Trinidad Water Shortage Ordinance FINAL – August 10 2021
TRINIDAD CITY HALL STEVE LADWIG, MAYOR
P.O. BOX 390 GABRIEL ADAMS, CITY CLERK
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
(707) 677-0223
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-03
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TRINIDAD
AMENDING SECTION 13.04.440 AND REPEALING CHAPTER 13.08 (WATER RATIONING) AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 13.08 (WATER SHORTAGE REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS) TO TITLE 13 OF THE TRINIDAD MUNICIPAL CODE.
The City Council of the City of Trinidad does hereby ordain as follows:
ORDINANCE 2021-XX, SECTION 1:
Revise chapter 13.04, Section 13.04.440, Water Waste, to read as follows: [strike through text indicates deletions]:
13.04.440 Water waste prohibitions.
No customer shall knowingly permit leaks or waste of water. Where water is wastefully or negligently used on a customer’s premises, seriously affecting the general service, the city may discontinue the service if such conditions are not corrected within five days after giving the customer written notice. [Ord. 140 § 141, 1971].
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, political entity (including the City) or any other water system customer to use water for any of the following:
A. Fire Hydrants. Use of water from any fire hydrant unless specifically authorized by permit from the City, except by regularly constituted fire protection agencies for fire suppression purposes, or for other authorized uses, including distribution system flushing, fire flow testing, and filling of approved vehicles for authorized purposes.
B. Watering/Irrigation. The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that more than just incidental water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots or structures.
C. Watering/Irrigation. The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes within 48 hours after rainfall totaling 0.25 inches or more.
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Trinidad Water Shortage Ordinance FINAL – August 10 2021 D. Plumbing Leaks. The escape of water through leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions within the water user’s plumbing or distribution system for any period of time after such break or leak should have reasonably been discovered and corrected. It shall be presumed that a period of twenty-four hours after the water user discovers such break, leak or malfunction, or receives notice from the City of such condition, whichever occurs first, is a reasonable time within which to correct such condition or to make arrangements for correction.
E. Washing of Exterior Surfaces. The washing of sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, patios, or other exterior surfaces unless the hose is equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle.
F. Cleaning of Structures and Vehicles. Notwithstanding § 13.16.080, the cleaning of building exteriors, mobile homes, cars, boats, and recreational vehicles unless the hose is equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle.
G. Fountains and Decorative Water Features. The operation of a water fountain or other decorative water feature that does not use re-circulated water.
H. Construction. The use of potable water for dust control or soil compaction purposes in construction activities where there is a reasonably available source of reclaimed water appropriate for such use.
I. The indiscriminate running of water or washing with water, not otherwise prohibited in this section which is wasteful and without reasonable purpose.
ORDINANCE 2021-XX, SECTION 2:
There is hereby added to the Trinidad Municipal Code a new chapter, chapter
13.08, replacing the existing chapter 13.08, to be known as the “City of Trinidad Water Shortage Regulations and Restrictions Ordinance,” which shall read as follows:
Chapter 13.08
WATER SHORTAGE REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
13.08.010 – FINDINGS
Whereas, the City of Trinidad water system draws exclusively from Luffenholtz Creek, whose yield varies from year to year depending on the amount of rainfall received and runoff generated during the winter season; and
Whereas, the City water system is susceptible to water shortages in very dry years or in periods of prolonged regional drought when water conditions, characterized by low 206 of 322
Trinidad Water Shortage Ordinance FINAL – August 10 2021 surface flows in Luffenholtz Creek, could reduce the available supply to a level that cannot support daily water demand; and
Whereas, on January 26, 2021, the City Council of the City of Trinidad adopted a Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which may be amended from time to time, that describes how the City will respond to future water shortages and lists the various actions the City would take to reduce water demand under different water shortage scenarios; and Whereas California Water Code Sections 350 et seq. authorize water suppliers, after holding a properly noticed public hearing and after making certain findings, to declare a water shortage (emergency) and to adopt such regulations and restrictions to conserve the water supply for the greatest public benefit with particular regard for domestic use, sanitation, and fire protection; and
Whereas, the voluntary and mandatory water conservation measures and progressive restrictions on water use and method of use set forth herein provide an effective and immediately available means of conserving water which is essential during periods of water shortage to ensure a reliable and sustainable minimum supply of water for the public health, safety, and welfare; and
Whereas, public outreach and conservation in the early stages of a drought or other foreseeable shortage helps people transition to using less water and helps to minimize the adverse effects of potential future critical water supply shortages and emergency water supply conditions; and
Whereas, the usage allotments hereinafter established will equitably spread the burden of restricted and prohibited usage in a manner prescribed by the City’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan over all City water customers and other consumers of City water.
13.08.020 – PURPOSE
The purpose of this chapter is to implement the City of Trinidad’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) in order to protect public health, welfare, and safety through conservation of the City’s water resources in times of insufficient water supply, which could be caused by drought, mechanical failure, and other conditions. Implementation of this chapter is intended to conserve the water supply of the City of Trinidad for the greatest public benefit, to mitigate the effects of a water supply shortage on public health and safety and economic activity, and to budget water use so that a reliable minimum supply of water will be available for the most essential purposes for the extent possible during the duration of the water shortage.
13.08.030 – DEFINITIONS
A. “City Manager” refers to the City Manager of the City of Trinidad.
B. “Water” refers to water produced and served by the City of Trinidad water system.
C. “City” refers to the City of Trinidad.
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Trinidad Water Shortage Ordinance FINAL – August 10 2021 D. “Customer” shall refer to any account customer of the City of Trinidad water system as well as to any consumer of City water who may not be a City of Trinidad water system account customer.
E. Issue/Declare. Whenever this chapter references the City Council’s, City Manager’s, or other City staff’s issuance or declaration of an alert, warning, emergency, or regulation, said alert, warning, emergency or regulation shall be put into effect by the placement of a legal advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation, by a posting on the City’s website and by a posting in three conspicuous public places. Any such alert, warning, emergency or regulation shall take effect upon the date of its publication in the Mad River Union or Times-Standard.
F. “Water Shortage Response Team (WSRT)” refers to a committee formed by the City Council of the City of Trinidad during water shortage conditions to advise the Council on implementation of the WSCP and this chapter.
13.08.040 – DECLARATION OF WATER SHORTAGE
The provisions of this chapter shall take effect whenever the City Council, upon analysis of City water supplies and/or upon recommendation appropriate City staff, finds and determines that a water shortage exists or is imminent within the City of Trinidad Water Service Area and a declaration of a water shortage is made by a resolution of the City Council, and shall remain in effect for the duration of the water shortage and until the City Council rescinds the resolution. Once the City has declared that a water shortage exists, the WSRT shall be formed and the City Manager shall be empowered to declare the various water shortage stages as recommended by the WSRT and outlined in the WSCP and herein.
13.08.050 – APPLICATION OF REGULATION
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all persons using or consuming water produced by the Trinidad water system both inside and outside the City and within the City Water Service Area, and regardless of whether any person using water shall have a contract for water service with the City.
13.08.060 – PRECEDENCE OF REGULATIONS
Where other provisions of the municipal code, whether enacted prior or subsequent to this chapter, are inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall supersede and control for the duration of the water shortage set forth in the resolution of the City Council.
13.08.070 – WATER SYSTEM CUSTOMER CLASSIFICATIONS/ALLOCATIONS For determining a water system customer’s water allocation during a declared water shortage under this chapter and for all other purposes under this title, the following 208 of 322
Trinidad Water Shortage Ordinance FINAL – August 10 2021 customer classification definitions shall apply based on the customer’s ownership or occupation of the following types of property served by the water system:
A. Residential User: Account serving not more than two residences.
B. Commercial User: Account serving non-residential uses and accounts serving more than two residences.
C. Large User: Account that averages 500 gpd or more during the water shortage.
13.08.080 – STAGE 1: WATER SHORTAGE ALERT
A. The City Council, upon finding that the criteria delineated in the City’s adopted WSCP have been met for Stage 1, shall issue a water shortage alert and recommend the water shortage restrictions in this section. In a Stage 1 water shortage, the City will encourage the following water shortage restrictions.
B. During Stage 1, the City shall encourage any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, political entity (including the City) or any other water system customer to utilize the following conservation measures:
1. To not water or irrigate lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., except when performed with a bucket or watering can, or by use of a drip irrigation system or similar low volume, nonspray irrigation equipment, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of allowing landscape contractors to adjust or repair an irrigation system;
2. To not use a hose that is not equipped with a shutoff nozzle for any purpose;
3. To not use water to wash down hard or paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, patios, or other paved surfaces, except when it is necessary to alleviate safety or sanitation hazards or to prepare paved surfaces for sealing; and/or
4. To not irrigate unlandscaped areas.
13.08.090 – STAGE 2: WATER SHORTAGE WARNING
A. The City Manager, upon recommendation by the WSRT that the criteria delineated in the City’s adopted WSCP have been met for Stage 2, shall issue a water shortage warning and enforce the water shortage restrictions in this section. In a Stage 2 water shortage, the recommended measures from Stage 1 shall become mandatory. The City will enforce the following water shortage restrictions.
B. During Stage 2, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, political body (including the city) or other water department customer:
1. To water or irrigate lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., except when performed with a bucket or watering can, or by use of a drip irrigation system or similar low volume, nonspray irrigation 209 of 322
Trinidad Water Shortage Ordinance FINAL – August 10 2021 equipment, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of allowing landscape contractors to adjust or repair an irrigation system;
2. To irrigate unlandscaped areas;
3. To use a hose that is not equipped with a shutoff nozzle for any purpose;
4. To use water to wash down hard or paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, patios, or other paved surfaces, except when it is necessary to alleviate safety or sanitation hazards or to prepare paved surfaces for sealing;
5. To wash the exterior of dwellings, buildings or structures (with the exception of window washing and preparation of property for painting or for sale);
6. To operate a commercial lodging establishment, including STRs, without offering patrons the option to forego the daily laundering of towels, sheets and linens;
7. To serve water in a restaurant or other commercial food service establishment except upon the request of a patron; and/or
8. To disobey WSRT direction to large users to conduct water use audits and to prepare water conservation plans.
13.08.100 – STAGE 3: WATER SHORTAGE EMERGENCY
A. The City Manager, upon recommendation by the WSRT that the criteria delineated in the City’s adopted WSCP have been met for Stage 3, shall issue a water shortage emergency and enforce the water shortage restrictions in this section. In a Stage 3 water shortage, the City will enforce the following water shortage restrictions.
B. During Stage 3, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, political body (including the city) or other water department customer:
1. To water or irrigate lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., except when performed with a bucket or watering can, or by use of a drip irrigation system or similar low volume, nonspray irrigation equipment, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of allowing landscape contractors to adjust or repair an irrigation system;
2. To water or irrigate lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area on days of the week other than the specified day(s) of the week authorized and publicized by the City Manager, except when performed with a bucket or watering can, or by use of a drip irrigation system or similar low volume, nonspray irrigation equipment, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of allowing landscape contractors to adjust or repair an irrigation system. Hourly restrictions set forth in subsection (B)(1) continue to apply on authorized watering days. This provision shall not apply to residential vegetable gardens/edible plantings watered with a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle;
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3. To water or irrigate lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area using an automatic irrigation system for more than fifteen minutes per watering station per assigned day. This provision shall not apply to automatic irrigation systems exclusively using low output sprinkler equipment, including rotors, stream rotors, or microspray systems;
4. To irrigate unlandscaped areas;
5. To install new landscaping;
6. To use a hose that is not equipped with a shutoff nozzle for any purpose;
7. To use potable water to wash down hard or paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, patios, or other paved surfaces, except when it is necessary to alleviate safety or sanitation hazards or to prepare paved surfaces for sealing;
8. To wash the exterior of dwellings, buildings or structures (with the exception of window washing and preparation of property for painting or for sale);
9. To wash vehicles, including RVs and boats;
10. To operate a commercial lodging establishment without offering patrons the option to forego the daily laundering of towels, sheets and linens;
11. To serve water in a restaurant or other commercial food service establishment except upon the request of a patron;
12. To initially fill or to drain and refill swimming pools and hot tubs;
13. To disobey WSRT direction to large users to conduct water use audits, to prepare water conservation plans and to submit progress reports, or to immediately repair water system leaks, including leaks attributable to faulty pipes or fixtures;
14. To violate residential and commercial user water rationing regulations, including regulations intended to preclude excessive water usage and specifying maximum water usage limitations, issued by the WSRT in accordance with the City’s adopted water shortage contingency plan; and/or
15. To disobey WSRT directives issued to commercial users requiring the prominent placement of “Save Water” signage at specified locations at the customer’s premises.
16. To exercise any rights conferred by hydrant and bulk water sales that were issued prior to the severe water shortage emergency declaration absent special permission granted by the WSRT. Said special permission may be granted only for projects necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare where no alternative to potable water exists and for emergency response purposes.
13.08.110 – STAGE 4: SEVERE WATER SHORTAGE EMERGENCY
A. The City Manager, upon recommendation by the WSRT that the criteria delineated in the City’s adopted WSCP have been met for Stage 4, shall issue a water shortage 211 of 322
Trinidad Water Shortage Ordinance FINAL – August 10 2021 emergency and enforce the water shortage restrictions in this section. In a Stage 4 water shortage, the City will enforce the following water shortage restrictions.
B. During Stage 4, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, political body (including the city) or other water department customer:
1. To water or irrigate lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area with potable water, except with low-flow drip irrigation;
2. To irrigate unlandscaped areas;
3. To install new landscaping;
4. To use a hose that is not equipped with a shutoff nozzle for any purpose;
5. To use potable water to wash down hard or paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, patios, or other paved surfaces, except when it is necessary to alleviate safety or sanitation hazards or to prepare paved surfaces for sealing;
6. To wash the exterior of dwellings, buildings or structures (with the exception of window washing and preparation of property for painting or for sale);
7. To wash vehicles, including RVs and boats;
8. To operate a commercial lodging establishment without offering patrons the option to forego the daily laundering of towels, sheets and linens;
9. To serve water in a restaurant or other commercial food service establishment except upon the request of a patron;
10. To initially fill or to drain and refill swimming pools, hot tubs, wading pools, or decorative water features;
11. To disobey WSRT direction to large users to conduct water use audits, to prepare water conservation plans and to submit progress reports, or to immediately repair water system leaks, including leaks attributable to faulty pipes or fixtures;
12. To violate residential and commercial user water rationing regulations, including regulations intended to preclude excessive water usage and specifying maximum water usage limitations, issued by the WSRT in accordance with guidelines set forth in the City’s adopted water shortage contingency plan; and/or
13. To disobey WSRT directives issued to commercial customers requiring the prominent placement of “Save Water” signage at specified locations at the customer’s premises.
14. To exercise any rights conferred by hydrant and bulk water sales that were issued prior to the severe water shortage emergency declaration absent special permission granted by the WSRT. Said special permission may be granted only for projects necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare where no alternative to potable water exists and for emergency response purposes. 212 of 322
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13.08.120 – STAGE 5: CRITICAL WATER SHORTAGE EMERGENCY
A. The City Manager, upon recommendation by the WSRT that the criteria delineated in the City’s adopted WSCP have been met for Stage 5, shall issue a water shortage emergency and enforce the water shortage restrictions in this section. In a Stage 5 water shortage, the City will enforce the following water shortage restrictions.
B. During Stage 5, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, political body (including the city) or other water department customer:
1. To water or irrigate lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area with potable water, except as authorized by the WSRT;
2. To irrigate unlandscaped areas;
3. To install new landscaping;
4. To use a hose that is not equipped with a shutoff nozzle for any purpose;
5. To use potable water for any outdoor washing purpose including vehicle washing, window washing, and paint preparation;
6. To operate a commercial lodging establishment without offering patrons the option to forego the daily laundering of towels, sheets and linens;
7. To serve water in a restaurant or other commercial food service establishment except upon the request of a patron;
8. To fill or top off swimming pools, hot tubs, wading pools, or decorative water features;
9. To use water for recreational purposes;
10. To disobey WSRT direction to large users to conduct water use audits, to prepare water conservation plans and to submit progress reports, or to immediately repair water system leaks, including leaks attributable to faulty pipes or fixtures;
11. To violate residential and commercial user water rationing regulations, including regulations intended to preclude excessive water usage and specifying maximum water usage limitations, issued by the WSRT in accordance with guidelines set forth in the City’s adopted water shortage contingency plan; and/or
12. To disobey WSRT directives issued to commercial customers requiring the prominent placement of “Save Water” signage at specified locations at the customer’s premises.
13. To exercise any rights conferred by hydrant and bulk water sales that were issued prior to the severe water shortage emergency declaration absent special permission granted by the WSRT. Said special permission may be granted only for projects necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare where no alternative to potable water exists and for emergency response purposes.
13.08.130– EXCEPTIONS
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Trinidad Water Shortage Ordinance FINAL – August 10 2021 A. The WSRT, with the exception of the City Council representative, upon application made in writing by a customer on a form promulgated by the City and accompanied by supporting documentation, shall be authorized to issue an exception from the strict application of any restriction, regulation or prohibition enforced pursuant to this chapter, upon the customer’s production of substantial evidence demonstrating the existence of one or more of the following circumstances that are particular to that customer and which are not generally shared by other water users:
1. Exceptions applicable to all City water service customers:
a. Failure to approve the requested exception would cause a condition having an adverse effect on the health, sanitation, fire protection, or safety of the customer or members of the public served by the customer;
b. Alternative restrictions to which the customer is willing to adhere are available that would achieve the same level of demand reduction as the restriction for which an exception is being sought and such alternative restrictions are enforceable by the water department;
c. Circumstances concerning the customer’s property or business have changed since the implementation of the subject restriction warranting a change in the customer’s water usage allocation.
d. A customer has already implemented sustainability measures that have reduced water consumption to the maximum extent feasible. As used in this subsection the term “sustainability measures” refers to installation of high efficiency plumbing fixtures, devices, equipment, and appliances, recycled water systems, and landscaping consisting exclusively of low-water-using plant materials using drip or similar high efficiency, nonspray irrigation systems, or to buildings that are designed, built, and continuously operated according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards.
2. Exceptions applicable only to commercial users. For purposes of this subsection a residential dwelling unit which is used as a short-term rental shall not be classified as a business.
e. Strict application of the subject restriction, regulation or prohibition would impose a severe or undue hardship on a particular business customer or render it infeasible for a particular business customer or class of business customers to remain in operation;
f. A commercial user utilizing industry best management practices is eligible for an exception upon demonstrating that the subject restriction, regulation or prohibition is interfering with or preventing it from providing service to its customers in accordance with industry hygiene, sanitation and care standards.
B. In order to qualify for an exception, a customer must first complete a self water audit pursuant to standards and procedures promulgated by the WSCT. This audit shall be made part of the customer’s exception application and water conservation measures indicated by the audit may be incorporated as conditions of approval to 214 of 322
Trinidad Water Shortage Ordinance FINAL – August 10 2021 an exception in addition to any other conditions of approval imposed by the WSRT in connection with the WSRT’s approval of the customer’s exception application.
13.08.140 – APPEALS
A. Any person affected by a decision on water allocation, rationing, fines or enforcement by the WSRT or City staff as authorized herein may appeal to the City Council by filing a notice of appeal with the Clerk of the City within 10 working days of the action of the WSRT or City staff.
1. A water service resident who is not an account customer may notify the City Clerk of his or her intention to file a petition to force the resident’s account customer to appeal an excess water use penalty within ten business days following the penalty;
2. If the water department has been given a notice of intention to file a petition per subsection (A)(1) by a water service area resident who is not an account customer, the appeal from the account customer must be received within fifteen business days after the account customer has been petitioned by the resident; B. The appeal shall be accompanied by a filing fee set by resolution of the City Council of the City in an amount sufficient to cover costs to the City. The appeal shall stay the effect of the action of the WSRT or City staff.
C. The appeal shall be in writing and shall state the nature of the appeal specifying the action or penalty that is being appealed and the basis upon which the action or penalty is alleged to be in error. Penalty appeals shall include a copy of the notice of violation.
D. The City Clerk shall forward copies of the appeal to the City Council and WSRT and/or the City staff member who made the decision. In the notice of appeal, the appellant shall state in full the facts and circumstances which make the action of the WSRT or City staff unreasonable. It shall also state the date of the claimed unreasonable action of the WSRT or City staff.
E. The City Council shall cause the matter to be set for hearing not earlier than 14 days after the appeal has been filed with the Clerk of the City. The Clerk of the City shall cause notice to be mailed to all affected persons (within 100 feet of the property boundaries) at least 10 days prior to the hearing.
F. At the time and place set for the hearing, the City Council shall proceed to hear the testimony of the WSRT or City staff, the testimony of the owner or their representatives, and the testimony of other competent persons concerning conditions upon which the action of the WSRT or City staff is based and other matters which the City Council may deem pertinent. Any person affected may be present at such hearing, may be represented by counsel, may present testimony, and other witnesses. The hearing may be continued from time to time. The City Council may request an opinion from the City Attorney.
G. The City Council may upon the appeal either affirm the action of WSRT or City staff or modify the WSRT’s or City staff’s action in whole or in part. The decision of the City Council upon an appeal shall be based upon the facts presented to it and shall be final. 215 of 322
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13.08.150 – ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT
A. Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, political entity or other water department customer violating any provision of this chapter may be assessed an administrative penalty.
B. Each and every day a violation of this chapter exists constitutes a separate and distinct offense for which an administrative penalty may be assessed.
C. Penalties. The purpose of the administrative penalties assessed pursuant to this section is to assure future chapter compliance by the cited customer through the imposition of increasingly significant penalties so as to create a meaningful disincentive to commit future chapter violations. In acknowledgment of the fact that the City’s water is a scarce and irreplaceable commodity and that this chapter is intended to equitably distribute that commodity among water service customers and to assure that, to the extent feasible, City water is conserved and used only for purposes deemed necessary for public health and safety, the penalty schedule herein prescribed is not to be construed as creating a “water pricing” structure pursuant to which customers may elect to pay for additional water at significantly higher rates. To this end, a customer’s repeated violation of this chapter shall result in either the installation of a flow restriction device or disconnection of the customer’s property from the City’s water service system at the customer’s cost.
D. Administrative penalties for failure to comply with water waste prohibition requirements in Section 13.04.440 or mandatory water use restrictions and regulations commencing with Stage 1 in Section 13.08.080 are as follows:
1. First Offense. Written notice of violation and opportunity to correct violation.
2. Second Offense. A second violation within the preceding twelve calendar months is punishable by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00).
3. Third Offense. A third violation within the preceding twelve calendar months is punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
4. Fourth Offense. A fourth violation within the preceding twelve calendar months is punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00). In addition to any fines, the City Manager may order a water flow restrictor device be installed.
5. Large Users. Administrative penalties for large users shall be triple the amounts listed above.
6. Discontinuing Service. In addition to any fines and the installation of a water flow restrictor, the City Manager may disconnect a customer’s water service for willful violations of mandatory restrictions and regulations in this chapter. Upon disconnection of water service, a written notice shall be served upon the customer which shall state the time, place, and general description of the prohibited or restricted activity and the method by which reconnection can be made. 216 of 322
Trinidad Water Shortage Ordinance FINAL – August 10 2021 E. Excessive Water Use Penalties. An excessive use penalty shall be assessed where the customer, during any given billing cycle, uses more than the customer’s water allotment per the City Managers water rationing regulations issued pursuant to this chapter commencing with Stage 3 in Section 13.08.100. Excess use penalties shall be in addition to ordinary water consumption charges, as follows:
1. One percent to ten percent over customer monthly rationing allotment: not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per 100 cubic feet.
2. Between ten and twenty-five percent over customer monthly rationing allotment:
not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) per 100 cubic feet.
3. More than twenty-five percent over customer monthly rationing allotment: not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) per 100 cubic feet.
4. In addition to any excess use penalties, the City Manager may order a water flow restrictor device be installed and/or may disconnect a customer’s water service for willful violations of the water rationing regulations in this chapter. Upon disconnection of water service, a written notice shall be served upon the customer which shall state the time, place, and general description of the prohibited or restricted activity and the method by which reconnection can be made.
5. The WSRT is authorized to develop administrative policies and procedures for the waiver of excessive water use penalties.
F. Cost of Flow Restrictor and Disconnecting Service. A person or entity that violates this chapter is responsible for payment of charges for installing and/or removing any flowrestricting device and for disconnecting and/or reconnecting service in accordance with the City’s miscellaneous water service fee resolution then in effect. The charge for installing and/or removing any flow restricting device must be paid before the device is removed. Nonpayment will be subject to the same remedies as nonpayment of basic water rates.
G. Notice and Hearing. The City Manager will issue a notice of violation by mail or personal delivery at least ten business days before taking any enforcement action described in subsection (D). Such notice must describe the violation and the date by which corrective action must be taken. A customer may appeal the notice of violation by filing a written notice of appeal with the city no later than the close of the business day before the date scheduled for enforcement action, accompanied by a twenty-fivedollar appeal fee. Any notice of violation not timely appealed will be final. Upon receipt of a timely appeal, a hearing on the appeal will be scheduled, and the City will mail written notice of the hearing date to the customer at least ten days before the date of the hearing. Pending receipt of a written appeal or pending a hearing pursuant to an appeal, the City Manager may take appropriate steps to prevent the unauthorized use of water as appropriate to the nature and extent of the violation and the current declared water shortage condition.
13.08.160 – ADDITIONAL ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY
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Trinidad Water Shortage Ordinance FINAL – August 10 2021 In addition to the remedies referenced above, the City Manager is empowered to pursue any additional remedies necessary, including criminal, civil and administrative remedies provided in the Trinidad Municipal Code, to correct a violation of this chapter.
13.08.170 – SEVERABILITY
If any portion of this chapter is held to be unconstitutional, it is the intent of the city council that such portion of the chapter be severable from the remainder and that the remainder be given full force and effect.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 10th Day of August, 2021 by the following vote:
AYES: Ladwig, West, Clompus, Davies, Grover
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Attest:
____________________________ _____________________________ Gabriel Adams Steve Ladwig
Trinidad City Clerk Mayor
First Reading: July 13, 2021
Second Reading: August 10, 2021
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October 06, 2021
To Eli Naffah, City Manager of the City of Trinidad
Copy to Trinidad City Council
From Steve Allen Tel +1 707 267 2258
Subject HBMWD Water Main Extension Preliminary Evaluation Project no. 11194120 Introduction
The City of Trinidad (City) is interested in exploring additional water supply options to address potential shortfalls in the existing Luffenholtz Creek supply that could occur as a result of climate change, increased extractions in the watershed, or other factors. The City requested that GHD provide additional technical information regarding the potential for the City to participate in the planned extension of a Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District (HBMWD or District) water main. Water from HBMWD could be used to augment the City’s current water supply from Luffenholtz Creek, adding resiliency and redundancy to the City’s water supply.
The City Council requested at their August 10, 2021 meeting for City staff to gather more information about the following items:
1) Likely time to completion for when water could be delivered to the City, 2) Potential costs for participating in the water line extension, 3) Other contractual considerations for City participation.
The City Manager requested GHD gather information to assist with this request. The information GHD has gathered is presented in this Memorandum.
Background
The water supply for the City of Trinidad has been studied several times over the past decades. In recent years, it has become clearer that climate change, extractions from the watershed, or other factors are affecting the available flow from the watershed. Based on the City’s water right, the amount of water the City is allowed to extract is curtailed as creek flows drop during drier periods of the year. Recent monitoring has shown that the flows in the Creek can get very low and have been very close to the curtailment level. With continued climate change and other watershed extractions, it appears likely that there will be times in the future when the City must reduce extractions. The situation could get to the point such that the City will not be allowed to extract any water until rainfall brings the creek flows up. Such a situation could potentially last for weeks and the City’s tanks could run dry. Future water shortages are a real possibility that the City should plan for. Future water shortages will affect existing water customers and the City’s ability to provide a reliable water supply to new customers within the City’s service area.
When the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community (Trinidad Rancheria or Rancheria) approached the City about supplying additional water to meet the Rancheria’s future needs, the City considered the existing water supply 219 of 322
situation and concluded they could not commit to providing the requested additional quantity of water to the Rancheria. The Rancheria then approached the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District (HBMWD) regarding extending a pipeline from current terminus of the HBMWD system at Clam Beach to the Trinidad Rancheria to supply water to support their current and future needs based on their Master Plan.
The HBMWD system is based on a robust water supply from Ruth Lake, which is expected to be less affected by climate change than small coastal watersheds such as Luffenholtz Creek. The HBMWD system was designed to supply the municipal customers around Humboldt Bay as well as two industrial pulp mills which have since shut down. Therefore, the HBMWD system currently has excess water supply capacity.
Overview of The Pipeline Opportunity
GHD has gathered available information mainly from HBMWD, the Trinidad Rancheria, and conducted a preliminary hydraulic analysis and developed a planning level opinion of probable construction costs and has considered contractual issues as well.
Augmenting the City’s water supply from HBMWD would not require any substantial changes to the City’s current water supply and treatment system. The new water supply would need to be developed via pipeline for discharge to the City’s water tanks and would then be available to customers using the current distribution system. The approach adds resiliency and redundancy to the City’s water system by providing an additional reliable source of water that could be used separately or in tandem to provide water for Trinidad’s customers, especially in wet periods when background turbidity is high and during dry periods when supply from Luffenholtz Creek may be insufficient.
The City’s current water supply, treatment, storage, and distribution system should continue to be maintained and improved to provide a robust system whether the City chooses to augment their water supply with HBMWD water or not.
The water main extension project from Clam Beach to the Trinidad Rancheria is in progress and is on track to proceed whether or not the City participates in the project. Both HBMWD and the Trinidad Rancheria have expressed their openness to include the City in the project at this stage, which could make it more cost effective for all parties and provide the City with an additional reliable water supply option. The next HBMWD Board meeting is scheduled for October 14th and there will be an agenda item regarding the water main extension project contract between HBMWD and the Trinidad Rancheria. If the City desires to receive HBMWD water from the water main extension project then the City should communicate that interest to the HBMWD Board at their next meeting for the Board’s consideration.
Timeline
The timeline to complete the water main extension and start delivering water is not set and the actual timeline will depend on several factors yet to be determined. A likely timeline based on current knowledge is 5-10 years based on discussions with both the HBMWD and the Trinidad Rancheria. Both the HBMWD and the Trinidad Rancheria plan to work to expedite the project and hope the completion time is closer to a 5 year time horizon.
The Trinidad Rancheria is the project lead and they have experience successfully delivering projects of similar size.
Estimating the timeline now is difficult in part because the final route has yet to be determined, and therefore any right-of-way needs and potential environmental impacts have not yet been identified. Once the design process begins and those items are identified, then multiple agencies would be engaged in the project and in the process of obtaining required right-of-way and permits for the project. This is typically an iterative process as more information becomes available and various options are explored in more detail.
Components of the project with potential timelines include but are not limited to the following:
1) Funding; in progress and likely multiple funders for various project stages. 220 of 322
2) Design; 1-2 years
3) Permitting; 2-3 years
4) Right-of-Way; 1-3 years
5) Construction 1-2 years
6) Acceptance by HBMWD; quick process as they will be involved throughout the process. 7) Actual water delivery; 5-10 years
Some of these tasks could be completed in parallel and a more detailed schedule could be developed once the pipe sizing and routing is finalized.
Potential Cost
The potential cost for the City to participate in the new water main extension project is not yet fully defined, because the project is not yet fully defined. Estimating the potential actual cost to the City is further complicated by having multiple entities involved. Various grants are likely to be available to offset some of the costs. The City could have access to some sources of funds and the Rancheria may have access to other sources.
Ultimately an overall project funding plan would need to be developed based on the overall project costs and funding opportunities. For example, there are current and upcoming grant opportunities for drought related projects, water resiliency projects, and infrastructure projects. In addition to funding that may be available to both the City and the Trinidad Rancheria, the Trinidad Rancheria may also have access to other funding sources for tribal entities that the City would not be eligible for. Also, sharing the costs of the water main extension with the Rancheria will help to make the project more cost effective to both parties.
Table of basic project elements for which project costs and City’s share would need to be determined.
Item: Description Planning Level
Potential Cost
1 Request for Service with HBMWD: a deposit is typically required in order to formally request water, to pay for staff time to analyze the request and develop contractual agreement.
$10,000
2 Design: some shared cost with Trinidad Rancheria for shared water line, and City-only costs for City-only water line.
To be determined
3 Permitting: some shared cost with Trinidad Rancheria for shared water line, and City-only costs for City-only water line.
To be determined
Rights-Of-Way: some shared cost with Trinidad Rancheria for shared water line.
To be determined
4 Construction: some shared cost with Trinidad Rancheria for shared water line, and City-only costs for City-only water line To be determined
Total: Potential total project costs, not the City’s portion $6-9 Million Actual costs to the City will depend on the final project components, final project costs, the agreed upon cost share structure, and available grant funding. The potential cost for the City to participate in the new water main extension project could end up being a small portion of the total project cost. The City currently maintains a dedicated water fund that can be used to leverage grants that require a match. 221 of 322
It is important to note that consideration of potential costs is not simply considering the cost of participating in a pipeline. If the City does not participate in the pipeline, the fundamental issue of water supply reliability remains, and the City will eventually need to address supply as the Luffenholtz Creek source becomes less reliable. How much money will be required to address a future supplemental water source will depend on what is implemented and when it is implemented. In the future, there may be fewer technical options, fewer grant funding opportunities, and additional regulatory requirements which can all limit options available to the City.
Hydraulic Evaluation of Water Main Size
In a letter from HBMWD to Trinidad Rancheria dated August 2, 2021, HBMWD presented the results of their preliminary analysis noting that a nominal 6-inch diameter water main appeared to have sufficient capacity to serve the anticipated needs of 37,800 gallons per day for the Trinidad Rancheria. The analysis was based on a flow rate of 315 gallons per minute (gpm) based on a pump selected to move water from the HBMWD system to the Trinidad Rancheria which worked out to be a daily pump run time of 2 hours.
GHD was asked to conduct a preliminary hydraulic evaluation to determine if the proposed 6-inch diameter pipe would be sufficient to supply the anticipated needs of both the Trinidad Rancheria and the City of Trinidad or if a larger line would be appropriate. GHD’s hydraulic analyses included estimating the additional pump run time necessary to provide the daily demands for both water systems and developing a system curve for the water main extension for delivering the total volume of water from Clam Beach to the City of Trinidad tanks, as shown in the attached Figure 1. For both analyses, the pump flow rate of 315 gpm from the HBMWD analysis was used. This flow rate results in a flow velocity of 3.6 feet per second in a 6-inch diameter pipe, which is unchanged from the HBMWD analysis.
Pumping the additional volume for the City’s demand (100,000 gallons per day used as a conservative maximum daily demand based on discussions with the City’s Public Works Director) at the same rate will require a longer pump run time. Our analysis showed that supplying the combined daily demand of 137,800 gallons would require a daily pump run time of 7.3 hours (437 minutes), an increase from the 2 hours (120 minutes) required for only the Trinidad Rancheria daily demand. Our understanding is that HBMWD does not allow their customers to pump during the peak hours of 4-9pm, which leaves 19 hours of available pumping time during a day. Based on this, it appears that a nominal 6-inch diameter pipe flowing at 315 gpm does have the capacity to supply both the City’s and Trinidad Rancheria’s daily demands.
The HBMWD analysis was based on installing a new water main from Clam Beach to the Trinidad Rancheria water tanks. Our analysis assumed that the water main would extend from Clam Beach to the City’s water tanks (Figure 1), which is a farther distance and greater change in elevation. This alignment assumes the water line will be installed along the west side of Highway 101, cross under the highway to the east adjacent to the City’s existing 6-inch water line crossing, turn north adjacent to Westhaven Drive, then turn east to the City’s water tanks. A shorter route connecting directly to the water main in Westhaven Drive could also be considered as part of a preliminary design process to optimize the configuration.
A system curve was developed for the alignment to the water tanks and is included in the attached calculations.
The preliminary hydraulic analysis accounted for changes in elevation and system pressure as well as head loss due to pipe friction but did not include minor losses from pipe fittings. The analysis did not include any pump evaluation or the need for booster pumps along the alignment.
Additional considerations that will need to be evaluated during the design process include:
• Final delivery points, pipeline lengths, valving and other friction losses, elevation changes, and other details that would need to be incorporated into a final hydraulic analysis of a new system. • Final pump selection at Clam Beach and the potential need for additional booster pump stations. • Water quality analysis regarding disinfection, chloring dosing, and chlorine residuals.
During the preliminary design process where pipe material and size should be evaluated further along with system configuration, it may be found that pumping costs can be reduced by increasing the pipe size and 222 of 322
reducing friction. This could help reduce lifecycle costs. Therefore, final pipe size and routing should consider capital costs as well as operations and maintenance costs.
Contractual Considerations
The HBMWD Board of Directors will consider the draft mainline extension agreement with the Trinidad Rancheria at their regularly scheduled October 14 Board meeting. If the City of Trinidad chooses to join the project, the current contract between the District and Rancheria could not be changed for the District’s meeting on October 14. The City would need to come to the Board meeting on October 14th to request participation and the Board may choose to consider an amendment to bring the City into the agreement with HBMWD for the mainline extension. The amendment would outline the cost share of the pipeline with each entity paying for their proportion of the line that services each entity’s system. A similar type of arrangement has occurred before when HBMWD water service was extended to the communities of Fieldbrook and Blue Lake.
The Rancheria is the proposed lead agency for the water main extension project. There is likely no contract required between the City and the Rancheria for the design and construction of the project. However the City and Rancheria may desire to develop a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) or something similar to work out and clarify the approach and capital cost share for funding, permitting, design, and construction related aspects of the project.
Once the construction of the project is complete, operable, and acceptable to the HMBWD, it is deeded over to the District and the District operates and maintains it to deliver water per the service agreement. There would likely be separate service agreements between the District and the Rancheria, and one between the District and the City. HMBWD would own and maintain the infrastructure. There would be no separate maintenance fees, as those costs are included in the price of water. The District is very transparent with municipal customers, with 5 year budget projections, to avoid cost surprises. Most existing municipal suppliers fold in the cost from HBMWD in their rate structure, which are typically set for 5 years in compliance with Prop 218 public process.
Summary
Future water shortages are a real possibility that the City should plan for. Augmenting the City’s water supply from HBMWD would not require any substantial changes to the City’s current water supply and treatment system. The new water supply would add resiliency and redundancy to the City’s water system by providing an additional reliable source of water that could be used separately or in tandem to provide water for Trinidad’s customers, especially during wet periods when background turbidity is high and dry periods when supply from Luffenholtz Creek may be insufficient.
The City’s current water supply, treatment, storage, and distribution system should continue to be maintained and improved to provide a robust system whether the City chooses to augment their water supply with HBMWD water or not.
Both HBMWD and the Trinidad Rancheria have expressed their openness to include the City in the project at this stage, which could make it more cost effective for all parties and provide the City with an additional reliable water supply option.
Barry Sutter, Klamath District Engineer with the Division of Drinking Water, State Water Resources Control Board, mentioned they would likely support a connection to HBMWD to improve water resiliency and add system redundancy to the City’s existing water system. He also noted the potential to review operational aspects of the plant, and if periods of high turbidity could be avoided for example, the plant may be able to be operated as a Tier 2 rather than a Tier 3 facility which could help with staffing challenges.
Should the City decide not to participate in the project at this time, future options for the City to receive water from HBMWD are not certain and may be considerably more expensive. Therefore, this is a critical decision regarding the future water supply of the City of Trinidad and the ability of the City to reliably deliver water to their water customers for decades to come.
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PROJECT: COMPUTED BY: DATE:
City of Trinidad
Water Mainline Extension
SUBJECT: CHECKED BY: SHT. OF
Preliminary Hydraulic Calculations Patrick Sullivan 1 3 PART:
CALCULATION COVER SHEET
Revision History:
Revision Date: Purpose Checked By Date
Original 10/4/21 Appendix of Tech Memo to City Patrick Sullivan 10/4/21 rev 1
rev 2
rev 3
Seth Stevens 10/5/2021
These calculations were developed to estimate the pump run time for the daily demand and a system curve for the proposed water main extension. The system curve accounts for changes in elevation and system pressure as well as head loss due to pipe friction but does not include minor losses from pipe . The calculations account for daily demads from Trinidad Ranceheria and the City of Trinidad.
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SHT. OF
Governing Equations 2 3
Bernoulli's Equation
where:
z x = elevatoin at point x (ft)
v x = velocity at point x (ft/s)
p x = pressure at point x (lb/sf)
h L = head loss (ft)
γ = specific weight of water (62.4 lbs/ft3)
g = acceleration due to gravity (32.2 ft/s2
)
Head Loss due to Friction (Hazen-Williams Equation)
where:
h f = head loss due to friction (ft)
L = pipe length (ft)
Q = flow (gpm)
C = Hazen-Williams roughness coefficient
d = pipe diameter (in)
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SHT. OF
Hydraulic Calculations 3 3
Input Data
System Parameters
Daily Demand by Rancheria: 37,800 gallons
Daily Demand by City of Trinidad: 100,000 gallons
Pump Flow Rate, Q : 315 gpm (from HBMWD prelim. analysis) Begin. Elev. (Clam Beach Parking Lot), z 1 : 23 feet (from HBMWD prelim. analysis) Ending Elev. (City of Trinidad Tanks), z 2 : 393 feet (from City of Trinidad Water System Model) Begin. Pressure (Clam Beach Parking Lot), p 1 : 95 psi (from HBMWD prelim. analysis) Ending Pressure. (City of Trinidad Tanks), p 2 : 0 psi (atmospheric) Pipe Parameters: Clam Beach to City of Trinidad Tanks
Pipe Length, L : 25,300 ft
Pipe Diameter, d : 6 in
Pipe Hazen-Williams Roughness Coeff., C : 150 (PVC)
Calculations
Pump Run Time
Total Daily Demand: 137,800 gallons
Pump Run Time: 437 minutes
Pump Run Time: 7.3 hrs
System Curve Calculations (due to pipe friction, elevation change, and pressure change - minor losses are not included) Flow, Q
(gpm)
Velocity,
V
(ft/s)
Elev. Head
Loss, h Z
(ft)
Elev. Head
Loss, h Z
(psi)
Pressure Head
Loss, h Z
(ft)
Pressure Head
Loss, h Z
(psi)
Friction Head
Loss, h f
(ft)
Friction Head
Loss, h f
(psi)
Total Dynamic
Head, TDH
(ft)
Total Dynamic
Head, TDH
(psi)
0 0.0 370 160 -219 -95 0 0.0 151 65
15 0.2 370 160 -219 -95 1 0.3 151 66
30 0.3 370 160 -219 -95 2 0.9 153 66
45 0.5 370 160 -219 -95 5 2.0 155 67
60 0.7 370 160 -219 -95 8 3.4 159 69
75 0.9 370 160 -219 -95 12 5.2 163 70
90 1.0 370 160 -219 -95 17 7.2 167 73
105 1.2 370 160 -219 -95 22 9.6 173 75
120 1.4 370 160 -219 -95 28 12.3 179 78
135 1.5 370 160 -219 -95 35 15.3 186 81
150 1.7 370 160 -219 -95 43 18.6 194 84
165 1.9 370 160 -219 -95 51 22.2 202 87
180 2.0 370 160 -219 -95 60 26.0 211 91
195 2.2 370 160 -219 -95 70 30.2 220 95
210 2.4 370 160 -219 -95 80 34.6 231 100
225 2.6 370 160 -219 -95 91 39.3 242 105
240 2.7 370 160 -219 -95 102 44.3 253 110
255 2.9 370 160 -219 -95 114 49.6 265 115
270 3.1 370 160 -219 -95 127 55.1 278 120
285 3.2 370 160 -219 -95 141 60.9 291 126
300 3.4 370 160 -219 -95 155 67.0 305 132
315 3.6 370 160 -219 -95 169 73.3 320 139 Target Operating Point 330 3.7 370 160 -219 -95 184 79.9 335 145
345 3.9 370 160 -219 -95 200 86.7 351 152
360 4.1 370 160 -219 -95 217 93.8 367 159
375 4.3 370 160 -219 -95 234 101.2 384 167
390 4.4 370 160 -219 -95 251 108.8 402 174
405 4.6 370 160 -219 -95 269 116.7 420 182
420 4.8 370 160 -219 -95 288 124.8 439 190
435 4.9 370 160 -219 -95 307 133.2 458 198
450 5.1 370 160 -219 -95 327 141.8 478 207
465 5.3 370 160 -219 -95 348 150.7 498 216
480 5.4 370 160 -219 -95 369 159.8 520 225
495 5.6 370 160 -219 -95 390 169.1 541 234
Head Loss Calculations Total Dynamic Head
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100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
550
600
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
Total Dynamic Head (ft)
Flow (gpm)
HBMWD Water Main Extension
System Curve for 6" Diameter Pipe from Clam Beach to City of Trinidad Tanks (Minor Losses not Included)
Target Operating Point:
315 gpm at 320 feet
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Overview of Luffenholtz Creek Water Resources and Water Availability Trinidad, CA (October 12, 2021)
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Overview of Luffenholtz Creek Water Resources and Water Availability Presentation Outline
1. Components of a water budget
2. Geology
a. Watershed overview
b. Geologic characteristics of the upslope aquifer
3. Hydrology
a. PWA Mk1 Telemeter
b. Luffenholtz Creek continuous rainfall data
c. Critical Dry Period
4. Local rainfall data trend
5. Land use and its likely effects on streamflows
6. Recommended treatments to increase summer water yield a. Water loss and water conservation.
b. Aquifer treatments to increase summer water yield.
c. Off-channel water storage as a source of sustainable critical season water.
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Typical Elements of a Water Budget
USGS Water Availability and Use Science Program
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GEOSPHERE | Volume 15 | Number 4 Padgett et al. | Uplifted marine terrace deformation in Trinidad, California 1323 Research Paper
Upper-plate deformation of Late Pleistocene marine terraces in the Trinidad, California, coastal area, southern Cascadia subduction zone
J. Scott Padgett1,2, Harvey M. Kelsey2, and David Lamphear3 1Department of Geosciences, University of Rhode Island, 9 East Alumni Avenue, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, USA 2Department of Geology, Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, California 95521, USA 3Green Diamond Resource Company, PO Box 68, Korbel, California 95550, USA ■ ABSTRACT
Forming at sea level, uplifted shore platforms serve as long-term geodetic markers. The spatial distribution and elevation of marine terrace sequences offer insight into regional tectonics. In the Trinidad coastal area (California, USA), active tectonic processes reflect upper-plate deformation above the southern extent of the Cascadia subduction megathrust. A set of five uplifted and deformed Late Pleistocene marine terraces is preserved in the Trinidad region and provides an opportunity to analyze regional uplift, folding, and faulting. Using lidar imagery embedded within a GIS, we employ a surface classification model (SCM) that identifies uplifted marine terraces on the basis of their micro-topographical characteristics, i.e., low slope and low roughness.
The SCM-based identification of marine terraces both supplements and verifies existing field mapping. We demonstrate the utility of the SCM, which can be applied to a variety of surface terrain analysis investigations that seek to identify smooth and/or rough terrain features, e.g., terraces and fault scarps.
Age assignments for the five marine terraces, which range from 80 ka to <500 ka, are based on paleo–sea cliff geomorphology and soil development trends.
Specifically, the steepest, highest, and most prominent paleo–sea cliff, which is associated with terrace number 3, is correlated to the long-duration sea-level highstand centered at 125 ka (marine isotope stage 5e), exemplifying a novel method in relative age assignment for Pleistocene geomorphic features. Based on these age assignments, the average maximum uplift rates in the Trinidad coastal area are ~1.0 m/k.y., and the average long-term uplift rate diminishes westward to ~0.4 – 0.5 m/k.y. on the downthrown side of the Trinidad fault.
Based on analysis of deformation using the high-resolution lidar imagery of the marine terraces, the Trinidad hanging-wall anticline represents a fault propagation fold that ceased to be active when the associated reverse fault, the Trinidad fault, daylighted to the surface ca. 80–100 ka. Based on deformation tilts of a marine terrace with an assigned age of 200 ka, the Trinidad anticline has accommodated at least 1 km of shortening in the last 200 k.y., which represents at least 2% of the convergence of the Juan de Fuca plate relative to North America over the same time period. Overall, both the hanging wall and the footwall of the Trinidad fault show long-term positive rock uplift, which implies that the Trinidad anticline and fault are contained within the hanging wall of a deeper structure. Therefore, the Trinidad fault likely splays off of the Cascadia subduction zone megathrust or off of a deeper thrust fault that splays off of the megathrust.
■ INTRODUCTION
The southern Cascadia subduction zone accommodates convergence of the Gorda–Juan de Fuca plates with the North American plate (Fig. 1A). The northern California (USA) coastal landscape shows a variable coast-parallel, long-term uplift rate north of the Mendocino triple junction (Carver and Burke, 1992; Merritts and Bull, 1989, Kelsey and Carver, 1988). This variability in uplift rates is a product of local tectonic structures that have developed in the overriding North American plate (Kelsey and Carver, 1988; Clarke and Carver, 1992).
A sequence of uplifted marine terraces across a coastal landscape serves as a datum that documents both past changes in relative sea level and upper-plate deformation. A marine terrace is a relatively flat geomorphic surface underlain by a thin (~2–20 m thick) veneer of marine sediment that in turn overlies a shore platform strath. Shore platforms form during sea-level highstands.
The inner edge of a shore platform, which is the junction of the platform and the sea cliff, is horizontal at the time of formation and therefore provides a paleohorizontal datum when shore platforms are uplifted (Bradley and Griggs, 1976; Lajoie, 1986). The formation of marine terrace inner edges is inherently linked to sea level, and therefore such features are sea-level indictors with an indicative range (elevation range of occurrence) bound by the regional wave-climate parameters (Rovere et al., 2016). The spatial distribution and elevation of marine terrace inner edges positioned along a coastal landscape are an effective means to detect regional uplift rates, faults, tilts, and folds along a coastal landscape (Bradley and Griggs, 1976; Lajoie, 1986; Kelsey and Carver, 1988; Merritts and Bull, 1989; Kelsey, 1990; Carver and Burke, 1992).
The focus of this research is the marine-terraced Trinidad, California, coastal area between the Mad River fault zone and the Big Lagoon fault (Fig. 1). The Trinidad coastal reach, which is near the southern end of the Cascadia subduction zone, is ~70 km north of the Mendocino triple junction. The Trinidad coastal reach is within the onshore expression of the Cascadia fold-and-thrust
GEOSPHERE
GEOSPHERE, v. 15, no. 4
https://doi.org/10.1130/GES02032.1
16 figures; 3 tables; 1 supplemental file
CORRESPONDENCE: [email protected]: Padgett, J.S., Kelsey, H.M., and Lamphear, D., 2019, Upper-plate deformation of Late Pleistocene
marine terraces in the Trinidad, California, coastal area, southern Cascadia subduction zone: Geosphere, v. 15,
no. 4, p. 1323–1341, https://doi.org/10.1130/GES02032.1.
Science Editor: Shanaka de Silva
Associate Editor: Colin Amos
Published online 7 June 2019
Received 3 July 2018Revision received 16 January 2019
Accepted 8 April 2019
© 2019 The AuthorsThis paper is published under the terms of the CC-BY-NC license.
Downloaded from http://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geosphere/article-pdf/15/4/1323/4800545/1323.pdfby 19774 232 of 322
101
Luffenholtz Creek
Two Creeks
Joland Creek
SF Luffenholtz Creek
Grassy Creek
McConnahas Mill Creek
Eighteen Creek
North Fork Luffenholtz Creek
Two Creeks
A-Line
Ox Road
Adams Fox Farm Road
Old Wagon Road
Westhaven Drive
8TH Ave
4TH Ave
Trinidad Intake
T 4
T 5
T 4
T 3
T 5
T 3
T 4
T 4
T 4
T 4
T 3
T 4
T 5
T 3
T 3
T 2
T 4
T 2
T 2
T 5
T 5
T 2
T 3
T 1
T 1
T 4
Seismic report -
Westhaven Community
Services District (WCSD)
Prepared September 2021 by:
Pacific Watershed Associates
www.pacificwatershed.com
0 350 700 1,400
Feet
Scale 1:8,400 1 inch = 700 feet
Contour interval: 40-foot
Imagery: ESRI Clarity
Contours derived from Green Diamond
Resource Co. 1 m DEM
Residence
Point of diversion
Road
Highway
Stream
Spring
Fault
Trinidad anticline
Marine Terrace
Marine terrace 1
Marine terrace 2
Marine terrace 3
Marine terrace 4
Marine terrace 5
Well location
County road
Paleoshoreline
Greeen Diamond Parcels
Luffenholtz Creek watershed
area of interest
Parcel boundary
Terrace transect
Seismic report
Text
Geology data and marine terrace surface classification data is from J. Scott Padgett, Harvey M. Kelsey, and David Lamphear (2019). Upper-plate deformation of late pleistocene marine terraces in the Trinidad, California, coastal area, southern Cascadia subduction zone. GEOSPHERE, V. 15, no. 4. https://doi.org/10.1130/GES02032.1 1-meter digital elevation model and surface water hydrology data provided by Green Diamond Resource Company, Korbel, California, USA.
Well data obtained from California Department of Water Resources, Well Completion Reports, accessed September 1, 2021 at URL
https://dwr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html Luffenholtz Creek Watershed Analysis:
Topography, Hydrology and Geology
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0 200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000
Elevation (ft, NAVD88)
Distance (ft)
PWA Luffenholtz Creek Terrace Transect, October 2021
Highway 101
Trinidad anticline axis
Terrace 2
Terrace 3
Terrace 4
Terrace 5
Platform inner edge
Watershed Divide
Mean Min Depth 39'
Mean Max Depth 75'
Mean Min Depth 39'
Mean Max Depth 75'
Mean Min Depth 25'
Mean Max Depth 66'
Mean Min Depth 25'
Mean Max Depth 60'
Paleoshoreline
Paleoshoreline
WCSD
~7x Vertical Exaggeration
Geology data and marine terrace surface classification data is from J. Scott Padgett, Harvey M. Kelsey, and David Lamphear (2019). Upper-plate deformation of late pleistocene marine terraces in the Trinidad, California, coastal area, southern Cascadia subduction zone. GEOSPHERE, V. 15, no. 4. https://doi.org/10.1130/GES02032.1 1-meter digital elevation model and surface water hydrology data provided by Green Diamond Resource Company, Korbel, California, USA.
Well data obtained from California Department of Water Resources, Well Completion Reports, accessed September 1, 2021 at URL
https://dwr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html Wells
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Luffenholtz Creek Watershed Area Upslope of Trinidad Diversion Intake:
Marine Terrace Watershed Areas and Water Volume Estimates, October 2021 Summary of estimates:
Minimum Terrace Alluvium Volume: 1,706,582,790 ft3 39,180 ac-ft Ruth Reservoir Water Storage = 42,000 ac ft Maximum Terrace Alluvium Volume: 3,342,384,065 ft3 76,730 ac-ft Ruth Reservoir Water Storage = 13,685,742,000 gals If 20% of Calculated Terrace Alluvium Volume is Available Water (Specific Yield):
Minimum 7,835 ac-ft 2,554,210,000 gals
Maximum 15,345 ac-ft 5,002,470,000 gals
If 10% of Calculated Terrace Alluvium Volume is Available Water (Specific Yield):
Minimum 3,920 ac-ft 1,277,920,000 gals
Maximum 7,675 ac-ft 2,502,050,000 gals
Average 5,800 ac ft 1,889,985.000 gals
1 Marine Terrace depth estimates based on published Oregon and Northern California thickness of cover rock as referenced in Padgett, Kelsey and Lamphear, 2019, Geological Society of America Geosphere) Luffenholtz Creek Watershed and Marine Terrace Area and Depth Information Location Area
(mi2)
Acres % of Watershed
Marine Terrace Depth 1
(ft)
Minimum Maximum
Luffenholtz Watershed
Above Water Intake 4.75 3,038 100% - -
Marine Terrace 2 0.003 1.81 0.1% 25 60
Marine Terrace 3 0.12 76.28 2.5% 25 66
Marine Terrace 4 1.10 704.3 23.0% 39 75
Marine Terrace 5 0.39 250.2 8.2% 39 75
All Terraces Combined 1.61 1,032.6 33.8% Avg is 32 ft Avg is 69 ft 235 of 322
Regional Annual Runoff
Water Resources Engineering Department at Oregon State University 0 5
10 15
20 25
October November December January February March April May June July August September Percent %
Monthly streamflow as a percent of annual flow (%)
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The PWA Mk1 Telemeter
PWA Mk1 Telemeter mounted downstream of Trinidad Municipal Water Plant PWA Mk1 Telemeter with solar panel in
Central Valley California Aqueduct
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2020 real- time stream flow and rainfall data
0.00 0.50
1.00 1.50
2.00 2.50
3.00 3.50
4.00 4.50
0.00 5.00
1.00 2.00
3.00 4.00
5.00 6.00
7.00 8.00
9.00 10.00
11.00 12.00
13.00 14.00
15.00 16.00
17.00 18.00
19.00 4/29/2020 5/6/2020 5/13/2020 5/20/2020 5/27/2020 6/3/2020 6/10/2020 6/17/2020 6/24/2020 7/1/2020 7/8/2020 7/15/2020 7/22/2020 7/29/2020 8/5/2020 8/12/2020 8/19/2020 8/26/2020 9/2/2020 9/9/2020 9/16/2020 9/23/2020 9/30/2020 10/7/2020 10/14/2020 10/21/2020 10/28/2020 11/4/2020 11/11/2020 11/18/2020 Prec t t n n c r e te
uffenholt ree a ly Mean ypass schar e (cfs) ( to )
Daily Precipitation (in.) Disharge (cfs) (daily mean)
Begin Critical Dry Period
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2020 Critical Dry Period
2020 PWA MK1 Telemeter
0.00 0.50
1.00 1.50
2.00 2.50
3.00 3.50
4.00 4.50
0.00 5.00
0.50 1.00
1.50 2.00
2.50 3.00 Prec t t n n c r e
te
uffenholt ree a ly Mean ypass schar e (cfs) (low flow per o to ) Daily Precipitation (in.) Disharge (cfs) (daily mean)
Begin Critical Dry Period
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Decreasing 30-year trend in annual watershed precipitation 1992 to 2021 on Allan’s ra nfall ata Westhaven, A
-50%
-40%
-30%
-20%
-10%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50% er e e t n r r %
e r
er e e t n r r %
Average Deviation from Normal (%) Linear (Average Deviation from Normal (%)) 240 of 322
Land use and things that affect hydrology in Luffenholtz Creek Watershed Luffenholtz Creek Watershed
Point of Diversion
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Overview of continuous daily demand during Critical Dry Period at point of diversion 0 1
2 3
4 5
6 0.00 7
0.50 1.00
1.50 2.00
2.50 3.00 Precipitation (in.) Bypass Discharge (cfs)
Date
Luffenholtz Creek Daily Mean Bypass Discharge (cfs) Critical Dry Period (8/1/21 - 10/12/21) Daily Precipitaton (in.) Discharge (cfs) (Daily Mean) Low Flow Total Contiuous Use (0.40 cfs) High Flow Total Contiuous Use ( 0.44 cfs) Continuous daily demand during Critical Dry Period
Use levels Low rate (cfs) High rate (cfs)
Pump rate of to meet City’s daily use 0.15 0.19
CDFW regulatory demand 0.15 0.15
Reserved for downstream landowners 0.10 0.10
Total continuous daily demand 0.40 0.44
Begin Critical Dry Period
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0.000
0.200
0.400
0.600
0.800
1.000
1.200
s
c
h
a
r
e
(
F
)S
uffenholt ree stream flow Au 3 ,
Stream flow (cfs)
Begin: Aug 17 7:31pm, 0 .962 cfs
Low: Aug 17, 9:50pm, 0.516 cfs
End: Aug 18, 4:01am, 0.974 cfs
Begin: Aug 18 7:25pm, 0 .911 cfs
Low: Aug 18, 11:47pm, 0.679 cfs
End: Aug 19, 3:15am, 0.867 cfs
Begin: Aug 19, 7:52am, 0 .902 cfs
Low: Aug 19, 10:51am, 0.726 cfs
End: Aug 19, 1:13pm, 1.005 cfs
Begin: Aug 16 8:24pm, 1.002 cfs
Low: Aug 16, 11:55pm, 0.867 cfs
End: Aug 17, 1:30am, 0.963 cfs
Begin: Aug 13 6:28pm, 0.993 cfs
Low: Aug 13, 8:45pm, 0.850 cfs
End: Aug 14, 12:03am, 0.967 cfs
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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
1) The aquifer that feeds Luffenholtz Creek consists of geologic terrace deposits of gravel and sand mostly in the upper watershed and fractured bedrock in middle and lower watershed.
2) The aquifer is a water bank that stores infiltrating rainwater during the winter and then slowly discharges this stored groundwater to the creek during the summer.
3) Rainfall records show there has been a gradual decrease in mean annual precipitation over the last 30 years, and this appears likely to continue.
Less precipitation reduces the water naturally entering the aquifer. 4) A Critical Dry Period occurs each year from early August to mid-November when streamflow is lowest and water demand is highest.
5) Land use in the Luffenholtz Creek Watershed upstream from the city water intake consists of commercial forest management in the upper 2/3 of the watershed and residential parcels and development in the lower 1/3. 6) Streamflow data in August 2021 shows daily fluctuations attributed to natural water use by vegetation as well as water withdrawals by the city and by upstream landowners. Occasional, but significant, drops in streamflow have been documented at night.
7) Low streamflows in the Critical Dry Period of summer 2020 and 2021 approached but did not fall below discharge levels required by the C t ’ permit requirements.
8) Total annual rainfall and streamflow in the Luffenholtz Creek watershed is significantly more than is needed to provide Trinidad with a sustainable municipal supply of water, but winter rainfall and runoff will likely need to be stored for summer use during the Critical Dry Period as climate continues to dry and water use continues to increase.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Steps to providing a sustainable water supply from the Luffenholtz Creek Watershed
1) Decrease water loss and water use:
• Implement water conservation and education measures to maximize water use efficiency, reduce water use and eliminate water waste. • Perform leak detection studies and implement repairs to, or replacement , d ed e k n ect n t e c t ’ w ter e ne d tr but n
system.
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RECOMMENDATIONS (continued)
2) Increase water availability
• Obtain or manage existing or additional water rights for increasing water storage and supplementing Critical Dry Period water supply. • Identify suitable lands, purchase small properties or easements, and construct small water reservoirs and/or a municipal tank farm sufficient to accommodate Critical Dry Period water demand to supplement available Luffenholtz Creek water supplies during the summer period. • Fill new storage reservoirs and water tanks from rainwater harvesting and streamflow diversion during the wet winter period for use during the Critical Dry Period.
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RECOMMENDATIONS (continued)
3) Conduct additional water resource and planning and feasibility investigations to address water availability and water use
• Revisit, evaluate and utilize past and present water resource studies and investigations to determine the technical, logistical and financial feasibility for implementing additional water conservation and water supplementation measures, such as:
o Working with City water users on water conservation and water education measures to maximize efficient use of city water supplies, o Upgrading the C t ’ w ter d tr but n te nd decre n w ter system leakage,
o Obtaining lands and building adequate municipal water storage sufficient for providing Critical Dry Period water supplies 247 of 322
Pacific Watershed Associates • PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433 / 707-839-5130 / www.pacificwatershed.com Geologic and Geomorphic Studies • Wildland Hydrology • Erosion Control Planning • Civil Engineering • Environmental Services PACIFIC WATERSHED ASSOCIATES INC.
PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433
Ph 707-839-5130 • Fax 707-839-8168
www.pacificwatershed.co
Re: City of Trinidad Parcel Selection Process for Water Storage Contingency Plan 1 Introduction to Current Situation
Pacific Watershed Associates (PWA) has been working with the City of Trinidad (City) to find suitable area(s) for multiple, large volume, metal water storage tanks to alleviate potential future water demands and supply shortages in the Luffenholtz Creek watershed during the low flow period (Figure 1).
Currently, the City of Trinidad diverts streamflow at the Municipal Water Treatment Plant’s instream point of diversion to treat for municipal use under two appropriative water rights (Figure 1).
Due to the current prolonged drought and less than average rainfall years, the City of Trinidad (City) has determined increasing water storage is a prudent necessary short- and intermediate-component of the recently formulated Water Supply and Storage Contingency Plan (Plan) and the city’s water conservation strategy. Approximately, 80,000 to 90,000 gallons of treated water is used daily by residents, public and private facilities in the City of Trinidad water district. Approximately 285,650 gallons of treated water is currently stored in two wooden, lined 150,000-gallon water tanks (Figure 1).
In the case of continued drought and depletion of the Luffenholtz Creek water table, instream flows may reach the low flow bypass discharge threshold developed by CDFW (0.86 cfs), and/or may be required to completely depart from drafting instream water for municipal use if mean bypass discharge decreases below 0.15 cfs; in this case the city’s available storage of this essential resource could be exhausted in 2- 3 days. The “City Plan” proposes to temporarily store additional quantities of permitted water derived from Luffenholtz Creek at its’ current diversion during the wintertime, when rainfall is high and water use is low, and available instream water is abundant. In order for the City to potentially store more water for future use, PWA is assisting the City with developing a practical methodology for selecting the most economical and stable nearly parcels that could serve as suitable properties for the needed number of storage tanks to begin the process of increasing water storage volumes, resilience, and water security.
The city’s current appropriative water right permits are for direct diversion, which constrains the city regulatorily by not allowing more than 30 days of water storage (regulatory storage) before it is considered seasonal storage. The regulation which refers to this is 23 CCR 657. For this proposed water storage project, the city will be required to obtain a new water right and follow the State Water Resource Control Board, Division of Water Rights, Process for Water Rights Licensing to store water for over 30 days for use during the typical Critical Dry Period (August, September and, October). Any new water storage tanks will require new water rights, allowing seasonal storage (storage greater than 30 days) to offset the Critical Dry Period instream water shortages (personnel communication with Ramon Ruiz at Division of Water Rights). You can also refer to this guidance document (See pages 11-15 for more 248 of 322
A-Line
Ox Road
Adams Fox Farm Road
Old Wagon Road
Westhaven Drive
8TH Ave
Diversion
location
Existing storage tanks
£¤101
Westhaven
Trinidad
Prepared June 2022 by:
Pacific Watershed Associates
www.pacificwatershed.com
Scale 1:24,000 1 inch = 2,000 feet
0 1,000 2,000 4,000
Feet
Figure 1. Location map for the Trinidad Municipal Water District water storage parcel selection study. !
!
!
!
Eureka
Fortuna
Trinidad
Garberville
£¤101
¬«299
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Humboldt
County
Pacific Ocean
"/ Diversion location
!( Existing storage tanks
Road
Highway
Trinidad water lines
Trinidad city boundary
Stream
Luffenholtz Creek watershed
Trinidad municipal water
service area
249 of 322
PWA Parcel Selection Criteria for Trinidad Water Storage Contingency Planning Process June 28, 2022 Eli Naffah, Trinidad City Manager and Council Page 3
Pacific Watershed Associates • PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433 / 707-839-5130 / www.pacificwatershed.com Geologic and Geomorphic Studies • Wildland Hydrology • Erosion Control Planning • Civil Engineering • Environmental Services information on storing water regulatorily under 30 days):
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/applications/docs/licensing.pdf The overall goal of this project is to locate potentially suitable parcels for siting large, metal water storage tanks and then solicit landowners with potentially suitable parcels to determine their interest in participating in Trinidad’s complicated water supply storage system. The criteria PWA has utilized to select viable property options for increasing water storage tank facilities include:
• Distance from water treatment facility (miles)
• Parcel size (acres)
• Parcel slope gradient (%)
• Parcel Zoning
• Location with regards to the Coastal Zone
• Residential structure presence
What follows is a discussion of the PWA rationale for selecting this list of parcel/property characteristics. The criteria and potential first-priority parcels are visually summarized in Figure 2.
Table 1 provides the summary details of each priority selection criteria by parcel/property. Table 2 lists landowners with potentially suitable parcels to determine their interest in participating in Trinidad’s complicated water supply storage system
2 Parcel Distance from Water Treatment Facility
The distance (miles) from the municipal water treatment facility was considered an important factor to minimize the distance and overall construction costs to pump diverted raw untreated winter and spring instream water to metal storage tanks and then return the stored water back to the treatment plant to be treated for municipal use during the Critical Dry Period. An initial 1-mile radius, with ¼-mile increments, was cast from the municipal water treatment plant’s point of diversion to help graphically display the parcels distance and proximity to the plant (Figure 2). The radial distance provided a rough first filter, however it was assumed that most water conveyance infrastructure would follow a public road lineament, therefore the distance from the treatment facility was calculated using public roads from the point of diversion to the selected higher priority parcels. As a point of perspective, the existing treated water storage tanks managed by the city are approximately 1.9-miles from the water treatment plant. These distances are shown on Figure 2 and reported on in Table 1. 3 Parcel Size (acres)
Both developed and undeveloped parcels greater than 5-acres were deemed to be adequate for this project. Additionally, undeveloped parcels less than 5-acres but greater than 2.5-acres, were also included for further analysis. Larger parcels, greater than 5-acres, would have more options for tank(s) placement, even if there is an existing residence or if one were to be developed in the future. Smaller parcels, less than 2.5-acres in size, have been avoided at the present time since they are more likely to potentially pose difficulties with permitting due to lesser amounts of gentle ground, needs for property 250 of 322
PWA Parcel Selection Criteria for Trinidad Water Storage Contingency Planning Process June 28, 2022 Eli Naffah, Trinidad City Manager and Council Page 4
Pacific Watershed Associates • PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433 / 707-839-5130 / www.pacificwatershed.com Geologic and Geomorphic Studies • Wildland Hydrology • Erosion Control Planning • Civil Engineering • Environmental Services Table 1. Phase 1 parcel selection characteristics for water storage tanks near the City of Trinidad's Water Treatment Plant.
Unique
ID
Assessor’s parcel
number (APN)
Parcel
size
(acres)
Parcel’s
area 0-
15% slope
class
(acres)
Percent
parcel
less than
15%
Zoning
Within
CA
Coastal
Zone (Y
or N)
Distance on
roads from
treatment
plant
Description
1 513-101-014-000 640 491 77 TPZ N 2.4 Portion TPZ, Rdwd, Vacant 2 513-101-015-000 270 230 85 TPZ N 1.9 100% TPZ, Rdwd, Vacant 3 513-111-042-000 231 213 92 TPZ N 1.6 100% TPZ, Rdwd, Vacant 4 513-111-068-000 594 439 74 TPZ N 2.0 100% TPZ, Rdwd, Vacant 5 515-111-037-000 11.4 8.4 74 U N 1.1 Improved, Rural Residential, 10 to 20 ac 6 515-111-039-000 11.0 10.3 94 U N 0.7 Public Land, Schools, Non Taxable Entities 7 515-111-050-000 5.4 4.9 91 U N 0.9 Improved, Rural Residential, 5+ to 10 ac 8 515-111-051-000 7.0 7.0 100 U N 0.9 Improved, Rural Residential, 5+ to 10 ac 9 515-111-055-000 3.9 3.9 100 U N 1.0 Vacant Single Family Residential 10 515-111-072-000 16.7 13.5 81 U N 1.1 Improved, Rural Residential, 20+ to 40 ac 11 515-111-077-000 10.7 4.8 45 U N 1.0 Vacant, Rural Residential, 10+ to 20 ac 12 515-111-079-000 28.9 20.3 70 U;RA-2.5/M Y/N 0.5 Improved, Rural Residential, 20+ to 40 ac 13 515-111-083-000 6.2 5.3 86 U N 0.6 Improved, Rural Residential, 5+ to 10 ac 14 515-131-003-000 14.3 9.2 64 TPZ Y/N 0.7 100% TPZ, Rdwd, Improved 15 515-131-008-000 5.0 3.7 74 TC/R Y 0.7 Rural - Improved 16 515-131-020-000 21.1 15.7 74 TC/R Y/N 0.7 Rural - Improved 17 515-131-029-000 41.9 33.1 79 AE;TC/R Y/N 0.8 Vacant, Rural Residential, 20+ to 40 ac 18 515-131-031-000 6.6 4.6 70 RA-2.5-M/R Y 0.7 Improved, Rural Residential, 5+ to 10 ac 19 515-141-002-000 6.3 5.6 89 RA-2.5-M/R Y 1.0 Improved Single Family Residential 20 515-141-066-000 5.1 4.3 84 RA-2.5-M/R Y 1.1 Improved, 2-4 Units 21 515-141-072-000 8.8 7.0 80 RA-2.5-M/R Y 0.5 Improved, Rural Residential, 5+ to 10 ac 22 515-141-090-000 11.7 10.6 91 RA-2.5-M/R Y 1.1 Taxable MH on fee parcel 23 515-141-092-000 5.7 3.8 67 RA-2.5-M/R Y 0.8 Improved Single Family Residential 24 515-172-030-000 6.8 6.8 99 RA-2.5-M/R;AG Y 1.2 Improved, Rural Residential, 5+ to 10 ac Table 2. Water storage tanks parcel ownership near the City of Trinidad's Municipal Water Treatment Plant. 251 of 322
PWA Parcel Selection Criteria for Trinidad Water Storage Contingency Planning Process June 28, 2022 Eli Naffah, Trinidad City Manager and Council Page 5
Pacific Watershed Associates • PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433 / 707-839-5130 / www.pacificwatershed.com Geologic and Geomorphic Studies • Wildland Hydrology • Erosion Control Planning • Civil Engineering • Environmental Services Unique
ID
Parcel assessor’s
number
Parcel
size
(acres)
Landowner name Address City State Zip
1 513-101-014-000 640 Green Diamond Resource Company 1301 5Th Ave #2700 Seattle WA 98101 2 513-101-015-000 270 Green Diamond Resource Company 1301 5Th Ave #2700 Seattle WA 98101 3 513-111-042-000 231 Vaneck Fred M Forest Foundation Calif Llc 1001 Oreilly Ave #A San Francisco CA 94129 4 513-111-068-000 594 Green Diamond Resource Company 1301 5Th Ave #2700 Seattle WA 98101 5 515-111-037-000 11.4 Wells Trenton A Po Box 103 Eureka CA 95502 6 515-111-039-000 11.0 Trinidad Union School Dist Po Box 3030 Trinidad CA 95570 7 515-111-050-000 5.4 Sharp Thomas R & Edeltraud G Tr 345 Old Wagon Rd Trinidad CA 95570 8 515-111-051-000 7.0 Sabo Merlin Po Box 115 Trinidad CA 95570 9 515-111-055-000 3.9 Shank Kim B Tr 3456 Ribeiro Ln Arcata CA 95521 10 515-111-072-000 16.7 Brindle Robert M & Christine Mtr P O Box 1240 Trinidad CA 95570 11 515-111-077-000 10.7 Bennett Alan D & Caroline E #3 Silver Saddle Palos Verdes P CA 90274 12 515-111-079-000 28.9 Bauder Ranch Llc Co Po Box 480 Trinidad CA 95570 13 515-111-083-000 6.2 Johnson Erik K 661 Kahlstrom Ave Westhaven CA 95570 14 515-131-003-000 14.3 Roberts Linda 455 Union St #27 Arcata CA 95521 15 515-131-008-000 5.0 Hewett Lawrence C & Whitlow Roxanna L 205 Fox Farm Rd Trinidad CA 95570 16 515-131-020-000 21.1 Mcleod John C & Shore B Tr Po Bx 389 Trinidad CA 95570 17 515-131-029-000 41.9 Trinidad-California Llc Co 39960 Alderpoint Rd Blocksburg CA 95514 18 515-131-031-000 6.6 Dean Ronald P 83 Fox Farm Rd Trinidad CA 95570 19 515-141-002-000 6.3 Shalit Susan M Tr 718 Duncan St San Francisco CA 94131 20 515-141-066-000 5.1 Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community Trinidad Rancheria P O Box 630 Trinidad CA 95570 21 515-141-072-000 8.8 Read Sharon M Tr Po Bx 1245 Trinidad CA 95570 22 515-141-090-000 11.7 Marasco Gertrude Po Box 1122 Trinidad CA 95570 23 515-141-092-000 5.7 Gregory Paula L 915 N Westhaven Dr Trinidad CA 95570 24 515-172-030-000 6.8 Kieselhorst Richard Tr & Kieselhorst-Eckart Marjor 673 N Westhaven Dr Trinidad CA 95570 252 of 322
PWA Parcel Selection Criteria for Trinidad Water Storage Contingency Planning Process June 28, 2022 Eli Naffah, Trinidad City Manager and Council Page 6
Pacific Watershed Associates • PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433 / 707-839-5130 / www.pacificwatershed.com Geologic and Geomorphic Studies • Wildland Hydrology • Erosion Control Planning • Civil Engineering • Environmental Services line setbacks, proximity to neighbors, and posing a higher risk of general aesthetics considerations and potentially opposing neighbors. Refer to Figure 2 and Table 1 for the first-priority parcel selections. 4 Parcel Slope Gradient (%)
Hillslopes gradient (ground slope steepness) were considered to exclude parcel selection on steep slopes which are not suitable for placement of water storage tank(s). Steep slopes and inner gorge areas are unbuildable and/or difficult to access; development in those locations may increase soil erosion and hillslope instability. Excluding areas on or near steep slopes are vital for the longevity of these large, extremely heavy tanks. An ideal slope for tank location would be in areas less than 5% in steepness (i.e., essentially flat marine terraces). Slopes approaching 10%-15% are considered moderately sloped but still suitable, but PWA is considering any potential tank location on hillslope steeper than 15% as being too steep and cost prohibitive for placement of water storage tank(s). Filtering criteria were split in the moderately steep zones using 15% as the upper limit. Slopes greater than 15% were excluded with the remaining slopes represented in 5% intervals (Figure 2). Percent slope was analyzed using a ten-meter digital elevation model (DEM) in ArcMap.
5 Zoning of Parcels
Humboldt County land use classifications/designations (Zoning) for parcels in general dictate what types of activities and structures can be placed on various properties based on hillslope characteristics, parcel size and other factors. The following section describes which county zoning types are in general more suited for placement of large water storage facilities per the proposed City Plan.
5.1 Inland Zoning
U (Unclassified)
In the Unclassified Zone water storage tanks would fall under essential services which are a conditionally permitted use type. Additional regulations to consider: Minimum setback from the front, rear and side are 20, 10 and 5 feet respectively; Maximum distance between major building is 20 feet; Maximum ground coverage is 40%; and there is no maximum building height specified. Unclassified zoning is considered to be desirable for potential water storage tank location.
TPZ (Timberland Production Zone)
The erection, construction, alteration, or maintenance of gas, electric, water, or communication transmission facilities are deemed as a principally permitted use in TPZ Zone. There are no lot coverage restrictions or structure height restrictions, making TPZ properties desirable. Parcels selected with TPZ zoning might be the farthest from the treatment plant, however these may be the most probable option due to the landowner’s current and future land use intention.
AE (Agricultural Excusive)
The Agriculture Exclusive, or AE Zone, is intended to be applied in fertile areas in which agriculture is and should be the desirable predominant use and in which the protection of this use from encroachment from incompatible uses is essential to the general public welfare. Installing water storage tanks on AE land would require a conditional use permit and would be considered an agricultural land conversion, subject to additional regulations. Agricultural land conversion to nonagricultural use requires planning commission (PC) approval and can be granted if the PC finds a) there are no feasible alternatives; b) the 253 of 322
PWA Parcel Selection Criteria for Trinidad Water Storage Contingency Planning Process June 28, 2022 Eli Naffah, Trinidad City Manager and Council Page 7
Pacific Watershed Associates • PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433 / 707-839-5130 / www.pacificwatershed.com Geologic and Geomorphic Studies • Wildland Hydrology • Erosion Control Planning • Civil Engineering • Environmental Services facts support an overriding public interest; and c) there is a “no net loss” of agricultural lands, but this finding can have additional conditions/requirements. For this feasibility study AE zoning was determined to be difficult to meet the state requirements and therefore parcels zoned AE should be in general excluded from the selection process.
AG (Agriculture General)
The Agriculture General or AG Zone is intended to be applied in areas in which agriculture is the desirable predominant use and rural residential uses are secondary. Principal permitted uses include agriculture accessory structures which includes tank houses (Ord. 2189) Although, parcels zoned AG will be good candidates for our parcel selection requiring a standard use permit to flex "similar and compatible" uses. AG Zoning regulations dictate 20-foot setbacks, 35% maximum ground coverage and a maximum building height of 35-feet.
5.2 California Coastal Zone
TC (Commercial Timber)
Commercial Timber (TC) Zone is a designation within the Coastal Zone where essential services are a conditionally permitted use. Considering the development standards (20-30 foot setbacks, no maximum ground coverage and permittable exceptions to the 35-foot maximum structure height), land zoned TC would be a good option for water storage tanks. However, being in the Coastal Zone will require additional complicated permitting, but if the location is relatively close to the municipal water treatment plant, it may be more cost effective to utilize parcels within the Coastal Zone than to utilize an inland parcel that has a greater distance and significantly higher design and construction costs to connect to the municipal water treatment plant. As distance from the treatment plant increases so does the amount of needed underground water lines and pumping infrastructure increase.
RA-2.5 (Rural Residential Agriculture, minimum lot size 2.5 acres) Similar to TC Zone, in the RA-2.5 Zone all essential services are conditionally permitted with development standards requiring 20-30 foot setbacks in the Coastal Zone, 35% maximum ground coverage and permittable exceptions to the 35-foot maximum structure height. Depending on lot size and pre-existing structure ground coverage, RA-2.5 would be a good to fair option for water storage tanks.
TPZ (Timberland Production Zone)
TPZ Zone within the Coastal Zone has essentially the same permitted uses and development standards as TC Zone does for water storage tanks. Coastal Zone TPZ parcels would be desirable, taking into account the distance from the municipal water treatment facility.
Combining Zone
A Combining Zone applies an additional zoning designation which modifies the regulations for the Principal Land Use Zones. Humboldt County has 24 different combining zones, however PWA has identified only two of these designations during our parcel selection search as potentially suitable, namely those being designated zones M and R. M (manufactured homes) is used to modify a principal zone to allow manufactured homes. The M modification does not appear to affect the City Plan interest in water storage tanks. The R (streams and riparian corridor protection) combining zone designation provides restrictions to development to minimize adverse runoff, interference with surface waterflow and alteration of natural streams by protecting riparian habitats. Setbacks for coastal riparian corridors 254 of 322
PWA Parcel Selection Criteria for Trinidad Water Storage Contingency Planning Process June 28, 2022 Eli Naffah, Trinidad City Manager and Council Page 8
Pacific Watershed Associates • PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433 / 707-839-5130 / www.pacificwatershed.com Geologic and Geomorphic Studies • Wildland Hydrology • Erosion Control Planning • Civil Engineering • Environmental Services and forests for waterways are defined in Section 33.1.6. An R Combining Zone designation does limit areas of potential development, but the designation only applies to perennial and intermittent streams leaving the remaining parcel areas for potential tank farm development. 6 Location with regards to the Coastal Zone
It needs to be recognized that parcels located within the Coastal Zone are under detailed analysis and greater scrutiny and would most likely require additional permitting and costs. Parcels within the Coastal Zone which are zoned RA, TC and TPZ could potentially be developed and were included in the analysis (Figure 2 & Table 1). Depending on landowner interest to participate in the City of Trinidad’s water storage program, parcels within the Coastal Zone may be more cost effective to permit and build than a parcel that is located a greater distance away that may require more plumbing infrastructure to establish. Depending on the level of interest from the Phase 1 list of priorities property owners to assist the City with future water security efforts, a preliminary cost analysis will be performed as part of determining feasibility for a water storage location within the Coastal Zone. 7 Residential Structure Presence
Presence or absence of structures was noted and used as part of the parcel selection process. Criteria for improved parcels, ones having a structure present based on the Humboldt County Assessor data, is that they are required to be larger than 5-acres, whereas an unimproved parcel just had to be larger than 2.5- acres.
8 Summary of Results and Recommendations
For the proposed water storage project, PWA is recommending that the City of Trinidad obtain a new water right by following the State Water Resource Control Board, Division of Water Rights, Process for Water Rights Licensing to store water for over 30 days for use during the Critical Dry Period (August, September and, October) and/or other times through the year.
Using the above-described Phase 1 selection criteria for beginning the process of locating suitable parcels and areas for the siting of multiple, large volume, metal water storage tanks to alleviate future water supply shortages in the Luffenholtz Creek watershed, PWA has identified a total of 24 potentially suitable parcels/properties to conduct initial outreach concerning assisting the City (Map 2, Tables 1 and 2). Selected Phase 1 parcels range in size from 3.9 to 640-acres. Parcel distance from the treatment plant, which was measured following roads, ranges from a 0.5 to 2.4-miles. Ten parcels are less than 1- mile from the treatment plant with two parcels nearly 0.5-mile from the municipal water treatment plant.
The farthest parcels are all inland on TPZ lands. These Industrial Timber parcels are 1.6 to 2.4 miles from the municipal water treatment plant. The TPZ lands are large acreage properties that can accommodate huge quantities of water over time as drought, water supply and water demand issues continue to change into the future. These TPZ parcels are generally the most remote in the area and not located in the CA Coastal Zone, which makes them very appealing for the City to maintain a flexible short to intermediate Water Supply and Storage Contingency Plan.
Half, 12 parcels of the selected parcels are located either completely or partially in the Coastal Zone.
PWA recommends the City initiate communications with all twenty-four selected Phase 1 parcels to inquire as to their interest in participating in the proposed City Water Storage Contingency Plan. 255 of 322
PWA Parcel Selection Criteria for Trinidad Water Storage Contingency Planning Process June 28, 2022 Eli Naffah, Trinidad City Manager and Council Page 9
Pacific Watershed Associates • PO Box 4433 • Arcata, CA 95518-4433 / 707-839-5130 / www.pacificwatershed.com Geologic and Geomorphic Studies • Wildland Hydrology • Erosion Control Planning • Civil Engineering • Environmental Services PACIFIC WATERSHED ASSOCIATES INC.
Todd Kraemer, Associate Hydrologist
[email protected]
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!(
"/
Luffenholtz Creek
Two Creeks
Joland Creek
SF Luffenholtz Creek
Grassy Creek
McConnahas Mill Creek
Eighteen C
A-Line
Ox Road
Adams Fox Farm Road
Old Wagon Road
Westhaven Drive
8TH Ave
4TH Ave
Lower Luffenholtz
Deadmans Creek
Joland Creek
Diversion/treatment
plant location
Existing storage tanks
0.25 M
0.75 M
0.5 M
1 M
1 M
£¤101
1 4
22 5
10 9
8 7
6 24
20 19
15 16
21 11
12 17
18 14
2 13
3 23
Humboldt County GIS
Prepared June 2022 by:
Pacific Watershed Associates
www.pacificwatershed.com
Scale 1:14,400 1 inch = 1,200 feet
Parcel data: Humboldt County GIS 2022
0 600 1,200 2,400
Feet
!( Intake/Storage tank
Access road
Highway
Parcel
Figure 2. City of Trinidad Water Storage Parcel Selection.
Percent slope
P:\GIS\10575 Luffenholtz\10575 Luffenholtz parcel search V3.mxd 5%
10%
15%
Green Diamond land
Trinidad water service boundary
Road
Trinidad water lines
Coastal Zone Boundary
Trinidad city boundary
Selected parcel
Diversion/treatment "/ plant location
Distance from intake
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Proposition 218 Notification:
45-day notice of proposed water rate changes, procedure, and public hearing date Date of Notice: July 15, 2024
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hearing Date and Time: September 10th, 2024, at 6:00pm
Hearing Location: Trinidad Town Hall, 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad, CA 95570 This letter is to advise you that the City of Trinidad (City) is proposing a five-year water rate program adjustment for all residential and commercial customers. The proposal will be considered by the City Council at a Public Hearing on Sep. 10, 2024. You are receiving this notice in compliance with California Proposition 218 requirements that all impacted property owners are mailed notice of proposed rate changes at least 45 days prior to a public hearing. If you have any questions regarding this notice, please call (707) 677-0223.
BASIS OF PROPOSED RATES
The City is required by state law to collect revenues sufficient to fund current and future costs of operating, maintaining and administering the existing water facilities as well as to fund the capital improvements and infrastructure replacement program. These revenues allow the City to protect public health and safely and reliably deliver clean, safe drinking water to all connections. By state law, the district may not collect more revenue than is necessary to recover the costs of providing services. The proposed rates were developed through a comprehensive water rate study designed to meet all legal requirements and fairly and equitably recover the required revenue. The water rate study was prepared by Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) and is available for review by the public on the City website, at https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/water-rates.
WHY THE CITY’S WATER RATES MUST BE ADJUSTED
Customer water rates are a primary source of revenue to operate the water system. These rates generate the revenue to operate the system. To continue the water system’s ability to provide reliable water services to our customers, rate increases are necessary to cover increasing operational costs and to invest in necessary upgrades and emergency preparedness.
It has been seven years since the last water rate increase for they City of Trinidad. During that time 1) Inflation alone has increased costs by 25%
2) Proposition 218 case law has driven water rate structure changes in the industry 3) A long-term water system staff member left the City and contracted services had to be brought in to operate the plant in compliance with Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations § 63765 (22 CCR § 63765) – Water Treatment Facility Staff Certification Requirements. The City operates a treatment plant classified as a T3 plant. This requires that a highly certified water treatment operator oversee all operations to ensure proper treatment is achieved to deliver safe drinking water to the City’s customers.
A rate option was chosen that would likely increase water sales revenue by 26% percent, if the rates were in effect for the entire 2024-2025 fiscal year. This rate adjustment was chosen after extensive analysis of revenue requirements, affordability, and alternate adjustment considerations. 258 of 322
WHAT STEPS DID THE CITY TAKE TO REDUCE COST BEFORE CONSIDERING INCREASING CUSTOMER RATES?
The City conducted a comprehensive line by line review of the budgetary expenditures to maximize available resources and reduce operational costs to a minimum. The City analyzed the best options to bring costs down while complying with 22 CCR § 63765 and other safe drinking water act requirements.
The City will be working to reduce contracted services costs over the next five years by bringing in an inhouse Grade 3 Treatment Plant Operator. This transition time will require close monitoring of water fund expenses and water sales revenue to ensure revenue is trending towards meeting annual operation and maintenance (O&M) requirements and eventually towards meeting annual O&M requirements as well as investing in necessary water system upgrades and emergency preparedness.
PROPOSITION 218 PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE
All property owners and other interested parties are invited to attend the hearing and present written and/or oral comments. As an owner or customer of record of a parcel subject to the imposition of the proposed rate adjustments, you may submit a WRITTEN protest to the proposed rate changes. Only ONE written protest will be counted per identified parcel. If written protests are presented by a majority of the owners of property that are subject to the rate change prior to the end of the hearing, the City Council cannot approve the change. Nobody wants more costs, but City water users must consider that without this rate increase, the City will be failing to cover annual operations and maintenance costs for the water system.
Written protests must include:
• Your original signature and date
• Your name typed or printed under the signature
• The address of the property
• An affirmation that you are the owner or customer of record of the property • Your reasons for protest
Written protests will NOT be accepted by e-mail or fax. Verbal protests will NOT be counted. Protests must be received (not postmarked) prior to the close of the public hearing. Written protests may be submitted to:
Trinidad Town Hall
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
The City Council, after the close of the public hearing will adopt the rates. The rates will not exceed the increases set forth herein.
CURRENT RATES
Current Monthly Charges
Standard Rates
Monthly Base Rate* Usage Rate (per HCF)
Inside City Limits $ 45.23 $ 4.42
Outside City Limits $ 56.54 $ 5.54
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PROPOSED MONTHLY RATE SCHEDULE
The proposed rate schedule is set forth below. The water rates will be adjusted beginning on Oct. 1, 2024 and will adjust on July 1 of the subsequent years through 2028. The final adjustment under this resolution will be on July 1, 2028. Any subsequent adjustments will be subject to a Proposition 218 hearing.
MONTHLY RATE SCHEDULES TO BE ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION IN SEPTEMBER 2024 Rate Option B
Standard Rates (For Inside and Outside City Limit Customers) 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 66.20 72.82 80.10 88.11 96.92
Rate per 100 CF 5.85 6.44 7.08 7.79 8.56
Any judicial action or proceeding to attack, review, set aside, void, validate or annul an ordinance, resolution or motion adopting a fee or charge for water service, or modifying or amending an existing fee or charge for water service, shall be commenced within 120 days of the effective date or of the date of the final passage, adoption, or approval of the ordinance, resolution or motion, whichever is later. 260 of 322
1 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
City of Trinidad Drinking Water Rate Study
Rural Community
Assistance Corporation
This document was prepared in July
2024 through funds provided by
United States Department of
Agriculture
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2 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
Submittal page
July 5, 2024
Luis Andrade
Water and Environmental Programs Director
Imperial Office
2407 Marshall St, Suite E
Imperial, CA 92251
Subject: City of Trinidad Water Rate Study
Dear Luis:
Enclosed please find the printed final report for the City of Trinidad water rate study.
The initial water rate study was presented to the City Council on May 28, 2024. Comments from the Council and the Public were taken into account and new rate options were presented to the Council on June 11, 2024. The Council selected decided they preferred a flat base rate and uniform usage rate.
Three flat base rate options are being presented on July 9, 2024 that differ based on the budget set aside to bring on a grade 3 water treatment operator. The Prop. 218 hearing is expected to occur on September 10, 2024, with the intention of implementing the new rates on October 1, 2024.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact Samantha Ryan at (707) 572-7465 or Lori Blau at (509) 867-6696.
Sincerely,
Lori Blau
Lori Blau
RCAC, Regional Field Manager
Community & Environmental Services
Enclosure: - City of Trinidad Water Rate Study
CC: City of Trinidad
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3 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
Contents
1 Executive summary...................................................................................................................................... 4 2 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 7 3 Water system basic statistics....................................................................................................................... 9 4 Current financial condition and analysis....................................................................................................12 5 Rate setting process...................................................................................................................................15 6 Rate options...............................................................................................................................................19 7 Recommendations.....................................................................................................................................26 8 Appendices.................................................................................................................................................27 263 of 322
4 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
1 Executive summary
RCAC conducted this water rate study on behalf of the City of Trinidad to evaluate the City’s financial ability to operate and maintain their water system for the next five years and collect the necessary reserves for emergencies and capital improvements. RCAC analyzed actual data for fiscal year ending in 2023 (FYE 2023) and budgeted data for FYE 2024 to set rates for FYE 2025-2029.
The industry standard is to conduct a water rate study every five years to ensure revenues are covering expenses and costs are being applied to customer classes in a manner consistent with current Proposition 218 case law. The City’s current water rates were established in January 2012, through the adoption of Resolution 2012-01. The resolution set annual rate increases through FYE 2017. The resolution included a 2.5% rate increase per year, that the City Council chose not to implement in certain years between 2012 and 2017.
Since the last water rate increase in 2017, inflation has increased approximately 25 percent. The water fund’s operating revenue has been struggling to cover operating expenses since FYE 2019. Significant challenges were seen in FYE 2023, when the City hired an outside engineering firm to operate its T3/D1 system. A water rate increase is being recommended to ensure revenues cover current expenses and to get the City closer to collecting the true cost of providing safe drinking water.
Typically, RCAC suggests that a water system collect revenue from its customers annually to cover the following:
• Annual Operating & Administrative Expenses – the cost to operate the water system on a yearto-year basis. • Operations & Maintenance Reserves – a certain amount per year until three times the expenses during a billing cycle is on hand.
• Emergency Reserves – a certain amount per year until the cost to replace the most critical equipment, typically a well pump, is on hand.
• Debt Reserves (if necessary) – a specific amount required by certain funders when receiving a loan.
• Capital Reserves – the average annual rehabilitation and rehab budget.
For the City of Trinidad to collect the suggested reserves above, it would require more than a 100% increase in both the current base rates and usage rates (even when assuming a robust grant program).
Many adjustments were made by the City to keep rate options that increase rates for the average residential customer no more than 75%.
RCAC and City staff considered revenue requirements of the water system and the affordability to the City’s water customers prior to bringing any rate options to the City Council. Rate options discussed at City Council meetings included options based on the current rate structure, the AWWA meter equivalency ratios, and flat base rates. The City Council decided that a flat base rate with a uniform usage charge best suited their community. Three flat rate options are being presented in the final report to ensure expected annual operating and administrative costs are recovered through customer rates and to ensure that by the end of FYE 2029 the water system has collected some money in its reserves. It is important for a public water system to have reserves so it can fund capital replacements and improvements as needed, and as state and federal funding is available. 264 of 322
5 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
The rate structure recommended by RCAC (Rate Option A) is based on the budget provided by City Staff on July 3, 2024; this budget was developed after staff did a more in-depth review of the salary needed to acquire a grade 3 water treatment operator in the area. This rate option’s budget includes hiring a grade 3 operator in FYE2025 and gradually decreasing the need for the support of Coleman engineering The other rate options presented today:
1. Rate Option B - Uses the revised budget that was presented to City Council on June 11, 2024. This budget included gradually decreasing the support from Coleman engineering but did not include additional salary to ensure a grade 3 water treatment operator could be hired and retained.
2. Rate Option C - Is an intermediate option. It is based on City Staff’s July 3, 2024 budget after staff did a more in-depth review of the salary needed to acquire a grade 3 water treatment operator in the area. This budget includes hiring a grade 3 operator in FYE2025 and ending the support from Coleman engineering by the end of FYE2025. This option puts the lowest amount of money into reserves to make water rates more affordable to its customers.
The rates recommended by RCAC are:
RCAC Recommended Water Rates - Rate Option A
Standard Rates (Inside & Outside Customers)
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 84.63 93.09 102.40 112.64 123.91
Rate per 100 CF 6.90 7.59 8.35 9.18 10.10
With these rates, the average inside residential customer will see an increase of $54.28 per month in FYE 2025 while the average outside residential customer will see an increase of $36.25 per month.
Rate Option A - Percent Change
Inside Customer Percent Increases
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 87% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Rate/HCF 56% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Outside Customer Percent Increases
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 50% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Rate/HCF 25% 10% 10% 10% 10%
The affordability of water service to residential customers is an important metric to monitor. It is calculated as a percent of median household income (%MHI). The calculation assumes 600 cubic feet of monthly water usage per residential connection and $76,705 as the MHI for City customers (Source:
2020 US Census for Trinidad). The % MHI for the water rates are as follows:
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6 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Residential Customer 1.97% 2.17% 2.39% 2.62% 2.89%
Affordability criteria
The State Water Resources Control Board drinking water needs assessment recognizes two thresholds when it comes to affordability. A %MHI between 1.5% - 2.49% is a medium-risk, while a %MHI above 2.5% is a high-risk scenario. The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes that water begins to become unaffordable at 2.5% MHI.
Items to consider when managing a water utility fund include :
• Successful utilities are those that strive to be transparent. In day-to-day operations, a water system should strive to promote its services (highlights and the low points), and continuously educate residents on why it is necessary to raise and adjust rates. • Collecting for the true cost of water includes annual operating and administrative expenses as well as the funding of reserve accounts so that a water system can provide reliable, safe drinking water.
• Every year revenues versus expenditures should be reviewed to ensure that the rates cover all costs to the system. If they do not, a rate study should be considered. • Maintaining reserve policies aids in transparency, ensures the true cost of water is collected through water rates, and guides the annual review of revenues versus expenditures. • If possible, CIP reserves should be moved to and maintained in the highest interest-bearing accounts available to offset inflation unless the cost of doing so is more than the interest earned on the account.
• Conducting rate studies every five years helps to stabilize water rates for customers in the longterm. 266 of 322
7 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
2 Introduction
About RCAC
Founded in 1978, RCAC provides training, technical, and financial resources, and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals. Since 1978, our dedicated staff and active board, coupled with our key values: leadership, collaboration, commitment, quality, and integrity, have helped effect positive change in rural communities across the West.
RCAC’s work includes environmental infrastructure (water, wastewater, and solid waste facilities); affordable housing development; economic and leadership development; and community development finance. These services are available to communities with populations of fewer than 50,000, other nonprofit groups, tribal organizations, farmworkers, colonias and other specific populations.
Headquartered in West Sacramento, California, RCAC’s employees serve rural communities in 13 western states and the Pacific islands.
Purpose of financial capacity analysis
RCAC conducted this water rate study on behalf of the City of Trinidad to ensure that rates are covering annual operating and administrative expenses. Additionally, this rate study looked at reserves needed for long-term sustainability of the water system and the affordability or water rates for customers.
A water rate study also helps to ensure that the amount collected by the City does not exceed the costof-service and remains in compliance with Proposition 218. While there is no single approach to rate design and setting, RCAC believes costs should be allocated to customers as can reasonably be determined or estimated while respecting the policy preference of the water agency as long as there is a reasonable cost basis.
RCAC and City staff considered revenue requirements of the water system and the affordability to the City’s water customers prior to bringing any rate options to the City Council. Rate options discussed at City Council meetings included options based on the current rate structure, the AWWA meter equivalency ratios, and flat base rates. City Council decided that a flat base rate with a uniform usage charge best suited their community. Three flat rate options are being presented in the final report that ensure expected annual operating and administrative costs are recovered through customer rates and to ensure that by the end of FYE 2029 the water system has collected some money in its reserves. It is important for a public water system to have reserves so it can fund capital replacements and improvements as needed, and as state and federal funding is available.
City council responsibilities
All findings and conclusion of this rate study are RCAC’s professional assessment and are not a directive for action to the community. Whereas RCAC strongly recommends its finding to the community, the City Council must act in accordance with city ordinance code and applicable state laws to enact RCAC recommendations in whole or in part.
Guiding principles in a rate study
Rates should be:
• Sustainable – Rates should cover the costs to the system to provide safe drinking water into the foreseeable future. This includes operations, repairs, interest, loan principal, capital replacement and all other costs related to providing safe drinking water. 267 of 322
8 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
• Fair – Rates should be fair to all rate payers. While the costs should not exceed the costs of providing the service, they do need to capture the true costs of the service. Low rates for current customers will require high rates for future customers. • Justifiable – Rates must be based on actual needs of the water enterprise system. The water enterprise system expenses and revenue should be tracked separately from other funds.
Therefore, the proposed rates are based on the best available information provided by the system.
Disclaimer
The findings, recommendations, and conclusions contained in this financial analysis are based on financial information provided to RCAC by the City. Although reasonable care was made to ensure the reliability of this information, no warranty is expressed or implied as to the correctness, accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Any action taken based on such findings, recommendations, or conclusions is undertaken at the discretion of the City Council. In no event will RCAC or its partners, employees, or agents, be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information contained in this analysis.
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9 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
3 Water system basic statistics
Community
The City of Trinidad is in Humboldt County on the Northern Coast of California about 20 miles north of the City of Eureka. The City has a population of about 332 and its water service boundary serves approximately 1,072 people through 326 service connections.
The incorporated city is overseen by a five-member city council, where council members are elected to four-year terms. The City is managed by a city manager that oversees several departments, including the water department.
The water department maintains a public water system for residents, businesses, and public users within the City limits and for many customers adjacent to the City. The water treatment facility runs continually to provide water that meets state and federal standards at a reasonable cost to its customers. The water distribution system is older in many areas, but the staff works cooperatively to assure that any leaks are detected and repaired as quickly as possible. This includes periodic meter testing for residents as needed.
The system also includes two water tanks that help to control pressure, provide a back-up supply in periods of high demand, and meet the fire flow requirements when emergencies arise. 269 of 322
10 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
There is a limited demand for new water connections due to the small amount of urban growth that is experienced in the City on an annual basis. The City has a policy to allow limited new connections outside City limits.
Water rates are set in a manner to meet the ongoing operational costs, retire any debts that the system experiences, and to provide an ongoing reasonable reserve fund for emergencies and system improvements.
Coleman Engineering is currently providing licensed water treatment services to The City of Trinidad through an interim contract with Coleman Engineering.
System description
The City pulls water from Luffenholtz Creek, about two miles south of the City. The City is authorized to extract 251 gallons per minute (gpm) out of the creek but must reduce the usage when the creek’s flow is less than 385 gpm. The City also holds water rights to extract 40.4 gpm out of Mill Creek, north of the City, but this would require construction of intake and related infrastructure.
The City completed a water system upgrade in 2014, which included the installation of new water pumps, a settling filtrations system, and other minor improvements. After being treated and chlorinated, water is stored in two 150,000-gallon redwood tanks before being distributed to customers through over 6 miles of pipeline. The distribution system is aging, and the City is dealing with water losses of 24-31 percent due to leaks.
Customer water use statistics
The City serves water to approximately 1,072 people through 326 connections. This rate study looked at account information and water usage for FYE 2022.
While residential customers make up 79.8% of the total number of accounts, they only account for
31.3% of the total water usage.
Account Type Average Number of
Active Accounts
Percent of
Total Accounts
Annual Usage
(cubic feet)
Percent of
Total Usage
Residential 260 79.8% 689,642 31.3%
Non-Residential 66 20.2% 1,508,931 68.6%
Total 326 100.00% 2,198,573 100.0%
Some non-residential customers have larger water meters that allow for higher usage. Larger meters in the City use more water than the average ¾” meter, which can be seen when the percent of total accounts for each meter size is compared to the percent of total usage for the corresponding customer class.
Account Type Average Number of
Active Accounts
Percent of
Total Accounts
Annual Usage
(cubic feet)
Percent of
Total Usage
¾” Meter 317 97.2% 1,874,112 85.2%
1” Meter 7 2.2% 224,531 10.2%
1.5” Meter 1 0.3% 14,210 0.7%
4” Meter 1 0.3% 85,720 3.9%
Total 326 100.00% 2,198,573 100.0%
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11 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
When the water usage of inside city limit customers versus outside city limit customers is compared, the percent of total accounts in a customer class is similar to the percent of total usage in that customer class.
Account Type Average Number of
Active Accounts
Percent of
Total Accounts
Annual Usage
(cubic feet)
Percent of
Total Usage
Inside City 225 69.0% 1,594,274 72.5%
Outside City 101 31.0% 604,299 27.5%
Total 326 100.00% 2,198,573 100.0%
Current water rate structure
The City’s current water rates were established in January 2012, through the adoption of Resolution 2012-01. The resolution set annual rate increases through FYE 2017. The resolution included a 2.5% rate increase per year, that the City Council chose not to implement in certain years between 2012 and 2017.
The City has a variable base rate based on location (inside vs outside city limits) and a variable usage rate based on location. The current rates are:
Current Monthly Charges
Standard Rates
Monthly Base Rate* Usage Rate (per HCF)
Inside City Limits $ 45.23 $ 4.42
Outside City Limits $ 56.54 $ 5.54
Future population and usage projections
Any change in population numbers or water usage can significantly affect the revenue from water sales.
The City is not anticipated to grow and water usage is expected to remain similar for the timeframe of this five-year rate study. Based on data in the Municipal Service Review, a growth factor of 0.2% was applied each year to capture the expected growth in the City. In addition, a conservation factor was applied to customer water usage. This conservation factor is designed to capture the reduction in usage that typically occurs after a rate increase. It is assumed that total water usage will reduce 5% in the first year as customers feel the effect of the new rates and slowly return to normal usage (1% per year) after customers have adjusted to the new rates.
The Trinidad Rancheria (a large, outside city limit customer) is conducting a study to see if water could be provided by another public water system in the area; Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District (HBMWD). If this mainline extension is feasible and the Trinidad Rancheria transfers to HBMWD water service, the City of Trinidad’s revenue could be reduced $5,400-$7,000 annually. City revenue may be reduced further if additional outside customers choose to transfer to HBMWD service as well. This possibility was not investigated as part of this rate study since planning and construction of the project is expected to extend beyond the timeframe of this rate study. The City should re-evaluate their water rates if this extension occurs prior to FYE2029.
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12 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
4 Current financial condition and analysis
Current budget
The City has a water fund that is tracked in more detail through the water operating fund, the water capital improvement reserve fund, and by capital projects.
The net position of the Water Fund has decreased in the past several years but due to expenses exceeding revenue. A large reason for this was the City hired an engineering firm to serve as the contract operator while working to replace staff. The City is expected to have a certified water treatment and distribution operator on staff again and the annual expenses for the water department are expected to drop approximately 40 percent. However, since the last water rate increase in 2017, inflation has gone up approximately 25 percent and there were years prior that the City Council voted to not increase rates
2.5% annually to keep revenues in-line with the consumer price index and inflation.
Additionally, a large component of collecting the true cost of drinking water through water rates is collecting the necessary funds for capital replacement and improvement. The distribution system is aging along with other assets, and it is estimated that the City should be collecting a minimum of $152,264 annually from water rates to be able to replace assets as they reach the end of their expected useful life.
Current financial indicators
There are several financial indicators that can provide insight into the financial health of a water system.
A financial indicator analysis was conducted on the water operating fund for the most recent available audited financial statements, FYE 2022. The results of the analysis are:
• Quick ratio - measures the ability of a company to use its near cash or quick assets to extinguish or retire its current liabilities immediately. A number greater than one is considered good.
𝑄𝑢𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 = 𝐶𝑎𝑠ℎ + 𝐶𝑎𝑠ℎ 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠
𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐿𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠
The water operating fund’s quick ratio is -3.0.
• Debt ratio - indicates the percentage of a company's assets that are provided via debt. A number above 0.4 may hinder the ability of the system to get a loan. Too low of a number may mean that the system isn’t utilizing the potential benefits that come from debt-financing such as the completion of larger projects while providing ratepayers with rate stabilization benefits.
𝐷𝑒𝑏𝑡 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑒𝑏𝑡𝑠
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑠
The water operating fund’s debt ratio is 0.
• Days of cash on hand - measures whether a firm has enough resources to meet its short-term obligations. In 2022, total disbursements totaled $630,939 which equates to daily expenses of $1,729. The water operating fund has 0 days of cash on hand in the water operating fund. • Current ratio - measures whether a firm has enough resources to meet its short-term obligations.
A number between 1.5 and two is considered good. A number below 1.5 may be okay if the water system is about to bill as the assets will soon increase and the ratio will increase.
𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 = 𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑠
𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐿𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑠
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13 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
The City’s current ratio is -3.0.
• %MHI - The State Water Resources Control Board has for some time used a 1.5% MHI threshold in funding to determine whether a severely disadvantaged community will receive a loan or grant funding. A %MHI above 1.5% in a SDAC indicates that the water system may have customer charges that are unaffordable.
The %MHI for inside city limits customers is 1.12% using the 2020 Census.
The %MHI for outside city limits customers is 1.40% using the 2020 Census. the analysis was done on FYE 2022 audited financials, it does not necessarily depict the City’s current situation. The current situation will be better depicted in the FYE 2023 audit report.
Current dedicated reserves
According to the FYE 2022 audit, the City water fund currently has $1,170,000 of restricted funds that are reserved to be spent on capital replacement and capital improvement. However, over half of the Water Capital Improvement Reserves were used to cover Operating Fund deficits at the end of FYE 2022 and continues to cover any deficits.
The City should consider the following reserves to ensure there are funds available for operating shortfalls, emergencies, loans, and capital replacement. Typical reserve limits are as follows:
• Operations & maintenance reserves – three times the expenses during a billing cycle. • Emergency reserves – cost to replace most critical equipment, typically a well pump. • Debt reserves – specific amount required by certain funders when receiving a loan. • Capital reserves – average annual rehabilitation and rehab budget.
Current financial policies
The City accounts for the water system as a proprietary fund. This means that the water system must be a self-supporting activity which renders a service on a user-charge basis to residents and businesses.
Budget controls
In preparing its annual budgets, the City attempts to estimate revenues using realistic and conservative methods and budgets its expenditure activities in a prudent manner. The City Council adopts an annual budget and budget adjustments during the fiscal year to reflect any changed priorities and availability of additional revenues.
The City Council, working with City staff, continues to evaluate revenues and expenses closely as well as future economic trends and capital improvement needs. For many years, the City has been challenged to allocate limited resources to the needs of the community. One strategy the City continues to implement is to actively seek grant funding for projects to maximize the availability of ongoing revenues to meet ongoing expenses.
Financial reports prepared for governing board
Mercello & Company Certified Public Accountants issued a report on Dec. 8, 2022, on the City’s internal controls over financial reporting. The auditorsfound the financial statements present fairly, in all, material respects the different fund information and respective changes in financial position. It was noted that a 273 of 322
14 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
management discussion and analysis was omitted, but this did not affect the company’s opinion on the financial statements.
Current financial condition conclusion
Given the current rate structure, budget, financial indicators, and financial policies, the City should consider revising its water rate structure and increasing rates to keep up with increasing costs to inflation and to build reserves that can be used for O&M shortfalls, emergencies, loans (when applicable), and capital replacement.
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15 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
5 Rate setting process
The rate study process contains many considerations that are unique to each water system. Examples of these considerations include:
• What are the system’s revenue sources?
• What is the system’s revenue requirement?
• What is the cost-of-service for different customer classes? • What special considerations could change the outlook for the next five years, such as:
o What is the age of the system?
o What system components need to be replaced and when?
o Is the system experiencing issues that need to be addressed? o Is additional capacity necessary to accommodate growth? o Are there new regulations that the system needs to accommodate? o Is there an expected change in customer base?
A water rate study consists of three main analyses: the revenue requirement, cost-of-service, and rate design. The purpose is to establish rates by designing a rate structure that fully recovers the revenue requirement while charging customer classes the appropriate amount as determined by the cost-ofservice.
Revenue requirement
The revenue requirement costs include expenses for operations and maintenance of the system; customer service and billing; capital replacement and upgrades to the system; and additional money for operational and emergency reserves.
Projected five-year budget
The City’s budget was looked at in two separate portions: the Water Operating Fund and the Capital Improvement Fund.
Water Fund
The rate study budget was based on the City’s FYE 2022 actuals, FYE 2023 budget and current actuals, and the FYE 2024 budget. To develop the budget for FYE2025-FYE2029, an annual inflation rate of 4% was assumed for each budget line item, unless City staff and RCAC staff determined that would not be an accurate calculation for a particular line.
Table 2 on the following page summarizes the Water Fund’s revenue vs. expenses by year based on the different rate options’ budgets. Table 3 shows the total expenses for FYE25-FYE29 by expense type for the different rate options.
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16 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
Figure 1 - Water fund's revenue vs. expenses by year based on Rate Option Budget Figure 2- Water fund's total projected expenses by rate option for FYE25-FYE29 276 of 322
17 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
Capital Improvement Fund
The City has a water capital improvement reserve fund that reserves the money to be spent on capital reserves or capital improvements. Coleman engineering prepared a 7-year capital improvement plan for the water treatment facility and City staff regularly work with engineers to apply for grant projects to replace water infrastructure. Two recent projects that were grant funded include the Small Community Drought Relief Program Tank & Pipelines and the Multi-Benefit Drought Relief Program Intertie.
There are four main options when it comes to funding large projects:
• The water capital improvement reserve fund
• Grants
• Loans and debt servicing
• A mix of the three options above
The project planning that occurs in CIP development allows the City to better leverage grants and loans to lower the burden on the reserve fund and keep rates affordable for customers.
Suggested replacement plan
RCAC used data provided by the City to develop a capital replacement plan that calculated the annual reserve required to replace system assets as they reached the end of their estimated remaining life. All current assets were assigned replacement costs via preliminary engineering reports or The Southwest Environmental Finance Center Valuation Table 2.0. These costs were plugged into a capital replacement model that typically assumes a water system will be able to obtain 75% grant funding for all capital replacement projects over $100,000, while providing 25% match from itsreserve funds. It was determined that these assumptions would be unaffordable for Trinidad customers. City staff and RCAC decided to use the below funding assumptions based on affordability and the City’s success in obtaining grants.
Replacement Value From Cash Grant Loan
$0 - $20,000* 100% 0% 0%
$20,001- $100,000 100% 0% 0%
$100,001 - $500,000 25% 75% 0%
$500,001 - $9,999,999 5% 85% 10%
$10,000,000 5% 85% 10%
*Assets below $5,000 are assumed to be budgeted for in the annual budget With these assumptions, the City should be collecting $152,264 annually from its customer to replace assets as they reach the end of their useful life. This averages out to approximately $38.62 per customer per month.
Suggested reserve funding
The City should aim to fund reserve accounts to the following goals, keeping in mind the need to keep rates affordable to its customers:
• Operations & maintenance reserves – three times the expenses during a billing cycle. $119,536 in O&M reserves is recommended.
• Emergency reserves – cost to replace most critical equipment, typically a well pump. $10,000 in emergency reserves is recommended.
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18 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
• Debt reserves – specific amount required by certain funders when receiving a loan. No amount for debt reserves is currently recommended.
• Capital reserves – maintain a minimum of an average annual rehabilitation and replacement budget and up to 10% of the total asset value of approximately $12.925 million. It is recommended, at a minimum, that $152,264 be in capital reserves. The capital reserves could be funded up to $1,292,510.
This recommended funding means that the City should have at least $281,800 and up to $1,422,046 in investments for reserves, not including the debt reserves that are kept in a separate account. As of FYE 2022, the amount in reserves is $1,170,000.
Cost-of-service
Customers pay for annual O&M costs, annual administrative costs and reserve costs through a base rate and usage charge. The base rate is designed to cover fixed costs while the usage charges are designed to cover variable costs. Cost-of-service varies by customer classes based on water usage patterns, the potential demand each has on the water system, and the cost of infrastructure needed to serve each class.
Currently, the City has two customer classes: Inside city limits and outside city limits. The customers are charged a variable base rate based on location (inside vs outside city limits) and a variable usage rate based on location. The City collects approximately 65% of its revenue through the base rates and 35% of its revenue from the usage. RCAC estimated that 69% of the City’s expenses come from fixed costs, while 31% comes from variable costs.
Rate design
The revenue requirement and cost-of-service are used to help design the rates. Rates must be designed to fully cover the revenue requirement. Costs can generally be segmented into two categories: a) fixed costs, which are incurred whether customers use the water or not, and b) variable costs that are dependent on usage. There are numerous ways to design rates to collect the revenue requirement. Water systems usually charge a base rate, which is often intended to collect fixed costs, and a consumption rate, which is often intended to collect variable costs.
RCAC estimates that 69% of the City’s expenses come from fixed costs, while 31% comes from variable costs. The three rate options presented generate approximately 70% of the revenue from base rates and 30% of the revenue from usage charges.
While there is no single approach to rate design and setting, RCAC believes costs should be allocated to customers as can reasonably be determined or estimated while respecting the policy preference of the water agency as long as there is a reasonable cost basis.
Rate options discussed at City Council meetings included options based on the current rate structure, the AWWA meter equivalency ratios, and flat base rates.
Current trends are for usage charges to be a flat dollar amount per volume, as the cost to produce water is assumed to be the same regardless of volume unless there is ample data and recordkeeping to prove otherwise. As such, it is recommended that a variable usage rate by location not be used, see California case law regarding Proposition 218 for additional information on this matter.
City Council decided that a flat base rate with a uniform usage charge best suited their community. 278 of 322
19 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
6 Rate options
Rate options overview
The following three rate options are being presented to the City Council for consideration. The options all use a flat base rate and uniform usage charge. They differ in the amount being set aside in the budget to bring on a grade 3 water treatment operator.
While keeping rates affordable can be a goal of any city council or water system board, a responsibility of all city councils and water system boards is to collect rates that cover the true cost of providing water, including capital reserves. Not collecting the true cost of water puts the water system’s infrastructure and future in jeopardy.
A summary of the rate options are:
• Rate Option A (R.O.A) – It is the most expensive option for customers because it is based on City Staff’s July 3, 2024 budget after staff did a more in-depth review of the salary needed to acquire a grade 3 water treatment operator in the area. This budget includes hiring a grade 3 operator in FYE2025 and gradually decreasing the need for the support of Coleman engineering
• Rate Option B (R.O.B) – It is the least expensive option for customers because it is based on the revised budget presented to City Council on June 11, 2024. This budget included gradually decreasing the support from Coleman engineering but did not include additional salary to ensure a grade 3 water treatment operator could be hired and retained. (Rate Option B in this report is the same as Rate Option 3b in the June 11, 2024 letter to the City of Trinidad from RCAC with the title RE: Update after Initial Water Rate Study Presentation). • Rate Option C (R.O.C) – Is an intermediate option. It is based on City Staff’s July 3, 2024 budget after staff did a more in-depth review of the salary needed to acquire a grade 3 water treatment operator in the area. This budget includes hiring a grade 3 operator in FYE2025 and ending the support from Coleman engineering by the end of FYE2025.
Figure 3 - Average customer bill in comparison to other local water agencies 279 of 322
20 RCAC 2024 Water Rate Study—City of Trinidad
Rate Option A
Rate Option A is the most expensive option for customers because it is based on City Staff’s July 3, 2024 budget after staff did a more in-depth review of the salary needed to acquire a grade 3 water treatment operator in the area. It maintains the City’s current base rate structure and after a 40%-75% increase in charges in FYE2025, has an 8% increase in years FYE2026-FYE2029.
Rate Option A
Standard Rates
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 84.63 93.09 102.40 112.64 123.91
Rate per 100 CF 6.90 7.59 8.35 9.18 10.10
Impact of Rate Option A
Percent increases for Rate Option A
Rate Option A - Percent Change
Inside Customer Percent Increases
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 87% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Rate/HCF 56% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Outside Customer Percent Increases
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 50% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Rate/HCF 25% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Customer bills and affordability for Rate Option A
The monthly bill for the average residential customer would be $126.01. The %MHI is below, the SWRCB first threshold of 1.5% is exceeded in FYE2025, with the second threshold of 2.5% MHI being exceeded in FYE2028.
FYE 2025 FYE 2026 FYE 2027 FYE 2028 FYE 2029
Residential Customer 1.97% 2.17% 2.39% 2.62% 2.89%
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Rate Option A Budget
Expenses 2025 2026 2027 2027 2029
Salaries & Benefits 354,297$ 368,469$ 383,208$ 398,536$ 414,478$ O&M 110,604$ 115,028$ 119,629$ 124,414$ 129,391$
Contracted Services 140,000$ 100,000$ 60,000$ 47,500$ 35,000$ Special Services 28,600$ 29,744$ 30,934$ 32,171$ 33,458$ Insurance 14,801$ 15,393$ 16,009$ 16,649$ 17,315$
Other Departments 9,360$ 9,734$ 10,124$ 10,529$ 10,950$ Miscellaneous 7,176$ 7,463$ 7,762$ 8,072$ 8,395$
Sub-Total Annual Expenses $ 664,839 $ 645,832 $ 627,665 $ 637,872 $ 648,987 Capital Reserves 152,264$ 137,185$ 131,326$ 128,420$ 127,359$ O&M Reserve 16,621$ 16,621$ 16,621$ 16,621$ 16,621$
Emergency Reserve 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$
Debt Reserve $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Debt Service Charge $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Sub-Total Reserve Funding $ 169,885 $ 154,806 $ 148,947 $ 146,041 $ 144,979 Total Expenses $ 834,724 $ 800,638 $ 776,612 $ 783,913 $ 793,966 Revenue 2025 2026 2027 2027 2029
Sales Revenue 475,417$ 524,627$ 578,925$ 638,837$ 704,942$ Uncollectable Receivables $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Water Penalties $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
New Water Hook-ups $ (951) $ (1,049) $ (1,158) $ (1,278) $ (1,410) General Fund Contract Operator Payment 300,000$ $ - $ - $ - $ - General Fund Loan $ - 100,000$ 75,000$ 50,000$ 25,000$
Total Revenue $ 774,466 $ 623,578 $ 652,767 $ 687,559 $ 728,532 Net Loss or Gain (Short/Over to Reserves) $ (177,060) (60,258) $ $ (123,845) $ (96,354) $ (65,435) Net Cashflow (Contribution to Reserves) $ 109,627 $ (22,254) $ 25,102 $ 49,687 $ 79,545 Net Loss or Gain (Short/Over to Reserves) Over 5 Year Period Net Cashflow (Contribution to Reserves)
$ (522,951)
$ 241,707
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Rate Option B
Rate Option B is the least expensive option for customers because it is based on the revised budget presented to City Council on June 11, 2024, prior to City Staff diving deeper into the costs of hiring a grade 3 treatment operator. This budget included gradually decreasing the support from Coleman engineering but did not include additional salary to ensure a grade 3 water treatment operator could be hired and retained. (Rate Option B in this report is the same as Rate Option 3b in the June 11, 2024 letter to the City of Trinidad from RCAC with the title RE: Update after Initial Water Rate Study Presentation).
Rate Option B
Standard Rates
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 66.20 72.82 80.10 88.11 96.92
Rate per 100 CF 5.85 6.44 7.08 7.79 8.56
Impacts of Rate Option B
Percent increases for Rate Option B
Rate Option B - Percent Change
Inside Customer Percent Increases
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 46% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Rate/HCF 32% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Outside Customer Percent Increases
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 17% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Rate/HCF 6% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Customer bills and affordability for Rate Option B
The monthly bill for the average residential customer would be $101.30. The %MHI is below, the SWRCB first threshold of 1.5% is exceeded in FYE2025, with the second threshold of 2.5% MHI is never exceeded.
FYE 2025 FYE 2026 FYE 2027 FYE 2028 FYE 2029
Residential Customer 1.58% 1.74% 1.92% 2.11% 2.32%
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Rate Option B Budget
Expenses 2025 2026 2027 2027 2029
Salaries & Benefits 254,564$ 264,747$ 275,337$ 286,350$ 297,804$ O&M 101,244$ 105,294$ 109,506$ 113,886$ 118,441$
Contracted Services 140,000$ 100,000$ 60,000$ 47,500$ 35,000$ Special Services 28,600$ 29,744$ 30,934$ 32,171$ 33,458$ Insurance 14,801$ 15,393$ 16,009$ 16,649$ 17,315$
Other Departments 9,360$ 9,734$ 10,124$ 10,529$ 10,950$ Miscellaneous 7,176$ 7,463$ 7,762$ 8,072$ 8,395$
Sub-Total Annual Expenses $ 555,746 $ 532,376 $ 509,671 $ 515,157 $ 521,364 Capital Reserves 152,264$ 137,185$ 131,326$ 128,420$ 127,359$ O&M Reserve 13,894$ 13,894$ 13,894$ 13,894$ 13,894$
Emergency Reserve 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$
Debt Reserve $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Debt Service Charge $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Sub-Total Reserve Funding $ 167,158 $ 152,079 $ 146,220 $ 143,314 $ 142,252 Total Expenses $ 722,903 $ 684,454 $ 655,890 $ 658,471 $ 663,616 Revenue 2025 2026 2027 2027 2029
Sales Revenue 381,353$ 420,903$ 464,550$ 512,717$ 565,871$ Uncollectable Receivables $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Water Penalties $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
New Water Hook-ups $ (762.71) $ (841.81) $ (929.10) $ (1,025.43) $ (1,131.74) General Fund Contract Operator Payment 300,000$ $ - $ - $ - $ - General Fund Loan $ - 100,000$ 75,000$ 50,000$ 25,000$
Total Revenue $ 680,590 $ 520,061 $ 538,621 $ 561,691 $ 589,740 Net Loss or Gain (Short/Over to Reserves) $ (164,393) (42,313) $ $ (117,270) $ (96,780) $ (73,876) Net Cashflow (Contribution to Reserves) $ 124,845 $ (12,314) $ 28,950 $ 46,534 $ 68,376 Net Loss or Gain (Short/Over to Reserves) Over 5 Year Period Net Cashflow (Contribution to Reserves)
$ (494,632)
$ 256,390
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Rate Option C
Rate Option C is an intermediate option. It is based on City Staff’s July 3, 2024 budget after staff did a more in-depth review of the salary needed to acquire a grade 3 water treatment operator in the area.
This budget includes hiring a grade 3 operator in FYE2025 and ending the support from Coleman engineering by the end of FYE2025.
Rate Option C
Standard Rates
Meter Size 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 75.83 83.41 91.75 100.93 111.02
Rate per 100 CF 6.85 7.54 8.29 9.12 10.03
Impacts of Rate Option C
Percent increases for Rate Option C
Rate Option C - Percent Change
Inside Customer Percent Increases
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 68% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Rate/HCF 55% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Outside Customer Percent Increases
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 34% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Rate/HCF 24% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Customer bills and affordability for Rate Option C
The monthly bill for the average residential customer would be $116.93. The %MHI is below, the SWRCB first threshold of 1.5% is exceeded in FYE2025, with the second threshold of 2.5% MHI being not being exceeded until FYE2029.
FYE 2025 FYE 2026 FYE 2027 FYE 2028 FYE 2029
Residential Customer 1.83% 2.01% 2.21% 2.44% 2.68%
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Rate Option C Budget
Expenses 2025 2026 2027 2027 2029
Salaries & Benefits 354,297$ 368,469$ 383,208$ 398,536$ 414,478$ O&M 110,604$ 115,028$ 119,629$ 124,414$ 129,391$
Contracted Services 140,000$ 25,958$ 26,997$ 28,077$ 29,200$ Special Services 28,600$ 29,744$ 30,934$ 32,171$ 33,458$ Insurance 14,801$ 15,393$ 16,009$ 16,649$ 17,315$
Other Departments 9,360$ 9,734$ 10,124$ 10,529$ 10,950$ Miscellaneous 7,176$ 7,463$ 7,762$ 8,072$ 8,395$
Sub-Total Annual Expenses $ 664,839 $ 571,790 $ 594,662 $ 618,449 $ 643,187 Capital Reserves 152,264$ 137,185$ 131,326$ 128,420$ 127,359$ O&M Reserve 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$
Emergency Reserve 15,617$ 15,617$ 15,617$ 15,617$ 15,617$ Debt Reserve $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Debt Service Charge $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Sub-Total Reserve Funding $ 168,881 $ 153,803 $ 147,943 $ 145,037 $ 143,976 Total Expenses $ 833,720 $ 725,593 $ 742,605 $ 763,486 $ 787,162 Revenue 2025 2026 2027 2027 2029
Sales Revenue 439,945$ 485,596$ 535,978$ 591,580$ 652,943$ Uncollectable Receivables $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Water Penalties $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
New Water Hook-ups $ (880) $ (971) $ (1,072) $ (1,183) $ (1,306) General Fund Contract Operator Payment 300,000$ $ - $ - $ - $ - General Fund Loan $ - 100,000$ 75,000$ 50,000$ 25,000$
Total Revenue $ 739,065 $ 584,625 $ 609,906 $ 640,397 $ 676,637 Net Loss or Gain (Short/Over to Reserves) $ (94,655) $ (140,968) $ (132,699) $ (123,089) $ (110,525) Net Cashflow (Contribution to Reserves) $ 74,227 $ 12,834 $ 15,244 $ 21,949 $ 33,451 $ (601,936)
$ 157,705
Net Loss or Gain (Short/Over to Reserves) Over 5 Year Period Net Cashflow (Contribution to Reserves)
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7 Recommendations
Rates, reserve funding, other recommendations
The City’s water fund net position in FYE 2022 had a net decrease. If the rates are not adjusted the system would be risking the ability to provide safe and affordable drinking water into the foreseeable future.
RCAC recommends adopting Rate Option A due to its budget that aims to collect the true cost of providing drinking water by including the expected salaries needed to bring on a grade 3 water treatment operator while gradually decreasing the need to rely on Coleman Engineering for support services.
Proposition 218
When the City Council selects a rate option, this triggers the Proposition 218 process. Proposition 218 is a voter-approved initiative in California that restricts the authority of government agencies to charge certain taxes or fees. This proposition regulates property-related fees and charges that are imposed on a parcel. Following a California Supreme Court decision, water and sewer rates are now also subject to Proposition 218. Therefore, the City needs to follow Proposition 218 guidelines and related activities to legally pass new rates, which includes sending out a public notice and holding a public hearing.
To be in compliance with Proposition 218, the public notice needs to contain certain information. This information includes how and why the rate increase was proposed, the consequences of not raising rates, how charges are allocated among different types of users, and the date, time, and location of the public hearing. Proposition 218 requires that a public hearing be held at least 45 days after the public notice has been sent out. After the public hearing, the City Council can adopt the new rates through a resolution if there is no majority protest (50% plus one) from the property owners/rate payers. All protests are required to be in writing with the protester’s name and affected parcel number. Proposition 218 does not apply to connection charges, capacity charges, wholesale rates, groundwater pumping fees and conservation penalties.
General implementation advice and key points
Key points to remember with this rate adjustment are:
• Successful utilities are those that strive to be transparent. In day-to-day operations, a water system should strive to promote its services (highlights and the low points), and continuously educate residents on why it is necessary to raise and adjust rates. • Collecting for the true cost of water includes annual operating and administrative expenses as well as the funding of reserve accounts so that a water system can provide reliable, safe drinking water
• Every year revenues versus expenditures should be reviewed to ensure that the rates cover all costs to the system. If they do not, a rate study should be considered. • Maintaining reserve policies aids in transparency, ensures the true cost of water is collected through water rates, and guides the annual review of revenues versus expenditures. • If possible, CIP reserves should be moved to and maintained in the highest interest-bearing accounts available to offset inflation unless the cost of doing so is more than the interest earned on the account.
• Conducting rate studies every five years helps to stabilize water rates for customers in the longterm. 286 of 322
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8 Appendices
8.1 Projected five-year budget (FYE2025 – FYE 2029) for Rate Option A
8.2 Projected five-year budget (FYE2025 – FYE 2029) for Rate Option B
8.3 Projected five-year budget (FYE2025 – FYE 2029) for Rate Option C
8.4 City of Trinidad’s capital improvement plan
8.5 Water treatment facility replacement plan
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- Projected five-year budget (FYE2025 – FYE 2029) for Rate Option A nse Expense Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 ries & Benefits Employee Wages $ 227,210 260,000 $ 270,400 $ 281,216 $ 292,465 $ 304,163 $ 316 ries & Benefits Fringe Benefits $ 4,954 1,584 $ 1,647 $ 1,713 $ 1,782 $ 1,853 $ 1 ries & Benefits Deferred Retirement $ 13,195 16,882 $ 17,557 $ 18,260 $ 18,990 $ 19,750 $ 20 ries & Benefits Medical Insurance & Expense $ 22,398 31,005 $ 32,246 $ 33,535 $ 34,877 $ 36,272 $ 37 ries & Benefits Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ 209 1,356 $ 1,410 $ 1,467 $ 1,525 $ 1,586 $ 1 ries & Benefits Worker's Compensation $ 9,925 8,648 $ 8,994 $ 9,354 $ 9,728 $ 10,117 $ 10 ries & Benefits Employee Mileage Reimbursement $ 193 0 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ ries & Benefits Payroll Tax $ 18,281 21,195 $ 22,043 $ 22,925 $ 23,841 $ 24,795 $ 25 ries & Benefits Grant Payroll Alllocation $ (33,286) 0 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ rance Crime, Cyber, & Pollution Insurance $ 319 600 $ 624 $ 649 $ 675 $ 702 $ rance General Liability Insurance $ 9,756 10,632 $ 11,057 $ 11,500 $ 11,960 $ 12,438 $ 12 rance Propery & Casualty Insurance $ 2,470 3,000 $ 3,120 $ 3,245 $ 3,375 $ 3,510 $ 3 er Departments City Attorney - Admin Tasks $ 140 500 $ 520 $ 541 $ 562 $ 585 $ er Departments City Engineer - Admin Tasks $ 4,086 3,500 $ 3,640 $ 3,786 $ 3,937 $ 4,095 $ 4 ial Services Engineer Special Projects $ 2,132 5,000 $ 5,200 $ 5,408 $ 5,624 $ 5,849 $ 6 er Departments City Planner - Admin Tasks $ 1,396 5,000 $ 5,200 $ 5,408 $ 5,624 $ 5,849 $ 6 ial Services Accountant $ 10,006 10,000 $ 10,400 $ 10,816 $ 11,249 $ 11,699 $ 12 ial Services Auditor $ 9,660 10,000 $ 10,400 $ 10,816 $ 11,249 $ 11,699 $ 12 ellaneous Bad Debts $ - 100 $ 104 $ 108 $ 112 $ 117 $
ial Services Tech Support/Financial Advisor $ 1,755 2,500 $ 2,600 $ 2,704 $ 2,812 $ 2,925 $ 3 M Utilities $ 22,274 23,000 $ 23,920 $ 24,877 $ 25,872 $ 26,907 $ 27 ellaneous Dues & Memberships $ 872 950 $ 988 $ 1,028 $ 1,069 $ 1,111 $ 1 ellaneous Municipal Expense $ 240 250 $ 260 $ 270 $ 281 $ 292 $ ellaneous Office Supplies & Expense $ 3,345 5,000 $ 5,200 $ 5,408 $ 5,624 $ 5,849 $ 6 ellaneous Bank Charges $ 212 100 $ 104 $ 108 $ 112 $ 117 $ ellaneous Training/Education $ 1,083 500 $ 520 $ 541 $ 562 $ 585 $ racted Services Contracted Services $ 389,465 60,000 $ 140,000 $ 100,000 $ 60,000 $ 47,500 $ 35 ellaneous Misc Expenses $ 315 0 $ - $ - $ - $ - $
M Telephone $ 7,886 1,800 $ 1,872 $ 1,947 $ 2,025 $ 2,106 $ 2 M Cable & Internet Services $ 743 750 $ 780 $ 811 $ 844 $ 877 $ M Licenses & Fees $ 4,517 5,000 $ 5,200 $ 5,408 $ 5,624 $ 5,849 $ 6 M Vehicle Fuel and Oil $ 2,671 5,800 $ 6,032 $ 6,273 $ 6,524 $ 6,785 $ 7 M Vehicle Repairs $ 2,007 2,500 $ 2,600 $ 2,704 $ 2,812 $ 2,925 $ 3 M Building Repairs and Maintenance $ 65 2,500 $ 2,600 $ 2,704 $ 2,812 $ 2,925 $ 3 M Security System $ 351 500 $ 520 $ 541 $ 562 $ 585 $
M Materials, Supplies, and Equipment $ 3,159 3,500 $ 3,640 $ 3,786 $ 3,937 $ 4,095 $ 4 M Equipment Repairs & Maintenance $ 15,553 7,500 $ 7,800 $ 8,112 $ 8,436 $ 8,774 $ 9 M Water Lab Fees $ 7,170 7,500 $ 7,800 $ 8,112 $ 8,436 $ 8,774 $ 9 M Water Plant Chemical $ 8,975 9,000 $ 9,360 $ 9,734 $ 10,124 $ 10,529 $ 10 M Water Line Hook-Ups $ - 0 $ - $ - $ - $ - $
M Water Line Repair $ 15,256 25,000 $ 26,000 $ 27,040 $ 28,122 $ 29,246 $ 30 M Water Plant Repair $ - 12,000 $ 12,480 $ 12,979 $ 13,498 $ 14,038 $ 14 M Reserve Operating Reserve Funding 0 $ 16,621 $ 16,621 $ 16,621 $ 16,621 $ 16 rgency Reserve Emergency Reserve Funding $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1 t Reserve Debt Reserve Funding $ - $ - $ - $ - $
tal Reserves Replacement of Existing Capital Assets $ 152,264 $ 137,185 $ 131,326 $ 128,420 $ 127 tal Reserves Replacement of Funded Project Assets $ - $ - $ - $ - $ tal Reserves Reserves for Additional Capital Assets $ (0) $ - $ - $ - $ t Service Charge Debt Service $ - $ - $ - $ - $
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- Projected five-year budget (FYE2025 – FYE 2029) for Rate Option B nse Expense Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 ries & Benefits Employee Wages $ 227,210 207,967 $ 216,286 $ 224,937 $ 233,935 $ 243,292 $ 253 ries & Benefits Fringe Benefits $ 4,954 1,584 $ 1,647 $ 1,713 $ 1,782 $ 1,853 $ 1 ries & Benefits Deferred Retirement $ 13,195 16,757 $ 17,427 $ 18,124 $ 18,849 $ 19,603 $ 20 ries & Benefits Medical Insurance & Expense $ 22,398 31,005 $ 32,246 $ 33,535 $ 34,877 $ 36,272 $ 37 ries & Benefits Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ 209 1,356 $ 1,410 $ 1,467 $ 1,525 $ 1,586 $ 1 ries & Benefits Worker's Compensation $ 9,925 6,913 $ 7,189 $ 7,477 $ 7,776 $ 8,087 $ 8 ries & Benefits Employee Mileage Reimbursement $ 193 0 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ ries & Benefits Payroll Tax $ 18,281 17,191 $ 17,879 $ 18,594 $ 19,338 $ 20,111 $ 20 ries & Benefits Grant Payroll Alllocation $ (33,286) -38,000 $ (39,520) $ (41,101) $ (42,745) $ (44,455) $ (46 rance Crime, Cyber, & Pollution Insurance $ 319 600 $ 624 $ 649 $ 675 $ 702 $ rance General Liability Insurance $ 9,756 10,632 $ 11,057 $ 11,500 $ 11,960 $ 12,438 $ 12 rance Propery & Casualty Insurance $ 2,470 3,000 $ 3,120 $ 3,245 $ 3,375 $ 3,510 $ 3 er Departments City Attorney - Admin Tasks $ 140 500 $ 520 $ 541 $ 562 $ 585 $ er Departments City Engineer - Admin Tasks $ 4,086 3,500 $ 3,640 $ 3,786 $ 3,937 $ 4,095 $ 4 ial Services Engineer Special Projects $ 2,132 5,000 $ 5,200 $ 5,408 $ 5,624 $ 5,849 $ 6 er Departments City Planner - Admin Tasks $ 1,396 5,000 $ 5,200 $ 5,408 $ 5,624 $ 5,849 $ 6 ial Services Accountant $ 10,006 10,000 $ 10,400 $ 10,816 $ 11,249 $ 11,699 $ 12 ial Services Auditor $ 9,660 10,000 $ 10,400 $ 10,816 $ 11,249 $ 11,699 $ 12 ellaneous Bad Debts $ - 100 $ 104 $ 108 $ 112 $ 117 $
ial Services Tech Support/Financial Advisor $ 1,755 2,500 $ 2,600 $ 2,704 $ 2,812 $ 2,925 $ 3 M Utilities $ 22,274 23,000 $ 23,920 $ 24,877 $ 25,872 $ 26,907 $ 27 ellaneous Dues & Memberships $ 872 950 $ 988 $ 1,028 $ 1,069 $ 1,111 $ 1 ellaneous Municipal Expense $ 240 250 $ 260 $ 270 $ 281 $ 292 $ ellaneous Office Supplies & Expense $ 3,345 5,000 $ 5,200 $ 5,408 $ 5,624 $ 5,849 $ 6 ellaneous Bank Charges $ 212 100 $ 104 $ 108 $ 112 $ 117 $ ellaneous Training/Education $ 1,083 500 $ 520 $ 541 $ 562 $ 585 $ racted Services Contracted Services $ 389,465 60,000 $ 140,000 $ 100,000 $ 60,000 $ 47,500 $ 35 ellaneous Misc Expenses $ 315 0 $ - $ - $ - $ - $
M Telephone $ 7,886 1,800 $ 1,872 $ 1,947 $ 2,025 $ 2,106 $ 2 M Cable & Internet Services $ 743 750 $ 780 $ 811 $ 844 $ 877 $ M Licenses & Fees $ 4,517 5,000 $ 5,200 $ 5,408 $ 5,624 $ 5,849 $ 6 M Vehicle Fuel and Oil $ 2,671 5,800 $ 6,032 $ 6,273 $ 6,524 $ 6,785 $ 7 M Vehicle Repairs $ 2,007 2,500 $ 2,600 $ 2,704 $ 2,812 $ 2,925 $ 3 M Building Repairs and Maintenance $ 65 2,500 $ 2,600 $ 2,704 $ 2,812 $ 2,925 $ 3 M Security System $ 351 500 $ 520 $ 541 $ 562 $ 585 $
M Materials, Supplies, and Equipment $ 3,159 3,500 $ 3,640 $ 3,786 $ 3,937 $ 4,095 $ 4 M Equipment Repairs & Maintenance $ 15,553 7,500 $ 7,800 $ 8,112 $ 8,436 $ 8,774 $ 9 M Water Lab Fees $ 7,170 7,500 $ 7,800 $ 8,112 $ 8,436 $ 8,774 $ 9 M Water Plant Chemical $ 8,975 9,000 $ 9,360 $ 9,734 $ 10,124 $ 10,529 $ 10 M Water Line Hook-Ups $ - 0 $ - $ - $ - $ - $
M Water Line Repair $ 15,256 25,000 $ 26,000 $ 27,040 $ 28,122 $ 29,246 $ 30 M Water Plant Repair $ - 3,000 $ 3,120 $ 3,245 $ 3,375 $ 3,510 $ 3 M Reserve Operating Reserve Funding $ 13,894 $ 13,894 $ 13,894 $ 13,894 $ 13 rgency Reserve Emergency Reserve Funding $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1 Reserve Debt Reserve Funding $ - $ - $ - $ - $
tal Reserves Replacement of Existing Capital Assets $ 152,264 $ 137,185 $ 131,326 $ 128,420 $ 127 tal Reserves Replacement of Funded Project Assets $ - $ - $ - $ - $ tal Reserves Reserves for Additional Capital Assets $ (0) $ - $ - $ - $ Service Charge Debt Service $ - $ - $ - $ - $
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- Projected five-year budget (FYE2025 – FYE 2029) for Rate Option C nse Expense Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 ries & Benefits Employee Wages $ 227,210 260,000 270,400 281,216 292,465 304,163 316 ries & Benefits Fringe Benefits $ 4,954 1,584 1,647 1,713 1,782 1,853 1 ries & Benefits Deferred Retirement $ 13,195 16,882 17,557 18,260 18,990 19,750 20 ries & Benefits Medical Insurance & Expense $ 22,398 31,005 32,246 33,535 34,877 36,272 37 ries & Benefits Health Insurance Deductible Benefit $ 209 1,356 1,410 1,467 1,525 1,586 1 ries & Benefits Worker's Compensation $ 9,925 8,648 8,994 9,354 9,728 10,117 10 ries & Benefits Employee Mileage Reimbursement $ 193 0 0 0 0 0 ries & Benefits Payroll Tax $ 18,281 21,195 22,043 22,925 23,841 24,795 25 ries & Benefits Grant Payroll Alllocation $ (33,286) 0 0 0 0 0 rance Crime, Cyber, & Pollution Insurance $ 319 600 624 649 675 702 rance General Liability Insurance $ 9,756 10,632 11,057 11,500 11,960 12,438 12 rance Propery & Casualty Insurance $ 2,470 3,000 3,120 3,245 3,375 3,510 3 er Departments City Attorney - Admin Tasks $ 140 500 520 541 562 585 er Departments City Engineer - Admin Tasks $ 4,086 3,500 3,640 3,786 3,937 4,095 4 ial Services Engineer Special Projects $ 2,132 5,000 5,200 5,408 5,624 5,849 6 er Departments City Planner - Admin Tasks $ 1,396 5,000 5,200 5,408 5,624 5,849 6 ial Services Accountant $ 10,006 10,000 10,400 10,816 11,249 11,699 12 ial Services Auditor $ 9,660 10,000 10,400 10,816 11,249 11,699 12 ellaneous Bad Debts $ - 100 104 108 112 117
ial Services Tech Support/Financial Advisor $ 1,755 2,500 2,600 2,704 2,812 2,925 3 M Utilities $ 22,274 23,000 23,920 24,877 25,872 26,907 27 ellaneous Dues & Memberships $ 872 950 988 1,028 1,069 1,111 1 ellaneous Municipal Expense $ 240 250 260 270 281 292
ellaneous Office Supplies & Expense $ 3,345 5,000 5,200 5,408 5,624 5,849 6 ellaneous Bank Charges $ 212 100 104 108 112 117
ellaneous Training/Education $ 1,083 500 520 541 562 585 racted Services Contracted Services $ 389,465 60,000 140,000 25,958 26,997 28,077 29 ellaneous Misc Expenses $ 315 0 0 0 0 0
M Telephone $ 7,886 1,800 1,872 1,947 2,025 2,106 2
M Cable & Internet Services $ 743 750 780 811 844 877
M Licenses & Fees $ 4,517 5,000 5,200 5,408 5,624 5,849 6 M Vehicle Fuel and Oil $ 2,671 5,800 6,032 6,273 6,524 6,785 7 M Vehicle Repairs $ 2,007 2,500 2,600 2,704 2,812 2,925 3 M Building Repairs and Maintenance $ 65 2,500 2,600 2,704 2,812 2,925 3 M Security System $ 351 500 520 541 562 585
M Materials, Supplies, and Equipment $ 3,159 3,500 3,640 3,786 3,937 4,095 4 M Equipment Repairs & Maintenance $ 15,553 7,500 7,800 8,112 8,436 8,774 9 M Water Lab Fees $ 7,170 7,500 7,800 8,112 8,436 8,774 9 M Water Plant Chemical $ 8,975 9,000 9,360 9,734 10,124 10,529 10 M Water Line Hook-Ups $ - 0 0 0 0 0
M Water Line Repair $ 15,256 25,000 26,000 27,040 28,122 29,246 30 M Water Plant Repair $ - 12,000 12,480 12,979 13,498 14,038 14 M Reserve Operating Reserve Funding 0 15,617 15,617 15,617 15,617 15 rgency Reserve Emergency Reserve Funding 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1 Reserve Debt Reserve Funding $ - $ - $ - $ - $
tal Reserves Replacement of Existing Capital Assets $ 152,264 $ 137,185 $ 131,326 $ 128,420 $ 127 tal Reserves Replacement of Funded Project Assets $ - $ - $ - $ - $ tal Reserves Reserves for Additional Capital Assets $ (0) $ - $ - $ - $ Service Charge Debt Service $ - $ - $ - $ - $
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– City of Trinidad’s capital improvement plan
Capital Replacement Program AWWA Cash-Needs Approach
City of Trinidad Date
System Numbe
Service Connections
ity Asset
Year
Acquired
Unit Cost
(Historic,
Current or
Future)
Cost
Type
(H, C,
F)
%
Belonging
to Water
Estimated Historic
Cost (Water only)
Normal
Estimated
Life
Current
Age
Estimated
Current Cost
Planned
Remaining
Life
Estimated
Remaining
Life
Estimated
Future Cost
Fund
with
Cash
Fund
with
Grant
Fund
with
Loan
Existing
Reserves
Replacement of Existing Capital Assets
1 Luffenholtz Creek Infiltration Gallery 1980 $730,000 C 100% $152,239 45 44 730,000 1 5 888,157 5% 85% 10% 30 *3 perforated pipes buried ten feet below surface 1980 $168 C 100% $1,051 45 44 5,040 1 5 6,132 100% 0% 0% - Wet Well Pump (approx 175 gpm each) 2014 $7,000 C 100% $0 35 10 0 25 25 0 100% 0% 0% 1 Creek Flow meter 2017 $8,000 C 100% $6,234 15 7 8,000 8 8 10,949 100% 0% 0%
1 Source Meter 1980 $8,000 C 100% $1,668 15 44 8,000 -29 5 9,733 100% 0% 0% - Westhaven Treatment Plant (60-120gpm) 2016 $2,136,000 H 100% $0 60 8 0 52 25 0 100% 0% 0% 1 Sediment Reduction 2015 $1,670,720 H 100% $1,670,720 60 9 2,277,020 51 25 6,070,162 5% 85% 10% - *Flocculator 2016 $0 C 100% $0 15 8 0 7 7 0 100% 0% 0% -
*Polymer Feed 2016 $0
C 100%
$0 15 8 0 7 7 0
100% 0% 0%
- *Mixed Media filters 2016 $0 C 100% $0 15 8 0 7 7 0 100% 0% 0% - *Chlorine Feed 2016 $0 C 100% $0 15 8 0 7 7 0 100% 0% 0% - *Chlorine contact Pipe 2016 $0 C 100% $0 60 8 0 52 52 0 100% 0% 0% - *Backwash tank (20,000 gallons) 2016 $0 C 100% $0 60 8 0 52 52 0 100% 0% 0% - Turbidity Monitoring 2013 $120,155 H 100% $0 15 11 0 4 5 0 100% 0% 0% - 2013 Water Plant Upgrade 2013 $231,720 H 100% $0 60 11 0 49 50 0 100% 0% 0% 1 Raw Water Turbidimeter 1980 $3,430
c 100%
$715 15 44 3,430 -29 1 3,567
100% 0% 0%
1 Finished Water Turbidimeter 2023 $3,430 c 100% $3,310 15 1 3,430 14 15 6,177 100% 0% 0% 1 Filter #1 Turbidmeter 2013 $3,430 c 100% $2,318 15 11 3,430 4 1 3,567 100% 0% 0% 1 Filter #2 Turbidmeter 2013 $3,430 c 100% $2,318 15 11 3,430 4 1 3,567 100% 0% 0% 1 Filter #3 Turbidmeter 2013 $3,430
c 100%
$2,318 15 11 3,430 4 1 3,567
100% 0% 0%
1 SCM 2013 $13,000
c 100%
$8,785 15 11 13,000 4 2 14,061
100% 0% 0%
1 CL17 - Cl2 residual 2013 $3,325 c 100% $2,247 15 11 3,325 4 15 5,988 100% 0% 0% - Flow Meter 2013 $0 c 100% $0 15 11 0 4 0 0 100% 0% 0% 1 Mid Turbidmeter 2013 $3,430 c 100% $2,318 15 11 3,430 4 1 3,567 100% 0% 0%
1 Rinse to Waste 2013 $5,000 c 100% $3,379 15 11 5,000 4 1 5,200 100% 0% 0% 1 Poly Pump #1 2013 $1,000 c 100% $676 15 11 1,000 4 2 1,082 100% 0% 0% 1 Poly Pump #2 2013 $1,000 c 100% $676 15 11 1,000 4 2 1,082 100% 0% 0% 1 CL2 Pump 2013 $1,000 c 100% $676 15 11 1,000 4 2 1,082 100% 0% 0% 1 Wet Well Pump #1 2013 $5,000 c 100% $3,379 15 11 5,000 4 3 5,624 100% 0% 0% 1 Wet Well Pump #2 2013 $5,000 c 100% $3,379 15 11 5,000 4 3 5,624 100% 0% 0% 1 Flash Mixer #1 2013 $3,500 c 100% $2,365 15 11 3,500 4 5 4,258 100% 0% 0% 1 Flash Mixer #2 2013 $3,500 c 100% $2,365 15 11 3,500 4 5 4,258 100% 0% 0% 1 Backwash Pump 2013 $5,000 c 100% $3,379 15 11 5,000 4 4 5,849 100% 0% 0% 1 Intermediate Pump #1 - Booster Pump 2013 $3,500 c 100% $2,365 15 11 3,500 4 5 4,258 100% 0% 0% 1 Intermediate Pump #2 2013 $3,500 c 100% $2,365 15 11 3,500 4 5 4,258 100% 0% 0% 1 Soda Ash Pump 2013 $1,000 c 100% $676 15 11 1,000 4 3 1,125 100% 0% 0% 1 Recycle Pump 2013 $5,000 c 100% $3,379 15 11 5,000 4 1 5,200 100% 0% 0% 1 CL2 Residual 2013 $3,500 c 100% $2,365 15 11 3,500 4 5 4,258 100% 0% 0% 1 Sludge Removal 2013 $5,000 c 100% $3,379 15 11 5,000 4 5 6,083 100% 0% 0% 1 Level Transducers 2013 $9,500 c 100% $6,420 15 11 9,500 4 6 12,021 100% 0% 0% 1 Tank Floats - Kill Switch 2013 $750 c 100% $507 15 11 750 4 6 949 100% 0% 0% 1 SC-100 - Controller 2013 $3,505 c 100% $2,369 15 11 3,505 4 1 3,645 100% 0% 0% 1 SC-200 (2) - Controller 2013 $7,010 c 100% $4,737 15 11 7,010 4 1 7,290 100% 0% 0% - Remaining Turbidity Equipment 2013 $103,005 c 100% $0 15 11 0 4 4 0 100% 0% 0% - Remaining Treatment Plant Equipment 2013 $109,700 c 100% $0 60 11 0 49 49 0 100% 0% 0% 50,000 Westhaven Tank 1 (150,000 gallons, will replace with 250,000 gallon tank) 1980 $2 C 100% $127,213 60 44 610,000 16 16 1,142,519 5% 85% 10% - Westhaven Tank 2 (150,000 gallons, being replaced
now by grant below) 1980 $2 C 100% $0 60 44 0 16 16 0 100% 0% 0% 191 2" Pipe (half) 1980 $75 C 100% $2,987 50 44 14,325 6 5 17,429 100% 0% 0% 691 3" Pipe (half) 1980 $75 C 100% $10,800 50 44 51,788 6 5 63,007 100% 0% 0% 4,232 4" Pipe (half) 1980 $250 C 100% $220,616 40 44 1,057,875 -4 5 1,287,067 5% 85% 10% 6,474 6" Pipe (half) 1980 $250 C 100% $337,506 40 44 1,618,375 -4 10 2,395,590 5% 85% 10% 3,615 8" Pipe ((10979 ft - 3750 ft for SCDRP Project)/2) 1980 $300 C 100% $226,137 40 44 1,084,350 -4 15 1,952,853 5% 85% 10% 1,408 10" Pipe ((6566 ft - 3750 ft for SCDRP Project)/2). 1980 $300 C 100% $88,090 40 44 422,400 -4 15 760,719 5% 85% 10% 191 2" Pipe (half) 1980 $75 C 100% $2,987 40 44 14,325 -4 20 31,388 100% 0% 0% 691 3" Pipe (half) 1980 $75 C 100% $10,800 40 44 51,788 -4 20 113,473 25% 75% 0% 4,232 4" Pipe (half) 1980 $250 C 100% $220,616 40 44 1,057,875 -4 20 2,317,934 5% 85% 10% 6,474 6" Pipe (half) 1980 $250 C 100% $337,506 40 44 1,618,375 -4 25 4,314,323 5% 85% 10% 3,615 8" Pipe ((10979 ft - 3750 ft for SCDRP Project)/2) 1980 $300 C 100% $226,137 40 44 1,084,350 -4 25 2,890,700 5% 85% 10% 1,408 10" Pipe ((6566 ft - 3750 ft for SCDRP Project)/2) 1980 $300 C 100% $88,090 40 44 422,400 -4 25 1,126,049 5% 85% 10% 1 2" Valves (half) 1980 $3,000 C 100% $626 40 44 3,000 -4 5 3,650 5% 85% 10% 2 3" Valves (half) 1980 $3,000 C 100% $938 40 44 4,500 -4 5 5,475 5% 85% 10% 6 4" Valves (half) 1980 $4,000 C 100% $5,005 40 44 24,000 -4 5 29,200 5% 85% 10% 13 6" Valves (half) 1980 $4,000 C 100% $10,844 40 44 52,000 -4 10 76,973 5% 85% 10% 10 8" Valves (half) 1980 $6,200 C 100% $12,283 40 44 58,900 -4 15 106,076 5% 85% 10% 4 10" Valves (half) 1980 $6,200 C 100% $4,525 40 44 21,700 -4 15 39,080 5% 85% 10% 1 2" Valves (half) 1980 $3,000 C 100% $626 40 44 3,000 -4 20 6,573 5% 85% 10% 2 3" Valves (half) 1980 $3,000 C 100% $938 40 44 4,500 -4 20 9,860 5% 85% 10% 6 4" Valves (half) 1980 $4,000 C 100% $5,005 40 44 24,000 -4 20 52,587 5% 85% 10% 13 6" Valves (half) 1980 $4,000 C 100% $10,844 40 44 52,000 -4 25 138,623 5% 85% 10% 10 8" Valves (half) 1980 $6,200 C 100% $12,283 40 44 58,900 -4 25 157,018 5% 85% 10% 4 10" Valves (half) 1980 $6,200 C 100% $4,525 40 44 21,700 -4 25 57,849 5% 85% 10% 27 Hydrants 1980 $7,035 C 100% $39,612 60 44 189,945 16 16 355,763 25% 75% 0% 222 Inside Meters 1980 $500 C 100% $23,149 15 44 111,000 -29 5 135,048 25% 75% 0% 101 Outside Meters 1980 $500 C 100% $10,532 15 44 50,500 -29 5 61,441 25% 75% 0% 100% 0% 0% 100%
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Fiscal Year 2023 Suggested Repair and Replacement Budget Prepared September 2023 by Coleman Engineering
Asset Tag #
Field Notes and
Observations Condition Rating Functional Description Risk Criticality Comments 2023 2024 20 Raw Water Turbidimeter AT1001A No longer in
production
Fair Influent NTU High 1 Out of date $
Finished Water Turbidimeter AT100B NEW NEW Finished NTU High 1 Replaced 7/2023 $3,430 Filter #1 Turbidmeter AT1002A Outdated Fair #1 NTU High 1 Out of date $3,430 Filter #2 AT1002B Outdated Fair #2 NTU High 1 Out of date $3,430 Filter #3 AT1003 Outdated Fair #3 NTU High 1 Out of date $3,430 SCM AT1006 Outdated Fair Raw Water High 1 Out of date
CL17 AT1007 NEW NEW CL2 Residual High 1 NEW $3,325
Flow Meter FT1014 Unknown Fair GPM Monitor High 2 Unknown Mid Turbidmeter AT1004 Outdated Fair Between Filters High 1 Out of date Rinse to Waste CV1015 Out of Use Unknown Filter Rinse Low 3 Out of Use $5,000 Poly Pump #1 XA1009 Unknown Unknown Poly Dose High 1 Unknown Poly Pump #2 XA1011 Unknown Unknown Poly Dose Low 3 Unknown CL2 Pump XA1013 Unknown Unknown CL2 Dose High 1 Unknown Wet Well Pump #1 EQ-100 Unknown Unknown Influent Pump High 1 Unknown Wet Well Pump #2 EQ-110 Unknown Unknown Influent Pump High 1 Unknown Flash Mixer #1 EQ-200-1 2015 Fair Poly Mixer Medium 2 Unknown Flash Mixer #2 EQ-200-2 2015 Fair Poly Mixer Medium 2 Unknown Backwash Pump EQ-200-3 Unknown Unknown Backwash Pump High 1 Unknown Intermediate Pump #1 EQ-400 2015 Fair Booster Pump High 1 Unknown Intermediate Pump #2 EQ-410 2015 Fair Booster Pump High 1 Unknown Soda Ash Pump EQ-450 Unknown Fair Soda Pump Medium 2 Unknown Recycle Pump P-900 Out of Use Unknown Recycle Low 3 Unknown $5,000 CL2 Residual EQ-650 Unknown Good CL2 Residual High 1 Unknown Sludge Removal EQ-150 Unknown Good Sludge Removal Low 3 Unknown Level Transducers Unknown Unknown Water Levels High 1 Total of 5 Tank Floats Unknown Unknown Kill Switch High 1 Total of 5 SC-100 Out dated poor controller High 1 No parts $3,505 SC-200 (2) Out dated fair controller High 1 No parts
Totals $10,260 $20,290
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Proposition 218 Notification:
45-day notice of proposed water rate changes, procedure, and public hearing date Date of Notice: July 10, 2024
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hearing Date and Time: September 10th, 2024, at 6:00pm
Hearing Location: Trinidad Town Hall, 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad, CA 95570 This letter is to advise you that the City of Trinidad (City) is proposing a five-year water rate program adjustment for all residential and commercial customers. The proposal will be considered by the City Council at a Public Hearing on Sep. 10, 2024. You are receiving this notice in compliance with California Proposition 218 requirements that all impacted property owners are mailed notice of proposed rate changes at least 45 days prior to a public hearing. If you have any questions regarding this notice, please call (707) 677-0223.
BASIS OF PROPOSED RATES
The City is required by state law to collect revenues sufficient to fund current and future costs of operating, maintaining and administering the existing water facilities as well as to fund the capital improvements and infrastructure replacement program. These revenues allow the City to protect public health and safely and reliably deliver clean, safe drinking water to all connections. By state law, the district may not collect more revenue than is necessary to recover the costs of providing services. The proposed rates were developed through a comprehensive water rate study designed to meet all legal requirements and fairly and equitably recover the required revenue. The water rate study was prepared by Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) and is available for review by the public on the City website, at https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/water-rates.
WHY THE CITY’S WATER RATES MUST BE ADJUSTED
Customer water rates are a primary source of revenue to operate the water system. These rates generate the revenue to operate the system. To continue the water system’s ability to provide reliable water services to our customers, rate increases are necessary to cover increasing operational costs and to invest in necessary upgrades and emergency preparedness.
It has been seven yearssince the last rate increase, in that time inflation alone has increased costs by 25%.
Additionally, the City operates a treatment plant classified as a T3 plant. This requires that a highly certified water treatment operator oversee all operations to ensure proper treatment is achieved to deliver safe drinking water to the City’s customers. After the departure of a long-term staff member, contracted services had to be brought in to operate the plant in compliance with Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations § 63765 (22 CCR § 63765) – Water Treatment Facility Staff Certification Requirements.
Further clarify after Rate Option is chosen.
This rate adjustment was chosen after extensive analysis and alternate adjustment considerations.
WHAT STEPS DID THE CITY TAKE TO REDUCE COST BEFORE CONSIDERING INCREASING CUSTOMER RATES?
The City conducted a comprehensive line by line review of the budgetary expenditures to maximize available resources and reduce operational costs to a minimum. The City analyzed the best options to bring costs down while complying with 22 CCR § 63765 and other safe drinking water act requirements. 294 of 322
PROPOSITION 218 PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE
All property owners and other interested parties are invited to attend the hearing and present written and/or oral comments. As an owner or customer of record of a parcel subject to the imposition of the proposed rate adjustments, you may submit a WRITTEN protest to the proposed rate changes. Only ONE written protest will be counted per identified parcel. If written protests are presented by a majority of the owners of property that are subject to the rate change prior to the end of the hearing, the City Council cannot approve the change. Nobody wants more costs, but City water users must consider that without this rate increase, the City will be failing to cover annual operations and maintenance costs for the water system.
Written protests must include:
• Your original signature and date
• Your name typed or printed under the signature
• The address of the property
• An affirmation that you are the owner or customer of record of the property • Your reasons for protest
Written protests will NOT be accepted by e-mail or fax. Verbal protests will NOT be counted. Protests must be received (not postmarked) prior to the close of the public hearing. Written protests may be submitted to:
Trinidad Town Hall
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
The City Council, after the close of the public hearing will adopt the rates. The rates will not exceed the increases set forth herein.
PROPOSED MONTHLY RATE SCHEDULE
The proposed rate schedule is set forth below. The water rates will be adjusted beginning on Oct. 1, 2024 and will adjust on July 1 of the subsequent years through 2028. The final adjustment under this resolution will be on July 1, 2028. Any subsequent adjustments will be subject to a Proposition 218 hearing.
Current Rates
Current Monthly Charges
Standard Rates
Monthly Base Rate* Usage Rate (per HCF)
Inside City Limits $ 45.23 $ 4.42
Outside City Limits $ 56.54 $ 5.54
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MONTHLY RATE SCHEDULES TO BE ADOPTED IN RESOLUTION NO. 2024-xx Rate Option A
Standard Rates
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 84.63 93.09 102.40 112.64 123.91
Rate per 100 CF 6.90 7.59 8.35 9.18 10.10
Rate Option B
Standard Rates
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 66.20 72.82 80.10 88.11 96.92
Rate per 100 CF 5.85 6.44 7.08 7.79 8.56
Rate Option C
Standard Rates
Meter Size 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Base Rate 75.83 83.41 91.75 100.93 111.02
Rate per 100 CF 6.85 7.54 8.29 9.12 10.03
Any judicial action or proceeding to attack, review, set aside, void, validate or annul an ordinance, resolution or motion adopting a fee or charge for water service, or modifying or amending an existing fee or charge for water service, shall be commenced within 120 days of the effective date or of the date of the final passage, adoption, or approval of the ordinance, resolution or motion, whichever is later. 296 of 322
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 3
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
3. Discussion/Decision regarding Town Hall Renovation Project – Windows, Rot Repair, Etc. 297 of 322
CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: July 8, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report from City Manager on Window and Trim and Front Porch cost increases and approve $75,000 for window project, and dry rot repairs and $15,000 for front porch rehabilitation for a total of $90,000. Provide feedback and allow the City Manager to spend up to the budgeted amount.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
In February staff brought Council an estimate to repair and replace the Town Hall Windows and refurbish and refinish the front porch area. Staff used the best information at the time to estimate the costs of the project.
However, after soliciting bids for the project the costs came back more than what Council approved for the two projects.
There were three bids for the project and two of the three were very close at $66,964.99 and $66,379.65. The third quote came in at $44,890. This did not include contingency or dry rot repair. Typically, staff includes about 10% of the base bid for this line item.
This item if approved would be Option 1 of the original proposal as the costs have gone up this seems the most logical and cost-efficient choice. 1.Milgard, Series V400 Tuscany, white vinyl inside and out. w/ grid pattern like the existing windows. Option 1) Replace all windows with Milgard vinyl (type 1 above). Approximately $3017/window = $66,379 including labor to remove and replace, dispose of old windows, related materials.
Total with contingency and rot repair = $75,000
Staff prefer the lower of the two bidders and is requesting $75,000 for contingency and rot repair.
The second item on this list is the front entrance to Town Hall which includes a refresh of the paint after electrical work is complete and remove and replace the green carpet which is badly worn. Our Chief Building Official Dan Dimmick as suggested an epoxy coating used on garage floors to provide a more finished appearance. The product selected will have nonslip resistance and should last for many years with little to no maintenance needed other than a power wash once a year or so to keep it looking fresh and clean.
This item was initially estimated at around $4,000 but estimates came in at $11,479 to remove the indoor /outdoor carpet clean, and prep the porch, and use the epoxy style coating to refinish the concrete surface.
Staff is requesting $15,000 for this project in case of extra work to prep the concrete surface occurs.
Staff are requesting a budget adjustment of $90,000 to complete the Town Hall Window Replacement and Rot Repair and Front Porch Surface Rehabilitation Project.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
NA
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? Yes
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is it Currently Budgeted? No
Where is it Budgeted? City Reserve Fund
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Discretionary
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? yes
ATTACHMENTS
ACGC Windows Quote- $66,964
Hooven and Reese Quote- $66,379
Hamanaka Porch Work Quote299 of 322
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DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 4
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
4. Discussion/Decision to Adopt the Assistant City Manager Job Classification into the City Staff Structure.
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CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: Tuesday, July 08, 2025
TO: Mayor Kelly and City Council
FROM: City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Discussion/Decision to Adopt the Assistant City Manager Job Classification into the City Staff Structure.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The organizational structure of this city is different than most, as the City Manager is a PT employee, as agreed to under an employment agreement with the Council. That leaves some considerable portion of time when the City Manager is not available for tasks and questions that occur during those hours and days when the City Manager is not available. The City of Trinidad is lucky to have someone on the staff who can fill that role and those needs.
Over the past years that person has been our City Clerk Gabriel Adams.
The current labor agreement for the CM is 30 hours per week. The schedule is Monday through Wednesday 8- hour days and 6 hours on Thursday (or around 2 PM). However, there are many weeks when the CM gets the 30 hours in well before Thursday and can adjust those hours accordingly.
In addition, the CM is allowed vacation during the year and that also leaves a role to be filled. For a period of time Trinidad was managed by the Council and as such there was generally a council member who could perform the role and work of the CM. Since 2008 There has been a City Manager performing that work.
While it has been convenient to have the City Clerk fill in on occasion, it has not been equitable, nor has there been additional compensation for acting in this role. Add to that the increased workload that the Clerk has assumed as the regulatory and policy requirements have evolved to a point that the role now includes much more than a Clerk would be expected to perform. It has been long past time to address this issue and provide a wage and title that reflects the role and responsibilities.
The new Assistant City Manager classification will fix these inequities and gaps in our organizational structure and provide a succession plan, should the Council prefer to use it as such. The role will now include the clerk’s duties, and assisting the City Manager with overseeing assigned town hall staff, finance, payroll, HR, health care insurance, and risk management (workmen’s compensation, liability, property, etc.) cemetery budget support, contract and consultant support. The incumbent provides complex administrative support to the City Manager and elected and appointed officials and serves as liaison with the public and other agencies and stakeholders and other duties as assigned.
The new ACM will serve as acting CM when the CM is not in a working capacity. As such his wage reflects that role and those responsibilities. As the ACM in this organization could be in the acting capacity for the better part of
3.5 days the salary should be within 15-20% of the CM salary.
This position was discussed during the FY 25/26 budget workshop in the May 2025 meeting. The salary for this position was budgeted and adopted in the June 2025 meeting.
Staff request approval by the Council to include the new Assistant City Manager classification and spend up to the budgeted amount for this position as allowed in the recently adopted FY25/26 budget.
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? yes
Is it Currently Budgeted? Yes
Where is it Budgeted? GF budget
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Discretionary
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? Yes
ATTACHMENTS
Assistant City Manager Draft Classification
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ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
DEFINITION
Under administrative direction, plans, directs, manages, and oversees the internal administrative functions and operations of the City; serves as City Clerk; coordinates special projects; assures compliance of all activities with City goals and objectives, state and federal laws, and City policies and procedures; serves as Acting City Manager in his/her absence; and performs other duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This single incumbent classification requires a high degree of administrative and communication skills to manage and coordinate overall administrative and program responsibilities. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing all fiscal, accounting, human resources, and city clerking functions and activities directly and through the use of subordinates and consultants.
The incumbent provides complex administrative support to the City Manager and elected and appointed officials and serves as liaison with the public and other agencies and stakeholders.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Reports to and receives supervision from the City Manager. Oversees the work of consultants and contractors. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over assigned management, professional, technical, and administrative staff.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Below is a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in this classification.
These examples are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job, and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in assigned areas and uses technical and analytical expertise to develop findings.
• Plans, develops, and implements the policies, goals, objectives, and priorities of the City Clerk's office, ensuring a high level of public relations and customer service to the community and others.
• Develops and prepares City Council agendas and minutes; oversees the compilation and preparation of City Council agenda packets and minutes: coordinates compliance with the provisions of the Brown Act.
• Oversees risk management functions, including workers' compensation and liability programs; employee benefits programs; and employee compensation and payroll functions. • Researches, analyzes, develops, and reviews studies, reports, contracts, proposals, and other documents; and develops and makes recommendations. • Develops and administers budgetary, accounting, and procurement processes; manages contracts; and researches and analyzes financial information. • Troubleshoots and resolves program or work unit issues and keeps the City Manager informed of issues/resolution.
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Assistant City Manager
• Oversees the preparation of or prepares contracts, reports, records, and other documents involved in managing the area of assignment.
• Coordinates work with City staff, the general public, and external agencies; may represent the City on various professional committees; and prepares and makes presentations to the public, elected officials, boards, and other stakeholders. • Serves as Acting City Manager in their absence.
• Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Education
• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business or public administration, accounting, or a closely related field.
Experience
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible finance, human resources, or analytical program experience, three (3) years of which must have been in a management capacity.
Licenses and Certificates
For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the City or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment.
Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of public administration and program management, including strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Modern principles and practices of a municipal City Clerk’s office. • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, including the California Public Records Act, the Ralph M. Brown Act, the California Political Reform Act, the California Elections and Government Codes, and Regulations of the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
• Principles and practices of assigned administrative operational areas, including, but not limited to, accounting, budget, risk management, and human resources. • Principles and practices of procurement and contract administration. • Principles and practices of fiscal management and budgeting. • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation, and training of staff in work procedures. • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service in person and over the telephone.
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Assistant City Manager
• Modern office procedures, methods, computer software and hardware. • Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Ability to:
• Manage assigned operations/programs; ensure ongoing compliance with strategic objectives and performance measures.
• Independently compose resolutions, ordinances, public hearing notices and correspondence consistent with appropriate formats and legal requirements. • Develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Manage budgets, contracts, grants, and external service providers. • Interpret, monitor, and report financial information and statistics. • Resolve complex problems within area of assignment.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of reports, grant proposals, documents, and presentations.
• Create and provide informative presentations to stakeholders, elected officials, City leadership, and the public.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the City under diverse circumstances in meetings with individuals, governmental agencies; community groups; and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Work well under the pressure of deadlines and in emergency situations. • Plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise the work of assigned staff; provide training, leadership, and work direction.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. • Operate a computer and standard business software programs and databases related to the area of assignment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; and to attend meetings and to visit various sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements
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Assistant City Manager
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Working Conditions
May be required to work a varied schedule of hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
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DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 5
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
5. Staff Activity Report – June 2025
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CITY OF TRINIDAD STAFF REPORT
DATE: July 8, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager Joe Tagliaboschi
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive Staff Activities Report from City Manager and Provide Comments. No Council Action Required
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
Water plant/ Water /PW
Eric Sanders invoice for June -$4000.00.
Carl Anderson passed his exam for T3 on Friday June 6.
The Water Treatment Plant will have the annual state permit inspection which is tentatively scheduled for July 21Staff has been working to repair and rework the items on last year’s inspection and we are confident that the plant will pass with flying colors.
Luffenholtz Creek Flow Data June 27, 2025, -3.215 CFS. There is a small log blocking some of the flow which staff removed this past week.
Westhaven Intertie Project
Bids are in and an award is pending council approval
Consumer Confidence Report is available online as required by our permit.
Capital Projects
Windows, Rot, and Porch Repairs
This work will begin if Council approves the budget adjustment request for the work as the quotes came in much higher than the estimates in February. 320 of 322
Trails
ALMT
There was a 10-day appeal period which has now run its course for the city. Then there was an additional 10-day Appeal period with Coastal commission with 5 additional days for the Coastal Commission to decide if they will take up the appeal. That clock is still running. Staff has been working with A contractor to execute an agreement to install the cable steps.
Staff had a meeting with the Coastal Commission on Tuesday July 1, with TAS , and Yurok, to discuss ALMT and short-, mid-, and long-term plans.
Grants
Angela has been working tirelessly to complete all the documents and history for the water tanks and pipeline project which is now complete! Thanks to PW, Grants and our team at GHD Who helped get this project done!
The Intertie project is out for bid and the Award will be coming to Council soon.
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? N/A
Is it Currently Budgeted? NA
Where is it Budgeted? NA
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? N/A
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? No
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STAFF REPORT SUPPLEMENTAL
Date: Tuesday, July 08 2025
Background Info: The City of Trinidad is responding to the Governor’s Order calling on all Californians to do their part by reducing consumption.
Luffenholtz Creek flow readings are presented to the Council on an as-needed basis - during drought events or when requested. As we enter into the summer low-flow months, the focus of these reports (during the dry season) will be to share and put into perspective how Trinidad’s water consumption metrics compare to those of recent years.
The amounts represent the total water sold, captured by 323 customer meters, measured in cubic feet (7.48 gallons = 1 cubic foot).
July 2020 275,612 cuft January 2021 161,379
July 2021 251,168 January 2022 189,201
July 2022 198,081 January 2023 154,543
July 2023 223,806 January 2024 148,407
July 2024 264,491 (21.01% Water Loss) January 2025 131,229 (16.59% Water Loss) August 2020 273,992 February 2021 178,545
August 2021 269,771 February 2022 154,634
August 2022 227,681 February 2023 136,626
August 2023 265,808 February 2024 132,690
August 2024 233,215 (17.85% Water Loss) February 2025 131,537 (20.66% Water Loss) September 2020 302,614 March 2021 187,607
September 2021 227,831 March 2022 184,103
September 2022 216,470 March 2023 152,813
September 2023 200,348 March 2024 125,188
September 2024 200,050 (22.16% Water Loss) March 2025 136,579 (22.52% Water Loss) October 2020 230,430 April 2021 192,287
October 2021 203,176 April 2022 173,115
October 2022 180,065 April 2023 145,504
October 2023 188,335 April 2024 176,413
October 2024 206,875 (21.34% Water Loss) April 2025 171,808 (17.31% Water Loss) November 2020 198,813 May 2021 242,529
November 2021 204,438 May 2022 154,634
November 2022 169,144 May 2023 211,380
November 2023 151,914 May 2024 182,738
November 2024 159,316 (26.54% Water Loss) May 2025 216,497 (10.83% Water Loss) December 2020 185,860 June 2021 269,087
December 2021 201,160 June 2022 233,692
December 2022 170,419 June 2023 209,336
December 2023 122,937 June 2024 229,339
December 2024 159,299 (23% Water Loss) June 2025 203,350 (23.71% Water Loss)
Water sold (consumed) in June was the lowest in 25 years. Water loss was above average for a 1-month period, but below average on an annual basis. We will continue to monitor consumption each month and report this information (along with summary trends and analysis) to the Council for review, comparison, and questions at each meeting.
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