Agenda
City Council
January 27, 2026
Regular Meeting - City Hall Council Chamber - 5:00 PM
16400 Colorado Avenue Paramount, CA 90723 (562) 220-2000 www.paramountcity.gov
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NOTICE
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Any document distributed to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda after distribution of the agenda packet will be made available in the City Clerk’s office during normal business hours at City Hall located at 16400 Colorado Ave., Paramount, CA 90723. In addition, such documents will be posted on the City’s website at www.paramountcity.gov/government/city-council/meeting-agendas-minutes/.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Peggy Lemons
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Juan C. Rojas Jr., 4th Grade Student Lincoln Elementary School
Robin Swift, 5th Grade Student
Collins Elementary School
ROLL CALL OF
COUNCILMEMBERS:
Councilmember Isabel Aguayo
Councilmember Annette C. Delgadillo
Councilmember Vilma Cuellar Stallings
Vice Mayor Brenda Olmos
Mayor Peggy Lemons
Agenda January 27, 2026
Regular Meeting City Council Page 2
PRESENTATIONS
1. CERTIFICATE OF
RECOGNITION
STUDENT MAYORS FOR THE DAY
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC COMMENT UPDATES
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR
All items under the Consent Calendar may be enacted by one motion. Any item may be removed from the Consent Calendar and acted upon separately by the City Council.
2. APPROVAL AGREEMENT WITH PACIFIC RIM AUTOMATION, INC. FOR
SCADA MAINTENANCE AND SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING
SERVICES
Recommended Action: Approve an agreement with Pacific Rim Automation, Inc. for SCADA maintenance and software
programming services and authorize the Mayor or her designee to execute the agreement.
3. RESOLUTION
26:004
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY'S
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN (SSMP) UPDATE
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 26:004 approving the City's Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) Update; and authorize the Legally Responsible Official (LRO) to certify and submit the updated SSMP to the California State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB).
4. APPROVAL AGREEMENT WITH CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE (CPA) FOR
BUILDING ELECTRIFICTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Recommended Action: Approve the agreement with Clean Power Alliance for the Building Electrification Assistance Program and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the agreement.
5. ACCEPTANCE OF
WORK
DILLS PARK COMMUNITY ORCHARD (CITY PROJECT NO.
9258)
Recommended Action: Accept the work performed by Parsam Construction, Glendale, CA for the Dills Park Community Orchard (City Project No. 9258) and authorize payment for the retention.
Agenda January 27, 2026
Regular Meeting City Council Page 3
OLD BUSINESS
6. CONTINUED
PUBLIC HEARING
ORDINANCE
1212
CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A DEVELOPMENT
IMPACT FEES PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES COMMERCIAL
LINKAGE FEES APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN NEW ACTIVITIES
AND DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE CITY; CONSIDERATION OF
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
NEXUS STUDY, THE COMMERCIAL LINKAGE FEE NEXUS
STUDY, AND FEE SCHEDULE; AND MAKING A FINDING OF
EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
Recommended Action: Continue the public hearing for
consideration of this item to the February 10, 2026 City Council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
7. APPROVAL UPDATED HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM GUIDELINES Recommended Action: Approve the updated Home Improvement Program guidelines.
8. ELECTION CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS RELATED TO THE CALLING OF THE JUNE 2, 2026, GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION IN THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT
Recommended Action:
A. Adopt Resolution No. 26:001 - Calling for the holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for the election of two (2) Members of the City Council at-large as required by the provisions of the laws of the State of California relating to General Law Cities.
B. Adopt Resolution No. 26:002 - Adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidate statements submitted to the voters at an election to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 and at each municipal election after that time unless repealed by the City Council.
C. Adopt Resolution No. 26:003 - Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to consolidate the City of Paramount’s General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with the Statewide General Election on the same date pursuant to Section 10403 of California Elections Code
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY NEW BUSINESS
None.
Agenda January 27, 2026
Regular Meeting City Council Page 4
COMMENTS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
To a meeting on February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave., Paramount, CA
Americans with Disabilities Act: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (562) 220-2225 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Note: Physical hard copies of agenda items are on file in the City Clerk’s office and are available for public inspection during normal business hours. Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are also available for public inspection during normal business hours in the City Clerk’s office. The office of the City Clerk is located at City Hall, 16400 Colorado Avenue, Paramount.
To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Heidi Luce, City Clerk
Date: January 27, 2026
SUBJECT: STUDENT MAYORS FOR THE DAY
The City Council will recognize the following students for being chosen by their school to serve as the City of Paramount’s Student Mayors for the Day for January. • Juan C. Rojas Jr., 4th Grade Student
Lincoln Elementary School
• Robin Swift, 5th Grade Student
Collins Elementary School
City Council Public Comment Updates
January 27, 2026
From the January 13th City Council Meeting:
Commenter Request/Issue/Concern Action/Comment
Mr. Joel Welty Spoke in support of the
Cortland/Orange
Community Gardens and
discussed various issues
including fencing, compost,
soil testing, and use of
herbicides/pesticides. He
thanked City staff and
expressed appreciation for
the City.
Community Services staff met with
Mr. Welty on January 15th and
provided him with updates and
information in response to his
requests. Staff will stay in contact
with Mr. Welty.
To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Adriana Figueroa, Public Works Director
Date: January 27, 2026
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT WITH PACIFIC RIM AUTOMATION, INC. FOR SCADA
MAINTENANCE AND SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING SERVICES
BACKGROUND
The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is a computer system, utilized by the Public Works Department to monitor, control, and optimize critical infrastructure, including wells, pumps, and treatment facilities. The SCADA system enables real-time data collection, system alarms, remote operations, and operational efficiency, all of which are essential to maintaining reliable water service and regulatory compliance.
Pacific Rim Automation, Inc. has provided SCADA maintenance and software programming services to the City and is very familiar and knowledgeable with the City’s SCADA configurations, hardware, and operational requirements. Their continued support ensures system stability, timely troubleshooting, and ongoing system optimization.
DISCUSSION
With Well 16 now fully operational, the City’s water system has expanded, requiring additional SCADA integration, programming, monitoring, and ongoing maintenance.
Proper configuration of Well 16 within the SCADA system is crucial to ensure seamless operation, accurate system monitoring, alarm functionality, and operational reliability.
Given the need for SCADA integration and functionality with Well 16 now being online, staff has prepared a service agreement outlining the vendor’s SCADA related support, including system upgrades, and ongoing maintenance of servers and associated infrastructure. The service agreement is for an amount not to exceed $75,000, with an agreement term for two (2) years, with the option to renew administratively for two (2) additional one-year extensions. In addition, beginning after the initial contract year, Pacific Rim Automation, Inc. has requested an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) based rate adjustment, of up to three percent (3%), for each subsequent contract year.
Agenda Report January 27, 2026
AGREEMENT - PACIFIC RIM AUTOMATION, INC. PAGE 2
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for these services are included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget utilizing the Water Fund.
VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No 5: Attractive and WellMaintained Infrastructure - Develop and maintain City-owned infrastructure, parks, facilities, and amenities that enhance quality of life and the attractiveness of the community.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve an agreement with Pacific Rim Automation, Inc. for SCADA maintenance and software programming services and authorize the Mayor or her designee to execute the agreement.
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CITY OF PARAMOUNT
MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made and entered into this 27th day of January 2026 by and between the City of Paramount, a municipal corporation (“City”) and Pacific Rim Automation, Inc. a Corporation (“Contractor”). City and Contractor are sometimes individually referred to as “Party” and collectively as “Parties” in this Agreement.
R E C I T A L S
A. The City heretofore sought proposals for performance of the following maintenance services: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) maintenance and software programming services. The required maintenance services are more fully described herein.
B. Contractor timely submitted a responsive proposal to the City to provide the maintenance services, referenced in Recital “A”, above.
C. The City enters this Agreement with Contractor in reliance on Contractor’s represented experience and qualifications to perform the required services, and in order to set forth terms and conditions for Contractor’s performance of such services.
A G R E E M E N T
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing Recitals and the mutual promises and covenants herein contained, the Parties agree as follows:
1. SCOPE OF SERVICES AND TERM.
1.1 Scope of Services. Contractor promises and agrees to furnish to the City all labor, materials, tools, equipment, services, and incidental and customary work necessary to fully and adequately perform the maintenance services described in the Scope of Services, Exhibit “A”, attached hereto (“Services”). All Services shall be subject to, and performed in accordance with, this Agreement, the exhibits attached hereto, and all applicable local, state and federal laws, statutes, orders, rules and regulations.
1.2 Term. The term of this Agreement shall be from January 27, 2026, to December 31, 2028, with the option to renew administratively for two (2) additional one-year extensions, unless earlier terminated, as provided herein. Contractor shall complete the Services within the term of this Agreement and shall meet any other established schedules and deadlines.
The Parties may, by written agreement, extend the term of this Agreement if necessary to complete or provide additional Services.
2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONTRACTOR.
2.1 Control and Payment of Subordinates; Independent Contractor. The Services shall be performed by Contractor or under its supervision. Contractor will determine the 2 of 17
means, methods and details of performing the Services subject to the requirements of this Agreement. City retains Contractor on an independent contractor basis and not as an employee.
Contractor retains the right to perform similar or different services for others during the term of this Agreement. Any additional personnel performing the Services under this Agreement on behalf of Contractor shall also not be employees of City and shall at all times be under Contractor’s exclusive direction and control. Contractor shall pay all wages, salaries, and other amounts due such personnel in connection with their performance of Services under this Agreement and as required by law. Contractor shall be responsible for all reports and obligations respecting such additional personnel, including, but not limited to social security taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance.
2.2 Schedule of Services. Contractor shall perform the Services expeditiously, within the term of this Agreement, and in accordance with the Schedule of Services set forth in Exhibit “B” attached hereto. Contractor represents that it has the professional and technical personnel required to perform the Services in conformance with such conditions. In order to facilitate Contractor’s conformance with the Schedule, City shall respond to Contractor’s submittals in a timely manner. Upon request of City, Contractor shall provide a more detailed schedule of anticipated performance to meet the Schedule of Services.
2.3 Conformance to Applicable Requirements. All work prepared by Contractor shall be subject to the approval of City.
2.4 City’s Representative. The City hereby designates ___Adriana Figueroa_, or his or her designee, to act as its representative for the performance of this Agreement (“City’s Representative”). City’s Representative shall have the power to act on behalf of the City for all purposes under this Agreement. Contractor shall not accept direction(s) or orders from any person other than the City’s Representative or his or her designee.
2.5 Contractor’s Representative. Contractor hereby designates __Davis Carter_, or his or her designee, to act as its representative for the performance of this Agreement (“Contractor’s Representative”). Contractor’s Representative shall have full authority to represent and act on behalf of the Contractor for all purposes under this Agreement. Contractor’s Representative shall supervise and direct the Services, using their best skill and attention, and shall be responsible for all means, methods, techniques, sequences and procedures and for the satisfactory coordination of all portions of the Services under this Agreement.
2.6 Coordination of Services. Contractor agrees to work closely with City staff in the performance of Services and shall be available to City’s staff, contractors and other staff at all reasonable times.
2.7 Standard of Care; Performance of Employees; Warranty. Contractor shall perform all Services under this Agreement in a skillful and competent manner, consistent with the standards generally recognized as being employed by professionals in the same discipline in the State of California. Contractor represents and maintains that it is skilled in the professional calling necessary to perform the Services. Contractor warrants that all employees and subcontractors shall have sufficient skill and experience to perform the Services assigned to them. Contractor warrants that it, its employees and subcontractors have all licenses, permits, qualifications and approvals of whatever nature that are legally required to perform the Services, including any required business license, and that such licenses and approvals shall be maintained throughout the term of this Agreement. As provided for in the indemnification provisions of this Agreement, Contractor shall perform, at its own cost and expense and without reimbursement from the City, 3 of 17
any services necessary to correct errors or omissions which are caused by the Contractor’s failure to comply with the standard of care provided for herein. Any employee of the Contractor or any subcontractor who is determined by the City to be uncooperative, incompetent, a threat to the adequate or timely completion of the Services, a threat to the safety of persons or property, or any employee who fails or refuses to perform the Services in a manner acceptable to the City, shall be promptly removed from performing the Services by the Contractor and shall not be re-employed to perform any of the Services. All parts and components furnished hereunder, if any, shall be warranted in accordance with the applicable manufacturer’s express warranty for such goods. Contractor’s performance of the Services are warranted to be free from defects and in compliance with all requirements of this Agreement, throughout the duration of this Agreement.
The warranties shall not limit the City’s rights under Section 13.2.
2.8 Period of Performance. Contractor shall perform all Services in strict accordance with the Schedule of Services in Exhibit “B” attached hereto. If the Services are not completed in accordance with the Schedule of Services, it is understood, acknowledged and agreed that the City will suffer damage.
3. DISPUTES.
Should any dispute arise respecting the true value, quality, or sufficiency of any work done, of any work omitted, or of any extra work which Contractor may be required to do, or respecting the size of any payment to Contractor during the performance of this Agreement, Contractor shall continue to perform the Services pending resolution of the dispute by the City. If Contractor disputes the City’s decision, Contractor shall have such remedies as may be provided by law.
4. LAWS AND REGULATIONS; EMPLOYEE/LABOR CERTIFICATIONS.
Contractor shall keep itself fully informed of and in compliance with all local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations in any manner affecting the performance of the Services, including all Cal/OSHA requirements, and shall give all notices required by law. Contractor shall be liable for all violations of such laws and regulations in connection with Services. If the Contractor performs any work knowing it to be contrary to such laws, rules and regulations and without giving written notice to the City, Contractor shall be solely responsible for all costs arising therefrom. City is a public entity of the State of California subject to certain provisions of the Health & Safety Code, Government Code, Public Contract Code, and Labor Code of the State. It is agreed that all provisions of the law applicable to the public contracts of a municipality are a part of this Agreement to the same extent as though set forth herein and compliance therewith by Contractor is required. Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold City, its officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless, pursuant to the indemnification provisions of this Agreement, from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with such laws, rules or regulations.
4.1 Labor Certification. By its signature hereunder, Contractor certifies that it is aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the California Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for Workers’ Compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that Code and agrees to comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the Services.
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4.2 Equal Opportunity Employment. Contractor represents that it is an equal opportunity employer and it shall not discriminate against any subcontractor, employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, handicap, ancestry, sex or age. Such non-discrimination shall include, but not be limited to, all activities related to initial employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination.
4.3 Air Quality. Contractor must fully comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in furnishing or using equipment and/or providing services, including, but not limited to, emissions limits and permitting requirements imposed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Contractor shall specifically be aware of the CARB limits and requirements’ application to "portable equipment", which definition is considered by CARB to include any item of equipment with a fuel-powered engine. Contractor shall indemnify City against any fines or penalties imposed by CARB or any other governmental or regulatory agency for violations of applicable laws, rules and/or regulations by Contractor, its subcontractors, or others for whom Contractor is responsible under its indemnity obligations provided for in this Agreement.
4.4 Water Quality.
(A) Management and Compliance. To the extent applicable, Contractor’s Services must account for, and fully comply with, all local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations that may impact water quality compliance, including, without limitation, all applicable provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. §§ 1300); the California PorterCologne Water Quality Control Act (Cal Water Code §§ 13000-14950); laws, rules and regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency and the State Water Resources Control Board; the City’s ordinances regulating discharges of storm water; and any and all regulations, policies, or permits issued pursuant to any such authority regulating the discharge of pollutants, as that term is used in the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, to any ground or surface water in the state. (B) Liability for Non-Compliance. Failure to comply with the laws, regulations and policies described in this Section is a violation of law that may subject Contractor or City to penalties, fines, or additional regulatory requirements. Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees, volunteers and agents free and harmless, pursuant to the indemnification provisions of this Agreement, from and against any and all fines, penalties, claims or other regulatory requirements imposed as a result of Contractor’s non-compliance with the laws, regulations and policies described in this Section, unless such non-compliance is the result of the sole established negligence, willful misconduct or active negligence of the City, its officials, officers, agents, employees or authorized volunteers. (C) Training. In addition to any other standard of care requirements set forth in this Agreement, Contractor warrants that all employees and subcontractors shall have sufficient skill and experience to perform the Services assigned to them without impacting water quality in violation of the laws, regulations and policies described in this Section. Contractor further warrants that it, its employees and subcontractors will receive adequate training, as determined by City, regarding the requirements of the laws, regulations and policies described in this Section as they may relate to the Services provided under this Agreement. Upon request, City will provide Contractor with a list of training programs that meet the requirements of this paragraph.
5. INSURANCE.
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5.1 Time for Compliance. Contractor shall not commence work under this Agreement until it has provided evidence satisfactory to the City that it has secured all insurance required under this Section. In addition, Contractor shall not allow any subcontractor to commence work on any subcontract until it has provided evidence satisfactory to the City that the subcontractor has secured all insurance required under this Section.
5.2 Minimum Requirements. Contractor shall, at its expense, procure and maintain for the duration of the Agreement insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Agreement by the Contractor, its agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors.
Contractor shall also require all of its subcontractors to procure and maintain the same insurance for the duration of the Agreement. Such insurance shall meet at least the following minimum levels of coverage:
(A) Minimum Scope of Insurance. Coverage shall be at least as broad as the latest version of the following: (1) General Liability: Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability coverage (occurrence form CG 0001); (2) Automobile Liability: Insurance Services Office Business Auto Coverage form number CA 0001, code 1 (any auto); and (3) Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability: Workers’ Compensation insurance as required by the State of California and Employer’s Liability Insurance. The policy shall not contain any exclusion contrary to the Agreement, including but not limited to endorsements or provisions limiting coverage for (1) contractual liability (including but not limited to ISO CG 24 26 or 21 29); or (2) cross liability for claims or suits by one insured against another. (B) Minimum Limits of Insurance. Contractor shall maintain limits no less than:
(1) General Liability: $2,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. If Commercial General Liability Insurance or other form with general aggregate limit is used including, but not limited to, form CG 2503, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this Agreement/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit; (2) Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage; and (3) Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability: Workers’ Compensation limits as required by the Labor Code of the State of California. Employer’s Liability limits of $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.
Defense costs shall be paid in addition to the limits.
(C) Notices; Cancellation or Reduction of Coverage. At least fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of any such policy, evidence showing that such insurance coverage has been renewed or extended shall be filed with the City. If such coverage is cancelled or materially reduced, Contractor shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice of such cancellation or reduction of coverage, file with the City evidence of insurance showing that the required insurance has been reinstated or has been provided through another insurance company or companies. In the event any policy of insurance required under this Agreement does not comply with these specifications or is canceled and not replaced, the City has the right but not the duty to obtain the insurance it deems necessary and any premium paid by the City will be promptly reimbursed by Contractor or the City may withhold amounts sufficient to pay premium from Contractor payments. In the alternative, the City may suspend or terminate this Agreement. (D) Additional Insured. The City of Paramount, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers shall be named as additional insureds on Contractor’s and its subcontractors’ policies of commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance using the endorsements and forms specified herein or exact equivalents. 6 of 17
5.3 Insurance Endorsements. The insurance policies shall contain the following provisions, or Contractor shall provide endorsements on forms supplied or approved by the City to add the following provisions to the insurance policies:
(A) General Liability. The general liability policy shall include or be endorsed (amended) to state that: (1) using ISO CG forms 20 10 and 20 37, or endorsements providing the exact same coverage, the City of Paramount, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers shall be covered as additional insured with respect to the Services or ongoing and complete operations performed by or on behalf of the Contractor, including materials, parts or equipment furnished in connection with such work; and (2) using ISO form 20 01, or endorsements providing the exact same coverage, the insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers, or if excess, shall stand in an unbroken chain of coverage excess of the Contractor’s scheduled underlying coverage. Any excess insurance shall contain a provision that such coverage shall also apply on a primary and noncontributory basis for the benefit of the City, before the City’s own primary insurance or selfinsurance shall be called upon to protect it as a named insured. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers shall be excess of the Contractor’s insurance and shall not be called upon to contribute with it in any way.
Notwithstanding the minimum limits set forth in Section 5.2(B), any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of coverage shall be available to the parties required to be named as additional insureds pursuant to this Section. (B) Automobile Liability. The automobile liability policy shall include or be endorsed (amended) to state that: (1) the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers shall be covered as additional insureds with respect to the ownership, operation, maintenance, use, loading or unloading of any auto owned, leased, hired or borrowed by the Contractor or for which the Contractor is responsible; and (2) the insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers, or if excess, shall stand in an unbroken chain of coverage excess of the Contractor’s scheduled underlying coverage. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers shall be excess of the Contractor’s insurance and shall not be called upon to contribute with it in any way. Notwithstanding the minimum limits set forth in Section
5.2(B), any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of coverage shall be available to the parties required to be named as additional insureds pursuant to this Section.
(C) Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability Coverage. The insurer shall agree to waive all rights of subrogation against the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers for losses paid under the terms of the insurance policy which arise from work performed by the Contractor.
(D) Cyber Liability. Vendor shall maintain comprehensive cyber liability insurance with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence/loss and $2,000,000 general aggregate. If a “claims-made” policy is provided, it shall include an extended reporting period of not less than three (3) years.
(E) Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions). Consultant shall maintain professional liability insurance that covers the services to be performed in connection with this Agreement, in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per claim and in the aggregate. Any policy inception date, continuity date, or retroactive date must be before the effective date of this Agreement. If a “claims-made” policy is provided, it shall include an extended reporting period of 7 of 17
not less than three (3) years.
(F) All Coverages. Each insurance policy required by this Agreement shall be endorsed to state that: (A) coverage shall not be suspended, voided, reduced or canceled except after thirty (30) days (10 days for nonpayment of premium) prior written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, has been given to the City; and (B) any failure to comply with reporting or other provisions of the policies, including breaches of warranties, shall not affect coverage provided to the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers. Any failure to comply with reporting or other provisions of the policies including breaches of warranties shall not affect coverage provided to the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers, or any other additional insureds.
5.4 Separation of Insureds; No Special Limitations; Waiver of Subrogation. All insurance required by this Section shall contain standard separation of insureds provisions. In addition, such insurance shall not contain any special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers. All policies except professional liability if required, shall waive all rights of subrogation of the insurer against the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers, or any other additional insureds, or shall specifically allow Contractor or others providing insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications to waive their right of recovery prior to a loss. Contractor hereby waives its own right of recovery against City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers, or any other additional insureds, and shall require similar written express waivers and insurance clauses from each of its subcontractors.
5.5 Deductibles and Self-Insurance Retentions. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. Contractor shall guarantee that, at the option of the City, either: (1) the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers; or (2) the Contractor shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigation costs, claims and administrative and defense expenses.
5.6 Subcontractor Insurance Requirements. Contractor shall not allow any subcontractors to commence work on any subcontract relating to the work under the Agreement until they have provided evidence satisfactory to the City that they have secured all insurance required under this Section. If requested by Contractor, the City may approve different scopes or minimum limits of insurance for particular subcontractors. The Contractor and the City shall be named as additional insureds on all subcontractors’ policies of Commercial General Liability using ISO form 20 38, or coverage at least as broad.
5.7 Acceptability of Insurers. Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best’s rating no less than A:VIII, licensed to do business in California, and satisfactory to the City.
5.8 Verification of Coverage. Contractor shall furnish City with original certificates of insurance and endorsements effecting coverage required by this Agreement on forms satisfactory to the City. The certificates and endorsements for each insurance policy shall be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf, and shall be on forms provided by the City if requested. All certificates and endorsements must be received and approved by the City before work commences. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, at any time. 8 of 17
5.9 Reporting of Claims. Contractor shall report to the City, in addition to Contractor’s insurer, any and all insurance claims submitted by Contractor in connection with the Services under this Agreement.
6. SAFETY.
Contractor shall execute and maintain its work so as to avoid injury or damage to any person or property. In carrying out its Services, the Contractor shall at all times be in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal safety laws, rules and regulations, and shall exercise all necessary precautions for the safety of employees appropriate to the nature of the work and the conditions under which the work is to be performed. Safety precautions as applicable shall include, but shall not be limited to: (A) adequate life protection and life saving equipment and procedures; (B) instructions in accident prevention for all employees and subcontractors, such as safe walkways, scaffolds, fall protection ladders, bridges, gang planks, confined space procedures, chemical handling, equipment and other safety devices, equipment and wearing apparel as are necessary or lawfully required to prevent accidents or injuries; and (C) adequate facilities for the proper inspection and maintenance of all safety measures.
7. BONDS.
7.1 Performance Bond. If required by law or otherwise specifically requested by City in Exhibit “C” attached hereto, Contractor shall execute and provide to City concurrently with this Agreement a Performance Bond in the amount of the total, not-to-exceed compensation indicated in this Agreement, and in a form provided or approved by the City. If such bond is required, no payment will be made to Contractor until it has been received and approved by the City.
7.2 Payment Bond. If required by law or otherwise specifically requested by City in Exhibit “C” attached hereto, Contractor shall execute and provide to City concurrently with this Agreement a Payment Bond in the amount of the total, not-to-exceed compensation indicated in this Agreement, and in a form provided or approved by the City. If such bond is required, no payment will be made to Contractor until it has been received and approved by the City.
7.3 Bond Provisions. Should, in City’s sole opinion, any bond become insufficient or any surety be found to be unsatisfactory, Contractor shall renew or replace the affected bond within 10 days of receiving notice from City. In the event the surety or Contractor intends to reduce or cancel any required bond, at least thirty (30) days prior written notice shall be given to the City, and Contractor shall post acceptable replacement bonds at least ten (10) days prior to expiration of the original bonds. No further payments shall be deemed due or will be made under this Agreement until any replacement bonds required by this Section are accepted by the City. To the extent, if any, that the total compensation is increased in accordance with the Agreement, the Contractor shall, upon request of the City, cause the amount of the bonds to be increased accordingly and shall promptly deliver satisfactory evidence of such increase to the City. To the extent available, the bonds shall further provide that no change or alteration of the Agreement (including, without limitation, an increase in the total compensation, as referred to above), extensions of time, or modifications of the time, terms, or conditions of payment to the Contractor, will release the surety. If the Contractor fails to furnish any required bond, the City may terminate this Agreement for cause.
7.4 Surety Qualifications. Only bonds executed by an admitted surety insurer, as defined in Code of Civil Procedure Section 995.120, shall be accepted. The surety must be a 9 of 17
California-admitted surety with a current A.M. Best’s rating no less than A:VIII and satisfactory to the City. If a California-admitted surety insurer issuing bonds does not meet these requirements, the insurer will be considered qualified if it is in conformance with Section 995.660 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, and proof of such is provided to the City.
8. ACCOUNTING RECORDS.
Contractor shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to all costs and expenses incurred under this Agreement. All such records shall be clearly identifiable.
Contractor shall allow a representative of City during normal business hours to examine, audit, and make transcripts or copies of such records and any other documents created pursuant to this Agreement. Contractor shall allow inspection of all work, data, documents, proceedings, and activities related to the Agreement for a period of three (3) years from the date of final payment under this Agreement.
9. FEES AND PAYMENTS.
9.1 Compensation. Contractor shall receive compensation, including authorized reimbursements, for all Services rendered under this Agreement at the rates set forth in Exhibit ”B” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The total compensation shall not exceed seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) without written approval of the City’s City Manager. Extra Work may be authorized, as described below, and if authorized, will be compensated at the rates and manner set forth in this Agreement.
9.2 Payment of Compensation. Contractor shall submit to City a monthly itemized statement which indicates work completed and hours of Services rendered by Contractor. The statement shall describe the amount of Services and supplies provided since the initial commencement date, or since the start of the subsequent billing periods, as appropriate, through the date of the statement. City shall, within 45 days of receiving such statement, review the statement and pay all approved charges thereon.
9.3 Reimbursement for Expenses. Contractor shall not be reimbursed for any expenses unless authorized in writing by City.
9.4 Extra Work. At any time during the term of this Agreement, City may request that Contractor perform Extra Work. As used herein, “Extra Work” means any work which is determined by City to be outside of the Scope of Services. Contractor shall not perform, nor be compensated for, Extra Work without written authorization from City’s Representative.
10. CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE REQUIREMENTS.
10.1 Contractor is aware of the requirements of California Labor Code Sections 1720, et seq. and 1770, et seq., which require the payment of prevailing wage rates and the performance of other requirements on certain “public works” and “maintenance” projects (“Prevailing Wage Laws”). The Services are being performed as part of an applicable “public works” or “maintenance” project, as defined by the Prevailing Wage Laws. Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1771, Contractor agrees to fully comply with such Prevailing Wage Laws.
Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claims, liabilities, costs, penalties or interest arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws. It shall be mandatory upon the 10 of 17
Contractor and all subcontractors to comply with all applicable California Labor Code requirements, which include but are not limited to prevailing wages (Labor Code Sections 1771, 1774 and 1775), employment of apprentices (Labor Code Section 1777.5), certified payroll records (Labor Code Sections 1771.4 and 1776), hours of labor (Labor Code Sections 1813 and 1815) and debarment of contractors and subcontractors (Labor Code Section 1777.1). The requirement to submit certified payroll records directly to the Labor Commissioner under Labor Code section 1771.4 shall not apply to work performed on a public works project that is exempt pursuant to the small project exemption specified in Labor Code Section 1771.4.
10.2 Pursuant to Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, the Contractor and all subcontractors performing such Services must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Contractor shall maintain registration for the duration of the Agreement and require the same of any subcontractors, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the contractor registration requirements mandated by Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1 shall not apply to work performed on a public works project that is exempt pursuant to the small project exemption specified in Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1.
10.3 This Agreement may also be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations. It shall be Contractor’s sole responsibility to comply with all applicable registration and labor compliance requirements. Any stop orders issued by the Department of Industrial Relations against Contractor or any subcontractor that affect Contractor’s performance of Services, including any delay, shall be Contractor’s sole responsibility. Any delay arising out of or resulting from such stop orders shall be considered Contractor caused delay and shall not be compensable by the City. Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of stop orders issued by the Department of Industrial Relations against Contractor or any subcontractor.
11. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.
11.1 Grounds for Termination. City may, by written notice to Contractor, terminate the whole or any part of this Agreement at any time and without cause by giving written notice to Contractor of such termination, and specifying the effective date thereof, at least seven (7) days before the effective date of such termination. Upon termination, Contractor shall be compensated only for those services which have been adequately rendered to City, and Contractor shall be entitled to no further compensation. Contractor may not terminate this Agreement except for cause.
11.2 Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated as provided herein, City may require Contractor to provide all finished or unfinished Work Product and other information of any kind prepared by Contractor in connection with the performance of Services under this Agreement. Contractor shall be required to provide such document and other information within fifteen (15) days of the request.
11.3 Additional Services. In the event this Agreement is terminated in whole or in part as provided herein, City may procure, upon such terms and in such manner as it may determine appropriate, services similar to those terminated.
12. OWNERSHIP OF WORK PRODUCT
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12.1 Except as otherwise provided in Section 11.2, above, and unless otherwise agreed upon in writing, all draft and final reports, documents, and other written material, and any and all images, ideas, concepts, designs including website designs, source code, object code, electronic data and files, and/or other media whatsoever created or developed by Contractor in the performance of this Agreement (collectively, “Work Product”) shall be considered to be “works made for hire” for the benefit of City. All Work Product and any and all intellectual property rights arising from their creation, including, but not limited to, all copyrights and other proprietary rights, shall be and remain the property of City without restriction or limitation upon their use, duplication or dissemination by City upon final payment being made provided that any such use shall be at City’s sole risk. Contractor shall not obtain or attempt to obtain copyright protection as to any of the Work Product. Work Product does not include intellectual property owned by or licensed to Contractor as of the effective date of this Agreement.
12.2 Contractor hereby assigns to City all rights of ownership to the Work Product, including any and all related intellectual property and proprietary rights, that are not otherwise vested in the City pursuant to subsection 12.1, above.
13. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
13.1 Delivery of Notices. All notices permitted or required under this Agreement shall be given to the respective parties at the following address, or at such other address as the respective parties may provide in writing for this purpose:
Contractor:
Pacific Rim Automation, Inc.
16611 Burke Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Attn: Davis Carter
City:
City of Paramount
16400 Colorado Ave,
Paramount, CA 90723
Attn: Adriana Figueroa
Such notice shall be deemed made when personally delivered or when mailed, forty-eight (48) hours after deposit in the U.S. Mail, first class postage prepaid and addressed to the party at its applicable address. Actual notice shall be deemed adequate notice on the date actual notice occurred, regardless of the method of service.
13.2 Indemnification.
(A) Scope of Indemnity. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees, volunteers and agents (“Indemnitees”) free and harmless from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, costs, stop notices, liens, expenses, liability, loss, damage or injury of any kind, in law or equity, to property or persons, including wrongful death, in any manner arising out of, pertaining to, or incident to any alleged acts, errors or omissions of Contractor, its officials, officers, employees, 12 of 17
subcontractors, consultants or agents in connection with the performance of the Contractor’s Services or this Agreement, including without limitation the payment of all consequential damages, expert witness fees and attorneys’ fees and other related costs and expenses. The provisions of this subsection (A) shall not apply to claims and liabilities arising out of the sole negligence, violation of law, or willful misconduct of any of the Indemnitees. (B) Additional Indemnity Obligations. Contractor shall defend, with counsel of City's choosing and at Contractor’s own cost, expense and risk, any and all claims, suits, actions or other proceedings of every kind covered by Section 13.2(A) that may be brought or instituted against City or any other Indemnitees. Contractor shall pay and satisfy any judgment, award or decree that may be rendered against City or any of the Indemnitees as part of any such claim, suit, action or other proceeding. Contractor shall also reimburse City for the cost of any settlement paid by City or any of the Indemnitees as part of any such claim, suit, action or other proceeding.
Such reimbursement shall include payment for City’s attorneys’ fees and costs, including expert witness fees. Contractor shall reimburse City and other Indemnitees, for any and all legal expenses and costs incurred by each of them in connection therewith or in enforcing the indemnity herein provided. Contractor’s obligation to indemnify shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement, and shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by the City or any of the Indemnitees.
13.3 Governing Law; Government Code Claim Compliance. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California without regard for conflicts of laws principles. Venue for any legal action arising out of this Agreement shall be in Los Angeles County, California. In addition to any and all contract requirements pertaining to notices of and requests for compensation or payment for extra work, disputed work, claims and/or changed conditions, Contractor must comply with the claim procedures set forth in Government Code sections 900, et seq. prior to filing any lawsuit against the City. Such Government Code claims and any subsequent lawsuit based upon the Government Code claims shall be limited to those matters that remain unresolved after all procedures pertaining to extra work, disputed work, claims, and/or changed conditions have been followed by Contractor. If no such Government Code claim is submitted, or if any prerequisite contractual requirements are not otherwise satisfied as specified herein, Contractor shall be barred from bringing and maintaining a valid lawsuit against the City.
13.4 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for each and every provision of this Agreement.
13.5 City’s Right to Employ Other Contractors. City reserves right to employ other contractors in connection with the Services required herein.
13.6 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding on the successors and assigns of the parties.
13.7 Assignment or Transfer; Subcontracting. Contractor shall not assign, hypothecate or transfer, either directly or by operation of law, this Agreement or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the City. Any attempt to do so shall be null and void, and any assignees, hypothecates or transferees shall acquire no right or interest by reason of such attempted assignment, hypothecation or transfer. Contractor shall not subcontract any portion of the work required by this Agreement, except as expressly authorized herein, without prior written approval of City. Contractor shall be responsible for all acts, omissions, and performance of any subcontractors, in connection with this Agreement.
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13.8 Construction; References; Captions. Since the Parties or their agents have participated fully in the preparation of this Agreement, the language of this Agreement shall be construed simply, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any Party. Any term referencing time, days or period for performance shall be deemed calendar days and not work days. All references to Contractor include all personnel, employees, agents, and subcontractors of Contractor, except as otherwise specified in this Agreement. All references to City include its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers except as otherwise specified in this Agreement. The captions of the various articles and paragraphs are for convenience and ease of reference only, and do not define, limit, augment, or describe the scope, content or intent of this Agreement.
13.9 Amendment; Modification. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing and signed by both Parties.
13.10 Waiver. No waiver of any default shall constitute a waiver of any other default or breach, whether of the same or other covenant or condition. No waiver, benefit, privilege, or service voluntarily given or performed by a Party shall give the other Party any contractual rights by custom, estoppel or otherwise.
13.11 No Third Party Beneficiaries. There are no intended third party beneficiaries of any right or obligation assumed by the Parties.
13.12 Invalidity; Severability. If any portion of this Agreement is declared invalid, illegal, or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
13.13 Prohibited Interests. Contractor maintains and warrants that it has not employed nor retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Contractor, to solicit or secure this Agreement. Further, Contractor warrants that it has not paid nor has it agreed to pay any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Contractor, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement. Contractor further agrees to file, or shall cause its employees or subcontractors to file, a Statement of Economic Interest with the City’s Filing Officer as required under state law in the performance of the Services. For breach or violation of this warranty, City shall have the right to rescind this Agreement without liability. For the term of this Agreement, no official, officer or employee of City, during the term of his or her service with City, shall have any direct interest in this Agreement, or obtain any present or anticipated material benefit arising therefrom.
13.14 Cooperation; Further Acts. The Parties shall fully cooperate with one another, and shall take any additional acts or sign any additional documents as may be necessary, appropriate or convenient to attain the purposes of this Agreement.
13.15 Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. If any action in law or equity, including an action for declaratory relief, is brought to enforce or interpret the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover from the losing party attorney’s fees and costs in an amount determined to be reasonable by a court of competent jurisdiction.
13.16 Authority to Enter Agreement. Contractor has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business and to execute, deliver, and perform the Agreement. Each Party 14 of 17
warrants that the individuals who have signed this Agreement have the legal power, right, and authority to make this Agreement and bind each respective Party.
13.17 Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.
13.18 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with all Exhibits, each of which are incorporated by reference herein, contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein, and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings or agreements.
This Agreement may only be modified by a writing signed by both parties. The provisions of this document shall govern in the event of any conflict with any Exhibit or document incorporated herein including Contractor’s proposal.
[SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]
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SIGNATURE PAGE FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT
AND PACIFIC RIM AUTOMATION, INC.
TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT, the parties have caused their authorized representatives to sign below.
PACIFIC RIM AUTOMATION, INC.
________________________________ _______________________________
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
□ Chairperson □ President □ Vice President □ Secretary □ Asst. Secretary □ Chief Finance Officer □ Asst. Treasurer
_________________________________ ________________________________
PRINT PRINT
[Pursuant to California Corporations Code Section 313, both signature lines must be executed unless the signatory holds at least one of the offices designated on each line.]
CITY OF PARAMOUNT
____________________________________
PEGGY LEMONS
City Mayor
ATTEST:
By:
HEIDI LUCE
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By:
NICHOLAS R. GHIRELLI
City Attorney
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EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
City of Paramount—Maintenance Services Agreement
17 of 17
EXHIBIT B
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
SEE EXHIBIT “A”
To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Adriana Figueroa, Public Works Director
Date: January 27, 2026
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY'S
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN (SSMP) UPDATE
BACKGROUND
On May 2, 2006, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted Order No. 2006-03 which established the General Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for all publicly owned or operated sanitary sewer systems within the State of California. The WDRs mandate owner and operators of the sewer system to complete the following:
report Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) to the SWRCB and develop and implement a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). The SSMP plan is a written document that details how the City’s sewer system is operated, maintained, repaired, and funded.
Subsequently, on December 6, 2022, the SWRCB adopted Order No. WQ 2022-0103- DWQ (Order), titled Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) for Sanitary Sewer Systems, which establishes updated requirements for the operation and maintenance of public wastewater collection systems. The goal of the Order is to reduce the frequency and volume of sanitary sewer overflows throughout the state.
As required, the City developed and certified its SSMP in July 2009 and is required to update the plan every five years. The SWRCB required that the 2014 updated SSMP be approved by the agency’s governing board at a public meeting. This is to ensure that the governing board is aware of the SSMP program and potential impacts, such as budget needs and new ordinances.
For purposes of long-term planning and infrastructure maintenance, the City granted the County of Los Angeles consent and jurisdiction to annex sewered portions of the City into the County’s sewer maintenance district. By that action, the City entrusted the management, operation, and maintenance of its wastewater collection system to the Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District (CSMD). The City, however, still maintains full ownership of the City sewer system.
The cost of this service is paid through the County's Sewer Maintenance District (District) annual assessments to all property owners in Paramount. The District will fund all the maintenance requirements mandated by the WDRs, which will include daily operations and maintenance. If at some point additional capacity is needed in the system, the City Agenda Report January 27, 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 26:004 Page 2
would then be responsible for the capital improvement cost. Any sewer expansion project would be budgeted and approved through the City's Capital Improvement Program.
In accordance with the Order, the SSMP is also required to be audited at least once every three years, updated every six years, and re-certified if any significant program changes occur. The City’s current SSMP was last approved by City Council in 2021.
DISCUSSION
As proposed, the SSMP update (attached) provides general updates that align with the Order, including identifying the City’s legal authority, an operation and maintenance program, pipe design and performance standards, an overflow emergency response plan, a fats, oils, and grease (FOG) control program, a system evaluation and capacity assurance plan, a monitoring and audit program, a communication program, and the certification required by the SWRCB.
Guided by the Order, this update will remain valid through 2031, which provides an additional year to update SSMP requirements, unless significant program changes necessitate an earlier revision. If changes are required during the approval cycle, the City’s designated Legal Responsible Official (LRO), or authorized designee, is authorized to make the necessary updates to ensure compliance with the SWRCB.
This action authorizes the City to adopt and submit the SSMP (with the previously adopted programs and projects) and the SSMP implementation program. Upon adoption of the resolution by City Council, the SSMP document will be certified by the LRO and submitted to the SWRCB.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP).
VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No 5: Attractive and WellMaintained Infrastructure - Develop and maintain City-owned infrastructure, parks, facilities, and amenities that enhance quality of life and the attractiveness of the community.
Agenda Report January 27, 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 26:004 Page 3
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt Resolution No. 26:004 approving the City's Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) Update; and authorize the Legally Responsible Official (LRO) to certify and submit the updated SSMP to the California State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB).
CITY OF PARAMOUNT
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION NO. 26:004
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT APPROVING THE 2025 SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
UPDATE
WHEREAS, on May 2, 2026, the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB), issued Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ “Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems” (General Order); and re-issued that Order in 2022 as WQO-2022-0103-DWQ, “General Order for Sanitary Sewer Systems” (Adopted December 2, 2022).
WHEREAS, pursuant to the General Order, public agencies that own and operate sanitary sewer systems greater than one mile in length were required to develop, implement, and periodically update SSMPs in accordance with the General Order requirements, and
WHEREAS, the General Order implements a regulatory mechanism to provide a consistent statewide approach for reducing sewer spills; and WHEREAS, the City of Paramount developed, certified and implemented its SSMP in accordance with the applicable requirements and within the specified time periods, and
WHEREAS, the SSMP was last updated and recertified by the City Council in 2021, and
WHEREAS, the current General Order requires that the SSMP be updated at a minimum every six (6) years, and that the updated SSMP be approved/recertified by the public agency’s governing body
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARAMOUNT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The above recitations are true and correct.
SECTION 2. The City Council, after consideration of the staff report and discussion, hereby finds that the above recitals are true and correct and incorporate them herein.
SECTION 3. The City Council, by resolution, approves the December 2025 SSMP update and its implementation, and directs the City Manager, or his/her designee, to periodically update the SSMP as necessary to reflect current regulatory requirements and best practices.
RESOLUTION NO. 26:004
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall attest and certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions, and it shall become more effective immediately upon its approval.
SECTION 5. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Paramount this 27th day of January 2026.
Peggy Lemons, Mayor
ATTEST:
Heidi Luce, City Clerk
Sewer System
Management Plan
2025 SSMP Update
Paramount / Los Angeles County Public
Works
Los Angeles, California
December 15, 2025
Sewer System Management Plan
Paramount /Los Angeles County Public Works
December 15, 2025 | i
Contents
1 Goal and Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 8
1.1 Regulatory Context.................................................................................................................... 8
1.2 SSMP Goal and System Management Objectives ................................................................. 11
1.3 SSMP Update Schedule.......................................................................................................... 12
1.4 Sewer System Asset Overview ............................................................................................... 15
1.4.1 Access to Up-to-Date Mapping .................................................................................. 21
1.5 SSMP Overview ...................................................................................................................... 21 2 Organization ...................................................................................................................................... 22
2.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................. 22
2.2 Authorized Representatives .................................................................................................... 23
2.3 Positions Responsible for Implementing Specific SSMP Elements........................................ 27
2.3.1 Positions Responsible................................................................................................ 27
2.3.2 Lines of Authority........................................................................................................ 28
2.4 Spill Reporting Chain of Communication ................................................................................ 30 3 Legal Authority .................................................................................................................................. 32
3.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................. 32
3.2 Authority to Prevent Illicit Industrial Waste Discharges into the Collection System................ 34
3.2.1 Prevention of Illicit Discharge of FOG........................................................................ 34
3.2.2 Prevention of Illicit Discharge of Infiltration/Inflow...................................................... 34
3.3 Authority to Collaborate with Storm Sewer Agencies ............................................................. 35
3.4 Authority to Require Proper Design and Construction of Sewers........................................... 35
3.5 Authority to Ensure Access to Publicly Owned Portion of Lateral .......................................... 35
3.6 Limit the Authority to Discharge of FOG and other Debris...................................................... 35
3.7 Authority to Obtain Easement Accessibility Agreements When Applicable............................ 36 4 Operation and Maintenance Program ............................................................................................... 37
4.1 Up-to-Date Map of the Collection System............................................................................... 37
4.1.1 Procedures for Maintaining and Providing Access to Water Boards Staff................. 37
4.1.2 Availability of Up-to-Date Mapping to Support Collection System Management .............................................................................................................. 40
4.2 Preventive Maintenance Program........................................................................................... 41
4.2.1 CCTV Inspection ........................................................................................................ 41
4.2.2 Sewer Line and Manhole Visual Inspection ............................................................... 42
4.2.3 Gas Trap Manholes and Siphons............................................................................... 42
4.2.4 Drop Manholes ........................................................................................................... 42
4.2.5 Sewer Line Cleaning .................................................................................................. 42
4.2.6 Root Foaming............................................................................................................. 42
4.2.7 Periodic Maintenance................................................................................................. 42
4.2.8 Vermin and Odor Control ........................................................................................... 42
4.2.9 Treatment Plants and Pumping Stations.................................................................... 43
4.3 Scheduling and Data Collection .............................................................................................. 43
4.4 Training.................................................................................................................................... 43
4.5 Equipment Inventory ............................................................................................................... 44 Sewer System Management Plan
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5 Design and Performance Provisions................................................................................................. 46
5.1 Design and Construction Standards and Specifications ......................................................... 46
5.2 Procedures and Standards for Inspecting and Testing System Improvements...................... 46 6 Spill Emergency Response Plan....................................................................................................... 48
6.1.1 Pre-Planned Coordination with Other Agencies or Departments .............................. 48 7 Sewer Pipe Blockage Control Program............................................................................................. 49
7.1 Program Overview................................................................................................................... 49
7.2 Implementation Plan and Schedule for Public Outreach ........................................................ 51
7.2.1 Summary of Outreach Activities................................................................................. 51
7.2.2 Plan and Schedule of Events ..................................................................................... 51
7.3 Plan and Schedule for Disposal of FOG ................................................................................. 52
7.4 Authority to Prohibit FOG Discharges and Identify Measures to Prevent FOG Spills ............ 52
7.4.1 Authority ..................................................................................................................... 52
7.4.2 Preventative Measures............................................................................................... 52
7.5 FOG Program Requirements and Design Standards ............................................................. 52
7.5.1 Requirements to Install Grease Removal Devices .................................................... 52
7.5.2 Design Standards for Grease Removal Devices ....................................................... 53
7.5.3 Maintenance Requirements ....................................................................................... 53
7.5.4 Best Management Practices Requirements............................................................... 54
7.5.5 The Pretreatment Guidelines for Restaurants and Food Service Operations provide guidelines and best management practices for selecting and installing pretreatment devices. These guidelines outline the installation requirements for grease interceptors and offer a list of alternative pretreatment devices that can be used in lieu of a grease interceptor. ..................... 54
7.5.6 Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements .......................................................... 54
7.5.7 Procedures ................................................................................................................. 54
7.6 Inspection and Enforcement Program..................................................................................... 55
7.6.1 Authority to Inspect Grease Producing Facilities ....................................................... 55
7.6.2 Authority to Enforce.................................................................................................... 55
7.6.3 Resource Plan to Inspect and Enforce....................................................................... 55
7.7 Maintenance Program to Address FOG Issues ...................................................................... 56
7.8 Implementation of Source Control Measures to Address FOG Issues ................................... 56
7.8.1 Summary of Source Control Measures ...................................................................... 56
7.8.2 Summary of Source Control Program Enforcement .................................................. 56 8 System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and Capital Improvements ............................................... 57
8.1 System Evaluation and Condition Assessment ...................................................................... 57
8.1.1 Best Practices and New Technology ......................................................................... 57
8.1.2 Amount of System Condition Assessment................................................................. 57
8.1.3 Inspection and Condition Assessment Prioritization .................................................. 57
8.1.4 Inspection Methods .................................................................................................... 58
8.1.5 Utilizing Observations for Condition Assessment ...................................................... 58
8.1.6 Inspection and Assessment Recordkeeping.............................................................. 59
8.1.7 Assessing Assets Vulnerable to Climate Change...................................................... 59
8.2 Capacity Assessment and Design Criteria.............................................................................. 60
8.2.1 Gravity Facilities ......................................................................................................... 60
8.2.2 Pressure Facilities ...................................................................................................... 60
8.2.3 Infiltration and Inflow .................................................................................................. 61
8.2.4 Erosive Forces in Canyons and Streams................................................................... 61
8.2.5 Design Flow and Weather Events.............................................................................. 61
8.2.6 Capacity Assessment Data ........................................................................................ 61 Sewer System Management Plan
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8.2.7 Capacity Enhancement Plan...................................................................................... 62
8.3 Prioritization of Corrective Actions .......................................................................................... 62
8.4 Capital Improvement Plan....................................................................................................... 62
8.4.1 Accumulative Capital Outlay Program ....................................................................... 63
8.4.2 Joint Coordination and Interagency Coordination...................................................... 63 9 Monitoring, Measurement and Program Modifications ..................................................................... 64
9.1 Maintenance of Information to Prioritize SSMP Activities ....................................................... 64
9.2 Monitoring of Implementation and Effectiveness of the SSMP............................................... 66
9.3 Program Audits........................................................................................................................ 66
9.4 Assessment of Preventative Maintenance Program ............................................................... 66
9.5 Identification and Illustration of Spill trends............................................................................. 66
9.6 Approach to Program Modifications and Plan Updates .......................................................... 67 10 SSMP Program Audits ...................................................................................................................... 68
10.1 Schedule of Program Audits and Updates .............................................................................. 68
10.2 SSMP Audit Process ............................................................................................................... 70
10.3 SSMP Audit Report ................................................................................................................. 70
10.4 Audit Implementation and Tracking of Results........................................................................ 70 11 Communication Program................................................................................................................... 71
11.1 Procedures to Communicate with Public for Spills and Discharges ....................................... 71
11.2 Procedures for General Communication with Public on SSMP .............................................. 71
11.3 Procedures to Communicate with Connecting Systems and Contract Agencies ................... 72 Tables
Table 1-1: Summary of General Order Requirements.................................................................................. 8 Table 1-2: LACPW’s Sewer-Related Services to the 38 CSMD Cities1...................................................... 10 Table 1-3: SSMP Audit and Update Schedule............................................................................................ 12 Table 1-4: Planned SSMP Implementation Milestones Addressing Prevention of Sewer Spills ................ 14 Table 2-1: Collection Systems Operated, Maintained and Managed by Sewer Maintenance Division........................................................................................................................................... 25 Table 2-2: Positions Responsible for SSMP............................................................................................... 27 Table 3-1: Summary of Legal Authorities Relating Legal Authority Element of General Order.................. 33 Table 3-2: Summary of Legal Authorities Relating Sewer Pipe Blockage Control Program Element of General Order ............................................................................................................................ 34 Table 4-1: Summary of Training Program................................................................................................... 44 Table 4-2: List of Major Equipment ............................................................................................................. 45 Table 6-1: Spill Emergency Response Plan General Order Compliance ................................................... 48 Table 7-1: Number of FSEs per City/Area ....................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table 8-1: ACO Program Contract List ....................................................................................................... 63 Table 9-1: Information Systems Relevant to SSMP Implementation and Monitoring................................. 65 Table 10-1: SSMP Audit and Update Schedule.......................................................................................... 68 Sewer System Management Plan
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Figures
Figure 1-1: City and CSMD Service Area Map ........................................................................................... 20 Figure 2-1: City and LACPW’s Organizational Chart.................................................................................. 28 Figure 2-2a: SMD Organizational Chart...................................................................................................... 29 Figure 2-2b: City Organizational Chart ....................................................................................................... 29 Figure 2-3: Spill Reporting Chain of Communication – Normal Business Hours........................................ 31 Figure 2-4: Spill Reporting Chain of Communication – After Hours ........................................................... 31 Figure 4-1: Sewer Network Map ................................................................................................................. 38 Figure 4-2: Sewer Plans Webpage ............................................................................................................. 39 Figure 4-3: Operations Map Overview Map................................................................................................ 40 Appendices
Appendix A1 - Governing Board Approval
Appendix A2 – State Water Resources Control Board - General Order for Sanitary Sewer Systems Appendix A3 – Asset Summary Per Collection System
Appendix B1 – List of Staff Responsible for Implementing Specific Elements of the SSMP Appendix B2 – City and Sewer Maintenance Division Staff Contact Sheet Appendix C – Not Used
Appendix D – LACPW’s Field Operations Yard and Pump Station Map Appendix E – Not Used
Appendix F – Spill Emergency Response Plan
Appendix G – IDWP Conditions and Limitations
Appendix H – Not Used
Appendix I – Not Used
Appendix J – Not Used
Appendix K – Not Used
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Acronyms
Acronym Definition
ACO Accumulative Capital Outlay
BMP Best Management Practices
BSD Building and Safety Division
CCTV Closed Circuit Television
CAD Computer-Aided Design and Drafting
CALOSHA California Occupational Safety and Health Administration CAP Condition Assessment Program
CIP Capital Improvement Plan
CIPP Cured-In-Place Pipe
CIWQS California Integrated Water Quality System
CGRG Community and Government Relations Group
CS Collection System
CSMD Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District
CWEA California Water Environment Association
EPD Environmental Programs Division
FOG Fats, Oils, and Grease
FSE Food Service Establishment
GI Grease Interceptor
GIS Geographic Information System
GRD Grease Removal Device
IBEW International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
I/I Infiltration and Inflow
IWDP Industrial Waste Disposal Permit
LACO Los Angeles County Ordinance
LACPW Los Angeles County Public Works
LACSD Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
LDD Land Development Division
LRO Legally Responsible Official
LVMWD Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
MMS Maintenance Management System
MSMD Marina Sewer Maintenance Division
NASSCO National Association of Sewer Service Companies
PACP Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program
PM Periodic Maintenance
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Acronym Definition
PMD III Project Management Division III
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System
SERP Spill Emergency Response Plan
SMD Sewer Maintenance Division
SO&M Sewer Operation & Maintenance
SSMP Sewer System Management Plan
SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board
WDR Wastewater Discharge Requirements
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1 Goal and Introduction
1.1 Regulatory Context
The City of Paramount (City) along with Los Angeles County Public Works (LACPW) has prepared this updated Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) pursuant to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) December 6, 2022, Statewide Sanitary Sewer Systems General Order 2022- 0103-DWQ (General Order). This SSMP provides a management plan for Los Angeles County Public Works (PW), which administers the following Sewer Maintenance Districts (Districts) in Los Angeles County responsible for operating and maintaining the collection systems:
• Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District (CSMD); and
• Marina Sewer Maintenance District (MSMD).
In addition, through service agreements, PW operates and maintains the collections systems for the Cities of Irwindale, West Hollywood, and Montebello.
This SSMP provides a management plan for the City of Paramount, which is part of the CSMD.
Table 1-1 summarizes the General Order requirements addressed by this SSMP1. These requirements are defined by General Order specifications and associated General Order attachments. All agencies that own and operate collection systems greater than one mile in length must comply with these requirements.
Table 1-1: Summary of General Order Requirements
Specification Description Linkage to SSMP
5.2 SSMP
Development and
Implementation
Requires development and implementation of a SSMP Entire SSMP
5.3 Certification of
SSMP and Plan
Updates
Requires City to certify and upload the SSMP to CIWQS Entire SSMP
5.5 Six-Year SSMP
Update
Requires update of the SSMP every 6 years, at a minimum.
Requires governing board approval of SSMP. Requires
City to certify and upload SSMP to CIWQS.
Entire SSMP
5.6 System Resilience Requires LACPW to include and implement systemspecific procedures to proactively prioritize operations and maintenance, condition assessments and repair and
rehabilitation to address system resilience
D.4 Operations and
Maintenance
D.8 System Evaluation,
Capacity Assurance
and Capital Planning
5.10 System Capacity Requires City to maintain system capacity to convey dry weather and forecasted wet weather flows
D.8 System Evaluation,
Capacity Assurance
and Capital Planning
1 Summarized from the SWRCB Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sanitary Sewer Systems
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Table 1-1: Summary of General Order Requirements
Specification Description Linkage to SSMP
5.19 Operation and
Maintenance
Requires City and LACPW to maintain in good working
order and operate as design any facilities, treatment or control systems design to contain and convey sewer.
D.4 Operations and
Maintenance
D.8 System Evaluation,
Capacity Assurance
and Capital Planning
This document serves as the 2025 update to the SSMP approved and adopted by the City Council at a public meeting. Appendix A1 includes documentation of approval by the City Council. Appendix A2 includes the General Order.
The sewer-related services that the Districts provide vary from city to city depending on the service agreements. Table 1-2 summarizes the CSMD cities and the sewer-related services currently provided by the LACPW to each of the cities. The LACPW applied for coverage under the reissued General Order for facilities it owns, and the CSMD member cities applied for coverage under the reissued General Order for facilities they own.
LACPW and the member cities own the sewer mainlines and the point of connection to the sewer mainlines, but do not own any portion of the sewer lateral beyond the sewer connection.
LACPW, as operator of the CSMD and MSMD, prepares and updates the SSMP for activities the LACPW performs for managing, operating, and maintaining sewer systems including the Districts. The cities, as well as the other County departments serviced by CSMD, as owners of their respective systems, are responsible for preparing and updating an SSMP specific to the collection system owned by those entities. Some cities within the CSMD have either adopted the Los Angeles County Code or have established local ordinances or resolutions governing the performance of items stipulated in the General Order. Cities are responsible for implementing the legal authorities required by the General Order. Cities are also responsible for conducting capacity studies of their collection system, when necessary, and correcting identified hydraulic deficiencies. The CSMD performs functions required by the General Order related to the operation and maintenance of sanitary sewer systems.
A pdf copy of this SSMP is available on the internet at:
LACPW: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/sewer/ssmp.pdf
Paramount:
https://www.paramountcity.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Paramount-SSMPUpdate-2021-Final.pdf Sewer System Management Plan
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Table 1-2: LACDPW Sewer-Related Services to the 38 CSMD Cities1 City CSMD ACO
Program
Sewer
Maintenance
Agreement
Building
and Safety
Industrial
Waste
City
Engineers
Agoura Hills X X X
Artesia X X X X
Baldwin Park X X
Bellflower X X X
Bell Gardens X X X
Bradbury X X
Calabasas X X X
Carson X X X
Commerce X X X
Cudahy X X X
Diamond Bar X X X
Duarte X X X
Glendora X X
Hawaiian
Gardens
X X X
Hidden Hills X X
Industry X X X
Irwindale X X X
La Cañada
Flintridge
X X X X
La Habra Heights X X
Lakewood X X X X
La Mirada X X X X
Lawndale X X X X
Lomita X X X X
Maywood X X
Montebello X
Palos Verdes
Estates
X X
Paramount X X X
Pico Rivera X X X
Rancho Palos
Verdes
City/Central
X X X
Rolling Hills X X X
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Table 1-2: LACDPW Sewer-Related Services to the 38 CSMD Cities1 City CSMD ACO
Program
Sewer
Maintenance
Agreement
Building
and Safety
Industrial
Waste
City
Engineers
Rolling Hills
Estates
X X X
Rosemead X X X
San Dimas X X X
Santa Clarita X X X
Santa Fe Springs X X X
South El Monte X X
Temple City X X X X
Walnut X X X
Westlake Village X X X X
West Hollywood X X
1Through the General Services Agreement, a city can request LACPW resources upon specific request. LACDPW currently provides at least some degree of service to all 88 cities in the County of Los Angeles.
1.2 SSMP Goal and System Management Objectives
The goal of the SSMP is to provide a plan and schedule to properly manage, operate, and maintain all parts of the collection system. This will help reduce and prevent spills, as well as mitigate any spills that do occur. The City and LACPW have adopted and are dedicated to achieving the following collection system management objectives:
• Proper operation, maintenance, and management of the Districts’ sanitary sewer collection system facilities to reduce the frequency and severity of sewer spills and their potential impacts on public health, safety, and the environment. • Prompt action when sewer spills occur to identify, contain, and remove the cause, promptly report the event to appropriate regulatory authorities, and ensure the public is adequately and timely notified.
• Document all sewer spills, system deficiencies, and the remedial actions taken. • Adequately train and equip the Districts’ sewer system operators, employees, contractors, responders, or other agents to address a sewer spill event. • Maintain and repair the Districts’ sewer system to provide adequate capacity to convey base flows and peak flows while meeting or exceeding applicable regulations, laws, and generally accepted practices relative to sanitary sewer system operations and maintenance.
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This SSMP documents how the City’s and LACPW’s collection system practices are integrated toward the achievement of the City’s and LACPW’s objectives. The City’s and LACPW have identified the following actions to be taken under this SSMP to ensure the accomplishment of these goals:
• Conduct a planned and scheduled maintenance program that will minimize the risk and occurrence of sewer spills, in support of the SSMP goals. • When sewer spills do occur, respond to the reported site in a timely manner and undertake feasible remedial actions to contain the spill to minimize impacts, including stopping the flow from reaching the storm drain, if possible. • Stop the spill as soon as possible and limit public access to the spill area to prevent public contact with any wastewater contamination.
• Recover the spill to the extent feasible and return it to the sewer system and then clean up the contaminated area.
• Gather and compile all pertinent information regarding the spill event, investigate, as necessary, to determine probable cause, document findings, report to the appropriate regulatory agencies in a timely manner, and file the completed report.
1.3 SSMP Update Schedule
Pursuant to the General Order, CSMD conducts program monitoring and triennial audits of its SSMP, prepares SSMP updates, and implements planned activities to achieve the City’s and LACPW’s collection system program objectives. Paramount’s SSMP update was prepared upon completion of the most recent SSMP Program Audit, dated February 5, 2025, and LACPW’s SSMP update.
The schedule for auditing and updating this SSMP is provided in Table 1-3. Element 10 of the SSMP includes a longer-term schedule for SSMP audits and updates.
Table 1-3: SSMP Audit and Update Schedule
Activity Collection System Name SSMP Audit Due Date SSMP Update Due Date CSMD – City Agoura Hills City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Artesia City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Baldwin Park City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Bell Gardens City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Bellflower City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Bradbury City 2/2/2026 8/2/2026
CSMD – City Calabasas City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Carson City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City City of Industry 2/2/2026 8/2/2026
CSMD – City Commerce City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
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Table 1-3: SSMP Audit and Update Schedule
Activity Collection System Name SSMP Audit Due Date SSMP Update Due Date CSMD – City Cudahy City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Diamond Bar City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Duarte City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Glendora City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Hawaiian Gardens City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Hidden Hills City 2/2/2026 8/2/2026
CSMD – City La Cañada Flintridge City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025 CSMD – City La Habra Heights City 11/2/2025 5/2/2026
CSMD – City La Mirada City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Lakewood City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Lawndale City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Lomita City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Maywood City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Palos Verdes Estates City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025 CSMD – City Paramount City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Pico Rivera City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Rancho Palos Verdes City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Rancho Palos Verdes City 2/2/2026 8/2/2026
CSMD – City Rolling Hills Estates City 11/2/2025 5/2/2026 CSMD – City Rosemead City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City San Dimas City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Santa Clarita City 11/2/2024 5/2/2025
CSMD – City Santa Fe Springs City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City South El Monte City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Temple City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Walnut City 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
CSMD – City Westlake Village City 11/2/2025 5/2/2026
CSMD – County
Zone
Malibu Mesa Zone of the CSMD CS 11/2/2025 5/2/2026
CSMD – County
Zone
Trancas Zone of the CSMD CS 2/2/2026 8/2/2026
CSMD – County
Zone
Unincorporated County Area CSMD
South/County Sanitation District CS
11/2/2024 5/2/2025
CSMD – County
Zone
Unincorporated County Area CSMD
North/County Sanitation District CS
11/2/2025 5/2/2026
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Table 1-3: SSMP Audit and Update Schedule
Activity Collection System Name SSMP Audit Due Date SSMP Update Due Date CSMD –
County Zone
Unincorporated County Area
CSMD/Las Virgenes Tapia CS
11/2/2025 5/2/2026
CSMD –
County Zone
Unincorporated County Area CSMDNW/County Sanitation District CS2/2/2025 8/2/2025 CSMD –
County Zone
Unincorporated County Area Lake
Hughes Zone of the CSMD CS
2/2/2026 8/2/2026
CSMD –
County Zone
Unincorporated County Area
Marina/Aneta Zone of the
CSMD/City Hyperion CS
2/2/2026 8/2/2026
SMA Montebello CS 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
SMA Irwindale City CS 2/2/2026 8/2/2026
SMA West Hollywood CS 2/2/2025 8/2/2025
LACPW plans to complete implementation of several significant initiatives addressing the prevention of sewer spills. Table 1-4 provides a schedule for incorporation of these activities into the Districts’ SSMP program implementation.
Table 1-4: Planned SSMP Implementation Milestones Addressing Prevention of Sewer Spills
Element Milestone Milestone Due
Date
Relevance to Spill Prevention
4 – Operations and
Maintenance
Program
Implementation of
Cityworks asset
management system
June 20261 Improve tracking of system issues
and planning and scheduling of
maintenance activities
4 – Operations and
Maintenance
Program
Implementation of
GraniteNet cloudbased CCTV software2
November 2027 Improve sharing of condition
assessment data for streamline
decision-making and communication
Specification 5.7 –
Allocation of
Resources
Approval of sewer fee
increase
July 2025 Collect revenue needed to sustain
operations and maintenance service
delivery
8 – System
Evaluation
Initiate Condition
Assessment Program
for remaining pump
stations3
November 2027 Collect information to identify system
condition deficiencies
8 – System
Evaluation
Initiate next cycle of
Condition Assessment
Program for sewer
pipelines
July 20254 Collect information to identify system
condition deficiencies
1Currently anticipated, subject to change
2Software development began in May 2025 for the implementation of the GraniteNet Cloud-based CCTV Software 3Began with the Condition Assessment for pump stations for the City of Diamond Bar. Report was completed in June 2019
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1.4 Sewer System Asset Overview
Paramount’s Public Works Department manages the sanitary sewer collection system, which serves a population of approximately 52,546 residents and consists of 61.80 miles of sewer lines (61.78 miles of gravity sewer lines and 0.02 miles of force main sewer lines) and 1 pump station. The City's local sewers discharge into the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County facilities for conveyance, treatment, and disposal.
The City has two budgeted management positions directly involved in sewer system responsibilities. The field operation and maintenance services are fulfilled by utilizing the services provided by LACPW.
These personnel, in collaboration with LACPW personnel, administer the City's sewer collection system operation, provide engineering evaluation of proposed and existing sewer facilities, administer preventive maintenance and sewer construction programs, and oversee the maintenance of sewer collection system facilities and related records and plans. Appendix A3 provides a summary of assets for all collection systems.
Other relevant information regarding the City’s collection systems and management program includes:
• Location: Collection systems are located in Los Angeles County. • Service Area Boundary:
•
•
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• a and 1-1b shows the geographic service area boundary in the City and Districts. • Community Served: Paramount covers 4.82 square miles including both residential and commercial areas.
• Data Management Systems: Districts use the following data management systems.
o Maximo: LACPW’s legacy Maintenance Management System (MMS) used for managing maintenance activities. Field crew activities are recorded in various forms such as service requests, cleaning reports, sewer maintenance daily reports, manhole adjustments, overflow report forms, etc., and are stored in the MMS. The LACPW is in the process of implementing Cityworks Maintenance Management System to schedule and track maintenance activities.
o Cityworks: LACPW is implementing Cityworks It’s Maintenance Management System to schedule and track maintenance activities. The condition assessment schedule and eventually closed-circuit television (CCTV) is planned to be added to Cityworks. Cityworks will be used to record what sections have been inspected, the schedule of activities, and Sewer System Management Plan
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whether work has been completed or not. It will also be used to schedule and track fats, oils, and grease (FOG) source control inspections of industrial and commercial establishments.
o HMS: The LACPW utilizes the HMS database to maintain records of all sites and their locations under the FOG program. Inspectors document their findings and enter data into the HMS database, which automates the inspection process and is used to track and manage permit inspection and source control data.
o PowerBI: PowerBI is utilized to display spill trends and analysis, as well as city profiles, which include detailed information on manholes, pipes, pump stations, and properties. Additionally, PowerBI is used to display productivity reports, detailing maintenance activities for each city. o CCTV Database: Wincan and GraniteNet are used to document inspection events, inspection observations, and associated videos.
These systems serve as the repository for historical CCTV inspection data. LACPW is in the process of linking GraniteNet with Cityworks to maintain CCTV records.
o CADD: As-built plans of the Districts’ facilities are maintained by LACPW for unincorporated Los Angeles County areas and by each city within the CSMD for their own jurisdiction, with LACPW maintaining a copy for maintenance operations. Data gathered from the plans, such as system locations and alignment, pipe material, size, etc., are stored in the SMD’s Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) System and Geographical Information System (GIS).
o GIS: The LACPW utilizes GIS to generate a mapping system that includes sewer features and map base layers such as aerial images, streets, parcels, and storm drain systems also available from other divisions within LACPW, County Departments, and other governmental agencies.
o SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system used to collect and store the pump station alarm and instrumentation data. o Microsoft Office: Various collection system programs are managed using Microsoft Office applications as an electronic database. Currently, Office is used to store the schedule for FOG program activities, but this will eventually be performed using Cityworks.
• Lateral Ownership and Operational Responsibilities: LACPW and City do not own any portion of the service laterals. Private service laterals are the responsibility of the property owner and must be maintained by the property owner.
Operation and maintenance of the local main sewer lines are the responsibility of LACPW. Regional trunk sewer lines are the responsibility of the publicly-owned treatment works, such as the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD), for operation and maintenance.
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• Breakdown of Service Connections: Paramount’s breakdown of service connections is roughly 87 percent residential, 5 percent commercial, 7 percent industrial, 1 percent agricultural, recreational, institutional, and miscellaneous use. • Unique Service Boundary Conditions and Challenges: The service area faces issues with conflicts involving local lines and jurisdictional determinations between agencies like the LACSD and the City of Los Angeles, impacting operations and maintenance.
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Figure 1-1a: Paramount Service Area Map
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Figure 1-2b: CSMD Service Area Map
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1.4.1 Access to Up-to-Date Mapping
LACPW provides public access to up-to-date sewer mapping through their website.
LA County Sanitary Sewer Network GIS Map:
• https://pw.lacounty.gov/smd/sewernetwork/
Operation Maps:
• https://dpw.lacounty.gov/sewer/Page_15
1.5 SSMP Overview
This SSMP complies with the General Order and meets the following General Order objectives:
a) Properly fund, manage, operate and maintain, with adequately trained staff and/or contractors possessing adequate knowledge, skills, and abilities as demonstrated through a validated certification program at all times, all parts of the collection system owned and/or operated by the discharger.
b) Provide adequate capacity to convey base flows and peak flows, including flows during wet weather events, to the minimum design criteria as defined in the discharger’s System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan (a required component of the SSMP), for all parts of the collection system owned and/or operated by the discharger.
c) Take all feasible steps to stop and mitigate the impact of spills in the collection system owned and/or operated by the discharger.
The City together with LACPW achieves these objectives by implementing a comprehensive sewer infrastructure asset management program that is documented in the following 11 SSMP elements:
1. Goal and Introduction
2. Organization
3. Legal Authority
4. Operation and Maintenance Program
5. Design and Performance Provisions
6. Spill Emergency Response Plan
7. Sewer Pipe Blockage Control Program
8. System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and Capital Improvements
9. Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications
10. SSMP Program Audits
11. Communication Program
When appropriate, the SSMP references other program documentation for greater detail.
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2 Organization
2.1 Overview
LACPW are governed by the Board of Supervisors, who establish laws and approve all LACPW’s contracts and agreements. The LACPW is led by the Director, who sets policies and oversees their implementation. Supporting the Director are the Chief Deputy Director, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and Assistant Deputy Director, who help manage daily operations and special projects.
The Sewer Maintenance Division (SMD) has 213 budgeted positions. The distribution of the SMD personnel is depicted in the organizational chart presented in Section 2.3.2 of this chapter. These personnel provide engineering evaluations of proposed and existing sewer facilities, administer LACPW’s sewer service charge ordinance, carry out annexation proceedings for new territories, form and dissolve service zones, maintain facility record plans, and administer preventive maintenance and sewer construction programs.
Key roles include the Principal Engineer and the Senior Civil Engineers, who manage engineering and field staff. There is a Senior Civil Engineer designated for office engineering and budget, field operations team for pump stations, and field operations team for the gravity system. The gravity system unit includes the Regional Sewer Maintenance Superintendent and Sewer Maintenance Supervisor, who assists the Senior Civil Engineer and oversee sewer maintenance activities, with field crews performing the actual maintenance work. For the pump station unit, the Electro-Mechanic Supervisors and their teams handle pump station operations. Office Administrative and clerical assistants are part of all units and assist in the preparation of the SMD budget, Board letters, and other correspondence, and are responsible for the sewer service charge direct assessments.
Other divisions within the LACPW are currently and will continue to be responsible for carrying out some of the compliance actions called for by the Wastewater Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for the LACPW. The key support divisions and their responsibilities are described below:
• Workforce Support Division: Responsible for procuring equipment, materials, and supplies needed for day-to-day operations and maintenance activities; printing and mailing public education outreach program materials. • Business Relations and Contracts Division: Responsible for procuring contract services for engineering, emergency sewer repair projects, and closed-circuit televising of sewer lines.
• Building and Safety Division (BSD): Responsible for issuing permits for sewer connections. May also enforce Plumbing Codes involving proper connections, maintenance of sewer house laterals, and preventing illegal discharges into public sewers upon City contract.
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• Sewer Maintenance Division (SMD): Responsible for administering the Districts including operation and maintenance of the sewer systems, repairs and rehabilitation, and providing regulatory compliance.
• Environmental Programs Division (EPD): Responsible for enforcing the Districts’ Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program, including point source control, inspection of industrial waste and grease-generating facilities, investigation of illicit discharges of chemicals, debris, etc., into the public sewer, and conducting water quality monitoring for spills of 50,000 gallons or more to surface water. • Stormwater Maintenance Division: Assists the Districts’ crew in tracing, containing, and cleaning up spills that reach a storm drain system. • Emergency Management Group: Responsible for operating the Emergency Operation Center for the entire Department, including handling service calls, spills, and pump station malfunction calls for the Districts.
• Human Resources Division: Responsible for staffing the Districts and training personnel.
• Design Division: Responsible for developing design standards and criteria for capital improvements.
• Project Management Division III (PMD III): Responsible for providing project management services for the construction of capital improvements. • Land Development Division (LDD): Responsible for subdivision plan checks to ensure compliance with County standards for the construction of new sewer collection systems. Reviews sewer capacity studies for proposed lines and sets requirements to ensure adequate capacity in existing systems. • Survey/Mapping and Property Management Division: Responsible for processing access easement documents and procuring easements for public sewer facilities located on private properties. Also responsible for investigating spill-related claims and litigations against the SMD.
City of Paramount is governed by the City Council, who establishes new and amending existing ordinances and policies governing the municipal operations and the operation of the City’s sanitary sewer system, including the approvals of all Sewer Operation & Maintenance (SO&M) contracts and agreements, to protect the community’s interest. The City Manager for the City is responsible for the overall management and application of all legal and policy directives that relate to the City’s activities, including the operation and maintenance of the City’s sanitary sewer system. The Director of Public Works directs the accomplishment of statutory and policy criteria, the execution and evaluation of work accomplished within areas of responsibility, including the SO&M program and the City’s participation in the CSMD. Responsible for the wastewater collection system operation and directs emergency sewer response activities through coordination with LACPW, Sewer Maintenance Division. Directs the planning, budgeting, design and construction of new and rehabilitated existing sewage collection systems and assists with claims and litigations against the City relative to public infrastructure. Has oversight of office, clerical, field operation, and maintenance staff, and reports to the City Manager. Supporting the Director are the Civil Engineer, Field Crews, Office Administrative, and clerical assistants.
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Their responsibilities include:
• City Engineer (Contract) – Directs engineering and management activities relating to studies, design, investigations, and the preparation of reports, budget, and contractual agreements with private firms for technical service projects. Performs special studies, investigations, and reports concerning sewer infrastructure. • Field Crews - These include City PW road and water maintenance workers who are responsible for maintenance activities for the public streets, right-of-ways, storm drains and the sanitary sewer collection system including response to SSO, and other activities as needed. Reports to a designated City representative/ Director of Public Works.
• Office Administration and Clerical Assistant – Assist in preparation of the SO&M budgets and accounting, necessary and required reports, and other correspondence.
The distribution of the city personnel is depicted in the organizational chart presented in Section 2.3.2 of this chapter.
2.2 Authorized Representatives
The Director of Public Works for Paramount and the Assistant Deputy Director for the SMD is responsible for the execution of the compliance actions required under the WDRs. This includes, but is not limited to, signing and certification of all reports and correspondence as required under this order. The Principal Engineer and Senior Civil Engineers in the SMD may also perform these duties on behalf of the SMD’s Assistant Deputy Director or Director of Public Works for Paramount.
The Sewer Maintenance Districts has the following staff authorized to serve as Onsite Managers for the collection systems managed by LACPW:
• Andrew Ngumba, Assistant Deputy Director (Primary LRO for LACPW) • Alex Villarama, Principal Civil Engineer (Secondary LRO for LACPW) • Jeffrey Bouse, Senior Civil Engineer
• Voltaire Llana, Senior Civil Engineer
• May Hong, Civil Engineer
• Eric Liu, Civil Engineer
Each of these staff members are authorized to act on behalf of each of LACPW’s collection system to serve as Legally Responsible Officials for each of the collection systems listed in Table 2-1. District LROs coordinate to ensure one of the designated LROs is available for required reporting certification in CIWQS. In addition, each collection system in the County owned by a city also has at least one Legally Responsible Official from that city’s staff.
Paramount Legally Responsible Official:
Adriana Figueroa, Director of Public Works
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Table 2-1: Collection Systems Operated, Maintained and Managed by Los Angeles County Public Works
WDID Type2 CIWQS WDID CIWQS Collection System Name
CSMD – City 4SSO11366 Agoura Hills City
CSMD – City 4SSO10364 Artesia City
CSMD – City 4SSO10366 Baldwin Park City
CSMD – City 4SSO10368 Bell Gardens City
CSMD – City 4SSO10369 Bellflower City
CSMD – City 4SSO10371 Bradbury City
CSMD – City 4SSO11447 Calabasas City
CSMD – City 4SSO10374 Carson City
CSMD – City 4SSO10394 City of Industry
CSMD – City 4SSO10377 Commerce City
CSMD – City 4SSO10380 Cudahy City
CSMD – City 4SSO10382 Diamond Bar City
CSMD – City 4SSO10384 Duarte City
CSMD – City 4SSO10389 Glendora City
CSMD – City 4SSO10390 Hawaiian Gardens City
CSMD – City 4SSO11439 Hidden Hills City
CSMD – City 4SSO10397 La Cañada Flintridge City
CSMD – City 4SSO10398 La Habra Heights City
CSMD – City 4SSO10399 La Mirada City
CSMD – City 4SSO10402 Lakewood City
CSMD – City 4SSO10403 Lawndale City
CSMD – City 4SSO10404 Lomita City
CSMD – City 4SSO10409 Maywood City
CSMD – City 4SSO10414 Palos Verdes Estates City
2 CSMD – Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District
MSMD – Marina Sewer Maintenance District
SMA – Sewer Maintenance Agreement
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Table 2-1: Collection Systems Operated, Maintained and Managed by Los Angeles County Public Works
WDID Type2 CIWQS WDID CIWQS Collection System Name
CSMD – City 4SSO10415 Paramount City
CSMD – City 4SSO10417 Pico Rivera City
CSMD – City 4SSO10420 Rancho Palos Verdes City
CSMD – City 4SSO18098 Rancho Palos Verdes City
CSMD – City 4SSO10423 Rolling Hills Estates City
CSMD – City 4SSO10424 Rosemead City
CSMD – City 4SSO10425 San Dimas City
CSMD – City 4SSO10429 Santa Clarita City
CSMD – City 4SSO10430 Santa Fe Springs City
CSMD – City 4SSO10434 South El Monte City
CSMD – City 4SSO10437 Temple City
CSMD – City 4SSO10441 Walnut City
CSMD – City 4SSO11407 Westlake Village City
CSMD – County Zone 4SSO10465 Malibu Mesa Zone of the CSMD CS CSMD – County Zone 4SSO10496 Trancas Zone of the CSMD CS CSMD – County Zone 4SSO11365 Unincorporated County Area CSMD South/County Sanitation District CS
CSMD – County Zone 4SSO11370 Unincorporated County Area CSMD North/County Sanitation District CS
CSMD – County Zone 4SSO11372 Unincorporated County Area CSMD/Las Virgenes Tapia CS
CSMD – County Zone 4SSO11374 Unincorporated County Area CSMD-NW/County Sanitation District CS
CSMD – County Zone 6SSO10459 Unincorporated County Area Lake Hughes Zone of the CSMD CS
CSMD – County Zone 4SSO11373 Unincorporated County Area Marina/Aneta Zone of the CSMD/City Hyperion CS
SMA 4SSO10411 Montebello CS
SMA 4SSO10396 Irwindale City CS
SMA 4SSO11368 West Hollywood CS
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2.3 Positions Responsible for Implementing Specific SSMP Elements
2.3.1 Positions Responsible
A list of positions responsible for implementing specific SSMP elements is provided in Table 2-2. Additionally, Appendix B1 contains a list of staff responsible for implementing specific SSMP elements, including position, telephone number, and email address.
Table 2-2: Positions Responsible for SSMP
SSMP Element Responsible Org. Unit Responsible Position
1. Introduction and Goal Sewer Maintenance
Division/ City of
Paramount
Division Manager and
Director of Public Works
2. Organization Sewer Maintenance
Division/ City of
Paramount
Division Manager and
Director of Public Works
3. Legal Authorities Sewer Maintenance
Division/ City of
Paramount
Division Manager and
Director of Public Works
4. Operation and Maintenance Program - Pipelines Sewer Maintenance Division
Principal Civil Engineer,
Pipelines
4. Operation and Maintenance Program – Pump
Stations
Sewer Maintenance
Division
Senior Civil Engineer,
Treatment Plants and Pump
Stations
5. Design and Performance Provisions - Design City of Paramount Director of Public Works
5. Design and Performance Provisions – Design -
Construction
City of Paramount Public Works Director
6. Spill Emergency Response Plan Sewer Maintenance
Division
Principal Civil Engineer,
Pipelines
7. Sewer Pipe Blockage Control Program Environmental Programs Division
Division Manager
8. System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and
Capital Improvements – Condition Assessment and
Prioritization of Corrective Actions
Sewer Maintenance
Division
Senior Civil Engineer,
Technical Services
8. System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and
Capital Improvements – Capacity Assurance
City of Paramount Director of Public Works
8. System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and
Capital Improvements – Capital Improvement Plan
City of Paramount Director of Public Works
9. Monitoring, Measurement and Program
Modifications
Sewer Maintenance
Division/ City of
Paramount
Division Manager and
Director of Public Works
10. Internal Audit Sewer Maintenance
Division/ City of
Paramount
Division Manager and
Director of Public Works
11. Communication Program Sewer Maintenance
Division/ City of
Paramount
Division Manager and
Director of Public Works
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2.3.2 Lines of Authority
Figure 2-1, Figure 2-2a, and Figure 2-2b includes an SSMP Program Implementation organization chart showing the lines of authority for the positions responsible for the management of the collection system and implementation of the SSMP. The contact information for the Sewer Maintenance Division staff and City’s staff listed in Figure 2-2 can be found in Appendix B2.
Figure 2-1: LACPW Organizational Chart
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Figure 2-2a: SMD Organizational Chart
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Figure 2-2b: City Organizational Chart
2.4 Spill Reporting Chain of Communication
LACPW’s Spill Emergency Response Plan, described in Element 6 and included in Appendix F1, includes procedures for effective communication and reporting of spills from receipt of complaint, including the person responsible for reporting spills into the State Water Board’s CIWQS database. The Spill Emergency Response Plan includes a flowchart and notification table providing clear step-by-step procedures for communication and reporting. Figure 2-3 summarizes the spill reporting chain of communication during normal business hours. Normal Business hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Figure 2-4 summarizes the spill reporting chain of communication during afterhours.
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Figure 2-3: Spill Reporting Chain of Communication – Normal Business Hours *Normal Business hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Figure 2-4: Spill Reporting Chain of Communication – After Hours *After Hours are any hours that are not Normal Business Hours.
County
Dispatch
• Receives Call
• Dispatches Field Crew
SMD Field
Crew
• Responds to Spill
• Documents Field Spill Report
SMD
Supervisor
or Supt
• Reviews Field Spill Report
CIWQS
Data
Submitter
• Request Additional Information from Field Staff, if needed • Enters Draft CIWQS Spill Report
CIWQS
LRO
• Review Draft CIWQS Spill Report
• Certifies Report
County
Dispatch
• Receives Call
• Dispatches Field Crew
On-Call
Supervisor
or Supt
• Investigates Spill
Standby
SMD Field
Crew
• Responds to Spill
• Documents Field Spill Report
SMD
Supervisor
or Supt
• Reviews Field Spill Report
CIWQS
Data
Submitter
• Request Additional Information from Field Staff, if needed • Enters Draft CIWQS Spill Report
CIWQS
LRO
• Review Draft CIWQS Spill Report
• Certifies Report
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3 Legal Authority
3.1 Overview
The City's legal authority to own and operate a sanitary sewer system is derived from its incorporation as a city. The City on February 19, 1957, granted the LACPW the consent and jurisdiction to annex portions of the City’s sewer system into the CSMD. By that action, the City has entrusted the management, operation, and maintenance of its local sanitary sewer system to the CSMD. The City, however, still maintains ownership of the sewer system.
The legal authorities for the specific areas stipulated in the General Order are covered in various sections of the City Municipal Codes (CMCs). The City has adopted 2022 California Plumbing Code and The Los Angeles County Title 20 – Utilities, which regulates sanitary sewers and industrial waste in the County as its Sanitary Sewer and Industrial Waste Ordinance.
• Paramount Municipal Code
https://ecode360.com/44121499
• Plumbing Code Chapter 15.12 –
https://ecode360.com/43935169?highlight=code&highlight=plumbing&searchId =30246236795380444#43935169
• Sanitary Sewers and Industrial Waste Chapter 13.08
https://ecode360.com/43934402?highlight=industrial&highlight=waste&searchId =30246403098926328
The Districts were formed pursuant to Chapter 4 of the State of California Health and Safety Code (Section H4870 – 8), with the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors acting as their governing body. By law, the Board of Supervisors may make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the administration of the Districts and for the cleaning, repair, construction, rehabilitation, renewal, replacement, operation, and maintenance of collection sewers within the Districts. Consistent with the law, several ordinances have been established by the Board of Supervisors to govern all aspects of the Districts' operations. The legal authorities for the specific areas stipulated in the WDRs are covered in various sections of the Los Angeles County Plumbing Code (LACO Plumbing Code) and Chapters 20.20, 20.24, 20.26, 20.32, 20.34, 20.36, and 20.40 of the Los Angeles County Code (LACO Code) Title 20 – Utilities, some of which are discussed below. Table 3-1 and Table 3-2 summarizes these authorities and relates them to elements of the SSMP that are impacted or utilize these authorities. Specific legal authorities are described in more detail in the elements that follow.
For the contracted cities that have service agreements with the Districts, the provision of services is dependent on the specific terms of the agreement. It is assumed that the legal authorities are extended to the Districts to provide services to these Cities.
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The LACO Code, LACO Plumbing Codes, standard plans, specifications, and other materials cited in this section are filed at the office of the Director of Public Works and can be found online in the links below:
• Los Angeles County Code
(https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances) • Los Angeles County Plumbing Code
(https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances ?nodeId=TIT28PLCO)
Table 3-1: Summary of Legal Authorities Relating Legal Authority Element of General Order
Requirement Reference
Prevent illicit discharges into the wastewater
collection system
LACO 20.24.020 – Applicability of Division 2 provisions LACO 20.24.200 – Notification of uncontrolled discharges required
LACO 20.32.080 – Excessive discharge of sewage –
Conditional permit requirements
LACO 20.32.650 – Dumping of effluent - Conditions
LACO 20.36.010 – Discharge of offensive or damaging
substances prohibited
LACO 20.36.400 – Deposit of certain substances prohibited CPC 714.1 – Unlawful Practices
CPC 714.2 – Prohibited Water Discharge
Collaborate with storm sewer agencies to
coordinate emergency spill responses, ensure
access to storm sewer systems during spill
events, and prevent unintentional cross
connections of sanitary sewer infrastructure to
storm sewer infrastructure
The City is part of Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District, which is managed by LACPW. All City spills will flow to City storm drainage system and then to the County flood control system. CSMD and the Flood Control District are both part of Los Angeles County Public Works and staff have direct contact with one another to coordinate and access additional resources and support, if needed
Require that sewers and connection be
properly designed and constructed
LACO 20.32.010 – Sewer construction permit required when – Period of validity
LACO 20.32.330 – New main sewer lines
LACO 20.32.340 – Water pollution control and sewage
pumping plants
LACO 20.32.350 – New house laterals
LACO 20.32.390 – Dedication of sewers
LACO 20.32.580 – Materials and construction – Conformity with standard specifications
LACO 20.30.590 – Inspection by county engineer
Ensure access for maintenance, inspection,
and/or repairs for portions of the service
lateral owned or maintained by the Agency
LACO 20.20.130 – House lateral
LACO 20.24.080 – Maintenance of sewer and laterals
The City does not own or maintain any portion of the house lateral. The house lateral is the part of the sewer piping within the street or right-of-way extending from the property or sewer right-of-way line to point of connection with the main-line sewer Enforce any violations of its sewer ordinances,
service agreements, and/or other legally
binding procedures
LACO 20.24.100 – Enforcement—County engineer powers
LACO 20.24.110 – Delegation of powers
LACO 20.24.160 – Violation – Penalty
LACO 20.24.170 – Continued violations
Obtain easement accessibility agreements for
locations requiring sewer system operations
and maintenance, as applicable
LACO 20.32.240 – Sewer easement processing fees
LACO 20.32.430 – Sewer easement requirements
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Table 3-1: Summary of Legal Authorities Relating Legal Authority Element of General Order
Requirement Reference
Table 3-2: Summary of Legal Authorities Relating Sewer Pipe Blockage Control Program Element of General Order
Requirement Reference
Requirements to install grease removal
devices (such as traps or interceptors)
LACO 20.36.560 – Installation – Required when
Design standards for the grease removal
devices
LACO 20.36.570 – Pretreatment – Standards and criteria
Maintenance requirements, BMP
requirements, record keeping and reporting
requirements for grease removal devices
LACO 20.36.610 – Operation and maintenance
Industrial Waste Permits – Authorities enable the inclusion of additional specific maintenance requirements on Industrial Waste Permits provided to food service establishments.
Authority to inspect grease producing
facilities
LACO 20.24.090 – Inspection to ascertain compliance—Access required—Acceptance of permit conditions
LACO 20.24.150 – Interference with inspectors prohibited when
LACO 20.36.620 – Inspection and testing
LACO 20.36.630 – Right of entry for inspection authorized when
3.2 Authority to Prevent Illicit Industrial Waste Discharges into the Collection System
The LACO Plumbing Code Title 28 (Sections 306.2, 714.2, and 1101.2) prohibits the unauthorized discharge of rain, surface, or subsurface water into the collection system.
The illegal dumping of offensive or damaging substances such as chemicals and debris, which are considered inflows, is prohibited by LACO Code, Section 20.36.010.
3.2.1 Prevention of Illicit Discharge of FOG
Section 20.36.400 of the LACO Code prohibits the discharge of Fats, Oils, and Grease and other substances that may, among other things, clog, obstruct, fill, or necessitate frequent repairs, cleaning out, or flushing of sewer facilities in the sewer system.
3.2.2 Prevention of Illicit Discharge of Infiltration/Inflow LACPW have an Inflow/Infiltration (I/I) control program as part of their ongoing sewer line cleaning and maintenance program, which includes closed-circuit television and other mechanisms to detect I/I. By ordinance, the Board of Supervisors has established a financial plan to ensure capital replacement or rehabilitation of sewer lines prone to I/I within the Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District (LACO Code, Section 20.40.045). The Marina Sewer Maintenance District provides adequate funding to eliminate I/I sources in the mainline sewers and manholes.
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The LACO Code, Section 20.24.080, requires property owners to maintain their house laterals, including the elimination of cracks, tree roots, and other debris. A similar requirement is found in Section 101.3.2 of the LACO Plumbing Code Title 28.
3.3 Authority to Collaborate with Storm Sewer Agencies
Spills from the City collection systems flow into City storm drainage systems and Los Angeles County Flood Control drainage systems. When spills occur from collection systems in unincorporated areas, flow either goes directly into the County storm drain system or enters a local city’s storm drain systems, eventually discharging into the Los Angeles County Flood Control’s storm drain system. Los Angeles County Public Health requires all cities in the Districts to report sewer spills that reach a drainage system within 15 minutes of knowledge of the event. As a result, Los Angeles County Flood Control is notified and can provide support to provide information and access to County drainage system facilities, if needed. The Sewer Maintenance Division, being a sister division to Stormwater Maintenance Divisions that manages the Flood Control System, allows for direct collaboration, allowing for efficient management and resolution of spills and drainage issues.
With regards to preventing cross connections of sanitary sewer infrastructure to storm sewer infrastructure, cities are responsible for connections and either have their own permitting services or are under the services of the LACPW’s Building and Safety Division (BSD). Unincorporated areas work directly with the BSD for permitting.
3.4 Authority to Require Proper Design and Construction of Sewers
The LACO Code Sections 20.32.330 and 20.32.340 require that the design of new mainline sewers and pumping plants, respectively, be in conformity with requirements of Part 3 of Chapter 20.32 of the LACO Code. Similarly, Section 20.32.350 of the LACO Code requires that the design of new house laterals conform to the requirements of Part 3, Chapter 20.32 of the LACO Code unless otherwise covered by the LACO Plumbing Code, Title 28. The construction of a collection sewer system, by law (LACO Code 20.32.580), is required to conform to all the requirements prescribed by Division 2 of the LACO Code, by the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (Green Book) and by the Special Provisions and Standard Plans, all on file in the office of the Director of Public Works (County Engineer). The inspection and construction of mainline sewers and pumping plants to ensure proper construction is covered under Section 20.32.590 of the LACO Code. The construction of house laterals is covered under the LACO Plumbing Code.
3.5 Authority to Ensure Access to Publicly Owned Portion of Lateral
The City and County do not own or maintain private lateral sewer lines. Property owners are responsible for proper installation, operation, maintenance laterals (the pipe that connects from the building to the main) and clean-outs (which provide access to clean and Sewer System Management Plan
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repair the pipe from the building to the main). This includes laterals on the County-owned easement.
3.6 Limit the Authority to Discharge of FOG and other
Debris
The Director of Public Works under the LACO Plumbing Code, Title 28, has the legal authority to require the installation of grease interceptors at restaurants and other food establishments that generate grease. Section 20.36.560 of LACO Code also gives the Director of Public Works the authority to require the installation of treatment facilities, including grease interceptors, at any facility that generates FOG in the amount that will damage or increase the maintenance costs of the sewer collection system.
The LACO Code Section 20.24.090 gives the Director of Public Works the legal authority to inspect mainline sewers, sewage pumping plants, interceptors, etc., as often as he deems necessary, to ascertain whether such facilities are maintained and operated in accordance with the provisions of Division 2 of the LACO Code. Authority to Enforce Violations of Sewer Ordinances
Under Section 20.24.100 of the LACO Code, the Director of Public Works is empowered to enforce all of the requirements prescribed in Division 2 – Sanitary Sewers and Industrial Waste of the Code and in accordance with Section 20.24.110 may delegate this authority.
LACO Code Section 20.24.160 allows criminal penalties for any violations of the Sewer and Industrial Waste Ordinances.
3.7 Authority to Obtain Easement Accessibility Agreements When Applicable
Title 20, Division 2 of the LACO Code gives the LACPW the legal right to set requirements that allow unrestricted maintenance access to the public sewer infrastructure. This access is secured through the LACPW unwavering enforcement of the requirement for sewer easements around all public sewer appurtenances located in private properties. These easements are detailed by the designer on the sewer construction plans and are reviewed through the iterative plan check process. Plan checkers take special care to ensure that maintenance crews will have room for access and equipment usage for both routine maintenance and replacement or repair construction as necessary. Title 20 requires easements to be free of obstruction, and this is reiterated on all sewer plans that contain easements. The potential for conflict or restriction of access is reviewed exhaustively during plan check.
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4 Operation and Maintenance Program
4.1 Up-to-Date Map of the Collection System
LACPW gathers as-built plans and compiles into a Central Document Management System, CADD System, and GIS system maintained by the Districts. For unincorporated areas, LACPW maintains the as-builts. For CSMD Cities, each city is responsible for maintaining as-built maps and the LACPW collects a copy for maintenance operations.
Data gathered from the plans, such as system locations and alignment, pipe material, size, etc., are stored in LACPW’s Computer-Aided Design and Drafting System and Geographical Information System.
4.1.1 Procedures for Maintaining and Providing Access to Water Boards Staff
LACPW provides access to up-to-date maps of the sewer system via:
• Interactive GIS-maps
• Electronically available as-builts
• Printed and electronically available Map Books
GIS Maps
The interactive GIS-based map of the sewer system is available online on the LACPW’s website:
• https://dpw.lacounty.gov/smd/sewernetwork/
Within GIS, the Districts maintain a mapping system as seen in Figure 4-1 that includes sewer features such as pipe or manhole location, diameter, material, flow direction, etc.
The system includes map base layers such as aerial images, streets, parcels, and storm drain systems also available from other Divisions within LACPW and other governmental agencies. The maps are regularly updated to reflect any changes in the system. Once Cityworks is implemented, valves will be included into the system map.
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Figure 4-1: CSMD Sewer Network Map
Sewer As-Builts
Sewer as-builts can be obtained from the City and/or LACPW. To retrieve the as-builts, LACPW has provided detailed instructions on how to locate the as-builts for a desired sewer line on the SMD webpage. Using the sewer network map to obtain the overlay operation map book, the map book lists the as-built sewer plan number that can be searched on LACPW’s Land Record Site, see Figure 4-2.
The sewer as-builts are located on LACPW’s Land Record site:
• https://pw.lacounty.gov/smpm/landrecords/SewerPlans.aspx Sewer System Management Plan
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Figure 4-2: Sewer Plans Webpage
Map Books
Printed system maps are stored in the Mapping and Annexation Unit of the SMD located at 1000 South Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, California. These maps are also distributed to the SMD’s field crew, for work scheduling and responding to emergencies, and to cities and other agencies. Individual map books can be found using the operation maps overview map as seen in Figure 4-3.
These map book pages are electronically available on the LACPW’s website:
• https://dpw.lacounty.gov/sewer/Page_15
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Figure 4-3: Operations Map Overview Map
4.1.2 Availability of Up-to-Date Mapping to Support Collection System Management
LACPW print map books for sewer maintenance crews to use in the field for locating sewer infrastructure. When discrepancies are identified in sewer mapping, crews note them on printed map pages or through GIS on a phone and forward them to SMD GIS resources for updates. Field crews have access to both paper maps and the GIS phone application, depending on their preference.
Cityworks will eventually be downloaded onto cell phones and new LACPW’s tablets, allowing crews to access facility information in real-time and log operation and maintenance activities directly into the system.
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4.2 Preventive Maintenance Program
LACPW’s maintenance services are provided from six maintenance yards strategically located within the County of Los Angeles for efficient management of maintenance activities including spills and other emergencies. A map showing locations of the field maintenance yards and pump stations are shown in Appendix D.
The cornerstone of LACPW’s maintenance operation is the preventive maintenance program as described in LACPW’s training guide maintained in each of the field maintenance yards. This program consists of regular inspections of the sewer system including manholes, pipes, siphons, pump stations, treatment plants, regular cleaning, repair, and related activities. This program is designed and carried out to detect and correct potential problems before they develop into major problems. The Preventative Maintenance Program is implemented through the following key activities:
• CCTV Inspection
• Sewer Line and Manhole Visual Inspection
• Gas Trap Manholes and Siphons
• Drop Manholes
• Sewer Line Cleaning
• Root Foaming
• Periodic Maintenance
• Vermin and Odor Control
• Sewage Pump Stations
The Preventive Maintenance Program utilizes LACPW’s Sewer Maintenance Division Maintenance and Operations Manual, which describes these activities in detail. This manual is available on the SMD’s webpage:
• https://dpw.lacounty.gov/sewer/maintenanceandoperationmanual.pdf For each activity, the tasks and their frequency are determined periodically, while others are determined based on inspection findings and yard determinations. The descriptions of inspection, maintenance activities, and frequencies for each activity are detailed below.
4.2.1 CCTV Inspection
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections of sewer pipes are conducted to investigate and diagnose issues. Factors such as maintenance history, past overflow records, sewer line locations, and age are used to determine which pipes will be televised.
Additionally, LACPW implements CCTV inspections at a programmatic level through the Condition Assessment Program. This program aims to perform CCTV inspections and structurally rate approximately 500 miles of sewer infrastructure each year. Inspections are prioritized based on the number of spills per 100 miles for each jurisdiction.
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4.2.2 Sewer Line and Manhole Visual Inspection
The interior and exterior of manholes are inspected twice a year for any structural defects, sewage flow condition, presence of vermin or rodents, deleterious industrial waste, odors, and any signs of unusual settlement around or evidence of debris within the manholes and along sewer alignments.
4.2.3 Gas Trap Manholes and Siphons
In the south area, gas traps are inspected and cleared of any stoppages or flow restrictions every 6 months. In other parts of the County, they are inspected and cleared of any blockages on a monthly basis. Siphons may differ in timeframe depending on the type of lines but are generally performed monthly.
4.2.4 Drop Manholes
These facilities are inspected and cleared of stoppages and flow restrictions on a variable frequency and are dependent on prior inspection. The inspection cycle of the drop manholes aligns with the manhole inspection cycle in Section 4.2.2.
4.2.5 Sewer Line Cleaning
Sewer lines are cleaned by hydro jet or rodding. Frequency of cleaning is based on inspection records. Sewer lines known to accumulate grease, garbage grinds, or sand are put on monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual cleaning schedule and those prone to root growth are periodically rodded or chemically treated.
4.2.6 Root Foaming
Root foaming is performed on main sewer lines based on root intrusion and need, usually associated with overflowing. The frequency of root foaming is initially 1 year, then increases to an 18-to-24-month frequency.
4.2.7 Periodic Maintenance
Periodic Maintenance (PMs) are sites that require higher-frequency cleanings due to maintenance issues. These "hot spots" are identified in the field during maintenance and inspections of sewer facilities and are often caused by debris, root intrusion, or other factors. Segments that experience spills are also added under periodic maintenance.
4.2.8 Vermin and Odor Control
When evidence of infestations is observed during an inspection or a service request or complaint is received, sewers and structures are dusted or baited. Sewers infested by insects are chemically treated.
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4.2.9 Treatment Plants and Pumping Stations
The majority of LACPW’s pump stations are equipped with SCADA/alarm systems and are inspected at least once a week. Pumps and motors are lubricated, control mechanisms and valves are checked and adjusted as necessary, and equipment is repaired or modified as required.
Treatment Plants are inspected daily to comply with permit-required sampling and testing and perform routine maintenance. The equipment is cleaned and calibrated, and mechanical components and process units are checked.
4.3 Scheduling and Data Collection
Historically, LACPW generated and tracked work orders using the Maximo Maintenance Management System. The LACPW is in the process of implementing Cityworks Maintenance Management System to schedule and track maintenance activities. The activities the field crew performs are recorded in various forms such as service requests, cleaning reports, sewer maintenance daily reports, manhole adjustments, overflow report forms, etc., and are stored in the maintenance management system. All the asset inventory documenting maintenance activities and data collected are transferred over to the Cityworks Maintenance Management System to aid in the electronic filing and tracking.
4.4 Training
The LACPW’s staff responsible for the operation and maintenance of the sewer collection system attend formalized training classes or seminars provided by agencies such as California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CALOSHA), California Water Environment Association (CWEA), and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Through this training, staff are well-versed in the latest industry, the best practices for safely and efficiently performing their tasks. Training is required for new staff and when new procedures are introduced.
LACPW also utilizes informal training approaches, including tailgate meetings, monthly safety meetings, and apprenticeship training programs led by higher-level staff. New Legally Responsible Officials and staff responsible for submitting data are informally instructed by an internal reporting expert. Additionally, only companies with well-trained and experienced staff are considered for either emergency spill mitigation or sewer construction and rehabilitation work.
The Sewer Operations Superintendents manage field operations and maintenance activities and are responsible for making sure all collection system field employees receive training in emergency response, spill investigation, and spill reporting duties. LACPW maintains records for all SERP-related training. The date, content, trainers, and attendees are recorded for all scheduled training courses.
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With regards to spill response training and spill volume estimation training, the field crews operate a large system with enough spill events to provide opportunities for senior crew members to provide live-drill training to new and less experienced staff. When these events occur, new crew members are invited to observe until they can perform activities on their own. This on-the-job training involves shadowing experienced crew members and learning directly on site, rather than through drills.
To estimate spill volume, the LACPW uses three methods most regularly: eyeball, measure volume, duration and flowrate. The District Staff preparing the estimate employ the method most appropriate to the sewer spill in question and use the best information available.
Table 4-1: Summary of Training Program
Training Type Description Recurrence
General Order
Requirements
Review of General Order Requirements
performed throughout the year in morning
briefings at each yard.
Monthly – One element
discussed each month.
Spill Emergency
Response and Drills and
Spill Volume Estimation
Staff are trained in the field during live spill
events. Staff being trained observe trained
crew members perform activities to learn
and then perform the activities under
supervision to check the training was
received.
Performed as-needed or at
least once annually.
CIWQS Reporting New Data Submitters are trained by
experienced in-house Data Submitters.
Staff also attend industry provided training
by CWEA and CASA and utilize training
videos from the State Water Board website.
Performed as-needed or at
least once annually.
4.5 Equipment Inventory
The maintenance crews are equipped with standard industry technologies including radio equipped trucks for easy communication, cellular phones, heavy and light construction equipment, vacuum trucks, pumps, generators, trucks equipped with closed-circuit television units for interior inspection of sewer lines, and various types of safety equipment.
Equipment is regularly checked, adjusted, repaired, or replaced as necessary. However, major fixed assets are replaced when they meet or exceed LACPW established fixed assets replacement criteria based on the age of the equipment, mileage, hours of use, repair history, etc.
Equipment categorized as Class 9 (less than 1/4 ton) or lower is automatically replaced by the Fleet Management Group when it meets the replacement criteria. The request to replace equipment higher than Class 9 is made as part of LACPW annual budget. In addition to the above replacement criteria, an analysis and recommendation by trained staff of LACPW and approval by LACPW’s administration is required to replace equipment higher than Class 9.
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Table 4-2: List of Major Equipment
Equipment Type Count
Inspection 22
Rodder 12
Vacuum 7
Compressor 2
Jetter 10
Pickup 25
Utility 4
Pump 6
Masonry 4
Dump 4
Construction 2
Sedan 1
Van/Passenger 2
Crane 2
2Axle 3
Stake 5
Tractor 2
TOTAL 113
These criteria notwithstanding, a piece of equipment can also be replaced if its reliability or safety of operation becomes questionable. New and additional equipment are also acquired when fully justified based on increased workload, new activity, additional personnel, technological improvements, time and cost savings, employee or public safety requirements, etc. Each Collection System yard maintains the spare equipment and parts needed by that yard to maintain the sewer pipelines and pump stations within the yard’s service area and each is responsible for ordering replacements.
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5 Design and Performance Provisions
5.1 Design and Construction Standards and Specifications The city requires that all sewers be designed in accordance with LACPW’s standards. The LACPW has standard plans and specifications for the construction of sanitary sewers and appurtenances to ensure that sewer lines and connections are properly designed and constructed. The LACPW specifications by reference incorporate the:
• Standard Plans for Public Works Construction;
• Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (“Green Book”); • Standard Plans Public Works 2000 Edition;
• Special Provisions; and
• Standard Drawings.
In addition, LACPW has other publications such as the Private Contract Sanitary Sewer Procedural Manual, Guidelines for the Design of Pump Stations, etc., to maintain consistency in the design of collection systems within the unincorporated County areas and CSMD member cities.
The city requires that these publications also be followed in the design of sewer systems within the city. To further ensure that sewer facilities are properly designed, the city requires construction drawings to be prepared by licensed engineers. The construction drawings are thoroughly reviewed by the City and SMDs engineers prior to approval for construction and inspection of the actual construction work. SMD review plans to ensure that appropriate maintenance standards are integrated into the design from a maintenance standpoint only.
5.2 Procedures and Standards for Inspecting and Testing System Improvements
To further assure that sewer facilities are properly designed and constructed, the LACPW requires that sanitary sewer plans are designed by licensed engineers and provides thorough review of plans prior to approval for and conducting inspection of construction work. Each city within the CSMD has its own design and construction standards and requirements. Prior to accepting a newly completed sewer system for maintenance, each city is responsible for assuring sewers are designed and constructed to standard. The following procedures are used to ensure compliance with LACPW standards for portions of the system designed and constructed in unincorporated areas:
The following procedures are used to ensure compliance with LACPW standards for portions of the system designed and constructed within the city:
• The city provides inspection by outsourcing to qualified consultants for the inspection of new sewer construction projects. The city requires that as-built plans of the completed projects be submitted prior to final approval for acceptance of sewer facilities for public use.
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• Within the City new sewers, as well as sewer lines rehabilitated by lining, be televised and the video reviewed by SMD’s personnel prior to the acceptance of the completed project.
• In compliance with LACPW’s policy, the City requires that all new or rehabilitated pumping stations be inspected by experienced SMD Electro-Mechanics prior to acceptance for maintenance by the SMD.
• LACPW’s inspectors are well trained in pipeline and pump station construction.
They attend training classes and educational seminars to stay familiar with advancements in the industry. The inspectors are also provided with adequate materials to perform their jobs, including the Standard Specification for Public Works Construction Inspection Manual, the Green Book, etc.
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6 Spill Emergency Response Plan
The LACPW’s Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP), included in Appendix F provides guidelines for LACPW’s maintenance crew to follow in responding to, cleaning up, and reporting sewer spills that may occur within the Districts’ service area. The purpose of the SERP is to support an orderly and effective response to sewer spills that ensure all regulatory requirements are met. The LACPW’s SERP comprehensively addresses notification, response, assessment, and recordkeeping requirements of the SWCRB General Order as summarized in Table 6-1.
Table 6-1: Spill Emergency Response Plan General Order Compliance Order Requirement SERP Section
Notify primary responders, appropriate local officials, and appropriate regulatory agencies of a spill in a timely manner;
2, 3.4
Notify other potentially affected entities (for example, health agencies, water suppliers, etc.) of spills that potentially affect public health or reach waters of the State;
2, 3.4, 3.7
Comply with the notification, monitoring and reporting requirements of this General Order, State law and regulations, and applicable Regional Water Board Orders; 4 Ensure that appropriate staff and contractors implement the Spill Emergency Response Plan and are appropriately trained;
6 Address emergency system operations, traffic control and other necessary response activities;
3 Contain a spill and prevent/minimize discharge to waters of the State or any drainage conveyance system;
3.4 Minimize and remediate public health impacts and adverse impacts on beneficial uses of waters of the State;
3.4, 3.6
Remove sewage from the drainage conveyance system; 3.6
Clean the spill area and drainage conveyance system in a manner that does not inadvertently impact beneficial uses in the receiving waters;
3.6 Implement technologies, practices, equipment, and interagency coordination to expedite spill containment and recovery;
3.6 Implement pre-planned coordination and collaboration with storm drain agencies and other utility agencies/departments prior, during, and after a spill event; -
Conduct post-spill assessments of spill response activities; 3.8, 4.5 Document and report spill events as required in this General Order; and 4 Annually, review and assess effectiveness of the Spill Emergency Response Plan, and update the Plan as needed.
6.1 6.1.1 Pre-Planned Coordination with Other Agencies or Departments Member cities hold periodic meetings to review roles and responsibilities. For example, the role of the city is to support securing the site and initial containment before SMD field crews arrive. When appropriate, LACPW invites LACSD staff to discuss any jurisdictional inquiries or investigations of spills.
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7 Sewer Pipe Blockage Control Program
7.1 Program Overview
Analysis of sanitary sewer overflows over the last 3 years indicates an average of 88 percent of spills within the Districts collection system are linked to roots, debris, grease, pipe structural failure, and pump station failure either as a primary or secondary cause factor. Between 2021 and 2024, an average of 30 percent of spills were linked to grease accumulation and 18 percent linked to debris accumulation. To prevent the build-up of Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) that can cause blockages and restrictions in flow, the County has implemented a FOG program to prevent sewage overflows into the environment, as well as to reduce the discharge of FOG to the sewer system.
Paramount experienced no sewer overflows between 2021 through 2024.
To prevent the build-up of FOG that can cause blockages and restrictions in flow, LACPW has implemented a FOG program to prevent sewage overflows into the environment, as well as to reduce the discharge of FOG to the sewer system.
The Environmental Programs Division (EPD) is responsible for performing FOG source control inspections of food service establishments (FSEs). The EPD regulates industrial waste disposal for 36 cities by contract and all unincorporated areas. The number of FSEs per City and within the unincorporated areas are listed in Error! Reference source not found..
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Table 7-1: Number of FSEs per City/Area
City/Area
Number of Food Service
Establishments
Agoura Hills 65
Artesia 118
Bell Gardens 91
Bellflower 51
Beverly Hills 135
Calabasas 53
Carson 169
Cerritos 144
Commerce 102
Cudahy 12
Culver City 188
Diamond Bar 75
Duarte 53
Hawaiian Gardens 21
Irwindale 39
La Cañada Flintridge 49
La Mirada 74
Lakewood 181
Lawndale 46
Lomita 58
Paramount 52
Rolling Hills Estate 20
Rosemead 114
San Dimas 80
San Fernando 52
Santa Clarita 376
Temple City 55
Unincorporated Area 1025
Walnut 52
West Hollywood 255
Westlake Village 50
Total 1324
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A list of cities that EPD supports with industrial waste disposal, including FOG source control inspections, can also be found on the Los Angeles County official website:
• https://cleanla.lacounty.gov/industrial-waste/#Jurisdictions For the other cities that are not on this list, the city handles all their own FOG-related source control activities.
The EPD’s FOG program guidelines and procedures can be found on the Industrial Waste page on the LACPW’s website:
• https://cleanla.lacounty.gov/industrial-waste/#Obtaining-Clearance The website provides FOG guidelines, standard drawings for grease pretreatment devices, permit forms, and details on EPD’s FOG program.
7.2 Implementation Plan and Schedule for Public Outreach
7.2.1 Summary of Outreach Activities
The LACPW conducts public outreach through various channels to educate the community about Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) management:
• Community Events: LACPW participates in resource fairs, park events, and Earth Day- themed events, where staff distribute FOG brochures and answer questions from the community.
• Website Resources: The FOG page on LACPW’s website provides a comprehensive list of FOG do’s and don’ts:
https://pw.lacounty.gov/SMD/grease/Index.cfm
• Inspections: During inspections of FSEs, FOG inspectors provide educational materials on best management practices (BMPs) for grease traps and interceptors.
Newly permitted FSEs also receive BMP materials.
By engaging with the community and FSEs through these activities, LACPW aims to promote effective FOG management practices and prevent blockages in the sewer system.
To complement LACPW efforts, the City will initiate its own Public Education Outreach Program. This will consist of including SSO and FOG-related articles from the LACPW and other sources, such as the City's newsletters and webpage (https://www.paramountcity.gov/), and by maintaining continuous communication with the LACPW, City residents, and other stakeholders on these and other issues. City personnel also disseminate information to residents during meetings or while conducting right-of-way lateral work inspections.
7.2.2 Plan and Schedule of Events
The schedule of outreach activities is based on opportunities for public engagement and the frequency of FSE inspections. When an opportunity arises for SMD to participate in a Sewer System Management Plan
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public event, the Community and Government Relations Group (CGRG) notifies them.
Many of these events occur annually and SMD tries to be involved if notified by the CGRG in time to coordinate. CGRG keeps track of all the events the LACPW participates in annually, providing a summary of events at the end of the year.
FSE Outreach is timed around FSE inspections. FSE owners are provided educational material when FOG inspectors visit to inspect grease traps and interceptors and check for any violations.
7.3 Plan and Schedule for Disposal of FOG
For the disposal of grease and other pipe-blocking substances, FSE’s must obtain an Industrial Waste Disposal Permit from EPD that requires a schedule of frequent maintenance and documentation of maintenance and disposal of waste. Under the permit, grease traps are required to be maintained/pumped daily while grease traps/interceptors that can handle 750 gallons or greater require quarterly maintenance. FOG haulers have multiple options for grease disposal, including Baker Commodity in Vernon and designated disposal locations in Los Angeles and the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County. These disposal sites are regulated and require a fee.
The solidified fats found in the City and LACPW collection system during cleaning operations are trapped, collected, and taken to the maintenance yard dump bins. Once the bins are full, these and other debris collected from the system are taken to the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County facilities.
7.4 Authority to Prohibit FOG Discharges and Identify
Measures to Prevent FOG Spills
7.4.1 Authority
The city and LACPW’s legal authority to prevent illicit discharges into the sanitary sewer system and to limit the discharge of FOG and other debris that may cause blockages in the sewer lines is discussed in Chapter 3.
7.4.2 Preventative Measures
The LACPW utilizes semiannual manhole inspection of all manholes and the scheduled and unscheduled sewer line cleaning and television inspection of the interior of sewer pipes to identify pipe segments experiencing heavy grease accumulation and in mitigating the problem. These legal mandates and maintenance practices are complemented by the LACPW’s Public Education and Outreach Program discussed in Section 7.1 to minimize Spills and blockages caused by FOG.
7.5 FOG Program Requirements and Design Standards
A pretreatment system/device is required for any new and existing food service establishment or similar facility where FOG from food preparation is discharged into the sewer system in quantities that may cause blockages or interfere with sewage treatment or disposal. All pretreatment facilities, whether required by EPD or installed voluntarily, Sewer System Management Plan
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shall be maintained and operated under a valid Industrial Waste Disposal Permit (IWDP) for the operating life of the facility.
FOG program requirements are outlined in the IDWP Conditions and Limitations (Appendix G1) and are supported by the Pretreatment Guidelines for Restaurants and Food Service Operations.
7.5.1 Requirements to Install Grease Removal Devices
The LACPW’s legal authorities to enforce the requirements stipulated in this section are discussed in Chapter 3. The Director of Public Works has enforcement authority for industrial waste permitting per Section 20.36.040 of the LACO Code and charged EPD with permitting and inspecting more than 1,300 food service establishments that discharge into the sanitary sewer system in the unincorporated areas and 36 contract cities within the CSMD. New or remodeled FSEs and those under new ownership must also secure a permit from the Building and Safety Division (BSD). If there is a FOG- related problem associated with an industrial waste permit, PW will take enforcement action against the permittee, or where applicable, refer the problem to the contract city for enforcement action. The EPD requires that industrial waste generating facilities and any FSE with the potential to produce grease install a grease control device (GRD).
The LACPW does not issue permits or inspect domestic sewage disposal to the sanitary sewer system. However, the LACO Code prohibits the discharge of “any material, which may create a public nuisance, or menace to the public health or safety, or which may pollute underground or surface waters, or which may cause damage to any storm drain channel or public or private property” (Section 20.36.010). If during inspection of the sanitary sewer system LACPW’s personnel determines that a FOG-related problem exists and is traceable to a domestic sewage source of such character that is not satisfactory, under the LACO Code (section 20.20.100), pretreatment could be required or the discharge required to be eliminated. Domestic waste containing FOG can lead to spills, which are public nuisances and is a violation of California Health and Safety Code Division 5, Part 3, Chapter 6, Article 2, which can also be used to impose appropriate domestic sewage discharge requirements.
7.5.2 Design Standards for Grease Removal Devices
FSEs are required to size, design and construct grease traps and interceptors according to the LACO Plumbing Code. Additionally, they are required to be approved, installed, and operated in a manner to control discharges of FOG into the sanitary sewer system and to ensure that the facilities do not create nuisances, menaces to the public peace, health or safety hazards, or adverse impacts to the public sewer system, soil, underground, and/or surface waters.
The Industrial Waste online page on the County’s website provides standard drawings for grease pretreatment devices: https://cleanla.lacounty.gov/industrial-waste/#ObtainingClearance Sewer System Management Plan
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7.5.3 Maintenance Requirements
The IWDP Conditions and Limitations has a minimum maintenance frequency condition and a requirement to maintain the GRD in proper working order. During inspections, inspectors physically examine the GRD. If a grease interceptor (GI) is used, FSEs are required to open and inspect it. If issues are identified, they are documented, and a job order is created. The FSE signs off on the order and receives a receipt. If cleaning records are not provided, or if the GI cannot be accessed, the FSE must clean it.
Permit conditions require:
• GIs to be cleaned at least once every three months
• FSEs with grease traps are required to perform daily maintenance
7.5.4 Best Management Practices Requirements
7.5.5 The Pretreatment Guidelines for Restaurants and Food Service Operations provide guidelines and best management practices for selecting and installing pretreatment devices. These guidelines outline the installation requirements for grease interceptors and offer a list of alternative pretreatment devices that can be used in lieu of a grease interceptor.
During inspections, inspectors verify whether best management practices are being followed, such as maintaining proper documentation, using adequate devices, and employing appropriate disposal methods. In incorporated areas, inspectors distribute flyers outlining the dos and don’ts of FOG management and request that these flyers be displayed at workstations for workers to see.
7.5.6 Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements
As a condition of the Industrial Waste Permit, FSEs must record the maintenance of grease trap/interceptors on a maintenance log report. The log records date of the service performed, types of services performed, and person/company providing service.
Additionally, for any liquid or solid industrial wastes transported from the site, FSEs must obtain and keep copies of receipts for grease trap/interceptor maintenance and pumping for at least 180 days.
The maintenance log report and receipts shall be made available to LACPW and the City (if applicable) upon request.
7.5.7 Procedures
The LACPW implements the following procedure to identify and manage sections of the system impacted by FOG blockages:
• Identification: Sections impacted by FOG blockages are identified through regular inspections conducted by cleaning crews, CCTV inspections, and reports of spills.
• Investigation: Once identified, these sections are thoroughly investigated to assess the extent of the blockages and determine the appropriate actions needed to address them.
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• Maintenance: Based on the investigation findings, a periodic cleaning schedule is defined and implemented for each affected section to ensure ongoing maintenance and prevent future blockages.
7.6 Inspection and Enforcement Program
7.6.1 Authority to Inspect Grease Producing Facilities
As discussed in Chapter 3 of this document, Section 20.36.400 of the LACO Code provides legal authority to inspect FOG-producing facilities, prohibiting the discharge of substances that may obstruct or require frequent maintenance of the sewer system.
The source control inspection process follows a standard workflow, including researching plans, preparing for the inspection, reviewing operations, and requesting GRD maintenance documentation. Inspectors may ask questions about waste oil management, changes in operations that affect the permit, and maintenance frequency. They also check for compliance with Best Management Practices such as ensuring BMP posters are visible in the kitchen. Inspectors document their findings and enter data into the HMS database.
When SMD encounters FOG issues in the collection system, whether from spills, CCTV inspections, or sewer cleaning, the source of the problem is evaluated as either residential, commercial, or both. For residential spills, SMD may notify residents door-to-door, providing information on proper grease disposal practices. For recurring issues, the affected area is placed on a preventive maintenance schedule.
In the case of commercial spills, the incident is referred to EPD for investigation. EPD checks GRD maintenance and requires corrective actions when needed. If an FSE without a GRD is responsible for a spill, EPD mandates the installation of a GRD. If a GRD-equipped FSE causes a spill, more frequent maintenance may be required. All investigations are documented in the HMS database, and results are communicated to SMD as relevant.
7.6.2 Authority to Enforce
The enforcement process for violations varies based on location. In unincorporated areas, inspectors issue a Notice of Violation or Order to Comply with a set deadline. Follow-up inspections verify compliance, and unresolved issues may be escalated to supervisors. In rare instances, compliance issues are referred to headquarters, possibly resulting in legal action with the District Attorney. In CSMD cities, violations are handled similarly, but escalation may involve the City’s Code Enforcement and, if necessary, the City Attorney.
7.6.3 Resource Plan to Inspect and Enforce
The EPD has sufficient inspection and enforcement staffing to achieve an annual FSE inspection cycle and follow up on requirements and violations identified. LACPW’s current funding allows for increases in permit and other service charges, if necessary, to hire additional staff.
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7.7 Maintenance Program to Address FOG Issues
As described in Section 4, FOG prone sections of LACPW’s collection system, referred to as “hot spots,” are identified during routine maintenance operations and investigation of stoppages and spills. These portions of the system found to have persistent FOG problems are put on monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual periodic cleaning schedules, depending on the magnitude of the problem. Furthermore, segments of the collection system with persistent FOG problems are referred to the EPD for additional investigation and enforcement actions.
7.8 Implementation of Source Control Measures to Address FOG Issues
7.8.1 Summary of Source Control Measures
Pretreatment devices are used to remove grease from sewage to prevent the accumulation of FOG that can lead to blockages. The LACPW provides pretreatment guidelines to FSEs, offering guidance on how to adequately select, size, and install a pretreatment device based on the amount of grease produced. The maintenance of these devices is outlined in the Industrial Waste Discharge Permit (IWDP) to ensure proper operation and functionality. Under the IWDP, LACPW or City may require upgrades to grease interceptors if maintenance is inadequate or if the interceptor is too small to handle the waste stream.
7.8.2 Summary of Source Control Program Enforcement
The EPD conducts routine inspections of FSEs and inspects new establishments.
Investigations are also performed when spills occur. When SMD receives complaints and determines that FOG may have caused a spill or has the potential to cause a spill (e.g., grease accumulation), they reach out to the EPD for further investigation. Upon investigation, the EPD may make adjustments to the permit and treatment requirements to prevent such incidents and/or place the impacted area under periodic maintenance as described in Section 4.2.7. Under the IWDP, LACPW or City may modify the permit and its conditions and limitations as necessary to ensure proper waste disposal.
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8 System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and
Capital Improvements
The LACPW has implemented procedures for system evaluation, capacity assurance, investment prioritization, and capital improvement planning. This section documents the procedures and activities for:
• Routine evaluation and assessment of system conditions; • Capacity assessment and design criteria;
• Prioritization of corrective actions; and
• Capital improvement planning.
8.1 System Evaluation and Condition Assessment
8.1.1 Best Practices and New Technology
LACPW uses CCTV as the primary tool for condition assessment of pipelines which is in accordance with industry standards for small diameter pipelines. Use of CCTV is the industry best practice for sewer pipeline condition assessments given the pipe size range (8-inch to 36-inch) the County owns and operates.
8.1.2 Amount of System Condition Assessment
Under the Condition Assessment Program (CAP), SMD plans to perform CCTV inspections at a rate of approximately 500 miles of sewer infrastructure each year starting in 2025. The complete cycle is scheduled to last a total of approximately 10 years, with the period between inspections dependent upon age and results from the last inspection.
Newer pipe segments found to be in good condition in the prior inspection will have a low priority in the next inspection cycle. SMD inspects all manholes twice a year.
8.1.3 Inspection and Condition Assessment Prioritization Historically, LACPW’s CAP prioritized projects based on jurisdiction/cities with ordering based on spill rate. The assessment prioritized sewer lines with the most potential for repair needs based on maintenance history, past overflow records, sewer line locations, and age. Based on the reissued General Order LACPW will incorporate additional factors into condition assessment prioritization. These include areas that:
• Hold a high level of environmental consequences if vulnerable to collapse, failure, blockage, capacity issues, or other system deficiencies; • Are located in or within the vicinity of surface waters, steep terrain, high groundwater elevations, and environmentally sensitive areas; • Are within the vicinity of receiving water with a bacterial-related impairment on the most current Clean Water Act section 303(d) List;
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The LACPW plans to develop and implement an approach to incorporate these factors into condition assessment prioritization by May 2027.
8.1.4 Inspection Methods
The LACPW uses CCTV inspection as the primary means for collecting visual observations of system conditions. This CCTV inspection program digitally records the condition of the pipe interior from manhole to manhole using a robotic camera tethered to a camera van.
While the video is being captured, a National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP) certified crew member views and logs events such as defects and observations using the standardized NASSCO PACP observation codes. With GraniteNet, the digital video inspections files are transferred via cloud enabling access to anyone with credentials and password access using a laptop or mobile device.
In addition to CCTV inspection, visual inspection is conducted on sewer facilities during sewer system maintenance activities. In the past, a field crew would document visual observations and system issues on a form to trigger follow up inspections and repair actions. With the implementation of Cityworks, field crews now provide these observations electronically using mobile devices for immediate communication to SMD superintendents and supervisors to trigger follow-up actions to address issues.
8.1.5 Utilizing Observations for Condition Assessment
The LACPW utilizes the NASSCO rating system to identify defects and observations using PACP observation codes. The City plans to continue using the NASSCO PACP condition rating for sewer pipelines and is planning to incorporate the MACP for manhole condition assessments. The LACPW prioritizes repairs of critical structural defects. These include NASSCO PACP Structural Grade 5 defects with potential for soil migration and undermining of pipe bedding leading to pipe movement and having potential for accelerated deterioration (i.e., pipe collapse, broken void visible, broken soil visible, hole void visible, hole soil visible, missing wall, and severe offsets impeding flow). These types of defects also have potential for leakage. Other less severe NASSCO PACP Structural Grade 5 and NASSCO PACP Structural Grade 4 defects are not prone to leakage due to collimation and sealing of the defects with sedimentation and biological growth.
Throughout Los Angeles County, historical rivers and creeks have been concrete-lined or replaced with storm drainage piping. The LACPW is not aware of any locations in the CSMD service area where there is potential for subsurface leakage reaching a water of the State.
The LACPW also performs visual inspections weekly at pump stations to verify the pumps are performing well, are properly maintained, and are in compliance with standards. If issues are identified, they are addressed via a corrective maintenance work order or elevated to be included in a project.
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8.1.6 Inspection and Assessment Recordkeeping
The LACPW documents and recordkeeping of system evaluation and condition assessment inspections and activities have historically been maintained using WinCan software with videos stored on LACPW servers. LACPW recently transitioned to using GraniteNet, a cloud-based CCTV software, which will enable access to CCTV data and videos to anyone with password access and credentials from mobile devices or laptops connected to the internet.
In the past, when field crews conduct visual inspections during maintenance activities, system deficiencies requiring action were recorded as footnotes on forms for replacements, repairs, and issue identification. Once the Cityworks is implemented, field crews can use mobile devices to document these issues in the Cityworks Maintenance Management System to better manage and keep record of findings and address issues.
Assessing assets vulnerable to Climate Change.
The District’s service area has sections of the system that are susceptible to climate change impacts from flooding, landslides, wildfires, and power disruptions that may cause service disruptions. LACPW plans to develop and implement procedures to identify and address system assets vulnerable to direct and indirect impacts of climate change by November 2027, including but not limited to:
• Sea level rise
• Flooding and/or erosion due to increased storm volumes, frequency, and/or intensity
• Wildfires
• Increased power disruptions
LACPW has an overarching Emergency Response Plan for addressing large-scale emergency events. These procedures provide comprehensive guidelines for personnel to effectively respond to various emergency situations including communication directives, preparatory assignments, and specific actions for different types of emergencies.
Specific Emergency Procedures related to climate change include:
• Earthquake Response Procedures
• Fire Response Procedures
• Storm Response Procedures
• Electrical Power and Telecommunication Outage
• Tsunami (Large Wave) and High Tide Procedures
• Sewage Leakage and Overflows
• Air Pollution Emergency Response Procedures
• Land Movement and Rockslide Response
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8.2 Capacity Assessment and Design Criteria
8.2.1 Gravity Facilities
The City is responsible for confirming that newly constructed pipelines are constructed with adequate hydraulic capacity. A study is required for each development to analyze the capacity of the existing system and will set forth mitigation requirements for developers to ensure adequate capacity sizing of proposed sewer lines to accommodate the current design and future base, peak, and wet weather flows.
CSMD member cities are responsible for capacity assurance within their jurisdictional boundaries.
A preliminary assessment determines whether a sewer area study is required, based on zoning and acreage to estimate the load. If the estimated load exceeds thresholds, a sewer area study is triggered. Sewer load calculations are lot-based, determined using parcel size and zoning type. A standard measure, such as cubic feet per second (cfs) per acre, is used, with flow rates varying by zoning type. This methodology results in sewer lines designed to handle the specific load for each parcel. Increased densification due to new zoning or development to full capacity may necessitate resizing existing sewer pipes.
For all new projects impacting the capacity of the public sewer system, the LACPW requires the submission of a sewer area study. The capacity assessment assumes an ideal system with no illegal connections and uses a design criterion of 1/2-full pipe capacity as adequate for lines smaller than 15-inch in diameter, and 3/4-full pipe for lines 15-inch and greater. Reports are submitted and reviewed through a plan check process.
The sewer area study procedure and support materials for the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County can be found on the Land Development Division website:
• https://pw.lacounty.gov/ldd/lddservices/sewerAreaStudy/sewerAreaStudy.shtml The City is responsible for ensuring that the public sewer infrastructure is correctly designed, adequately sized, and easily maintained. LACPW provides a supporting role in reviewing all proposed sewer plans for new developments in the City to ensure that they conform to LACPW’s design standards and to ensure that requirements for acceptability for maintenance are met.
The Director of Public Works/City Engineer or hired qualified private company provides thorough review of all sewer plans for proposed development projects in the City to ensure that (1) they are properly designed with sufficient capacity for current and future base, peak, and wet-weather flow demands; and (2) any impact of proposed project on existing sewer system is mitigated prior to being approved by the Director of Public Works/City Engineer. During construction, the projects are continuously inspected by the Director of Public Works/City Engineer or hired construction inspectors to ensure that sewer facilities are constructed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
8.2.2 Pressure Facilities
Pump stations within the City and LACPW are designed for full buildout and include redundancy in controls and pumping systems. If developers seek to connect additional tracts, they must hire an engineer to evaluate the pump station’s capacity needs. Flow Sewer System Management Plan
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studies are conducted on a case-by-case basis through the permitting process. Sewer line flow measurements are performed to assess the capacity of lines suspected of being surcharged. These measurements are straightforward for established sewer systems, though more remote systems require additional permissions for access.
8.2.3 Infiltration and Inflow
The assessment of increased infiltration and inflow (I/I) is conducted in collaboration with LACSD. LACSD performs studies to identify sources of I/I into their system, which may include LACPW’s collection systems, potentially triggering an assessment of LACPW’s system. Mitigation strategies include sealing manholes and sewer lining, LACPW with LACSD providing the sealant and lining materials. Additionally, LACSD and LACPW develop a list of manholes affected by I/I. LACSD typically requests that manholes be sealed, and peepholes corked. Sampling and analysis are performed as needed.
8.2.4 Erosive Forces in Canyons and Streams
The LACPW mitigates erosive forces for pipelines crossing or near rivers and streams by requiring these pipelines to be concrete encased. The methods of encasement are defined in LACPW’s Design Standards Manual, which can be requested from LACPW.
8.2.5 Design Flow and Weather Events
The system is designed according to LACPW’s Design Standards to accommodate dry weather peak flow conditions and design storm and wet weather events. Approximately 91 percent of pipelines in CSMD system are 8-inch vitrified clay pipes and approximately 8 percent are 10-inch to 15-inch diameter. The city has approximately 91 percent of pipes that are 8-inch vitrified clay pipes and approximately 9 percent are 10-inch to 18-inch diameter. These pipelines collect flows from small sewer catchment areas and convey the flows to the nearest LACSD trunk sewers for conveyance to an LACSD treatment plant for treatment and disposal.
8.2.6 Capacity Assessment Data
When performing sewer capacity studies within the City’s boundary, developers can obtain reference data for the development of sewer studies and capacity assessments directly from the city. LACPW’s Land Development Division (LDD) can assist upon request from the city.
When performing sewer capacity studies within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, developers can obtain reference data for the development of sewer studies and capacity assessments on LDD’s website. The website provides guidance on the approval process, links to information such as as-builts and sewer locators, and examples of required documents. If contractors need additional information, they may reach out to LDD directly to request any additional materials.
The LDD collects, maintains, and archives all sewer studies and flow data performed, and can provide this information upon request. Additionally, LDD has access to and can provide information as needed from sewer pipeline condition assessments, system Sewer System Management Plan
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inspections, spill history, and other available data used to assess system deficiencies and identify necessary system repairs and rehabilitation.
8.2.7 Capacity Enhancement Plan
The Sewer Collection System Capacity Enhancement Program is a combined effort between the City and LACPW. LACPW’s Capacity Enhancement Plan focuses on managing infiltration and inflow (I/I) by requiring proper system design through plan checks, careful inspection during construction, and the use of appropriate pipe materials.
After installation, multiple strategies are employed to identify and eliminate I/I sources where feasible. Detection strategies include visual inspections, CCTV, and smoke and dye testing.
• If the sources are due to illicit connections such as sump pumps, roof drainage, surface water diversion into a manhole, etc., applicable laws are enforced to eliminate them.
• Significant structural issues like collapses, breaks, holes, or severe offsets are corrected through repair, replacement, or lining.
• Maintenance issues such as grease accumulation and debris are addressed through regular sewer line cleaning, and flow measurements are used to assess the capacity of sewer lines suspected of surcharging.
8.3 Prioritization of Corrective Actions
LACPW prioritizes corrective action based on:
• Likelihood of failure which is determined from findings of condition assessment (e.g., prioritizing NASSCO PACP rating, 4 and 5) and;
• Consequence of failure (e.g., proximity to water body, railroad, road type, and easement)
• Areas with multiple priority segments to factor in areas to be repaired at a time Based on the condition grading and observed defects, LACPW prioritizes sewer segments for remediation. NASSCO PACP Structural Grade 5 defects are significant structural deficiencies. Pipe segments with these defects are placed on a repair list with the highest priority focused on pipes with NASSCO PACP Structural Grade 5 defects prone to accelerated deterioration. Sewer repairs are also prioritized based on maintenance history, past overflow records, sewer line locations, and age as they contribute to the likelihood and severity of spills.
8.4 Capital Improvement Plan
Responsibility for capital improvements varies based on the type of improvement required.
For new sewer installations, collection systems owned by the cities receive funding from the city. New connections and capacity-related improvements in unincorporated areas are funded and constructed by the developers, including construction contracting (refer to Section 8.2). The County provides oversight throughout the design and construction of the capacity related improvements, including review and acceptance during permitting, design Sewer System Management Plan
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reviews, and construction. The Design Division is responsible for developing the design criteria for CIP projects, and PMD III manages the development, design and construction.
The LDD manages the County Improvement Projects in unincorporated areas, including tracking budget, scope, and schedule.
The city manages their own CIP schedule, tracking budget, scope, design, and construction of new connections and capacity-related improvements within their boundary.
For rehabilitation and repair, the Districts manage and funds projects for both City systems and unincorporated areas. The Districts focus on lining and emergency point repairs for damaged pipes to maintain operations and reduce the risk of sewer spills.
Most repairs are delivered through on-call contracts, including work on gravity mains, force mains, pump stations, and treatment plants. The Accumulative Capital Outlay Program (ACO) and special zones fund the repair and maintenance of SMD facilities.
8.4.1 Accumulative Capital Outlay Program
The Accumulative Capital Outlay (ACO) Program fund was established in 1987 as a mechanism to pay for sewer pipe replacements, relief sewer construction, and maintenance improvements to sewage pumping stations. The objectives of the fund are to establish a charge to be collected from each parcel of real property in the CSMD and utilize these monies for sewer line repair and rehabilitation projects (emergency or scheduled).
Additionally, some deteriorated lines are discovered during preventive maintenance of our sewer lines. These lines are either immediately repaired by force account, using emergency contractors, or added to the list of future ACO projects. Table 8-1 lists the contracts under the ACO program as of May 5, 2025.
All sewer pipe segments within the District’s service areas found to have significant structural deficiencies will continue to be repaired or rehabilitated under the ACO program.
Table 8-1: ACO Program Contract List
Projects Name Amount Start Date End Date
Fountain Springs Pump Station 1,214,199 Sept, 2026 Sept, 2028 San Dimas Pump Station 1,214,199 January, 2026 April, 2027 On-Call As-Needed Contract 62,202,057 Est. July 2025 Est. July 2030
8.4.2 Joint Coordination and Interagency Coordination
The majority of collection system improvements are managed by Sewer Maintenance Division staff using resources from on-call contracts for planning, design, and construction.
In some cases, projects are managed by PMD III. In either case, coordination between operation and maintenance staff, County engineering staff, consultants and contractors occurs throughout the planning, design and construction phases of project delivery. Project Sewer System Management Plan
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delivery incorporates coordination meetings and milestone deliverable reviews by all stakeholders.
Early in the project delivery process, impacted agencies and entities are identified to initiate communication and permitting to streamline project delivery. This includes communication and coordination with CSMD cities if the work is being performed on their collection system. Another primary impacted agency is LACSD, since there are numerous connections between LACPW’s collection systems and LACSD trunk sewers. LACPW also coordinates with the City of Los Angeles and Las Virgenes when necessary, when working in areas where their systems connect to LACPW’s systems. Other impacted entities can include Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Fish and Wildlife, railroads, schools, neighboring cities, or CSMD member cities. Collaboration helps align project planning, and resource allocation for engineering, design, and construction. Regular communication, data sharing, and joint meetings support the coordination of timelines, permitting, and infrastructure improvements while reducing conflicts across jurisdictions. All coordination of stakeholders and community engagement is managed by LDD staff. 9 Monitoring, Measurement and Program
Modifications
9.1 Maintenance of Information to Prioritize SSMP Activities Relevant information for prioritization of SSMP activities is collected in an array of information systems, databases, and spreadsheets.
• WinCan and GraniteNet are used to video and log events from CCTV inspections.
WinCan is the legacy repository. LACPW recently implemented GraniteNet and will be using GraniteNet for all future inspections.
• Historically, LACPW documented maintenance activities in the field using paper forms and work orders and later entered them into Maximo. LACPW is transitioning from Maximo to Cityworks for management of maintenance activities. The implementation of Cityworks will streamline data collection and improve asset management efficiency.
• FOG inspection activities are recorded on paper and stored in the HMS database. • Spill data is stored in the State Water Resources Control Board’s CIWQS database and SMD internal PowerBI database. Productivity reports documenting and summarizing the work performed per City can be generated by PowerBI. • Previous audits findings are documented in an Audit Progress Tracker updated by SMD staff.
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Table 9-1: Information Systems Relevant to SSMP Implementation and Monitoring System Description of Primary Functions Related SSMP Activities Maximo Maintenance management system
for managing maintenance
activities. Field crew activities are
recorded in various forms and
stored in the MMS. LACPW is
transitioning to Cityworks
• Managing and recording work
orders and maintenance activities
Cityworks Maintenance management system
to schedule and track maintenance,
condition assessment and FOG
activities
• Used to plan, schedule, and track
work orders and activities for
maintenance
• Recording CCTV videos and
condition assessment findings
• Managing FOG source control
inspections
GIS Database Asset database of record, including
asset attribute information such as
material type, diameter. Represents
asset physical location spatially
• Creating and maintaining maps of
sewer features and related
infrastructure
CADD Database Database of as-built plans of the
city’s facilities
• Storing and managing as-built plans
and system data
Productivity Report (Power BI) Maintains record of all spills that occur in the system. Display spill
trends and analysis
• Generating spill analysis reports
and figures
• Analyzing and displaying spill trends
• Documenting and summarizing the
work performed per City
CCTV Log (database) Videos and log CCTV events,
serving as the repository for
historical CCTV inspection data
• Recording and maintaining CCTV
inspection data
Community Profiles (Power BI) city profiles with detailed information on population, manholes, pipes,
pump stations, and properties
• Records detailed city profiles that
summarizes the infrastructure within
each city
• Generating service area overview
and breakdown
Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition (SCADA) system
Tracks pumping plants operating,
alarm, and instrumentation data
• Monitoring real-time performance of
pumping plants to trigger
maintenance action
• Collecting and storing pump station
data
HMS Database Maintain records of all sites and
locations under the FOG program.
Tracks permits, inspection,
investigations, and records source
control data
• Documenting past inspections and
investigations
• Records permits, and investigation
and inspection findings
• Creates notices for FSEs and
inspections schedules
Microsoft Office Used to manage various collection
system programs as an electronic
database. Currently stores the
schedule for FOG program
activities, transitioning to Cityworks.
• Managing schedules and data for
FOG program activities
Audit Progress Tracker Spreadsheet listing past audit
findings used to document
corrective actions, task leads,
deadlines, and progress.
• Document audit findings and
corrective actions
• Tracking implementation to address
audit findings
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9.2 Monitoring of Implementation and Effectiveness of the SSMP
The City and LACPW monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the SSMP through coordination of SMD staff and collection supervisors. The effectiveness of the program is primarily monitored and tracked by overall sewer overflow performance such as amount of sewer spills, spill response time, and reduction of repeated spills.
Monthly meetings between SMD Superintendents and Supervisors focus on discussing safety procedures, operational and personnel issues, and the status of spills. Additionally, productivity reports on Power BI are reviewed to track progress in meeting inspection and maintenance targets, which are set and monitored by the superintendents.
Collection supervisors meet bi-weekly to go over status and tracking of maintenance activities. These meetings serve as a forum to facilitate communication between SMD Management and SMD Superintendents and Supervisors.
9.3 Program Audits
Every three years, LACPW performs an internal audit of the SSMP and the SSMP program implementation. Every three years, the City will perform their own internal audit of the SSMP and the SSMP program implementation. The various LACPW and City’s divisions and positions responsible for SSMP implementation, as identified in Table 2-2a and 2-2b, are involved in the audit. Each element of the SSMP is reviewed for effectiveness towards reducing the frequency and/or mitigating the impacts of spills and for compliance with the General Order requirements. Corrective actions to address identified deficiencies are prioritized, scheduled and incorporated into division plans.
9.4 Assessment of Preventative Maintenance Program
LACPW assesses the success of its Preventative Maintenance Programs by monitoring spill trends and spill events to identify improvements in their operation. By keeping track of sewer blockages and overflow, LACPW can respond with the appropriate corrective measure and program adjustments.
9.5 Identification and Illustration of Spill trends
Data acquisition, analysis, and management of sewer spills is supported by a dynamic information management system. Spill data is visualized in SMD’s PowerBI database which allows for the identification and tracking of spill trends. PowerBI can generate spill analysis reports and figures, illustrating these trends and providing the metrics needed to identify spill trends and evaluate the overall success of the SSMP program.
This system enables LACPW to review spill performance based on frequency (seasonal variations, year-over-year comparisons), location (known problem areas, system characteristics such as pipe material and installation timeline), and volume (totals reaching surface waters, average volumes, and changes over time, which can indicate the effectiveness of response times).
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9.6 Approach to Program Modifications and Plan Updates
The City and LACPW update the SSMP every six years. The update consists of:
• Reviewing the existing SSMP language and updating any outdated information.
This includes updates to staff positions, names and organizational lines of authority that have changed, changes to system characteristics such as basin areas, etc. • Incorporation of the adopted and implemented recommendations from previous SSMP program audits.
Upon completion of the six-year SSMP update, the SSMP is provided to the Board of Supervisors by LACPW and to the City Council by City with a request for approval. Upon acceptance by the Board for LACPW SSMP update and City Council for the City’s SSMP update, the SSMP is uploaded to the State Water Board CIWQS database and certified.
SMD also posts the SSMP on the LACPW webpage and city also posts their SSMP on the city’s webpage.
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10 SSMP Program Audits
LACPW and City audits the SSMP and program implementation to identify actions for improving how it manages, operates, and maintains the collection system. This process identifies the tasks and actions that are required to meet SSMP goals and defines and prioritizes them. Cities are responsible for either performing their own SSMP development and audits on their collection systems or requesting support from CSMD to complete their audit through a City Service Request.
10.1 Schedule of Program Audits and Updates
LACPW and City perform an internal audit of its SSMP every three years in accordance with General Order requirements. Every six years, LACPW and City updates and recertifies the SSMP.
Table 10-1 shows the anticipated schedule for SSMP audits and updates for the next six years.
While the various unincorporated areas have different audit and update cycles, LACPW completes one SSMP audit report covering all collection systems in unincorporated County areas according to the Group 1 schedule. The audit and SSMP update prepared for Group 1 is utilized for all other collection systems in unincorporated County areas.
LACPW provide operation and maintenance services for the City’s sewer facilities; therefore, some components of the City’s audit and SSMP may be similar to LACPW’s audit and SSMP update prepared in Group 1.
Table 10-1: SSMP Audit and Update Schedule
Collection System Group Audit Due Audit Due Update Due
Unincorporated County Area CSMD South/County
Sanitation District CS
1 11/2/2027 11/2/2030 5/2/2031
Unincorporated County Area CSMD-NW/County
Sanitation District CS
2 2/2/2028 2/2/2031 8/2/2031
Malibu Mesa Zone of the CSMD CS 3 11/2/2028 11/2/2031 5/2/2032 Unincorporated County Area CSMD North/County
Sanitation District CS
3 11/2/2028 11/2/2031 5/2/2032
Unincorporated County Area CSMD/Las Virgenes
Tapia CS
3 11/2/2028 11/2/2031 5/2/2032
Unincorporated County Area Marina/Aneta Zone of
the CSMD/City Hyperion CS
3 11/2/2028 11/2/2031 5/2/2032
Trancas Zone of the CSMD CS 3 11/2/2028 11/2/2031 5/2/2032 Unincorporated County Area Lake Hughes Zone of the
CSMD CS
4 2/2/2029 2/2/2032 8/2/2032
Unincorporated County Area CSMD South/County
Sanitation District CS 2/2/2029 2/2/2032 8/2/2032
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LACPW provide operation and maintenance services for the City’s sewer facilities; therefore, some components of the City’s audit and SSMP may be similar to LACPW’s audit and SSMP update prepared in Group 1.
Table 10-1: SSMP Audit and Update Schedule
Collection System Group Audit Due Audit Due Update Due
PARAMOUNT, 4SSO10415 2 2/2/2028 2/2/2031 8/2/2031
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10.2 SSMP Audit Process
The City’s Director of Public Works and SMD Division Manager assembles division staff and field crew personnel to perform an internal audit in accordance with the General Order requirements for Sewer System Management Plan Audits. Over the course of approximately three months, the audit team, including representatives from the divisions responsible for each SSMP section, conducts a series of in-person meetings to evaluate the effectiveness of each SSMP part and sub-part, identify any deficiencies, and make recommendations for improvements and updates. This process involves reviewing the program documentation in the Sewer System Management Plan, assessing current procedures and practices employed by staff, and discussing potential program modifications to enhance program effectiveness.
10.3 SSMP Audit Report
The findings from the SSMP audit are documented in an audit report. The audit report includes the following elements:
• Audit findings and recommended corrective actions;
• A statement that sewer system operators’ input on the audit findings has been considered; and
• A proposed schedule to address identified deficiencies Once the audit report is complete, a quality check review of the audit report is performed, with a focus on consistency and completeness. The final audit report is reviewed by the CSMD and City’s LRO before final acceptance. Audit reports and related materials are maintained in a hard copy and an electronic document tracking and management system.
Copies of the SSMP will be maintained in the SMD’s Alhambra Headquarters Office and all SMD Maintenance yards and posted in the LACPW’s internet site. A copy of the City’s SSMP will be maintained by the City’s Director of Public Works at 16400 Colorado Avenue in the City of Paramount and posted on City’s webpage. The document shall also be made readily available to the State Water Resources Control Board or Regional Water Quality Control Board representatives upon request, to all CMSD cities, and to the operators of any collection system or treatment facility downstream of the LACPW’s system.
10.4 Audit Implementation and Tracking of Results
The SSMP program audit recommended corrective actions are incorporated into the CIP development and budgeting process to provide the necessary resources to implement audit corrective actions and recommendations. Through that process, implementation progress is measured and reported on an ongoing basis to ensure timely completion of corrective actions. Deficiencies in meeting the schedule are identified or anticipated and mitigation measures developed and implemented to manage completion of the corrective actions from the audit. Each subsequent audit update begins with a review of the previous audit to determine if the corrective action remains relevant and, if so, to reiterate the program deficiency and recommended corrective action in the current SSMP audit report.
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11 Communication Program
LACPW employs a variety of means for communicating with the public and contract agencies on the development, implementation, and update of the SSMP. The following sections describe LACPW’s procedures for:
• Communicating with the public for spills and discharges resulting in closures of public areas, or that enter a source of drinking water. • Communicating with the public on the development, implementation, and update of its SSMP, including opportunities for public input to plan implementation and updates.
• Owners/operators of systems that connect into the Enrollee’s system, including tributary systems, for system operation, maintenance, and capital improvement related activities.
11.1 Procedures to Communicate with Public for Spills and Discharges
LACPW’s procedures for communication with the public for spills and discharges are included in the Spill Emergency Response Plan in Appendix F. Chapter 3 of these procedures provides instructions for communicating with the public when spills result in closure of public areas or entering a source of drinking water.
Within 15 minutes of receiving confirmation that a spill with the potential to reach a storm drain or public waterway has occurred, LACPW’s Field Crew must contact Los Angeles County Department of Public Health through LACPW’s Operator. The Department of Public Health will post and remove signage for waterways and beach closures as required and will not remove the signs until the effects of the spill have been mitigated. A public press release will be made of the temporary closure due to a spill.
11.2 Procedures for General Communication with Public on SSMP
LACPW provides operation and maintenance services for the City’s collection system. The city also benefits from the educational and informational materials that LACPW provide to their service areas. The City provides the following information to the public on their webpage: https://www.paramountcity.gov/government/departments/public-worksdepartment/sewer-maintenance/ • Current SSMP
• LACPW’s website
• LACPW’s Help line for sewer related issues
LACPW provides the public and residents in its service areas with educational and informational materials related to the sewer collection system and the sewer maintenance services the County provides. LACPW relies heavily on SMD’s webpage on the LACPW’s Sewer System Management Plan
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webpage to provide the public with ample information regarding the SSMP and SSMP program implementation: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/smd/smd/index.cfm The following information is publicly accessible on the LACPW’s webpage:
• Current SSMP
• SSMP Audit Report
• Interactive sewer mapping provides the public with a means to find the sewer map and sewer pipeline servicing their property
• Annual performance reports
• Condition assessment reports
• FOG best management practices
• Homeowner responsibilities
• Outreach Brochures (in multiple languages)
• Answers to frequently asked questions (in multiple languages) • LACPW’s webpage provides a “Contact Us” link providing the public with a phone number for inquiries, an 800 number for emergencies and a mailing address for written inquiries.
• To report urgent problems, LACPW’s webpage provides an emergency contact link:
o https://pw.lacounty.gov/Contact/#emergencyInfo
The public can provide feedback on the SSMP and the performance of the Districts using the online survey located on the LACPW’s Webpage:
• https://ladpw.org/general/survey/index.cfm?pid=ISBQICAK
11.3 Procedures to Communicate with Connecting Systems
and Contract Agencies
LACPW is in constant communication with entities that are connected to the system for operations, maintenance, and spill response related activities including the City of Los Angeles, LACSD, and member cities. For all agencies, SMD communicates with the agency when capital improvement related activities will impact each other's system. Email broadcasts are sent to member cities to provide updates and communicate deadlines such as audit due dates. The City of Los Angeles also exchange emails with LACPW monthly mainly for billing and flow metering. LACPW maintains constant communication with LACSD, ensuring that at least one of the Districts’ staff serves as the main point of contact.
Additionally, SMD staff also will communicate directly with District staff when necessary for coordination.
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Appendix A1 - Governing Board Approval
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Appendix A2 – State Water Resources Control
Board - General Order for Sanitary Sewer
Systems
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Appendix A3 – Asset Summary Per Collection
System
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Appendix B1 – List of Staff Responsible for
Implementing Specific Elements of the SSMP
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Contact Information for Positions Responsible for City’s SSMP Sewer System Management Plan
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Appendix B2 – City and Sewer Maintenance
Division Staff Contact Sheet
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Appendix C – Not Used
Reserved for future attachments associated with SSMP Element 3 – Legal Authorities.
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Appendix D – Field Operations Yard and Pump
Station Map
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Appendix E – Not Used
Reserved for future attachments associated with SSMP Element 5 – Design and Performance Provisions.
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Appendix F – Spill Emergency Response Plan
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Appendix G – IDWP Conditions and Limitations
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Appendix H – Not Used
Reserved for future attachments associated with SSMP Element 8 – System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and Capital Improvements.
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Appendix I – Not Used
Reserved for future attachments associated with SSMP Element 9 – Monitoring, Measurement and Program Modifications.
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Appendix J – Not Used
Reserved for future attachments associated with SSMP Element 10 – Internal Audits.
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Appendix K – Not Used
Reserved for future attachments associated with SSMP Element 11 – Communication Program.
To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Adriana Figueroa, Public Works Director
Date: January 27, 2026
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT WITH CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE (CPA) FOR BUILDING
ELECTRIFICTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
BACKGROUND
Since 2017, the City has been a member agency to the Los Angeles Community Choice Energy Authority who subsequently became the Clean Power Alliance (CPA). CPA is a nonprofit entity, formed through a Joint Powers Authority (JPA), that is comprised of public agencies across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. CPA purchases clean power and Southern California Edison (SCE) delivers it through its existing electric utility infrastructure to residents and businesses in Paramount.
Through its continued commitment to assisting communities in achieving sustainability and decarbonization goals, CPA has brought forth the Energized Communities Initiative.
As designed, this initiative is made up of two parts: Pathways to Electrification, offering pre-selected measures to support electrification, and the anticipated Innovation Grant to fund creative sustainability projects in member agency communities. The Pathways to Electrification Program offers up to $250,000 to implement one of three project areas, including building electrification assistance. The Innovation Grant is expected to accept applications later this year, and is a competitive grant process the City can apply for.
DISCUSSION
The Energized Communities Initiative through CPA will significantly benefit infrastructure improvements. Eligible expenses for project funding through the Building Electrification Assistance Program (Program) with CPA include the purchase of electric equipment and appliances, as well as replacement of fossil fuel-fired equipment (e.g. furnaces, heat pumps, and water heaters). Funding through this Program also covers technical assistance, warranties, service contracts, equipment installation costs, and construction costs for associated energy infrastructure upgrades.
By providing up to $250,000 in funding for gas-to-electric alternatives, this program will enable projects to incorporate modern, energy-efficient systems, enhancing their sustainability and reducing long-term operational costs.
Agenda Report January 27, 2026
AGREEMENT - BUILDING ELECTRIFICTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Page 2 As a member agency to CPA, the City has the opportunity to pursue funding for this threeyear Program. Once an agreement has been executed with CPA for this Program, an allocation of funding will be reserved for Paramount, and will account for different implementation milestones.
With this funding opportunity, the Public Works Department will explore the installation of a new energy-efficient Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit(s) for the Council Chamber. Should this project prove to be unfeasible based on technical findings and associated costs exceeding the funding amount available, the Public Works Department will work with CPA to identify an alternative project that would be eligible for Program funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no costs associated with the approval of this Agreement with Clean Power Alliance (CPA), for the Building Electrification Assistance Program.
VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No 5: Attractive and WellMaintained Infrastructure - Develop and maintain City-owned infrastructure, parks, facilities, and amenities that enhance quality of life and the attractiveness of the community.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve the agreement with Clean Power Alliance for the Building Electrification Assistance Program and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the agreement.
1 BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
This Building Electrification Assistance Program Participation Agreement (“Agreement”), made as of the last date signed below (the “Effective Date”), by and between the City of Paramount (“Participant”), and Clean Power Alliance of Southern California, a Joint Powers Authority and Community Choice Aggregation program (“CPA”), referred to individually or collectively as “Party” or “Parties,” is to enroll Participant in the CPA Energized Communities Program for Building Electrification Assistance, described in more detail below.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, CPA has launched the Energized Communities Program (“Energized Communities”) to assist CPA’s member agencies with the implementation of building and transportation electrification measures to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reach sustainability and decarbonization goals by providing financial and technical support; WHEREAS, as part of the Energized Communities program offering, CPA desires to support building electrification efforts in its service territory through the CPA Energized Communities Program for Building Electrification Assistance (“Program”), which seeks to help Participant develop and implement building electrification measures that will result in cleaner and healthier buildings in our communities by reducing methane emissions from municipal facilities; WHEREAS, to implement the Program, CPA has entered into the Professional Services Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2024, by and between Lincus, Inc. (“Lincus”) and CPA, under which Lincus will provide technical support for Participant as it engages in efforts to develop, draft, review, and/or implement Participant’s building electrification measures; WHEREAS, CPA intends to make Lincus or a successor consultant (“Contractor”) available to Participant and other CPA member agencies to support Participant as it engages in its own effort to develop, draft, review, and/or implement Participant’s building electrification measures; WHEREAS, Participant desires technical support from Contractor as Participant develops, drafts, reviews, and/or implements building electrification measures; and WHEREAS, Participant may seek financial support provided by CPA to offset the cost of implementing building electrification measures as agreed upon by the Parties.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein contained, it is mutually understood and agreed by and between the Parties as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Term. This Agreement begins on the Effective Date and ends on June 30, 2030 (“Term”).
2. Termination. Any Party may terminate this Agreement for convenience and without liability to the other Party upon giving the other Party thirty (30) days prior written notice. 2 3. CPA Obligations. CPA agrees to perform the services and provide financial reimbursement to Participant, as detailed in Exhibit A, Building Electrification Assistance – Program Terms and Conditions, attached hereto.
4. Participant Obligations. Participant agrees to the obligations detailed in Exhibit A attached hereto.
5. NO LIABILITY; NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY; INDEMNITY. a. CPA DOES NOT MAKE, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS, ANY AND ALL
OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NONINFRINGEMENT AND TITLE, AND ANY WARRANTIES ARISING FROM A
COURSE OF DEALING, USAGE, OR TRADE PRACTICE WITH RESPECT TO (1) SERVICES PROVIDED BY CONTRACTOR TO PARTICIPANT AND (2)
ANY BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION MEASURES IMPLEMENTED BY
PARTICIPANT.
b. INDEMNIFICATION. EACH PARTY SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD
HARMLESS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW THE
OTHER PARTY AND ITS ELECTED OFFICIALS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES,
MEMBERS, VOLUNTEERS, AGENTS, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM
AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL DAMAGES, LIABILITIES, COSTS,
EXPENSES, CLAIMS, AND/OR JUDGMENTS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND DISBURSEMENTS
THAT MAY DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISE AND/OR RESULT FROM THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL
MISCONDUCT. THIS INDEMNIFICATION SHALL BE ONLY IN
PROPORTION TO AND TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH CLAIMS,
JUDGMENTS, CAUSES OF ACTION, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, COSTS, LIABILITIES, AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND
COSTS INCURRED IN THE DEFENSE OF ANY SUCH CLAIM OR ANY
ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT THEREON ARISE FROM THE
NEGLIGENT OR INTENTIONAL ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF
INDEMNIFYING PARTY, AND ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, INVITEES, OR AGENTS. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, CPA SHALL BE
UNDER NO OBLIGATION WHATSOEVER TO INDEMNIFY PARTICIPANT
OR HOLD PARTICIPANT HARMLESS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ATTORNEYS’ FEES, COSTS, OR DISBURSEMENTS AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPANT’S CONSIDERATION, DEVELOPMENT, REVIEW,
DRAFTING, ADOPTION, AND/OR IMPLEMENTATION OF
PARTICIPANT’S BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION MEASURES.
3 c. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. CPA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO
PARTICIPANT FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, LOST
PROFIT, LOST OPPORTUNITY, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES FOR ANY
CLAIM, WRIT, PETITION, OR CAUSE OF ACTION RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PARTICIPANT’S
DEVELOPMENT, DRAFTING, REVIEW, ADOPTION, AND/OR
IMPLEMENTATION OF PARTICIPANT’S BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION
MEASURES, ANY SERVICES PROVIDED BY CONTRACTOR, AND/OR
ANY OTHER CLAIM, WRIT, PETITION, OR CAUSE OF ACTION RELATED
TO THIS AGREEMENT WHETHER ARISING FROM BREACH OF
CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND
STRICT LIABILITY), STATUTE, OR OTHERWISE.
6. Insurance.
a. The Parties agree to provide and maintain throughout the Term of this Agreement, at their own expense, a program of insurance, or self-insurance, covering the activities and operations of their respective officers, agents and employees, and contractors for the Term of this Agreement. This insurance shall include general liability insurance with coverage limits of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. This insurance shall be endorsed to include the following: (i) CPA, its Board, Officers, Officials, Employees, Agents, Servants, and Volunteers are covered as additional insureds on Participant’s commercial general liability policy, and Participant’s Board, Officers, Officials, Employees, Agents, Servants, and Volunteers are covered as additional insureds on CPA’s commercial general liability policy; and (ii) a written notice to be mailed to the other Party 30 days prior to the effective date of a cancellation or non-renewal of such insurance.
b. Participant agrees to maintain throughout the Term of this Agreement, at their own expense, an automobile liability policy covering any auto (including owned, hired, and non-owned autos) with limits no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage.
c. The Parties agree to maintain throughout the Term of this Agreement, at their own expense, a workers’ compensation policy as required by the State of California, with Statutory Limits and Employer’s Liability Insurance of no less than $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury or disease.
d. Upon request, either Party shall provide the other evidence of such coverage naming the other Party as an additional insured including an additional insured endorsement issued by the insurance company or program of self-insurance. 4 e. CPA may waive or change any of the requirements in this Section 6, upon mutual agreement with the Participant.
f. Nothing herein waives or reduces a Party’s indemnification obligations pursuant to Section 5.
7. Publicity. Any marketing materials generated by Participant related to the performance of this Agreement should reference CPA’s contributions. Each Party shall make best efforts to display or utilize the words “Clean Power Alliance” and “City of Paramount” in all marketing materials, including flyers, press releases, posters, brochures, public service announcements, interviews, and newspaper articles (to the extent possible); provided, that CPA may omit “City of Paramount” from CPA marketing materials when publicizing the Program generally and not specifically with respect to (a) this Agreement or (b) Participant’s participation in the Program. Any piece of publicity issued by Participant, including those mentioned above, must be reviewed and approved by CPA before issuing a press release. Participant agrees to provide CPA with reasonable time for review before such issuance.
Participant shall include CPA’s logo and a statement acknowledging CPA funding of electrification measures on any equipment and project signage. Statements shall be provided by CPA and placement of such statement shall be agreed to by both Parties.
Where CPA and Participant logos are used on any signage or documentation arising from this partnership, the logos of each Party will be of equal size.
8. General Provisions.
a. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the full and complete understanding between the Parties as to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes any other agreement(s) and understanding(s), either oral or written, between the Parties related to the subject matter of this Agreement.
b. Amendment. Any amendment to or modification of this Agreement will be effective only if in writing and signed by each Party’s authorized representative.
No verbal agreement or implied covenant will be valid to amend or abridge this Agreement.
c. Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California. Any lawsuit filed in relation to this Agreement must be filed with the Superior Court for the County of Los Angeles, State of California. d. Third Party Beneficiaries. There are no intended third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement.
5 e. Independent Parties. Each Party shall perform its responsibilities and activities described herein separately and not as an officer, agent, employee, or volunteer of the other Party hereto. Each Party shall be solely responsible for the acts and omissions of its officers, agents, and employees. Nothing herein shall be considered as creating a partnership or joint venture between the parties. f. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only, are not a part of the Agreement, and in no way affect, limit, or amplify the terms or provisions of this Agreement.
g. Severability / Partial Invalidity. If any term or provision of this Agreement, or its application to a particular situation, is found by the court to be void, invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such term or provision shall remain in force and effect to the extent allowed by such ruling. All other terms and provisions of this Agreement or their application to specific situations shall remain in full force and effect. The Parties agree to work in good faith to amend this Agreement to carry out its intent. h. Survival. All provisions which by their nature must continue after the Agreement expires or is terminated shall survive the Agreement and remain in full force and effect, including but not limited to the indemnification requirement in Section 5. i. Notices. All notices, requests, and approvals must be sent in writing to the persons below, which will be considered effective on the date of personal delivery; or the date confirmed by the reputable overnight delivery service; or on the fifth calendar day after deposit in the United States Mail, postage prepaid; or the next business day following submission by electronic mail:
To CPA:
Joanne O’Neill
Senior Director, Customer Programs
801 S. Grand Ave., Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90017
[email protected]
With a copy, which shall not serve as notice as required or specified herein, to:
[email protected]
To Participant:
Adriana Figueroa
Public Works Director
City of Paramount
6 16400 Colorado Ave. Paramount, CA 90723
[email protected]
j. Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed by electronic signature(s) and transmitted either by facsimile or in a portable document format (“pdf”) version by email and such electronic signature(s) shall be deemed as original for purposes of this Agreement and shall have the same force and effect as a manually executed original.
k. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterpart copies, each of which shall be deemed as an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the latest date of execution set forth below.
______________________________
Theodore Bardacke
Chief Executive Officer
Clean Power Alliance of Southern California
Date: _________________________
______________________________
John Moreno
City Manager
City of Paramount
Date: _________________________
7 Exhibit A
Building Electrification Assistance - Program Terms and Conditions
1. CPA Obligations
a. CPA will make commercially reasonable efforts to ensure the availability of Contractor to provide the Technical Services (as defined below). CPA does not guarantee (a) that Contractor will be able to perform all duties that Participant staff would otherwise perform, or (b) that participation in the Program ensures implementation of building electrification measures.
b. CPA will provide financial support to Participant in an amount (i) no greater than $250,000 (two hundred fifty thousand dollars) and (ii) to be specified in the Project Scope and Budget, as defined below.
c. CPA will monitor the technical support provided by Contractor and help coordinate building electrification efforts with regional stakeholders.
2. Participant Obligations
a. Data, Point of Contact, and Access. Within twelve (12) months of Effective Date, Participant agrees to provide requested data and a dedicated point of contact to CPA and Contractor for coordination purposes throughout the Program. Participant agrees to coordinate visits to its facilities with CPA and Contractor, as needed, to collect information to prepare building electrification plans and site designs. b. Scope and Budget. Participant shall commit to a project scope and budget (“Project Scope and Budget”) that plans to transition gas-fired equipment to electric alternatives at selected Participant sites within three years from the initial project launch meeting with CPA and Contractor, substantially in the form of Exhibit B, Form of Project Scope and Budget, attached to the Agreement. Participant acknowledges and agrees that it shall not be eligible to receive Technical Services or Project Funding (as such terms are defined below) until CPA and Participant mutually agree upon the Project Scope and Budget.
c. Technical Services. Within twelve (12) months of Effective Date, Participant shall specify which of the following services (“Technical Services”) will be requested from the Contractor in the Project Scope and Budget:
i. Develop electrification plan to review electrical capacity and layout a viable pathway for electrification of selected facilities. 8 ii. Draft electrical plans and site design, or review existing plans, to support equipment installation.
iii. Provide commissioning support to ensure proper installation of equipment and advise on proper operation of equipment.
iv. Prepare funding package to summarize rebate and funding opportunities appropriate for the project, including a summary of the CPA funds available to implement the project recommendations (“Funding Memo”). d. Project Funding. Participant is eligible to receive funds remaining from the Project Scope and Budget after completion of Technical Services for the purpose of project implementation (“Project Funding”). Participant shall specify expected use of funding in the Project Scope and Budget.
i. The following expenses are eligible for Project Funding from CPA:
A. Purchase of electric equipment and appliances to replace fossil fuel-fired equipment, including, but not limited to, replacement of furnaces, water heaters, pool heating, water pumps, wastewater treatment, and kitchen appliances.
B. Purchase of electrical equipment to install in major renovations or new construction projects when it is replacing existing or planned fossil fuel-fired equipment.
C. Purchase of energy management devices.
D. Warranties, service contracts, and/or subscription fees for energy management software to monitor energy use and optimize
consumption, subject to CPA approval of the service terms.
E. Installation costs for electric equipment and energy management devices, including costs to remove and dispose of existing equipment.
F. Construction costs for electrical panel or energy infrastructure upgrade, including costs to cap or demolish existing natural gas supply lines.
G. Additional expenses to be determined and approved by CPA in its sole discretion.
ii. Participant acknowledges and agrees that any costs for construction and installation of building electrification measures that are not agreed upon under the Project Scope and Budget shall be borne by Participant. iii. If Participant elects to receive Project Funding for the purchase of building electrification equipment, Participant must meet the following requirements:
1. Participant must manage the energy use of purchased equipment for at least one-year through an energy management system or an alternative method to manage load-shift of energy use when possible. CPA may determine acceptable alternative methods to the foregoing at its own discretion.
9 2. Participant must align usage of the purchased equipment to avoid peak periods where feasible, and shift electricity use as needed in order to support load flexibility.
iv. Participant can combine Project Funding from CPA with funding from other organizations and sources, including investor-owned utilities, rebates, and state and federal grants. Participant shall inform CPA if grants and other funding related to the project scope are received. Participant agrees and acknowledges that in no event shall the combined funding from CPA and third parties exceed 100% of total project costs, as specified in the Funding Memo. Should such a situation arise, the Parties will review the Project Scope and Budget to consider amendments and/or a reduction in Project Funding.
v. Reimbursement. Participant shall submit appropriate documentation to request reimbursement for measures as specified in the agreed upon Project Scope and Budget substantially in the form of Exhibit C, Form of Reimbursement Request, attached to the Agreement.
e. Intellectual Property. Participant agrees and acknowledges that all tools, templates, and other resources generated by the Contractor during the implementation of the Program will be the intellectual property of CPA.
f. CPA Customer. As of the Effective Date, Participant represents and warrants that Participant is a CPA public agency customer and acknowledges and agrees that Participant is required to continue to be a CPA public agency customer in order to be eligible to receive services and financial reimbursement under this Agreement. g. Notice to Proceed. Participant shall provide to CPA a written notice to proceed (“Notice to Proceed”) prior to Contractor commencing work on the Technical Services specified in Section 2.c.ii. The Notice to Proceed shall indicate that the Participant intends to move forward with building electrification measures at the selected sites.
h. Facilities Information and Energy Data. Participant agrees to share information with CPA and Contractor regarding building characteristics and energy usage, including square footage, year built, equipment information, summary of daily activities on-site, previous audit reports, and three years of historical utility data. i. Ongoing Data. Participant agrees to provide CPA access to energy data through the energy management system’s portal, or other system to be determined, and share energy consumption data with CPA during the Term of this Agreement. 10 Exhibit B
Form of Project Scope and Budget
Following the terms provided in the Participation Agreement, the specific Project Scope and Budget will be submitted to CPA substantially in the form illustrated below.
Table: Project Scope and Budget
Contractor Services Provided
Services
Selected by
Participant
Authorized Fees for
Services1
Feasibility Analysis for Electrification [$2,316 per facility] Site Visits [$4,525 per facility]
Electrification Plan with equipment inventory,
alternatives, load analysis, cost assessment,
infrastructure needs, demand response
improvements, and estimated emissions impact
[$7,864]
Final Electrical Plans for selected electrification
measures
[$3,491]
Electrical site design and stamped drawings [$9,732]
Other site design documents [Not to exceed $5,000]
Technical assistance to review existing plans,
prepare/review construction bids
[Not to exceed
$3,677 per review]
Technical assistance to manage equipment
installation and provide commissioning support
[Not to exceed $5,000]
Funding package to summarize rebate and
funding opportunities
[Not to exceed $2,313]
Subtotal for Technical Services
Summarize how Participant intends to use Project
Funding to implement recommendations
(refer to eligible expenses in Exhibit A).
Subtotal for Project Funding
Indicate if Participant elects to receive Project
Funding only for equipment purchase and not for
Technical Services. Summarize how the funds
will be used here. Participant will follow
requirements in Exhibits A and C.
Total Budget Requested
1 Preset costs for services are provided. Participants may not necessarily select all services. 11 Exhibit C
Form of Reimbursement Request
Participant will submit a W-9, and any invoices, receipts, or other appropriate documentation to show paid expenditure of funds, along with the reimbursement request for measures, as specified in the agreed upon Project Scope and Budget. A reimbursement request with the information noted in the table below will be submitted to CPA for approval. CPA will notify the Participant of approval and forthcoming repayment.
Reimbursement Request Form
Building Electrification
Measure
Reimbursement
Amount
Requested
Documentation
Provided
(Invoice,
Purchase
Receipt, etc.)
Total Project
Funding Budget
Assigned*
Remaining
Budget
Electric equipment and/or
appliances
(list type of equipment
purchased)
Purchase of energy
management
systems/devices
Warranties, service
contracts, and/or
subscription fees for
energy management
software
Installation costs for
electric equipment and
energy management
systems/devices
Construction costs for
electrical panel or energy
infrastructure upgrade
Additional expenses to be
determined and approved
by CPA
Total Amounts
*Project Funding budget refers to the budget amount remaining following the completion of Technical Services, as outlined in Exhibit A and Exhibit B.
To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: Adriana Figueroa, Public Works Director
Date: January 27, 2026
SUBJECT: DILLS PARK COMMUNITY ORCHARD (CITY PROJECT NO. 9258)
BACKGROUND
Included in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Capital Improvement Budget was funding for the Dills Park Community Orchard, which consisted of a full conversion of the north field turf area into an orchard that features a variety of fruit trees, community garden plot areas, irrigation and planting improvements.
On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Director of Public Works opened the bids for this project, and the project was awarded to Parsam Construction for $2,570,000 at the City Council meeting on January 23, 2024.
DISCUSSION
The work performed under this contract has been inspected under the supervision of the Public Works Director, in conformance with Section 6-8 of the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction.
The project was completed on October 1, 2025 and the Notice of Completion will be filed with the Los Angeles County Recorder’s office after approval by the City Council. The contract retention of $69,470.10 will be held for thirty-five (35) days from that date. The total construction cost, including any necessary change orders, is $2,778,803.86.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. The project was completed using funds previously appropriated and approved by the City Council.
VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No Agenda Report January 27, 2026
DILLS PARK COMMUNITY ORCHARD (CITY PROJECT NO. 9258) Page 2 5: Attractive and Well-Maintained Infrastructure - Develop and maintain City-owned infrastructure, parks, facilities, and amenities that enhance quality of life and the attractiveness of the community.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Accept the work performed by Parsam Construction, Glendale, CA for the Dills Park Community Orchard (City Project No. 9258) and authorize payment for the retention.
To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: John King, AICP, Planning and Building
Director
Heidi Luce, City Clerk
Date: January 27, 2026
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES COMMERCIAL LINKAGE FEES
APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN NEW ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENTS
WITHIN THE CITY; CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES NEXUS STUDY, THE COMMERCIAL
LINKAGE FEE NEXUS STUDY, AND FEE SCHEDULE; AND MAKING A
FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
BACKGROUND
Development impact fees are one-time charges on new development collected and used by cities and counties to cover the cost of capital facilities and infrastructure to serve new residential and nonresidential growth.
On December 16, 2025, the City Council opened and continued the public hearing to the January 27, 2026 City Council meeting. As more time is needed to further evaluate proposed new development impact fees, this item is recommended to be continued to the February 10, 2026 City Council meeting.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Continue the public hearing for consideration of this item to the February 10, 2026 City Council meeting.
To: Honorable City Council
From: John Moreno, City Manager
By: John King, AICP, Planning and Building
Director
Date: January 27, 2026
SUBJECT: UPDATED HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM GUIDELINES
BACKGROUND
Since 1982, the Home Improvement Program (formerly the “Residential Rehabilitation Program”) has assisted income-qualified Paramount households with exterior and essential health and safety improvements to their owner-occupied, single-family homes.
Assistance has been in the form of grants and, as needed, zero-interest loans.
In 2022, the City Council approved an expansion of the program to include mobile homes on fixed foundations. Federal HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds were the sole funding source for the program from 2013 until May 2023, when the City Council approved the inclusion of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to further enhance the program.
Home Improvement Program guidelines are periodically updated to meet the needs of Paramount residents and to maintain U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements and best practices.
In May 2024, the City Council approved changes to the Home Improvement Program guidelines. The updated guidelines primarily achieved the following:
• Eliminated the owner contribution requirement of 20% (for qualifying low-to-moderate income households) or 10% (for qualifying seniors) of project construction costs; • Increased the maximum grant award from $21,600 (for qualifying low-to-moderate income households) and $24,300 (for qualifying seniors) to $30,000; and • Increased loan amounts from a maximum of $8,000 to a maximum of $15,000.
DISCUSSION
The 2024 update to Home Improvement Program Guidelines accounted for an ongoing rise in construction costs, including materials and labor, due to inflation. Removing property owner financial contributions removed a financial barrier that hindered many residents from benefiting from the program.
Agenda Report January 27, 2026
HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDELINES Page 2
Proposed Program Guidelines
The present request to revise guidelines will further promote interest in the Home Improvement Program and assist the neediest households. Staff is proposing to update the program guidelines to (1) replace the grant/loan model with a grant-only funding formula; and (2) increase the total possible project assistance from $45,000 to $50,000.
Eliminating the loan option will streamline cumbersome project processing and assist homeowners who often do not have the means to pay off a three-year loan. The current maximum zero-interest loan amount of $15,000 requires a $417 payment each month over three years. This amount is substantial for many households and is extremely burdensome for lower-income households. Some are interested and eager to participate in the Home Improvement Program but opt out upon hearing about potential loan payback costs.
Increasing the grant to a maximum of $50,000 is needed due to rising construction costs.
The additional $5,000 will address added material costs for items such as roofing, windows, and painting. The uptick in funds would ultimately result in projects with complete and improved curb appeal to further benefit the Paramount community as a whole and help keep the potential for blight at bay.
The following summarizes the existing and proposed Home Improvement Program funding options:
Existing Proposed
Grant $ 30,000 $ 50,000
Loan $ 15,000
TOTAL $ 45,000 $ 50,000
Summary
Consolidating Home Improvement Program assistance into a grant-only format will eliminate out-of-pocket costs that disproportionately impact lower-income Paramount families and households. Making the recommended changes, including an increase in possible project assistance from $45,000 to $50,000 will allow income-qualifying Paramount residents to make the necessary repairs such as replacement of a roof, windows, electrical panel upgrades, and furthermore address aesthetic items that enhance a home’s exterior appearance to the greater benefit of a neighborhood.
The proposed change offers an expanded opportunity for immediate positive impacts in addressing building and safety issues, needed exterior improvements, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
Agenda Report January 27, 2026
HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDELINES Page 3
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed change results in no impact as the currently budgeted HOME and CDBG funds for the Home Improvement Program can accommodate the added grant amount.
VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity, and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decisionmaking. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No. 1: Safe Community - Provide a safe place to live, work, and visit; and No. 4: Environmental Health - Promote, protect, and enhance a healthy, sustainably built, and natural environment.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve the updated Home Improvement Program guidelines.
Home Improvement Program Guidelines © MDG Associates, Inc.
Home Improvement Program Guidelines
Single-Family and Mobile Homes
January 27, 2026
Home Improvement Program Guidelines © MDG Associates, Inc.
I. OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM
A. Purpose, Goal, and Objective of Program
The purpose of the Home Improvement Program is to provide grants to homeowners of owner-occupied detached single-family homes or mobile/manufactured homes on fixed foundations for the preservation of decent, safe, and sanitary housing; correct hazardous structural conditions; make improvements considered necessary to eliminate blight and improve access; and to correct building and health code violations. Grants shall be used to cover the cost of necessary housing improvements. Detailed eligibility criteria are outlined under Section II.
B. Source of Funds
The City of Paramount acts as an agent for and is the recipient of the Federal Government's Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME) funds. These funds are targeted to benefit low- and moderate-income persons and to eliminate slum and blight. The City is obligated to fulfill the terms and conditions of its contract with HUD and comply with State and local rules and regulations. The required CDBG and HOME provisions are incorporated in the “Home Improvement Funding Agreement” and are incorporated herein as Attachment “A.”
C. Types of Assistance Available
Subject to funding availability, the Home Improvement Program may award a grant of up to $50,000 for rehabilitation improvements to a qualifying single-family residence or mobile/manufactured home on a fixed foundation. Applicants assisted under the Home Improvement Program shall be eligible for one (1) grant per household, and applicants will have to meet additional qualifications, deed restrictions, and maintenance covenants. CDBG and/or HOME funds will be used to pay for actual costs of construction and eligible project soft costs (such as permit fees). The amount of the grant shall be determined by the City based on property conditions and the cost of construction associated with the Home Improvement Program project.
On a case-by-case basis the Planning and Building Director may approve additional assistance for emergency conditions, health and safety conditions, hazardous repair conditions, necessary Americans with Disability Act (ADA)-related enhancements or removal of barriers, or any condition deemed necessary to ensure habitable living conditions.
II. APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
A. Income Eligibility Standards Based on Household Size and Income.
HUD requires that all households participating in the Home Improvement Program meet specific income limits as determined by HUD, based upon household size. For reference, the current HUD published income limits, by household size, for Los Angeles County are provided as Attachment “B” of this document. Eligible households must have incomes that do not exceed 80% of the AMI (Area Median Income), as adjusted for household size, and be owner-occupied single-family or mobile/manufactured homes on fixed foundations located within the City. Income shall be re-examined when more than six months has lapsed since the initial determination.
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Definition of Household: For the purposes of determining Home Improvement Program eligibility, “household” is defined as all the people who occupy the residence. A household includes the related family members and all the unrelated people, if any, such as lodgers, foster children, wards, or employees who share the residence. A person living alone in a residence, or a group of unrelated people sharing a residence such as partners or roomers, is also counted as a household.
Annual income is the gross amount of income that is anticipated to be received by all adult household members, 18 years of age and older for the upcoming 12-month period, and will include:
• Wages, salaries, tips, etc.
• Taxable interest.
• Dividends.
• Taxable refunds, credits, or offsets of State and local income taxes. There are some exceptions – refer to Form 1040 instructions.
• Alimony (or separate maintenance payments) received.
• Business income (or loss).
• Capital gain (or loss). There are some exceptions – refer to Form 1040 instructions. • Other gains (or losses) (i.e., assets used in a trade or business that were exchanged or sold).
• Taxable amount of individual retirement account (IRA) distributions. (Includes simplified employee pension [SEP] and savings incentive match plan for employees [SIMPLE] IRA.)
• Taxable amount of pension and annuity payments.
• Rental real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporations, trusts, etc. • Farm income (or loss).
• Unemployment compensation payments.
• Taxable amount of Social Security benefits.
• Other income, including prizes and awards; gambling, lottery or raffle winnings; jury duty fees; Alaska Permanent fund dividends; reimbursements for amounts deducted in previous years; income from the rental of property if not in the business of renting such property; and income from an activity not engaged in for profit.
Annual Income will not include:
• Child support.
• Money or property that was inherited, willed, or given as a gift. • Life insurance proceeds received as a result of a person’s death.
Income shall be verified utilizing the third-party verification format and other such methods as necessary. Income eligibility will be based on Part 5 (Section 8) income determination as defined by HUD under 24 CFR 570.3 (CDBG) and 24 CFR 91.5 (HOME) definitions of income. The City shall make the final decision in situations where the classification of income is not clear based on federal regulations.
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B. Property Ownership
The applicant(s) must be the current owner(s) of the property and live in the property to be rehabilitated in order to be eligible for Program assistance. The existing grant deed or Certificate of Title must list all current owners of the property. Property owner(s) shall be construed to be any person(s) or legal entity that holds title to the property being rehabilitated. In the case of multiple owners, the signature of each titleholder is required on all appropriate documents. The City shall verify property ownership by completing a title search and shall require all persons currently on the title to give written consent to all work proposed to be done on the property prior to initiating such work.
1. Subsidy Limits
a. Minimum HOME Investment: The minimum amount of HOME funds is $1,000.
b. The minimum only relates to the HOME funds, and not to any other funds that might be used for project costs.
c. The maximum HOME investment per-unit HOME subsidy limit shall be based on the Section 221(d)(3) program limits for the Los Angeles County area published by HUD each year.
2. Maximum Property Value
a. To use HOME funds, the value of the HOME-assisted property after rehabilitation must not exceed 95 percent of the median purchase price for the area, as published by HUD (203(b) limit), or, in accordance with federal HOME Investment Partnership Act Final Rule, as determined locally through market analysis.
b. To establish project eligibility, the City of Paramount shall obtain an appraisal of the property.
C. Documentation Required
The applicant(s) must submit the following documents in order to determine eligibility:
1. City application;
2. Copy of Federal Income Tax forms for the previous year (2 years if applicant is selfemployed), including W-2 form(s);
3. Copy of recent property tax bill;
4. Copy of three months of recent payroll check stubs, Social Security checks, Social Security SSI checks, pension and retirement checks;
5. Copy of three recent bank statements;
6. Copy of two (2) recent utility bills;
7. Copy of insurance policy for the property;
8. Copy of identification with photograph. (e.g., driver license, passport);
9. Proof of ownership:
Single-Family Homes
Most recently recorded Grant Deed. If applicants do not have a copy, a copy can be obtained from:
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L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway, 1st Floor, Windows 1-14
Norwalk, CA 90650
(800) 815-2666
Mobile/Manufactured Homes
Certificate of Title and/or Registration Card. If applicants do not have a copy, a copy can be obtained from:
State of California Department of Housing and Community Development Riverside District Office
3737 Main Street, Suite 400
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 782-4431
D. Re-application Period
In order to give as many persons the opportunity to participate in the Home Improvement Program, any applicant(s) who has participated in the Program shall not be permitted to participate for a ten (10) year period as measured from the date of the Notice of Completion for the previously funded project or may be able to reapply during a shorter timeframe if there is no waiting list and will be contingent on the City Manager’s discretion.
III. PROPERTY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
A. Target Areas Eligible Under Program
To be eligible for the Home Improvement Program, the property to be repaired must be used for single-family detached homes or mobile/manufactured homes with fixed foundations and located within the city limits of the City of Paramount.
B. Minimum Property Rehabilitation Standards
CDBG and HOME funds will be provided so that all building code deficiencies and conditions that threaten the health and safety of residents are addressed first prior to addressing any other rehabilitation work, subject to program funding limits. This priority includes testing for the presence of lead-based paint in pre-1978 construction and performing appropriate repairs and clearance of detected lead-based paint as a component of the rehabilitation.
All work performed under the Home Improvement Program shall meet all applicable standards contained in the program’s Housing Quality Standards, City's adopted Zoning Ordinance/Zoning Code (Title 17 of the Paramount Municipal Code), local building and safety codes, California Building Code, and any other codes as designated by the Planning and Building Department and/or the State of California Housing and Community Development.
C. Eligible Structures
Buildings or structures eligible for rehabilitation under this Program are owner-occupied detached single-family homes or mobile/manufactured homes with fixed foundations. The applicant must permit interior inspections of the property by the City staff and consultants.
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D. Rehabilitation Needs Which May Warrant Repair
Program funds are available for rehabilitation costs to the property that correct substandard conditions, and which are physically attached to the property and permanent in nature, in the order and as follows:
1. HUD-required items and health and safety items;
2. Emergency repairs or ADA improvements;
3. Correction of code and building violations;
4. Exterior property improvements; and
5. Interior property improvements
For each eligible property, the following health and safety items and code violations shall be considered prior to all other home repairs:
1. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors;
2. Roof (including a flat roof);
3. Windows;
4. Plumbing (only in extreme cases in which the owner does not have hot water or there is a major leak at the kitchen sink);
5. Electrical wiring (GFCI) in bathroom and kitchen;
6. Heating/cooling system;
7. Foundation;
8. The elimination of specific conditions detrimental to public health and safety which have been identified by the City;
9. Removal of security bars from the exterior of windows.
E. Ineligible Renovation
The following improvements are not eligible for financing through the Home Improvement Program.
1. New construction;
2. Reimbursement for an owner’s personal labor;
3. Appliances;
4. Purchase, installation, or repair of furniture;
5. Demolition that does not improve the existing structure;
6. Repairs that are interim in nature;
7. Wrought iron security devices;
8. Recreational equipment, facilities, or repairs;
9. Kennels;
10. Bath houses, swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs, jacuzzis;
11. Photomurals, stands, television antennas, valances, cornice boards;
12. Burglar alarms;
13. Fire extinguishers;
14. Greenhouses;
15. Drapes;
16. Barbecue pits;
17. Any items considered to be luxury items as determined by the City;
18. Detached garages or structures (if HOME-funded) unless health and safety code violations exist.
NOTE: THIS LIST OF INELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE. THE CITY
WILL MAINTAIN THE DISCRETION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A PARTICULAR IMPROVEMENT.
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IV. PROGRAM PROCEDURES
A. Applicant Intake and Eligibility Determination
1. Application. Persons may apply for Home Improvement Program funds by completing application forms available at the City and submitting such materials to the City of Paramount (attention: Home Improvement Program). Applications shall be reviewed in the order in which they are received. At the consideration and approval of the Planning and Building Director, an extreme condition that is an immediate threat to health and safety may receive expedited application review as feasible.
2. Verification and Eligibility Determination. The City shall verify all sources of household income. Household income must be verified before applicant eligibility can be established. Income verification information shall be updated, and applicant eligibility predetermined if such information is more than six months old prior to the beginning of rehabilitation work. Applicants shall be notified in writing regarding eligibility status.
3. Written Agreement. Once an applicant and the property are determined to meet CDBG or HOME requirements, a written agreement shall be executed between the City and the property owner. The purpose of the written agreement is to ensure compliance with CDBG or HOME regulatory requirements and shall be the basis for the commitment of CDBG or HOME funds.
4. Rehabilitation Feasibility Determination. Once an applicant is determined to meet eligibility requirements, an initial inspection of the property shall be made by the Home Improvement Program Inspector to determine the extent of any building deficiencies that may be corrected through the Program. A Work Write-Up will be prepared by the Program Inspector.
5. Processing. As a goal, processing time from the date the City determines that the applicant is eligible for assistance under the Program until a grant is approved or denied shall be fourteen (14) days.
6. Approval and Notifications. Grants shall be approved by City staff. In order to obtain financing, applicants must meet all property and eligibility guidelines in effect at the time of funding approval. Applicants shall be provided written notification of approval or denial. Reasons for project denial will be provided to the applicant in writing.
7. Historical Review. The Program consultant shall prepare a State of California historical assessment form for the subject property and attach required photographs (unless exempt) for processing with the State of California Historical Review Division.
8. National Environmental Policy Act. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 24 CFR Part 58 of Federal regulations, all cities receiving CDBG and HOME funds are legally responsible for complying with NEPA environmental reviews prior to funding any grant. If any property fails the environmental review, then the property will be deemed ineligible and no funding will occur.
B. Procurement and Contractor Selection
1. Procurement. The property owner(s) shall be responsible for obtaining a minimum of three (3) bids for the proposed work. In order to assist the property owner(s), the City shall maintain a list of prequalified contractors who have expressed interest in bidding on home improvement work and have been cleared through the State of California Contractors License Board. The list should not be considered a recommendation on behalf of the City. Owners should screen any contractors who Home Improvement Program Guidelines © MDG Associates, Inc.
are providing bids on the work. The City shall coordinate with the property owner to obtain at least three (3) estimates from qualified contractors for each home improvement project. Estimates shall be submitted in the form prescribed by the Home Improvement Program.
A funding spreadsheet shall be generated based upon the Work Write-Up, delineating line-item costs attributable to each source of funds, as applicable and based on the eligibility of improvements for the respective funding sources.
2. Selection. In accordance with CDBG and HOME fund regulations, the contractor who is considered to be the lowest responsible bidder, is cleared by the Contractors State Licensing Board, and is eligible to participate on Federal projects through the System for Award Management (SAM) shall be awarded the contract.
3. Contractor Insurance/License File. The City shall maintain a file for each contractor performing work pursuant to the terms and conditions of this program. The file shall include the following information:
• Contractor's social security number or federal tax ID number; • Copies of the contractor's current liability and worker's compensation insurance policies;
• Copies of the contractor's current California Contractors License; • Copy of City Business License; and
• A list of all of the subcontractors (including license number) to be used by the General Contractor.
Any contractor with lapsed insurance or contractor license shall be removed from the job until the contractor is able to provide proof of current insurance and/or license.
All contractors shall be required to obtain a building permit from the Building and Safety Division of the Planning and Building Department or State of California Housing and Community Development office prior to commencing work.
4. Ineligible Contractors. The City and the applicant(s) shall not award any contract for rehabilitation work, to be paid for in whole or in part with proceeds from a Home Improvement Program grant, to any contractor who is not a California-licensed contractor, who cannot produce sufficient evidence of current Workers Compensation and Liability Insurance coverage, or who is ineligible to participate on Federal projects through the System of Award Management (SAM) or on the City's list of unreliable or irresponsible contractors. Unreliable or irresponsible contractors include those without a contractor license, worker’s compensation, general liability insurance, and in poor standing with the California Contractors State License Board.
It also includes those contactors or laborers whereby City staff has received verifiable resident complaints. The City and the applicant(s) shall not award any contract for rehabilitation work to a contractor holding three (3) open projects within the City of Paramount.
C. Award of Contract
1. Notification. The City shall notify the contractor of the award of bid and shall establish a date and time for the preconstruction conference.
2. Rehabilitation Construction Contract. The contract for the approved rehabilitation work shall be prepared by the City and shall be entered into between the property owner and the selected contractor. The City may require the inclusion of certain contractual terms in accordance with Federal and City requirements. In the event of any dispute arising under this Program, the injured party shall notify the injuring party in writing of its contentions as specified under the contractor agreement between the property owner and the contractor.
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3. Private Arrangements. The City cautions the property owner and the contractor not to enter into "side deals" for additional work or deviations from the approved work write-up. No unauthorized work shall be compensated by the City to a contractor.
D. Preconstruction Meeting
Prior to construction, the City shall arrange a preconstruction meeting which shall be attended by the contractor, subcontractor(s) if applicable, the property owner, and Program staff and/or Consultant. The purpose of this meeting is to explain all applicable Federal and City requirements including Program requirements and procedures, coordinate and schedule the work start date, perform a job walk, and answer questions related to contract documents and the scope of work to be performed.
E. Start of Construction
No work shall commence until a "Notice to Proceed" has been issued to the contractor, signed by the property owner and the City representative. In addition, no work shall commence until the proper permits have been issued by the Building and Safety Division of the Planning and Building Department or State of California Housing and Community Development Department.
F. Progress Payments to Contractor and City Inspections
1. Inspections and Complaints. To ensure the integrity of the authorized repair work, the Program Inspector shall conduct site inspections prior to the issuance of progress payments and prepare detailed inspection reports which identify any deficiencies in a contractor's materials or workmanship. The Program Inspector shall make regular and/or unannounced inspections of work in progress to identify the quality of work and assess satisfaction of the property owner(s). These inspections are in addition to the normal inspections required by the Building and Safety Division or State of California Housing and Community Development Department.
2. Payment Request Packages. The contractor shall submit payment request packages to the City in the prescribed format. All requests shall be signed by the contractor, homeowner, and Program inspector, certifying that the work has been satisfactorily completed. All pertinent invoices, mechanics lien releases, certifications, contractor and equipment warranties, and copies of applicable permits shall be attached to the payment request. A payment shall not be released to the contractor if the invoice does not include applicable documentation. Final payment request must also include the owner's certification of acceptance, Building and Safety Division sign-off card, and the Notice of Completion. Payment request packages shall be submitted to the City for approval. A maximum of three (3) progress payments minus a 10% retention may be submitted. The final payment for the 10% retention shall be paid 35 days after the Notice of Completion is recorded.
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G. Applicant Complaint Resolution Process
Complaints concerning the Program should first be made to the Home Improvement Program Coordinator. If unresolved to the satisfaction of the applicant, an appeal may be made, in writing, to the Home Improvement Program of the City of Paramount. The applicant shall be allowed to present all pertinent facts to the City that may have a bearing on the particular issue to be resolved. The decision of the City shall be final.
H. Resolution Process – Disagreement between Contractor and Applicant Disagreements between applicant and the contractor or contractor employees or subcontractors shall first be addressed between the applicant and the contractor. The applicant and/or the contractor shall provide the other party a written letter detailing the reason for the disagreement and request a resolution within seven days of the date of issuance. Such letter shall be sent via U.S. Postal Service “Registered Mail – Return Receipt.” If the disagreement is unresolved to the satisfaction of the applicant or the contractor, either party shall notify the Home Improvement Program Coordinator in writing explaining the reasons for the disagreements and the steps that have been undertaken to resolve the disagreement. The Home Improvement Coordinator shall make a recommendation on how to resolve the disagreement. If the disagreement remains unresolved, either party may appeal the decision by requesting a review of the disagreement by the Planning and Building Director of the City of Paramount. Both parties will be allowed to present all pertinent facts to the City that may have a bearing on the particular issue to be resolved. The decision of the Director shall be final.
I. City's Responsibilities and Applicant's Responsibilities
1. Property Maintenance. The homeowner shall be responsible for property maintenance during the rehabilitation work (contractor shall be responsible for keeping the property clean of all construction material) in conformance with the Paramount Municipal Code. The homeowner shall be responsible for ensuring that the rehabilitation work is not impeded because of unmaintained property or general sloppiness, and those items of value, including pets, are secured. The City shall encourage that the contractor and employees of the contractor provide adequate protection to the homeowner’s property, both interior and exterior, during the rehabilitation process.
2. Property Tax Bills. A copy of current property tax bills for the subject property must be submitted to the City as part of the application process. The property owner(s) is/are responsible for insuring that the property taxes are current. If an applicant's property tax statement indicates a delinquency at the time of the Program application, the City shall not proceed with grant processing until it is supplied with a Certificate of Redemption from the Los Angeles County Tax Assessor's Office or other appropriate documentation of proof of payment.
3. Notice of Completion: The property owner shall be responsible for executing a Notice of Completion within 10 days of the completion of the work.
J. Project Related Soft Costs - HOME Fund.
1. Reasonable and necessary soft costs include but are not limited to the following:
• Specification writing or related professional services. • Credit and title costs; recordation fees; building permits; legal fees; and appraisal fees.
• Affirmative marketing, information services, and counseling.
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• Project-specific staff and overhead costs (e.g., cost of staff and consultant time to prepare environmental, work write-up, and grant documents, etc.).
2. Invoices shall be coded to the appropriate fund account and processed through the Finance Department of the City of Paramount. The Finance Department shall track expenditures per project address.
3. Upon execution of a Contractor-Owner Agreement, the owner’s financial contribution, if applicable, shall be transmitted to the Finance Department.
4. If the property owner withdraws, cancels, or is terminated due to a lack of response, soft costs incurred and drawn-down from the federal Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS) shall be returned to the U.S. Treasury.
V. OTHER PROGRAMMATIC REQUIREMENTS
A. Bonus, Commission, or Fee
The applicant shall not pay any bonus, commission, or fee for the purpose of obtaining approval of the grant application, or for any other approval or concurrence as may be required by the City, pursuant to the provisions of this Program.
B. Conflict of Interest
No Program grant shall be provided to any member of the governing body of the City of Paramount, nor any designee of the City, who is in a decisionmaking capacity in connection with the administration of the Program. No member of the above organizations shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in the proceeds from the Program grant or in any contract entered into by the applicant for the performance of the work, financed, in whole or in part, with the proceeds of the grant.
C. Disclosure of Information
The City is a public agency and information or records (with the exception of financial information which falls under Government Code Section 6250 (c), and Section 7460 et seq.) submitted or released to the City by the applicant may be considered public records and subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act, Government Code section 6250 et seq.
E. Lead-Based Paint Notification
A Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Notification shall be provided to all applicants by the City as part of the application process. Such notice shall be signed and dated by the applicant and a copy shall be maintained in the project file. Upon completion of lead-based paint testing, the property owner shall be notified, in writing, of the test results and shall be provided with a copy of the report. If remediation or abatement of lead-based paint is conducted, a followup clearance test shall be conducted. The results of the test and a copy of the evaluation report shall be provided to the homeowner in written form.
If remediation or abatement of lead-based paint is required, the City shall obtain documentation for any lead-based paint clearance activities from clearance contractors and maintain a copy in the project file in compliance with 24 CFR 35.1340(b)(1).
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F. Substitution of Contractor
In the event that the selected contractor fails or refuses to complete the work in a professional and workmanlike manner as set forth in the Rehabilitation Construction Contract, including its General Conditions and Standard Specifications, or fails to use due diligence in performing the required work, the property owner(s) may terminate the Rehabilitation Construction Contract, upon providing proper notice to such contractor. The City shall assist the homeowner in completing the necessary termination documentation, as needed. No further rehabilitation is to commence until the Request for Substitution of Contractor and Termination of Contract Form, releasing the original contractor from his/her contractual obligations, is on file at the City, and a new contract is signed between the substitute contractor and the homeowner(s).
G. Noncompliance by Original Contractor. The City shall inspect the job and compile a list of incomplete or unacceptable items to determine the extent of work to be completed by the substitute contractor. Funds withheld from the original contractor shall be delineated on the form. Lien releases and invoices from the original contractor and subcontractor(s) must be provided by the contractor. The City shall prepare a revised Work Write-up, based upon the City's inspection findings, which contains only those items necessary to complete the job.
The Homeowner shall obtain a substitute contractor willing to perform such work, and, to the extent possible, negotiate the total contract price with the new contractor to ensure that the new contract does not exceed available grant funding. A new Rehabilitation Construction Contract and Notice to Proceed shall be prepared by the City and appropriately signed.
H. Davis-Bacon Requirements
In accordance with Federal Regulations, Davis-Bacon requirements apply to the rehabilitation of residential property only if such property contains 12 units under the HOME Program. Therefore, this program is exempt from the Davis-Bacon requirements.
I. HOME Investment Partnership Act Program and Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS) Set Up and Completion Procedure
Upon the execution of a written agreement with the property owner, the Home Improvement Program staff shall prepare and submit a “Homeowner Rehab Set Up and Completion Form” to the CDBG Consultant. The CDBG Consultant shall set up project information on IDIS.
Upon the completion and release of the 10% retention, the Home Improvement Program staff shall submit a completion notice to the CDBG Consultant. The CDBG Consultant shall update and close out the project on IDIS.
J. Insurance, Assessments, Dues, etc.
All taxes, assessments, dues, and insurance premiums currently due or in arrears on the real estate must be paid before a grant is made. The property must have sufficient fire insurance as necessary to protect the owner and the City’s interest in the property.
K. Property Appraisal
The Work Description is the basis for the appraiser to be able to estimate the value of the property after the rehabilitation work has been completed in accordance with the Work Description. Once completed, the appraisal shall be reviewed to determine that the postrehabilitation value does not exceed 95% of the median sales price as determined in accordance with 24 CFR 92.254(a)(2)(iii). If after rehab appraisal meets the requirements, the applicant may proceed. If value exceeds the limit, the applicant will be informed that the property is ineligible for funding.
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L. Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
1. Affirmative Marketing Procedures
The City shall inform residents of the CDBG or HOME programs, general eligibility criteria, and application procedures. The City shall ensure that bilingual materials are available for Applicants. In addition, the City shall ensure that bilingual staff will be available to help the property owners understand all program and application materials and to be available to answer any questions.
2. Equal Opportunity
Program participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to, discrimination based upon sex, age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, marital status, ancestry or physical handicap under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with CDBG funds.
3. Fair Housing
The City has affirmative marketing procedures and requirements for CDBGassisted housing projects. These may include:
• Press release.
• Advertise in local newspaper and minority publications to solicit applications from residents who are not likely to apply without special outreach.
M. Disclaimer
The application package is an important legal document, and in all respects is voluntarily and knowingly executed by the Applicant(s). The Applicant(s) thereby acknowledge that he/she/they: (i) have read, in its entirety this application package, including any and all attachments hereto; (ii) understand the respective contents and requirements of each document; (iii) sought legal advice, if desired, concerning the legal effect of this application package and the program; (iv) shall indemnify and hold harmless the City of Paramount (including its employees, representatives, agents, or officials) from any claims, actions, suits, or litigation, whether monetary or otherwise, that may be asserted by the Applicant(s) or any third party person, firm, or entity arising from the performance of the City in considering/approving the application; and (v) without reservation agree to be bound by all the terms, requirements, and obligations of this application package and the program.
VI. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to these guidelines may be made from time-to-time by the City Manager.
Authority to substantially modify the guidelines shall rest on the City Council, with the exception of Federal and State regulations.
Home Improvement Program Guidelines (Rev. 01/22/26)