Ripon City Council
Special Meeting Minutes
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING
2:00 PM
The Special Meeting was called to order by Mayor Daniel de Graaf at 2:00 pm 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., Public Works Director James Pease, City Clerk Lisa Roos, Deputy City Clerk Jane Kilgore, Information Systems Technician Elizabeth Farnam, Associate Civil Engineer Spencer Schroen.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
No one from the public wished to speak at this time.
1. TOPICS OF DISCUSSION
A. RESOLUTION NO. 25-35
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIPON
APPROVING A TEMPORARY PUBLIC
WORKS FOREMAN POSITION AND
AUTHORIZING PART TIME
MAINTENANCE WORKERS
ADDITIONAL HOURS WHEN
FOREMAN IS ON AN EXTENDED
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
This resolution approves a temporary
Public Works Maintenance Foreman
position and allows Part Time Maintenance
Workers additional hours when a Public
Works Foreman is on a extended leave of
absence.
City Administrator Werner said this is a request for City Council to consider establishing a temporary Public Works Maintenance Foreman position. He said this temporary assignment would allow the Public Works Director to appoint a qualified maintenance employee to serve in a foreman capacity during periods when one of the existing foremen is on an extended leave. The request also includes authorization for the Public Works Director to increase the hours of part-time employees, as needed, to provide coverage and maintain service levels during such absences.
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Werner clarified that the position would not involve one individual covering all four foremen roles, instead, when a foreman is out, a maintenance employee familiar with that specific area of responsibility would be temporarily appointed to fulfill those duties.
Werner confirmed that employees temporarily assigned to the foreman role would receive additional compensation for the duration of the assignment. He said upon the return of the regular foreman, the designated employee would revert to their regular position and pay rate.
He said the arrangement would apply only to extended absences, such as those covered under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or disability leave, and not for short-term absences such as vacations.
Motion to approve Resolution 25-35 approving a temporary Public Works Foreman position and authorizing Part Time Maintenance Workers additional hours when Public Works Foreman is on an extended leave of absence.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
B. WATER, SEWER, AND GARBAGE FUNDS RATES STUDY (2026-2030) Discussion/No Action Staff to present the results of the Water, Sewer, and Garbage Funds Rates Study
prepared by Pavletic Consulting, LLC.
City Administrator Werner explained that the City of Ripon operates the Water, Sewer, and Garbage Enterprise Funds as separate, self-supporting business-type accounts. These funds are restricted, and customers pay directly for the services provided through each enterprise.
Werner noted that each Enterprise Fund includes an Operating Fund, which covers employee salaries and benefits, operating expenses, bond payments, and maintains a target balance for debt service and emergencies. He said the Capital Reserve Fund is supported by transfers from the Operating Fund and is intended for future capital replacement, as outlined in the utility rate study.
Werner said that the City prepares an Engineer’s Report every five years to assess the revenue needs of each Enterprise Fund and actively manages these funds to ensure financial stability and high-quality service. He said incremental rate adjustments, based on the rate study, allow the City to respond to economic conditions while ensuring rates accurately reflect the cost of providing utility services.
Werner said annual rate reviews help minimize the financial burden on customers by avoiding large, infrequent increases. He said each year the City Council reviews the recommended rate adjustments and determines whether the full increase is necessary or if a lower adjustment can be implemented.
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Werner explained that the projected expenses for the Water Enterprise Fund are based on anticipated inflation and maintaining current service levels. Operational changes include the addition of granular activated carbon (GAC) well head treatment at Well 3 in fiscal year 2026, and coagulation/filtration well head treatment at Well 9 in fiscal year 2028. He said that same year, one additional Maintenance Worker position is also planned.
Werner stated that the water capital transfer averages approximately $1 million per year, which funds the replacement of groundwater wells, water meters, vehicles, and miscellaneous equipment. He said that surface water implementation is planned outside of the current five-year study period.
Werner reviewed the Water Operating Fund cash flow, debt service coverage, and projected monthly bill impacts through fiscal year 2030. He referenced a PowerPoint that illustrated that revenues and operating costs are projected to gradually increase over the next five years, with annual rate adjustments of 5% beginning in fiscal year 2026.
Werner explained that maintaining incremental rate adjustments helps sustain adequate reserves, ensures debt service coverage targets are met, and minimizes the need for significant rate increases in the future.
Werner said that the recommended rate structure for sewer includes a 5% increase each year over the five-year study period. He said that for most of the five years, the projected balances remain above the target. He added that the consultant’s assumptions are conservative, including a 1% annual growth rate and continued conservation efforts throughout the five-year period.
Werner said that the projected expenses for the Sewer Enterprise Fund are primarily based on inflation and maintaining current service levels. He noted that the City continues to operate under a 1994 Waste Discharge Permit, which allows a lower level of treatment than many surrounding agencies, allowing the City to maintain some of the lowest sewer rates in the region.
Werner explained that the City continues to transfer approximately $400,000 annually for capital replacement items such as aerators, lift stations, and other equipment.
Additionally, following a policy established in 2015, funds are transferred annually to the wastewater treatment plant reserve account in preparation for future upgrades that will be required once flows exceed the limits of the 1994 permit. He said those future costs will be shared between new development and existing customers.
Werner said based on the most recent study, originally conducted near 2015, the City expected to collect about 75% of the existing customers’ share of future wastewater treatment plant costs. He said that study is currently being updated, and the consultant will soon provide revised estimates based on current regulatory requirements and projected upgrade costs.
Werner said that the planned wastewater treatment plant upgrades are expected to occur in four phases over the community’s full buildout. He said, however, the start date for City Council Page 4 October 30, 2025
those improvements has not yet been determined, as it depends on future growth and when flow levels reach the limits of the current permit.
Werner confirmed that the upgrades will take place at the existing wastewater treatment plant site and based on the last study, the phased improvements are projected to include a $580,000 upgrade in 2027, a $990,000 upgrade in 2030, and a major $22 million upgrade in 2040.
Werner explained that projected expenses for the Garbage Enterprise Fund are based on anticipated inflation and the goal of maintaining current service levels. He noted that during the previous five-year study period, the regulatory impact of Senate Bill 1383 was not included in the projected rates. As a result, disposal costs were higher than expected, which reduced the amount available for planned capital transfers between 2020 and 2025.
Werner said that the Public Works Department has identified the capital transfers necessary each year to replace equipment expected to exceed its useful life over the next 15 years. He said these projections have been incorporated into the 2026–2030 rate study.
Werner added that the proposed rates for this period will provide sufficient revenue to fund the planned equipment purchases and maintain the City’s current level of garbage service.
Public Works Director Pease discussed the City’s approach to managing aging equipment and determining when to rebuild versus replace. He explained that the City has historically extended the life of its vehicles and equipment through diligent maintenance practices. He said that this approach has saved money over time but has also created challenges as the fleet ages.
Pease noted that the City now targets an eight- to twelve-year replacement cycle for garbage trucks, which strikes a reasonable balance between maximizing equipment life and ensuring reliability. He said the rate study assumes an eight-year replacement period to allow some flexibility for unexpected repairs or equipment failures. He said that the capital fund supporting equipment replacement is limited, and there have been times when the balance has fallen below the minimum threshold due to unanticipated expenses.
Council Member Zuber agreed with Pease and said that maintaining adequate reserves in the solid waste capital fund is essential. He pointed out that the fund has occasionally dropped below the minimum, at times as low as $345,000, while the cost of a new side loader garbage truck now exceeds $500,000. He emphasized the need to strengthen the fund’s balance so the City can respond to unforeseen equipment failures without jeopardizing operations.
Werner said that during the previous five-year rate study period (2020–2025), unexpected regulatory increases impacted the fund’s stability. The current plan is designed to rebuild the fund over the next five years and restore it to a healthier level, similar to the City’s water and sewer funds.
Zuber expressed concern that if an unplanned expense occurs early in the next study period, the City may face shortfalls before reserves are fully restored. He stated he is not City Council Page 5 October 30, 2025
advocating for a 10–20% increase in garbage rates, but questioned whether current projections are sufficient to maintain long-term stability, especially given ongoing State mandates and regulatory changes affecting solid waste operations.
Werner reviewed a comparison of the City’s utility rates with those of neighboring communities. He said overall, the City’s combined utility rate is approximately 14% lower than the average of the cities surveyed. Water rates are consistent with the regional average, while sewer rates are roughly 50% lower. Garbage rates, however, are about 11% higher than the cities included in the comparison.
Werner explained that the next step in the process is to begin the Proposition 218 proceedings related to the proposed utility rate adjustments. Under Proposition 218, rate approval requires the absence of a majority protest. He noted that this current meeting served as a workshop to gather City Council feedback on the draft rate study report.
Werner stated that the finalized Engineer’s Report and a resolution of intent to begin the Proposition 218 process are scheduled to be presented at the November Council meeting.
He said following approval, notices and protest ballots will be mailed to property owners no later than November 28 to meet the 45-day public notice requirement. He said the public hearing is tentatively scheduled for January 13, 2026 at which time protest ballots will be counted. He said if a majority protest is not received, the proposed utility rates would be approved and take effect in for the February 2026 billing.
Werner further explained that, consistent with past practice and recommendations from the City’s rate consultant, ballots will be mailed to both customers and property owners to ensure all interested parties are informed. He said each property is entitled to only one counted protest ballot. If both a tenant and a property owner submit protest ballots, only one will be counted toward the total. The process is tracked and verified by City staff.
Werner clarified that the Proposition 218 process is not a “yes or no” vote but rather a majority protest procedure. This means the proposed rates move forward unless a majority of property owners submit valid written protests opposing the increase.
Werner concluded by noting that staff will proceed with the necessary steps to initiate the formal Proposition 218 process and prepare for Council consideration at the November meeting.
2. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:01 PM. (Signed) Daniel de Graaf
Mayor
ATTEST:
(Signed) Lisa Roos
City Clerk
City Council
259 N. Wilma Avenue
Ripon, CA 95366
MEMO
To: Honorable City Council
From: James Pease, Public Works Director
Date: 10/30/2025
Subject: Temporary Public Works Foreman Position
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This resolution approves a Temporary Public Works Foreman position and allows Part Time Maintenance Workers additional hours when a Foreman is off work for an extended period of time.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Ripon Public Works Department is responsible for the following:
• Operate and maintain the water supply and conveyance system • Operate and maintain the sewer conveyance and treatment system • Collect and dispose of solid waste
• Landscape maintenance and repairs at all parks
• Street and road pothole repairs, crack patching, and sign repairs • Maintaining street lights owned by the City
• Vehicle and equipment maintenance
• City owned building repairs, maintenance, and janitorial services These responsibilities are completed with a staff of 4 foremen, 25 full-time maintenance workers and 6 part-time maintenance workers.
DISCUSSION:
Currently, when a Public Works Foreman is off work for an extended leave, such as disability or Family Medical Leave Act, the other foremen cover the responsibilities of the foreman that is off work. This has become a problem where it simply is not possible for the other foremen to continue to provide the needed level of oversight of the various responsibilities they are responsible to oversee.
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In order to provide the oversight during a time a foreman is off work during an extended leave, staff is recommending the City Council approve a “Temporary Public Works Foreman” position.
This position would be filled by the Public Works Director by an employee currently in the classification of “Public Works Maintenance Worker” during the time a foreman is on an extended leave. The “Temporary Public Works Foreman” classification would receive the same salary and benefits as the “Public Works Foreman” position.
Additionally, staff is recommending the City Council authorize the Public Works Director to increase the hours of the “Part Time Maintenance” employees equivalent to the hours worked of one full-time Public Works Maintenance position. This would allow the Public Works Department to continue to complete the various responsibilities without impacting services to the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Temporary Public Works Foreman position and increased hours for part time Public Works Maintenance employees to cover the time while a foreman is on extended leave will cost $4,600 per month, which will be allocated to the various departments where the work is being completed.
Attachments:
1. Temp Public Works Foreman
1.A
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RESOLUTION NO. 25-35
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RIPON APPROVING A TEMPORARY PUBLIC WORKS
FOREMAN POSITION AND AUTHORIZING PART TIME
MAINTENANCE WORKERS ADDITIONAL HOURS WHEN
FOREMAN IS ON AN EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCE
WHEREAS, the Public Works Department currently employs 4 foremen, 25 full-time maintenance workers and 6 part-time maintenance workers; and WHEREAS, this number of employees is necessary in order to meet the needs of the Department; and
WHEREAS, when a foreman is off work for an extended period of time, the Department is faced with staff coverage challenges to adequately maintain a standard level of service and provide the necessary oversight; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Ripon is desirous of approving a “Temporary Public Works Foreman” position that would be filled by the Public Works Director by an employee currently in the classification of “Public Works Maintenance Worker” during the time a foreman is on extended leave; and
WHEREAS, the “Temporary Public Works Foreman” classification would receive the same salary and benefits as the “Public Works Foreman” position; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Ripon is desirous of authorizing the Public Works Director to increase the hours of the Part Time Maintenance employees equivalent to the hours worked of one full-time Public Works Maintenance position allowing the Department to continue to complete the various responsibilities without impacting services to the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ripon does hereby approve a “Temporary Public Works Foreman” position that would be filled by the
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Public Works Director by an employee currently in the classification of “Public Works Maintenance Worker” during the time a foreman is on extended leave; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the “Temporary Public Works Foreman” classification would receive the same salary and benefits as the “Public Works Foreman” position; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ripon authorize the Public Works Director to increase the hours of the Part Time Maintenance employees equivalent to the hours worked of one full-time Public Works Maintenance position; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the creation of this position shall not change any other terms or conditions of the existing Employee Compensation Plan and those terms and conditions shall continue in full force and effect.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a special meeting of the City Council of the City of Ripon this 30th day of October, 2025, by the following vote:
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Leo Zuber, Council Member
SECONDER:Michael Restuccia, Council Member
AYES: de Graaf, Barton, Uecker, Restuccia, Zuber
THE CITY OF RIPON,
A Municipal Corporation
By ________________________________
DANIEL DE GRAAF, Mayor
ATTEST:
By: ___________________________
LISA ROOS, City Clerk
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TEMPORARY PUBLIC WORKS FOREMAN
DEFINITION
Under the direction of the Public Works Director and/or Public Works Supervisor, assists in the supervision of maintenance crews and perform skilled work in maintenance and operations of parks, water systems, sewer systems, storm water systems City facilities, refuse collection and vehicle and equipment maintenance. Issue daily work assignments. Perform other duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
An employee in this classification is distinguished by the responsibility to assist in the supervision of maintenance crews and issue work assignments. Provides on the job training.
DUTIES
Issue daily work assignments and follow up for completion.
Perform skilled maintenance work in general grounds and facilities maintenance, irrigation system maintenance, cement finishing, street paving, patching, sewer systems, City buildings, vehicles, and water system repairs.
Provide on the job training in all areas of public works maintenance.
Operate motorized equipment including trucks, sweepers, tractors, and back hoes in the maintenance of City streets and grounds.
Be available after hours by phone to answer questions and provide guidance to Public Works Maintenance staff.
Perform a variety of maintenance and improvement work on City streets such as:
• Patch streets using hand tools
• Construct and repair curbs and gutters by excavating with pneumatic and hand tools, building forms, and pouring and rough finishing concrete surfaces • Place traffic control and warning signs and serves as flagman • Paint and install street and traffic signs
• Paint street lines, crosswalks and curbs
• Clean and maintains painting stencils
• Clean storm drains, drainage ditches, and culverts
Perform a variety of duties involved in the operation of the City's water distribution system, such as; • Maintain, install, and repair water lines
• Read meters
• Respond to complaints of citizens regarding water system • Repair water meters
• Take water samples and completes reports
Exhibit A
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Attachment: Temp Public Works Foreman (25-35 : Temporary Public Works Foreman Position) Temporary Public Works Foreman
Perform gardening and grounds maintenance work such as:
• Spray weeds and brush with chemicals
• Plant and care for shrubs, grass, flowers and other decorative plants • Water, fertilize, weed, mow, and edge lawns
• Make minor repairs and adjustment to ground maintenance equipment.
Perform work in the maintenance and operation of the wastewater treatment facility, City sanitary sewer collection system, and City refuse collection.
Perform a variety of duties involved in the maintenance of City buildings such as:
• Inspect rental facilities for compliance with applicable regulations • Clean offices and other areas in public buildings
Perform the maintenance and repair of City owned vehicles Perform additional duties as assigned.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid California Operator (Class B) license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, bend, twist, squat, stretch, reach, walk, climb, and stand for extended periods, work outside and work in small or confined spaces.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Knowledge of:
• The operation, field maintenance, repair and adjustment of assigned equipment • Procedures, methods, tools and equipment used in road construction and maintenance; parks and facilities maintenance, and water system maintenance • Effects and problems of industrial waste in wastewater treatment processes • Provisions of the California Vehicle Code applying to the operation of vehicle • Supervision and training
• Public works safety regulations and practices
Ability to:
• Oversee and coordinate the activities within the Department • Skillfully and safely operate assigned equipment
• Perform minor field maintenance repair and adjustment of such equipment • Read and interpret prints and sketches
• Diagnose operating problems and direct effective correction procedures • Prepare required reports and maintain complete record-keeping procedures • Provide training in equipment operation
• Assist in the supervision of maintenance crews
Exhibit A
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Attachment: Temp Public Works Foreman (25-35 : Temporary Public Works Foreman Position) • Understand and follow oral and written direction
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training and experience which is likely to provide the required knowledge and skill is acceptable.
Typically, this includes:
• Education equivalent to graduation from high school
• Supplemental course work in basic supervision
AND
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience with Public Works maintenance or at least two years in a supervisory or lead role position preferred.
Exhibit A
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Attachment: Temp Public Works Foreman (25-35 : Temporary Public Works Foreman Position) City Council
259 N. Wilma Avenue
Ripon, CA 95366
MEMO
To: Honorable City Council
From: Kevin Werner, City Administrator
Date: 10/30/2025
Subject: Proposition 218 for Utility Rate Increase
BACKGROUND:
The City of Ripon has three Enterprise Funds - water, sewer, and garbage. Enterprise Funds are operated by the City as separate financial and legal entities. The revenue collected from rates must adequately fund the water, sewer, and garbage operations, maintenance, capital replacement projects, and compliance with existing and new State of California regulations.
The City evaluates utility rates every five (5) years to ensure sufficient revenue is being collected from utility customers. The last utility rate increase was approved in January 2020 with rate increases to be implemented February 2020 – 2025. The approved rate increases do not automatically go into effect each year. The Ripon City Council has directed staff to prepare a report each year on the financials of each Enterprise Fund prior to the approved rates being implemented to determine if the full rate increase is necessary.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Ripon contracted with an independent expert to conduct a comprehensive rate study for the water, sewer, and garbage funds. A detailed draft report has been prepared that evaluates the expenses over the next five (5) years to operate and maintain the water, sewer, and garbage service levels at the current service levels, meet State of California regulatory requirements, and complete necessary capital replacement of equipment that has exceeded its’ useful life.
Staff to present the results of the Water, Sewer, and Garbage Funds Rates Study prepared by Pavletic Consulting, LLC.
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