15-70 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
"Applicant" means a member of a charitable organization who applies for a car wash permit on behalf of the charitable organization.
"Charitable Car wash," for the purposes of this Article, shall mean a temporary vehicle washing operation conducted by members of a charitable organization for organization fundraising purposes. It shall not be deemed to include the operation of an authorized permanent vehicle washing business or service station authorized to wash vehicles on its premises, although a car wash, as defined above, may be conducted on such premises.
"Charitable" means benevolent, civil, religious, educational, fraternal, patriotic, political, philanthropic or other similar purposes.
"Charitable organization" means and includes an organization which is a duly organized governmental or not-for-profit charitable, religious, civic, patriotic or community service organization; and the organization must have a Tax-exempt Identification number assigned to it.
"Permit holder" means the charitable organization who has been granted a permit pursuant to this chapter for the purpose of conducting a charitable car wash. "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, society, organization, church, congregation, assembly or league, and includes any trustee, receiver, assignee, agent or other similar representative thereof. "Religious" or "religion" has the meaning established by the Supreme Court of the state or the Supreme Court of the United States.
"Residential property" means a building designed for or occupied by one or more families as a residence including single-family residences, duplexes and apartments. 15-80 Permit required for charitable car wash.
A. It is unlawful for any person to engage, directly or indirectly, in a charitable car wash without first obtaining a valid charitable car wash permit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
B. The permit application shall include a written application to sponsor the charitable car wash by the owner or lessee of the property upon which the car wash is to be held.
Page2 of 7
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
CITY OF PORTERVILLE ) SS
COUNTY OF TULARE )
I, JOHN LONGLEY, the duly appointed City Clerk of the City of Porterville do hereby certify and declare that the foregoing is a full, true and correct copy a resolution passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Porterville at a regular meeting of the Porterville City Council duly called and held on the 16th day of August, 2005.
THAT said resolution was duly passed adopted by the following vote:
Council: IRISH MARTINEZ HAMILTON STADTHERR WEST
AYES: X X X X
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: X
JOHN LONGLEY, City Clerk
�- byGeorgi�� City Clerk
WATER CONSERVATION PLAN
EVERY DROP COUNTS.
PRESENTED BY: FIELD SERVICES DIVISION
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF PORTERVILLE
555 N. PROSPECT ST., PORTERVILLE, CA 93257
VERSION 3.0
AUGUST 19, 2014
8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 1
REVISED BY:
JOHN LOLLIS,
CITY MANAGER
BALDOMERO S. RODRIGUEZ,
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
BRYAN B. STYLES,
DEPUTY PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
& FIELD SERVICES MANAGER
MICHAEL KNIGHT,
WATER UTILITIES SUPERINTENDENT
ROMAN FERRO,
WATER SYSTEMS SPECIALIST
DENYS THOMPSON,
ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE
8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 City Water System....................................................................................................................................................... 4 Conservation Phasing.................................................................................................................................................. 5 Water Conservation Phase I ................................................................................................................................ 5 Drought Response Phase II.................................................................................................................................. 6 Drought Response Phase III................................................................................................................................. 7 Emergency Response Phase IV............................................................................................................................ 9 8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 3
PREFACE
The City of Porterville water system is municipally-owned with more than 15,299 service connections, 97% of which are metered, serving a population of 55,490, with approximately 1,100 service connections outside the city limits.
Water supplies for the City system are produced entirely from groundwater underlying the city, which is recharged from rainfall and runoff of the Western Sierra Nevada. The major stream contributing to the recharge of the Tule Basin Aquifer underlying Porterville is the Tule River.
Storage capacity represents over ten million gallons within the distribution system and five hillside reservoirs, three with a capacity of three million gallons, one with a capacity of three hundred and five thousand gallons, one with the capacity of five hundred and fifty thousand gallons.
A telemetry system controls the operation of 23 of the City's 35 active well pumps to maintain system pressure under varying loads. The water levels in the reservoirs are also monitored and controlled by the computerized telemetry control system.
Water conservation and awareness have always been areas of concern for the Porterville community. Less than normal rainfall and runoff makes efforts to promote water conservation a high priority. In addition to the benefits of conserving water as a limited natural resource, additional benefits accrue to the community in the form of a reduced impact on the Wastewater Treatment Plant and a reduction in energy costs when water supplies are conserved.
It is vitally important that the Water Conservation Plan be a joint partnership between the City and the General Public in order to achieve optimal effect. The Plan has been developed in four phases with each phase defined in terms of the available water supply.
Actions within each phase have been defined as either actions to be undertaken by the City or by the General Public.
Due to the number of variables which affect the water conditions in existence at any one point in time, a City staff analysis of those variables will be utilized in determining the transition of the City from one phase to a more (or less) stringent phase. At such time as staff determines that water supply conditions warrant a phase change, staff will present the request to the City Council for their approval. 8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 4
This plan differs from other valley community plans because the city of Porterville is in a more favorable position of having almost all of its water customers metered, which allows the City to basically control the water conservation program.
CITY WATER SYSTEM
The City has always been diligent in its efforts to provide sufficient safe and affordable drinking water to the residents of the community. Water conservation has long been a permanent part of the City’s water resource management program. Efforts to that end include:
NEW WELLS:
Over the past five years new wells have been added to the City water system in order to serve the needs of the community. Additional wells are planned for completion within the next few years.
TELEMETRY SYSTEM:
This system controls the operation of the well pumps to maintain system pressure under varying loads. Water levels in the reservoirs are also monitored and controlled by the computerized telemetry control system. Water is usually pumped to the reservoirs during the off peak usage hours for later use by consumers. This system was designed to operate the City wells in the most efficient and productive way possible with additional benefits of energy cost savings.
RESERVOIRS:
The City currently operates and maintains five (5) hillside reservoirs, three (3) with a capacity of three million gallons, one (1) with a capacity of 305,000 gallons, and one (1) with a capacity of 550,000. The three largest reservoirs are usually filled during off peak hours and then release water during the high usage hours. There is also a 300,000 gallon reservoir located at the Airport which is also part of the City system. The reservoirs increase the City’s ability to maintain system pressure during peak demand and fire flow situations.
METERIZATION PROGRAM:
With over 97% of all service connections metered, the City has a goal of 100% meterization. All new connections are required to have meters.
UTILITY BILLING NOTICE:
The City's computerized utility billing system provides consumers with their current and past water usage history for comparison purposes. While variations may be attributable to a change known to the consumer (i.e. additional persons in the home, addition of a swimming pool), it may also be the result of an undetected leak or other controllable occurrence.
WATER AUDIT/LEAKAGE DETECTION & REPAIR PLAN:
The City will continue in its proactive plan to audit water supply usage. Upon detection of the source of any leakage, corrective action will be taken immediately in order to promote the efficient use of the existing water supply and in turn reduce the energy required to operate the system.
8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 5
NEW WATER LINE TESTING:
The City requires full pressure and leak testing of all newly constructed water lines.
FIRE HYDRANT TESTING:
The City Fire Department schedules their annual fire hydrant testing program during the early spring and late fall to avoid the peak water use season. Such testing is required to maintain the integrity of the fire protection system. 8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 6
CONSERVATION PHASING
The effectiveness of any voluntary plan ultimately depends on the public's awareness of the need for the plan. Local residents have a history of commitment to their community and support of the public welfare. It is a reliance upon this tradition that makes the distribution of public information the cornerstone of the City's Water Conservation Plan.
WATER CONSERVATION PHASE I: NORMAL WATER SUPPLY
The Water Conservation Phase I applies during periods when a normal water supply is available.
ACTIONS BY THE CITY:
Public Information Program Distribution of suggestions for residential, commercial, and industrial water conservation and awareness.
Coordination of public information with the local news media. City participation in Water Awareness Month (May).
Lawn and Landscape Watering Guides will be made available upon request.
City staff will coordinate with local nurseries to compile a list of low water using trees and plants. The list will be made available at City Hall, the Corporation Yard, and the Parks & Leisure Services Department for local residents.
Coordination with local schools to encourage young people to become aware of local water issues and conditions.
Project Review Committee The City’s Project Review Committee (PRC) will include the evaluation of all submitted projects for water use and conservation efforts. The goal of City staff in cooperation with the developer will be to voluntarily reduce consumption of water used in the project. City staff will assist the developer in familiarization with the Xeriscape Concept, combining creative landscaping and efficient irrigation to save water and promote attractive alternatives to traditional, high water use landscapes.
City Landscapes and Watering Schedules City parks, median islands, and landscaped public facilities will be watered during late night or early morning hours to the greatest extent possible.
All new landscaping projects undertaken by the City will incorporate conservation design.
Retrofit Bathroom Facilities Water saving kits which contain toilet water conservation and low flow shower head devices will be made available to City water consumers, both residential and commercial, upon request, as funds are available. 8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 7
Fire Hydrant Testing The City's fire hydrant testing program will be scheduled during non-peak water usage times to the greatest extent possible without impairing the integrity of the City's fire protection service.
ACTIONS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
Mindful Water Use The general public will be encouraged to utilize those water conservation measures contained within the City's Public Information Program.
Voluntary Odd/Even Watering Schedule This schedule is encouraged, but not mandated. This plan is designed to minimize water usage and requests that the public water their lawn and shrubs according to their street address, per Exhibit 1 below.
Addresses ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Addresses ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) water on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
There is no watering on Monday. Watering should be avoided between the hours of 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Exhibit 1
8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 8
DROUGHT RESPONSE PHASE II: WATER SUPPLY SHORTAGE
Drought Response Phase II applies during periods when there is a water supply shortage. When water supply conditions start to deteriorate, the City is mandated to implement more stringent water conservation provisions for the benefit of its community. In addition to upholding the programs and provisions outlined in Phases I, the City must be diligent in its water conservation efforts by issuing penalties for non-compliance.
ACTIONS BY THE CITY:
Adoption and Enforcement of Stricter Water
Regulations and Restrictions
The City of Porterville will enforce an odd/even watering schedule for all residents. Watering is prohibited between the hours of 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Watering shall only occur on designated watering days. Excessive run-off is prohibited. Per Section 25-5.1 of the City Municipal Code, Non-compliance with the City of Porterville’s water conservation regulations will result in one written warning from the City of Porterville before the issuance of a citation. A second violation within a 12 month period will result in the issuance of a citation with a fine of $100.00; a second citation will result in a fine of $200.00; a third citation will result in a fine of $500.00. Willful and egregious violations will result in issuance of a citation without a warning. Each day that a violation continues shall be regarded as a new and separate offense.
Per Section 25-5 of the City Municipal Code, “The consumer shall use reasonable care to prevent the waste of water, shall not allow water to run or waste from his property onto streets or highways, shall not use water in washing sidewalks, building entrances or lobbies or other properties to such excess that water shall flow in street gutters beyond the frontage of the properties occupied by them.” Public Information Program The City will pursue a more aggressive distribution of information than its efforts initiated in the initial Water Conservation Phase to promote public awareness of the need to conserve water with a stronger emphasis on the water shortage condition.
Water System Pressure Reduction The City's water system may experience reduced water pressures during high usage periods. This may deter water use for nonessential activities and encourage scheduling of landscape watering to late nights or early mornings.
City Landscapes and Watering Schedules All City parks, median islands, and public facility landscapes will be watered during the late night or early morning hours to reduce impact on the water system during peak usage hours.
Leak Detection Water Waste The City will continue in its proactive plan to audit water supply usage. All City staff will be reminded of the necessity of reporting any evidence of leaks or water waste for immediate action. There will be an emphasis on coordinated community efforts to reduce water waste.
“Waste of Water” Notices City staff will be equipped to issue “Waste of Water” notices to consumers identified as misusing water.
Mandatory Odd/Even Watering days Increase public education on the mandatory watering schedule program.
Public outreach will emphasize changes from the Water Conservation Phase I (Voluntary) to Phase II (Mandatory).
8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 9
Continuation of all Conservation Programs
Established in Phase I
See Phase I
ACTIONS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
Mandatory Odd/Even Watering Schedule Addresses ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Addresses ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. There is no watering on Monday. See Exhibit 2 below.
Watering is prohibited between the hours of 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Watering shall only occur on designated watering days.
Excessive runoff is prohibited.
Conservation Efforts The general public will be strongly encouraged to utilize those water conservation measures contained within the City's public information program.
Restaurants Notices will be sent to all restaurants within the city limits requesting support of water conservation efforts by serving water to customers upon request only.
Lawn and Landscaping Watering Mandatory implementation of the Odd/Even Watering Program initiated in the Water Conservation Phase I, all residential, commercial, and industrial landscape watering scheduled times.
Vehicle Washing and Sidewalk Hosing The washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, patios or other paved areas is prohibited, unless it is necessary for the health and safety of the public.
The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, and airplanes is only permitted on designated watering days. Such washing, when allowed, shall be done either by automatic car washes that recycle water or with a hand held bucket, or hand held hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle for quick rinses.
Per Section 25-5 of the City Municipal Code, “The consumer shall use reasonable care to prevent the waste of water, shall not allow water to run or waste from his property onto streets or highways, shall not use water in washing sidewalks, building entrances or lobbies or other properties to such excess that water shall flow in street gutters beyond the frontage of the properties occupied by them.” 8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 10
Exhibit 2
8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 11
DROUGHT RESPONSE PHASE III: SIGNIFICANT WATER SUPPLY SHORTAGE Drought Response Phase III applies during periods when there is a significant water supply shortage. In addition to upholding the programs and provisions outlined in Phases I and II, the City must be diligent in its water conservation efforts by issuing penalties for non-compliance.
ACTIONS BY THE CITY:
Adoption and Enforcement of Stricter Water
Regulations and Restrictions
The City of Porterville will enforce a two day a week odd/even watering schedule for all residents. Watering is prohibited between the hours of 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Watering shall only occur on designated watering days. Excessive run-off is prohibited.
Per Section 25-5.1 of the City Municipal Code, Non-compliance with the City of Porterville’s water conservation regulations will result in one written warning from the City of Porterville before the issuance of a citation. A second violation within a 12 month period will result in the issuance of a citation with a fine of $100.00; a second citation will result in a fine of $200.00; a third citation will result in a fine of $500.00. Willful and egregious violations will result in issuance of a citation without a warning. Each day that a violation continues shall be regarded as a new and separate offense.
Per Section 25-5 of the City Municipal Code, “The consumer shall use reasonable care to prevent the waste of water, shall not allow water to run or waste from his property onto streets or highways, shall not use water in washing sidewalks, building entrances or lobbies or other properties to such excess that water shall flow in street gutters beyond the frontage of the properties occupied by them.” Public Information Program The utility billing system will begin to notify customers of restrictions on water use. The program to promote public awareness will be intensified with emphasis placed on communicating the mandatory water conservation requirements to the public.
City Landscapes and Watering Schedules All City parks, median islands, and public facility landscapes will adopt a two-day watering schedule. If it becomes necessary, watering of City parks and median islands will be suspended and evaluated each day.
Continuation of all Conservation Programs and
Regulations Established in Phases I and II
See Phases I and II
ACTIONS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
Mandatory Reduction in Watering Days
Durations
Addresses ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) water on Tuesday and Saturday. Addresses ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) water on Wednesday and Sunday. There is no watering on Monday, Thursday, or Friday. See Exhibit 3 below.
Watering is prohibited between the hours of 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Watering shall only occur on designated watering days.
Excessive runoff is prohibited.
8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 12
Ornamental Water Features Filling or re-filling ornamental lakes or ponds is prohibited, except to the extent needed to sustain aquatic life.
The operation of ornamental fountains or other structure making similar use of water is prohibited unless the fountain uses a recycling system.
Vehicle Washing and Sidewalk Hosing The washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, patios or other paved areas is prohibited, unless it is necessary for the health and safety of the public.
The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, and airplanes is only permitted on designated watering days. Such washing, when allowed, shall be done with a hand held bucket, or hand held hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle for quick rinses. Per Section 25-5 of the City Municipal Code, “The consumer shall use reasonable care to prevent the waste of water, shall not allow water to run or waste from his property onto streets or highways, shall not use water in washing sidewalks, building entrances or lobbies or other properties to such excess that water shall flow in street gutters beyond the frontage of the properties occupied by them.” Water Leaks All leaks must be treated as a priority upon discovery and repaired at the safest scheduled opportunity.
Exhibit 3
8/19/2014 Water Conservation Plan 13
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PHASE IV: CRITICAL WATER SUPPLY SHORTAGE Applies during periods when there is a severe water supply shortage as determined by California State mandate, City Manager, system outage, equipment failure, contamination of water supply, or other emergency. . In addition to upholding the programs and provisions outlined in Phases I, II and III, the City must be diligent in its water conservation efforts by issuing penalties for non-compliance.
ACTIONS BY THE CITY:
Rate Structure Enhancement A 20% water rate increase on all residential and landscape accounts will go into effect. This rate increase will encourage water conservation and will also serve as a provision to recover the lost revenues from water conservation.
City Landscapes and Watering Schedules Watering of City parks and median islands will be suspended and evaluated each day.
Continuation of all Conservation Programs
and Regulations Established in Phases I, II,
and III
See Phases I, II, and III
ACTIONS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
Lawn and Landscaping Watering Lawn and landscaping watering is prohibited.
Vehicle Washing Vehicle washing should be accomplished either by automatic car washes that recycle water or with buckets and hoses equipped with a shut-off nozzle.
Continuation of all Conservation Programs
and Regulations Established in Phases I, II,
and III
See Phases I, II, and III
Item No. 23.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – MARCH 4, 2025
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Establishment of Porterville Municipal Airport Standing Committee
SOURCE: City Manager's Office
COMMENT: At its meeting of February 18, 2025, the City Council provided direction to staff to bring an item forth to establish a standing Porterville Municipal Airport Committee comprised of nine members, including two City Council Members and seven public members. The public membership is to be comprised of representatives from the Porterville Municipal Airport, Porterville Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Porterville Military Academy. The scope of the committee is to be advisory to the City Council on matters pertaining to the Porterville Municipal Airport.
Pursuant to that direction, a draft resolution has been prepared for Council consideration. It is proposed that the Committee be staffed at the discretion of the City Manager.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council consider adoption of the draft resolution for the establishment of a Porterville Municipal Airport Standing Committee.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft Resolution
Appropriated/Funded:
Review By:
Department Director:
Jason Ridenour, Interim City Manager
Final Approver: Jason Ridenour, Interim City Manager
RESOLUTION NO.____ -2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PORTERVILLE ESTABLISHING A STANDING
PORTERVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, the Porterville Municipal Airport was established in 1942 as Porterville Army Airfield, serving as a World War II training base for the Fourth Air Force; and
WHEREAS, the Porterville Municipal Airport was transferred to the City of Porterville in 1948, under the Surplus Property Act; and WHEREAS, the Porterville Municipal Airport supports aeronautical uses including private aircraft, Air Attack Base, and air medical transport; and WHEREAS, it is a priority to continue to improve the Porterville Municipal Airport to attract and retain aeronautical uses that enhance Porterville’s unique character that reflects local history and culture;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Porterville:
1. A Standing Porterville Municipal Airport Committee is hereby established.
2. The Committee shall have nine total members, including two City Council Members, and seven members of the public comprised of airport representatives inclusive of the Porterville Military Academy, Porterville Experimental Aircraft Association President and Vice President, supported by staff as determined by the City Manager.
3. Said Committee will meet on an as-needed basis to review matters pertaining to the Porterville Municipal Airport and to then make recommendations to the City Council.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 4th day of March, 2025. _________________________________
Greg Meister, Mayor
ATTEST:
Jason Ridenour, Interim City Clerk
By: ___________________________________
Fernando Gabriel-Moraga,
Acting Chief Deputy City Clerk
Item No. 24.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – MARCH 4, 2025
SUBJECT: Consideration of Proposed Establishment of Ordinance to Protect Women's Safe Spaces
SOURCE: City Manager's Office
COMMENT: At its meeting on February 18, 2025, the City Council approved Mayor Meister’s request for an item to be added to the March 4, 2025, agenda to consider the establishment of an Ordinance to Protect Women’s Safe Spaces. The proposed Ordinance is included as an attachment for City Council’s consideration. Should the City Council desire to move forward with the establishment of a new Ordinance, a public hearing will be scheduled for a future City Council meeting for consideration of adoption, followed by a second reading.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council provide direction on the proposed establishment of an Ordinance to Protect Women's Safe
Spaces.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Ordinance Protect Women Safe Spaces
Appropriated/Funded:
Review By:
Department Director:
Jason Ridenour, Interim City Manager
Final Approver: Jason Ridenour, Interim City Manager
ORDINANCE NO. _______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTERVILLE TO PROTECT WOMEN’S SAFE SPACES
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTERVILLE HEREBY ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND INTENT
The City of Porterville is committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and privacy of all residents, particularly women and girls, in public and private spaces designated for their exclusive use.
This ordinance establishes clear guidelines to protect these spaces and prevent unauthorized access by individuals who are biologically male, as determined at birth.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this ordinance, the following definitions apply:
(a) Biological Sex – The sex assigned at birth, based on biological and physiological characteristics.
(b) Women’s Facilities – Public or private restrooms, locker rooms, showers, dressing areas, or other spaces designated exclusively for female use.
(c) Men’s Facilities – Public or private restrooms, locker rooms, showers, dressing areas, or other spaces designated exclusively for male use.
(d) Public Accommodations – Any government-owned, publicly accessible buildings and facilities, as well as businesses providing public restrooms, locker rooms, or similar facilities.
SECTION 3. PROTECTION OF WOMEN’S SPACES
(a) Individuals shall use restrooms, locker rooms, and other private facilities that correspond to their biological sex in the following locations:
1. City-owned or city-operated properties, including parks, government buildings, and recreational facilities.
2. Public schools, colleges, and universities within the city.
3. Private businesses open to the public, unless they provide single-occupancy, gender-neutral facilities.
4. Any entity receiving public funding from the City of Porterville. (b) Any organization, business, or public entity may provide single-occupancy, unisex restrooms as an alternative but shall not be required to alter or repurpose sex-specific spaces.
SECTION 4. ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
(a) Violations of this ordinance shall be subject to the following penalties:
1. First Offense – A written warning.
2. Second Offense – A fine of up to $500.
1 3. Third and Subsequent Offenses – A fine of up to $1,000 and potential prohibition from entering certain public facilities.
(b) Businesses that violate this ordinance by failing to enforce sex-specific spaces may be subject to fines of up to $5,000 per violation.
(c) Law enforcement or designated city personnel shall have the authority to remove individuals who refuse to comply with facility usage regulations.
SECTION 5. EXCEPTIONS
(a) This ordinance does not apply to:
1. Children under the age of six (6) accompanied by a parent or guardian.
2. Individuals assisting persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
3. Emergency situations in which law enforcement, medical personnel, or emergency responders must enter a sex-specific facility.
SECTION 6. PUBLIC AWARENESS AND SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS
(a) All public restrooms, locker rooms, and similar facilities must post clear signage indicating the designation of spaces as “Male” or “Female” based on biological sex. (b) Businesses and institutions must inform employees and patrons of their compliance with this ordinance.
SECTION 7. NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSE
(a) This ordinance ensures the protection of women’s safety and privacy while recognizing the rights of all individuals.
(b) It does not prohibit businesses, schools, or government entities from offering additional single-occupancy accommodations.
SECTION 8. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases of this ordinance, or its application to any other person or circumstance. The City Council of the City of Porterville hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, clauses, or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.
SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE
The foregoing ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days from the date of the passage and adoption. Prior to the expiration of fifteen (15) days from the enactment hereof a certified copy of this ordinance shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk pursuant to Government Code Section 36933(c)(1) and a summary shall be published once in the Porterville Recorder, a newspaper printed and published in the City of Porterville, State of California, together with the names of the Council members voting for and against the same. 2 SECTION 10. CEQA REVIEW.
The City Council hereby finds that this ordinance is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) [there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant affirmative effect on the environment]. In addition to the foregoing general exemption, the City Council further finds that the ordinance is categorically exempt from review under CEQA Guidelines section 15303 [conversion of an existing structure from one use to another in conjunction with minor changes to the facility]. The City Manager is hereby directed to ensure that a Notice of Exemption is filed pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15062.
SECTION 11. CONSTRUCTION.
The City Council intends this ordinance to supplement, not to duplicate or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this _______day of ____________, 2025.
By:
Greg Meister, Mayor
ATTEST: ___________________________
Jason Ridenour, City Clerk
3 Item No. 25.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – MARCH 4, 2025
SUBJECT: Consideration of Letter of Support and Declaration for the Establishment of a League of Charter Cities
SOURCE: City Manager's Office
COMMENT: At its meeting on February 18, 2025, the City Council approved Mayor Meister’s request for an item to be added to the March 4, 2025, agenda to consider a letter of support for the establishment of a League of California Charter Cities to the Huntington Beach City Council and Declaration for the Establishment of the League of Charter Cities. The correspondence and Declaration for the Establishment of the League of Charter Cities are attached for City Council’s consideration.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council consider the letter of support for the establishment of a League of California Charter Cities to the Huntington Beach City Council and Declaration for the
Establishment of the League of Charter Cities.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Letter of Support
2. Declaration for the Establishment of League of
Charter Cities
Appropriated/Funded:
Review By:
Department Director:
Jason Ridenour, Interim City Manager
Final Approver: Jason Ridenour, Interim City Manager
A Call to Action – Introducing the Declaration for the Establishment of the League of Charter Cities
Honorable Council Members,
I write to you today not just as the Mayor of Porterville, but as a fellow defender of local sovereignty and the foundational principles that make America the greatest nation on earth.
Huntington Beach has long been a beacon of boldness in the fight for charter city rights, standing firm against state overreach and setting an example for municipalities across California. Your courage has inspired many, and now the time has come to take the next great step—to unite charter cities in a cause that will forever cement our autonomy under the supreme law of the land: the U.S. Constitution.
Attached to this letter is the Declaration for the Establishment of the League of Charter Cities, a defining document that lays the groundwork for a coalition of municipalities committed to restoring and preserving the self-governance that our cities were intended to have. If we do not stand together now, we risk allowing the state to erode every last vestige of local control, transforming our cities into mere administrative arms of Sacramento rather than self-determining communities shaped by the people who call them home.
I urge you, the distinguished members of the Huntington Beach City Council, to introduce and adopt this Declaration, making Huntington Beach one of the first charter cities to formally endorse this movement. But I ask you to go even further. Use your influence and leadership to rally other charter cities to this cause, forging an alliance capable of fighting not just legislatively, but legally, in the courts where these battles must ultimately be won.
If we can build an institution with the proper funding and legal resources, we can mount the necessary challenges to push these issues to the highest courts in the land—where we can obtain the rulings that will once and for all restore the rights of charter cities to their rightful place under constitutional governance. This is no small undertaking, but I know that if any city is capable of leading the charge, it is Huntington Beach.
We cannot wait for someone else to act. The time is now. Every unconstitutional encroachment left unchallenged emboldens those who seek to centralize power and strip cities of their ability to govern in the best interests of their residents. This fight is ours, and if we stand united, we will not lose.
Let Huntington Beach be the city that ignites the spark of this movement. Let us work together to reclaim local governance, restore constitutional order, and build an institution that will stand as a shield against overreach for generations to come.
I look forward to your response and to working together to ensure that our cities remain free, self-governing, and accountable to the people—not to bureaucrats in Sacramento.
With great respect and unwavering determination,
Greg Meister
Mayor, City of Porterville
Declaration for the Establishment of the League of Charter Cities In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-Five,
The Unanimous Agreement of the Representatives of the Charter Cities, United in the Cause of Local Governance and Constitutional Integrity,
Preamble
When in the course of municipal governance, it becomes necessary for cities to reaffirm their inherent authority and assert their constitutional rights against encroachments from centralized powers, a steadfast alliance must be formed to preserve and defend the liberties of local self-rule.
We, the undersigned representatives of charter cities, in firm reliance on the principles enshrined in the United States Constitution, do solemnly declare and establish the League of Charter Cities, bound by the common cause of restoring and safeguarding the autonomy granted to our municipalities by the foundational laws of our republic.
Statement of Principles
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that local governance is the bedrock of a free and just society, that cities are endowed with the unalienable right to govern their own affairs, and that any infringement upon their authority violates the sacred trust placed in government by the people.
That to secure these rights, municipalities must stand united, vigilant, and resolute in their pursuit of policies that restore decision-making to the local level, free from undue interference.
That whenever any legislative or executive body seeks to erode local governance, impose unfunded mandates, or strip charter cities of their rightful autonomy, it is the duty of these cities to resist such overreach and to reaffirm their self-determination in accordance with the Constitution.
Articles of Agreement
I. Establishment
We, the undersigned, do hereby establish the League of Charter Cities, an association dedicated to restoring, protecting, and advancing the rights of charter cities throughout these United States.
II. Purpose and Mission
The League of Charter Cities shall:
1. Defend the constitutional sovereignty of charter cities against state and federal encroachments.
2. Advocate for the repeal or amendment of laws that unjustly diminish local control.
3. Promote policies that enhance municipal fiscal independence, zoning authority, and governance rights.
4. Provide legal, legislative, and educational support to member cities.
5. Unify charter cities in collective action to safeguard the principles of self-governance.
III. Membership and Commitment
All charter cities, their duly elected officials, and appointed representatives who share in these principles are hereby invited to join this solemn pact, pledging to uphold and defend the mission of the League of Charter Cities.
IV. Pledge of Support
We do hereby mutually pledge to one another our firm commitment to this cause, and with steadfast resolve, we affix our names to this declaration as a testament to our unity, purpose, and unwavering dedication to the principles of local sovereignty and constitutional governance.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names, on this ___ day of __________, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-Five, and in the ___ year of our Republic.
Signatories
Item No. 26.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – MARCH 4, 2025
SUBJECT: Review of City Council Agenda Publication Timeline SOURCE: City Manager's Office
COMMENT: At its meeting on February 18, 2025, the City Council approved Vice Mayor McKervey’s request for an item to be added to the March 4, 2025, agenda to consider changing the date that City Council Agendas are posted for public review to up to seven days prior to the City Council meeting. Government Code Section 54954.2(a)(1) states, “At least 72 hours before a regular meeting, the legislative body of the local agency, or its designee, shall post an agenda containing a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session.” The City of Porterville holds regularly scheduled City Council meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in accordance with Ordinance 1792. Historically, the City of Porterville has published agendas for public review the Thursday evening prior to the regularly scheduled City Council meeting the following Tuesday, providing a 120- hour or five-day notice. The City of Porterville strives to produce an agenda with items that are complete, well-researched, and informative for the City Council and the public. City Council agenda staff reports vary in complexity, as does the time needed to research and draft the staff reports. Should the City Council direct staff to publish the City Council agenda seven days prior to the City Council meeting or on the Tuesday prior to the City Council meeting, this may result in a reduction in flexibility of timing for agenda items included on the City Council agenda for consideration.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council provide direction on the timing of the publication of the City Council agenda.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Ordinance 1792
2. Government Code Section 54954.2
Appropriated/Funded:
Item No. 26.
Review By:
Department Director:
Jason Ridenour, Interim City Manager
Final Approver: Jason Ridenour, Interim City Manager
State of California
GOVERNMENT CODE
Section 54954.2
54954.2. (a) (1) At least 72 hours before a regular meeting, the legislative body of the local agency, or its designee, shall post an agenda containing a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session. A brief general description of an item generally need not exceed 20 words. The agenda shall specify the time and location of the regular meeting and shall be posted in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public and on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one. If requested, the agenda shall be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. The agenda shall include information regarding how, to whom, and when a request for disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, may be made by a person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in the public meeting.
(2) For a meeting occurring on and after January 1, 2019, of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website, the following provisions shall apply:
(A) An online posting of an agenda shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that is accessible through a prominent, direct link to the current agenda. The direct link to the agenda shall not be in a contextual menu; however, a link in addition to the direct link to the agenda may be accessible through a contextual menu.
(B) An online posting of an agenda, including, but not limited to, an agenda posted in an integrated agenda management platform, shall be posted in an open format that meets all of the following requirements:
(i) Retrievable, downloadable, indexable, and electronically searchable by commonly used internet search applications.
(ii) Platform independent and machine readable.
(iii) Available to the public free of charge and without any restriction that would impede the reuse or redistribution of the agenda.
(C) A legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state that has an internet website and an integrated agenda management platform shall not be required to comply with subparagraph (A) if all of the following are met:
(i) A direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall be posted on the primary internet website home page of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state. The direct link to the integrated agenda management platform shall not be in a contextual menu.
When a person clicks on the direct link to the integrated agenda management platform, the direct link shall take the person directly to an internet website with the agendas of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state.
(ii) The integrated agenda management platform may contain the prior agendas of a legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state for all meetings occurring on or after January 1, 2019.
(iii) The current agenda of the legislative body of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state shall be the first agenda available at the top of the integrated agenda management platform. (iv) All agendas posted in the integrated agenda management platform shall comply with the requirements in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (B). (D) For the purposes of this paragraph, both of the following definitions shall apply:
(i) “Integrated agenda management platform” means an internet website of a city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state dedicated to providing the entirety of the agenda information for the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state to the public. (ii) “Legislative body” has the same meaning as that term is used in subdivision (a) of Section 54952.
(E) The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to a political subdivision of a local agency that was established by the legislative body of the city, county, city and county, special district, school district, or political subdivision established by the state. (3) No action or discussion shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except that members of a legislative body or its staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by persons exercising their public testimony rights under Section 54954.3. In addition, on their own initiative or in response to questions posed by the public, a member of a legislative body or its staff may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or make a brief report on their own activities. Furthermore, a member of a legislative body, or the body itself, subject to rules or procedures of the legislative body, may provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter, or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the legislative body may take action on items of business not appearing on the posted agenda under any of the conditions stated below. Prior to discussing any item pursuant to this subdivision, the legislative body shall publicly identify the item.
(1) Upon a determination by a majority vote of the legislative body that an emergency situation exists, as defined in Section 54956.5. (2) Upon a determination by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present at the meeting, or, if less than two-thirds of the members are present, a unanimous vote of those members present, that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the local agency subsequent to the agenda being posted as specified in subdivision (a). (3) The item was posted pursuant to subdivision (a) for a prior meeting of the legislative body occurring not more than five calendar days prior to the date action is taken on the item, and at the prior meeting the item was continued to the meeting at which action is being taken.
(4) To consider action on a request from a member to participate in a meeting remotely due to emergency circumstances, pursuant to Section 54953, if the request does not allow sufficient time to place the proposed action on the posted agenda for the meeting for which the request is made. The legislative body may approve such a request by a majority vote of the legislative body.
(c) This section is necessary to implement and reasonably within the scope of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution. (d) For purposes of subdivision (a), the requirement that the agenda be posted on the local agency’s internet website, if the local agency has one, shall only apply to a legislative body that meets either of the following standards:
(1) A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section 54952. (2) A legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (b) of Section 54952, if the members of the legislative body are compensated for their appearance, and if one or more of the members of the legislative body are also members of a legislative body as that term is defined by subdivision (a) of Section 54952. (e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
(Amended (as amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 285, Sec. 4) by Stats. 2023, Ch. 131, Sec. 91. (AB 1754) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2026, by its own provisions. See later operative version, as amended by Sec. 92 of Stats. 2023, Ch. 131.)