TAFT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
JOINT REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
209 E. KERN ST., TAFT, CA 93268
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City of Taft Council Meetings are being held in-person with full capacity seating and are livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/CityofTaft. Public comment can be made in person and also can be received per the following:
• Written comments may be dropped off in the drop box in front of City Hall. • Comments may be emailed to the City Clerk at [email protected]. • Made by phone to the City Clerk’s office at (661) 763-1222. • Public comments will be accepted up until 5:00 PM the day of the meeting. • Any comments received will be read into the record.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ REGULAR MEETING 6:00 P.M.
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Roll Call: Mayor Noerr
Mayor Pro Tem Bryant
Councilmember Krier
Councilmember Waldrop
Councilmember Chavira
1. PROCLAMATION – NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
2. CITIZEN REQUESTS/PUBLIC COMMENTS
COMMENTS ARE TO BE RECEIVED AS STATED IN ABOVE POLICY
THIS IS THE TIME AND PLACE FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON MATTERS WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION. STATE LAW PROHIBITS THE COUNCIL FROM ADDRESSING ANY ISSUE NOT PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED ON THE AGENDA. COUNCIL MAY RECEIVE COMMENT AND SET THE MATTER FOR A SUBSEQUENT MEETING. PLEASE LIMIT COMMENTS TO FIVE MINUTES.
3. COUNCIL STATEMENTS (NON-ACTION)
4. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
5. CITY MANAGER STATEMENTS
6. CITY ATTORNEY STATEMENTS
7. FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
***************************************************************************************************** CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 8-16
All items listed on the Consent Calendar shall be considered routine and will be enacted by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the City Council requests specific items to be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Any item removed from the Consent Calendar will be considered after the regular business items. Are there any items on the consent calendar that any member of the public would like to comment on? City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Agenda
April 21, 2026
8. MINUTES
April 07, 2026, Regular
Recommendation – Approve as submitted.
9. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Warrant # 040326 Check No. 201864-201870 $ 32,546.60
Warrant # 041026 Check No. 201871-201926 $ 257,016.60
Warrant # 041726 Check No. 201927-201939 $ 199,071.31
Recommendation – Approve payment of the bills.
10. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION AND FEES TO BE WAIVED FOR ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH FOR A FESTIVAL EVENT HELD ON THE CHURCH PROPERTY AT 110 E.
WOODROW STREET ON SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026
Recommendation –
Motion to approve a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT TO WAIVE THE SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION FEES FOR ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH FOR A FESTIVAL EVENT TO BE HELD ON CHURCH PROPERTY AT 110 E. WOODROW STREET ON SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026 and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
11. SENATE BILL NO.1 GAS TAX FUNDING PROJECTS FOR FISCAL 2026/2027 Recommendation –
A motion to adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15061(b)(3).
12. AWARD FOUR SAFE AND SANE FIREWORK STANDS FOR 4TH OF JULY, 2026 Recommendation –
Motion to award four Safe and Sane Firework stands for July 4, 2026, to the Taft Sportsmen’s Club, Diamond in the Rough, Taft High Baseball and Westside Outreach and Rescue and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
13. STREET CLOSURES AND SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT FOR THE 2026 WSRPD COMMUNITY SPRING
GARDEN FESTIVAL
Recommendation –
Motion to adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT AUTHORIZING THE SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT AND STREET CLOSURES FOR THE 2026 WSRPD COMMUNITY SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
14. STATE SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN AUDIT AND UPDATE REVISION NO. 4 Recommendation –
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Agenda
April 21, 2026
Motion to adopt and file revision no. 4 to the City of Taft Sewer System Management Plan.
15. LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATION PROGRAM (LCTOP) FY2025-26 CERTIFICATIONS AND
ASSURANCES AND AUTHORIZED AGENT FORMS FOR ZERO-EMISSION TRANSIT BUS Recommendation –
Motion to adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES AND AUTHORIZED AGENT FORMS FOR THE LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATIONS PROGRAM (LCTOP) FY2025-26 FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECT: PURCHASE OF ZERO-EMISSION TRANSIT BUS USING $16,128 IN LCTOP FUNDS and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
16. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MOORE & ASSOCIATES Recommendation –
Motion to authorize the mayor to execute the Professional Service agreement with Moore & Associates Find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines. ******************************************************************************************************
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, CRAIG JONES, CITY MANAGER Government Code 54957.6 – All units
B. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR, CRAIG JONES- CITY MANAGER Government Code Section 54956.8 – (1) undisclosed parcel C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9 (a) – Taft Union High School vs. City of Taft Kern County Superior Court Case No. S-1500-CV-283804
ADJOURNMENT
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, a disability-related modification or accommodation, agenda materials in an alternative format, or auxiliary aids to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (661) 763-1222 or [email protected] as soon as possible. Providing at least 72 hours’ notice will help ensure that reasonable arrangements can be made.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Faith Melton, declare as follows:
That I am the City Clerk for the City of Taft; that an agenda was posted on a public information bulletin board located near the door of the Civic Center Council Chamber on April 17th, 2026, at ________ a.m./p.m., pursuant to 1987 Brown Act Requirements.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed April 17th, 2026, at Taft, California.
Signature ___________ _________
PROCLAMATION
DECLARING
APRIL 2026
NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
WHEREAS, According to the California Child Welfare Indicators Project (CCWIP), and referenced in the Kern County Network for Children 2024–2025 Annual Report, 13,512 children in Kern County were suspected of being abused or neglected—an average of 37 children per day; and
WHEREAS, 2,570 children—an average of seven Kern County children each day—were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect following investigations conducted by Child Protective Services and law enforcement agencies; and
WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect remain persistent and widespread in Kern County, affecting dozens of children every day. While not all reports are substantiated, the high number of confirmed victims highlights the continued need for early intervention, prevention, and family support services; and
WHEREAS, Itis important to note that these numbers do not capture the full scope of children at risk. Many vulnerable children remain unidentified and uncounted, including those who may be hiding, couch surfing with friends, sleeping in cars, abandoned buildings, or other locations not easily identifiable by systems of care; and
WHEREAS, Collaboration among Child Protective Services, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community partners remains essential to protect children and support families.
Ongoing public education, reporting of suspected abuse, and access to resources are critical to preventing future harm and strengthening child safety; and WHEREAS, an Essential Needs Donation Drive will be held in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month from April 1 through April 30, 2026, with donation drop-offs accepted at the Kern County Network for Children office.
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Taft does hereby proclaim April 2026, as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and encourages efforts to help reduce child abuse.
Dated this 21st Day of April 2026.
_________________________ Dave Noerr, Mayor
______________________________ ________________________________ Josh Bryant, Mayor Pro Tem Orchel Krier, Council Member ______________________________ ________________________________ Ron Waldrop, Council Member Carlos Chavira, Council Member
TAFT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MINUTES
APRIL 07, 2026
The April 07, 2026 regular joint meeting of the Taft City Council/Taft Successor Agency, held in the Council Chamber at Taft City Hall, 209 East Kern Street, Taft, CA 93268, was opened by Mayor Pro Tem Josh Bryant at 6:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Manager Craig Jones and invocation was given by Pastor Sean Piefer.
PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Josh Bryant
Council Members Carlos Chavira, Orchel Krier and Ron Waldrop City Manager Craig Jones and City Attorney Jason Epperson City Clerk Faith Melton
ABSENT: Mayor Dave Noerr
1. PROCLAMATION – NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS WEEK
2. CITIZEN REQUESTS/PUBLIC COMMENTS
President of Taft College, Leslie Minor invited the City Council to a Community Mixer hosted by Taft College Foundation on April 30th at the President’s residence.
Taft Chamber Executive Director, Kathy Orrin said thank you to the firefighters for fixing the electronic Chamber sign, mentioned the State of the City on April 16th will be on the topic of oil, invited the Council to the Car Show on May 16th, and gave a shoutout to the Taft High Hall of Fame award winners. She also informed City Manager Jones that the Monument is out of brick space. Jones concurred he would speak to her concerning the issue.
3. COUNCIL STATEMENTS (NON-ACTION)
Mayor Pro Tem Bryant reminded everyone that spring is here and to clean up your weeds, urged the community to be proactive in making reports for trespassing and criminal activity, and said to go check out the Kern Oil movie playing at the Fox Theatre on April 26th.
Council Member Krier stated the Health Care District will be hosting a Health Fair this weekend and emphasized how great all the events are that the different organizations in Taft host.
Council Member Waldrop spoke about the Health Fair hosted by the Health Care District.
Council Member Chavira thanked Public Works for cleaning up the city, urged everyone to report vagrants and reminded future leaders to focus on wisdom and hope.
4. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
There was none due to the April 1st meeting cancellation.
5. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Taft Police Chief, Damon McMinn reminded the public to be sure your car doors are locked and do not leave valuable items out and spoke about the Taft crime statistics for the month of March.
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
April 07, 2026
6. CITY MANAGER STATEMENTS
There was none.
7. CITY ATTORNEY STATEMENTS
There was none.
8. FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
There was none.
********************************************************************************************* CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 9-13, 15
Bryant removed item 14
Motion: Moved by Waldrop, seconded by Krier to approve consent calendar items 9- 13, 15.
AYES: Krier, Bryant, Chavira, Waldrop
9. MINUTES
March 17, 2026, Regular
Recommendation – Approve as submitted.
10. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Warrant # 032026 Check No. 201777-201782 $ 35,258.86
Warrant # 032726 Check No. 201783-207863 $ 346,110.45
Recommendation – Approve payment of the bills.
11. EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF A 24,000 BTU DUCTLESS HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING
SYSTEM FOR THE TAFT POLICE DEPARTMENT
Recommendation –
Motion to ratify the purchase of a 24,000 BTU ductless heating / air conditioning system provided by Airco of Bakersfield. The total amount for purchase and installation, $5,669.00 and requests the Mayor to sign and accept the purchase.
12. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION FEES TO BE WAIVED AND
STREET CLOSURE TO WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT FOR A HEALTH FAIR TO BE HELD AT 100 E. NORTH STREET, IN FRONT OF WEST SIDE FAMILY HEALTH CARE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026, FROM 7:30 AM TO 2:00 PM AND
AUTHORIZING THE STREET CLOSURE FOR THE WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT HEALTH FAIR.
Recommendation –
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
April 07, 2026
Motion to approve a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF TAFT APPROVING THE WAIVING OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT
APPLICATION FEES TO WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT FOR A HEALTH FAIR EVENT AT 100 EAST NORTH STREET TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026 AND AUTHORIZING THE STREET CLOSURE FOR THE WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT HEALTH FAIR (Resolution No. 4336-26) , and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
13. UPDATED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING WORKERS COMPENSATION COVERAGE
FOR VOLUNTEERS
Recommendation –
Motion to adopt resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT PROVIDING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR NONSAFETY CITY VOLUNTEERS (Resolution No. 4337-26).
15. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 4 WITH SECURUS TECHNOLOGIES AT THE
TAFT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Recommendation –
Motion to authorize the City Manager to sign amendment No. 4 with Securus Technologies.
*********************************************************************************************
14. FUNDING TO THE TAFT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE QUARTER OF OCTOBER 2025 TO DECEMBER 2025
Bryant requested staff to bring to a future meeting the past five years of transient occupancy tax received by the Chamber and the resolution or agreement that had set that amount.
Motion: Moved by Krier seconded by Chavira to bring past agreements and financials to a future meeting.
AYES: Krier, Bryant, Chavira, Waldrop
PASSED: 4-0
********************************************************************************************* At 6:48 PM the regular meeting was recessed to closed session.
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(b) – Two (2) undisclosed case B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, CRAIG JONES, CITY MANAGER City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
April 07, 2026
Government Code 54957.6 – All units
The City Council discussed in closed session the items agendized for closed session discussion and directions were given to staff and negotiators. The City Council took no other reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT - With no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 PM. __________ ____________
Faith Melton Dave Noerr
City Clerk Mayor
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK: FINANCE DIRECTOR: CITY MANAGER:
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: April 21, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION AND FEES TO BE WAIVED FOR ST.
MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH FOR A FESTIVAL EVENT HELD ON THE CHURCH PROPERTY AT 110 E. WOODROW STREET ON SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Planning Director received a special event permit application and letter from St. Mary’s Catholic Church requesting to hold a festival event on the church property (APN 032-100-12, -14, -16, -17) on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The Planning Department will approve the event on April 22, 2026 with the following conditions:
Conditions of approval:
1. Trash receptacles
2. Portable chemical toilets or provide access to restrooms in the church buildings.
3. No event activities and no amplified music or sounds after 9:00PM.
4. Parking shall be provided on-site and street parking along E. Woodrow St., Bell Ave, E. Warren St., and 1st Street.
5. All of the applicants’ approved vendors shall have a business license with the City of Taft, and food vendors shall have an approved food establishment permit or temporary food facility permit from Kern County Public Health.
The item is being brought before the Council to request consideration of waiving the special event fees as the church is a non-profit entity.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to approve a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT TO WAIVE THEP SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION FEES FOR ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH FOR A FESTIVAL EVENT TO BE HELD ON CHURCH PROPERTY AT 110 E.
WOODROW STREET ON SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026 and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
FUNDING SOURCE: N/A
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Resolution, Approval Letter, Special Event Application Submittal PREPARED BY: Planning Department
RESOLUTION NO. __________
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT
APPROVING TO WAIVE THE SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION FEES FOR ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH FOR A FESTIVAL EVENT HELD ON CHURCH PROPERTY AT 110 E. WOODROW STREET ON
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026
WHEREAS, St. Mary’s Catholic Church submitted a Special Event Permit Application, requesting to hold a Festival event on church property at 110 E. Woodrow Street (APN 032-100-12, -14, - 16, -17) on Sunday, May 3, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the special event will be approved by the Planning Department on April 22, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the event was required to provide sufficient trash receptacles and portable chemical toilets, and shall clean up all trash and debris at the conclusion of the event.
WHEREAS, the City Council agrees to waive the Special Event application fees to St. Mary’s Catholic Church as they are a non-profit entity.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Taft, California, approve the special event and refund of application fees.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 21st day of April 2026 ________________________________
Dave Noerr, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Faith Melton
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF KERN ) SS
CITY OF TAFT )
I, Faith Melton, City Clerk of the City of Taft, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Taft at a regular meeting thereof held on the 21st day of April, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
__________________________________
Faith Melton
City Clerk
2026-09
April 22, 2026
St Mary’s Church
110 E Woodrow St
Taft, CA 93268
Re: Approval of Special Event Permit No. 2026-09 – St. Mary’s Church Festival, Sunday, May 3, 2026, 110 E. Woodrow St.
Dear Ms. Romo,
Thank you for submitting an application package for a Special Event Permit, March 31, 2026, proposing to hold a Festival event at St. Mary’s Church on Sunday, May 3, 2026, located at 110 E.
Woodrow St. (APNs 032-100-12, -14, -16, -17). The Planning Department has approved Special Event Permit No. 2026-09 per the following conditions:
1. Special Event Permit No. 2026-09 is approved for St. Mary’s Church to hold a Festival event on Sunday, May 3, 2026, on the church property at 110 E. Woodrow Street.
2. This Special Event is approved from setup on Sunday, May 3 at 6:00AM, with the event occurring from 10:00PM to 6:00PM, with all event activities and no amplified music or sounds after 9:00PM.
3. Parking for the event shall be provided on-site and street parking along E Woodrow St, Bell Ave, E Warren St, and 1st Street.
4. The Applicant shall provide sufficient trash receptacles in the event areas and shall remove any trash or debris from the areas prior to the conclusion of the special event.
5. The Applicant shall provide sufficient portable chemical toilets in the event areas or provide access to restrooms in the church buildings.
6. The Applicant’s approved vendors of the special event shall have a business license with the City of Taft; and all food vendors shall have an approved Food Establishment Permit or Temporary Food Facility permit from Kern County Public Health.
7. All water connections shall have approved backflow devices for potable water at concessions.
Copies of all of the insurance and permits listed above shall be submitted to the City prior to the start of the special event. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or at (661) 763-1222 x133.
Sincerely,
Nadine Storey
Planning & Development Services Technician
CC: File
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: April 21, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
SENATE BILL NO.1 GAS TAX FUNDING PROJECTS FOR FISCAL 2026/2027 SUMMARY STATEMENT:
SB-1 requires that all projects proposing to use SB-1 funding are named in the budget and acknowledged by resolution to be considered for funding. The city has a Pavement Management Plan and has planned to prioritize and improve the pavement condition throughout the city using various funding sources including the city’s general fund. This project will prioritize East Kern Street from State Route 119 to 1st Street for road surface rehabilitation and concrete pedestrian improvements.
Fiscal Year 2026/ 2027 apportionment estimate: $ 240,490 Project: East Kern Street Asphalt Overlay Project including PED improvements Cost Estimate: $725,000 Multi-program funded project (Local, HUTA, RSTP, and SB-1)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
A motion to adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 FUNDED BY SB 1:
THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15061(b)(3).
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): No
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Resolution
PREPARED BY: Public Works Department
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT
ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 WHEREAS, Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Chapter 5, Statutes of 2017) was passed by the Legislature and Signed into law by the Governor in April 2017 to address the significant multi-modal transportation funding shortfalls statewide; and WHEREAS, SB 1 includes accountability and transparency provisions that will ensure the residents of The City of Taft are aware of the projects proposed for funding in our community and which projects have been completed each fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the City of Taft must adopt by resolution a list of projects proposed to receive fiscal year funding from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA), created by SB 1, which must include a description and the location of each proposed project, a proposed schedule for the project’s completion, and the estimated useful life of the improvement; and WHEREAS, the City of Taft, will receive an estimated $240,490 in RMRA funding in Fiscal Year 2026-27 from SB 1; the city wishes to utilize funds for ADA pedestrian improvements also to include an asphalt overlay on East Kern Street from First Street to State Highway 119.
WHEREAS, this is the ninth year in which the City of Taft is receiving SB 1 funding and will enable the city to continue its pedestrian and transportation maintenance improvements in the main throughfares within The City of Taft.
WHEREAS, the city used an Pavement Management plan to develop the SB 1 project list to ensure revenues are being used on the most high-priority and cost-effective projects that also meet the communities priorities for transportation investment; and WHEREAS, the funding from SB 1 will help the city maintain and rehabilitate roadways throughout the city this year and many similar projects into the future; and WHEREAS, the 2023 California Statewide Local Streets and Roads Needs Assessment found that the City of Taft’s streets and roads are in poor condition, and this revenue will help us increase the overall quality of our road system and over the next decade will bring our streets and roads into an at-risk condition; and
WHEREAS, the SB 1 project list and overall investment in our local streets and roads infrastructure with a focus on basic maintenance and safety, investing in complete streets infrastructure.
City Council/Successor Agency
Resolution No. ________
NOW, THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, ORDERED AND FOUND by the City Council of the City of Taft, State of California, as follows:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct.
2. This project will be funded in-part with Fiscal Year 2026-27 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account revenues in addition to HUTA and RSTP funding.
Continuation project East Kern Street ADA Pedestrian Improvement/ Asphalt Overlay Resurfacing and ADA retrofit project
Useful life 5-10 years
Project start date: Estimated December 1, 2026- Project completion December 31, 2027 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of April 2026
Dave Noerr, Mayor
ATTEST:
Faith Melton, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF KERN } SS
CITY OF TAFT }
I, Faith Melton, City Clerk of the City of Taft, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Taft at a regular meeting thereof held on the 21st day of April, 2026.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Faith Meton, City Clerk
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: APRIL 21st, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
AWARD FOUR SAFE AND SANE FIREWORK STANDS FOR 4TH OF JULY, 2026
SUMMARY STATEMENT
Each year the City accepts applications from qualified nonprofit organizations to operate Safe and Sane Firework stands pursuant to the City Code regulations Title IV, Chapter 13. City Code states that there will be a lottery drawing and four will be selected plus one alternate.
There were four applicants this year and they are as follows:
Taft Sportsmen’s Club
Diamond in the Rough
Taft Union High School Baseball
Westside Outreach and Rescue
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to award four Safe and Sane Firework stands for July 4, 2026, to the Taft Sportsmen’s Club, Diamond in the Rough, Taft High Baseball and Westside Outreach and Rescue and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): No
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): No
PREPARED BY: City Clerk
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: April 21, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA ITEM:
STREET CLOSURES AND SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT FOR THE 2026 WSRPD COMMUNITY SPRING
GARDEN FESTIVAL
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
City staff has received a special event permit request from the West Side Recreation & Park District including the street closure of 9th Street between San Emidio and Kern St. for the Community Spring Garden Festival.
The following street has been designated for closure on April 23, 2026 from 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM. • 9th Street between San Emidio and Kern St.
California Vehicle Code section 21101 authorizes local agencies by resolution to close streets for special events.
Special event permit conditions of approval include:
• Liability insurance naming City of Taft Additional Insured • Adequate portable restroom, handwash station and trash receptacles • City business license for vendors including Kern County Public Health permits for food vendors RECOMMENDATION:
Motion to adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT AUTHORIZING THE SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT AND STREET CLOSURES FOR THE 2026 WSRPD COMMUNITY SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): No
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Yes (letter, special event application, and resolution) PREPARED BY: Public Works Department
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT AUTHORIZING THE STREET CLOSURES FOR THE 2026 WSRPD COMMUNITY SPRING GARDEN
FESTIVAL
WHEREAS, the West Side Recreation and Park District has requested a street closure for a Community Spring Garden Festival on April 23, 2026.
WHEREAS, Section 21101 (e) of the California Vehicle Code requires a resolution by Council to temporarily close streets for special events.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Taft, California, approve the following street closure from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. 9th Street between San Emidio and Kern Street
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this day of April 21, 2026 Dave Noerr, Mayor
ATTEST:
Faith Melton
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF KERN ) SS
CITY OF TAFT )
I, Faith Melton, City Clerk of the City of Taft, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Taft at a regular meeting thereof held on the day of April 21, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Faith Melton
City Clerk
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: April 21, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
STATE SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN AUDIT AND UPDATE REVISION NO. 4 SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) regulations mandate that SSMP audits and updates be conducted periodically. The City’s next update is required to be completed and adopted by the City Council by May 2, 2026, to meet state requirements.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to adopt and file revision no. 4 to the City of Taft Sewer System Management Plan.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): Yes- Sewer- WWTP Fund
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Yes – Final SSMP Update
PREPARED BY: Public Works
City of Taft
Sewer System Management Plan
Revision 4 – May 2026
WDID: 5SSO10940
Prepared By:
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
City of Taft
May 2026
Page i
City of Taft
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
Revision 4
WDID: 5SSO10940
May 2026
The Sewer System Management Plan, Revision 4 was created with the assistance of the following City of Taft, Kern Sanitation Authority, and Wallace Group Staff:
City of Taft Staff
Craig Jones, City Manager / Public Works Director
Kern Sanitation Authority Staff
Jason Nordine – Facility Manager
Jesus Uribe – Wastewater Specialist
Wallace Group Staff
Bill Callahan, Senior Environmental Compliance Specialist Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Certification Statement
City of Taft
May 2026
Page ii
CERTIFICATION STATEMENT
I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations. ______________________________________
Craig Jones
City Manager / Public Works Director - City of Taft
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
City of Taft
May 2026
Page iii
SSMP – REVISION RECORD
The City of Taft SSMP has undergone the following revisions:
Revision
No. Revision Date Description of Revisions
Revision
Completed By
Revision
Approved By
0 April 6,
2010
The City developed
and adopted a Sewer
System Management
Plan (SSMP) as
required by the 2006
Sanitary Sewer System
(SSS) Orders issued
by the State Water
Resources Control
Board (SWRCB).
City Staff and
Wallace Group
Staff
City Council
1 April 28,
2015
The SSMP received a
5- Year Update as a
result of the 2014
SSMP Audit
City Staff and
Wallace Group
Staff
City Council
2 April 9,
2018
SSMP Updated to
reflect changes in
organization and
practice
City Staff and
Kern Sanitation
Authority Staff
City Manager
3 May
2023
SSMP Updated to
reflect changes in
organization, regulatory
changes and
operational practices.
City Staff, Kern
County Staff
and Wallace
Group
City Council
4 May 2,
2026
SSMP Updated based
on the results of the
2025 SSMP Audit to
meet the 2022 GWDRs
City Staff, Kern
County Staff
and Wallace
Group
City Council
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Table of Contents
City of Taft
May 2026
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acronyms and Abbreviations
SSMP Update and Adoption Record
Introduction
▪ Section 0.1 – Requirement Background
▪ Section 0.2 – Introduction & Executive Summary
Element 1 – Goals, Regulatory Context, Asset Overview and Schedule ▪ Section 1.1 – Regulatory Requirement
▪ Section 1.2 – Sanitary Sewer System Goals
▪ Section 1.3 – Regulatory Context and Schedule for Audits and Updates ▪ Section 1.4 – System Asset Overview and Service Area
Element 2 – Organization
▪ Section 2.1 – Regulatory Requirements
▪ Section 2.2 – Responsible and Authorized Representatives ▪ Section 2.3 – SSMP Program Implementation
▪ Section 2.4 – Chain of Communication for Responding to Sewer Spills Element 3 – Legal Authority
▪ Section 3.1 – Regulatory Requirements
▪ Section 3.2 – SSMP Sanitary Sewer System Legal Authority Element 4 – Operation and Maintenance Program
▪ Section 4.1 – Regulatory Requirements
▪ Section 4.2 – Collection System and Storm Water Maps
▪ Section 4.3 – Preventative Maintenance Program
▪ Section 4.4 – Training
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Table of Contents
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May 2026
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
▪ Section 4.5 – Equipment and Replacement Parts Inventory Element 5 – Design and Performance Provisions
▪ Section 5.1 – Regulatory Requirements
▪ Section 5.2 – Design and Construction Standards and Specifications ▪ Section 5.3 – Inspection and Testing Procedures and Standards Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response Plan
▪ Section 6.1 – Regulatory Requirements
▪ Section 6.2 – Initial Spill Notification Procedures
▪ Section 6.3 – Spill Response Program
▪ Section 6.4 – Spill Notification and Reporting Procedures ▪ Section 6.5 – SERP Training
▪ Section 6.6 – Spill Impact Mitigation Program
▪ Section 6.7 – Spill Coordination with Stormwater Management Agencies and Public Water Systems
▪ Section 6.8 – Post Spill Investigations
Element 7 – Pipe Blockage Control Program
▪ Section 7.1 – Regulatory Requirements
▪ Section 7.2 – Pipe Blockage Control Program Public Education and Outreach ▪ Section 7.3 – FOG Disposal Facilities
▪ Section 7.4 – Discharge Prohibition Legal Authority and Spill Prevention Measures ▪ Section 7.5 – Requirements to Install Grease Removal Devices ▪ Section 7.6 – FOG Control Program Inspection, Enforcement, and Staffing ▪ Section 7.7 – Problem Areas Identification and Sewer Cleaning ▪ Section 7.8 – Other Source Control Measures
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Table of Contents
City of Taft
May 2026
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Element 8 – System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and Capital Improvement Plan ▪ Section 8.1 – Regulatory Requirements
▪ Section 8.2 – System Evaluation and Condition Assessment ▪ Section 8.3 – Capacity Evaluation Design Criteria
▪ Section 8.4 – Prioritization of Corrective Actions
▪ Section 8.5 – Capital Improvement Plan
Element 9 – Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications ▪ Section 9.1 – Regulatory Requirements
▪ Section 9.2 – Data Management
▪ Section 9.3 – Establishing and Prioritizing SSMP Activities ▪ Section 9.4 – Preventative Maintenance Program Assessment ▪ Section 9.5 – SSMP Updates
▪ Section 9.6 – Sewer Spill Trends
Element 10 – Sewer System Management Plan Program Audits ▪ Section 10.1 – Regulatory Requirements
▪ Section 10.2 – SSMP Program Audits
Element 11 – Communication Program
▪ Section 11.1 – Regulatory Requirements
▪ Section 11.2 – Communication Program
▪ Section 11.3 – Satellite & Tributary Systems
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Table of Contents
City of Taft
May 2026
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appendices
▪ Appendix 2A – City Organization Chart
▪ Appendix 7A – Toilets are not Trashcans Flyer
▪ Appendix 7B – Roots, Wipes, and FOG Outreach
▪ Appendix 10A – SSMP Audit and Data Request Template
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Acronyms and Abbreviations
City of Taft
May 2026
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
BMP Best Management Practices
CAP Capacity Assessment Plan
Cal OES California Office of Emergency Services
Cal/OSHA California Division of Occupational Health and Safety CCR California Code of Regulations
CCTV Closed Circuit Television
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CIP Capital Improvement Plan
CITY City of Taft
CIWQS California Integrated Water Quality System
CMMS Computerized Maintenance Management System
CWEA California Water Environment Association
EHS Environmental Health Services
ELAP Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program
EOP Emergency Operating Procedure
ENROLLEE City of Taft
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FOG Fats, Oil, and Grease
FSE Food Services Establishment
HMA High Maintenance Area
I/I Inflow & Infiltration
IIPP Injury and Illness Prevention Program
IWF Industrial Waste Facility
LRO Legally Responsible Official
mgd Million Gallons per Day
MRP Monitoring and Reporting Program (Used in this SSMP to reference MRP Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ.)
SERP Spill Emergency Response Plan
OES Office of Emergency Services
O&M Operation and Maintenance
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Acronyms and Abbreviations
City of Taft
May 2026
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
PLSD Private Lateral Sewage Discharge
PM Preventative Maintenance
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
R&R Rehabilitation and Replacement
RWQCB Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
SECACIP Sewer Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and Capital Improvement Plan SMP Sewer Master Plan
SOP Standard Operating Procedure
SSMP Sewer System Management Plan
SPILL Sanitary Sewer Spill
SSS Sanitary Sewer System
SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board
WDR Waste Discharge Requirements (Used in this SSMP to reference WDR Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ, the Statewide General WDR for SSSs.) Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Introduction
City of Taft
May 2026
INTRODUCTION
This Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) six (6) year update was performed in compliance with the requirements of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR), Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ, which are available at the City Public Works Office and on the State Water Resources Control Board website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/sso/ .
0.1 Requirement Background
The WDRs require all public wastewater collection system agencies in California that own and operate sanitary sewer systems greater than one mile in length, which collect or convey untreated or partially treated wastewater to a publicly owned treatment facility, to develop, implement, and maintain a SSMP and report sanitary sewer spills(Spills) using the State’s electronic reporting system, California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS).
The City of Taft (City) SSMP includes the following eleven (11) Elements:
1. Goal
2. Organization
3. Legal Authority
4. Operation and Maintenance Program
5. Design and Performance Provisions
6. Spill Emergency Response Plan
7. Pipe Blockage Control Program
8. System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and Capital Improvement Plan
9. Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications
10. Sewer System Management Plan Program Audits
11. Communication Program
Each SSMP Element is prefaced with the associated WDR section and narrated with the City’s policies and procedures, which address the respective SWRCB requirement.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Introduction
City of Taft
May 2026
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB’s) Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) for Sanitary Sewer Systems, Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ require the City of Taft (City) to have and maintain a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), which provides a plan and schedule to properly manage, operate, and maintain all parts of the sanitary sewer system in order to help reduce and prevent sanitary sewer spills (Spills), as well as mitigate any Spills that do occur.
The SSMP includes the following eleven (11) Elements:
Goal
City goals, which are included in the SSMP, are:
o Maintain or improve the condition of the collection system infrastructure in order to provide reliable service now and into the future.
o To provide adequate capacity to convey peak dry weather and wet weather wastewater flows.
o Minimize the number and impact of sewer spills.
Organization
The Organization Element of the SSMP identifies City and Contract Staff, who are responsible for implementing the SSMP, responding to sewer spills, and meeting sewer spill reporting requirements, and identifies the lines of authority of SSMP responsibilities and chains of communication for sewer spill response and reporting. The Legally Responsible Officials (LRO) are also designated in this SSMP Element in order to meet the SWRCB requirements for completing and certifying sewer spill reports in the SWRCB’s online regulatory information database and tracking system, California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS).
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Introduction
City of Taft
May 2026
Legal Authority
This SSMP Element outlines the City Municipal Code Chapters and Ordinances that provide the City with the legal authority to:
a. Prevent illicit discharges into its sanitary sewer system from inflow and infiltration (I&I); unauthorized stormwater; chemical dumping; unauthorized debris; roots; fats, oils, and grease; and trash, including rags and other debris that may cause blockages;
b. Collaborate with storm sewer agencies to coordinate emergency spill responses, ensure access to storm sewer systems during spill events, and prevent unintentional cross connections of sanitary sewer infrastructure to storm sewer infrastructure;
c. Require that sewer system components and connections be properly designed and constructed;
d. Ensure access for maintenance, inspection, and/or repairs for portions of the service lateral owned and/or operated by the Enrollee;
e. Enforce any violation of its sewer ordinances, service agreements, or other legally binding procedures; and
f. Obtain easement accessibility agreements for locations requiring sewer system operations and maintenance, as applicable.
Operation and Maintenance Program
City operation and maintenance of its collection system ensures that the system is kept in good working condition, and this SSMP Element outlines the work that is conducted to accomplish the optimal operation and maintenance of the City collection and conveyance system. This SSMP Element details a:
a. Up-to-date maps of the sanitary sewer system, and procedures for maintaining and providing State and Regional Water Board staff access to the maps. The maps must show gravity line segments and maintenance holes, pumping facilities, pressure pipes and valves, and applicable stormwater conveyance facilities within the sewer system service area boundaries.; b. A scheduling system and a data collection system for preventive operation and maintenance activities conducted by staff and contractors. a. The scheduling system includes:
i. Inspection and maintenance activities;
ii. Higher-frequency inspections and maintenance of known problem areas, including areas with tree root problems;
iii. Regular visual and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections of maintenance holes and sewer pipes.
The data collection system documents data from system inspection and Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Introduction
City of Taft
May 2026
maintenance activities, including system areas/components prone to rootintrusion potentially resulting in system backup and/or failure. c. In-house and external training provided on a regular basis for sanitary sewer system operations and maintenance staff and contractors. The training covers:
i. The requirements of this General Order;
ii. The Enrollee’s Spill Emergency Response Plan procedures and practice drills;
iii. Skilled estimation of spill volume for field operators; and iv. Electronic CIWQS reporting procedures for staff submitting data. d. An inventory of sewer system equipment, including the identification of critical replacement and spare parts.
Design and Performance Provisions
The Design and Performance Provisions Element describes the standards and specifications for new construction, repair of the existing sanitary sewer system, and the inspection and testing of these items.
Spill Emergency Response Plan
The Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP) contains the following information in order to protect public health and the environment in the event of a sewer spill:
a. Notify primary responders, appropriate local officials, and appropriate regulatory agencies of a spill in a timely manner;
b. Notify other potentially affected entities (for example, health agencies, water suppliers, etc.) of spills that potentially affect public health or reach waters of the State;
c. Comply with the notification, monitoring and reporting requirements of this General Order, State law and regulations, and applicable Regional Water Board Orders;
d. Ensure that appropriate staff and contractors implement the Spill Emergency Response Plan and are appropriately trained;
e. Address emergency system operations, traffic control and other necessary response activities;
f. Contain a spill and prevent/minimize discharge to waters of the State or any drainage conveyance system;
g. Minimize and remediate public health impacts and adverse impacts on beneficial uses of waters of the State;
h. Remove sewage from the drainage conveyance system;
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Introduction
City of Taft
May 2026
i. Clean the spill area and drainage conveyance system in a manner that does not inadvertently impact beneficial uses in the receiving waters; j. Implement technologies, practices, equipment, and interagency coordination to expedite spill containment and recovery;
k. Implement pre-planned coordination and collaboration with storm drain agencies and other utility agencies/departments prior, during, and after a spill event; l. Conduct post-spill assessments of spill response activities; m. Document and report spill events as required in this General Order; and n. Annually, review and assess effectiveness of the Spill Emergency Response Plan, and update the Plan as needed.
Pipe Blockage Control Program
The goal of the Pipe Blockage Control Program is to reduce and/or eliminate the amount of pipe blocking materials such as fats, oils and grease wipes, roots, etc., that may be discharged to the sanitary sewer system. This is implemented through public outreach, operations and maintenance activities, investigations and FOG Program inspections.
System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance, and Capital Improvement Plan The City plans to complete an update to the current capacity analysis in 2031 and CCTV inspections and evaluations in 2030 as part of an overall condition assessment and capacity analysis. Based on staff’s observations, there are not currently any areas of the system that are capacity deficient during dry or wet weather. There have been no capacity related sewer spills between 2010 and 2026.
Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications
The City monitors the implementation of the SSMP Elements in order to measure the effectiveness of the City SSMP program in reducing sewer spills. This SSMP Element outlines the manner in which each SSMP Element is monitored and evaluated and the schedule with which the City completes this monitoring and evaluation.
Sewer System Management Plan Program Audits
The SSMP Program Audits Element outlines the audit process and identifies City Staff responsible for conducting or participating in SSMP Program Audits and generating the required SSMP Program Audit Report. SSMP Program Audits must occur at a minimum of every three (3) years and are required to evaluate the City SSMP Program, identify program deficiencies, and provide an improvement schedule based on the audit findings.
Communication Program
This SSMP Element describes the manner in which the City communicates the development, implementation, and performance of its SSMP with the public in order to provide them with the opportunity to provide input as the SSMP program is developed and implemented.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 1 – Goal
City of Taft
May 2026
ELEMENT 1 - GOALS, REGULATORY CONTEXT, ASSET OVERVIEW AND
SCHEDULE
The City of Taft (City) has the following goals for the management and maintenance of the sanitary sewer collection system. These goals provide focus for City Staff to continue highquality work to operate and maintain City facilities and to implement improvements for management of the collection system to prevent sanitary sewer spills (Spills). The role of the SSMP in supporting these goals is discussed below.
These goals will be evaluated annually in Element 9: Monitoring, Measurement and Program Modification to assess the City’s success in implementing and meeting the objectives of these goals.
1.1 Regulatory Requirement
WDR Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ Attachment D1 states:
The goal of the Sewer System Management Plan (Plan) is to provide a plan and schedule to: (1) properly manage, operate, and maintain all parts of the Enrollee’s sanitary sewer system(s), (2) reduce and prevent spills, and (3) contain and mitigate spills that do occur.
1.2 Sanitary Sewer System Goals
The City seeks to provide high quality and reliable wastewater collection and conveyance for its residents and businesses.
City SSMP Goals:
o Maintain or improve the condition of the collection system infrastructure in order to provide reliable service now and into the future. o To provide adequate capacity to convey peak dry weather and wet weather wastewater flows
o Minimize the number and impact of sewer spills.
1.3 Regulatory Context and Schedule for Audits and Updates As required by Statewide Sanitary Sewer Systems General Order 2022-0103-DWQ, the SSMP contains several elements which are referenced in the table of contents that will help the City accomplish the goals mentioned in this element. The City is dedicated to implementing each Element of the SSMP and tracking any revisions that may be necessary as program implementation progresses. The current 2025 SSMP update was completed prior to the due date of May 2, 2026.
The City will begin their next SSMP Audit after May 2, 2028, Audit Period End Date with an identified Audit period of May 2, 2025, through May 2, 2028, for completion by November 2, 2028. The Audit will evaluate how the SSMP meets regulatory requirements, implementation of the SSMP, success of preventative maintenance program, and sewer spill trends. A plan and Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 1 – Goal
City of Taft
May 2026
schedule will be developed for the correction of any deficiencies identified in the audit and any necessary updates or general plan changes that may be required.
The City will annually review and evaluate the SSMP, Preventative Maintenance Program, and Spill Trends to identify areas of their sewer operations that may need to be modified to comply with existing regulatory requirements and reduce the number of sewer spills occurring in a calendar year.
The SSMP 6-Year Update will begin on or before January 2, 2032 for completion, adoption and recertification by May 2, 2032.
In addition to the SSMP Update and SSMP Audit discussed above, the City has identified additional near-term compliance dates as required by General Order WQ-2022-0103-DWQ:
• Annual Report of Category 4 Non-Lateral Spills: February 1st of each calendar year • Annual Report: April 1st of each calendar year
1.4 System Asset Overview and Service Area
The City of Taft is a public agency providing services to residential and commercial customers.
The City maintains the sewer collection and conveyance system utilizing the contracted services of the Kern Sanitation Authority. This system is connected to a trunk sewer system and Wastewater Treatment Plant owned by the City.
The City sewer collection and conveyance system is located in Kern County with a roughly 8 square mile service area and consists of 30 miles of gravity pipelines, which vary in diameter from 4-inch to 24-inches, one (1) City-owned lift station, and 0.03 miles of force mains. The majority (70%) of the existing collection system piping material is Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe (PVC) with the remaining (30%) portion Vitrified Clay Pipe (VCP).
There are 506 manholes and 11 cleanouts/lampholes throughout the system. The sewer system is restricted to providing sanitary sewer flows only with no diversion of stormwater into the sewer system.
The following table shows the various gravity pipeline sizes:
Pipe Diameter (Inches)
Gravity
Pipe
Length
(Miles)
Force
Main Pipe
Length
(Miles)
Total
Miles
Percent of
Sewer
System
4” 0 0.03 0.03 0%
6” 8.3 0 8.3 30%
8” 14.41 0 14.41 52%
10” 0.6 0 0.6 2%
12” 2.71 0 2.71 10%
15” 0.54 0 0.54 2%
18” 0.97 0 0.97 3%
24” 0.40 0 0.40 1%
TOTAL 27.93 0.03 27.96 100%
Table 4-1: Sewer Pipe Sizes
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 1 – Goal
City of Taft
May 2026
The City serves a population of approximately 6,988 people¹. Sewer system customers classifications re estimated as follows:
Type of Connection % of Total Connections
Residential 92%
Commercial 8%
Industrial 0%
Total 100%
Table 4-2: Sewer Connection Types
A general overview showing the service area boundaries is provided below.
Figure 4-1: Sewer System Overview
Data management for the operations and maintenance of the sewer systems is provided utilizing the “Ontero” computer-based maintenance program.
Sewer laterals are owned, operated and maintained by individual property owners from the wye connection at the sewer main, back to each building. The City does not own or maintain any sewer laterals within the service area other than laterals on City owned property. ¹ US Census Population Data, 2024
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 1 – Goal
City of Taft
May 2026
The City utilizes the following Performance Indicators for measuring effectiveness of this Element:
• Are SSMP Audits and SSMP Updates being performed as scheduled? • Has the SSMP been approved by the governing board on the required schedule (every six years)?
• Are specific internally established sewer program milestones being monitored? • Are asset statistics periodically reviewed and updated as necessary? • Are system sewer and storm drain maps up to date?
System Resilience is addressed in Element 1 by:
• Redundancy: More than one member of staff is trained and able to retrieve and manage SSMP data.
• Implementing a QA/QC process to help ensure information is accurate. • Continuous improvement with input from the field (ex: map updates). • Using Outlook calendar reminders to ensure compliance deadlines are met.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 2 – Organization
City of Taft
May 2026
ELEMENT 2 - ORGANIZATION
The Organization Element of the SSMP identifies City of Taft (City) staff that are responsible for the management and implementation of this SSMP. This Element identifies City Staff and Contract Staff responsibilities for SSMP implementation, responding to sewer spill events, and meeting sewer spill reporting requirements. The Legally Responsible Officials (LRO) are designated below to meet SWRCB requirements for completing and certifying sewer spill reports in the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS).
This SSMP Element outlines the City organization, SSMP responsibilities of personnel, authorized representatives, and chains of communication for sewer spill response and reporting.
2.1 Regulatory Requirements
WDR Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ Attachment D 2 states:
The collection system agency’s SSMP must identify:
a) The name of the Legally Responsible Official defined in this Order; b) The position titles, telephone numbers, and email addresses for management, administrative, and maintenance positions responsible for implementing specific Sewer System Management Plan elements;
c) Organizational lines of authority; and
d) Chain of communication for reporting spills from receipt of complaint or other information, including the person responsible for reporting spills to the State and Regional Water Boards and other agencies, as applicable. (For example, county health officer, county environmental health agency, and State Office of Emergency Services.) WDR Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ Section 5.1 states:
The Enrollee shall designate a Legally Responsible Official that has authority to ensure the enrolled sanitary sewer system(s) complies with this Order and is authorized to serve as a duly authorized representative. The Legally Responsible Official must have responsibility over management of the Enrollee’s entire sanitary sewer system and must be authorized to make managerial decisions that govern the operation of the sanitary sewer system, including having the explicit or implicit duty of making major capital improvement recommendations to ensure long-term environmental compliance. The Legally Responsible Official must have or have direct authority over individuals that:
• Possess a recognized degree or certificate related to operations and maintenance of sanitary sewer systems, and/or
• Have professional training and experience related to the management of sanitary sewer systems, demonstrated through extensive knowledge, training and experience.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 2 – Organization
City of Taft
May 2026
2.2 Responsible and Authorized Representatives
The name of the authorized representatives described in WDR Section 5.1 above is listed in Table 2-1:
Table 2-1: City of Taft Authorized Representatives
Name Title CIWQS Database
Jesus Uribe
Wastewater Specialist / Sewer
Collections System Supervisor
(Kern Sanitation Authority)
Legally Responsible Official
2.3 SSMP Program Implementation
An organization table showing the lines of authority for the City is described below in Table 2-2 and updated City Organization Chart which shows lines of authority can be found in Appendix 2A.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 2 – Organization
City of Taft
May 2026
Table 2-2: City of Taft SSMP Responsibilities and Contact Information Name and Title SSMP Responsibilities Contact Information City Council
Dave Noerr
Mayor
Josh Bryant
Mayor Pro Tem
Orchel Krier
Councilmember
Carlos Chavira
Councilmember
Ron Waldrop
Councilmember
The City Council annually adopts a
budget in which funding would be
allocated for SSMP related tasks.
The City Council is also responsible
for considering and approving
updates to the City’s SSMP.
Office number for Council
Members: (661) 763-1222
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Craig Jones
City Manager / Public
Works Director
The City Manager / Public Works
Director directs Staff and Contractors
who manage all eleven (11) SSMP
Elements.
Office: (661) 763-1222 ext: 111
[email protected]
Jason S. Epperson
City Attorney
The City Attorney assists the City
Manager in the management of
Element 3, Legal Authority.
Office: (661) 763-1222
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 2 – Organization
City of Taft
May 2026
Name and Title SSMP Responsibilities Contact Information Kern Sanitation
Authority (Contract
Operations and
Maintenance)
Jason Nordine
Wastewater
Specialist II
Jesus Uribe
Wastewater
Specialist
The Public Works Director is
responsible for the overall
management of the SSMP and
specifically directs the implementation
of:
• Element 1 – Goal;
• Element 2 – Organization;
• Element 3 – Legal Authority;
• Element 4 - Operation and
Maintenance Program;
• Element 5 – Design and
Performance Provisions;
• Element 6 – Spill Emergency
Response Plan;
• Element 7 – Pipe Blockage
Control Program;
• Element 8 – System
Evaluation, Capacity
Assurance and Capital
Improvement Plan;
• Element 9 – Monitoring,
Measurement, and Program
Modifications;
• Element 10 – SSMP Audits;
and
• Element 11 – Communication
Program
(661) 868-8287
[email protected]
(661) 868-8285
[email protected]
2.4 Chain of Communication for Responding to Sewer Spills Collections System:
Notifications of possible spills are received via telephone calls. All telephone calls or complaints for actual or potential spills are routed directly to the City’s Public Works Office (661) 763-1222 and then to the On Call Operator or Kern Sanitation Authority via City office personnel. During non-business hours, the City’s Dispatch (661) 763-3101 (or 911) where the Police Department will receive the call and notify the On-Call Operator.
The Spill Emergency Response Plan contains a chain of communication for reporting Spills for use in the field by the Contract Wastewater Facilities Manager or Public Works Director. This chain of communication is reproduced in Figure 2-1 for reference.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 2 – Organization
City of Taft
May 2026
Figure 2-1: Sewer Spill Response Chain of Command
Spill notification is outlined in SSMP Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response. The contact information and notification requirements associated with notifying RWQCB and other applicable agencies, such as Cal OES, and Kern County Environmental Health are included in SSMP Element 6.
The City utilizes the following Performance Indicators for measuring effectiveness of this Element:
• Have there been any changes requiring updates to the Organizational Chart? • Have there been any changes in assigned responsibilities for implementing the SSMP? • Is there a process in place to ensure all contact information remains up to date? Resilience is addressed in Element 2 by:
• Ensuring that more than one person is capable and responsible for specific duties for Sewer System Management Plan implementation, e.g., back-up personnel. • Designation of more than one LRO to help ensure full and continuous coverage of duties.
• Testing the phone notification system to ensure calls are received and routed to appropriate personnel.
After-hours Forwarding to
Voicemail Service
Observer Notifies City
(661) 763-1222
Notifies Voicemail
Service
First ResponderKern County Public
Works (661) 203-
6026
Emergency (Fire & Police 9-1-1
Staff
Responds
Kern County Public
Works – Jesus Uribe
(661) 394-0855
Craig Jones City
Manager/Public Works
Director (661) 763-1222
Spill Notification & Reporting to
Appropriate Agencies
If Unable to
Contact
KCPW
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 2 – Organization
City of Taft
May 2026
APPENDIX 2
2A Organization Chart
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 3 – Legal Authority
City of Taft
May 2026
ELEMENT 3 - LEGAL AUTHORITY
The City of Taft (City) maintains the legal authority for the sanitary sewer system in the City Municipal Code sections listed below. These Codes are on file at the City Office and can also be located on the City Website:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/taftca/latest/taft_ca/0-0-0-1180.
3.1 Regulatory Requirements
WDR Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ Attachment D 3 states:
The wastewater collection system agency must include copies or an electronic link to the Enrollee’s current sewer system use ordinances, service agreements and/or other legally binding procedures to demonstrate the Enrollee possesses the necessary legal authority to:
(a).Prevent illicit discharges into its sanitary sewer system from inflow and infiltration (I&I); unauthorized stormwater; chemical dumping; unauthorized debris; roots; fats, oils, and grease; and trash, including rags and other debris that may cause blockages;
(b).Collaborate with storm sewer agencies to coordinate emergency spill responses, ensure access to storm sewer systems during spill events, and prevent unintentional cross connections of sanitary sewer infrastructure to storm sewer infrastructure; (c). Require that sewer system components and connections be properly designed and constructed;
(d).Ensure access for maintenance, inspection, and/or repairs for portions of the service lateral owned and/or operated by the Enrollee;
(e).Enforce any violation of its sewer ordinances, service agreements, or other legally binding procedures; and
(f). Obtain easement accessibility agreements for locations requiring sewer system operations and maintenance, as applicable.
3.2 SSMP Sanitary Sewer System Legal Authority [WDR D 3 (a) – (f)] Table 3-1 below provides the mechanisms by which the City maintains the legal authorities required by the WDRs for public and private sewer systems. Theses Codes and Ordinances can be found in the link identified above.
Table 3-1: City Legal Authority References
WDR Requirement City Code
D 3 (a) Prevent illicit
discharges into its sanitary
sewer system (examples
may include Inflow &
Infiltration (I/I), storm water,
chemical dumping,
Title 3: Health and Sanitation
• Chapter 3 Sewerage Construction and Use
o (C) Discharge of Rainwater or Uncontaminated
Water Prohibited
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 3 – Legal Authority
City of Taft
May 2026
WDR Requirement City Code
unauthorized debris and cut
roots, etc.).
o (D) Industrial Wastewater Discharge Prohibited
o (F) Prohibited Waste Discharges
D 3 (b) Collaborate with
storm sewer agencies to
coordinate emergency spill
responses, ensure access to
storm sewer systems during
spill events, and prevent
unintentional cross
connections of sanitary
sewer infrastructure to storm
sewer infrastructure
The City is responsible for the storm drain system within the City service area. Coordination occurs internally.
D 3 (c) Require that sewers
and connections be properly
designed and constructed;
City Municipal Code:
Title 3: Health and Sanitation
▪ Chapter 3 Sewerage Construction and Use
o 3-3-2: General Provisions
▪ (F) Inspection
o 3-3-3: Sewerage, Construction, and Sewer Use
▪ (A) Maintenance and Construction
▪ (B) Use of Public Sewers Required
o 3-3-5 Sewer Connection and Use Fees
City of Taft Subdivision & Engineering Design Manual:
• Division Two: Standards For Sanitary Sewer
D 3 (d) Ensure access for
maintenance, inspection, or
repairs for portions of the
lateral owned or maintained
by the Public Agency;
The City does not own any portion of private sewer laterals in the service area however the following code give them access to sewer laterals.
The Cities Municipal Code does provide access to all areas of the sewer system in Title 3: Health and Sanitaton, Chapter 3, Part 3-3-2 General Provisions, (F) Inspection which provides provisions to provide maintenance, inspection, and repair access for the City’s sanitary sewer facilities.
D 3 (e) Enforce any violation
of its sewer ordinances.
Title 3: Health and Sanitation
▪ Chapter 3 Sewerage Construction and Use
o 3-3-2: General Provisions
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 3 – Legal Authority
City of Taft
May 2026
WDR Requirement City Code
D 3 (f) Obtain easement
accessibility agreements for
locations requiring sewer
system operations and
maintenance, as applicable
Title 5: Building Regulations
▪ Chapter 1 General Building Provisions
o 5-1-8: Property Access
Title 10: Subdivisions
▪ Chapter 3 General Provisions
o 10-3-6 Dedications
The City utilizes the following Performance Indicators for measuring effectiveness of this Element:
• Are the City codes and standards adequate for fulfilling the Sewer System Management Plan legal requirements?
• Does the City have a process in place for periodic review and evaluation of ordinances?
• Have there been instances when the code or ordinance did not address a need or circumstance?
Resilience is addressed in Element 3 by:
• Tracking industry trends, local codes, and ordinances that may affect operations as applicable.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 4 – Operation and Maintenance Program
City of Taft
May 2026
ELEMENT 4 - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
The City’s operation and maintenance of its collection system ensures that the system is kept in good working condition. Sewer lift station operations and maintenance work and sewer line operations and maintenance is primarily conducted by Kern Sanitation Authority staff under an operations and maintenance contract. This SSMP Element 4 outlines the work that is conducted to accomplish the optimal operation and maintenance of the City’s collection system.
A general overview of the City Sewer System is provided in Figure 4-1: Collection System Overview Map. Indexed pages to this map are located at City Public Works Office, City Yard and in Service Trucks.
Figure 4-1: Sewer System Overview
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 4 – Operation and Maintenance Program
City of Taft
May 2026
4.1 Regulatory Requirements
Attachment D 4. states:
The SSMP must include those sections listed below that are appropriate and applicable to the Enrollee’s system:
(a) Up-to-date map(s) of the sanitary sewer system, and procedures for maintaining and providing State and Regional Water Board staff access to the map(s). The map(s) must show gravity line segments and maintenance holes, pumping facilities, pressure pipes and valves, and applicable stormwater conveyance facilities within the sewer system service area boundaries.;
(b) A scheduling system and a data collection system for preventive operation and maintenance activities conducted by staff and contractors. a. The scheduling system must include:
i. Inspection and maintenance activities;
ii. Higher-frequency inspections and maintenance of known problem areas, including areas with tree root problems;
iii. Regular visual and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections of maintenance holes and sewer pipes.
The data collection system must document data from system inspection and maintenance activities, including system areas/components prone to root-intrusion potentially resulting in system backup and/or failure.
(c) In-house and external training provided on a regular basis for sanitary sewer system operations and maintenance staff and contractors. The training must cover:
i. The requirements of this General Order;
ii. The Enrollee’s Spill Emergency Response Plan procedures and practice drills;
iii. Skilled estimation of spill volume for field operators; and iv. Electronic CIWQS reporting procedures for staff submitting data. (d) An inventory of sewer system equipment, including the identification of critical replacement and spare parts.
4.2 Collection System and Storm Water Maps
4.2.1 Sewer Collection and Conveyance
The City of Taft maintains a collection system map that outlines the following features: location of the sewer lines, maintenance holes, cleanouts, pipe sizes and pipe materials, and direction of flow. Pump stations and other special structures are also identified.
Corrections for Atlas Maps are noted and submitted to Engineering Staff. Engineering Staff maintains a “Master” Atlas Map and will show corrections here. Updated hard-copy maps are re-distributed to maintenance staff and will display a date identifying the latest version of the Atlas Map. The City also maintains a GIS map layer of the sewer system. As-built plans and construction drawings are also maintained as the collection system is improved and new systems are added or altered. As-built drawings are required by the City as a condition of construction.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 4 – Operation and Maintenance Program
City of Taft
May 2026
The City’s sewer system mapping and maintenance tracking is a collaborative effort by the City’s Engineering, GIS, and Public Works.
4.2.2 Storm Water Conveyance Map
The City does not have a formal stormdrain system. A list of stormwater subsurface drainage areas are maintained by the City and is utilized by City maintenance staff in the event of a Sanitary Sewer Spill (Spill) to identify storm water pathways and isolate/capture wastewater associated with a sewer spill.
4.3 Preventative Maintenance Program
The City manages, schedules, and tracks preventative maintenance activities utilizing a computer-based work order scheduling and tracking system (Ontero). The system covers the following:
o Sewer Line Cleaning
o High Priority Area Cleaning and Inspections
o Maintenance hole Inspections and Maintenance
o Lift Station Inspection and Maintenance
o Customer Complaints
o Work Orders
o CCTV Inspections
Routine maintenance that requires follow-up is flagged. Appropriate staff to follow up on flagged tasks.
4.3.1. CCTV Inspection
The City conducts CCTV inspections utilizing two (2) methods:
1) City Staff conducts CCTV investigations on an ongoing basis as an investigative tool to identify problems identified in the field such as flow restriction, customer complaints, or as a result of line cleaning follow-up investigations.
2) CCTV investigations are planned to be initiated in Fiscal Year 2026/2027 as part of a system-wide CCTV investigation which is anticipated to be completed in the next four (4) years.
CCTV information will be one of the primary methods to identify sewer line rehabilitation and replacement projects in the future. Data will be evaluated on an ongoing basis to help develop City Capital Projects.
As CCTV investigations are complete they will be analyzed to; identify, rank and prioritize areas of the sewer system that require rehabilitation and replacement. A summary of these CCTV investigations will be on file at the Public Works office when completed. A decision tree informing CCTV inspections conducted after the system wide inspection project is provided below in Figure 4-2 to help establish the need for future CCTV inspections:
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 4 – Operation and Maintenance Program
City of Taft
May 2026
Figure 4-2 CCTV Grades above based on NASSCO defect ranking codes
4.3.2 Line Cleaning
The City implements an annual schedule to clean the entire system which consists of multiple distinct sewer cleaning routes. Staff cleans and documents line cleaning conditions on an Annual Sewer Line Cleaning Log Report.
The City evaluates the frequency at which the entire system is cleaned based on the results of sewer line cleaning logs, sewer spill history and the results of CCTV data. Changes in sewer line cleaning and prioritization of sewer repairs based on sewer line cleaning observations follow the following protocol in Figure 4-3 below:
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 4 – Operation and Maintenance Program
City of Taft
May 2026
Figure 4-3: Sewer Line Cleaning Flow Chart
4.3.3 Manhole Inspections
City manholes and cleanouts/lampholes are inspected in conjunction with routine sewer line cleaning activities and as part of the hot spot list inspections. The City utilizes the Annual Sewer Line Cleaning Log Report for routine documentation of manhole conditions. When significant issues are observed during these routine manhole inspections, a more detailed inspection and assessment is conducted by maintenance staff. Relevant information from these sheets is maintained in the Public Works office for consideration in future rehabilitation and/or CIP. The City also maintains Smart Covers to monitor elevated flow conditions at key areas of the sewer Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 4 – Operation and Maintenance Program
City of Taft
May 2026
collection and conveyance system. Thes smart covers are inspected daily to ensure proper operation.
4.3.4 High Priority Areas
Semi-Annual cleanings are performed at historical problem areas (Hot Spots) based on field crew experience. The City also participates in an active FOG Program and Root treatment program. The current lists are dynamic and revised as needed. These documents are maintained at the City Public Works office.
4.3.5 Lift Station Operation and Maintenance
The City of Taft maintains one (1) lift station. Daily inspections are performed on this City lift station. Inspections include electrical equipment, instrumentation, wet well condition, pump operation and general housekeeping. Daily lift station and wet well inspections are performed by field crews. Lift Station wet wells are cleaned semi-annually. Staff utilizes the City’s Lift Station Log when completing lift station inspections to document observed conditions. Check valves are part of the daily inspection of this lift station.
A description of the City Lift Station is included in Table 4-3 below:
Lift
Station
Name
Pump Type &
Model
Discharge
Rate # of Pumps Wet Well Capacity
Emergency
Power
#1
Goulds
WS_D3 Series,
Model # 3888D3
470 gpm 2
2100 gallons
(24 hour holding
capacity)
None
(Bypass with
Vac Con Truck
during
prolonged
power outage)
Table 4-3 Lift Station Summary
4.3.6 Customer Requests/Complaints
A service request form is used to record complaints from the public. This report becomes a permanent record and is subject to review at a later time. Operations staff ensures all entries they are required to make are complete and accurate. The City makes every effort to respond immediately to all sewer-related complaints followed by prompt correction of the defective condition.
4.4 Training
Training programs include formal classroom, informal on-the-job and hands-on training. Training is conducted by both City Staff and by outside training workshops. On-the-job cross training is pursued to ensure Staff has a proficient working knowledge of the sewer system. City Staff is also cross trained so that critical tasks can be performed without interruption even when the crew members change. Task proficiency is a requirement for all job positions and promotions.
Training records are maintained to monitor completed classes and for scheduling.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 4 – Operation and Maintenance Program
City of Taft
May 2026
Crews are initially trained in the proper operation and maintenance of all new major mobile equipment and facilities by the contractor or manufacturer. Written operation and maintenance manuals are used as resource material for initial start-up training as well as new Staff training.
Safety training is an integral part of the City’s program. Every Staff member receives formal training. Staff is trained in confined space entry and in hazardous materials management, as required.
The City also plans to conduct regular training in the following areas on an annual basis:
o The requirements of General Order WQ 2022-0103-DWQ;
o Spill Emergency Response Plan procedures and practice drills; o Estimation of spill volume and spill response/mitigation; and o Electronic CIWQS reporting procedures for staff submitting data.
Training records are maintained at the Public Works Office.
4.5 Equipment and Replacement Parts Inventory
Equipment and replacement parts inventories are provided as discussed below.
4.5.1 Critical Parts and Equipment
The City maintains an inventory of critical parts and equipment which are utilized for both routine and emergency operations. Operations Staff maintain City pump stations but do not perform larger projects to repair or replace underground pipelines. Repair and replacement of underground pipelines are contracted out to licensed contractors who have the equipment, materials and personnel to complete the work. The City maintains an electronic inventory of equipment, replacement parts, and supplies and follows a structured process to ensure an upto-date accounting and complete inventory of equipment and replacement parts. Parts required for preventive maintenance are identified ahead of time for each specific maintenance task.
A current list is shown below in Table 4-4 which is maintained by Kern Sanitation Authority.
Description Quantity
Hydrovac Truck 2
Sand Bags varies
CCTV Van 1
Lift Station Pumps 2
Table 4-4: Equipment Inventory
Kern Sanitation Authority also maintain a complete set of miscellaneous tools an supplies to address sewer response and routine maintenance.
As a backup, managers have credit authority to purchase needed materials and supplies from local vendors of non-stock items when they are critically needed. In the event of an emergency, local retailers are available to supply additional needed equipment and parts on short notice.
The City utilizes the following Key Performance Indicators for measuring effectiveness of this Element:
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 4 – Operation and Maintenance Program
City of Taft
May 2026
• Were all map updates completed in a timely manner?
• Are all staff aware of procedures for providing map update information? • Are newly installed sewer assets incorporated into the system maps? • Are there terrain features or assets that should be incorporated in future map updates (e.g. exposed pipe, siphons, ARVs, surface water, etc.) • Are the City’s maintenance and operations work orders periodically reviewed for accuracy and completeness?
• Does the City monitor “open”, “overdue”, or “not yet completed” work orders to ensure completion of tasks?
• Are inspection and maintenance activities reducing the number and volume of spills? • Is maintenance work being completed as scheduled?
• Has all training been completed as scheduled?
• Have records of training and attendance been documented and maintained? • Have contractors received, at a minimum, direction for reporting and responding to spills?
• Has the City experienced any equipment failure that inhibited a spill response? Resilience is addressed in Element 4 by:
• Developing and using forms (paper or electronic) for data collection to help ensure all pertinent information is consistently collected.
• Periodically evaluating inspection cycle intervals to help ensure they are optimized. • Requiring staff to demonstrate ability and/or knowledge for all training activities. • Periodic review of Equipment Inventory List.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 5 – Design and Performance Provisions
City of Taft
May 2026
ELEMENT 5 - DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE PROVISIONS
The standards and specifications for new construction and repair of the existing sanitary sewer system described in this SSMP Element are utilized to ensure a high quality, well designed, and functioning sanitary sewer system.
5.1 Regulatory Requirements
WDR Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ Section D 5 states that the SSMP must identify:
(a) Updated design criteria, and construction standards and specifications, for the construction, installation, repair, and rehabilitation of existing and proposed system infrastructure components, including but not limited to pipelines, pump stations, and other system appurtenances. If existing design criteria and construction standards are deficient to address the necessary componentspecific hydraulic capacity as specified in section 8 (System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and Capital Improvements), the procedures must include componentspecific evaluation of the design criteria.; (b) Procedures, and standards for the inspection and testing of newly constructed, newly installed, repaired, and rehabilitated system pipelines, pumps, and other equipment and appurtenances
5.2 Design and Construction Standards and Specifications The City has adopted by reference the California Plumbing Code, 2010 edition and The Green Book of Standard Public Works Construction. In 2011, the City adopted its Subdivision & Engineering Design Manual, which contains Design and Construction Standards and Specifications, and Performance and Testing for Sanitary Sewers. All work performed on the sanitary sewer system must conform to these standards. Requirements for this element and associated City Codes and Standards are shown in Table 5.1 below.
SSMP Requirement City Code or Standard
Design Criteria and Construction Standards California Plumbing Code, 2010 ed. adopted by reference
The Green Book of Standard Public Works
Construction, adopted by reference
City of Taft Municipal Code
• Chapter 3 Sewerage Construction And
Use
o 3.3.3 Sewerage Construction
And Sewer Use
2011 City of Taft Subdivision & Engineering
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 5 – Design and Performance Provisions
City of Taft
May 2026
Design Manual
• Division Two – Standards For Sanitary
Sewer
• Sec. 2.1 General
• Sec. 2.2 Design Standards
• Sec. 2.3 Material Standards
• Sec. 2.4 Construction Standards
• Sec. 2.6 Sewer Construction Plans
• Sec 2.7 Requirements For Design &
Construction Of Sanitary Sewer Lift
Stations
Procedures and standards for inspecting and
testing the installation of new sewers, pumps,
and other appurtenances and for rehabilitation,
and repair projects.
2011 City of Taft Subdivision & Engineering
Design Manual
• Division Two – Standards For Sanitary
Sewer
▪ Sec. 2.5 Final Acceptance
o 2.5.3 Testing
Table 5.1 Design and Performance Provisions
5.3 Inspection and Testing Procedures and Standards
See Table 5.1 above.
These standards provide for design standards, construction standards, specifications and testing requirements for the installation or reconstruction of sanitary sewer systems.
Applicable sections of the City’s Municipal Code and Design Standards as referenced in Table
5.1 can be found on the City of Taft website:
Municipal Code
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/taftca/latest/taft_ca/0-0-0-1180 Subdivision & Engineering Design Manual
https://www.cityoftaft.org/pview.aspx?id=38631&catid=562 The City utilizes the following Performance Indicators for measuring effectiveness of this Element:
• Are plan checking QA/QC processes helping to ensure adherence to the standards? • Were any design or installation deficiencies found during warranty inspections? • Are deviations from standard procedures and/or specs, testing, etc., justified and documented?
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 5 – Design and Performance Provisions
City of Taft
May 2026
Resilience is addressed in Element 5 by:
• Staying current with industry trends and standards.
• Performing warranty inspections of newly installed or repaired assets to evaluate design and installation practices.
• Evaluating as-built changes for trends and areas for design and performance improvements.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response Plan
City of Taft
May 2026
ELEMENT 6 - SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Sanitary Sewer Spills (Spills), or spills, can occur due to unforeseen accidents, unusual equipment failures, or other events not controllable by the City. A Spill response plan is maintained by the City Public Works Office for City maintenance personnel to use as guidance in responding to Spills. The Spill response plan defines procedures to:
▪ protect public health and the environment
▪ comply with local, state, and federal regulatory agency requirements ▪ protect City personnel, the wastewater collection system, and private and public properties
The Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP) is summarized in this SSMP Element. The City has developed a comprehensive Spill Emergency Response Plan to address emergency response and follow up activities for Spills experienced in the City’s collection and conveyance system. This plan is located at the City Public Works office and on maintenance staff trucks.
This document is the primary references for staff to use during all Spills.
6.1 Regulatory Requirements
WDR Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ Attachment D 6 states:
The Plan must include an up-to-date Spill Emergency Response Plan to ensure prompt detection and response to spills to reduce spill volumes and collect information for prevention of future spills. The Spill Emergency Response Plan must include procedures to:
a) Notify primary responders, appropriate local officials, and appropriate regulatory agencies of a spill in a timely manner;
b) Notify other potentially affected entities (for example, health agencies, water suppliers, etc.) of spills that potentially affect public health or reach waters of the State;
c) Comply with the notification, monitoring and reporting requirements of this General Order, State law and regulations, and applicable Regional Water Board Orders;
d) Ensure that appropriate staff and contractors implement the Spill Emergency Response Plan and are appropriately trained;
e) Address emergency system operations, traffic control and other necessary response activities;
f) Contain a spill and prevent/minimize discharge to waters of the State or any drainage conveyance system;
g) Minimize and remediate public health impacts and adverse impacts on beneficial uses of waters of the State;
h) Remove sewage from the drainage conveyance system;
i) Clean the spill area and drainage conveyance system in a manner that does not inadvertently impact beneficial uses in the receiving waters; Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response Plan
City of Taft
May 2026
j) Implement technologies, practices, equipment, and interagency coordination to expedite spill containment and recovery;
k) Implement pre-planned coordination and collaboration with storm drain agencies and other utility agencies/departments prior, during, and after a spill event; l) Conduct post-spill assessments of spill response activities; m) Document and report spill events as required in this General Order; and n) Annually, review and assess effectiveness of the Spill Emergency Response Plan, and update the Plan as needed.
6.2 Initial Spill Notification Procedures
If a member from the public witnesses a Spill, they either contact the City of Taft at (661) 763- 1222, the Police Department at (661) 763-3101, the Fire Department (Contracted to Kern County Fire Department) at (661) 765-2155 or dial 9-1-1. All calls are immediately reported to the Wastewater Facility Manager of the City’s contract wastewater service provider, Kern County Public Works (KCPW), and the City of Taft Public Works Director. The City’s On-Call Contract Collections System Supervisor as the First Responder.
The Collection Systems Supervisor or person receiving the call will begin filling out the Wastewater Spill Notification Form. A First Responder is then dispatched to the site of the reported spill. In all cases, either normal business hours, or after hours, KCPW, Collections Systems Supervisor or a designated and qualified designee, are required to respond and serve as the First Responder.
If the City main line or Public Works Departments are contacted after normal business hours, on a holiday, or during the weekend, the message recording directs the spill reporting caller to call KCPW, Sewer Collections Supervisor or Collections System staff at (661) 203-6026.
The City ensures regulatory agencies are informed of all Spills in a timely manner through the Spill Chain of Communication. If Staff needs assistance responding to the Spill, the first responder calls additional Wastewater staff utilizing the information found in Table 6-1.
Table 6-1: Maintenance Staff Contact Information
City Office Phone Number for Normal Working Hours: (661) 763-1222 After Hours Calls to City Dispatch: (661) 763-3101, (661) 765-2155 or 911 On-Call Operator
Cell: (661) 203-
6026
Sewer Collections Supervisor
Jesus Uribe
Cell: (661) 394-0855
On Call Maintenance Staff
Juan Contreras
Cell: (661) 742-7685
Matthew Estrada
Cell: (805) 904-8362
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response Plan
City of Taft
May 2026
6.3 Spill Response Program
The City SERP documents provide a comprehensive Emergency Response Program consisting of the following:
o Spill Detection and Notification
o Regulatory Contacts
o City Call Out Lists
o Spill Response Procedures
o Spill Recovery and Cleanup
o Traffic Control
o Pump Station and Force Main Failure
o Water Quality Monitoring/Sampling
o Notification, Reporting and Record Keeping Requirements o Post Spill Debriefing / Failure Analysis Investigation o Spill Response Training (training records maintained at City office) o Spill Response Field Checklist
6.4 Preventative Response
Smart covers, or flow monitoring devices connected to manholes, have be placed to detect system capacity flow issues prior to wastewater escape. These smart covers have been placed at the following Manhole locations:
Smart Cover Manhole Locations
D9-32 F9-45 D10-17
E10-27 F9-8 E9-45
E10-3 G8-11 F8-30
F-8-3 G8-17 G8-16
F8-51 H8-6 G10-1
Manhole ID numbers can be referenced in the City’s GIS Sewer Atlas.
When the Sewer Collections Supervisor receives an alert from a SMART cover, either a sewer collections team is deployed or more information is sought prior to deployment. Local KCPW or City staff may be asked to verify sewer collection system issue.
6.5 Spill Notification and Reporting Procedures
This section of the SERP ensures proper notification and reporting of Spills, which occur in the City’s sanitary sewer system, to protect public and environmental health.
An overview of the notification and reporting process is illustrated on the following page in Table 6-1. This overview is not inclusive of all the notification and reporting requirements and procedures. The following section of this SSMP Element corresponding to each Spill category for notifications and reporting must be referenced and followed.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response Plan
City of Taft
May 2026
Spill Category 1:
Spills to Surface Waters and/or SW Conveyance System
Spill
Requirement Schedule Method
Notification
Within two (2) hours of the Enrollee’s knowledge of a
Category 1 spill of 1,000 gallons or greater, discharging or threatening to discharge to surface waters:
Notify the California Office of Emergency
Services and obtain a notification control
number.
California
Office of
Emergency
Services at:
(800) 852-
7550
Reporting
• Submit Draft Spill Report within three (3) business
days of the Enrollee’s knowledge of the spill;
• Submit Certified Spill Report within 15 calendar
days of the spill end date;
• Submit Technical Report within 45 calendar days after the spill end date for a Category 1 spill in which 50,000 gallons or greater discharged to surface waters; and
• Submit Amended Spill Report within 90 calendar days
after the spill end date.
CIWQS
Spill Category 2:
Spills of 1,000 Gallons of Greater That Do Not Discharge to Surface Waters Spill
Requirement Schedule Method
Notification
Within two (2) hours of the Enrollee’s knowledge of a
Category 2 spill of 1,000 gallons or greater, discharging or threatening to discharge to waters of the State:
Notify California Office of Emergency Services and obtain a notification control number.
California Office
of Emergency
Services at:
(800) 852-7550
Reporting
• Submit Draft Spill Report within three (3) business
days of the Enrollee’s knowledge of the spill;
• Submit Certified Spill Report within 15 calendar
days of the spill end date; and
• Submit Amended Spill Report within 90 calendar
days after the spill end date.
CIWQS
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response Plan
City of Taft
May 2026
Spill Category 3:
Spills of Equal or Greater than 50 Gallons and Less than 1,000 Gallons That Does Not Discharge to Surface Waters
Spill
Requirement Schedule Method
Notification
Not Applicable Not Applicable
Reporting
• Submit monthly Certified Spill Report to the online
CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database within 30
calendars days after the end of the month in which
the spills occur; and
• Submit Amended Spill Reports within 90 calendar
days after the Certified Spill Report due date.
CIWQS
Spill Category 4:
Spills Less Than 50 Gallons That Do Not Discharge to Surface Waters Spill
Requirement Schedule Method
Notification Not Applicable Not Applicable
Reporting
• If, during any calendar month, Category 4 spills occur, certify monthly, the estimated total spill volume exiting the sanitary sewer system, and the total number of all
Category 4 spills into the online CIWQS Sanitary
Sewer System Database, within 30 days after the end
of the calendar month in which the spills occurred.
• Upload and certify a report, in an acceptable digital format, of all Category 4 spills to the online CIWQS
Sanitary Sewer System Database, by February 1st
after the end of the calendar year in which the spills
occur.
CIWQS
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response Plan
City of Taft
May 2026
Enrollee Owned and/or Operated Lateral Spills That Do Not Discharge to Surface Waters Spill
Requirement Schedule Method
Notification
Within two (2) hours of the Enrollee’s knowledge of a spill of 1,000 gallons or greater, from an enrollee- owned and/or operated lateral, discharging or threatening to discharge to waters of the State:
Notify California Office of Emergency Services and
obtain a notification control number.
Not applicable to a spill of less than 1,000 gallons.
California
Office of
Emergency
Services at:
(800) 852-
7550
Reporting
• Upload and certify a report, in an acceptable digital format, of all lateral spills (that do not discharge to a surface water) to the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer
System Database, by February 1st after the end of the
calendar year in which the spills occur.
• Report a lateral spill of any volume that discharges to a surface water as a Category 1 spill.
CIWQS
Table 6-1: Spill Notification and Reporting Overview
6.5.1 Spill Notification Procedure
Spill notification procedures vary based on whether the Spill is classified as a Category 1, Category 2, Category 3, Category 4 or Enrollee Owned Lateral and are the SERP: Spill Notification section.
Notification of Spills of 1,000 Gallons or Greater to the California Office of Emergency Services
Per Water Code section 13271, for a spill that discharges in or on any waters of the State, or discharges or is deposited where it is, or probably will be, discharged in or on any waters of the State, the City shall notify the California Office of Emergency Services and obtain a California Office of Emergency Services Control Number as soon as possible but no later than two (2) hours after:
• The City has knowledge of the spill; and
• Notification can be provided without substantially impeding cleanup or other emergency measures.
The notification requirements in this section apply to individual spills of 1,000 gallons or greater, from an Enrollee-owned and/or operated laterals, to a water of the State.
Spill Notification Information
The Enrollee shall provide the following spill information to the California Office of Emergency Services before receiving a Control Number, as applicable:
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Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response Plan
City of Taft
May 2026
• Name and phone number of the person notifying the California Office of Emergency Services;
• Estimated spill volume (gallons);
• Estimated spill rate from the system (gallons per minute); • Estimated discharge rate (gallons per minute) directly into waters of the State or indirectly into a drainage conveyance system; • Spill incident description:
o Brief narrative of the spill event, and
o Spill incident location (address, city, and zip code) and closest cross streets and/or landmarks;
• Name and phone number of contact person on-scene;
• Date and time the Enrollee was informed of the spill event; • Name of sanitary sewer system causing the spill;
• Spill cause or suspected cause (if known);
• Amount of spill contained;
• Name of receiving water body receiving or potentially receiving discharge; and
• Description of water body impact and/ or potential impact to beneficial uses.
Notification of Spill Report Updates
Following the initial notification to the California Office of Emergency Services and until such time that the Enrollee certifies the spill report in the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database, the Enrollee shall provide updates to the California Office of Emergency Services regarding substantial changes to:
• Estimated spill volume (increase or decrease in gallons initially estimated);
• Estimated discharge volume discharged directly into waters of the State or indirectly into a drainage conveyance system (increase or decrease in gallons initially estimated); and
• Additional impact(s) to the receiving water(s) and beneficial uses.
6.5.1.1 Category 1 Spills (Spills to Surface Waters)
Within two (2) hours of the City’s knowledge of a Category 1 spill of 1,000 gallons or greater, discharging or threatening to discharge to surface waters:
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Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response Plan
City of Taft
May 2026
o Notify the California Office of Emergency Services and obtain a notification control number.
Table 6-2: Regulatory Agency Notification Information for a Spill to Surface Water Regulatory Agency Contacts
California Office of
Emergency
Services (Cal OES)
Within two (2) hours of the City’s knowledge of a Category 1 spill of 1,000 gallons or greater, discharging or threatening to discharge to surface waters notify the California Office of Emergency Services and obtain a notification control number at (800) 852-7550 Regional Water
Quality Control
Board (RWQCB)
Optional – If spill is over 1,000 gallons, reaches waterway, or occurred in area with likely public contact, call (559) 445-5116.
Kern County
Environmental
Health
Optional- If spill reaches waterway, call (661) 862-8791. Give the spill information.
California
Department of Fish
and Wildlife
Optional -If spill reaches waterway, call state office (916) 445-0045.
6.5.1.2 Category 2 Spills
(Spills of 1,000 Gallons or Greater That Do Not Discharge to Surface Waters) Within two (2) hours of the City’s knowledge of a Category 2 spill of 1,000 gallons or greater, discharging or threatening to discharge to waters of the State:
o Notify California Office of Emergency Services and obtain a notification control number.
6.5.1.3 Category 3 Spills
(Spills of Equal or Greater than 50 Gallons and Less than 1,000 Gallons That Does Not Discharge to Surface Waters)
o Not Applicable
6.5.1.4 Category 4 Spills
(Spills Less Than 50 Gallons That Do Not Discharge to Surface Waters) o Not Applicable
6.5.1.5 Enrollee Owned and or Operated Lateral Spills that do not Discharge to Surface Waters
Within two (2) hours of the City’s knowledge of a spill of 1,000 gallons or greater, from an enrollee- owned and/or operated lateral, discharging or threatening to discharge to waters of the State:
o Notify California Office of Emergency Services and obtain a notification control number.
o Not applicable to a spill of less than 1,000 gallons.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response Plan
City of Taft
May 2026
6.5.2 Spill Reporting Procedure
Spill reporting procedures vary based on whether the Spill is classified as Category 1, Category 2, Category 3, Category 4 or City Owned Lateral. A full description of Spill reporting requirements is found in the City SERP.
Category 1 Spills
• Submit Draft Spill Report within three (3) business days of the City’s knowledge of the spill;
• Submit Certified Spill Report within 15 calendar days of the spill end date; • Submit Technical Report within 45 calendar days after the spill end date for a Category 1 spill in which 50,000 gallons or greater discharged to surface waters; and • Submit Amended Spill Report within 90 calendar days after the spill end date.
Spill Technical Report
Category 2 Spills
• Submit Draft Spill Report within three (3) business days of the City’s knowledge of the spill;
• Submit Certified Spill Report within 15 calendar days of the spill end date; and • Submit Amended Spill Report within 90 calendar days after the spill end date.
Category 3 Spills
• Submit monthly Certified Spill Report to the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database within 30 calendars days after the end of the month in which the spills occur; and
• Submit Amended Spill Reports within 90 calendar days after the Certified Spill Report due date.
Category 4 Spills
• If, during any calendar month, Category 4 spills occur, certify monthly, the estimated total spill volume exiting the sanitary sewer system, and the total number of all Category 4 spills into the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database, within 30 days after the end of the calendar month in which the spills occurred. • Upload and certify a report, in an acceptable digital format, of all Category 4 spills to the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database, by February 1st after the end of the calendar year in which the spills occur.
Enrollee Owned and/or Operated Lateral Spills That Do Not Discharge to Surface Waters
• Upload and certify a report, in an acceptable digital format, of all lateral spills (that do not Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response Plan
City of Taft
May 2026
discharge to a surface water) to the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database, by February 1st after the end of the calendar year in which the spills occur. • Report a lateral spill of any volume that discharges to a surface water as a Category 1 spill.
6.6 SERP Training
The City implements a formal training program which will include annual training of City Staff on this SSMP Element and SERP. The City will also require contractor personnel to train on and follow SERP through their contracts. The City will maintain a log of SERP Training as training is completed.
6.7 Spill Impact Mitigation Program
The Spill Mitigation Program is comprised of the mitigation practices contained in the SERP, which is on file at the City Public Works Office.
The SERP includes Water Quality Monitoring, Beneficial Uses identification and Spill Impact Mitigation section providing information to post water body warning and closure signs in the event that a spill reaches a surface water, and City Public Works conducts water quality sampling if a spill impact assessment is necessary.
6.8 Spill Coordination with Stormwater Management Agencies and Public Water Systems
City Public Works manages the stormwater system which includes the entire City service area.
Information on the City stormwater collection and conveyance system is available to City staff which allows them to isolate any areas impacted by a sewer spill, recover this wastewater and return it to the sewer system. Municipal water system contacts are identified for notification of spills that may occur within 1000 ft of a surface water intake in the City SERP.
6.9 Post Spill Investigations
The City conducts Post Spill Investigations for Cat 1, 2, 3, and 4 spills as warranted per the 2023 SERP.
The City utilizes the following Performance Indicators for measuring effectiveness of this Element:
• Have staff’s spill response efforts helped to prevent the discharge of sewage to surface waters?
• Do post-spill assessments indicate staff are following the procedures outlined in the SERP?
• Is SERP training effective and are staff demonstrating adequate knowledge and abilities?
Resilience is addressed in Element 6 by:
• All staff with sewer response duties are trained to respond to spill events.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 6 – Spill Emergency Response Plan
City of Taft
May 2026
• Post-spill assessments are conducted to evaluate staff’s adherence to the SERP and to identify areas for improvement.
• Data collection forms are used to direct staff to collect all the required data to be submitted to CIWQS and are designed as a guide to a proper spill event response. • The City employees several different spill volume estimation methods to account for different circumstances.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 7 – Pipe Blockage Control Program
City of Taft
May 2026
ELEMENT 7 – PIPE BLOCKAGE CONTROL PROGRAM
The City of Taft has identified a number of commercial facilities that contribute fats, oils and grease (FOG) into the City’s sewer system. FOG has been a contributing factor in sanitary sewer spills and requires the City to conduct additional maintenance. Roots and disposable wipes have also been identified as pipe blocking sources.
7.1 Regulatory Requirements
WDR Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ Attachment D 7 states:
The Sewer System Management Plan must include procedures for the evaluation of the Enrollee’s service area to determine whether a sewer pipe blockage control program is needed to control fats, oils, grease, rags and debris. If the Enrollee determines that a program is not needed, the Enrollee shall provide justification in its Plan for why a program is not needed. The procedures must include, at minimum:
(a).An implementation plan and schedule for a public education outreach program that promotes proper disposal of pipe blocking substances; (b).A plan and schedule for the disposal of FOG generated within the sanitary sewer system service area. This may include a list of acceptable disposal facilities and/or additional facilities needed to adequately dispose of FOG generated within a sanitary sewer system service area;
(c). The legal authority to prohibit discharges to the system and identify measures to prevent spills and blockages;
(d).Requirements to install grease removal devices (such as traps or interceptors) and the development of design standards for such devices, maintenance requirements, BMP requirements, record keeping and reporting requirements; (e).Authority to inspect grease producing facilities, enforcement authorities, and whether the City has sufficient staff to inspect and enforce the FOG ordinance; (f). An identification of sewer system sections subject to FOG blockages and establishment of a cleaning maintenance schedule for each section; and Implementation of source control measures for all sources of fats, oils, and grease reaching the sanitary sewer system for each section identified above
7.2 Pipe Blockage Control Program Public Education and Outreach The City service area includes a variety of residential and commercial facilities. The focus of an effective Pipe Blockage Control Program includes residential customers, commercial facilities and commercial food service/preparation facilities.
The City’s FOG Program relies heavily on education and outreach, and this will remain a major component throughout the program. The City firmly believes that by having Food Service Establishments and the residential community understand the value in reducing the amount of grease in the City’s sewer lines the public can uniformly improve collection system efficiency and the costs associated with grease related overflows.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 7 – Pipe Blockage Control Program
City of Taft
May 2026
Prior to conducting inspections the City provides hand-outs or mails FOG flyers to each FSE that maintains a Public Health Permit. Following flyer release, FSE Permit Applications and personal phone calls to each owner or manager of the facility will commence. This allows each effected facility the opportunity to ask questions and receive any additional information regarding the FOG Program prior to the inspection process.
In addition to flyers, permit applications and personal contact with the facility; each facility within the City may obtain the following information or assistance:
o FOG Control BMP Booklet;
o Facility training on FOG Control BMP’s;
o Grease Hauler List; and
o Grease Control Device Cleaning Record Form (English and Spanish).
These forms will be available at the City’s Office and inspectors will have them available when an FSE is inspected. The forms and training offered will be at no cost to the consumer, the City will initially absorb all costs associated with the program.
Residential outreach is also an important element for reducing the amount of FOG entering the collection system. The City plans to implement a residential outreach program through flyers in homeowner’s sewer bills along with the development of door-hangers to “Stop the FOG” to areas where operations Staff have identified High Maintenance Areas caused by FOG which are cleaned semi-annually.
Flyers intended for sewer bill distribution will involve multiple topics in addition to FOG in order to provide public education in an economically feasible manner. For example a flyer may incorporate FOG information in addition to storm water management or proper disposal methods for wipes and pharmaceuticals.
The City’s flyer development and distribution will occur as an ongoing process as needed. The goal of the City regarding residential outreach is to distribute special flyers to high maintenance areas and a general flyer on the City website and at the Public Works Office.
In addition to the City’s FOG Control Program outreach, the City has independently developed outreach materials for other pipe blocking materials such as “disposable” wipes and any other consumer items that do not belong in the sewer through a flyer labeled “Toilets Are Not Trashcans”.
The City provides the following outreach and education materials that consist of the following:
o Residential and commercial outreach on proper Disposal of Wipes - “Toilets are not Trashcans” flyer,
o Residential Outreach Page: “Don’t Let Roots, Wipes, and FOG Cause Sewer Problems”
7.3 FOG Disposal Facilities
The City does not own or operate a FOG disposal facility. Licensed FOG hauling contractors are available for the Taft area and are required to dispose of grease to a certified disposal facility.
A list of FOG pumping and/or FOG waste hauling contractors in Kern County is provided below.
This list is provided as a courtesy to FSEs if requested. The companies listed are provided as an example and are not inclusive of all available grease hauling contractors.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 7 – Pipe Blockage Control Program
City of Taft
May 2026
7.4 Discharge Prohibition Legal Authority and Spill Prevention Measures The City’s Municipal Code sections prohibit discharges:
Title 3 “Health And Sanitation”, Chapter 3 “Sewerage Construction And Use” – i.e. Sewer Code o General Prohibition on discharges to streams or water courses (3-3-3-1 b1 ) o FOG discharges (3-3-4 f 9.)
The City implements FOG control measures for all sources of grease and fats discharged to the sewer system. One of the items that are provided to FSE or interested parties is the BMP manual. This manual helps to provide guidance and suggestions to FSEs in reducing the amount of FOG discharged. Many of the simple inexpensive procedures can significantly reduce the amount of FOG discharged to City sewers. The list of recommended BMPs are as follows:
o Train kitchen staff and other employees about how they can help ensure BMPs are implemented
o Post "No Grease" signs where appropriate (i.e. above sinks and on the front of dishwashers)
o Use water temperatures less than 140° F in all sinks, especially the pre-rinse sink before the mechanical dishwasher
o Recycle waste cooking oil
o "Dry wipe" pots, pans, and dishware prior to washing
o Dispose of food waste by recycling and/or solid waste removal o Properly maintain grease trap/interceptors
o Witness grease trap or interceptor cleaning/maintenance activities to ensure the device is being properly cleaned and is operating correctly
o Clean under-the-sink grease traps weekly, or more frequently, if needed (frequency of cleaning will be established during the inspection and is based on food service) Grease Haulers in Kern County
Thomas Refuse Service (760) 379-2618
Valley Pumping Service (661) 588-0258
Quality Pumping (661) 214-9288
All Valley Environmental (559) 498-8378
Commercial Grease Management (661) 374-0756
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 7 – Pipe Blockage Control Program
City of Taft
May 2026
o Clean grease interceptors routinely, at least quarterly (frequency of cleaning will be established during the inspection and is based on food service) o Keep a maintenance log
o Cover outdoor grease and oil storage containers
o Locate grease barrels and storage containers away from storm drain catch basins o Use absorbent pads or other material in the storm drain catch basins if grease barrels and containers must be located nearby (absorbent pads may be required if the basin is within 20 feet of grease barrels or containers or if there are signs of grease in the catch basin at any distance)
o Routinely clean kitchen exhaust system filters
7.5 Requirements to Install Grease Removal Devices
The City’s Municipal Code contains the following sections requiring GRD’s for Food Service Establishments:
Title 3 “Health And Sanitation”, Chapter 3 “Sewerage Construction And Use” – i.e.
Sewer Code
o Requirements to install grease removal devices (3-3-3 a) Title 3 “Health and Sanitation”, Chapter 3 “Sewerage Construction And Use” – i.e. Sewer Code
o Requirements for design and construction of grease traps and interceptors (3-3- 3a)
7.6 FOG Control Program Inspection, Enforcement, and Staffing Program fees are absorbed by the City in order to help alleviate the cost for an FSE to reach compliance Maintenance reductions will be evaluated throughout this period. Kern County Public Works (KCPW) staff conduct inspections of City FSEs.
The City will regularly evaluate program compliance; results and the cost associated with program implementation. If it is determined that the program is showing significant savings to the City in maintenance and operations costs the program may remain at no cost. If results of the analysis indicate the costs exceed the savings, a nominal fee may be assessed annually for permit renewals and inspections. Recommendations for the establishment of additional fees or assessments will be forwarded to Taft City Council for consideration.
The City follows up on all instances of noncompliance with the FOG Control Program until corrective actions are confirmed.
7.7 Problem Area Identification and Sewer Cleaning
One objective of a FOG control program is the identification of trouble spots, or “hot spots”, that are likely or prove to have grease accumulation. The City identifies potential grease problem areas by tracking locations and causes of dry weather blockages and sewer spills. FOG accumulation is also documented when seen in the sewer system during a visual inspection by Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). If the specific trouble spots occur in close proximity to several Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 7 – Pipe Blockage Control Program
City of Taft
May 2026
restaurants or grease-producing facilities the FSEs will be considered a potential source of the FOG in the sewer and increased inspections will take place. Additionally, the identified locations will be noted in the O&M program and will be monitored for cleaning frequency requirements.
The City’s Maintenance Staff maintains a sewer atlas depicting each sewer line and manhole location. This data is used in conjunction with cleaning logs, for which Staff will note the date and time of flushing as well as debris type and severity. The City has compiled a list of hot spots within the community. These areas of concerns have been put on an increased cleaning schedule and will be monitored annually for cleaning frequency. The City tracks these hot spots on a Sewer Atlas and in the City’s GIS Mapping System which is accessed/maintained at the Public Works office.
Additional information about cleaning and maintenance is included in Element 4: Operations and Maintenance Program.
7.8 Other Source Control Measures
The City’s source control efforts to reduce or eliminate pipe blocking materials and related problems in the pipeline sections identified in hot spot maintenance list are addressed through the actions previously described in this Element. Additionally, the City provides outreach and education to residential customers through the City website previously referenced in this Element.
The City utilizes the following Performance Indicators for measuring effectiveness of this Element:
• Have there been any blockages/spills from any identified problem areas? • Have there been spills due to excessive fats, oil, grease, roots, or non-disposable wipes discovered in the sewer system during the audit period? • Are there serial violators among FSEs?
• Are enforcement trends decreasing?
• Are Source Control and Collection staff included in the plan check process? Resilience is addressed in Element 7 by:
• Inspection of select manholes and pipelines directly downstream of grease producing businesses to ensure source control is effective.
• Residential FOG outreach and education program.
• Performance of regular assessments of system assets to monitor performance. • QA/QA process for evaluating pipe cleaning effectiveness.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 7 – Pipe Blockage Control Program
City of Taft
May 2026
APPENDIX 7
7A What Not to Flush Flyer
7B Roots, Wipes and FOG Outreach
Many household
cleaning products are
labeled and marketed
as disposable; many
baby hygiene products are labeled both
disposable and flushable. And while these
products may be marketed as a convenience item in this way, the truth is that
these household wipes and cleaning towelettes have the ability to clog and stop up not only the sewer line on your property, but also can cause blockage and service problems in the public sewer system and pump stations. Unlike toilet paper, these products don’t break down once they are flushed. They can cause blockages in your private sewer lateral, especially older pipelines that may have grease, roots, or other obstructions already existing.
A repair of the private
sewer lateral can leave the
homeowner with an expensive repair bill. On a
larger scale when these
products make their way
into the public sewer system they collect together and cause clogs in the sewer main lines and get tangled in
pump stations requiring repair or replacement of equipment.
The following items
should never be flushed
into the sewer system:
• Disinfecting wipes, Baby
wipes.
• Q-tips.
• Toilet cleaning pads.
• Mop or “Swiffer” type
refills.
• Paper towels.
• Moist towelettes.
• “Disposable” Kitty Litter
• Dental Floss
• Any consumer item that
is not toilet paper.
Public Works Department
(661) 763-1222 ext: 111
City of Taft Pipe Blockage Control Program
Don’t Let Roots, Wipes, and FOG Cause Sewer Problems
Your home’s plumbing is connected to the public wastewater system through an underground pipe called a “private sewer lateral.” As the property owner, you own this pipe and are responsible for keeping it flowing freely and repairing cracks and breaks. Laterals do not necessarily end at the curb or property line but extend all the way to the public sewer main, which often is located in the middle of the street. The City of Taft maintains the public sewer.
Preventing Sewer Spills
These steps can help you avoid the unpleasant and usually costly experience of a sewage backup in your home.
• Do not pour Fats, Oils or Grease (FOG) down drains. After soaking a greasy pan, place a paper towel over the drain basket to catch grease and food particles as you slowly pour the water down the drain. Put the paper towel in your green waste cart. Collect waste cooking oil and grease in a container with a tight-fitting lid and bring it to a hazardous waste collection center or dispose of into the trash. • Do not flush wipes, diapers or feminine hygiene products, even if they are labeled “flushable.” As homes age, roots often infiltrate sewer laterals. So-called flushable products catch on these intrusions, or on grease build-up, and form clogs and sewer backups.
• Don’t plant trees and large shrubs near sewer lines. Roots grow toward sewer line cracks in search of water, often forming root balls that clog the line. • When buying a home, consider having the sewer lateral inspected. A licensed plumber’s video inspection may reveal cracks, breaks, offsets, and root intrusion. The pipe may need to be cleaned, repaired, or replaced.
A Simple Device Can Protect Your Home
An overflow protection device or sewer backwater valve can prevent sewage from backing up into your home. If a clog occurs in the public sewer main or in your private lateral downstream of the device, an overflow protection device keeps the spill outside. While still not desirable, an outside spill avoids property damage, substantially reduces health risks, and can be cleaned up much more quickly and easily.
If you have an overflow protection device (backwater valve/backflow preventer), inspect it periodically to make sure it is working correctly and not inadvertently covered with dirt. If an overflow occurs and the device is not operating properly, your insurance might not fully cover the cost of property damage.
If you don’t have an overflow protection device, consider installing one. We recommend that a licensed plumber install the device, since elevation and location are critical for it to function properly.
Tree Roots
Roots thrive in the warm, moist, nutrient-rich atmosphere above the water level inside sanitary sewers. The flow of warm water inside the sewer pipe causes water vapor to escape to the cold and/or dry soil surrounding the pipe. Tree roots are attracted to the water vapor leaving the pipe and they follow the vapor trail to the source of the moisture, which is usually from cracks or loose joints in the sewer pipe. Tree roots will penetrate the opening to reach the nutrients and moisture inside the pipe. This continues in winter even though trees appear to be dormant. Once inside the pipe, roots will continue to grow and if not disturbed, they will completely fill the pipe with many hairy root masses at each point of entry. The network of roots grows, forming a root ball inside the pipe, trapping grease, tissue paper, and other debris discharged from the residence or business.
Homeowners will notice the first signs of a slow flowing drainage system by hearing gurgling noises from toilet bowls or drains become slower when emptying their tubs. A complete blockage will occur if no remedial action is taken to remove the roots and resulting blockage.
As roots continue to grow, they exert considerable pressure at the crack or joint where they entered the pipe. The force exerted by the root growth can break the pipe and may result in total collapse of the pipe. Severe root intrusion and structurally damaged pipes will require replacement. Tree roots growing inside sewer pipes are generally the most expensive sewer maintenance item experienced by City residents. Roots from trees growing on private property throughout the City sewer areas are responsible for many of the sanitary sewer backups and damaged sewer pipes. Homeowners should be aware of the location of their building sewer and refrain from planting trees, bushes, and hedges near the building sewers. You may want to consult tree experts and ask their advice. The replacement cost of a building sewer line as a result of damage from tree roots can be very expensive.
If your home was built before 1980, you may have clay or iron pipes. These pipes are more likely to have cracks or joint problems caused by ground settling or freeze/thaw cycles than PVC pipes. Look at your yard and walk above the area where your building sewer is located. Walk with a person on each side of you, holding hands with your arms stretched out wide. If anyone bumps into a tree or large bush before you get to the street or sewer main, your sewer lateral may be subject to root intrusion.
Other than removing the trees or replacing the building sewers with PVC pipe, there isn’t any permanent solution. If the blockage is bad, the roots have to be cut and flushed away. The foam-type aquatic herbicide can be added a couple weeks later. The foaming herbicide fills the pipe, killing the roots on the top of the pipe as well as the sides. Annual use usually will keep them from returning. Please do not use any copper sulfate type root-killer. The copper crystals will only affect roots on the bottom of the pipe, and since roots are found in the top of the pipe, above the water level, only a tiny part of the root problem will be affected. Also, the copper will end up at the wastewater treatment plant and may adversely affect the sludge treatment process and cost the municipality and you more money.
If your plumber has to cut out roots from your building sewer, please call (661) 763-1222 ext:
111 and the Public Works Department know. We will send a crew to make sure that the roots the plumber cut out do not cause problems for your neighbors downstream.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 8 – System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan City of Taft
May 2026
ELEMENT 8 SYSTEM EVALUATION, CAPACITY ASSURANCE AND
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
8.1 Regulatory Requirements
Attachment D 8 states:
The Plan must include procedures and activities for:
• Routine evaluation and assessment of system conditions; • Capacity assessment and design criteria;
• Prioritization of corrective actions; and
• A capital improvement plan.
(a).System Evaluation & Condition Assessment: The Plan must include procedures to:
o Evaluate the sanitary sewer system assets utilizing the best practices and technologies available;
o Identify and justify the amount (percentage) of its system for its condition to be assessed each year;
o Prioritize the condition assessment of system areas that:
▪ Hold a high level of environmental consequences if vulnerable to collapse, failure, blockage, capacity issues, or other system deficiencies; ▪ Are located in or within the vicinity of surface waters, steep terrain, high groundwater elevations, and environmentally sensitive areas; o Are within the vicinity of a receiving water with a bacterial-related impairment on the most current Clean Water Act section 303(d) List;
o Assess the system conditions using visual observations, video surveillance and/or other comparable system inspection methods;
o Utilize observations/evidence of system conditions that may contribute to exiting of sewage from the system which can reasonably be expected to discharge into a water of the State;
o Maintain documents and recordkeeping of system evaluation and condition assessment inspections and activities; and
o Identify system assets vulnerable to direct and indirect impacts of climate change, including but not limited to: sea level rise; flooding and/or erosion due to increased storm volumes, frequency, and/or intensity; wildfires; and increased power disruptions.
(b).Capacity Assessment & Design Criteria: The Plan must include procedures to identify system components that are experiencing or contributing to spills caused by hydraulic deficiency and/or limited capacity, including procedures to identify the appropriate hydraulic capacity of key system elements for:
o Dry-weather peak flow conditions that cause or contributes to spill events; Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 8 – System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan City of Taft
May 2026
o The appropriate design storm(s) or wet weather events that causes or contributes to spill events;
o The capacity of key system components; and
o Identify the major sources that contribute to the peak flows associated with sewer spills.
o The capacity assessment must consider:
▪ Data from existing system condition assessments, system inspections, system audits, spill history, and other available information; ▪ Capacity of flood-prone systems subject to increased infiltration and inflow, under normal local and regional storm conditions;
▪ Capacity of systems subject to increased infiltration and inflow due to larger and/or higher-intensity storm events as a result of climate change; ▪ Increases of erosive forces in canyons and streams near underground and above- ground system components due to larger and/or higher-intensity storm events;
▪ Capacity of major system elements to accommodate dry weather peak flow conditions, and updated design storm and wet weather events; and ▪ Necessary redundancy in pumping and storage capacities. (c). Prioritization of Corrective Action: The findings of the condition assessments and capacity assessments must be used to prioritize corrective actions. Prioritization must consider the severity of the consequences of potential spills. (d).Capital Improvement Plan: The capital improvement plan must include the following items:
o Project schedules including completion dates for all portions of the capital improvement program;
o Internal and external project funding sources for each project; and o Joint coordination between operation and maintenance staff, and engineering staff/consultants during planning, design, and construction of capital improvement projects; and Interagency coordination with other impacted utility agencies.
8.2 System Evaluation & Condition Assessment
The City has not experienced a dry or wet weather capacity related sewer spill between 2010 and 2026. Additionally, operations staff has not reported any areas of the collection system observed as capacity deficient during routine and emergency operations and maintenance activities. A review of CIWQS records and historic sewer maintenance records confirms there have been no capacity related sewer spills or observed capacity related concerns in the system.
The City has identified and evaluated some capital projects based on visual observations during sewer line cleaning and follow up CCTV investigations which are discussed in Section 8.5 below.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 8 – System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan City of Taft
May 2026
The City is planning to conduct system wide CCTV inspections in the next four (4) years.
Once these CCTV investigations are complete they will be evaluated to determine the need for additional maintenance throughout the system and the need for capital projects to address identified system defects in sewer lines and manholes. Evaluation criteria will include/consider the requirements in Element 8, Subsection “a” for Evaluation and Condition Assessment criteria.
8.3 Capacity Evaluation & Design Criteria
The City is planning to complete an update of the Capacity Evaluation completed in 2010 in 2031. The update to this Capacity Evaluation will include procedures to identify system components that are experiencing or contributing to spills caused by hydraulic deficiency and/or limited capacity, including procedures to identify the appropriate hydraulic capacity of key system elements for:
o Dry-weather peak flow conditions that cause or contributes to spill events; o The appropriate design storm(s) or wet weather events that causes or contributes to spill events;
o The capacity of key system components; and
o Identify the major sources that contribute to the peak flows associated with sewer spills.
The capacity assessment will also consider:
o Data from existing system condition assessments, system inspections, system audits, spill history, and other available information; o Capacity of flood-prone systems subject to increased infiltration and inflow, under normal local and regional storm conditions;
o Capacity of systems subject to increased infiltration and inflow due to larger and/or higher-intensity storm events as a result of climate change; o Increases of erosive forces in canyons and streams near underground and aboveground system components due to larger and/or higher-intensity storm events; o Capacity of major system elements to accommodate dry weather peak flow conditions, and updated design storm and wet weather events; and o Necessary redundancy in pumping and storage capacities.
Design criteria will be developed based on the capacity needs identified in the capacity analysis.
8.4 Prioritization of Corrective Actions
Current Capital Projects being considered by the City are based on sewer line cleaning and CCTV data. Current prioritization criteria are as follows:
o Severity of Offset in Pipe Joints
o Heavy Root Penetration
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 8 – System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan City of Taft
May 2026
o Severe Cracks
These observed characteristics are ranked with a severity ranking ranking from 1 to 3, with a ranking of 3 being most severe. There are currently ten (10) projects which have been identified with a ranking of 2 and 3. The City is in the process of completing a Sewer Rate Analysis to fund these projects as part of a five-year capital improvement plan.
8.5 Capital Improvement Plan
The City developed a ranked Capital Improvement List that was discussed in Section 8.4.
The current CIP list being considered for the sewer collection and conveyance system is shown below:
Funding for Projects and Future Investigations
City sewer projects are planned to be funded by a new rate structure following the 2026 Rate Analysis. Once a rate structure is in place a schedule for these projects will be developed and tracked annually.
Project Description Ranking
Terrace Drive
(267 ft)
Several Offset
Joints
3 Terrace Drive
(170 ft)
Root Penetrations 3
Washington Avenue
(287 ft)
Severe Cracks in
Pipe
3 Washington Avenue
(185 ft)
Severe Cracks in
Pipe
3 Franklin Avenue
(389 ft)
Severe Cracks in
Pipe
3 E Street
(257 ft)
Heavy Roots in
Joints
2 Alley West of Church
(266 ft)
Multiple Cracks in
Pipe
2 Pilgrim Avenue
(430 ft)
Multiple Cracks in
Pipe
2 Cypress Lane
(253 ft)
Multiple Cracks in
Pipe
2 E Street Cracks in Pipes
due to Roots
2 Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 8 – System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan City of Taft
May 2026
The City utilizes the following Performance Indicators for measuring effectiveness of this Element:
o Has the City maintained its schedule for routine O&M and is data being reviewed in a timely manner?
CCTV Gravity Mains
Laterals
Manholes
Pump Stations
o Are inspection efforts discovering deficiencies in a timely manner? o Are maintenance and inspection activities properly documented? o Number of capacity-related spills or surcharge condition during the audit period. o Has the City followed its system evaluation/condition assessment schedule? o Has the City followed its prioritization/corrective procedures for sewer repair and capacity improvement projects?
o Have projects been completed before deficiencies caused failures? o Has the City’s capital improvement plan schedule been followed? Resilience is addressed in Element 8 by:
o Annual review of the Capital Improvement Plan by all appropriate individuals including Management, Engineering, and Operations during budget preparation.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 9 – Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications City of Taft
May 2026
ELEMENT 9 - MONITORING, MEASUREMENT & PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS The City monitors the implementation of the SSMP elements in order to measure the effectiveness of the City’s SSMP in reducing sewer spills. The manner in which each SSMP element is monitored and evaluated and the schedule with which the City completes this monitoring and evaluation is described in this SSMP Element.
9.1 Regulatory Requirements
WDR Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ Section D 9 states:
The Plan must include an Adaptive Management section that addresses Planimplementation effectiveness and the steps for necessary Plan improvement, including:
(a).Maintaining relevant information, including audit findings, to establish and prioritize appropriate Plan activities;
(b).Monitoring the implementation and measuring the effectiveness of each Plan Element;
(c). Assess the success of the preventative maintenance activities; (d).Updating Plan procedures and activities, as appropriate, based on results of monitoring and performance evaluations; and
(e).Identifying and illustrating spill trends, including spill frequency, locations and estimated volumes.
9.2 Data Management
The City uses a computer-based maintenance system to maintain accurate and relevant inspection and maintenance records for the collection system, including field data such as pipe cleaning and inspection frequencies, lift station inspections, and information regarding spills.
Much of the documentation is maintained electronically, which allows for ease of access and analysis. This helps City staff to make informed decisions and prioritize activities when encountering routine and unexpected tasks.
9.3 Monitoring SSMP Elements
Monitoring the City’s SSMP focuses on each element in terms of its implementation and effectiveness. The SSMP includes performance indicators for each element, which are intended to measure effectiveness by City staff. In addition, implementation responsibilities are included for each element to help ensure the SSMP is managed and implemented as intended.
9.4 Preventative Maintenance Program Assessment
The City’s Preventative Maintenance Program includes CCTV inspection, line cleaning, visual manhole inspection, lift station maintenance, high priority area identification and maintenance.
The City will review these operation and maintenance practices annually and compare them with annual Spill records. Use of City maintenance tracking systems allow for inspections and maintenance following predetermined schedule and for progress to be tracked. Regular maintenance meetings are a forum for communicating what work following identified schedules and those that may need additional attention. O&M meetings are also an opportunity to discuss Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 9 – Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications City of Taft
May 2026
any problems which may have been identified. Changes are made to the planned work as needed to address higher priorities in the collection system.
9.5 SSMP Updates
The City is committed to continuous improvement and monitors and evaluates performance of work programs and SSMP elements to ensure intended outcomes are achieved while looking for areas of improvement. Although the SWRCB requires that the SSMP be updated every six years, the SSMP is considered a living document and may require updating on a more frequent basis.
At a minimum, the City will review and revise the SSMP annually as warranted. The Public Works Director is responsible for revising and maintaining the SSMP.
A revision record will be maintained to track changes.
9.6 Sewer Spill Trends
The City monitors spill trends during required annual CIWQS Reports (Annual Reports), at a minimum every three years during required audits, utilizing its maintenance database, inspection records and CIWQS data. These resources are helpful in planning and programing work, and adjusting as needed, enabling the District to adapt and to adjust based on a review of system data.
The City will continue to plan and adjust operation and maintenance practices so that the number of Spills experienced on an annual basis remains low.
The City utilizes the following Performance Indicators for measuring effectiveness of this Element:
o Are SSMP Elements periodically evaluated for effectiveness? o Are work activities and spill events being documented? o Has a plan and schedule been established to address audit findings/deficiencies from the last audit?
o Is Trend Analysis being performed on spill causes?
o Have work programs been assessed and updated as necessary? Resilience is addressed in Element 9 by:
o Development of performance indicators to measure effectiveness of the SSMP. o Performing periodic reviews of the SSMP to help ensure it is being properly implemented.
o Developing and implementation of a timeline to correct deficiencies found during the audit process.
o Periodically evaluating work programs to help ensure effectiveness.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 10 – Sewer System Management Plan Program Audits City of Taft
May 2026
ELEMENT 10 - SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN PROGRAM AUDITS SSMP audits are required to identify and correct deficiencies in the most current revision of the City’s SSMP and provide a schedule to correct identified deficiencies. This SSMP Element outlines the audit process and identifies staff responsible for conducting or participating in SSMP audits and generating the required SSMP Audit Report.
10.1 Regulatory Requirements
WDR Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ Section D 10 requires:
The Plan shall include internal audit procedures, appropriate to the size and performance of the system. Additionally, the General Order requires;
The internal audit shall be appropriately scaled to the size of the system(s) and the number of spills. The Enrollee’s sewer system operators must be involved in completing the audit. At minimum, the audit must:
o Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the Enrollee’s Sewer System Management Plan in preventing spills;
o Evaluate the Enrollee’s compliance with this General Order; o Identify Sewer System Management Plan deficiencies in addressing ongoing spills and discharges to waters of the State; and
o Identify necessary modifications to the Sewer System Management Plan to correct deficiencies.
The Enrollee shall submit a complete audit report that includes:
o Audit findings and recommended corrective actions;
o A statement that sewer system operators’ input on the audit findings has been considered; and
o A proposed schedule for the Enrollee to address the identified deficiencies.
10.2 SSMP Program Audits
The City Manager / Public Works Director is the Legally Responsible Official (LRO). The LRO or their designee is responsible for assuring the SSMP audit is conducted and complete based on the schedule outlined on the SWRCB lookup website which requires audits to be conducted at a three-year interval from the prior audit. Audits should be conducted with the cooperation of the City staff responsible for sewer system operations and maintenance, administrative staff, and engineering staff. When conducting the SSMP audit, City staff must evaluate the effectiveness of each SSMP Element. A comprehensive, effective review of the City’s SSMP must be documented in a SSMP Audit Report.
10.2.1 Summary of Procedure:
1. Gather appropriate documents using the SSMP Audit Data & Records Request, which is provided in Appendix 10A.
2. Interview City staff responsible for the administration, operations, maintenance and engineering associated with system performance information.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 10 – Sewer System Management Plan Program Audits City of Taft
May 2026
3. Develop Audit Report and reference all documents reviewed and used as evidence of compliance with the WDR. Create a plan and schedule for updates to the SSMP based on changes in operational strategies or deficiencies found in the SSMP.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the City’s SSMP and compliance with each WDR requirement using the ranking methodology outlined in Table 10-1.
Table 10-1: SSMP Audit Ranking Criteria
Ranking Ranking Basis
In Compliance All requirements specified in the element are met.
Substantial Compliance The majority of requirements in the element are met.
Partial Compliance Half of the requirements in the element are met.
Marginal Compliance Less than half of the requirements in the element are met.
Out of Compliance None of the requirements in the element are met.
The SSMP Audit Report must be signed and certified by the Legally Responsible Official (LRO).
The SSMP Audit Report must be certified using the language provided below:
“I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations.”
Subsequent SSMP audits must be conducted continuously on a three-year interval following the schedule outlined below which is based on the dates required by the 2022 WDR:
• SSMP Audit Period: May 2, 2025 - May 2, 2028 (Audit report due 11/2/28) • SSMP Update: Update due 5/2/32.
Additional SSMP Audit and SSMP Update regulatory schedules required after the dates shown above should be identified in the following link:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/sso/lookup/ To assist in the audit process, the City should consider quarterly or semiannual reviews and revisions to specific SSMP Elements and associated supporting documents. These reviews and revisions will help ensure current operational practices and procedures are reflected in the Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 10 – Sewer System Management Plan Program Audits City of Taft
May 2026
SSMP and documentation of these activities is readily available during an audit by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and/or State Water Resources Control Board.
SSMP Audit Reports must be kept on file and submitted to the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer Database within six (6) months after the end of the 3-year audit period.
The City utilizes the following Performance Indicators for measuring effectiveness of this Element:
• Have audits been performed as required?
• Have the audits assessed compliance, implementation, and effectiveness? • Have deficiencies been identified?
• Has a plan and schedule to rectify the deficiencies been established? Resilience is addressed in Element 10 by:
• Periodically evaluating key performance indicators during the audit period to assess effectiveness and make corrections, if necessary, prior to the audit. • Evaluating previous audits to ensure deficiencies have been rectified. • Scheduling the audit due dates and completing the audit on time.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 10 – SSMP Audits
City of Taft
May 2026
APPENDIX 10
10A Audit Data and Records Request
SSMP AUDIT DATA & RECORDS REQUEST
A. SSMP ADMINISTRATIVE YES LOCATED
WHERE? NO N/A COMMENTS
A1 a.
Has your agency enrolled in the State-wide GWDR and designated the responsible or authorized representative (LRO)?
b. Provide a copy of the SSMP Certification in CIWQS.
c.
Provide a copy of the CIWQS print-out for all LROs and Data Submitters.
d. Provide a copy of your Operational Report(s) from CIWQS. e.
Does the SSMP include a narrative that discusses; summary of plan and associated schedules, sewer system asset overview, updated maps?
A2 a. Has your agency adopted a SSMP?
b. Provide a copy of the SSMP.
c.
Provide a copy of the Meeting Minutes for the agency
governing body's meeting during which the SSMP was
adopted.
A3 a.
Does your agency have a copy of the GWDRs available to agency staff? Where is it kept?
A4 a.
How does agency ensure revenues and expenditures related to sanitary sewer system are available to; comply with General Order, fully implement the SSMP, conduct O&M and necessary repairs, ensure proper spill response?
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SSMP AUDIT DATA & RECORDS REQUEST
B. GOALS YES LOCATED
WHERE? NO N/A COMMENTS
B1 a. Has your agency developed SSMP and Spill reduction goals? b.
Provide documentation that your agency has made progress toward meeting these goals.
C. ORGANIZATION YES LOCATED
WHERE? NO N/A COMMENTS
C1 a.
Does your SSMP clearly identify the names and job titles the LROs?
C2 a.
Does your SSMP have an organizational chart or table showing individual roles and responsibilities for implementation of the SSMP?
b. Are names, titles, and telephone numbers provided in this chart or table?
C3 a.
Is the chain of communication for reporting Spills included in the SSMP?
b. Are names, titles, and telephone numbers provided in this chain of communication?
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SSMP AUDIT DATA & RECORDS REQUEST
D. LEGAL AUTHORITY YES LOCATED
WHERE? NO N/A COMMENTS
D1 a.
Provide the sanitary sewer system use ordinances, service agreements, or other legally binding procedures or documents, which demonstrates the agency's legal authority:
b. Prohibit illicit discharges
c.
Collaborate w/ Stormwater Agencies for sewer spill response and prevent cross connections of sanitary sewer and storm sewer infrastructure.
c.
Require that sewers and connections be properly designed and constructed
d.
Ensure access for maintenance, inspection, or repairs for portions of the lateral owned or maintained by the Public Agency
e. Enforce any violation of its sewer ordinances
f.
Obtain easement accessibility agreements for locations
requiring sewer system operations and maintenance, as
applicable.
E. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (O&M) YES LOCATED
WHERE? NO N/A COMMENTS
E1 a. Provide the following documents:
b. An updated map of the agency's sanitary sewer system and storm drain system.
c.
A schedule for maintenance and cleaning of the sanitary sewer system.
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SSMP AUDIT DATA & RECORDS REQUEST
d. How do O&M and R&R schedules enhance System Resilience? e.
Documentation for maintenance and cleaning of the sanitary sewer system.
f. Documentation for scheduled and conducted activities, such as work orders and/or reports and invoices from contractors. g.
The O&M contract if the agency's collection system is operated and maintained by a contract operations firm.
h. The agency's Rehabilitation and Replacement Plan
i. » Summary of the agency's CCTV program and schedule.
Include samples of inspections and summary of findings. j. » List of current and planned projects
k. » Time schedule for planned projects
l. » Schedule for developing the funds needed for
rehabilitation and replacement projects
m.
Standard Operating Procedures for Sewer System Operations and Maintenance activities.
n.
Training records for staff operations and maintenance
activities and contractor operations and maintenance
activities. Training records for CIWQS reporting, Spill volume estimation, Spill response training.
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SSMP AUDIT DATA & RECORDS REQUEST
o.
» All applicable licenses and certifications required for agency or contract staff. Provide documents stating this requirement.
p.
Assessment of O&M Staff "Core Competencies" (Skills,
Knowledge and Abilities)
q.
Equipment and replacement part inventories, including
identification of critical replacement parts.
r.
» If critical replacement parts are not kept in stock,
identify and provide method in which these parts are
acquired when needed (List of emergency contractors
and/or suppliers).
s.
» If critical replacement parts are not kept in stock,
provide applicable mutual aid agreements.
q.
Equipment and replacement part inventories, including
identification of critical replacement parts.
r.
» If critical replacement parts are not kept in stock,
identify and provide method in which these parts are
acquired when needed (List of emergency contractors
and/or suppliers).
s.
» If critical replacement parts are not kept in stock,
provide applicable mutual aid agreements.
F. DESIGN & PERFORMANCE PROVISIONS YES LOCATED
WHERE? NO N/A COMMENTS
F1 a. Provide the following documents:
b. Design and construction standards and specifications for:
c. » the installation of new sanitary sewer systems
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SSMP AUDIT DATA & RECORDS REQUEST
d. » pump stations and other appurtenances specific to the agency's collection and conveyance system
e.
» the rehabilitation and repair of existing sanitary sewer systems
f.
Procedures and standards for inspecting and testing the installation of new sewers, pumps, and other appurtenances specific to the agency's collection and conveyance system and for rehabilitation and repair projects.
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SSMP AUDIT DATA & RECORDS REQUEST
G. SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN YES LOCATED
WHERE? NO N/A COMMENTS
G1 a. Provide the agency's Spill Emergency Response Plan b.
Notification procedures ensuring that the primary responders, regulatory agencies, and potentially affected entities are informed of all Spills in accordance with the Monitoring and Reporting Program, Order No. 2022-0103.
c. A program to ensure an appropriate response to all spills. d.
Procedures to ensure that appropriate staff and contractor personnel are aware of and follow the Spill Emergency
Response Plan and are appropriately trained.
e.
Procedures to address emergency operations, such as traffic and crowd control and other necessary response activities. f. Procedures to address spill volume estimation.
g.
A program to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to contain and prevent the discharge of untreated and partially treated wastewater to waters of the United States.
h.
A program to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to minimize or correct any adverse impact on the environment resulting from the Spills, including such accelerated or additional monitoring as may be necessary to determine the nature and impact of the discharge.
i.
Plan to coordinate with storm drain agencies and other
impacted utilities in the event of a Spill. Plan to conduct Post Spill Assessments.
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SSMP AUDIT DATA & RECORDS REQUEST
H. SEWER PIPE BLOCKAGE CONTROL PROGRAM YES LOCATED
WHERE? NO N/A COMMENTS
H1 a.
Public Education and Outreach Program for pipe blocking substances.
b. Disposal facilities for pipe blocking substances.
c.
Ordinance demonstrating the agency's legal authority to prohibit discharges to the sewer system and prevent spills and blockages.
d.
Requirements to install grease removal devices, design
standards for these devices, maintenance requirements, BMPs, recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
e.
Ordinance demonstrating the agency's legal authority to prohibit FOG discharges to the system and inspect FOG
producing facilities.
f. Evidence of FOG Control Program inspection and enforcement activities.
g.
Documentation of hot spots in the collection system, which are caused by FOG.
I. SYSTEM EVALUATION, CAPACITY ASSURANCE, AND CIP YES LOCATED WHERE? NO N/A COMMENTS
I1 a. Provide procedures to evaluate the sanitary sewer system assets. b. Percentage of system assessed annually and rationale for this frequency.
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SSMP AUDIT DATA & RECORDS REQUEST
c.
Provide information that demonstrates condition assessment prioritizes areas that: 1) Have high level of environmental consequences if vulnerable to failure or are deficient for any reason; 2) Are located in or within the vicinity of surface waters, steep terrain, high groundwater elevations, and environmentally sensitive areas; 3) Are within the vicinity of a receiving water with a bacterial-related impairment on the most current Clean Water Act section 303(d) List
d.
Provide information demonstrating system is assessed using visual observations, video surveillance and/or other
comparable system inspection methods.
e.
Provide information demonstrating corrective actions for areas that may contribute to exiting of sewage from the system which can reasonably be expected to discharge into a water of the State.
f.
Provide information that demonstrates you have identified system assets vulnerable to direct and indirect impacts of climate change, including but not limited to: sea level rise; flooding and/or erosion due to increased storm volumes, frequency, and/or intensity; wildfires; and increased power disruptions
g.
Provide analysis and procedures to identify system
components that are experiencing or contributing to spills caused by hydraulic deficiency and/or limited capacity, including procedures to identify the appropriate hydraulic capacity of key system elements for:
• Dry-weather peak flow conditions that cause or contributes to spill events;
• The appropriate design storm(s) or wet weather events that causes or contributes to spill events;
• The capacity of key system components; and
• Identify the major sources that contribute to the peak flows associated with sewer spills.
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SSMP AUDIT DATA & RECORDS REQUEST
h.
Information that demonstrates the capacity assessment
considers: •
Data from existing system condition assessments, system inspections, system audits, spill history, and other available information; · Capacity
of flood-prone systems subject to increased infiltration and inflow, under normal local and regional storm conditions; · Capacity of systems subject to increased infiltration and inflow due to larger and/or higher-intensity storm events as a result of climate change;
· Increases of erosive forces in canyons and streams near underground and above- ground system components due to
larger and/or higher-intensity storm events;
· Capacity of major system elements to accommodate dry
weather peak flow conditions, and updated design storm and wet weather events; and
· Necessary redundancy in pumping and storage capacities. i.
Demonstrate how corrective actions are prioritized based on these condition assessments based on the severity of the consequences of potential spills.
j.
Capital Improvement Plans: based on the results of these condition assessments provide the following:
1) project schedules, including completion dates for all rehabilitation and replacement projects or CIP;
2) Internal and External project funding sources for each project; 3) Information demonstrating coordination between operations and maintenance staff, engineering staff, and consultants during the planning, design and construction of CIP. If other utility agencies are impacted,
document coordination efforts.
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SSMP AUDIT DATA & RECORDS REQUEST
J. MONITORING, MEASUREMENT & PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS YES LOCATED WHERE? NO N/A COMMENTS
J1 a. Adaptive Management strategies
b. · Provide relevant information, including audit findings, to establish and prioritize appropriate Plan activities;
c.
· Provide relevant information demonstrating the
implementation and measuring the effectiveness of each Plan Element;
d. · Provide relevant information demonstrating the success of the preventive operation and maintenance activities;
e.
· Provide relevant information demonstrating update of plan procedures and activities, as appropriate, based on results of monitoring and performance evaluations;
f. Identification of SSO trends.
K. SSMP PROGRAM AUDITS YES LOCATED
WHERE? NO N/A COMMENTS
K1 a. Provide historical SSMP Program Audit Reports.
L. COMMUNICATION PROGRAM YES LOCATED
WHERE? NO N/A COMMENTS
L1 a.
Provide the agency's Communication Program and evidence of its implementation.
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Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 4
Element 11 – Communication Program
City of Taft
May 2026
ELEMENT 11 - COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
Communicating the objectives of the SSMP and the importance of sanitary sewer system management practices to the public is essential. An informed public can assist and support the City by reducing customer caused blockages, which will potentially decrease sewer spills.
11.1 Regulatory Requirements
WDR Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ Section D 11 states:
The Plan must include procedures for the Enrollee to communicate with:
o The public for:
▪ Spills and discharges resulting in closures of public areas, or that enter a source of drinking water, and
▪ The development, implementation, and update of its Plan, including opportunities for public input to Plan implementation and updates.
o Owners/operators of systems that connect into the Enrollee’s system, including satellite systems, for:
▪ System operation, maintenance, and capital improvement-related activities.
11.2 Communication Program
There are several opportunities for stakeholders and the public to participate and provide input into the development and update of the City’s SSMP. During its initial development stage, as with each SSMP Audit and update of the SSMP, the SSMP and related documents are presented to the City Council for review and acceptance. Prior to each Council Meeting, various topic specific City documents are included in Agenda packet which are readily available for review on the City’s website.
The City maintains a website to inform the public about its activities. Typical information available on the website includes general information about the City, including contact information. The website also serves to update the public on any news.
Table 11-1: City Communication Program Overview
Activity Frequency Stakeholders
City Website:
https://www.cityoftaft.org/ Year-round All
City Council Meetings First and Third Tuesday of
each month @ 6:00 pm All
Social Media – Facebook, & Twitter Year-round All
City Office Year-round All
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 4
Element 11 – Communication Program
City of Taft
May 2026
11.2.1 City Website
Information is posted on the City website, https://www.cityoftaft.org/ and includes reports, documents, maps, links, City meeting minutes and agendas, educational material, and public service announcements. The City SSMP can be found on the City website. Sewer spill emergency contact information is also provided on the City website.
Updates and revisions to the SSMP will be posted and maintained on the City website when completed.
11.2.2 City Council Meetings
City Council Meetings are generally held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at Council Chamber at City Hall, 209 East Kern Street. Utility sewer operation, SSMP updates, significant revisions, audit results and SSMP status reports are presented at the Council meetings to receive input.
11.2.3 Social Media
The City uses social media (Facebook, & Twitter) to post information about utility projects, public education and outreach, and highlight items on the Council agenda.
11.2.4 City Public Works Office
The City Office located at 209 East Kern Street, has copies of educational material, public service announcements, and staff that provide assistance and education to the public. Office hours are Monday- Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Fridays form 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
11.2.5 Public Notices for Spills – Public Areas
The public is notified of spills and discharges that result in closures of public areas (including streets and surface waters) by erecting cones and barricades, and by posting warning signs in accordance with the Spill Emergency Response Plan. The necessary equipment and signage are kept in the emergency response vehicles.
11.2.6 Public Notices for Spills – Public Water Systems The City has not identified water purveyors, other than the City itself that would need be notified in the event of a sewer spill if one occurred within the vicinity of a source of drinking water. If systems are identified in the future their contact information will be listed in the is section of the SSMP so that City staff may contact them in the event of a sewer spill in their vicinity.
11.3 Satellite Systems
There are two (2) tributary sewer systems that flow though the City’s service area, Taft Heights and Ford City. These areas are managed by the County of Kern (Kern Sanitation Authority), who also manages the City’s sewer system.
The City utilizes the following Performance Indicators for measuring effectiveness of this Element:
o Does the City place all SSMP action items on the agenda for regular counsel/board meetings?
o Does the City have signage, or other means, readily available to notify the public of environmental or public risk factors related to a sewage spill? Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 4
Element 11 – Communication Program
City of Taft
May 2026
o Does the City perform outreach to residential customers? Resilience is addressed in Element 11 by:
o Use the SSMP as a tool to communicate to the public how the City is managing the system.
o Maintain a consistent presence in the service area by attending community events or issuing periodic newsletters or other communications to the public. o Make it clear and easy for the public to contact the City.
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: APRIL 21, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATION PROGRAM (LCTOP) FY2025-26 CERTIFICATIONS AND
ASSURANCES AND AUTHORIZED AGENT FORMS FOR ZERO-EMISSION TRANSIT BUS SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The LCTOP was established by California Senate Bill 862 to provide funding, on a formula basis, for operational or capital expansion projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve mobility, with a priority on serving disadvantaged communities. The funds are derived from California’s Capand-Trade Program and are the result of quarterly auctions of emission credits for greenhouse gas emitters regulated under AB 32, California’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Auction proceeds, known as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, are then reinvested in various projects to further reduce emissions.
The allocation request to Caltrans for the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) toward the future purchase of zero-emission electric bus after sufficient funds have been accumulated. This resolution is required to request allocations for this funding from Caltrans. The attached resolution will authorize the City Manager to sign and execute any documents required of the LCTOP program and any amendment thereto with the California Department of Transportation RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES AND AUTHORIZED AGENT FORMS FOR THE LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATIONS PROGRAM (LCTOP) FY2025-26 FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECT: PURCHASE OF ZERO-EMISSION TRANSIT BUS USING $16,128 IN LCTOP FUNDS and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): No
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Yes, Resolution, Certifications and Assurances and Authorized Agent Form
PREPARED BY: Teresa Binkley, Finance Director
RESOLUTION NO. ______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE CERTIFICATIONS AND
ASSURANCES AND AUTHORIZED AGENT FORMS FOR THE LOW
CARBON TRANSIT OPERATIONS PROGRAM (LCTOP) FY 2025-26 FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECT: PURCHASE ZERO-EMISSION TRANSIT
BUS USING $16,128 IN LCTOP FUNDS
WHEREAS, the City of Taft is an eligible project sponsor and may receive state funding from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) for transit projects, and WHEREAS, the statutes related to state-funded transit projects require a local or regional implementing agency to abide by various regulations; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill 862 (2014) named the Department of Transportation (Department) as the administrative agency for the LCTOP; and
WHEREAS, the Department has developed guidelines for the purpose of administering and distributing LCTOP funds to eligible project sponsors (local agencies); and WHEREAS, the City of Taft wishes to delegate authorization to execute these documents and any amendments thereto to Craig Jones, City Manager.
WHEREAS, the City of Taft wishes to implement the following LCTOP project(s) listed above,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Taft that the fund recipient agrees to comply with all conditions and requirements set forth in the Certification and Assurances and the Authorized Agent documents and applicable statutes, regulations and guidelines for all LCTOP funded transit projects.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Taft that Craig Jones, City Manager, be authorized to execute all required documents of the LCTOP program and any Amendments thereto with the California Department of Transportation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Taft that it hereby authorizes the submittal of the following project nomination(s) and allocation request(s) to the Department in FY 2025-26 LCTOP funds:
Project Name: Purchase of a zero-emission transit bus.
Amount of LCTOP funds requested: $16,128
Short description of project: Purchase a zero-emission battery-electric bus Contributing Sponsors (if applicable): Kern Council of Governments PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 21st day of April, 2026.
RESOLUTION NO:______________
________________________________
Dave Noerr, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Faith Melton
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF KERN } SS
CITY OF TAFT }
I, Faith Melton, City Clerk of the City of Taft, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Taft at a regular meeting thereof held on the 21st day of April 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers:
NOES: Councilmembers:
ABSENT: Councilmembers:
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers:
______________________________
Faith Melton
City Clerk
FY 2025-2026 LCTOP
Authorized Agent
AS THE Mayor
(Chief Executive Officer/Director/President/Secretary)
OF THE City of Taft
(Name of County/City/Transit Organization)
I hereby authorize the following individual(s) to execute for and on behalf of the named Regional Entity/Transit Operator, any actions necessary for the purpose of obtaining Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) funds provided by the California Department of Transportation, Division of Local Assistance. I understand that if there is a change in the authorized agent, the project sponsor must submit a new form. This form is required even when the authorized agent is the executive authority himself. I understand the Board must provide a resolution approving the Authorized Agent. The Board Resolution appointing the Authorized Agent is attached.
Dave Noerr, Mayor OR
(Name and Title of Authorized Agent)
Craig Jones, City Manager OR
(Name and Title of Authorized Agent)
Lonn Boyer, Assistant City Manager OR
(Name and Title of Authorized Agent)
Teresa Binkley, Finance Director OR
(Name and Title of Authorized Agent)
Dave Noerr Mayor
(Print Name) (Title)
(Signature)
Approved this 21
day
of April , 2026
FY 2025-2026 LCTOP
Certifications and Assurances
Lead Agency: City of Taft
Project Title: Purchase an Electric Transit Bus
Prepared by: Teresa Binkley
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has adopted the following Certifications and Assurances for the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP).
As a condition of the receipt of LCTOP funds, Lead Agency must comply with these terms and conditions.
A. General
1. The Lead Agency agrees to abide by the current LCTOP Guidelines and applicable legal requirements.
2. The Lead Agency must submit to Caltrans a signed Authorized Agent form designating the representative who can submit documents on behalf of the project sponsor and a copy of the board resolution appointing the Authorized Agent.
B. Project Administration
1. The Lead Agency certifies that required environmental documentation is complete before requesting an allocation of LCTOP funds. The Lead Agency assures that projects approved for LCTOP funding comply with Public Resources Code § 21100 and § 21150.
2. The Lead Agency certifies that a dedicated bank account for LCTOP funds only will be established within 30 days of receipt of LCTOP funds.
3. The Lead Agency certifies that when LCTOP funds are used for a transit capital project, that the project will be completed and remain in operation for its useful life.
4. The Lead Agency certifies that it has the legal, financial, and technical capacity to carry out the project, including the safety and security aspects of that project.
5. The Lead Agency certifies that they will notify Caltrans of pending litigation, dispute, or negative audit findings related to the project, before receiving an allocation of funds.
6. The Lead Agency must maintain satisfactory continuing control over the use of project equipment and facilities and will adequately maintain project equipment and facilities for the useful life of the project.
7. Any interest the Lead Agency earns on LCTOP funds must be used only on approved LCTOP projects.
FY 2025-2026 LCTOP
8. The Lead Agency must notify Caltrans of any changes to the approved project with a Corrective Action Plan (CAP).
9. Under extraordinary circumstances, a Lead Agency may terminate a project prior to completion. In the event the Lead Agency terminates a project prior to completion, the Lead Agency must (1) contact Caltrans in writing and follow-up with a phone call verifying receipt of such notice; (2) pursuant to verification, submit a final report indicating the reason for the termination and demonstrating the expended funds were used on the intended purpose; (3) submit a request to reassign the funds to a new project within 180 days of termination.
C. Reporting
1. The Lead Agency must submit the following LCTOP reports:
a. Annual Project Activity Reports October 30th each year. b. A Close Out Report within six months of project completion. c. The annual audit required under the Transportation Development Act (TDA), to verify receipt and appropriate expenditure of LCTOP funds. A copy of the audit report must be submitted to Caltrans within six months of the close of the year (December 31) each year in which LCTOP funds have been received or expended.
d. Project Outcome Reporting as defined by CARB Funding Guidelines. e. Jobs Reporting as defined by CARB Funding Guidelines.
2. Other Reporting Requirements: CARB develops and revises Funding Guidelines that will include reporting requirements for all State agencies that receive appropriations from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Caltrans and project sponsors will need to submit reporting information in accordance with CARB’s Funding Guidelines, including reporting on greenhouse gas reductions and benefits to disadvantaged communities.
D. Cost Principles
1. The Lead Agency agrees to comply with Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations 225 (2 CFR 225), Cost Principles for State and Local Government, and 2 CFR, Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
2. The Lead Agency agrees, and will assure that its contractors and subcontractors will be obligated to agree, that:
a. Contract Cost Principles and Procedures, 48 CFR, Federal Acquisition Regulations System, Chapter 1, Part 31, et seq., shall be used to determine the allow ability of individual project cost items and
FY 2025-2026 LCTOP
b. Those parties shall comply with Federal administrative procedures in accordance with 2 CFR, Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments. Every sub-recipient receiving LCTOP funds as a contractor or sub-contractor shall comply with
Federal administrative procedures in accordance with 2 CFR, Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
3. Any project cost for which the Lead Agency has received funds that are determined by subsequent audit to be unallowable under 2 CFR 225, 48 CFR, Chapter 1, Part 31 or 2 CFR, Part 200, are subject to repayment by the Lead Agency to the State of California (State). All projects must reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as required under Public Resources Code section 75230, and any project that fails to reduce greenhouse gases shall also have its project costs submit to repayment by the Lead Agency to the State. Should the Lead Agency fail to reimburse moneys due to the State within thirty (30) days of demand, or within such other period as may be agreed in writing between the Parties hereto, the State is authorized to intercept and withhold future payments due the Lead Agency from the State or any third-party source, including but not limited to, the State Treasurer and the State Controller.
A. Record Retention
1. The Lead Agency agrees and will assure that its contractors and subcontractors shall establish and maintain an accounting system and records that properly accumulate and segregate incurred project costs and matching funds by line item for the project.
The accounting system of the Lead Agency, its contractors and all subcontractors shall conform to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and enable the determination of incurred costs at interim points of completion. All accounting records and other supporting papers of the Lead Agency, its contractors and subcontractors connected with LCTOP funding shall be maintained for a minimum of three (3) years after the “Project Closeout” report or final Phase 2 report is submitted (per CARB Funding Guidelines, Vol. 3, page 3.A-16), and shall be held open to inspection, copying, and audit by representatives of the State and the California State Auditor.
Copies thereof will be furnished by the Lead Agency, its contractors, and subcontractors upon receipt of any request made by the State or its agents. In conducting an audit of the costs claimed, the State will rely to the maximum extent possible on any prior audit of the Lead Agency pursuant to the provisions of federal and State law. In the absence of such an audit, any acceptable audit work performed by the Lead Agency’s external and internal auditors may be relied upon and used by the State when planning and conducting additional audits.
2. For the purpose of determining compliance with Title 21, California Code of Regulations, Section 2500 et seq., when applicable, and other matters connected with FY 2025-2026 LCTOP
the performance of the Lead Agency’s contracts with third parties pursuant to Government Code § 8546.7, the project sponsor, its contractors and subcontractors and the State shall each maintain and make available for inspection all books, documents, papers, accounting records, and other evidence pertaining to the performance of such contracts, including, but not limited to, the costs of administering those various contracts. All of the above referenced parties shall make such materials available at their respective offices at all reasonable times during the entire project period and for three (3) years from the date of final payment. The State, the California State Auditor, or any duly authorized representative of the State, shall each have access to any books, records, and documents that are pertinent to a project for audits, examinations, excerpts, and transactions, and the Lead Agency shall furnish copies thereof if requested.
3. The Lead Agency, its contractors and subcontractors will permit access to all records of employment, employment advertisements, employment application forms, and other pertinent data and records by the Civil Rights Department, or any other agency of the State of California designated by the State, for the purpose of any investigation to ascertain compliance with this document.
F. Special Situations
Caltrans may perform an audit and/or request detailed project information of the project sponsor’s LCTOP funded projects at Caltrans’ discretion at any time prior to the completion of the LCTOP.
I certify all these conditions will be met.
Dave Noerr Mayor
(Print Authorized Agent) (Title)
(Signature) (Date)
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: APRIL 21, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MOORE & ASSOCIATES SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Federal Transit Administration has developed a comprehensive series of requirements all FTA funding recipients must follow to ensure full compliance with Title VI. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is applied in a manner to ensure environmental justice for minority and low-income communities. The plan is required to be updated every three years. Moore & Associates developed the City’s plan in June 2023, and the plan is required to be updated every 3 years. Attached is a proposal from Moore & Associates to update the City’s plan in the amount of $5,700.
Also included in the scope of services staff requested Moore & Associates to prepare our ZeroEmission Bus Roll out plan that is required by California Air Resources Board that is required by ICT regulations, which require all California transit agencies, regardless of size to create and submit this plan, which is due June 30, 2026. In relation they will also prepare a LongTerm Financial Plans (specific to the City’s public transit program) to be prepared and submitted to Kern COG by May 3, 2026., fee for these two plans is $47,500.00.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to authorize the mayor to execute the Professional Service agreement with Moore & Associates Find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): Yes, Increase to Transit Budget.
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Yes – Professional Service Agreement with Moore & Associates, Inc.
PREPARED BY: Teresa Binkley, Finance Director
1 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
DATE: March 20, 2026
PARTIES: "CLIENT"
THE CITY OF TAFT, a municipal corporation.
Designated Official: Name: Teresa Binkley
Title: Finance Director
Telephone: 661.763.1222 ext. 118
Mailing Address: 209 E. Kern Street
Taft, CA 93268
THE "CONSULTANT"
Moore & Associates, Inc.
Representative:
Mailing Address:
Name: Allison Moore
Title: President
Telephone: 661.253.1277
25852 McBean Pkwy #187
Valencia, CA 91355
TERM: Commencement date: March 20, 2026
Completion date: June 30, 2030
COST OFSERVICE: DETERMINED BY COUNCIL APPROVED TASK ORDERS
THIS AGREEMENT MUST BE FIRST EXECUTED BY THE CONSULTANT OR ITS
REPRESENTATIVE AND APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY BEFORE THE AGREEMENT MAY BE EXECUTED ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OFT AFT. "
REQUESTS FOR A WAIVER OF TERMS MUST BE IN WRITING AND PRESENTED TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AT THE TIME THIS AGREEMENT IS DELIVERED TO THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL AS TO FORM.
2 1.0 Services. Consultant, as an independent contractor, agrees to perform during the term of this Agreement, each and every service set forth on the “Scope of Services” attached to this Agreement as Exhibit “A”. The initiation of service by the Consultant will commence upon receipt of a written notice from the Designated Official authorizing Consultant to proceed, and only to the extent of such authorization. The services of the Consultant shall include the making of all investigations, studies, and analysis required by the conditions involved in each request of the Designated Official.
2.0 Compensation. The Client shall pay for the services of Consultant either on a timeand-material basis or on a fixed-price basis, depending upon the agreed cost of the applicable service as indicated on the "Schedule of Compensation" which is set forth in Exhibit "B." No payment for expenses or labor shall be paid by Client unless it is related to a service, which is referred to in the Scope of Services. The cost of service designated on the first page of this Agreement may be increased by 10% of the original Cost of Services or $1,000, whichever is less with the prior written approval of the Designated Official. Any additional increase in the cost of service designated on the first page of this Agreement must have the prior written approval and authorization of the City Manager.
3.0 Payment. If the service specified in the Scope of Services is to be paid for on a fixed-price basis, then Client shall pay for services of Consultant the total fixed price according to the progress payment schedule established in the Schedule of Compensation. If, however, payment is to be made on a time-andmaterial basis, then Consultant shall, at the end of each calendar month in which services are performed or expenses are incurred under this Agreement, and prior to the tenth day of the following month, submit to the Client a verified invoice prepared in the manner prescribed by the Client and the Designated Official.
Client's payment to Consultant shall be made within thirty (30) days of either the date of completion of each phase as set forth in the progress schedule if Consultant's Compensation is a fixed price, or the date of Consultant's invoice if compensation is calculated on a time-and-material basis, whichever is applicable.
4.0 Standard of Skill. Consultant, and Consultant's staff, if any, is skilled in the professional calling necessary to perform the work agreed to be done pursuant to this Agreement. Client relies upon the skill of the Consultant, and Consultant's staff, if any, to do and perform such work in a skillful manner, and Consultant agrees to thus perform Consultant's work. The acceptance of Consultant's work by the Client shall not operate as a release of the Consultant from such standard of care and workmanship.
5.0 Independent Contractor. Consultant is retained and employed by Client only to the extent set forth in this Agreement, and the Consultant's relationship to the Client is that of an independent contractor. Consultant shall be free to dispose of all portions of Consultant's time and activities which Consultant is not obligated to devote to the Client in such a manner and to such persons, firms, or corporations as the Consultant sees fit except as expressly provided in this Agreement. Consultant shall not be considered to have the status of an employee under this Agreement or be entitled to participate in any insurance, medical care, vacation, sick leave, or other benefits provided for Client's officers or employees. 3 6.0 Indemnification. Consultant shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent the occurrence of any injury, including death, to any person or any damage to any property arising out of the acts or omissions of the Consultant, its agents, employees, or subcontractors.
Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Client and its officers, agents, and employees, against any claim for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death arising out of or as the result of any work by Consultant or the employees, agents, or subcontractors of the Consultant, in the performance of this Agreement.
7.0 Termination of Agreement. Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time during the term of the Agreement by giving the other party thirty (30) days’ notice in writing. This Agreement may be extended beyond the term only by the written agreement of both parties prior to the expiration of the term of the Agreement.
8.0 Safety Requirement. All work performed under this Agreement shall be performed in such a manner as to provide safety to the public and to meet or exceed the safety standards outlined by CAL-OSHA. The Client reserves the right to issue restraint or cease and desist orders to the Consultant when unsafe or harmful acts are observed or reported relative to the performance of the work under this Agreement. The Consultant shall maintain the work sites free of hazards to persons and property resulting from its operations. Any hazardous condition noted by the Consultant, which is not the result of his operations, shall immediately be reported to the Client.
9.0 Insurance. Consultant shall maintain the following insurance coverage throughout the term of this Agreement, and upon request Consultant shall show Client evidence of such coverage:
9.1 Automobile Insurance. If Consultant uses, or intends to use, a personal automobile in the performance of this Agreement, automobile liability insurance with limits of not less than $100,000.00 per person and $300,000.00 per accident for bodily injury and not less than $25,000.00 per accident for property damage.
9.2 Workers' Compensation Insurance. Workers' Compensation Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance on any employees of Consultant performing services under this Agreement.
This insurance cannot be waived, but does not apply if Consultant is a sole proprietor and provides a written statement to that effect.
9.3 General Liability and Property Damage Insurance. Unless expressly waived and such waiver is evidenced by the signature of the requisite officers of the client designated in this paragraph, Consultant shall maintain general liability insurance and property damage insurance in the amount of$ I,000,000.00 combined single limit. When this coverage is required, the Client shall be named as an additional insured on a separate endorsement to the insurance policy. The endorsement shall require the insurance company to provide Client a minimum often (10) days’ notice of the cancellation of the policy.
9.4 Errors and Omissions Insurance. Errors and Omissions Insurance which includes coverage for professional malpractice, in the amount of $1,000,000.00. The policy shall provide for coverage of all claims occurring during the term of the policy notwithstanding the fact that the claim may be asserted subsequent to the expiration of the policy for a minimum period of three (3) years.
4 10.0 Miscellaneous InsuranceRequirements.
10.1 Recovery from Consultant's Insurance. Consultant agrees that in the event of loss due to any of the perils for which it has agreed to provide insurance, the Consultant shall look solely to its insurance for recovery.
10.2 Failure to Secure. If Consultant at any time during the term of this Agreement, should fail to secure or maintain any insurance required under this Agreement, the Client shall be permitted to obtain such insurance in the Consultant's name or as an agent of the Consultant and shall be compensated by the Consultant for the cost of the insurance premiums at the maximum rate permitted by law computed from the date written notice is received that the premiums have been paid.
Such costs can be assessed by deducting such costs from any amounts due and payable to the Consultant as compensation under the terms of thisAgreement.
10.3 Additional Insured. The naming of an additional insured shall not affect any recovery to which such additional insured would be entitled under this policy if not named as an additional insured and an additional insured named under this Agreement shall not be held liable for any premium or expense of any nature on this policy or any extension thereof. Any other insurance held by an additional insured shall not be required to contribute toward any loss or expense covered by the insurance provided by this policy. Proceeds from any policy or policies shall be payable to the Client primarily, and to the Consultant secondarily, if necessary.
10.4 Evidence of Insurance. If requested by Client, Consultant shall furnish Certificates of Insurance evidencing the required coverages or the original of the insurance policies for review by the Client or the Designated Official.
11.0 Work Product.
11.1 Deliverables. Consultant shall deliver to the Client the studies, plans, specifications, or other documents as are identified in the Scope of Services; and Consultant shall, upon completion of all work, submit to the Client all information developed in the course of the Consultant's services. Consultant shall, in such time and in such form as the Client may require, furnish reports concerning the status of services required under this Agreement. Consultant shall, upon request by Client and upon completion or termination of this Agreement, deliver to the Client all material furnished to Consultant by the Client.
11.2 Ownership. Each and every report, draft, work product, map, record, and other document reproduced, prepared, or caused to be prepared by the Consultant pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement shall be the exclusive property of theClient.
11.3 Confidentiality. Consultant may be granted access to information that is exempt from disclosure to the public (Government Code Section 6254 and 6254. I 6) and may contain "trade secrets" (see Government Code Section 6254.7) when it is necessary for Consultant to perform its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. If Consultant is granted such access to confidential information, Consultant shall not be considered to be a member of the public as that term is used in Government Code Section 6254.5.
Consultant shall not disclose, publish, or authorize others to disclose or publish, design data, 5 drawings, specifications, reports, or other information pertaining to the projects assigned to Consultant by the Client or other information to which the Consultant has had access during the term of this Agreement without the prior written approval of the Designated Official during the term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years after the termination of this Agreement.
11.4 Records. Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to sales, costs, expenses, receipts, and other such information required by the Client or the Designated Official.
The Consultant shall maintain adequate records on services provided in sufficient detail to permit an evaluation of services. All such records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be clearly identified and readily accessible. Consultant shall provide access to the Designated Official or his designees at all proper times to such books and records, and gives the Designated Official or his designees the right to examine and audit such books and records and to make transcripts as necessary, and to allow inspection of all work, data, documents, proceedings, and activities related to this Agreement.
12.0 Assignment. This Agreement is personal to the Consultant. Any attempt at assignment by the Consultant shall be void unless approved in writing by the Designated Official. Consultant's services pursuant to this Agreement shall be provided by the Representative or directly under the supervision of the Representative and Consultant shall not assign another to supervise the Consultant's performance of this Agreement without the prior written approval of the Client, by and through the Designated Official.
13.0 Miscellaneous Terms.
13.1 Nuisance. Consultant shall not maintain, commit, or permit the maintenance or commission of any nuisance in connection with the performance of services under this Agreement.
13.2 Permits and Licenses. Consultant, at its sole expense, shall obtain and maintain during the term of this Agreement, all appropriate permits, licenses, and certificates that may be required in connection with the performance of services under this Agreement.
13.3 Conflict of Interest. Consultant agrees to be familiar with and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local conflict of interest laws.
13.4 Waiver. A waiver by the Client of any breach of any term, covenant, or condition contained in this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other term, covenant, or condition contained in this Agreement whether of the same or different character.
13.5 Notices. Any notice required by this Agreement to be given in writing to the persons, at the addresses specified on the first page of this Agreement. Either party may change the specified person or address at which it is to receive notices by so advising the other party in writing.
13.6 Mediation. The parties agree to submit all claims, disputes or other matters in question between the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement or breach thereof to mediation prior to the institution of anylitigation.
13.7 Cost of Litigation. If any legal action is necessary to enforce any provision of this Agreement or for damages by reason of an alleged breach of any provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to receive from the losing party all costs and expenses in such amount as the court may determine to be reasonable. In awarding the cost of litigation, the court shall not be bound by any court 6 fee schedule, but shall, if it is in the interest of justice to do so, award the full amount of costs, expenses, and attorneys' fees paid or incurred in good faith.
13.8 Severability. If any part, term, or provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal, unenforceable, or in conflict with any law of a federal, state, or local governmental having jurisdiction over this Agreement, the validity of the remaining portions or provisions shall not be affected by such holding.
13.9 Governing Law. The terms of this Agreement shall be interpreted according to the laws of the State of California. Should litigation occur, venue shall be in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County.
13.10 Integrated Contract. This Agreement represents the entire Agreement between the Client and the Consultant. No verbal agreement or implied covenant shall be held to vary the provisions of this Agreement. In the event an inconsistency arises between any exhibit and any term of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties to this Agreement and any subsequent successors and assigns.
In recognition of the obligations stated in this Agreement, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date. indicated above.
"CONSULTANT"
Signature
Name (please print)
Title
Date
"CLIENT"
Signature
Name (please print)
Title
Date
Allison Moore
President
March 20, 2026
12 EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The Scope of Services includes three separate, but related, projects to be undertaken in support of the City’s public transit program.
First, an update of the City’s federally-required Title VI Plan, which must be filed with Caltrans no later than June 30, 2026. Preparation of the Plan update would include three surveys (i.e., transit rider, community stakeholder, and transit staff), as well as preparation of the required Four-Factor Analysis.
The draft Plan will require adoption by the Taft city council prior to submission to Caltrans. Moore & Associates will complete a draft of the Title VI Plan for City staff review no later than May 30, 2026.
Our proposed fee for this project is $7,500.
Second, preparation of the California Air Resources Board mandated Zero-Emission Bus Roll Out Plan.
This will be the first such Plan for the City of Taft, and included an original submission date of March 31, 2026.
As a first step toward compliance, we recommended the City file an extension request with CARB requesting a filing extension until June 30, 2026. Doing so would allow adequate time for Moore & Associates to prepare a draft Plan, time for City staff review, and time for Taft city council adoption.
Our proposed fee for this project is $47,500.
Third, preparation of a Long-Term Financial Plan (specific to the City’s public transit program) as required by the Kern Council of Governments. The submission deadline for this Plan is May 3, 2026.
Following review of similar Long-Term Financial Plans, we concluded much of the required information/data is similar to that required for the City’s Zero-Emission Bus Roll Out Plan. Therefore, assuming City staff provides the consultant team with the requested information, Moore & Associates, Inc. will prepare this third and final item at no-cost to the City. 13 EXHIBITB
SCHEDULE OF COMPENSATION
14 Title VI Plan: $7,500
Zero-Emission Bus Roll Out Plan: $47,500