Ripon City Council Minutes
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025 – 6:00 PM
REGULAR MEETING
CLOSED SESSION AT 5:00 PM
CLOSED SESSION: The closed session meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON CLOSED SESSION MATTERS: No one from the public wished to speak at this time.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Leo Zuber, Michael Restuccia, Dean Uecker, Vice Mayor Gary Barton, Mayor Daniel de Graaf.
OTHERS PRESENT: City Administrator Kevin Werner, City Attorney Tom Terpstra Jr., Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart, City Clerk Lisa Roos.
IN THE MATTER OF:
(1) Potential or Pending Litigation pursuant to Section 54956.9(e)(1) of the California Government Code – 2 case.
(2) Real Property Negotiations pursuant to Section 54956.7 of the California Government Code – APN 245-180-23.
Joe Fagundes joined the closed session at 5:11 PM.
Return to open session.
City Attorney Terpstra Jr. said Council met in closed session to discuss the two pending litigation items on the agenda. Invoices for both items were approved and no further reportable action was taken.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM with Mayor de Graaf leading in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
INVOCATION:
Pastor Mark VanDyke gave the invocation.
City Council Page 2 February 11, 2025
ROLL CALL:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Daniel de Graaf Mayor Present
Gary Barton Vice Mayor Present
Dean Uecker Council Member Present
Michael Restuccia Council Member Present
Leo Zuber Council Member Present
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Administrator Kevin Werner, City Attorney Tom Terpstra Jr., Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart, Recreation Director Kye Stevens, Director of Public Works James Pease, Police Chief Daniel Sauer, City Clerk Lisa Roos, Deputy City Clerk Jane Kilgore, Information Systems Technician Alex Arias, Dave Hegarty, Dustin Dyer, Michael Winters, Chad Jackson, Jennifer Davis, William Davis, John Upshaw, David Shaw, Edna Shaw, Frank Zavala, Pam Zamora, Mark VanDyke, Kelly Donohue, Fernando Bernal, Gary Williams, Carol Bauman, William Kay.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Erick Davis said he is here to express his frustration over receiving a certified notice from the City of Ripon demanding that he repair a sidewalk adjacent to his home within 14 days. He said the notice, which cited the sidewalk as a trip hazard, threatened that the City would perform the repairs and bill him if he failed to comply. Davis said he lives in the Poppy Hills Estate, where trees planted by the developer have caused damage to the sidewalk.
Davis said the City of Ripon’s ordinance, enacted in 2019, places responsibility for sidewalk repairs caused by these trees on homeowners, despite the trees being outside his legal property boundaries. Davis explained that the sidewalk damage resulted from tree roots, of the trees planted outside his property line. He said that the City of Modesto handles similar issues by maintaining responsibility for trees and damaged sidewalks, using a tiered maintenance system.
He said that in Modesto, sidewalk damage of less than two inches is repaired through grinding, with more significant damage patched or replaced.
Davis said he is requesting that the City of Ripon cease enforcement of the 2019 ordinance until it is re-evaluated. He recommended an exception for trees planted by developers outside of homeowners' properties, so that the City would be responsible for any resulting sidewalk damage. He emphasized that the current situation is unfair to homeowners in his subdivision.
John Upshaw said he was glad of the opportunity to address an issue he perceives as governmental overreach, specifically related to a sidewalk repair ordinance enacted in 2019. He said that although he has not yet been affected by this ordinance, he anticipates that he will be, due to tree roots causing damage near his property.
Upshaw said the ordinance shifted responsibility for sidewalk repairs onto homeowners without sufficient notification or consideration of individual circumstances. He said that many residents were unaware of the financial burden they now face, which, in some cases, amounts to thousands of dollars.
City Council Page 3 February 11, 2025
Upshaw said he feels that the ordinance was hastily passed, without proper discussion, and that it places an unfair burden on homeowners, particularly since much of the sidewalk damage is caused by natural events, like tree root growth.
Upshaw said the City prioritized avoiding lawsuits by transferring liability to homeowners, rather than looking out for the best interests of the community. He suggested that the City should have a budget to address such issues, rather than placing the financial burden solely on homeowners. He said the City needs to cease enforcement of the ordinance, provide refunds to affected residents who received a notice within the past 60 days, and establish a committee to reexamine the policy. Upshaw emphasized that homeowners are willing to contribute to maintaining the community but thinks that the current approach is punitive and unfair.
On behalf of the public, City Clerk Roos read the following public comments received via email:
Joseph Simile said he received a letter from the City of Ripon stating that the sidewalk in front of his home needed to be removed and replaced at his expense. He said that this sidewalk, most likely installed by the original developer, was intended to be maintained by the City, along with the adjacent City-owned tree. Simile described the notice as predatory, stating that the City was hiring individuals to identify issues with the concrete, then issuing invoices or threats of a lien if the repairs were not completed.
Simile said the sidewalk is not located on his property, is not covered by his homeowner’s insurance and that the City should bear the responsibility for its maintenance, as is common in other cities. He said that while he is being held liable for the repairs, he receives no benefit in return.
Simile pointed out that he would still need to file for an encroachment permit to work within the City’s right of way, underscoring that he does not own the property in question but is being held financially responsible for it.
Simile said there needs to be a change in the City ordinance, describing it as unfair, predatory, and financially burdensome. He questioned whether City Council members were aware of the extensive liability they had shifted to residents when the ordinance was added to the Ripon Municipal Code.
Ryan Sweet said he is writing against City Ordinance Chapter 12.16 which moves the responsibility for repair and upkeep of sidewalks and grass or landscaped aprons from the City of Ripon to the property owner should these areas fall into disrepair. He said it is his understanding that Ordinance Chapter 12.16 was enacted at the July 11, 2019 City Council Meeting without any due process or informing the public about said proposals and changes. He said sidewalks are part of the public infrastructure and, as such, require uniform upkeep and maintenance from our municipality and the cost must not be passed along to private property owners. He is requesting that this ordinance be repealed.
Oscar Villanueva said he and his wife received a letter from the City of Ripon stating that their sidewalk required repairs within a specific timeframe and if they failed to complete the repairs, the City would do the repairs but charge the homeowners a significant amount. He said this is governed by a City ordinance.
City Council Page 4 February 11, 2025
Villanueva said that important facts were omitted from the letter including that their home, built in the mid-2000s, is surrounded by sweet gum trees, which were approved by the City for planting. He said over 20 years, these trees have grown and caused the sidewalks to lift, creating trip hazards and unsafe conditions. Villanueva said the City’s approval of these trees was a poor decision, and now homeowners are unfairly being held responsible for the resulting damage.
He requested that the City take responsibility for the mistake of approving these trees and handle the sidewalk repairs without burdening homeowners with the costs.
Mayor de Graaf thanked everyone for their comments and asked City Administrator Werner to give an overview and brief history of the Sidewalk Repair ordinance.
Werner said that the sidewalk maintenance program has been in place since the late 1960s or early 1970s. He said according to this program, property owners are responsible for the maintenance and liability of the sidewalks, including any injuries that may occur due to hazards.
Werner said this ordinance is not unique to Ripon, as many cities in California have similar regulations based on the California Streets and Highways Code.
Werner said the primary reason for this approach is that private tree roots, maintained by property owners, often cause the sidewalk damage. He said in 2019, changes were made to the ordinance, particularly in notification timelines and financial assistance. He said the City Council introduced a six-month, interest-free loan to help property owners manage the costs of repairs.
Werner said the City previously contracted with a company to do the sidewalk repairs and when the City's contractor retired recently, Ripon hired Public Works staff to handle the repairs, allowing the City to pass on the direct cost to property owners without any additional charges.
Werner said that sidewalk trip hazards are a major safety concern, with many reported injuries.
He said the City does not go out looking for sidewalk hazards but receives many reports from the community and that the City takes these reports seriously and works to mitigate hazards quickly.
He said while the repair notice states a 14-day deadline, property owners can request an extension of up to 90 days by working with the City Engineer.
Werner emphasized that staff is available to meet with homeowners to address concerns and find creative solutions, as the City remains focused on ensuring safety.
City Council Page 5 February 11, 2025
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Ripon City Council meeting of January 14, 2025 and the Special City Council Meeting of January 22, 2025.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
1. CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING - JAN 14, 2025 6:00 PM
2. CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING - JAN 22, 2025 4:00 PM APPROVAL OF AGENDA AS POSTED (OR AMENDED):
City Clerk Roos requested Item 1.2A be pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Motion to approve the agenda as amended.
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
SECONDER: Gary Barton, Vice Mayor
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended.
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
1.1. Income
A. STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Sales Tax
(January 2024 $276,028.75)
FY 2024-25 YTD: $2,492,698
FY 2023-24 YTD: $2,613,180
Highway Users Tax
(December 2023 $31,881.12)
FY 2024-25 YTD: $251,892
FY 2023-24 YTD: $231,041
SB1 Street & Road Tax
(January 2024 $28,816.11)
FY 2024-25 YTD: $255,416
FY 2023-24 YTD: $223,991
$242,735.44
$41,847.25
$37,817.15
TOTAL $322,399.84
City Council Page 6 February 11, 2025
B. STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Vehicle License Fee FY 2023-24 Excess Funds
FY 2022-23: $19,735.13
$25,208.34
C. WASTE MANAGEMENT
Monthly Franchise Fee Payment
December 2024
$6,766.95
D. CCATT HOLDINGS
Monthly Acacia Avenue Cell Tower Lease Payment
January 2025 $1,305.31
E. VERTICAL BRIDGE
Annual Acacia Avenue Cell Tower Lease Payment $12,965.81 F. MODESTO IRRIGATION DISTRICT
Annual Franchise Fee Payment - 2024 $195,818.55
1.2. Bills, Invoices, Payments
A. ITEM A WAS MOVED TO ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
B. LAW OFFICE OF THOMAS H. TERPSTRA JR.
General Matters
Police Matters
Westside Annexation
$2,856.75
$3,156.50
$2,537.00
TOTAL $8,550.25
C. PRICE PAIGE & COMPANY
Audit Services
Progress Payment – Invoice #34955 $608.00
D. SOUTH SAN JOAQUIN GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY
SSJGSA Expenses
4th Quarter 2024 - Invoice #Ripon 2024Q4 $5,473.13
E. SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL TRANSIT DISTRICT
Blossom Express Driver
January 2025 Invoice #AR115245 $2,543.37
F. BASECAMP ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
Environmental Services for the Arc Way Development Project Invoice #52734 $5,458.64
City Council Page 7 February 11, 2025
G. PROVOST & PRITCHARD CONSULTING GROUP
Engineering Services for Water Loss Audit Validation
(FY21/22 and FY 22/23)
Progress Payment – Invoice #116431 $6,897.00
H. LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES MEMBERSHIP
2025 Membership Dues $7,997.00
2025 Division Dues $157.69
TOTAL: $8,154.69
I. LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE
Professional Services
Invoice # 282887
Invoice # 284396
$150.00
$900.00
TOTAL $1,050.00
J. CTE CAL, INC.
Community Center Tennis Courts Project
Materials Testing & Inspection Services
Progress Payment - Invoice #35968 $768.00
K. ADAMS ASHBY GROUP, INC.
Senior Center Rehabilitation Project
Labor Compliance
Progress Payment – Invoice #6355 $3,000.00
L. ASPEN SURVEY COMPANY, INC.
State Mandated Survey Monument Evaluation
Progress Payment – Invoice #24-001-2 $3,000.00
M. BASECAMP ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
South County Water Connection Project
Progress Payment – Invoice #52731 $1,252.70
N. CONSOLIDATED ENGINEERING, INC.
Community Center Tennis Courts Project
Progress Payment – Invoice #3 $145,755.16
O. STONE CREEK ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING
State Mandated Trash Implementation Plan
Progress Payment – Invoice #02532 $370.00
City Council Page 8 February 11, 2025
1.3. Resolutions
A. RESOLUTION NO. 25-7
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
AUTHORIZING DESTRUCTION OF
CERTAIN FINANCIAL RECORDS,
DOCUMENTS, INSTRUMENTS,
BOOKS, AND PAPERS
This resolution authorizes the destruction
of certain financial records, documents,
instruments, books and papers, in
accordance with the California
Government Code.
1.4. Miscellaneous Items
A. QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT REVIEW
October 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 Accept the City’s quarterly investment report for the period ending December
31, 2024.
B. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Pavletic Consulting LLC Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services
Agreement with Pavletic Consulting
LLC for the preparation of a Five-Year
Utility Rates Plan and Annual Rate
Reviews for the Water, Sewer, and
Garbage Utilities for the years 2026-
2030 in the not to exceed amount of
$36,000 (funding sources: Water,
Sewer, and Garbage Operating Funds).
C. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
SKW & Associates Approve and authorize the Mayor to
sign the Professional Services
Agreement with SKW & Associates to
provide architectural review services for
the Meadowood subdivision project.
Contract for services will be on a time
and materials basis for the architectural
review services with a not to exceed
amount of $5,000 (funding source:
Lennar Homes of California, LLC
reimbursement account).
City Council Page 9 February 11, 2025
D. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Provost & Pritchard Approve and authorize the Mayor to
sign the Professional Services
Agreement with Provost & Pritchard
Consulting Group to complete the
annual Water Loss Audit Validation for
fiscal year 2023/2024 in the not to
exceed amount of $2,750 (funding
source: Water Operating Fund).
E. COMMUNITY CENTER TENNIS COURTS
Consolidated Engineering, Inc.
Change Order No. 1
Approve Change Order No. 1 for
various contract changes in the not to
exceed amount of $48,283.92 (funding
source: Parks and Recreation Capital
Fund).
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
1.2A : LAW OFFICE OF THOMAS H. TERPSTRA
General Matters
Police Matters
South San Joaquin Irrigation District
Connection Project
$3,542.00
$737.50
$812.50
TOTAL $5,092.00
City Clerk Roos said she has an updated invoice for the General Matters from the Law Office of Thomas H. Terpstra. She said the amount that was on the agenda for the $3,542 was erroneous and it should be $4,574.50 for a total amount for all of his invoices of $6,124.50.
Motion to approve Item 1.2A Law Office of Thomas H. Terpstra invoice.
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Gary Barton, Vice Mayor
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
City Council Page 10 February 11, 2025
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Council will take action on the following items at the conclusion of each Public Hearing.
A. RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT N. RIPON
AND RIVER ROAD
RESOLUTION NO. 25-8
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
DIRECTING THAT AN ACTION IN
EMINENT DOMAIN BE INSTITUTED
FOR THE ACQUISITION OF REAL
PROPERTY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED
AT THE SOUTH/EAST CORNER OF
EAST RIVER ROAD AND NORTH
RIPON ROAD
This is a public hearing to consider
adoption of a Resolution of Necessity to
authorize acquisition of private property
through eminent domain for the River
Road/North Ripon Road Signalization
Project.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that the City Council
adopt a Resolution of Necessity to
authorize the acquisition by eminent
domain of a fee interest in a portion of
21800 S. North Ripon Road, Ripon, CA
(APN 245-180-23) for the River
Road/North Ripon Road Signalization
Project.
City Administrator Werner said that the intersection of River Road and North Ripon Road is currently controlled by a four-way stop sign, with a roundabout and landscaping feature in the middle. He said the plan is to move forward with a signalization project, called the River Road/North Ripon Road Signalization Improvement Project, which will be similar to the project completed at Fulton and River Road a few years ago.
Werner said this project offers several benefits, including optimizing the intersection’s operations to reduce travel delays, enhancing safety, and improving air quality by coordinating traffic signals along River Road. He said the City of Ripon has already acquired property on three of the four corners of the intersection, with the most recent purchase on the northeast corner completed on February 14, 2023. He said the City has not yet acquired the needed 21,258 square feet on the southeast corner, which also affects a single-family home.
Werner said under California law, the City cannot proceed with acquiring the southeast property through eminent domain unless the Council adopts a resolution of necessity by a two-thirds majority vote after holding a public hearing. He said the hearing allows the property owner to address the City Council on the necessity of acquiring the land for the project.
Werner said in order to adopt a resolution of necessity, the City Council must determine that the proposed project is required in the public's interest, that the property involved is essential to the project, and that the project is designed to maximize public benefit while minimizing private harm. Additionally, the City must have made a formal offer to the property owner according to Government Code section 7267.2.
City Council Page 11 February 11, 2025
Werner said the project involves a traffic signal at the intersection of River Road and North Ripon Road, which staff has identified as necessary for improved safety and operational benefits. This intersection is a key connection in the regional transportation network, making the proposed traffic signal a vital improvement for the public’s interest.
Werner said the acquisition of the subject property is necessary for the project, as the design cannot proceed without it. He said various design options were evaluated, and the proposed signalization project was chosen for offering the greatest public benefit with minimal private detriment, as it requires the least amount of private property.
Werner said the City made a formal offer for the property on January 9, 2024, in compliance with Government Code section 7267.2. He said despite efforts to negotiate with the property owner, no agreement has been reached. He said notices regarding the City’s intent to adopt a Resolution of Necessity were sent to the property owner in December 2024 and January 2025, notifying them of the planned action for February 11, 2025.
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED
Dustin Dyer, representing property owner Dave Hagerty, stated that the address in question is 21800 East River Road. He said he agrees with Werner that the project is a good one, and neither he nor his client disagrees with the need for improvements. He said the main issue lies with how the City is proceeding. He said Mr. Hagerty has experienced significant safety concerns at the intersection, including accidents on his property, insurance claims, and vehicles colliding with his home.
Dyer said the fourth point highlighted by Werner mentioned an offer made to the property owner, but the offer, which involves taking Mr. Hagerty's house, was based on a deficient appraisal of $187,000. He said this amount covers a 1,200-square-foot house along with acreage but does not account for accessibility to other buildings on the property, necessary remediation to the septic tank or well, or relocation compensation. Dyer said that they have always been open to reasonable negotiations with a fair appraisal, but the City's current offer of $187,000 is not reasonable and far below the value of the property. He said he believes there is a second appraisal the City has not shared with his client.
Dyer said if the resolution is approved, it will lead to eminent domain litigation, which will cost both sides more than necessary. He said his client is in the process of obtaining his own appraisal, which takes time and resources, and suggested that the City should present a reasonable offer so both sides can negotiate rather than proceed to litigation. He believes the resolution is premature and that the City has not acted in good faith by making a low offer and checking a box to move forward.
Dyer raised concerns about half of the road currently sitting on Mr. Hagerty's property, which was not considered in the City's appraisal. He also noted that there may be legal issues regarding the annexation of the road into City property, as part of the easement is on County land. He said these unresolved issues demonstrate that a full discussion has not yet taken place, and he urged the City to address all concerns before moving forward.
City Council Page 12 February 11, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
Council Member Zuber asked for confirmation that adopting the resolution does not change or stop negotiations. Joe Fagundes said it does not, any negotiations can continue to take place, even with the adoption of this resolution.
Council Member Uecker asked if there is a second appraisal. City Attorney Terpstra Jr. said the City has only done one appraisal. Uecker asked if the appraisal includes the house.
Terpstra said yes.
Motion to approve Resolution 25-8 adopting a Resolution of Necessity to authorize the acquisition by eminent domain of a fee interest in a portion of 21800 S. North Ripon Road, Ripon CA (APN 245-180-23) for the River Road/North Ripon Road Signalization Project.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. JACK TONE GOLF COURSE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REIMBURSEMENT Discussion/Action Approve the Sierra Golf Management
reimbursement request for Jack Tone Golf
Course capital improvements in the not to
exceed amount of $135,302.57 (funding
source: Jack Tone Golf Capital Fund).
City Administrator Werner said Sierra Golf Management (SGM) took over the operations of Jack Tone Golf on January 1, 2025. He said SGM provided a list of capital improvement projects they are working on, and the Golf Course Committee recently toured the facilities with the golf course manager and the improvements so far look impressive.
Werner said there are four main projects underway. He said SGM paved the practice area to complete it before winter and the rain, covering all the dirt and rocks, so it is now fully paved. He said they also plan to improve the irrigation system, as the current controllers are not functioning properly.
Werner said SGM plans to upgrade to modern technology that allows both local and remote control of the irrigation system. He said in addition, 100 new irrigation heads will be purchased to replace faulty ones. He said SGM plans to install a vinyl privacy fence around the maintenance area to improve the view from the course and this will hide the area where golf carts are stored and maintained.
City Council Page 13 February 11, 2025
Werner said other ongoing improvements include aggressive work on controlling gophers, improving the grass, even though it is not yet growing season, and working on the water features and sand traps. He said SGM also bought 50 brand new golf carts and renovated the inside of the clubhouse, replacing the carpet with vinyl flooring and updating the desk area.
Werner said the lease for the golf course includes a capital improvement fund, where long-term improvements are split between the City and the lessee. The total cost for these improvements is $270,605, with the City responsible for half.
Mayor de Graaf said he went along on the tour and SGM has done an impressive job, so far.
Motion to approve the Sierra Golf Management reimbursement request for Jack Tone Golf Course capital improvements.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Gary Barton, Vice Mayor
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
B. RIPON CONSOLIDATED FIRE DISTRICT UPDATE
Discussion/No Action At the January City Council meeting, Council Member Restuccia requested an
update from the Ripon Consolidated Fire
District regarding District capabilities of
responding to large-scale fire emergencies.
Fire Chief DeHart said the Ripon Consolidated Fire Department is responsible for a large area covering 56 square miles, bounded by the river to the south and stretching far to the east, west and north. He said the Department operates three fire stations, but only Station 1 is staffed, with all personnel assigned there.
DeHart said the Department has two additional stations: Station 2, traditionally a volunteer station, and Station 3, located at the intersection of River Road and North Ripon Road. He said Station 2 is under contract with AMR, which plans to use it as a dispatch center. DeHart said the Department faces challenges staffing Station 3 and is working to raise funds for that purpose.
DeHart said in 2024, the Department responded to nearly 2,400 calls. He said around 22% of calls were concurrent, meaning they occurred while the Department was already responding to another call, leading to reliance on mutual aid from nearby departments like Manteca or Escalon.
City Council Page 14 February 11, 2025
DeHart discussed large-scale emergencies, outlining the typical response to a structure fire in their area. He said while a house fire may not be considered a large-scale emergency in many communities, it remains a critical operation for the Department.
DeHart said that before entering a house fire, OSHA regulations require a "two in-two out" team which is two personnel waiting outside while two are inside to ensure rescue capabilities, if needed. He said exceptions to this rule can only be made for known rescues, such as when someone is confirmed to be inside the structure.
DeHart said responding to a house fire ideally requires a minimum of 15 personnel. He said the Department has automatic aid agreements with neighboring cities, such as Manteca and Escalon, to ensure they can meet these staffing requirements.
DeHart introduced a video from the Palisades fire to highlight the challenges firefighters face, particularly focusing on how uncontrollable elements like wind impact fire response.
DeHart emphasized that, in those conditions, even the most well-equipped departments are challenged. He said the key problem is embers being carried by the wind over firefighters’ heads, igniting areas far behind the initial front. He said there are times crews work for up to 48 hours without rest, continually battling until reinforcements arrive.
Public Works Director Pease said that he had met with DeHart and City Administrator Werner to review Ripon’s water system and run scenarios to model potential issues, using assumptions such as the average mainline size and daily water usage. He said they analyzed how the hydrants would affect the water pressure and the system, especially during peak summer usage.
Pease said in an emergency situation, their SCADA system would alert them to any pressure fluctuations and Public Works staff would work closely with the Fire Department to monitor tank levels and optimize hydrant usage where possible. He said the City has a non-potable water system capable of providing an additional 3,000 gallons per minute and storing up to half a million gallons, which could be utilized in such situations.
DeHart said another concern with a large-scale fire is the potential for uncontrolled water loss from domestic systems as seen in the Palisades. He said that with thousands of homes losing pressure due to damaged systems, this would contribute to a significant overall pressure loss, which remains a concern.
DeHart said the takeaway is that early fire detection and prevention, like smoke alarms, fire sprinklers, and proper yard maintenance, are critical to stopping fires before they become unmanageable.
Council Member Restuccia said he asked DeHart to come to the meeting because he has been receiving several questions from the community and thanked him for coming.
City Council Page 15 February 11, 2025
Vice Mayor Barton said the one area of the City he thinks might be vulnerable is the riparian area and the combination of a drought and wind. DeHart said that area is vulnerable because it butts up against an urban interface/wildland area. He said the good news is that the winds typically blow north to south so the winds go away from the neighborhood in the summer but in the winter, the winds go the opposite way. He said that community does a good job of mowing the grass and keeping an easement. He said anything along the river bottom is very difficult to fight.
REPORTS
Department Heads:
Chief Sauer said there is an Area of Responsibility (AOR) meeting for Area 1 at 7:00 PM in the Emergency Operations Center February 12, 2025. Sauer said staff is prepping for the Almond Blossom Festival next weekend.
Planning Director Zuidervaart said the February Planning Commission meeting will be on February 18, 2025 due to the President’s Day holiday. Zuidervaart said they will be discussing two projects.
Public Works Director Pease said December water usage was down 12% from 2013 numbers and up 4% from last year’s number. Pease said January water usage was up 9% from 2013 numbers and up 20% from last year’s numbers. He said staff made 180 contacts with 4 resulting in penalties.
City Council:
Mayor de Graaf said he wanted to thank everyone for attending and wanted to remind the community that the Almond Blossom Festival starts February 20, 2025.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 PM. (Signed) Daniel de Graaf
Mayor
ATTEST:
(Signed) Lisa Roos
City Clerk