September 3, 2024
TO: City Council
REQUESTED BY: Travis Randel, Deputy City Manager, Development Services APPROVED BY: Robert A. Johnson, City Manager
SUBJECT: MOU with Riverside County Department of Environmental Health RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of San Jacinto (City) and the County of Riverside, Department of Environmental Health (DEH), to provide vector control services and environmental planning review, technical assistance, and plan review for onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), commonly referred to as “septic systems. In an amount not-to-exceed $20,000 per contract year, unless there is prior approval by the City; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, subject to the approval of the City Attorney, or his designee, to execute the Memorandum of Understanding and any subsequent amendments in accordance with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding.
DISCUSSION:
Since 1994, the City of San Jacinto has contracted with the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) for vector control services; sewage complaint responses; trash and garbage responses; and plan review and field inspection. There has been one amendment to the contract since it was originally implemented, which took place in 2002 and provided for a cost increase to the contract. During the life of this contract, DEH has provided responsive and quality service. They have worked well with City staff and a good partnership has been developed between the two agencies. They also provide a service and expertise the City is unable to provide to the community. The County has requested an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between it and the City to address rates and additional services to be provided.
Services will continue to include mosquito surveillance and abatement, response to complaints regarding mosquitoes, flies, and bees, consultation regarding rodents, and community outreach.
While some of these services are provided free of charge, actual complaints will need to be approved by the City prior to DEH conducting services. The program for vector control services will ensure the City protects the public health by controlling mosquitoes and other vectors that are known to spread disease. The DEH will conduct inspections and treatment using effective and environmentally sensitive methods to reduce the risk of borne diseases.
DEH is responsible for maintaining public safety. DEH's Vector Control Program has a mission to foster a healthy community by protecting the residents of the county from animals and insects that transmit pathogens that can cause human illness.
On June 19, 2012, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted Resolution No. 2012-0032, which approved the Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) policy. The policy regulates the siting, design, operation, and maintenance of onsite wastewater treatment systems. These systems typically are septic tanks and leach field systems or enhanced individual systems that discharge primarily domestic wastewater to the ground.
The Policy contains tasks and associated timelines for Local Agencies, that wish to continue to permit OWTS, to produce a Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) for State Water Resources Board approval. The Policy also provides alternative guidelines for regulation, installation, and maintenance of OWTS, which if met, allows local agencies to rely on a regional LAMP. The City currently does not have an approved LAMP.
Riverside County cities within the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board jurisdiction can develop a formalized MOU with DEH that allows DEH to provide technical services for regulation, installation, and management of OWTS under DEH’s approved LAMP.
The State Water Resources Control Board resolutions and policies allow agencies to utilize DEHs for technical services relating to septic systems. Currently, DEH does not provide technical plan review services to the City. The approval of the MOU will allow DEH to provide these technical services to the City at no cost. All fees incurred with DEH’s services will be borne by the customer through invoicing directly by DEH. The MOU identifies specific responsibilities of the City and DEH under the DEH LAMP. The proposed MOU provides the broad framework for cooperation and support between the City and DEH in assisting residents who require septic tank installation or maintenance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City Council allocates the vector control program expenditure budget through the budget approval process. Funding remains contingent on continued approval and appropriation from City Council. The actual cost per fiscal year varies depending on the volume of complaints received and weather patterns.
This MOU does not create any financial commitments from one party to the other for OWTS technical services. All applicable County fees, as established by the County ordinance, are paid by project applicants directly to DEH, and any City permit fees are paid by the applicant directly to the City.
ATTACHMENTS:
San Jacinto - DEH - MOU 2024