHMENT A
Item 7.5
ACTION FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
Staff will prepare the ordinance for second reading and adoption on the July 9, 2025, City Council consent agenda.
Following adoption, the ordinance will be published in the Tracy Press within 20 days, as required by law.
A copy of the adopted ordinance and accompanying Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map will also be submitted to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection within 30 days, consistent with Government Code Section 51179(c).
ATTACHMENTS
A. Ordinance of the City of Mountain House to designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the Local Responsibility Area
ATTACHMENT A
Item 7.5
ATTACHMENT B
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-
AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNTAIN HOUSE
TO DESIGNATE FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 51179(a) requires local agencies, including cities, counties, or districts responsible for fire protection within a moderate fire hazard severity zone, to designate by ordinance the moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones within their jurisdiction; and,
WHEREAS, The City of Mountain House received the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map on February 24, 2025; and,
WHEREAS, As the agency responsible for fire protection within a moderate fire hazard severity zone, the City of Mountain House is required to adopt this ordinance; and, WHEREAS, Public notice of the City Council’s consideration to adopt this ordinance was published in the Tracy Press on Friday, June 13, 2025, and consistent with California Government Code section 51179(g), said notice was also posted at the San Joaquin County Recorder’s office, the County Assessor’s office, and County Planning Department; and,
WHEREAS, Adoption of this ordinance is not a “project” as defined under section 21065 of the Public Resources Code (California Environmental Quality Act), and as such is not subject to environmental review requirements; and,
WHEREAS, This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from and after its passage and adoption, provided it is published in full or in summary within twenty (20) days after its adoption in the Tracy Press.
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City does ordain as follows: The attached City of Mountain House Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map, attached as Exhibit 1, is hereby incorporated by reference and is adopted with this ordinance.
Item 7.5
City and County boundaries as of 10/22/24 (CA Board of Equalization) CAL FIRE State Responsibility Areas (SRA25_1)
CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZSRA23_3, FHSZLRA_25_1) Data Sources:
Daniel Berlant, State Fire Marshal, CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Joe Tyler, Director/Fire Chief, CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources, CA Natural Resources Agency The State of California and the Department of Forestry and Fire Gavin Newsom, Governor, State of California Protection make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy of data or maps. Neither the State nor the Department shall be liable under any circumstances for any direct, special, incidental, or consequential damages with respect to any claim by any user or third party on account of, or arising from, the use of data or maps. and other relevant factors including areas where winds
have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.
statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, Government Code section 51178 requires the State Fire
Marshal to identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent Waterbody
Federal Responsibility
Area (FRA) Unzoned LRA
Incorporated City
Projection: NAD 83 California Teale Albers
Scale: 1:35,000 at 11" x 17"
Km 012
Mi 01
High Moderate
High Moderate
Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in Local Responsibility Area (LRA), as Identified by the State Fire Marshal
Mountain
House
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As Identified by the
State Fire Marshal Local Responsibility Area
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
CITY OF MOUNTAIN HOUSE – SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
Fire Hazard Severity Zones in State Responsibility
Area (SRA), Effective April 1, 2024
EXHIBIT 1
Item 7.5
TITLE: Conflict of Interest Code for the City of Mountain House and the Mountain House Community Services District
MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Margaret Wimberly, City Clerk and Secretary of the Board of Directors
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that:
1) The City Council adopt a Resolution adopting the City of Mountain House Conflict of Interest Code; and 2) The Board of Directors of the Mountain House Community Services District (MHCSD) adopt a Resolution adopting the District’s Conflict of Interest Code.
BACKGROUND
On July 1, 2024, the City Council and the Mountain House Community Services District directed staff to review and update the Conflict of Interest Code for submission to the City Council.
The Political Reform Act requires all state and local government agencies to adopt a Conflict of Interest Code and update it biennially. Government Code section 87303 establishes the procedure for adoption of a new agency’s Conflict of Interest Code.
This item also includes recommended updates to the Mountain House Community Services District Conflict of Interest Code to reflect recent changes in job titles and duties.
DISCUSSION
Staff of the City of Mountain House and the MHCSD have reviewed their respective organizational structures, positions, and decision-making authorities to recommend the adoption of a Conflict of Interest Code that complies with the requirements of the Political Reform Act.
The City, having recently incorporated, must now adopt a Conflict of Interest Code that designates specific positions required to disclose economic interests and specifies the applicable disclosure categories. In addition, although the MHCSD currently follows a Conflict of Interest Code adopted by Board Order BMMXIV-12, it is now appropriate for the MHCSD to update its Code to align with its current governance and staffing structure.
Both the City and the MHCSD propose adoption of a Conflict of Interest Code that incorporates by reference the model code set forth in Section 18730 of Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations, as recommended by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). This model regulation contains standardized provisions for disclosing financial interests and avoiding conflicts. Each agency’s designated positions and corresponding disclosure categories are set forth in Appendix A of the respective Codes.
Consultants, as defined, will be subject to the broadest disclosure requirements unless a narrower disclosure is determined in writing by the City Manager or designee. Upon adoption, the City Clerk will notify individuals holding designated positions who were not previously required to file a Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests, and those designated positions must file initial statements within 30 Item 7.6
days. The City Clerk/Board Secretary will ensure compliance, manage public access to filings, and submit the adopted Codes to the FPPC for review and official record. Following the initial filing of the Statement of Economic Interest, filings will be due each subsequent year based on deadlines set by the FPPC.
The Conflict of Interest Code also requires all persons holding designated positions to complete two hours of ethics training pursuant to Government Code section 53234 et seq. within one year of adoption of this Code and every two years thereafter by December 31st (“AB 1234 training”). Members of the City Council are also subject to this training pursuant to state law. Each Council Member has met this requirement through attendance of trainings held at League of California Cities conferences.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of the Conflict of Interest Code.
ACTION FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL AND BOARD APPROVAL
Following City Council and MHCSD Board approval, the City Clerk/Board Secretary will notify the designated filers in the Conflict of Interest Code regarding the requirements for filing a Form 700, Statement of Economic Interests.
ATTACHMENTS
A. City Council Resolution
a. Exhibit A
B. Mountain House Community Services District Resolution a. Exhibit A
Item 7.6
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNTAIN HOUSE ADOPTING
A CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
WHEREAS, section 87300 of the California Government Code requires every public agency to adopt and promulgate a local conflict of interest code that enumerates specific City positions other than those specified in Government Code section 87200 which involve making or participating in making decisions which have a reasonably foreseeable material effect on an economic interest, and to designate for each position the specific types of investments, business positions, interests in real property and sources of income which are reportable based on the scope of the decision-making authority of the position; and
WHEREAS, the Fair Political Practices Commission (“FPPC”) has adopted California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 18730, which contains the terms of a model conflict of interest code which can be adopted by local agencies by reference thereto; and WHEREAS, the Political Reform Act also requires the City to adopt a local conflict of interest code that enumerates specific City positions, other than those specified in Government Code section 87200, which involve making or participating in making decisions which have a reasonably foreseeable material effect on an economic interest, and to designate for each position the specific types of investments, business positions, interests in real property and sources of income which are reportable based on the scope of the decision-making authority of the position; and WHEREAS, City of Mountain House has reviewed its positions and the duties of each position and has determined which positions should be subject to the Conflict of Interest Code as set forth in Appendix A thereto;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Mountain House hereby adopts the attached Conflict of Interest Code including Appendix A.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk shall advise all persons holding designated positions who have not previously been required to file disclosure statements that an initial statement must be filed within thirty (30) days of the adoption of the Conflict of Interest Code.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Mountain House at a regular meeting held on the ___ day of ________, 2025, by the following vote:
Item 7.6
_____________________________________
ANDY SU, MAYOR
City of Mountain House
County of San Joaquin, State of
California
ATTEST: MARGARET WIMBERLY
City Clerk
City of Mountain House
County of San Joaquin, State of
California
By: ____________________________________
Item 7.6
City of Mountain House
Conflict of Interest Code
CITY OF MOUNTAIN HOUSE
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
Pursuant to the provisions of Government Code section 87300, et seq., the following constitutes the Conflict of Interest Code for the City of Mountain House. Nothing contained herein is intended to modify or abridge the provisions of the Political Reform Act of 1974, as amended. The provisions of this Code are in addition to Government Code section 87100 et seq. and other laws pertaining to conflicts of interest.
1. Incorporation of Model Code
The terms and provisions of the model code set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 18730, and any amendments thereto duly adopted by the Fair Political Practices Commission (“FPPC”), are hereby incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein.
2. Statement of Economic Interest Requirement
Persons holding designated positions and persons required to do so by Government Code Section 87200 et seq. shall file Statements of Economic Interests (Form 700) with the City Clerk in conformance with the individual disclosure categories and FPPC regulations. The City Clerk will retain custody of the statements and make the statements available for public inspection and reproduction.
3. Designated Positions
a. The following public officials are subject to the disclosure and filing requirements set forth in Article 2 of the Political Reform Act set forth in Government Code section 87200 et seq.:
Mayor;
Council Members;
Planning Commissioners;
City Manager;
City Attorney; and
City Treasurer and other public officials who manage public investments and therefore not included in this Conflict of Interest Code. b. The positions listed in the attached Appendix A – List of Designated Positions and Disclosure Categories, are deemed to make, or participate in the making of, decisions which may foreseeably have a material financial effect on a financial interest of the person holding the designated positions.
4. Disclosure Categories
Designated positions shall be assigned to one (1) or more disclosure categories. The disclosure categories are as described in Appendix A. Each employee holding a designated position shall file statements disclosing that employee’s interests reportable under the category(ies) to which that position is assigned.
5. New Positions
In accordance with FPPC Regulation 18734, any individual hired for a position not yet covered under this Conflict of Interest Code must file a Form 700 if the individual serves in a position that makes or participates in making governmental decisions. Individuals in this category must file under the broadest Item 7.6
City of Mountain House
Conflict of Interest Code
disclosure category until the Code is amended to include the new position unless the City of Manager provides, in writing, a limited disclosure requirement.
6. Ethics Training
All persons holding designated positions shall be required to complete two hours of ethics training pursuant to Government Code section 53234 et seq. (“AB 1234”) within one year of adoption of this Code and every two years thereafter by December 31st. It is the responsibility of each person to provide a signed certificate of completion as proof of attendance to the City Clerk. Certificates of completion shall be maintained as public records.
7. Mountain House Community Services District
The Mountain House Community Services District is a related but separate public agency. The Mountain House Community Services District has adopted the City of Mountain House’s Conflict of Interest Code with a separate Appendix A. Persons holding designated positions listed in Appendix A for the Mountain House Community Services District and persons required by statute to file statements of economic interests shall report interests for the Mountain House Community Services District in addition to interests for the City of Mountain House. Appendix A to the Mountain House Community Services District’s Conflict of Interest Code is on file with the City Clerk.
Item 7.6
City of Mountain House
Conflict of Interest Code
APPENDIX A – LIST OF DESIGNATED POSITIONS AND
DISCLOSURE CATEGORIES
A. Designated Positions
Individuals holding the following positions must file a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700):
CLASSIFICATION DISCLOSURE
CATEGORIES
Accounting Manager 1,2,3,4
Administrative Services Director 1,2,3,4
City Clerk 1,2,3,4
Communications Officer 1,2,3,4
Community Development Director 1,2,3,4
Community Preservation Officer 1,2,3,4
Construction Manager 1,2,3,4
Consultants *
Deputy City Manager 1,2,3,4
Engineer IV and V 1,2,3,4
Facility Manager 1,2,3,4
Finance Director 1,2,3,4
Human Resources Manager 1,2,3,4
Management Analyst 1,2,3,4
Operations and Maintenance Superintendent 1,2,3,4
Principal Planner and Associate Planner 1,2,3,4
Program Manager 1,2,3,4
Public Works Director 1,2,3,4
Recreation Manager 1,2,3,4
Senior Accountant 1,2,3,4
Senior Inspection & Code Enforcement Officer 1,2,3,4
Senior Maintenance Worker 1,2,3,4
Senior Management Analyst 1,2,3,4
Senior Public Works Inspector 1,2,3,4
Utility Manager 1,2,3,4
*Individuals providing services as a consultant as defined in Title 2 California Code of Regulations Section 18700.3 or 18734 shall disclose pursuant to the broadest disclosure category in this code unless the City Manager or their designee determines in writing that a consultant has been hired to perform a range of duties sufficiently limited in scope and it is more appropriate to assign a limited disclosure requirement. Any determination is a public record and shall be retained in the same manner and location as the disclosure statements filed pursuant to this Code.
B. Disclosure Categories
The disclosure categories listed below identify the types of investments, business positions, sources of income or real property which Designated Positions must disclose for each category to which the position is assigned.
Item 7.6
City of Mountain House
Conflict of Interest Code
# DESCRIPTION
1. Personal Income: All sources of income, including investments, gifts, loans and travel payments as defined in Government Code Section 82030, as amended.
2. Interests in Real Property: All interests in real property, as defined in Government Code Section 82033, as amended, located in whole or in part within the City of Mountain House or within a two mile radius of the boundaries of the City of Mountain House. An "interest in real property” does not include the principal residence occupied by the designated filer or their family if used exclusively as a personal residence.
3. Investments: All investments in excess of $2,000 held by the designated filer and the filers spouse, domestic partner or dependent children, as defined in Government Code Section 82034, as amended, including but not limited to common stock, preferred stock, options, debt instruments and any partnership or other ownership interest if the business entity or any parent, subsidiary or otherwise related business entity has an interest in real property in the City of Mountain House, or does business or plans to do business in the City of Mountain House, or has done business within the City of Mountain House at any time during prior to this disclosure statement is made.
4. Business positions: Management positions held with any business entity located, doing business, planning to do business, or having done business in the past two years within the City of Mountain House.
Item 7.6
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
A RESOLUTION OF THE MOUNTAIN HOUSE COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
ADOPTING A NEW CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
WHEREAS, section 87300 of the California Government Code requires every public agency to adopt and promulgate a local conflict of interest code that enumerates specific positions other than those specified in Government Code section 87200 which involve making or participating in making decisions which have a reasonably foreseeable material effect on an economic interest, and to designate for each position the specific types of investments, business positions, interests in real property and sources of income which are reportable based on the scope of the decision-making authority of the position; and WHEREAS, the Mountain House Community Services District was previously a dependent district of the County of San Joaquin with a Conflict of Interest Code that was last amended by the County on November 19, 2014 by Board Order B-MMXIV-12; and
WHEREAS, the Mountain House Community Services District has determined that a new Conflict of Interest Code should be adopted and has conducted a review of its positions and the duties of each position and has determined which positions should be subject to the Conflict of Interest Code as set forth in Appendix A thereto;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Directors of the Mountain House Community Services District hereby adopts the attached Conflict of Interest Code including Appendix A.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all prior conflict of interest codes for the Mountain House Community Services District, including that adopted by Board Order B-MMXIV-12, are hereby repealed and rescinded.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board Secretary shall advise all persons holding designated positions who have not previously been required to file disclosure statements that an initial statement must be filed within thirty (30) days of the adoption of the Conflict of Interest Code.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Mountain House Community Services District at a regular meeting held on the 23rd day of July 2025, by the following vote:
Item 7.6
_____________________________________
ANDY SU, President
Mountain House Community Services District
County of San Joaquin, State of California
ATTEST: MARGARET WIMBERLY
Board Secretary
Mountain House Community Services District
County of San Joaquin, State of California
By: ____________________________________
Item 7.6
Mountain House
Community Services District
Conflict of Interest Code
MOUNTAIN HOUSE
COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
Pursuant to the provisions of Government Code section 87300, et seq., the following constitutes the Conflict of Interest Code for the Mountain House Community Services District. Nothing contained herein is intended to modify or abridge the provisions of the Political Reform Act of 1974, as amended.
The provisions of this Code are in addition to Government Code section 87100 et seq. and other laws pertaining to conflicts of interest.
1. Incorporation of the City of Mountain House Conflict of Interest Code The Conflict of Interest Code of the City of Mountain House, as it may be amended from time to time, is incorporated herein by this reference and shall also serve as the Conflict of Interest Code for the Mountain House Community Services District exclusive of Appendix A thereto. Persons holding designated positions on the attached Appendix A List of Designated Positions and Disclosure Categories and persons required by statute to file statements of economic interests shall report interests for the Mountain House Community Services District in addition to any reportable interests for the City of Mountain House.
Item 7.6
Mountain House
Community Services District
Conflict of Interest Code
MOUNTAIN HOUSE COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
APPENDIX A
LIST OF DESIGNATED POSITIONS AND DISCLOSURE CATEGORIES
A. Designated Positions
Individuals holding the following positions must file a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700):
CLASSIFICTION DISCLOSURE
CATEGORIES
Consultants 1,2,3,4*
* Individuals providing services to the Mountain House Community Services District as a consultant as defined in Title 2 California Code of Regulations Section 18700.3 or 18734 shall disclose pursuant to the broadest disclosure category in this code unless the City Manager or their designee determines in writing that a consultant has been hired to perform a range of duties sufficiently limited in scope and it is more appropriate to assign a limited disclosure requirement. Any determination is a public record and shall be retained in the same manner and location as the disclosure statements filed pursuant to this Code.
B. Disclosure Categories
The disclosure categories listed below identify the types of investments, business positions, sources of income or real property which Designated Positions must disclose for each category to which the position is assigned.
# DESCRIPTION
1. Personal Income: All sources of income, including investments, gifts, loans and travel payments as defined in Government Code Section 82030, as amended.
2. Interests in Real Property: All interests in real property, as defined in Government Code Section 82033, as amended, located in whole or in part within the City of Mountain House or within a two mile radius of the boundaries of the City of Mountain House. An "interest in real property” does not include the principal residence occupied by the designated filer or their family if used exclusively as a personal residence.
3. Investments: All investments in excess of $2,0000 held by the designated filer and the filers spouse, domestic partner or dependent children, as defined in Government Code Section 82034, as amended, including but not limited to common stock, preferred stock, options, debt instruments and any partnership or other ownership interest if the business entity or any parent, subsidiary or otherwise related business entity has an interest in real property in the City of Mountain House, or does business or plans to do business in the City of Mountain House, or has done business within the City of Mountain House at any time during prior to this disclosure statement is made.
4. Business positions: Management positions held with any business entity located, doing business, planning to do business, or having done business in the past two years within the City of Mountain House.
Item 7.6
TITLE: Approval of Professional Services Agreement with MoreThanTalk LLC for Communications Specialist Services
MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Amanda Durbin, Communications Officer
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Manager approve a professional services agreement with MoreThanTalk LLC to provide Communications Specialist services for the City of Mountain House for fiscal year 2025–2026 in an amount not to exceed $54,995.
BACKGROUND
The Communications Specialist role is essential to the City’s efforts in delivering consistent, strategic, and engaging public outreach. For over four years, MoreThanTalk has supported Mountain House’s communications needs with professionalism, reliability, and institutional knowledge. Michele Davis of MoreThanTalk has been the City’s primary contact throughout this period and will continue in that role.
The specialist will work with the Communications Officer and City departments to produce written, visual, and digital content. The scope of services includes:
• Public outreach and content development
• Social media content and graphics
• Website and digital content maintenance
• Event and campaign communication support
• Ongoing collaboration and reporting
This contract includes up to 647 hours annually at a rate of $85 per hour, not to exceed $54,995.
DISCUSSION
The City of Mountain House continues to grow in both size and complexity, making clear, timely, and engaging communication more important than ever. To meet this need, the City has relied on professional consulting services to help produce high-quality public outreach, maintain brand consistency, and support digital and visual communication across departments.
MoreThanTalk has provided these services for over four years. Ms. Davis has developed an understanding of the community, built working relationships with staff, and delivered content that aligns with the City's voice and values.
This contract allows for up to 647 hours of service supporting social media and newsletter content, graphic design, website updates, and promotional materials for events. The consultant will work closely with the Communications Officer to ensure tasks are completed effectively and on time.
In compliance with the City’s Financial Management Policy, staff obtained multiple quotes for the proposed services. MoreThanTalk’s proposal was the most cost-effective and provided the added benefit Item 7.7
of continuity and proven performance. The other proposals came in higher in cost and would have delayed onboarding and training.
By continuing this partnership, the City can maintain momentum in its communication efforts while delivering value to the community and City departments.
Although this agreement amount is below the signature authority of the City Manager, staff is requesting Council approval because the City already has a contract with MoreThanTalk in the amount of $140,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026. Approval of this agreement will increase the contract with MoreThanTalk for fiscal year 2025-2026 to $195,000.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funding is available in the fiscal year 2025–2026 budget for this agreement.
STRATEGIC PLAN
This contract supports the City of Mountain House’s Strategic Plan by strengthening community engagement and enhancing transparency. By continuing to invest in professional communications services, the City ensures residents receive timely, accurate, and consistent information across digital platforms, public events, and print materials. The consultant’s support contributes to a more informed and connected community, while also promoting public trust and civic participation. In addition, this agreement aligns with the City's goal to foster a high-performing organization by improving internal collaboration, streamlining communication efforts, and maintaining brand consistency across departments.
ACTION FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
The City Manager will execute the professional services agreement with MoreThanTalk LLC for Communications Specialist Services in an amount not to exceed $54,995.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Professional Services Agreement with MoreThanTalk LLC for Communications Specialist Services Item 7.7
CITY OF MOUNTAIN HOUSE
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
PROPOSAL, SCOPE AND AGREEMENT
Prepared for: Steve Pinkerton, City Manager
Amanda Durbin, Communications Officer
Prepared by: Rex Osborn, MoreThanTalk LLC
May 8, 2025
MoreThanTalk LLC 1
Item 7.7
CITY OF MOUNTAIN HOUSE
Proposal: Communications Specialist Services
Submitted by: MoreThanTalk LLC
To: City of Mountain House
Fiscal Year: 2025–2026
DESCRIPTION
MoreThanTalk LLC proposes to continue providing professional communications consulting services to the City of Mountain House under the updated role of Communications Specialist. The consultant, Michele Davis, will remain the primary point of contact unless otherwise changed in writing. With over 48 months of prior service to the City, Michele brings extensive institutional knowledge, a strong understanding of local needs, and professional expertise in communications, outreach, and design.
PURPOSE
This proposal aims to support the City’s strategic communications and public engagement efforts by offering consistent, high-quality consulting services. The Communications Specialist will assist the City Manager’s Office and other departments in enhancing public communication, maintaining brand consistency, and improving digital outreach through content creation, design services, and campaign support. This day to day management of the consultant will be done by the Mountain House Communications Officer.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
1. Assist with Public Outreach & Content Development
• Curate content for press releases, newsletters, and public announcements • Provide copywriting content for social media and the City’s website • Develop messaging for flyers, signage, email campaigns, and public notices
2. Assist with Graphic Design Support
• Design flyers, infographics, and social media graphics • Provide visual design services to various departments as needed • Maintain visual brand consistency across all platforms MoreThanTalk LLC 2
Item 7.7
3. Assist with Website & Digital Content Maintenance
• Update and manage City web content for accuracy and accessibility • Improve user experience and content readability
• Support SEO and digital analytics initiatives
4. Assist with Event & Campaign Communication
• Promote events with curated promotional materials
• Create marketing assets and informative materials
• Support communication efforts for citywide campaigns
5. Collaboration & Reporting
• Work closely with the Communications Officer and department heads
DELIVERABLES
• Complete task as assigned by the Communications Officer within the scope of duties.
FUNDING
Term: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Hours: Up to 647 hours annually (approximately 53 hours/month) Rate: $85 Hourly
Total Not-to-Exceed Amount: $54,995
This total represents a 12-month service contract and shall not be exceeded without prior written authorization.
APPROVED BY: REX OSBORN, PRESIDENT / CEO
MORETHANTALK LLC
833 OHIO AVE
MODESTO, CA 95358
209-456-7297
MoreThanTalk LLC 3
Item 7.7
TITLE: Approval of Resolution Imposing Liens for Unpaid Service Charges for Utility Bills MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Sarah Ragsdale, Administrative Services Director
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council hear and consider protests made by property owners liable to be assessed by means of a property tax lien for delinquent accounts, review the attached Report of Delinquencies (Attachment A), revise the Report as deemed appropriate, confirm the Report as revised, and approve the Resolution imposing liens for unpaid service charges for utility bills.
BACKGROUND
Government Code Section 61115 authorizes the City to establish rates and fees for services provided by the City, such as utilities, and to establish procedures for collecting unpaid charges for services rendered.
One procedure available to the City to collect unpaid charges is to record a lien against the property that benefited from the services. There are two types of liens that can be recorded. The first is a property lien that can be recorded against all property in the county owned by the property owner who owes delinquent utility charges. The second is a property tax lien, which is then collected by the county on its property tax roll. The action recommended to the Council is to approve property tax liens.
Recording a property tax lien requires the Council to hold a public hearing after the matter is noticed by mail to the affected property owner and publication in the newspaper. On June 26, 2025, the City Manager mailed a notice to each property owner (e.g. the owner of record title) of parcels with delinquent utility services charges. The notice informed each property owner of tonight’s hearing regarding collection of unpaid service charges for utility bills on the county tax roll. Notice of this hearing was published in the Tracy Press on July 4, 11 and 18, 2025.
DISCUSSION
The Council must now hold a public hearing to review the Report of Delinquencies, hear any objections of property owners liable to be assessed for delinquent accounts, and make any revisions, corrections or modifications to the Report that the Council deems appropriate. The Council may then confirm or reject the Report by resolution. If the Report is confirmed, a lien will be recorded against each property in the amount of the delinquency. If a delinquency is not paid by August 4, 2025, the lien will be filed with the San Joaquin County Auditor to be collected as an ordinary property tax subject to the same penalties and same procedure of sales as provided for delinquent ordinary taxes.
FISCAL IMPACT
The confirmation of the Report of Delinquencies ensures that the City will receive payment for delinquent accounts by means of placement on the property tax roll.
Item 8.1
STRATEGIC PLAN
This proposed action will help the City achieve the following goal and objectives:
Investigate and develop new revenue generation opportunities Implement State-mandated requirements such as SB998
CEQA
Not applicable.
ACTION FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
As noted in the “Background” section above, upon confirmation of the Report of Delinquencies by the Council, the delinquent charges shall constitute a special assessment against the property. If the delinquent amount is not paid by August 4, 2025, staff will submit the delinquency to San Joaquin County to be placed on the tax roll. The amount will be collected in the same manner as ordinary property taxes are collected.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Report of Delinquencies
B. Resolution Approving Report of Delinquencies as Revised, Corrected or Modified Item 8.1
City of Mountain House Policy & Action Item X.X
Report of Delinquencies
7/23/2025 Attachment A
# APN Account No Service Address Owner Amount Past
Due
Fee Total of Lien
1 254-100-79 390-94905-06 507 BURK PLACE NEETU JAIN $ 1,651.28 $ 100.00 $ 1,751.28 2 254-260-11 390-98365-02 159 W CONEJO AVE HEGOS HEBTOM $ 1,896.30 $ 100.00 $ 1,996.30 3 256-270-20 390-61414-00 669 N DEL PRADO ST HUGHES, DORETHA $ 1,351.60 $ 100.00 $ 1,451.60 4 254-480-21 390-28063-01 360 S DULCE ST KAUR HARDEEP $ 1,314.14 $ 100.00 $ 1,414.14 5 254-070-12 390-10345-00 582 ENGLE CT SIASON VIKKI $ 1,580.35 $ 100.00 $ 1,680.35 6 262-050-16 390-64334-06 110 W KINROSS WAY LODHIYA KASHYAP / SHAH AMI $ 1,071.55 $ 100.00 $ 1,171.55 7 262-180-67 390-65008-03 564 E MARCELLO AVE MORTHALA LAKSHMA REDDY $ 4,017.86 $ 100.00 $ 4,117.86 8 254-280-13 390-25797-01 631 W PRIVADO WAY CHEN TONGOING/LI $ 538.47 $ 100.00 $ 638.47 9 254-110-56 390-62534-01 744 TRADITION ST RITESH SISODIYA $ 2,107.32 $ 100.00 $ 2,207.32 10 262-200-87 390-01959-00 1140 S TRADITION ST KHAN, MOHAMMAD SAEED $ 2,669.13 $ 100.00 $ 2,769.13 11 256-310-18 390-63983-04 373 W TUSCAN LN NAUMAN MUSTAFA/TEHREEMSIDDIQUI $ 1,581.80 $ 100.00 $ 1,681.80 Total Liens $ 20,879.80
Item 8.1
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNTAIN HOUSE
RESOLUTION
R-2025-XX
RESOLUTION APPROVING REPORT OF DELINQUENCIES AS REVISED,
CORRECTED OR MODIFIED
WHEREAS, Government Code section 61115 authorizes the City of Mountain House to record a lien against a real property for delinquent utility and service charges; and WHEREAS, Sections MH-5-3345, MH-5-6107, and MH-5-10502 of the Ordinance Code of the City of Mountain House provides the procedures and timelines recording such liens; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions of section Sections MH-5-3345, MH-5- 6107, and MH-5-10502, the City Manager notified persons liable for charges and penalties due to unpaid utility bills of such delinquencies, of the hearing before the City Council and of the opportunity to protest the charges before the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Manager has submitted the attached Report of Delinquencies (Exhibit A) which contains the names and addresses of the record title on the property of the persons liable for charges and penalties due for unpaid utility bills; and WHEREAS, the City’s Municipal Code provides that the City Council shall hear objections of property owners liable to be assessed for delinquent accounts and may confirm the Report of Delinquencies; and
WHEREAS, approval of this Resolution shall constitute a special assessment against the properties listed in the attached Report of Delinquencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council confirms the attached Report of Delinquencies.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager or his/her designee is authorized and directed to file property tax liens with the Recorder of the County of San Joaquin on the properties listed on the attached Report of Delinquencies.
Item 8.1
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for any delinquency not paid in full by August 1, 2023, the City Manager or his/her designee is authorized to request that the delinquent amount be added to the tax roll and cause the assessment to be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ordinary property taxes.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 23th day of July, 2025 by the following vote of the City Council of the City of Mountain House to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
____________________________________
Andy Su, Mayor
City of Mountain House, State of California
ATTEST:
MARGARET WIMBERLY
City Clerk,
City of Mountain House,
County of San Joaquin,
State of California
By: ___________________________
Item 8.1
TITLE: Authorize Amendment No. 1 to Increase Funding for Agreement A-2324-43 with J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning
MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Matthew Gutierrez, Program Manager
Jodi Almassy, Deputy City Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to:
1. Execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement A-2324-43 with J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning, increasing the contract value by $800,000, for a total revised not-to-exceed amount of $1,550,000.
2. Take all necessary and appropriate actions to carry out the intent of this recommendation.
BACKGROUND
J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning has provided professional land use and environmental planning services to Mountain House since 2022, initially through a contract with San Joaquin County, and later through a direct agreement with the City following incorporation. In May 2024, the Board of Directors of the Mountain House Community Services District approved a two-year agreement with J.B. Anderson in a notto-exceed amount of $750,000 to support the transition to cityhood and provide continuity in service delivery through June 30, 2026.
The original contract was based on historical monthly spending averages and projected staffing needs at the time; however, those projections did not fully account for:
• Extended staffing vacancies prior to and after incorporation • Increased volume and complexity of planning work taken on by the City • Need for scalable, flexible services during a transitional period
DISCUSSION
Since July 1, 2024, J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning has played a central role in supporting both reimbursable and core planning services for the City. Their contributions have included:
• Daily counter operations and public inquiries
• Development application intake and processing
• CEQA and environmental review
• Zoning Ordinance and Specific Plan updates
Item 8.2
• General Plan and Housing Element policy support
• Transitional coordination with San Joaquin County
The original $750,000 contract amount was based on historical data from San Joaquin County but did not fully reflect the current volume and complexity of planning activity in the City’s early stages of incorporation. It also did not anticipate the ongoing operational demands related to vacancies in key planning positions, including the Community Development Director and Associate Planner roles.
Utilizing contract planning services remains a strategic approach for the City, allowing us to adapt to the natural fluctuations in development activity without overcommitting long-term staffing resources. This flexibility has been critical in ensuring continuity of service, managing peak workloads, and maintaining responsiveness to the public and development community.
The additional funding requested through this amendment has been anticipated in the fiscal 2025-26 budget and will raise the contract ceiling to match actual service levels being provided.
Approximately 60% of the increase is expected to be reimbursed by developers.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed amendment will increase the total contract value from $750,000 to $1,550,000, with approximately 60% of the additional funding expected to be reimbursed by developers. The remaining $320,000 will be funded by the General Fund and has been anticipated in the recently approved FY 2025- 26 budget (Account 104-1420-6568).
The City does not budget for developer-reimbursable funds, as the timing and volume of development activity can vary. Eligible costs are tracked and reimbursed by developers based on actual services performed.
The table below summarizes projected cost allocations with the proposed contract increase.
Fiscal
Year
Contract
Amount
General
Fund
Developer
Reimbursable
%
General Fund % Reimbursable
2023-24 $ 27,790.25 $ 27,790.25 $ 0.00 100% 0%
2024-25 $ 722,209.75 $ 308,596.50 $ 413,613.25 42.7% 57.3% 2025-26 $ 800,000.00 $ 320,000.00 $ 480,000.00 40% 60%
Totals $ 1,550,000.00 $ 628,596.50 $ 893,613.25 --- --- These projections are based on current development trends and planning activity. Leveraging a flexible consulting contract structure allows the City to scale services to meet actual demand, while ensuring continuity and responsiveness to both community and developer needs.
Item 8.2
STRATEGIC PLAN
Amending the agreement with J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning supports the City’s strategic goals by ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality planning services while maintaining operational flexibility.
This action directly advances the following priorities:
• Completion of the General Plan Update
• Implementation of Housing Element policies and programs • Updates to the Zoning Ordinance and Specific Plans
• Timely processing of development applications and public inquiries • Seamless service delivery during organizational transition and staffing adjustments CEQA
The proposed contract amendment is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as defined by Public Resources Code Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. The action involves administrative and professional services and does not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change in the environment. As such, it is not subject to CEQA review.
ACTION FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
Upon City Council approval, the City Manager will execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement A-2324-43 with J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning, authorizing an additional $800,000 in contract funding. The agreement will remain in effect through June 30, 2026.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement A-2324-43 with J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning Item 8.2
939733-1
1 FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
CONSULTANT CONTRACT ID #A-2324-43
DATED MAY 10, 2024 BETWEEN
THE CITY OF MOUNTAIN HOUSE
AND J.B. ANDERSON LAND USE PLANNING
This First Amendment (“Amendment”) to the Consultant Contract ID # A-2324-43 dated May 10, 2024 (“Agreement”) is made and entered into on _________________by and between the City of Mountain House (“City”) and J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning (“Consultant”) (together “Parties”), and is effective as of the commencement date of this Amendment.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, on May 10, 2024, the Mountain House Community Services District (“MHCSD”) and Consultant entered into the Agreement.
WHEREAS, on July 1, 2024, MHSCD was incorporated as the City of Mountain House.
In accordance with San Joaquin County’s Local Agency Formation Commission Resolution 23-1526 Section 13, the City is the successor to all contractual rights and obligations of MHCSD. Therefore, the City shall complete its contractual obligations under the Agreement and enter into the Amendment.
WHEREAS, Section 3.1 of the Agreement provides Compensation.
WHEREAS, the Parties mutually desire to amend Section 3.1.
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Agreement is amended, effective ___________________, as follows:
“ 3.1 Compensation. MHCSD hereby agrees to pay Consultant a sum not to exceed one million, five hundred fifty thousand dollarss, (not to exceed $1,550,000) notwithstanding any contrary indications that may be contained in Consultant’s proposal for services to be performed and reimbursable costs incurred under this Agreement. MHCSD shall pay Consultant for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement at the time and in the manner set forth herein. The payments
specified below shall be the only payments from MHCSD to Consultant for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall submit all invoices to MHCSD in the manner specified herein. Except as specifically authorized by MHCSD in writing, Consultant shall not bill MHCSD for duplicate services performed by more than one person.
Consultant and MHCSD acknowledge and agree that compensation paid by MHCSD to Consultant under this Agreement is based upon Consultant’s estimated costs of providing the services required hereunder, including salaries and benefits of employees and subcontractors of Consultant. Consequently, the parties further agree that compensation hereunder is intended to include the costs of contributions to any pensions and/or annuities to which Consultant and its employees, agents, and subcontractors may be eligible. MHCSD therefore has no responsibility for such contributions beyond compensation required under this Agreement.”
Item 8.2
939733-1
2 NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Agreement is amended, effective ___________________, as follows:
Except as set forth above, every provision of the Agreement between the Parties shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed as of .
CITY OF MOUNTAIN HOUSE J.B. ANDERSON LAND USE PLANNING
By: _____________________________ By: _____________________________ Steven J. Pinkerton, City Manager John B. Anderson
Approved as to Form:
By: ___
John Bakker, City Attorney
Item 8.2
TITLE: Update on the Veterans Liberty Garden Project
MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Steven J. Pinkerton, City Manager
Jodi Almassy, Deputy City Manager
RECOMMENDATION
This is a discussion item to provide an update on the Veterans Liberty Garden project, including progress on design development, refinements to the sponsorship program, and recent community engagement activities. No Council action is requested at this time.
BACKGROUND
On November 12, 2024, the City Council approved the Veterans Recognition Project to establish a public space honoring local veterans. Since that time, staff has provided periodic updates on project milestones.
On May 14, 2025, the Council approved the conceptual design and directed staff to proceed with final design development, refine cost estimates, and expand community engagement to support sponsorship and implementation.
An Ad-Hoc Committee, appointed by Council, continues to provide guidance on design, public outreach, and sponsorship strategies.
DISCUSSION
Design Development Progress
The project consultant is finalizing the full set of engineering and architectural construction drawings.
Submittal to the City for formal review is expected within the next week. This milestone will allow staff to further assess construction timelines and cost validation.
Sponsorship Program Refinement
To preserve the commemorative significance of each feature and streamline long-term maintenance, the sponsorship program has been updated to allow only one sponsor per element. This applies to benches, flagpoles, ornamental trees, signage, statue, and other park features. Shared sponsorships will no longer be permitted.
A new sponsorship opportunity was recently added:
Monument Wall Sponsorship (honoring all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces) for $30,000 Sponsorship and Fundraising Snapshot
As of July 15, 2025, the project has raised a combined total of $62,525 through major sponsorships and the commemorative brick campaign.
Item 9.2
Major Sponsorships & Donations
The total pledged for major sponsorships and monetary donations is $53,275.
Sponsorship Element Sponsored Available
Statue 1 0
Entrance Sign 0 1
Flag Poles 2 0
Concrete Seat Benches 4 0
Trees 8 4
Monument Wall* 0 1
* New item added for sponsorship in July 2025
Commemorative Brick Campaign
A total of 62 bricks have been sold with $9,250 raised in funds.
This program continues to serve as a meaningful opportunity for residents to honor loved ones while supporting the project’s commemorative elements.
Community Engagement & Outreach
In-person outreach continues to be well received. The City’s presence at community events and the Farmers Market has helped build solid awareness, averaging approximately 20 residents engaged at the following events.
• Farmers Market (alternate Sundays)
• Kite Festival & Juneteenth
• State of the City
• July 4 Parade & Celebration
To enhance digital reach, staff is also exploring a targeted Facebook advertising campaign (estimated cost is $200) to promote sponsorships and direct users to the City’s sponsorship webpage. This low-cost strategy offers high potential return for increasing visibility.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal action required at this time. This update is informational only. All sponsorship funds and brick donations contribute to offsetting the cost of commemorative elements.
As of July 15, 2025, approximately $62,525 has been raised through sponsorships and brick sales, representing a little over half of the estimated $110,000 needed to fund the commemorative enhancements. The Ad-Hoc Committee will continue outreach and engagement efforts to help close the remaining funding gap of approximately $47,500.
Item 9.2
STRATEGIC PLAN
This project supports the following goals and objectives:
Developing public amenities that serve the diverse needs of its residents Promoting civic pride and community unity
Honoring and recognizing local veterans and active-duty service members CEQA
This project is exempt from CEQA review as it constitutes a minor improvement to existing public facilities consistent with the City’s adopted park plans.
ACTION FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
Not applicable. This is a discussion item only.
ATTACHMENTS
Not applicable.
Item 9.2
City Manager’s Office
Staff Report
DISCUSSION ITEM | 1
TITLE: City Manager’s Update
MEETING DATE: July 23, 2025
PREPARED BY: Steven J. Pinkerton, City Manager
COMMUNITY CONCERNS & CITY RESPONSE
This section provides responses to public comments and concerns raised during City meetings or through official communication channels. Staff reviews inquiries, addresses key issues, and provides updates or next steps to ensure transparency and community engagement. More details about followups can be found at www.mountainhouseca.gov/PublicFollowUp.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UPDATES:
Neighborhood Modifications and Approvals
MHD North-of-Byron Land Use Amendment Request
Mountain House Developers (MHD) has submitted an application requesting land use amendments within Neighborhoods I, J, K, and L. The proposed changes would redesignate areas currently identified as Commercial-Recreation, Community Commercial, and Public to Residential, to allow for single-family residential development.
To support the additional dwelling units, adjustments to assumed densities will be documented in a manner consistent with the parameters of the Master Plan and Specific Plan II. In early June, Planning staff requested additional submittal materials to complete review of the application package.
Neighborhoods J (Lakeshore) and K (Lakeview)
Builders continue to make progress through the design and permitting stages. The Design Consistency Review Committee (DCRC), comprised of City staff and Mountain House Developers, has approved the following:
• Lennar – Four home designs
• Taylor Morrison – Two home designs
• Richmond American Homes – Housing plans for Neighborhood K • Century Communities – Housing plans for Neighborhood K • Rurka Homes – Both projects located in Neighborhood J Neighborhood I
Item 9.3
2 Rurka Homes submitted a Design Review Committee–approved architecture package and requested initiation of the Design Consistency Review Committee (DCRC) process. The submittal, though approved by MHD, did not meet the City’s code-required five-foot garage recess. Planning staff has requested that the applicant coordinate with MHD to submit a revised, compliant DRC-approved package.
Neighborhood A5/B1 (Rivani)
Shea Homes submitted their Design Review Committee package, which has been reviewed by Planning staff and Gerry Kamilos. Preliminary comments were discussed with the applicant team on June 16, followed by formal comment letters issued on June 17, requesting revisions.
Neighborhood B7 (South of Byron Rd.)
Woodside Homes submitted a Design Review Committee architecture package for 52 of the 98 lots.
Planning staff is coordinating with Gerry Kamilos to complete the review, and preliminary comments are being prepared for discussion with the applicant team. The prior Richmond American Homes approval will be updated to reflect shared development of the 98-lot subdivision with Woodside Homes.
Neighborhoods B9 & B10 – Tract 4163 (South of Byron Rd.) The tentative map (TM) for Tract 4163 remains under review. The applicant resubmitted their annexation application, and staff issued a TM comment letter on April 3. A revised TM addressing those comments was received on May 2 and is currently under review. Staff is preparing draft conditions of approval, which will be shared with the applicant team upon completion, anticipated by the end of July.
Neighborhood F (Tracts 4210 and 4211) & Neighborhood H (Tract 4212) Lennar acquired these three tracts from Trimark following City Council’s approval of Trimark’s land use changes on September 11, 2024. Planning staff is working closely with Lennar and Duane Grimsman to facilitate the Design Review Committee (DRC) architecture review process. DRC approval has been granted for Tracts 4210 and 4211; approval for Tract 4212 is anticipated by the end of July.
Infrastructure and Civil Improvements
Neighborhood A7 – Tract 4040 (College Park Area)
Civil improvement plans have been approved, and construction is underway. The traffic signal plans for Central Parkway & Nasergholi Avenue and the rectangular rapid flashing beacon at Central Parkway & Cataldi Avenue have also been approved. City staff and plan check consultants are active ly coordinating with the designers and developer on the corridor landscape plans.
Neighborhoods A5 – Tract 3609 and B1 – Tract 3610 (College Park Area) Grading and civil improvement plans for Tract 3609 (A5) have been approved and are currently under construction. City staff and plan check consultants are coordinating with the designers and developer on final maps, joint trench plans, streetlight plans, mini park plans for A5, and landscape corridor plans for A5.
Neighborhood B4 – Tract 4099 (Near Delta College)
Grading and civil improvement plans have been approved. The large lot final map has been approved by the City Council and recorded with San Joaquin County. City staff and plan check consultants are working with the designer to review the Tract 4099 final map, joint trench plans, and streetlight plans.
Item 9.3
3 Neighborhoods B6, B7, and B8 – Tract 3619 (College Park Area) City staff and plan check consultants are working with the designers and developer on the review of the Tract 3619 landscape corridor plans.
Neighborhood B11 – Tract 3618 (South of Byron Rd.)
Staff and plan check consultants are reviewing the second phase of the Tract 3618 final map in coordination with the project designer.
Neighborhood F – Tracts 4210 and 4211 (South of Town Center and Mountain House Pkwy) Grading plans have been approved. Civil improvement plans, joint trench plans, streetlight plans, and landscape guidelines are currently under review.
Neighborhood H – Tract 4212 (Questa Village Area)
Grading plans have been approved. Civil improvement plans, joint trench plans, streetlight plans, and landscape guidelines are in the plan review process.
Neighborhood H – Tract 4216 (Questa Village Area)
Grading plans and Phase 1 civil improvement plans have been approved. Phase 2 civil improvement plans, joint trench plans, streetlight plans, and the final map are under review. Staff is working with the developer to draft the necessary improvement agreements.
Neighborhood I (Lakepoint Area)
Rough grading plans, and civil, joint trench, and streetlight plans for Tracts 4194 and 4200-4202 have been approved, and construction is ongoing. The sanitary sewer and storm drain pump station (Lake I), civil and utility plans for Tracts 4191-4193, 4198, 4199, and 4265, and the final map for Tract 4194 are currently under review. Staff continues to work with the developer to clear conditions of approval and prepare improvement agreements.
Neighborhood J (Lakeshore Area)
Central Parkway Phase 1 landscape plans have been approved. The following plans are currently under review: Phase 1 open space park plans, Neighborhood J Park plans, in-tract landscape plans for Tracts 3969-3972 and 3973-3975, and the northern Neighborhood J Pond plans.
Neighborhood K (Lakeview Area)
Grading and in-tract landscape plans for Neighborhood K are currently under review.
Utility Corridor and Landscaping Projects
College Park / Mountain House Investors (MHI) – Pedestrian/Bike Path Punch list items for the B2-B3 and B4-B5 landscape corridor projects have been completed, and the improvements have been formally accepted by the city.
Commercial and Community Development
Mountain House Shopping Center (Hansen Village Neighborhood Commercial Site) Item 9.3
4 All City review processes are complete. The applicant is now working with the San Joaquin County Building Division for permit issuance, as the building permit application was initiated prior to City incorporation.
Tulip Kids Daycare (Questa Village)
Planning approval was granted by San Joaquin County on May 21, 2024, and DCRC approval followed on April 9. Civil and grading plans are fully approved. The applicant is finalizing building plan revisions, and the city is awaiting resubmittal. Permit issuance is anticipated upon completion of the final review.
Wicklund Crossing
Planning approval was issued in January, and DCRC approval followed on April 14. Improvement plans are under review, and the building permit is expected to be issued soon.
Mustang Square (Commercial Development)
Underground utility work is mostly complete. Vertical construction and inspections are ongoing under the County’s Building Department.
Singh Shopping Center (Southwest Corner of Grant Line Rd and Mountain House Pkwy) The proposed project includes a General Plan Amendment, Master Plan Amendment, Specific Plan III Amendment, Zoning Reclassification, Tentative Parcel Map, and Site Plan approval to develop a vacant
9.1± acre site as a commercial/retail shopping center with a grocery store and gas station. Staff has reviewed the initial application and provided comments to the applicant. A revised submittal is expected by the end of July.
Mountain House Sports Center at Mountain House Logistics Center This proposed project involves the adaptive reuse of approximately 55,000 square feet within the Panattoni/Mountain House Logistics Center, located at the northwest corner of Mountain House Parkway and Mustang Way. The facility, situated in the southeast building adjacent to the main parking area, will include badminton and pickleball courts, an open weight room, locker rooms, restrooms, and concessions.
Staff is working with the applicant to evaluate parking and building code requirements. The project is being processed as an Improvement Plan and is subject to administrative staff-level review.
Key Infrastructure Projects
Fire Station No. 2 (North of Byron)
Construction is complete, and the grand opening event was successfully held on Wednesday, June 25.
Grant Line Road
Pulte is currently constructing Grant Line Road Phase 5 improvements along with modifications to the traffic signals at De Anza Boulevard and Prosperity Street as part of their frontage improvements for B6, B7, and B8 (Tract 3619).
Central Parkway Bridge and Arterials (North of Byron Rd) Item 9.3
5 Mountain House Developers (MHD) is completing minor punch list items for the Central Parkway approach and bridge, which are currently open to the public.
MHD continues construction along Central Parkway and other major roads north of Byron Road. Public access is maintained from the bridge to the first intersection at Central Parkway and Calabria, serving the Neighborhood J model homes. Construction is expected to continue into fall 2025, and portions of Central Parkway remain closed to through traffic.
Traffic Signals – Central Parkway at Main St and Arturo Blvd Improvement plans for both traffic signals have been approved. City staff and inspection consultants are working with the contractor and developer to process material submittals. Construction is anticipated to begin by early fall 2025.
Mountain House Parkway (North of Byron Rd)
Civil improvement plans are currently under review.
Railroad Crossing Improvements – Byron Rd at Great Valley Pkwy and Mountain House Pkwy Union Pacific Railroad has approved the proposed crossing improvements. The application has been submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for formal review and approval, which is required prior to construction. A meeting with CPUC is scheduled for July 25.
Water Quality Basin 1
City staff and plan check consultants are reviewing the latest improvement plan submittal.
Byron Highway Rehabilitation Project
The developer and design team are preparing a submittal for staff review, expected in early August.
Ongoing Construction Management and Inspection Services Vida Apartments
Final punch list items are nearing completion. The traffic signal at Arnaudo Boulevard and Tradition Street is installed and fully operational. A grand opening is anticipated soon.
Neighborhood Developments
Neighborhood A7 (College Park Area)
Tri Pointe continues underground construction and joint trench installation.
Neighborhoods A5 / B1 / B2 / B3 (College Park Area)
Grading operations are ongoing across these tracts, and underground utility work has commenced.
Neighborhoods B6, B7, and B8 – Tract 3619 (Near Grant Line Road) Model homes are now open in B6 and B7. Pulte is nearing completion of development in B8.
Neighborhood B11 – Tract 3618 (College Park Area)
Construction activity continues, with project completion expected by the end of 2026.
Item 9.3
6 Neighborhoods C / D (Hansen and Cordes Villages)
Building construction for Langston Phase 2 is ongoing. Shea Homes is expected to return to complete remaining on-site improvements in Phase 1 after Phase 2 concludes. Both phases are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.
Neighborhood G (Creekside Area)
Building activity continues, with project completion expected by the end of 2026.
Neighborhood H Tract 4216 (Central Parkway & West Byron Road) New Home Company has begun excavation and removal work. Grading operations are now underway.
Neighborhood I (Lakepoint Area)
MHD continues underground utility installation. Grading operations are now underway.
Neighborhood J (Lakeshore Area)
Lennar and MHD continue vertical construction and site development. Model homes are complete and open to the public. Full project buildout is expected by spring 2027.
Neighborhood K (Lakeview Area)
Civil improvements for Tract 3926 are nearing completion.
Miscellaneous Development Updates
General Plan Update
On June 25, the City Council authorized a consultant agreement with De Novo Planning Group to lead the preparation of the General Plan update.
Development Code Update
Draft content for the Development Code update is currently under review by senior City staff. A complete draft is anticipated to be presented to the City Council later this year.
Municipal Services Review
The MSR was approved by City Council on May 27 and submitted to LAFCo on May 30. It was subsequently approved by the LAFCo Commission on July 10.
DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Communications
This past month, the Communications Department focused on sharing timely updates, promoting major City events, and engaging the community across all platforms. We supported the State of the City by producing and publishing both a full-length video and a recap for social media. We also provided coverage and promotion for the Fire Station No. 2 Grand Opening. In preparation for Independence Day, we led a citywide Fireworks Safety Campaign reminding residents of safe practices and enforcement measures. We promoted the Fourth of July Parade before the event and captured content throughout the morning to share with our community. We also continued to post meeting notices, community alerts, and event highlights to keep residents informed and involved.
Item 9.3
7 Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Watch Activities
Planning is underway for National Night Out in partnership with Police Services, Fire, and the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Task Force. Efforts include community education on fireworks safety and enhanced enforcement measures. Ongoing coordination with existing Neighborhood Watch groups continues, including scheduling future meeting dates. A new group is also being established in the Hansen Village neighborhood.
Human Resources
The city is currently recruiting for the positions of Engineer II and Recreation Assistant. Andrew Peters (Engineer II) started with the City on July 14. Offers of employment for the position of Construction Manager and Recreation Leader have been extended.
Regional Government Solutions (RGS) continues to work on the total classification and compensation study. Staff anticipates that the study will be complete in August.
Staff continues to prepare for open enrollment in October with an effective date of January 2026.
Finance
We recently received notification that the Mountain House Community Services District, under the direction of Finance Director Thomas Retchless, was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. Staff is now working on the annual audits for both the District and the City.
Utilities
Wastewater Treatment Plant: As of July 15, SARS-CoV-2 levels in the City’s wastewater show a gradual upward trend that began in early May. Although current concentrations remain well below the winter peak observed in late 2024, this increase reinforces the value of ongoing surveillance to support proactive public health planning.
BBID Infrastructure Update – Wicklund Cut Pump Station: On April 30, BBID declared an emergency due to a major electrical failure at the century-old Wicklund Cut Pump Station, which primarily serves agricultural users in the West Side Service Area. Temporary operations are being maintained with a backup generator.
Although not a primary City water source, the facility has been evaluated as a potential emergency supply during future water curtailments. The City and BBID began planning a joint replacement project in 2023 and are actively pursuing state and federal funding to advance the effort.
Staff met with BBID on June 16 and will continue to monitor progress and funding developments.
SB 1383 Compliance – Commercial Waste Bins: In accordance with California State Law SB 1383, new solid waste collection bins – landfill, recycling, and organics – are now available for commercial properties in Mountain House. As rollout continues, residents may begin to notice these bins in use at local businesses.
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8 Department of Water and Resources: A monitoring well has been drilled at the City’s water treatment plant. This well will allow the department to report water levels quarterly to the Tracy Groundwater Sustainability Agency, supporting sustainable groundwater management efforts.
Utility Billing
Staff is preparing to send out the second round of utility billings. Due to challenges encountered during the recent conversion, due dates will be extended, and no late fees will be assessed for the next few billing cycles. We expect to be current with the billing at that time.
Public Parks, Facilities, and Recreation Programming:
Special Events:
Independence Day Parade and Celebration - The Mountain House community came out in droves for the second annual City of Mountain House Independence Day Parade, held along Central Parkway. This growing tradition brought together over 2,100 residents and visitors for a vibrant morning filled with patriotic pride, community spirit, and family-friendly entertainment. The celebration continued until noon, with festivities along Central Parkway featuring games for kids, jump houses, and a variety of local food trucks and vendors that kept the excitement—and the energy—going strong.
Central Park Cinema - Central Community Park was transformed into an open-air theater on Friday, July 11, for a special screening of Moana 2 (Rated PG), proudly sponsored by Rank Security and Protection Inc. Families of all ages gathered with chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy the movie under the stars. The event featured FREE popcorn while supplies lasted, adding to the fun, family -friendly atmosphere. Several lucky families also enjoyed the exclusive “Front Row” experience, which included premium seating, popcorn, sodas, and a snack bucket—a perfect way to elevate movie night in the park.
Music in the Park – The powerhouse 8-piece band “Take Two” lit up the stage on Saturday, July 19, at Central Community Park, performing from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The lively concert drew a crowd of residents who danced along to the music and enjoyed a festive evening. Attendees also shopped from a variety of local retail vendors and grabbed bites to eat from food stands set up along Providence Street, adding to the vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.
Prime Time Seniors:
Prime Time Senior Events - The Prime Time Seniors gathered for a fun, creative and patriotic morning at the Unity Center, Monday, July 17, and made American flags using recycles wine corks. Seniors turned simple materials into patriotic masterpieces.
Senior Health and Wellness Expo – Prime Time Seniors will be celebrating “Senior Healthy Aging Month” this September with a free event designed for seniors, their families, and caregivers, Saturday, September 27, in Central Community Park. Event Highlights may include healthy aging vendors, fitness demonstrations and inspiring guest speakers. This event is proudly sponsored by a $5,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente. The expo is a great way to connect with community resources, enjoy engaging activities, and support healthy aging. Stay tuned for more details! Tennis Court Reservations:
The Tennis Court Reservations by Month section below provides a breakdown of tennis court reservation revenue for Mountain House High School (MHHS) and Central Park in the past twelve Item 9.3
9 months. This comparison is listed month by month and highlights any increases or decreases in revenue for each location. Revenues are up 23% from this time last year. Revenue is expected to increase with the introduction of Pickleball on court 3 during the day. Attachment B for reference.
Public Works – Engineering
Wicklund Village and Arterial Pavement Repairs Project: Pavement improvement and striping work are complete. Staff is finalizing the punch list to close out the project. As part of the work, daylighting red curb zones near the school area was implemented in compliance with state law, along with installation of a high-visibility crosswalk to enhance pedestrian safety.
Mountain House Parkway Traffic Signal Synchronization Project: The City awarded the contract for this project to Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC on June 11, with construction anticipated to begin in August 2025. Staff is coordinating with San Joaquin County and Caltrans to complete the required documentation for this federally funded project.
Traffic Signals – Central Pkwy at Main St. and Arturo Blvd.: Improvement plans have been approved.
The project has been assigned to the City’s inspection team and traffic engineering group for construction oversight. Contractor submittals (e.g., equipment specifications, installation details) are currently under review. Construction will begin once all submittals have been approved – anticipated fall of 2025.
Fire Station Communication Towers: Staff, in coordination with the Fire Department, has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design and installation of two (2) communication towers, each with a minimum height of 60 feet, at the City’s fire stations. These towers will enhance public safety communications and provide high-speed network connectivity between the fire stations and partner agencies.
Measure K Local Street and Road Funds: Staff has coordinated with the San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) and obtained a compliance certificate confirming that the City is in compliance with the Measure K Ordinance and Expenditure Plan for the use of Local Street Repair Funds (LSRF).
This compliance certificate enables the city to continue advancing pavement improvement and roadway safety projects.
Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP): The city is developing a Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) to identify datadriven, cost-effective strategies for reducing traffic-related collisions and injuries. The LRSP will align with state and federal safety priorities, incorporate community input, and strengthen the City’s ability to pursue federal and state funding opportunities, particularly through programs such as the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Staff held a kick-off meeting with the City’s traffic engineering consultant to initiate the development of the LRSP.
Construction Enhancements for Land Development Projects: To minimize disruption near existing residential areas, the City is working with contractors and developers to establish phased construction vehicle routes.
Before construction begins, comprehensive pavement condition reports, including photos and video documentation, are prepared to ensure any construction-related damage is identified and repaired by the responsible contractor upon project completion.
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10 Department of Water Resources Community Benefits Program: Staff is working with the Department of Water Resources (DWR) on seven proposed projects that may qualify for inclusion in the DWR Community Benefits Program. Before the City enters into an agreement with DWR this fall, DWR staff will present an overview of the program at the August 27 City Council meeting.
Project selection will align with City priorities and proceed following finalization of the program framework and funding criteria. Securing this state funding is a high priority, as it will help implement critical infrastructure projects, including the Wicklund Cut Pump Station replacement and the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Well project.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Pathogen Levels for Mountain House Wastewater Treatment Plant B. Monthly Tennis Court Reservation Revenues
C. Facility Usage & Park Use Totals
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ATTACHMENT A
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Monthly Tennis Court Reservation Revenues
Month MHHS Central
Park
Month MHHS Central
Park
%
Change
June 2025 $520.00 $3,552.00 June 2024 $426.00 $3,078.00 16% July 2024 $103.50 $2,610.00 July 2023 $348.00 $2,727.00 (12%) August 2024 $225.00 $2,889.00 August 2023 $652.50 $3,333.00 (22%) September
2024 $565.00 $3,562.00 September 2023 $583.50 $3,628.50 (2%) October
2024 $576.00 $5,116.00 October 2023 $543.00 $3,616.50 37% November
2024 $284.00 $3,924.00 November 2023 $243.00 $3,315.00 18% December
2024 $300.00 $3,152.00 December 2023 $315.00 $1,410.00 100% January 2025 $408.00 $4,328.00 January 2024 $261.00 $2,232.00 90% February
2025 $636.00 $3,624.00 February 2024 $403.50 $2,776.50 34% March 2025 $372.00 $3,668.00 March 2024 $489.00 $2,887.50 20% April 2025 $464.00 $4,122.00 April 2024 $469.50 $2,896.50 36% May 2025 $344.00 $4,147.50 May 2024 $394.50 $3,175.50 26% Total $4,797.50 $44,694.50 $5,128.50 $35,076.00 23%
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Facility Usage:
Indoor Facility Use – Indoor facility usage at the Firehouse Community Room, Town Hall rooms and Unity Center for the month of June 2025. Bookings may include internal bookings for Citysponsored activities.
Location Facility # of Bookings Total Revenue
Firehouse Community Room 29 $2,350.00
Town Hall Boardroom 36 $2,695.00
Town Hall Central Lobby 1 $0.00
Town Hall Outdoor Plaza 1 $0.00
Town Hall TH-1 26 $60.00
Town Hall Town Hall Main Lobby 27 $717.50
Unity Center Unity Center A 50 $0.00
Unity Center Unity Center A/B 50 $1,013.00
Unity Center Unity Center B 33 $0.00
Firehouse Community Room 29 $2,350.00
TOTAL 253 $6,835.50
Park Use – Park usage includes rentals for sporting leagues and private use of Altamont Village Park, Central Community Park, Cordes Village Park, Hansen Village Park, and Wicklund Village Park for the month of June 2025. Bookings may include internal bookings for City-sponsored activities.
Location Facility # of Bookings Total Revenue
Altamont Village Park Baseball Diamond 13 $350.00
Altamont Village Park Field A 8 $400.00
Altamont Village Park Field B 17 $0.00
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Central Community
Park Basketball Courts 5 $15.00
Central Community
Park Field A 10 $303.00
Central Community
Park Field C (small bowl) 3 $0.00
Central Community
Park
Field D - Baseball Diamond
ONLY 46 $810.00
Central Community
Park Field D - Cricket and Ballfield 44 $65.00
Central Community
Park Field D - Cricket Pitch ONLY 65 $600.00
Cordes Village Park Field D1 24 $695.00
Cordes Village Park Field D2 24 $80.00
Cordes Village Park Field D3 16 $0.00
Cordes Village Park Field D4 16 $0.00
Cordes Village Park Softball Diamond 12 $0.00
Hansen Village Park Softball Diamond 18 $1,110.00
Wicklund Village Park Baseball Diamond 56 $1,220.00
TOTAL 377 $5,648.00
Picnic Use – Picnic usage includes rentals for private use of Central Community Park, Cordes Village Park, Hansen Village Park, and Wicklund Village Park for the month of June 2025.
Location Facility # of Bookings Total Revenue
Central Community
Park
Picnic Area A - Interactive
Water Fountain 8 $878.00
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Central Community
Park
Picnic Area B - Basketball
Court 3 $90.00
Wicklund Village Park Gazebo 2 $100.00
TOTAL 13 $1,068.00
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2025 Long Range Calendar Page 1 of 4
Saturday, July 19, 2025 - City Event -Music in the Park 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Central Community Park - Classic Rock Anthems - Take 2 Monday, June 23rd - Friday, July 25th 2025 City Event - YAC Summer Camp 11:00 am - 2:00 p.m. - Monday, Wednesday and Friday - Unity Center Arts & Crafts Week: 7/14 - 7/18 (Mon, Wed, Fri)
Career Development Week: 7/21 - 7/25 (Mon, Wed, Fri)
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - City Event - National Night Out 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Central Community Park
Friday, August 8, 2025 - City Event - Central Park Cinema 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. - Central Community Park
Wednesday August 13, 2025 - Valley Link Board Meeting
Board Chambers at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - Regular City Council Meeting Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
ITEM
Park Restroom Discussion
Strategic Plan Update
GoRequest update discussion
Award Contract - Carbon Replacement Program
Policy for donation bins in Town Hall
Rivani Annexation fee
French Camp Fire Agreement
Saturday, August 16, 2025 - City Event - Music in the Park 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Central Community Park - Dance Hits - Apple Z Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - Regular City Council Meeting Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
ITEM
Closed Session 6:00 PM
Dept of Water Resources informational CBP presentation to City Council Designate Mayor as Voting Delegate for the 2025 League Conference Award contract - Government Relations and Lobbying Services (from RFP) Aquifer Storage and Recovery Well Design, Grant, and Construction Engineering Services Housing Element Update
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - SJCOG Board of Directors
555 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA 95202 at 4:00 p.m.
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2025 Long Range Calendar Page 2 of 4
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 - YAC
Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - Regular City Council Meeting Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
ITEM
Tree Replacement Program
Development Code Update
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - City Event - Music in the Park Cultural Celebration Time: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Central Community Park - Cultural Celebration - Maya Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - Regular City Council Meeting Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
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Thursday, September 25, 2025 - SJCOG Board of Directors 555 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA 95202 at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 27, 2025 - City Event - Senior Health & Wellness Expo 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Unity Center
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - Cancelled
Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
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Wednesday, October 8 to Friday October 10th 2025 - Conference League of California Cities - Long Beach
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 - YAC
Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - Regular City Council Meeting Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
ITEM
Strategic Plan Update
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - SJCOG Board of Directors
555 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA 95202 at 4:00 p.m.
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2025 Long Range Calendar Page 3 of 4
Friday, October 31, 2025 - City Event - Spooky Safety Stroll 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Town Hall Lobby
Saturday, November 8, 2025 - City Event - Veteran's Day Luncheon 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Town Hall Lobby
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 - Regular City Council Meeting Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
ITEM
ACFR - City
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - Holiday No Meeting Scheduled Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 27, 2025 - SJCOG Board of Directors
555 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA 95202 at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 6, 2025 - City Event - Light Up Main Street & Tree Lighting 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Main Street/Central Community Park Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - YAC
Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 10, 2025 - Valley Link Board Meeting Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - Regular City Council Meeting Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
ITEM
AB 1600 Report - City
Set Council Meetings for 2026
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2025 Long Range Calendar Page 4 of 4
Saturday, December 13, 2025 - City Event - Breakfast with Santa 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Unity Center
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - Holiday No Meeting Scheduled Board Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
Item 10.1