Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
16 increase the potential for ignition. The City monitors the National Weather Service for alerts related to red flag warnings and weather events that could potentially effect UEU’s service territory to ensure awareness of the elevated risk. e) High winds and gusts can down trees, break branches or damage utility equipment.
The City monitors the National Weather Service for wind warnings and advisories that affect UEU’s service territory. The increased vegetation clearing tin high fire threat areas reduces the risk of ignition caused by these events. f) Wildfire history in and around the Ukiah city limits is shown in Appendix C D. CPUC HIGH FIRE THREAT DISTRICTS [PRC-8387 (b)(2)(K)
UEU will incorporate the California Public Utility Commission’s (CPUC) Fire Threat Map (Exhibit A) into its construction, inspection, maintenance, repair, and clearance practices, where applicable.
UEU reviews the CPUC Fire Threat Map annually to identify needed adjustments to hazard threat levels due to changes in urban development and/or vegetation conditions. When adjustments are identified, UEU collaborates with Ukiah Valley Fire Authority and City Departments and CAL FIRE to update the CPUC Fire Threat Map data and UEU’s Fire Threat Map accordingly. The UEU’s Fire Threat Map depicts the highest fire threat known.
5. WILDFIRE PREVENTION STRATEGY AND PROGRAMS
A. STRATEGY – VEGETATION MANAGEMENT [PRC-8387 (b)(2)(H)] UEU meets or exceeds the minimum industry standard vegetation management practices. For both transmission and distribution level facilities, UEU meets: (1) GO 95 Rule 35; and (2) the GO 95 Appendix E Guidelines to Rule 35 (See table below). These standards require significantly increased clearances in the High Fire Threat areas. In identified high risk areas that boarder or are close to Tier 2 wildfire threat areas, the radial clearance of branches or foliage from bare conductors will be increased up to 12’, unless such aggressive trimming would cause fatal damage to the tree or if the trimming would create adverse secondary consequences. The recommended time-of-trim guidelines do not establish a mandatory standard but instead provide useful guidance to utilities. UEU has developed a tree inventory to catalog existing trees and will use specific knowledge of growing conditions and tree species to determine the appropriate time of trim clearance in each circumstance. UEU performs this work with arborists and a contract for tree trimming services as needed. Additionally, vegetation clearing is completed at the base of poles to minimize potential sources of spread.
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
17 GO 95
Guidelines to Rule 35
The radial clearances shown below are recommended minimum clearances that should be established, at time of trimming, between the vegetation and the energized conductors and associated live parts where practicable. Reasonable vegetation management practices may make it advantageous for the purposes of public safety or service reliability to obtain greater clearances than those listed below to ensure compliance until the next scheduled maintenance.
Each utility may determine and apply additional appropriate clearances beyond clearances listed below, which take into consideration various factors, including: line operating voltage, length of span, line sag, planned maintenance cycles, location of vegetation within the span, species type, experience with particular species, vegetation growth rate and characteristics, vegetation management standards and best practices, local climate, elevation, fire risk, and vegetation trimming requirements that are applicable to State Responsibility Area lands pursuant to Public Resource Code Sections 4102 and 4293.
Voltage of Lines
Radial Clearance of Bare
Line Conductors from Tree
Branches or Foliage
Radial clearances for any conductor of a line operating at 2,400 or more volts, but less than 72,000 volts 4 feet Radial clearances for any conductor of a line operating at 72,000 or more volts, but less than 110,000 volts 6 feet Radial clearances for any conductor of a line operating at 110,000 or more volts, but less than 300,000 volts 10 feet Radial clearances for any conductor of a line
operating at 300,000 or more volts 15 feet
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
18 In addition, UEU Wildfire Prevention Program (Appendix A) will include the following enhancements
• No vertical coverage allowed above UEU transmission lines; • Provide vegetation control in a 30-foot perimeter around the Power Plant and substations conductors.
• For public land, provide easement clear from ground to sky adjacent to UEU facilities, unless to do so would likely result in adverse consequences; • Work with adjacent customers to get approval for wider clearance on their land. This could include tall, diseased, leaning trees that appear to be at risk of falling into our lines. • Perform additional vegetation removal forfuelsreduction in the easement on an annual rotation to ensure CPUC recommended clearances are maintained based on the fire hazard zone where each transmission and distribution line is located; • Consider undergrounding areas where heritage trees are prevalent.
B. STRATEGY - ENHANCED INSPECTIONS [PRC-8387 (b)(2)(I)
Inspections play an important role in wildfire prevention. UEU currently follows the inspection cycles outlined in California General Order 95 and General Order 128. UEU’s current inspection activities incorporate several components including annual infrared (IR) patrol of overhead lines and substations, inspection of wood poles, 115 KV lines and GIS data collection and sharing. All patrols and inspections are completed by Journeyman Lineman and documented outlining descriptions of problems found and any action taken to ensure any issues are addressed in a timely manner. If the issues cannot be addressed immediately, work orders are developed and given a priority level with a date for completion. UEU schedules additional patrols in and near the Tier 2 fire threat areas every spring to evaluate any issues prior to fire season. These patrols are documented and addressed in the same manner as the others. Should a critical weather event or ignition happen, inspections would be completed prior to re-energization of any circuit.
Additionally, UEU has implemented the use of unmanned aerial vehicles with IR capability. The frequency of inspections will be increased in the high fire threat areas and when storms or other disasters have significantly impacted our system.
C. STRATEGY - SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
Presently UEU is evaluating to upgrade an automated control management system that can be used during outages. UEU is also investigating advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology that has the ability to track customer outages as part of an Outage management System. These systems have not been implemented as of 20254, however AMI is included in the FY25/26 and FY26/27 CIP.
Other efforts will include the following technology in collaboration with Ukiah PD and Ukiah
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
19 Valley Fire Authority:
• Use unmanned aerial vehicles during high fire threat daysfor early detection, infrared inspection of hard-to-reach areas, and other uses in the interest of public safety; • Communication system upgrades for wildfire and disaster response and recovery; • Customer reporting tools for safety issues.
D. STRATEGY - OPERATIONAL PRACTICES
UEU will operate the system in a manner that will minimize potential wildfire risks including taking all reasonable and practicable actions to minimize the risk of a catastrophic wildfire caused by UEU electric facilities. UEU will take corrective action for deficiencies when the staff witnesses or is notified of improperly install or maintained fire protection measures. In addition to those general principles, several new operational practices will help reduce the risk of wildfire and improve the response time in the event of a fire including:
• During high wildfire, threat periods (red flag warnings) perform only essential work and light work that can be completed while performing observations in areas of concern.
Staff may be placed at Orchard substation and Mendocino Hydroelectric power plant with an electrical technician or lineman, posting linemen in various parts of the city where the fire danger is higher, and having other field personnel patrolling the city. All personnel will directly report to Fire/Police any hazardous observations. All available UEU Staff placed on standby.
• Collect and maintain wildfire and system data necessary for the implementation and evaluation of this Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
E. STRATEGY - SYSTEM HARDENING
UEU’s electric facilities are designed, constructed, and maintained to meet or exceed the relevant federal, state, or industry standard. UEU treats CPUC General Order (GO) 95 as a key industry standard for design and construction standards for overhead electrical facilities. UEU meets or exceeds all standards in GO 95. Additionally, UEU monitors and follows, as appropriate, the National Electric Safety Code. In addition to standards, UEU develops a 5-year capital improvement plan that is considering some or all of the following:
• Addition of remote-controlled field reclosers possibly with arc detection technology; • Clearing poles with operating devices of flammable vegetation around them with a radius of 12’. Perform this for every wood pole with operating devices in the system for resiliency;
• Provide or clear additional access paths along power line easements and to ensure access and ability to perform maintenance.
• As 115KV transmission poles reach end of useful life for Tier 2 areas, replace with steel
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
20 poles in kind.
• Engineering – Revise construction standards to implement arc suppression components, raptor framing,squirrel guards, tree wire, lightening arresters, and arc suppression fusing. • Create design standards for new equipment for remote controlled reclosers and implement into the SCADA system.
• Convert overhead lines to underground as feasible and economic; • Alternative Technologies- UEU will consider the feasibility of implementing alternative technologies, such as wire-break sensing and arc detection technology, as they become available and cost-effective.
• Replacement of overhead fuses with current limiting, non-arcing models in Tier 2 areas.
F. STRATEGY - PUBLIC SAFETY AND NOTIFICATION
The City will coordinate with Ukiah Valley Fire Authority (UVFA) and the Ukiah Police Department (UPD), the City Office of Emergency Management, and the County Office of Emergency Services during emergencies or large-scale outages, utilizing established emergency communication protocols to support outreach and notifications to vulnerable populations.
Customer notification is a vital component of the City’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan. The process begins with customer education and continues with timely updates when weather conditions elevate wildfire risk. Educational outreach will be conducted primarily through printed materials, the City’s website, and social media platforms.
Should it be necessary to de-energize all or part of the system due to extreme conditions, real time updates will be delivered through social media and other technology tools accessible to City staff. Notifications will be coordinated through the City Manager’s Office, the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), or other available resources.
The City will make efforts to communicate directly with critical facility operators, such as hospitals, emergency centers, schools, and public agencies prior to any de-energization that will impact their electric service.
The following is part of this WMP is to ensure a high level of communication with the community during high fire threat periods and disasters.
• Coordinate with UVFA and UPD through the City’s EOC during emergencies or large scale outages;
• Utilize communications protocol with County EOC and/or Health and Human Services for notifications to vulnerable groups by utilizing available resources such as reverse 911, Nixle and other City and County wide notification systems; • Actively update social media using the COU Communications Team.
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
21 G. STRATEGY - RECLOSING AND DEENERGIZATION
UEU has prioritized monitoring local and real-time conditions to make proactive decisions regarding power shutoffs and re-energizations. UEU leverages its compact service territory and advanced strategies for ongoing risk assessment and real-time monitoring of local weather, ground conditions, and other system threats. This approach allows UEU to be more responsive to actual hazards, ensuring that power shutoffs are enacted timely and in consultation with the City’s Office of Emergency Management, Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, Ukiah Police Department, Cal Fire, and other public safety service partners. This approach is used for the following reasons:
• Our service territory is only 4.3 square miles and relatively compact and visible with proper technology;
• UEU expanded wildfire mitigation activities, including enhanced vegetation management and undergrounding beyond the Tier 2 threat areas in an effort to prevent any ignitions near the higher threat areas;
• Over 50% of the City’s 77 miles of distribution is underground; • All law enforcement, fire and hospital facilities are within Tier 1 boundaries; • Turning off the powerin response to regional forecasts and other limited conditions, rather than localized, real time observations, could negatively affect a large portion of UEU’s small service territory. negatively impact ;
• Real-time information from staff located in areas identified as at risk of being subject to extreme weather conditions;
• UEU may disable automatic reclosing, enable fast-trip protection, or both, on circuits that traverse Tier 2 areas or are considered a fire risk when local conditions indicate it is necessary;
• We plan to use system hardening, situational awareness, vegetation management and the other strategies to avoid shutting off power.
For public safety, City staff may proactively de-energize all or portions of the City’s electric distribution system. De-energization of City power lines may occur due to one or more of the following conditions:
1. Upon the request of Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, Ukiah Police Department, Cal Fire or other State or local public safety agencies.
2. When energized power lines are subject to high winds or other weather or atmospheric conditions that may create a substantial public safety risk.
3. When real time information from qualified City field staff indicated that wind driven vegetation or other combustible debris are threatening City owned electric utility equipment.
4. When PG&E de-energizes the City’s transmission source. The City has no control over PG&E’s decision to de-energize Ukiah’s transmission source. • As time permits, de-energization of City owned power lines will be coordinated between the City Manager’s Office, Electric Department, and all City Public Safety Departments. The decision to de-energize City owned power lines will be communicated to the City Manager’s Office as soon as practical.
Formatted: No bullets or numbering, Tab stops: Not at
0.61"
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
22 H. STRATEGY - WILDFIRE RESPONSE & RECOVERY
• During a high fire threat event, stage fire protection equipment in a ready status and the COU EOC on standby;
• Staff critical assets for coverage and necessary shift changes during fire events; • Wildfire Response: Execute the City’s EOP
• The City of Ukiah Electric Utility is a member of the California Utility Emergency Association, which plays a key role in ensuring communications between utilities during emergencies including mutual aid. UEU also participate in the Western Energy Institute’s Western Region Mutual Assistance Agreement, which is a mutual assistance agreement covering utilities across several western states.
I. PROGRAM – UEU WILDFIRE PREVENTION PROGRAM Appendix A J. PROGRAM – UEU Capital Improvement Plan
K. PROGRAM – COU EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
23 6. COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
COU, UVFA, UPD and UEU will maintain a proactive outreach and education strategy to create public awareness of fire threats, fire prevention, and available support during a wildfire or large power outages. Prior to an emergency, communication will include regular messages related to wildfire prevention, such as right-of-way management, tree trimming, line inspection, or other relevant topics. Methods of communication will include newsletters (Power Line Newsletter), website updates, social media posts, and public service announcements.
7. RESTORATION OF SERVICE [PRC-8387 (b)(2)(M)]
In the event of a wildfire or other emergency event, UEU will staff up to coordinate activities to restore service. UEU will restore power, following an event, in cooperation with UVFA, UPD, and COU Departments.
UEU management will oversee restoration and response activities. If additional staff is needed, UEU may leverage mutual aid agencies, other City of Ukiah staff, and local aid organizations. The utility may also engage contractors on an as-needed basis.
The following describes the steps typically taken to begin the restoration process:
Assessment. UEU crews must patrol each line segment to determine the extent of damage that has occurred. The patrol involves assessing equipment access issues, any cleanup/debris removal issues and determining personal protective equipment requirements for the crews. UEU works with the local agency in charge of the fire to access impacted areas as soon as the area is deemed safe by fire officials.
Planning. After initial assessment, UEU supervisors, managers and engineers meet to plan the needed work. The team will work with system operations to prioritize the restoration efforts, targeting the circuits that serve the most critical infrastructure needs.
Mobilize. Based on the size and complexity of the rebuild/restoration efforts, UEU will coordinate the crews and material needs internally if possible. Mutual aid and contractors may be used on an “as needed” basis to provide additional support. Though UEU maintains a material vendor list and has contracts it can draw on for labor and material needs; though in instance of widespread catastrophic damage necessary materials and labor could experience shortages that may delay work.
Rebuild. The rebuild effort lead by UEU will commence as soon as areas become safe and accessible. The initial efforts will be to get the lines up and restore the damaged circuits.
Depending on the extent of damage, demolition may be performed concurrently or after crews start installing new facilities. UEU will incorporate new materials and technologies as indicated and available.
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
24 Restore. UEU, mutual aid, or contract crews will restore electric services to homes and businesses as soon as possible after the wildfire. Depending on the extent of damage, residential and business customers may have to perform repairs on their facilities and pass inspections by local agencies prior to having full electric service restored.
In most cases, the following restoration priorities will be followed depending on the specific incident and available resources:
• Public safety in the affected areas;
• Worker safety in performing the restoration work;
• Life-support or critical customers;
• Critical infrastructure Hospitals, Key medical, City & County facilities and accounts; Sheriff’s Department and jail, City Police and Fire Departments, other key utility facilities (e.g., water, sewage, gas, citywide communications), Incident Command Site or Base Camp, Incident Evacuation Centers, local broadcast and radio Stations, etc.); • Major commercial activities/accounts critical to continuity of community services (e.g., gas stations, food stores, home supply stores, repair shops, eateries and lodging facilities, financial institutions, etc.;
• Reduce the total number of customers affected;
• Reduce the length of time customers have been without power.
In directing restoration efforts to best achieve the above priorities, UEU Operations Group personnel will generally find it most efficient to dedicate restoration resources to the following types of facilities in the following order of priority to optimally restore electric services:
• Transmission circuit (115 kV);
• Substation and Mendocino Power Plant Facilities;
• Distribution circuits (600 Amp -12 kV);
• Distribution feeders (200 Amp – 12 kV);
• Distribution transformers;
• Service lines.
8. EVALUATION OF THE PLAN [PRC-8387 (b)(2)(N)]
A. METRICS FOR MEASURING PLAN PERFORMANCE [PRC-8387 (b)(2)(D)] The purpose of the WMP is to reduce wildfires caused by utility equipment and the incident rate of utility caused wildfires as the primary metric. Other metrics exist to determine if the risk of wildfire is being reduced. Five primary metrics are identified and will be used to measure the effectiveness of UEU’s WMP. Note that SP 901 requires consideration of how previous versions of the WMP’s metrics have informed the current WMP. Two metrics were originally used in the WMP during years 2020 and 2022; Fire Ignitions and Wires Down. UEU felt that the two original metrics were not sufficient to adequately assess the performance of the plan therefore, for the 2023 WMP update, UEU has added additional metrics to increase oversight into potential ignition sources.
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
25 Metric 1: Fire Ignitions
For purposes of this metric, a fire ignition is defined as follows:
a) UEU facility was associated with the fire;
b) The fire was self-propagating and of a material other than electrical and/or communication facilities;
c) UEU has knowledge that the fire occurred.
In future Wildfire Mitigation Plans, UEU will provide information on any known ignitions. The table below provides a summary of known ignitions.
The intent of this metric is to review and investigate equipment that due to its design, age, construction, or condition should be replaced to reduce the risk of wildfire. There was one ignition in 2019 outside of the fire threat area due to a failed porcelain insulator that ignited a rosemary bush at the base of a pole, and it was extinguished before traveling more than one linear meter from the ignition point. This ignition did not meet the City’s definition of ignition in the 2020 WMP. The definition was revised in the 2023 WMP to include all ignitions, regardless of the distance of travel. In 2023, a grass fire was started in the Tier 1 area due to a vehicular accident. The fire was contained quickly.
Metric 2: Wires Down
The second metric is the number of distribution and transmission wires downed within UEU’s service territory. For purposes of this metric, a wires down event includes any instance where an electric transmission or primary distribution conductorfallsto the ground or onto a foreign object.
Calendar Year
2020 2021 2022 2023
Metric
UEU Territory
Inside Tier 2
Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT
Area
UEU Territory
Inside Tier 2
Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT
Area
UEU Territory
Inside Tier 2
Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT
Area
UEU Territory
Inside Tier 2
Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT
Area
Ignitions caused by
Utility Equipment
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1*
* 2023 Grass fire caused by vehicular accident resulting in significant damage to pole and subsequently wire down.
Ignitions Caused by Utility Equipment
Year UEU Territory Inside
Tier 2 Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT Area
2020 0 0
2021 0 0
2022 0 0
2023 0 1*
2024 0 0
* 2023 Grass fire caused by vehicular accident resulting in significant damage to pole and subsequently wire down. Page 308 of 398 Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
26 UEU will divide the wires down metric between wires down inside and outside of the High Fire Threat District. UEU will not normalize this metric by excluding unusual events, such as severe storms. Instead,UEU willsupplementthis metric with a qualitative description of any such unusual events. The table below summarizes known instances of wires down.
The 2024 wire down incident occurred when a connection to 6 solid copper wire burned off and dropped the wire to the ground. UEU is working to replace all 6 solid copper wire on the system due to the age of the wire.
Metric 3: Inspection Records and Maintenance
System inspections and timely maintenance is one of the leading methods to improve system safety and reliability. UEU follows GO 95 and GO 165 for inspection schedules and performs additional patrols of overhead lines in high fire threat areas yearly, beginning in the spring of each year. Needed maintenance or repairs identified during these inspections will be tracked and given priority in the work schedule.
Calendar Year
2020 2021 2022 2023
Metric
UEU Territory
Inside Tier 2
Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT
Area
UEU Territory
Inside Tier 2
Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT
Area
UEU Territory
Inside Tier 2
Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT
Area
UEU Territory
Inside Tier 2
Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT
Area
Wires Down 0 1 0 1* 0 0 0 3
* This incident of wires down was caused by a car crashing into the pole.
Wire Down
Year UEU Territory Inside
Tier 2 Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT Area
2020 0 0
2021 0 0
2022 0 0
2023 0 1*
2024 1 0
* 2023 Grass fire caused by vehicular accident resulting in significant damage to pole and subsequently wire down.
Calendar Year
2020 2021 2022 2023
Metric
Grids
Completed -
Patrols
Grids
Completed -
Detailed
Grids
Completed -
Patrols
Grids
Completed -
Detailed
Grids
Completed -
Patrols
Grids
Completed -
Detailed
Grids
Completed -
Patrols
Grids
Completed -
Detailed
Inspection Records 27 27 27 0 27 0 0* 0**
* No formal records were produced, however, Journeyman patrols are completed regularly. ** Detailed inspections scheduled for summer 2024
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Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
27 Inspection Records
Year Grids - Completed Patrols Grids Completed - Detailed 2020 27 27
2021 27 0
2022 27 0
2023 0 0
2024 18 0
Metric 4: Vegetation Management
UEU maintains proper vegetation clearance from utility lines with the assistance of qualified highvoltage tree trimming contractors. The contractors work under the direction of the utility’s Superintendent to ensure that proper clearance is met. Vegetation management is completed on a yearly basis. All 27 Grids in UEU’s service territory are trimmed every year. In 2024, enhanced vegetation management was completed in areas adjacent to the Tier 2 wildfire threat area as part of the grant funding obtained for wildfire mitigation.
Metric 5: Overhead Equipment Failures
The failure of overhead utility equipment can be a source of ignition. This metric will provide the data to recognize any patterns that can be identified to ensure that equipment is replaced proactively. The number of failures will be reported annually.
Calendar Year
2020 2021 2022 2023
Metric
UEU Territory
Inside Tier 2
Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT
Area
UEU Territory
Inside Tier 2
Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT
Area
UEU Territory
Inside Tier 2
Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT
Area
UEU Territory
Inside Tier 2
Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT
Area
Overhead Equipment
Failure
2 1 0 0 0 1 1 1
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Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
28 B. IMPACT OF METRICS ON PLAN
In the initial years,UEUanticipatesthatthere will be relatively limited data gathered through these metrics. However, asthe data collection history becomesmore robust,UEU will be able to identify areas of its operations and service territory that are disproportionately impacted. UEU will then evaluate potential improvements to the plan.
C. MONITORING AND AUDITING THE PLAN
Review of this WMP will occur annually and any lessons learned will have the highest priority for improving steps in the plan, any reference programs, and the process for implementation. UEU will present this plan to the Ukiah City Council on an annual basis. The comprehensiveness of this WMP will be assessed by and independent evaluator with experience in assessing the safe operation of electrical infrastructure. The independent evaluator shall issue a report that will be presented to the Ukiah City Council and be made available on the City’s Website.
D. IDENTIFYING AND CORRECTING DEFICIENCIES IN THE PLAN
UEU staff and qualified external stakeholders are encouraged to identify Wildfire Mitigation Plan deficiencies or potential deficiencies to the Electric Utility Director as soon as possible when observed. The Electric Utility Director shall evaluate each reported deficiency and, if the deficiency is determined to be a valid plan deficiency, it shall be entered into a log with the following information:
• Date the deficiency was discovered;
• Description of the deficiency;
• Source identifying the deficiency (e.g., Internal Audit); • Priority based on deficiency severity;
• Assigned corrective action including the date when it must be completed by; • Assigned staff responsible for completing the corrective action; • Date corrective action completed.
The Electric Utility Director will go over the log at regularly scheduled Leadership and Supervisor Meetings.
Overhead Equipment Failure
Year UEU Territory Inside
Tier 2 Threat Area
UEU Territory
Outside FT Area
2020 2 1
2021 0 0
2022 0 1
2023 1 1
2024 0 0
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
29 During the 2023, major revision of UEU’s WMP, it was determined that the original metrics implemented in the original WMP were not sufficient and needed to be reviewed to ensure that the WMP met UEU’s high standards of service. Additional metrics with data from the 2020-2022 years were added to the 2023 revision of the plan and will continue to be monitored.
E. MONITORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INSPECTIONS
UEU will perform inspections on either an annual, 5-year or 10-year cycle, based on GO 95 and GO 165 or fire mitigation recommendations. Any areas found that need improvement or appear hazardous will be documented with a work order, given a priority, and the work order will be tracked. When completed the work order will have a close date.
The Electric Utility Director will assign qualified internal staff or engage a third party to review and audit the equipment and line inspection programs called out in the Wildfire Mitigation Plan after the completion of the first six months of the plan. The assigned auditor will:
• Review records for the inspection programs;
• Interview staff performing inspections to assess their knowledge of the inspection programs;
• Monitor staff performing inspection activities;
• Review deficiencies noted in the programs;
• Identify systemic issues or problems;
• Note the timeliness of corrective actions;
• Pick a random sample of some completed corrective actions and verify the effectiveness of the corrective actions; and
• Issue a written report of findings.
The Superintendent of Utility Operations will review the audit findings and assign corrective action as applicable. A copy of the audit report will be routed to the Director.
9. INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
Public Utilities Code section 8387(c) requires UEU to contract with a qualified independent evaluator with experience in assessing the safe operation of electrical infrastructure to review and assess the comprehensiveness of this Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
UEU had the Plan reviewed using Power Engineers in June of 2020 following initial approval of the City Council in November 2019.
The report from the independent evaluator is available on UEU’s website. The results of the independent evaluator were presented to the Ukiah City Council at a public meeting on June 17, 2020.
Subsequent revisions of the WMP, including the 2023 major update will be presented to the Ukiah
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
30 Valley Fire Chief to evaluate the plan. The Fire Chief’s comments will be treated as an independent auditor and will be incorporated, as needed, into future revisions.
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
31 Appendix A
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Prevention Program
1. Introduction
A. Purpose
The purpose of the Ukiah Electric Utility (UEU) Wildfire Prevention Program is to establish a framework for the electric utility to conduct an effective, coordinated program to prevent catastrophic impacts to its infrastructure from wildfire. This program is a significant component of the UEU Wildfire Mitigation Plan required by SB901. The Program aims to prevent the start of wildfires from utility operations in and around the City of Ukiah.
B. Goals & Objectives
a. Prevent electric utility caused wildfire by identifying hazards that pose a potential threat of ignition.
b. Prioritize prevention efforts by increasing inspections on overhead lines in tier 2 fire threat areas.
c. Improve and increase fuel reduction activities conducted during inspections. d. Develop enhanced inspection techniques using Infrared Technology. e. Develop a drone inspection program for overhead lines. f. Create community awareness for utility wildfire prevention.
2. Strategy/Scope of Work
A. Detailed Corrective Maintenance Program Inspections
UEU performs a service territory-wide inspection of its electric distribution system on inspection cycles outlined by General Order 95 (GO95) and General Order 128 (GO128).
In general, utilities must patrol their systems once a year in urban areas and conduct detailed inspections at a minimum of every three to five years. These inspections help mitigate wildfire risk by providing additional information about the electric distribution system and conditions that could result in ignition.
UEU will implement a detailed inspection of facilities in the Tier 2 areas of the City on an annual basis, in late spring, and expanding the inspections to include additional fuels reduction and vegetation management in mid-summer. The following resources will be used to accomplish this:
• UEU-CPUC Fire Threat Map
• Department Inspection Checklist
As part of its efforts to make its electric system more resistant to wildfires, UEU designed and actively maintains a vegetation management program aimed at keeping trees and brush clear of power lines. In areas where current GO95 rules are currently met, UEU is evaluating and assessing areas where vegetation management may need to exceed GO95 requirements, eliminating vegetation overhang near power lines and
Ukiah Electric Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan
32 increasing the clearance distances. In identified high risk areas that boarder or are close to Tier 2 wildfire threat areas, the radial clearance of branches or foliage from bare conductors will be increased to 12’.
UEU’s strategy for conducting its vegetation management program focuses on annual, routine inspections. In 2020, UEU began an electronic tree database to project growth and cycles of trimming needed to maintain clearances. The database includes information pertaining to the tree including species, height, diameter, growth rate and clearance. This history provides UEU information on trimming cycles and which trees require work annually.
UEU’s vegetation management operations are conducted in compliance with the City’s Tree Management Guidelines and the City’s Landmark Tree Program Guidelines and Policies. All debris associated with pruning operations are chipped and recycled.
B. UEU piloted a program utilizing infrared (IR) inspections for overhead distribution equipment in 2019 to identify potential issues on electrical equipment and connections that are not identifiable during visual inspections. These issues could potentially lead to wire down or result in ignition sources on the system. The program proved to be extremely successful identifying several instances that would have resulted in significant outage time and lead the Utility to extend the inspections to include underground facilities. Due to the success of the IR Pilot, UEU intends to create a formalized program for periodic IR inspections. The program will include the assembly of a thermography team that will be responsible for performing quality checks on equipment and facilities. These inspections will initially be performed annually in the high fire threat areas. Frequency of these inspections will be evaluated to determine if yearly inspections are warranted.
C. UEU has enhanced its existing inspection efforts by implementing and utilizing drones.
In spring of 2022, UEU began IR inspections using a drone, providing an up close look at the system infrastructure. This innovative technology is capable of capturing imagery from multiple angles, including above and allows qualified personnel to gain visual perspective that cannot be gained from ground inspections. The images and data obtained by these inspections will be evaluated by engineering staff to assess risk, determine trends and patterns of infractions. Drone technology has the potential to rapidly detect problems before they become a safety issue.
D. UEU will coordinate with the City Manager’s office to educate the public on the UEU’s wildfire prevention activities. Dissemination of information will be done through a variety of channels such as UEU’s quarterly newsletter, Facebook and the City’s website.
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¡¡¢£¤¥¦§ ¨¡£¤¦¤ `iaYjX`ZjVkuVXXhZ[jl`p`dViX`Zj }`X[ZaYlbp`y©[amubªqt Xa[de«¬«®¯°±²³«´µ¶·¸¹º´¯»«·¼ ½ess¾¾tª|ess¾¾t {`n^[j`e°¿ÀÁÁ»«´µ¶·¸¹º´¯»«·¼Á«·¼¼¹Ã´µ¶ÄűƱ®·¿¼±ÃµÁ Correspondence received for Agenda Item 11
300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707)463-6200 · Fax: (707)463-6204 ·www.cityofukiah.com April 17, 2025
Office of the State Fire Marshall
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Information
715 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
VIA EMAIL: [email protected]
Re: Public Comments from City of Ukiah Regarding 2025 Updated Maps for Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Ukiah Local Responsibility Area To Whom it May Concern:
The City of Ukiah respectfully submits the following comments related to the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps released on February 24, 2025, for the City of Ukiah Local Responsibility Area.
1. Our research shows potential errors in the OSFM mapping process for the Ukiah LRA and SRA that may be causing the probability of the area burning to appear greater.
A video posted by CALFIRE on December 14, 2022i provides a description of the modeling and methodology utilized by OSFM and CALFIRE to produce the FHSZs, describing that zones are defined by the probability of the area burning and the vegetation type and climate. The video notes that a fire perimeter for historical fires for the years 1991-2020 was used to determine the probability of the area burning. There were no significant wildland fires in the western Ukiah LRA or the Ukiah western hills portion of the SRA within this 30-year period.
CALFIRE’s FHSZ frequently asked questions document notes “factors considered in determining fire hazard within wildland areas are fire history, flame length, terrain, local weather, and potential fuel over a 50-year period.”ii There were no significant wildland fires in the western Ukiah LRA or the Ukiah western hills portion of the SRA within this 50-year period.
OSFM then notes in its Initial Statement of Reasons (ISOR) the use of fire history data from the CALFIRE Fire Resource and Assessment Program (FRAP). Within the California Times Burned Public View, the burn rate for the western hills portion of the SRA depicts a burn rate of 2 times due to two fires that burned in the area in 1950 (Fish Hatchery) and 1952 (Orr’s Creek), respectively, and a small fire overlap area.
iii These two fires occurred prior to both the 30-year (referred to in the OSFM video) and 50-year (referred to in CALFIRE’s frequently asked questions document) time periods.
There is no information provided about the impacts of OSFM’s over-counting of historical fires or the utilization of a 70-year history, compared to a 30-year or 50-year history, for determining the FHSZs.
Because of these inconsistencies, we believe OSFM’s data sources may be causing the probability of the area burning to be more severe than historically proven, distorting the FHSZ severity in this area.
Attachment #1
300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707)463-6200 · Fax: (707)463-6204 ·www.cityofukiah.com
2. Other scientifically-based proprietary software modeling platforms such as First Street depict a wildfire hazard consistent with OSFM’s 2007 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps for the City of Ukiah LRA but not consistent with the 2025 OSFM FHSZ Maps. We cannot find justification provided within OSFM’s methodology for such a significant expansion of the Very High FHSZ within the Ukiah LRA.
Within the attached Map Comparisons,
iv please see Map Comparison 1, showing consistencies
between the wildfire intensity (flame length) provided by First Street and OSFM’s 2007 FHSZ map, which has remained mostly the same throughout the period 2007-2024. See, for example, the intensity description noting the low intensity beyond the wildland-urban interface (WUI). No such consistency is found to justify the Very High FHSZ expansion on the western side of the Ukiah urbanized area. We only find standardized data on CAL FIRE’s website for the City of Ukiah LRA.
3. No scientific data is provided by OSFM to describe how ember transport is modeled.
Instead, CALFIRE’s reliance on “local distributions of observed wind speed and direction values” introduces qualitative analysis into an otherwise quantitatively driven mapping process. Additionally, no data is provided about the quantification of flame length.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Western Regional Climate Center provides prevailing wind speed and direction through its Wind Rose system. In reviewing wind speed and direction over the period 2007-2018, Wind Rose depicts the prevailing winds with the strongest wind speeds to be out of the north and northwest and the frequency of prevailing winds trending primarily northwest (see Figure 1). This appears to be in stark contrast to OSFM’s observations, which seem to presume a westerly prevailing wind, as evidenced by OSFM’s expansion of the Very High FHSZ directly east into Ukiah’s urbanized areas.
Please also see Map Comparison 2, again showing consistencies between the Ember Likelihood data provided by First Street and the 2007 Ukiah LRA FHSZ map. As with #2 above, there is no such consistency between this data and CAL FIRE’s analysis related to ember cast.
An internet search revealed a 1989 white paper by the U.S. Department of Forestry titled Measuring and interpreting Flame Height in Wildland Fires, with mathematical calculations to measure fire line intensity and flame length.v No such modeling or methodology is provided on CALFIRE’s website for flame length.
Because the OSFM fire hazard severity model relies upon qualitative data and lacks flame length modeling beyond the WUI, fire hazard severity for Ukiah’s western urbanized area appears exaggerated.
4. OSFM’s expansion of the Very High FHSZ into the City of Ukiah urbanized area is expected to cause significant disruption in terms of housing availability and fire mitigation efforts, as well as being misaligned with OSFM’s and the City’s consistent planning in these areas over the last approximately 40 years.
The City of Ukiah is a ProHousing community and earned this designation, in part, through innovative policies designed to streamline infill housing within the City’s small urban footprint.
300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707)463-6200 · Fax: (707)463-6204 ·www.cityofukiah.com OSFM’s previous mapping of FHSZs aligned with the City of Ukiah’s western hills actual wildlandurban interface, producing consistency in fire prevention and planning efforts and providing natural buffers enabling housing where appropriate. OSFM’s expansion of the Very High FHSZ, particularly in the western portion of Ukiah city limits, will significantly constrain the City’s future ability to produce housing for residents.
The City utilized previous FHSZ maps, which have remained largely consistent from 2007 to 2024, to progress large-scale fuel reduction and other fire mitigation projects in the Ukiah western hills. The 2025 FHSZ maps, particularly the expansion of the Very High FHSZ into the western urbanized area of Ukiah’s LRA, turns this work on its head.
Because of the reasons cited in this letter, we do not have a scientifically clear understanding of why the Very High FHSZ has expanded so significantly into the City’s western urbanized area, leading us to believe there are likely substantive errors in the mapping process. We strongly urge OSFM and CALFIRE to re-evaluate mapping within the City of Ukiah’s LRA.
To engage with City staff on this request, please contact Craig Schlatter, Director of Community Development, at 707-463-6219 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Douglas F. Crane, Mayor
Ukiah City Council
CC: Senate President Pro Tempore, District 2 State Senator Mike McGuire District 2 State Assemblymember Chris Rogers
Maureen “Mo” Mulheren, Second District Supervisor, County of Mendocino Susan Sher, Vice Mayor, Ukiah City Council
Juan Orozco, Ukiah City Council
Mari Rodin, Ukiah City Council
Heather Criss, Ukiah City Council
Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager
Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager
Doug Hutchison, Chief, Ukiah Valley Fire Authority
Matt Keizer, Fire Code Official, Ukiah Valley Fire Authority
300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707)463-6200 · Fax: (707)463-6204 ·www.cityofukiah.com Figure 1
Wind Rose Prevailing Wind Speed and Direction – Ukiah, CA
300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707)463-6200 · Fax: (707)463-6204 ·www.cityofukiah.com Map 1 Comparisons
First Street Average Wildfire Intensity, 30-Year
Period
Dora Street
300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707)463-6200 · Fax: (707)463-6204 ·www.cityofukiah.com Map 1 Comparisons
2007 FHSZ Map and 2025 FHSZ Map
2007 Ukiah LRA FHSZ Map 2025 Ukiah LRA FHSZ Map
Dora Street
300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707)463-6200 · Fax: (707)463-6204 ·www.cityofukiah.com Map 2 Comparisons
First Street Ember Likelihood, 30-Year Period
Dora Street
300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707)463-6200 · Fax: (707)463-6204 ·www.cityofukiah.com Map 2 Comparisons
2007 FHSZ Map and 2025 FHSZ Map
2007 Ukiah LRA FHSZ Map 2025 Ukiah LRA FHSZ Map
Dora Street
300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707)463-6200 · Fax: (707)463-6204 ·www.cityofukiah.com Endnotes (Sources Cited)
i “Methods for Creating Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps.” California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, CALFIRE TV, 14 December 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXwnUCFVGxI&t=3s ii “Frequently Asked Questions About: 2024 Fire Hazard Severity Zones.” California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 18 December 2024, https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/communitywildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones. iii “Historical Fire Perimeters, Burn Frequency- California Times Burned Public View.” California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Perimeters GIS webpage: https://www.fire.ca.gov/whatwe-do/fire-resource-assessment-program/fire-perimeters. iv First Street Foundation. (2022). First Street Foundation Aggregated Wildfire Risk Summary Statistics V1.0 [Data set]; and First Street Foundation. (2022). First Street Foundation’s 5th National Risk Assessment Fueling the Flames. Zenodo. https://zenodo.org/records/6564731 v Simard, A., Blank, R., & Hobrla, S. (1989). Measuring and Interpreting Flame Height in Wildland Fires.
Fire Technology. 25(2): 114-133.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY Gavin Newsom, Governor “The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection serves and safeguards the people and protects the property and resources of California.”
DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
P.O. Box 944246
SACRAMENTO, CA 94244-2460
(916) 568-3800
Website: www.fire.ca.gov
April 25, 2025,
Dear Mayor Crane:
Thank you for your email concerning Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the City of Ukiah. The model identifying FHSZ’s by the Office of the State Fire Marshal used the best available data. My office investigated the specific issues you raised in your letter, and we believe that our model identifying FHSZ’s is accurate. Below are more detailed responses to the issues you raised in your letter.
1. There is a misunderstanding of how burn probability is modeled. Areas are grouped into fire rotation strata based on fuel type, climate area, and whether the area is developed or not (as based on census criteria). These strata are then assessed by the relative proportion of area that has burned over the 30-year historic period to determine the average likelihood that any area (irrespective of actual fire occurrence on that area) – will burn in a future year. Stated specifically, the presence or absence of fire history only reflects its impact on the estimate of expected fire probability though the average assessment across all lands in a given strata. However, as a matter of historical trend, a significant driver of increased hazard in the area under question is due to prevalence of recent large fires in areas similar to (and modeled as analogous) to these lands. In sum, fires since 2007 in the general region have caused expected hazard to increase due to higher burn probability as modeled.
2. First Street and other hazard modeling approaches differ in scope and modeling components than FHSZ and may show different results. A significant difference in the two models is that FHSZ is specific to the distribution of calculated hazard values across California, whereas First Street is based on a nationwide (lower 48) data distribution. A significant driver of increased hazard in the area under question is due to the prevalence of recent large fires in areas similar to (and modeled as analogous) to the areas under question. Fires since 2007 in the general region have caused the expected hazard to increase due to higher burn probability as modeled.
Attachment #2
3. The firebrand sub-model used in FHSZ is both probabilistic and mechanistic and is qualitative. Model methods describing the ember module covering production, transport, accumulation and finally, assessment as a costfunction element in the non-wildland buffer routine are available online.
Additionally, data products in the data package (both SRA data package and LRA data package to cover both areas required for mapping under statute) are available for review in GIS systems. In general terms, firebrands originate in wildland fuels, and the number is a function of burn probability, fire type (surface or crown) and Fireline Intensity.
Transport is a probabilistic function of hourly wind vectors represented by the most severe dry winds as modeled in the 2 km weather reanalysis used in the effort in conjunction with stylized brand density kernels. Brands are then accumulated at the cell level and the final distribution of raw modeled brands are classified into three equal quantile classes, which are used as cost-function coefficients similar to how slope and vegetation are used to shrink or expand the width of the non-wildland buffer widths that start at the wildland edge.
4. This is a policy assessment, but the finding that zoning adversely impacts mitigation seems to run counter to fire safety regulation requirements that accompany designations of FHSZ under statute. The objectives of FHSZ zoning are to provide required mitigations to reduce losses.
Thank you again for your commitment to public safety and fire preparedness.
Sincerely,
JIM MCDOUGALD
Assistant Deputy Director,
Community Wildfire Planning & Risk Reduction
1 Craig Schlatter
From: Craig Schlatter
Sent: Monday, May 5, 2025 9:10 AM
To: CALFIRE State Fire Marshal
Subject: RE: Public Comments from City of Ukiah Regarding 2025 Updated Maps for Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Ukiah Local Responsibility Area
Attachments: Side by Side- Ukiah.Santa Rosa FHSZs.pdf
Mr. McDougald:
Thank you for the addiƟonal informaƟon provided in your response. Unfortunately, we are sƟll not completely understanding CAL FIRE’s reasoning and hope you would be willing to provide addiƟonal informaƟon. SpeciĮcally:
1. CAL FIRE’s response notes: However, as a maƩer of historical trend, a signiĮcant driver of increased hazard in the area under quesƟon is due to prevalence of recent large Įres in areas similar to (and modeled as analogous) to these lands. In sum, Įres since 2007 in the general region have caused expected hazard to increase due to higher burn probability as modeled.
x What is the area of the “general region,” and how was the size of this region determined? I assume the Įres since 2007 noted in the CAL FIRE response refer to the Mendocino Complex Įres in 2017? x Respecƞully, when we look south to our neighbors in the Santa Rosa region, we do not see consistency in CAL FIRE’s reasoning. With the excepƟon of a couple small areas on Santa Rosa’s far east side, we do not see an area of the Santa Rosa LRA within a very high Įre hazard severity zone. This seems odd given the destrucƟon of the 2017 Tubbs Fire, the most signiĮcant wildĮre in California’s history at theƟme. o Could you please provide addiƟonal data and/or methodological explanaƟon to describe why the Ukiah LRA and Santa Rosa LRA would be so diīerent in Įre hazard severity zone mapping? o AƩached is a sideͲbyͲside comparison of the Ukiah LRA and Santa Rosa LRA, using the Topo base layer funcƟon available in the CAL FIRE FHSZ viewer.
2. CAL FIRE’s response on #2 oīers the same reasoning as #1ͲA signiĮcant driver of increased hazard in the area under quesƟon is due to the prevalence of recent large Įres in areas similar to (and modeled as analogous) to the areas under quesƟon. As the City of Ukiah noted in its April 17 leƩer, CAL FIRE and OSFM use three diīerent historicalƟme ranges to document the probability of the area burning: 70 years, 50 years, and 30 years. It would appear with CAL FIRE’s most recent response, there is a fourthƟme period of 18 years. x WhatƟme period is CAL FIRE/OSFM using to track historical Įre acƟvity? x What are the areas similar to (and modeled as analogous) to the areas under quesƟon? Is CAL FIRE using other ciƟes of similar size to Ukiah as a standardized model and basing its determinaƟon of Įre hazard severity for Ukiah oīthis model?
x If so, upon what data is CAL FIRE basing its determinaƟon that such a standardized model would be more accurate than the First Street modeling?
3. I appreciate the detail CAL FIRE provided in #3. Could you please provide the local data that was uƟlized within the model? What speciĮc locallyͲbased ember transport indicators were used? Regards,
Craig Schlatter, AICP
Community Development Director
Attachment #3
2 Department of Community Development
300 Seminary Ave. Ukiah, CA 95482
Email: [email protected]
P: (707) 463Ͳ6219 F: (707) 463Ͳ6204
Website: http://www.cityofukiah.com/communityͲdevelopment/ From: CALFIRE State Fire Marshal <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, April 25, 2025 4:24 PM
To: Craig Schlatter <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comments from City of Ukiah Regarding 2025 Updated Maps for Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Ukiah Local Responsibility Area
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Please see our response to Public Comments from City of Ukiah Regarding 2025 Updated Maps for Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Ukiah Local Responsibility Area.
Jim McDougald
Assistant Deputy Director
Community Wildfire Planning
& Risk Reduction
855 M Street, Fresno CA 93721
(916) 216-1452 Cell
For wildfire preparedness and prevention tips
Visit: ReadyForWildfire.org.
SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON OF FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAPPING (USA Topo Maps)
UKIAH LRA AND SANTA ROSA LRA
Source: CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer, Phase 2 Rollout: February 24, 2025
Agenda Item No: 13.a.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/7/2025
ITEM NO: 2025-430
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
SUBJECT: Status Report on Emergency Contract with Diamond D Construction, LLC for the Emergency Repair of the Western Hills Mudslide at the City Water Tank (Pressure Zone 1-North, or PZ1-N) and Request for Authorization to Continue Work Under This Emergency Contract.
DEPARTMENT: Water Resources PREPARED BY: Sean White, Water Resources Director PRESENTER: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution 2025-08 - Emergency Procurement for Mudslide at PZ1
2. Diamond D Estimate for PZ1
3. Purchase Order for Diamond D Slide
4. Slide Pictures
Summary: Council will receive a status report on the contract with Diamond D Construction for the emergency repair of the Western Hills mudslide at the City water tank and consider approving continued work.
Background: During the major rain event on February 4-5, a mudslide occurred in the western hills, settling at the base of a City water tank referred to at Pressure Zone 1-North (PZ1-N). Due to the muddy conditions, slope of the hillside, and specialized nature of the repairs, City crews determined that a professional contractor would be required to perform the work. Additionally, significant rain was forecast for the following days, causing concern that the water tank and hillside would potentially be compromised if emergency repairs did not commence immediately.
On February 19, 2025, City Council approved a Resolution approving the procurement without public bidding of construction services to repair the mudslide at the City water tank in the western hills (Attachment 1).
Discussion: Staff worked with the Procurement Department to assess availability and obtain proposals from local contractors. Diamond D Construction was available to begin immediately and was determined to be qualified to do the work (Attachments 2 and 3).
Work to temporarily remediate the site began on February 7th and was completed on February 12th. Work involved removing material at the toe of the slope that had built up against the tank and removing material perched immediately above the tank. Due to the extremely wet condition of the site, only material within the reach of an excavator could be graded or removed. A small ditch was also cut in the hillside above the tank to redirect runoff.
The slide area was then tarped to protect it from rainfall. City Staff also added jute netting to other portions of the site to further protect the hillside. See Attachment 4 for pictures of remediation efforts.
Once the area has dried, further grading will be required. No further work beyond the initial site remediation has been able to be performed.
To fully stabilize, this site will require a geotechnical investigation and plan, followed by extensive earthwork.
Staff is requesting the Council's approval to continue using the emergency contract with Diamond D Construction, LLC.
Recommended Action: Receive report and approve the continued work on the emergency contract with Diamond D Construction for the emergency repair of the Western Hills mudslide at the City water tank PZ1-N.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: TBD
CURRENT BUDGET AMOUNT:
PROPOSED BUDGET AMOUNT:
FINANCING SOURCE: Water Fund; 82027113-80230-18234
REVENUE: YES / No GRANT: YES / No
PREVIOUS CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER NO.: PO 48757-00
COORDINATED WITH: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager; Sean White, Water Resources Director STRATEGIC PLAN (SP):
CLIMATE INITIATIVES (CI):
GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS (GP):
Attachment 1
Attachment
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Attachment 4
Agenda Item No: 13.b.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/7/2025
ITEM NO: 2025-434
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
SUBJECT: Consider Resolution to Adopt an Initial Study, Mitigated Negative Declaration, and Mitigation and Monitoring Reporting Program for the Development of an Additional Municipal Well.
DEPARTMENT: Water Resources PREPARED BY: Sean White, Water Resources Director PRESENTER: Sean White, Water Resources Director
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Final IS-MND - Ukiah New Municipal Well Project
2. Reso Adopt IS-MND and MMRP-Ukiah New Municipal Well
Summary: Council will consider a resolution to adopt an Initial Study, Mitigated Negative Declaration, and Mitigation and Monitoring Reporting Program for the development of an additional municipal well.
Background: Following the recent successive years of intense drought, it became apparent that City would benefit from the development of an additional well to provide redundancy to the City's existing well field.
Development of an additional well is Intermediate-Term Objective 2023-4 and is also in the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list.
In 2024, the City hired GHD to assist the City with the development of an additional municipal well to provide redundancy to the City's existing well field. GHD is in the process of reviewing existing site reconnaissance, recommending potential sites, developing test wells, analyzing test wells, recommending a site or sites, and designing a future facility. Reconnaissance was guided by the existing 2006 Well Siting study. The preferred location is a City-owned vineyard near the end of Airport Park Boulevard (referred to as "Ukiah Redevelopment Agency near Airport" in the 2006 Well Siting study.
Well development requires compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Water Resources Staff retained SMB Environmental, Inc. to conduct the environmental compliance for the project being developed by GHD.
Discussion: In order to comply with CEQA, SMB Environmental prepared an IS (Initial Study)/MND (Mitigated Negative Declaration) to analyze the potential environmental effects of the Proposed Project. On February 27, 2025, to initiate public review of the Draft IS/MND, the City filed a Notice of Completion (NOC) for the project with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (State Clearinghouse or SCH) and a Notice of Intent (NOI)/Availability (NOA) with the County of Mendocino and released the Public Draft IS/MND for a 30-day public review. As shown in the final IS/MND and MMRP (Mitigation and Monitoring Reporting Program) (Attachment 1), two comment letters were received during the 30-day public review period. One from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and the other from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Comment letters, as well as responses to their comments, can be found in Chapter 2 of the attached Final IS/MND and MMRP document.
Staff recommends the City Council approve the findings of the attached Final IS/MND and MMRP and adopt a Resolution (Attachment 2) adopting the IS/MND and MMRP for the development of an additional municipal well.
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution to adopt an Initial Study, Mitigated Negative Declaration, and Mitigation and Monitoring Reporting Program for development of an additional municipal Well.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: No
CURRENT BUDGET AMOUNT: N/A
PROPOSED BUDGET AMOUNT: N/A
FINANCING SOURCE: N/A
REVENUE: Yes / No GRANT: Yes / No
PREVIOUS CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER NO.:
COORDINATED WITH: Sean White, Water Resources Director
STRATEGIC PLAN (SP): SP 2A - Continue the development and maintenance of a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan that considers the climate impacts of those improvements.
CLIMATE INITIATIVES (CI): 7a – Expand sustainable water practices.
GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS (GP):GP-A4 - Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element; GP-A5 - Environment and Sustainability Element
City of Ukiah
New Municipal Well Project
Final Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration
SCH # 2025021131
Prepared by:
SMB Environmental, Inc.
April 2025
City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project
Final IS/MND
April 2025 i
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction................................................................................................ 1-1 Chapter 2 Comments Received ................................................................................. 2-1 Chapter 3 Responses to Comments ......................................................................... 3-1 Chapter 4 Revisions to the Public Draft IS/MND ...................................................... 4-1 Chapter 5 CEQA Findings and Determination: ........................................................ 5-1 Appendicies
Appendix A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program ..................................A-1
City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project
Final IS/MND
April 2025 1-1
Chapter 1 Introduction
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; Public Resources Code Section 21000, et seq. and CEQA Guidelines), the City of Ukiah (City) prepared a Public Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) to evaluate potential environmental impacts associated with the City’s proposed New Municipal Well Project (Proposed Project).
The Proposed Project is located within the City of Ukiah on lands owned by the City, located approximately 1,500 feet southeast of the City of Ukiah Municipal Airport at/near the intersection of Nygard Lane and Highway 101. Specifically, the subject parcels are located approximately 722 feet east of the Ukiah Municipal Airport within the Airport Industrial Park Planned Development, which is designated for 'Manufacturing' land use. The project area includes two assessor parcels (APN 180-110-12 and APN 180- 120-15). APN 180-110-12 is a vacant, undeveloped property, while APN 180-120-15 is an existing vineyard parcel currently in agricultural use, but also subject to the same manufacturing land use designation. Both parcels are situated along a former railroad corridor and are located to the north of the US 101 overpass at Norgard Lane (County Road #211).
The purpose of the Proposed Project is to construct a new well with a capacity of approximately 600 to 1,000 gallons per minute (gpm) to help the City maintain and continue to provide its existing customers with safe and reliable water supply. The Proposed Project would consist of construction and operation of a new municipal water well within an enclosed building approximately 20-feet by 40-feet by 10-feet high, which would occur in five phases. The first phase would be the construction of a test well to determine the potential capacity of the well and to test for water quality of the aquifer. If the capacity of the well and the water quality meet Health Department standards, then the second phase for drilling and developing the well.
This phase would drill the well hole and install blank and louvered casing to the necessary depths for the well. The third phase would be the installation of the pump and motor equipment. This would include the construction/installation of a drive motor, discharge line, sand separator, building, fencing, site lighting, electrical equipment and other site improvements. The fifth and last phase would be the construction of a 12-inch transmission line that would run to the north and south along the railroad for approximately 1,500- feet and tie into the City’s existing 12-inch groundwater transmission line. The pipeline would be trenched and buried approximately 3-feet deep below the existing ground surface. The new well will help provide water supply and pressure requirements for the area.
On February 27, 2025, to initiate public review of the Draft IS/MND, the City filed a Notice of Completion (NOC) for the project with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (State Clearinghouse or SCH) and a Notice of Intent (NOI)/Availability (NOA) with the County of Mendocino and released the Public Draft IS/MND for a 30-day public review. The State Clearinghouse identified the Project with SCH # 2025021131. The 30-day public review period was established between February 27 and March 31, 2025, with copies of the Draft IS/MND available for review on the City’s website https://cityofukiah.com/ceqareview/ and at the addresses below:
City of Ukiah, Public Works Administration Main Branch Library 300 Seminary Avenue 105 North Main Street
Ukiah, CA 95482 Ukiah, CA 95482
This Final IS/MND was prepared according to CEQA Guidelines and considers and incorporates all comments received by the State Clearinghouse and other agencies during the 30-day public review period. The purpose of this document is to clarify facts set forth in the February 2025Public Draft IS/MND, as necessary, to ensure accuracy. The City must consider the IS/MND, together
City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project
Final IS/MND
April 2025 1-2
with any comments received, before approving the Proposed Project (Public Resources Code Section 21091(f); and CEQA Guidelines Section 15074). The City has no affirmative duty to prepare formal responses to comments on the Public IS/MND, but should have adequate information on the record explaining why the comments do/do not affect the conclusion that there are no potential significant environmental effects. The City is required to, however, notify, in writing, any commenting agencies of the date of the meeting on the Proposed Project for which an IS/MND is prepared and will be decided upon for approval (Public Resources Code Section 21092.5(b); and CEQA Guideline Section 15073).
This Final IS/MND is being distributed to agencies, stakeholder organizations, and individuals who commented on the Public Draft IS/MND to ensure that interested parties have an opportunity to express their views regarding the environmental impacts of the project, and to ensure that information pertinent to permits and approvals is provided to decision makers for the City and CEQA responsible agencies. Comments from the public have been incorporated into the Final IS/MND for the City’s City Council to consider whether to approve the Proposed Project. The City is scheduled to make a final decision on the Proposed Project at its regularly scheduled City Council Meeting on May 7, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482.
City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project
Final IS/MND
April 2025 2-1
Chapter 2 Comments Received
During the 30-day public review period (February 27 through March 31, 2025) the City received two (2) comment letters regarding the Proposed Project. The City has reviewed and considered all of the comments received as follows in Table 2-1 below. Copies of the comment letters received are attached.
TABLE 2-1
COMMENTS RECEIVED
Date Commenting Agency
Comment
Letter
February 28,
2025
Tamara Purvis, Associate Environmental Planner
HWMP – Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
8800 Cal Center Drive
Sacramento, CA 95826-3200
A
March 28, 2025
Tina Bartlett, Regional Manager
Northern Region
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
601 Locust Street
Redding, CA 96001
B
dtsc.ca.gov
SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
February 28, 2025
Sean White
Water Resources Director
City of Ukiah
300 Seminary Drive
Ukiah, CA 95482
[email protected]
RE: MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR CITY OF UKIAH NEW MUNICIPAL WELL PROJECT DATED FEBRUARY 27, 2025, STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NUMBER 2025021131
Dear Sean White,
The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) reviewed the Mitigated Negative Declaration for City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project (Project). The purpose of the Proposed Project is to construct a new well with a capacity of approximately 600 to 1,000 gallons per minute to help the City maintain and continue to provide its existing customers with safe and reliable water supply. DTSC recommends and requests consideration of the following comments:
1. If buildings or other structures are to be demolished on any Project sites included in the proposed Project, surveys should be conducted for the presence of lead-based paints or products, mercury, asbestos containing materials, and polychlorinated biphenyl caulk. Removal, demolition, and disposal of any of the above-mentioned chemicals should be conducted in compliance with California environmental regulations and policies. In addition, sampling near current and/or former buildings should be conducted in
COMMENT LETTER - A
A-1
Sean White
February 28, 2025
accordance with DTSC’s Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) Guidance Manual.
2. DTSC recommends that all imported soil and fill material should be tested to assess any contaminants of concern meet screening levels as outlined in DTSC's PEA Guidance Manual. Additionally, DTSC advises referencing the DTSC Information Advisory Clean Imported Fill Material Fact Sheet if importing fill is necessary. To minimize the possibility of introducing contaminated soil and fill material there should be documentation of the origins of the soil or fill material and, if applicable, sampling be conducted to ensure that the imported soil and fill material are suitable for the intended land use. The soil sampling should include analysis based on the source of the fill and knowledge of prior land use. Additional information can be found by visiting DTSC’s Human and Ecological Risk Office (HERO) webpage.
DTSC appreciates the opportunity to comment on the MND for City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project. Thank you for your assistance in protecting California’s people and environment from the harmful effects of toxic substances. If you have any questions or would like clarification on DTSC’s comments, please respond to this letter or via our CEQA Review email for additional guidance.
Sincerely,
Tamara Purvis
Associate Environmental Planner
HWMP - Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]
A-2
Sean White
February 28, 2025
cc: (via email)
Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation
State Clearinghouse
[email protected]
Steve Brown
Project manager/Consultant
SMB Environmental, inc.
[email protected]
Dave Kereazis
Associate Environmental Planner
HWMP-Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]
Scott Wiley
Associate Governmental Program Analyst
HWMP - Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]
COMMENT LETTER - B
B-1
B-2
B-3
B-4
City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project
Final IS/MND
April 2025 3-1
Chapter 3 Responses to Comments
This chapter evaluates the comments received during the 30-day public review period (February 27 through March 31, 2025). During the 30-day public review period (February 27 through March 31, 2025) the City received two (2) comment letters regarding the Proposed Project. The City has reviewed and considered all of the comments received and provides a response to each of those comments below.
COMMENT LETTER A – CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TOXIC SUBSTANCE
CONTROL
Comment A-1. Comment Noted. Thank you for your comments. The Proposed Project would not involve the demolition of any buildings or other structures. Further, and as noted on Page 3- 27, please be aware that the City has committed to implementing Mitigation Measure HAZ-1:
Store, Handle, Use Hazardous Materials in Accordance with Applicable Laws, among others. As such, the City shall ensure that all construction-related and operational hazardous materials and hazardous wastes shall be stored, handled, and used in a manner consistent with relevant and applicable federal, state, and local laws. In addition, construction-related and operational hazardous materials and hazardous wastes shall be staged and stored away from stream channels and steep banks to keep these materials a safe distance from near-by residents and prevent them from entering surface waters in the event of an accidental release.
Comment A-2. Comment Noted. The City is not anticipating that any soil would be imported or exported as part of the Proposed Project. Nevertheless, the City, as shown on Page 3-27 of the IS/MND, has committed to implement Mitigation Measure HAZ-2: Properly Dispose of Contaminated Soil and/or Groundwater. If contaminated soil and/or groundwater is encountered or if suspected contamination is encountered during project construction, work shall be halted in the area, and the type and extent of the contamination shall be identified. A contingency plan to dispose of any contaminated soil or groundwater will be developed through consultation with appropriate regulatory agencies. As such, if any soil is imported or exported, the City will work with DTSC, among other agencies to ensure that the imported soil is suitable for the intended land use.
COMMENT LETTER B – CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE Comment B-1. Comment Noted. Thank you for your comments. The City of Ukiah shares your concerns and has already developed well design criteria specifically to mitigate this potential issue in response to similar past comments on four prior Well Projects (Wells 7 and 8 (2008) and Wells 4 and 9 (2016).
The comment correctly points out that the Proposed Project would be implemented in five phases, with drilling of a test well to occur in Phase 1 and where this exploratory activity would evaluate the intervals and depths of both permeable and non-permeable soils below ground surface, the permeability of that material, and the ability/inability to interact with surface waters such as the Russian River and instream flows. In general, the static groundwater level in Ukiah is at approximately 10-feet below ground surface level, followed by a layer of clay (typically from 15-
City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project
Final IS/MND
April 2025 3-2
to 40-feet) and then a second layer of unconfined aquifer (typically from 40- to 70-feet) and then a dense clay aquitard (typically from 70- to 90-feet).
The City’s well design criteria intentionally includes a sealed, un-perforated casing though both layers of the unconfined aquifer (typically 0- to 90-feet) to eliminate opportunities for our groundwater facilities to interact with surface water. Information collected in Phase 1 will be used to develop site specific design parameters to ensure that this facility will be constructed to achieve these objectives. In addition, Phase 1 will include a study of the vertical and lateral extent of groundwater levels during pumping and extent of pumping influences to be generated by the well.
The City will be glad to share this Phase 1 information with CDFW and the City will use that information to ensure that there is no interaction with the Russian River prior to going to Phase 2.
Further, and as disclosed on page 3-34 in Section 3.8 - Hydrology and Water Quality of the IS/MND, the City’s wells (including the Proposed Project) are and will be drilled through the unconfined aquifer and the well casings are sealed to prevent pulling from this first layer of water— rivers and creeks—and remain sealed within the layers of hard clay. When the well moves into the confined aquifers of stored water, the well casings have porous screens to allow the water to move into the well shaft where it can be pulled up. The wells vary in depth, averaging about 270 feet, and go through multiple layers of aquifers and impermeable clay, pulling water from the spongelike rock and gravel aquifer beds. As a result, the Proposed Project would not have any ability to impact instream flows of the Russian River.
Comment B-2. Comment Noted. As noted above and disclosed on page 3-34 in Section 3.8 - Hydrology and Water Quality of the IS/MND, the City’s will not have any interaction with the Russian River. As a result, the Proposed Project would not have any effects on instream flows of the Russian River and thus would not have any adverse impacts on any state or federally listed biological species including Chinook Salmon, Steelhead Trout, Coho Salmon, amphibian California Species of Special Concern including red-bellied newt and foothill yellow-legged Frog, and riparian plant communities.
Further and as stated above, the City will provide CDFW with the opportunity to review the Phase 1 test drill results and the City will ensure that there is no interaction with the Russian River prior to commencing Phase 2.
Comment B-3. Comment Noted. The City will report any special status species and natural communities detected during the Project Surveys to the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB).
Comment B-4. Comment Noted. The City asserts that is has sufficient measures including in the Project Description and adopted mitigation measures in place to approve the Proposed Project and adequately identify and/or mitigate the Proposed Project’s potentially significant impact on biological resources. The City is scheduled to make a final decision on the Proposed Project at its regularly scheduled City Council Meeting on May 7, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482. CDFW is invited to attend.
City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project
Final IS/MND
April 2025 4-1
Chapter 4 Revisions to the Public Draft IS/MND
This chapter shows revisions to the Public Draft IS/MND, subsequent to the document’s publication and public review. The revisions are presented in the order in which they appear in the Public Draft IS/MND and are identified by section and page number in respective chapters. These revisions are shown as excerpts from the Public Draft IS/MND, with strikethrough (strikethrough) text in indicate deletions and underlined (underlined) text to indicate additions.
There are no revisions to the IS/MND.
City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project
Final IS/MND
April 2025 5-1
Chapter 5 CEQA Findings and Determination:
On the basis of this Final IS/MND for the City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project:
I find that the Proposed Project WOULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that although the Proposed Project COULD have a significant effect on the environment, there will NOT be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the Project and/or mitigation measures have been made by or agreed to by the City. As a result, a MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that the Proposed Project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
I find that the Proposed Project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
I find that although the Proposed Project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the Proposed Project, nothing further is required.
April 22, 2025
Signature Date
Sean White Water Resources Director____________
Printed Name Title
Appendix A
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
City of Ukiah
New Municipal Well Project
Final Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration
SCH # 20250211131
Prepared for:
City of Ukiah
300 Seminary Avenue
Ukiah, CA 95482
Prepared by:
SMB Environmental, Inc.
April 2025
Ukiah New Municipal Well Project City of Ukiah
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
2 INTRODUCTION
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; Public Resources Code Section 21000, et seq. and CEQA Guidelines), the City of Ukiah (City) prepared a Public Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) to evaluate potential environmental impacts associated with the City’s New Municipal Well Project (Proposed Project).
The Proposed Project is located within the City of Ukiah on lands owned by the City, located approximately 1,500 feet southeast of the City of Ukiah Municipal Airport at/near the intersection of Nygard Lane and Highway 101.
Specifically, the subject parcels are located approximately 722 feet east of the Ukiah Municipal Airport within the Airport Industrial Park Planned Development, which is designated for 'Manufacturing' land use. The project area includes two assessor parcels (APN 180-110-12 and APN 180-120-15).
APN 180-110-12 is a vacant, undeveloped property, while APN 180-120-15 is an existing vineyard parcel currently in agricultural use, but also subject to the same manufacturing land use designation. Both parcels are situated along a former railroad corridor and are located to the north of the US 101 overpass at Norgard Lane (County Road #211).
The purpose of the Proposed Project is to construct a new well with a capacity of approximately 600 to 1,000 gallons per minute (gpm) to help the City maintain and continue to provide its existing customers with safe and reliable water supply. The Proposed Project would consist of construction and operation of a new municipal water well within an enclosed building approximately 20-feet by 40-feet by 10-feet high, which would occur in five phases. The first phase would be the construction of a test well to determine the potential capacity of the well and to test for water quality of the aquifer. If the capacity of the well and the water quality meet Health Department standards, then the second phase for drilling and developing the well. This phase would drill the well hole and install blank and louvered casing to the necessary depths for the well. The third phase would be the installation of the pump and motor equipment. This would include the construction/installation of a drive motor, discharge line, sand separator, building, fencing, site lighting, electrical equipment and other site improvements. The fifth and last phase would be the construction of a 12-inch transmission line that would run to the north and south along the railroad for approximately 1,500-feet and tie into the City’s existing 12-inch groundwater transmission line. The pipeline would be trenched and buried approximately 3-feet deep below the existing ground surface. The new well will help provide water supply and pressure requirements for the area.
On February 27, 2025, to initiate public review of the Draft IS/MND, the City filed a Notice of Completion (NOC) for the project with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (State Clearinghouse or SCH) and a Notice of Availability (NOA) with the County of Mendocino and released the Public Draft IS/MND for a 30-day public review. The State Clearinghouse identified the Project with SCH # 2025021131. The 30-day public review period was established between February 27 and March 31, 2025, with copies of the Draft IS/MND available for review on the City’s website
https://cityofukiah.com/ceqa-review/ and at 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482 and at the City of Ukiah Main Brnch Library at 100 North Main Street, Ukiah, CA 95482.
The City received two (2) comment letters during the 30-day public review period and has considered all comments received. The City then prepared a Final IS/MND according to CEQA Guidelines. Based on the Final IS/MND, the Proposed Project would not result in new significant impacts, substantially increase the severity of previously disclosed impacts, or involve any of the other conditions related to changed circumstances or new information that would require a EIR under Public Resources Code section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines section 15162 beyond those impacts and conditions already identified in the City’s Public Draft IS/MND.
PURPOSE OF MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING
PROGRAM
This MMRP has been prepared to ensure that all required mitigation measures are implemented and completed in a satisfactory manner before and during project construction and operation. The MMRP may be modified by the City during project implementation, as necessary, in response to changing conditions or other refinements. Table A (included at the end of this document) has been prepared to assist the responsible parties in implementing the mitigation measures. The table identifies individual mitigation measures, monitoring/mitigation timing, and responsible person/agency for implementing the measure, monitoring and reporting procedure, and space to confirm implementation of the mitigation measures. The numbering of mitigation measures follows the numbering sequence found in the Public Draft IS/MND.
Ukiah New Municipal Well Project City of Ukiah
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
3 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Unless otherwise specified herein, the City is responsible for taking all actions necessary to implement the mitigation measures under its jurisdiction according to the specifications provided for each measure and for demonstrating that the action has been successfully completed. The City, at its discretion, may delegate implementation responsibility or portions thereof to a licensed contractor or other designated agent. The City would be responsible for overall administration of the MMRP and for verifying that City staff members and/or the construction contractor has completed the necessary actions for each measure.
The City shall designate a project manager to oversee implementation of the MMRP and who is primarily responsible for implementing the mitigation measures for the Proposed Project as described in this MMRP. Duties of the project manager include the following:
• Ensure that routine inspections of the construction site are conducted by appropriate City staff; check plans, reports, and other documents required by the MMRP; and conduct report activities.
• Serve as a liaison between the City and the contractor or project applicant regarding mitigation-monitoring issues.
• Complete forms and maintain reports and other records and documents generated by the MMRP.
• Coordinate and ensure that corrective actions or enforcement measures are taken, if necessary.
The responsible party for implementation of each item shall identify the staff members responsible for coordinating with the City on the MMRP.
REPORTING
The City’s Project Manager shall prepare a monitoring report, upon completion of the project, on the compliance of the activity with the required mitigation measures. Information regarding inspections and other requirements shall be compiled and explained in the report. The report shall be designed to simply and clearly identify whether mitigation measures have been adequately implemented. At a minimum, each report shall identify the mitigation measures or conditions to be monitored for implementation, whether compliance with the mitigation measures or conditions has occurred, the procedures used to assess compliance, and whether further action is required.
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PLAN TABLE
The categories identified in Table A are described below. • Mitigation Measure – This column provides the text of the mitigation measures identified in the IS/MND.
• Timing – This column identifies the time frame in which the mitigation will take place.
• Implementation – This column identifies the party responsible for implementing compliance with the requirements of the mitigation measure
• Enforcement – This column identifies the party responsible for enforcing compliance with the requirements of the mitigation measure.
• Dated Signature for Verification of Compliance – This column is to be dated and signed by the person (either project manager or his/her designee) responsible for verifying compliance with the requirements of the mitigation measure.
Ukiah New Municipal Well Project City of Ukiah
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
4 Table A
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan
City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project
IS/MND
Mitigation Measure Timing Implementation1 Enforcement1
Dated Signature
for
Verification of
Compliance
3.1 AESTHETICS
Mitigation Measure AES-1: Implement Visual Construction Best Management Practices. The City and/or its contractor shall remove construction debris and dispose of it at a licensed facility on a daily basis. In the event daily disposal is not determined to be practical, it must be stored on site as far from residential receptors as feasible and be screened from view. The contractor would also be required to remove any debris, mud or other soils from the site that was deposited on public roadways by construction-related traffic. Construction equipment and crew parking areas are to be staged in an orderly manner and as far as possible from existing residences. Site conditions are to be left in a clean and orderly manner at the end of each working day.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure AES-2: Implement Architectural Features into Facility Design. The City and/or its contractor shall design and construct the new well facility to match the visual characteristics of the City’s existing groundwater well facilities throughout the City, as much as feasible.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure AES-3: Respectful and Effective Lighting. To ensure that the project’s exterior lighting does not spill over onto the adjacent uses including the adjacent airport operations and residential areas, all exterior light fixtures on the new well, shall be shielded or directed away from adjoining uses. Outdoor light intensity shall be limited to that necessary for adequate security and safety and be activated by motion sensors - as appropriate. All outside lighting shall be directed to prevent spillage onto adjacent properties and shall be shown on the site plans and elevations.
During and
after
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
3.3 AIR QUALITY/GREENHOUSE GASES
Mitigation Measure AIR-1: Basic Construction Mitigation Measures Recommended for ALL Proposed Construction Projects. During all phases of construction and as appropriate, the following procedures shall be implemented:
• Water all active construction areas at least twice daily. Frequency should be based on the type of operation, soil, and wind exposure.
• Prohibit all grading activities during periods of high wind (over 15 mph). • Apply chemical soil stabilizers on inactive construction areas (disturbed lands within construction projects that are unused for at least four consecutive days).
• Apply non-toxic binders (e.g., latex acrylic copolymer) to exposed areas after cut and fill operations and hydro seed area.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
1 The City’s Water Resources Director is primarily responsible for implementing and/or ensuring the implementation of the mitigation measures for the Proposed Project as described in this MMRP.
Ukiah New Municipal Well Project City of Ukiah
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
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Dated Signature
for
Verification of
Compliance
• Haul trucks shall maintain at least 2'0" of freeboard. • Cover all trucks hauling dirt, sand, or loose materials. • Plant tree windbreaks on the windward perimeter of construction projects if adjacent to open land. • Plant vegetative ground cover in disturbed areas as soon as possible. • Cover inactive storage piles.
• Install wheel washers at the entrance to construction sites for all exiting trucks. • Pave all roads on construction sites.
• Sweep streets if visible soil material is carried out from the construction site. • Post a publicly visible sign which specifies the telephone number and person to contact regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond to complaints and take corrective action within 48 hours. The phone number of the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District shall be visible to ensure compliance with Rule 402 (Nuisance).
• Limit the area under construction at any one time.
• Limit the pieces of equipment used at any one time.
• Minimize the use of diesel-powered equipment (i.e., wheeled tractor, wheeled loader, roller) by using gasolinepowered equipment to reduce NOx emissions. • Limit the hours of operation for heavy-duty equipment. • Undertake project during non-zone season (November 1 – April 30). • Off-site mitigation
3.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Conduct Pre-construction Survey(s) for Special Status Wildlife Species. A qualified biologist shall conduct a pre-construction survey for state and federal special status plant and wildlife species no more than 14-days prior to construction. If a wildlife special species is found near any proposed construction areas, impacts on individuals and their habitat shall be avoided to the extent feasible. If occupied habitat can be avoided, an exclusion zone shall be established around the habitat and temporary suitable/authorized fencing shall be installed around the buffer area with “Sensitive Habitat Area” signs posted and clearly visible on the outside of the fence. If avoidance is not possible and the species is determined to be present in work areas, the qualified biologist with prior approval from CDFW and/or Prior to
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Ukiah New Municipal Well Project City of Ukiah
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
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City of Ukiah New Municipal Well Project
IS/MND
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Dated Signature
for
Verification of
Compliance
USFWS may capture the wildlife special status species prior to construction activities and relocate them to nearby, suitable habitat a minimum of 300-feet from the work area. Exclusion fencing shall then be installed if feasible to prevent them from reentering the work area. For the duration of work in these areas, the biologist should conduct regular follow-up visits to monitor effectiveness.
Mitigation Measure BIO-2: Conduct Bird Breeding and Nesting Surveys. For construction activities that occur between February 1 and August 31, preconstruction breeding and nesting bird surveys shall be conducted by a qualified biologist prior to and within 14 days of any initial ground-disturbance activities. Surveys shall be conducted within all suitable nesting habitat within 250-feet of the activity. All active, non-status passerine nests identified at that time shall be protected by a 50-foot radius minimum exclusion zone. Active raptor or special-status species nests shall be protected by a buffer with a minimum radius of 200-feet. CDFW and USFWS recommend that a minimum 500-foot exclusion buffer be established around active special status species nests. The following considerations apply to this mitigation measure:
• Survey results are valid for 14-days from the survey date. Should ground disturbance commence later than 14-days from the survey date, surveys should be repeated. If no breeding birds are encountered, then work may proceed as planned.
• Exclusion zone sizes may vary, depending on habitat characteristics and species, and are generally larger for raptors and colonial nesting birds. Each exclusion zone would remain in place until the nest is abandoned or all young have fledged.
• The non-breeding season is defined as September 1 to January 31. During this period, breeding is not occurring and surveys are not required. However, if nesting birds are encountered during work activities in the non-breeding season, disturbance activities within a minimum of 50-feet of the nest should be postponed until the nest is abandoned or young birds have fledged.
Prior to
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure BIO-3: Environmental Awareness Training. All construction personnel shall be given environmental awareness training by the Proposed Project’s environmental inspector or biological monitor before the start of construction. The training will familiarize all construction personnel with the federally listed species that may occur in the Project Area, their habitats, general provisions and protections afforded by the Endangered Species Act, measures to be implemented to protect these species, and the project boundaries. This training will be provided to any new worker before they are authorized to perform project work. As part of the environmental awareness training, construction personnel will be notified that no dogs or any other pets under control of construction personnel will be allowed in the Project Area, and that no firearms will be permitted in the Project Area, unless carried by authorized security personnel or law enforcement.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure BIO-4: Biological Monitor. Based on the results of BIO-1 and BIO-2 above, a CDFW and/or USFWS-approved Biological Monitor shall be present on-site for all construction activities that occur within 100-feet of any identified suitable habitats for state and/or federally listed species that may be present during the construction of the Proposed Project. To the extent required, the City will submit the Biological Monitor’s qualifications to the CDFW and the USFWS for approval 30-days prior to project construction. The Biological Monitor will ensure that all applicable avoidance and minimization measures are implemented during project construction. The Biological Monitor will also ensure that all Prior to
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Ukiah New Municipal Well Project City of Ukiah
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
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for
Verification of
Compliance
vehicles entering the site are free of debris that may harbor organisms that could be introduced to the site, such as vegetation or mud from other areas.
The Biological Monitor will oversee construction activities to ensure that no state or federally listed species and/or their habitats experience unintended effects. The Biological Monitor will have the authority to stop any work activities that could result in unintended adverse effects to covered species and/or their habitats.
Mitigation Measure BIO-5: Staging Areas and Access Routes. When working on habitats that support state and/or federally listed species, disturbance to existing grades and vegetation will be limited to the actual site of the Proposed Project and necessary access routes. Placement of all roads, staging areas, and other facilities will avoid and limit disturbance-sensitive habitats (e.g., riparian habitat, suitable habitats) as much as possible. All staging and material storage areas, including the locations where equipment and vehicles are parked overnight, will be placed outside of the flood zone of a watercourse, away from riparian habitat or wetland habitat, and away from any other sensitive habitats. When possible, staging and access areas will be situated in areas that are previously disturbed, such as developed areas, paved areas, parking lots, areas with bare ground or gravel, and areas clear of vegetation.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
3.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure CR-1: Halt Work if Cultural Resources are Discovered. In the event that any prehistoric or historic subsurface cultural resources are discovered during ground disturbing activities, all work within 100-feet of the resources shall be halted and after notification, the City shall consult with a qualified archaeologist to assess the significance of the find. If any find is determined to be significant (CEQA Guidelines 15064.5[a][3] or as unique archaeological resources per Section 21083.2 of the California Public Resources Code), representatives of the City and a qualified archaeologist shall meet to determine the appropriate course of action. In considering any suggested mitigation proposed by the consulting archaeologist in order to mitigate impacts to historical resources or unique archaeological resources, the lead agency shall determine whether avoidance is necessary and feasible in light of factors such as the nature of the find, project design, costs, and other considerations. If avoidance is infeasible, other appropriate measures (e.g., data recovery) shall be instituted. Work may proceed on other parts of the project site while mitigation for historical resources or unique archaeological resources is carried out.
Upon discovery
of cultural
resources
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure CR-2: Stop Work if Paleontological Resources are Discovered. If paleontological resources, such as fossilized bone, teeth, shell, tracks, trails, casts, molds, or impressions are discovered during ground-disturbing activities, work will stop in that area and within 100-feet of the find until a qualified paleontologist can assess the significance of the find and, if necessary, develop appropriate treatment measures in consultation with the City.
Upon discovery
of the
suspected
paleontological
remains
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure CR-3: Halt Work if Human Remains are Found. If human remains are encountered during excavation activities conducted for the Proposed Project, all work in the adjacent area shall stop immediately and the Mendocino County Coroner’s office shall be notified. If the Coroner determines that the remains are Native American in Upon the
discovery of
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
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Dated Signature
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Verification of
Compliance
origin, the Native American Heritage Commission shall be notified and will identify the Most Likely Descendent, who will be consulted for recommendations for treatment of the discovered human remains and any associated burial goods. suspected
human remains
3.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Mitigation Measure GEO-1: Erosion and Sedimentation Prevention Procedures. The City, or its contractor, shall comply with applicable State Water Resources Control Board regulations for Construction and Municipal Stormwater Projects.
Prior to
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure GEO-2: Conduct Geotechnical Investigation. The City shall conduct a design-level geotechnical study/investigation to project implementation to determine proper design and construction methods, including design of any soil remediation measures as required to reduce hazards caused by landslides, liquefaction, and/or lateral spreading.
Prior to
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
3.7 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Mitigation Measure HAZ-1: Store, Handle, Use Hazardous Materials in Accordance with Applicable Laws. The City shall ensure that all construction-related and operational hazardous materials and hazardous wastes shall be stored, handled, and used in a manner consistent with relevant and applicable federal, state, and local laws. In addition, construction-related and operational hazardous materials and hazardous wastes shall be staged and stored away from stream channels and steep banks to keep these materials a safe distance from near-by residents and prevent them from entering surface waters in the event of an accidental release.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure HAZ-2: Properly Dispose of Contaminated Soil and/or Groundwater. If contaminated soil and/or groundwater is encountered or if suspected contamination is encountered during project construction, work shall be halted in the area, and the type and extent of the contamination shall be identified. A contingency plan to dispose of any contaminated soil or groundwater will be developed through consultation with appropriate regulatory agencies.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure HAZ-3: Equipment Inspection and Maintenance. The City shall ensure that well-maintained equipment will be used to perform the work, and except in the case of a failure or breakdown, equipment maintenance will be performed off-site. Equipment will be inspected daily by the operator for leaks or spills. If leaks or spills are encountered, the source of the leak will be identified, leaked material will be cleaned up, and the cleaning materials will be collected and properly disposed. Spills, leaks, and other problems of a similar nature will be resolved immediately to prevent unnecessary effects on state and federally listed species and their habitats. A plan for the emergency cleanup of any spills of fuel or other material will be available on site, and adequate materials for spill cleanup will be maintained on site.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Ukiah New Municipal Well Project City of Ukiah
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
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IS/MND
Mitigation Measure Timing Implementation1 Enforcement1
Dated Signature
for
Verification of
Compliance
Mitigation Measure HAZ-4: Fueling Activities. The City will protect state and federally listed species and their habitats from pollution due to fuels, oils, lubricants, and other harmful materials. Vehicles and equipment that are used during the Proposed Project will be fueled and serviced in a manner that will not affect federally listed species or their habitats.
Machinery and equipment used will be serviced, fueled, and maintained on uplands in a “safe” area (i.e., outside of sensitive habitats) and will be located outside of suitable habitats for federally listed species, to prevent contamination.
Fueling equipment and vehicles will be kept more than 200-feet away from aquatic habitats (i.e., waters of the U.S. and Waters of the State), and more than 100-feet away from suitable terrestrial habitats for federally listed species. Exceptions to this distance requirement may be allowed for large cranes, pile drivers, and drill rigs, if they cannot be easily moved.
The City will establish a temporary fuel containment basin if these buffers cannot be maintained. Fueling will be conducted in accordance with procedures to be developed in a Spill Prevention and Pollution Control Plan.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure HAZ-5: Equipment Staging. The City shall ensure that no staging of construction materials, equipment, tools, buildings, trailers, or restroom facilities will occur in a floodplain during flood season, even if staging is only temporary.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure HAZ-6: Comply with FAA Advisory Circular 150/5370-2. The City and its contractors shall comply with all relevant sections of the FAA Advisory Circular 150/5370-2, which sets forth guidelines for operational safety on airports during construction, including the development of an Airport Construction and Phasing Plan that must be provided to and approved of by the Airport Manager/Airport Traffic Control Tower folks prior to construction. The City shall coordinate all associated construction activities with the Airport Manager/Airport Traffic Control Tower within 5 business days prior to the initiation of construction activities.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure HAZ-7: Comply with FAA Advisory Circular 70/7460-1M. The City and its contractors shall comply with all relevant sections of the FAA Advisory Circular 70/7460-1M, which sets forth guidelines for obstruction marking and lighting. The Proposed Project will exceed the RWY 09/27 Part 77 Transitional surface and therefore, the structure must be lighted with red obstruction lights in accordance with FAA Advisory Circular 70/7460-1, Obstruction Marking and Lighting, Chapters 4, 5, and 12. Copy of the current AC 70/7460-1 can be viewed and/or downloaded with red obstruction lights in accordance with FAA Advisory Circular 70/7460-1, Obstruction Marking and Lighting, Chapters 4, 5, and 12. Copy of the current AC 70/7460-1 can be viewed and/or downloaded at:
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.current/documentNumber/70_7460-
1. A separate notice shall be filed with the FAA if any of the construction equipment, such as temporary cranes, whose working limits would exceed the height and lateral dimensions of the current Proposed Project.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Ukiah New Municipal Well Project City of Ukiah
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
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Mitigation Measure Timing Implementation1 Enforcement1
Dated Signature
for
Verification of
Compliance
Mitigation Measure HAZ-8: Fire Prevention and Control. The City shall comply with all federal, state, county and local fire regulations pertaining to burning permits and the prevention of uncontrolled fires. As appropriate, the following measures shall be implemented to prevent fire hazards and control of fires:
• The City shall develop and implement a fire prevention and suppression plan for the Proposed Project for those activities that have a risk of starting a wildfire. • A list of relevant fire authorities and their designated representative to contact shall be maintained on site by City and/or construction personnel.
• Adequate firefighting equipment shall be available on site in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements.
• The level of fire hazard shall be posted at the construction office (where visible for workers) and workers shall be made aware of the hazard level and related implications. • The City or its contractor shall have sufficient fire suppression equipment to handle any possible fire emergency that could be caused by the Proposed project’s construction activities. As appropriate, this shall include, although not be limited to, water trucks; portable water pumps; chemical fire extinguishers; hand tools such as shovels, axes, and chain saws. Specifically, the City or its contractor shall supply and maintain in working order an adequate supply of fire extinguishers for each crew engaged in potentially combustible work such as welding, cutting, and grinding.
• All equipment shall be equipped with spark arrestors. • In the event of a fire, the City or its contractor shall immediately use resources necessary to contain the fire.
The City or contractor shall then notify local emergency response personnel. • Any and all tree-clearing activities (if any) are to be carried out in accordance with local rules and regulations for the prevention of forest fires.
• Burning shall be prohibited.
• Flammable wastes shall be removed from the construction site on a regular basis. • Flammable materials kept on the construction site must be stored in approved containers away from ignition sources.
• Smoking shall be prohibited on the construction site, except at designated safe areas with proper cigarette disposal containers.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
3.8 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Ukiah New Municipal Well Project City of Ukiah
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
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IS/MND
Mitigation Measure Timing Implementation1 Enforcement1
Dated Signature
for
Verification of
Compliance
Mitigation Measure HWQ-1: Implement Construction Best Management Practices. The City, or its contractor, shall comply with applicable State Water Resources Control Board regulations for Construction and Municipal Stormwater Projects.
Prior to and
during
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
3.11 NOISE
Mitigation Measure NOI-1: Limit Construction Hours. Construction activities will be limited to the least noisesensitive times and will comply with the City’s noise ordinances. Construction, alteration, and other related activities shall be allowed on weekdays between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., and on Saturdays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Construction activities shall not exceed the outdoor ambient sound level (dBA) of 75 dBA.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure NOI-2: Locate Staging Areas away from Sensitive Receptors. The City’s construction specification shall require that the contractor select staging areas as far as feasibly possible from sensitive receptors.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure NOI-3: Maintain Mufflers on Equipment. The City’s construction specifications shall require the contractor to maintain all construction equipment with manufacturer’s specified noise-muffling devices.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure NOI-4: Idling Prohibition and Enforcement. The City shall prohibit and enforce unnecessary idling of internal combustion engines. In practice, this would mean turning off equipment if it will not be used for five or more minutes.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Mitigation Measure NOI-5: Equipment Location and Shielding. Locate all stationary noise-generating construction equipment such as air compressors and standby power generators as far as possible from homes and businesses.
During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
3.17 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure TCR-1: Halt Work if Tribal Cultural Resources are Discovered. In the event that any tribal cultural resources are discovered during ground disturbing activities, all work within 100-feet of the resources shall be halted and after notification, the City shall consult with a qualified archaeologist and local tribes to assess the significance of the find. If any find is determined to be significant as a unique tribal cultural resource, the City shall treat the resource During
construction of
the Proposed
Project
City of Ukiah City of Ukiah
Ukiah New Municipal Well Project City of Ukiah
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
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Dated Signature
for
Verification of
Compliance
with culturally appropriate dignity, taking into account the tribal cultural values and meaning of the resource, including to, but not limited to, the following:
• Protecting the cultural character and integrity of the resource; • Protecting the traditional use of the resource; and
• Protecting the confidentiality of the resource.
In considering any suggested mitigation proposed by the consulting archaeologist and/or the appropriate tribe in order to mitigate impacts to any tribal cultural resources find, the City shall determine whether avoidance is feasible in light of factors such as the nature of the find, project design, costs, and other considerations. If avoidance is infeasible, other appropriate measures (e.g., data recovery) shall be instituted and coordinated with the appropriate tribe(s). Work may proceed on other parts of the project site while mitigation measures for tribal cultural resources or other unique archaeological resources are carried out.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH ADOPTING AN INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND
REPORTING PROGRAM, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT FOR THE UKIAH NEW MUNICIPAL WELL PROJECT
WHEREAS, the City of Ukiah (City) prepared an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Public Works Ukiah New Municipal Well Project (Proposed Project) in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended (“CEQA”), and state and local guidelines implementing CEQA; and
WHEREAS, the City is the CEQA Lead Agency on the Proposed Project, and the City Council is the decision-making body for the Proposed Project; and
WHEREAS, the Proposed Project is located within the City of Ukiah on lands owned by the City, located approximately 1,500 feet southeast of the City of Ukiah Municipal Airport at/near the intersection of Nygard Lane and Highway 101; and
WHEREAS, the subject parcels are located approximately 722 feet east of the Ukiah Municipal Airport within the Airport Industrial Park Planned Development, which is designated for 'Manufacturing' land use; and
WHEREAS, the project area includes two assessor parcels (APN 180-110-12 and APN 180-120- 15). APN 180-110-12 is a vacant, undeveloped property, while APN 180-120-15 is an existing vineyard parcel currently in agricultural use, but also subject to the same manufacturing land use designation. Both parcels are situated along a former railroad corridor and are located to the north of the US 101 overpass at Norgard Lane (County Road #211); and WHEREAS, the purpose of the Proposed Project is to construct a new well with a capacity of approximately 600 to 1,000 gallons per minute (gpm) to help the City maintain and continue to provide its existing customers with safe and reliable water supply; and WHEREAS, the Proposed Project would consist of construction and operation of a new municipal water well within an enclosed building approximately 20-feet by 40-feet by 10-feet high, which would occur in five phases; and
WHEREAS, the first phase would be the construction of a test well to determine the potential capacity of the well and to test for water quality of the aquifer. If the capacity of the well and the water quality meet Health Department standards, then the second phase for drilling and developing the well. This phase would drill the well hole and install blank and louvered casing to the necessary depths for the well. The third phase would be the installation of the pump and motor equipment. This would include the construction/installation of a drive motor, discharge line, sand separator, building, fencing, site lighting, electrical equipment and other site improvements. The fifth and last phase would be the construction of a 12-inch transmission line that would run to the north and south along the railroad for approximately 1,500-feet and tie into the City’s existing 12- inch groundwater transmission line. The pipeline would be trenched and buried approximately 3- feet deep below the existing ground surface. The new well will help provide water supply and pressure requirements for the area; and
WHEREAS, on February 27, 2025, to initiate public review of the Draft IS/MND, the City filed a Notice of Completion (NOC) for the project with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (State Clearinghouse or SCH) and a Notice of Intent (NOI)/Availability (NOA) with the County of Mendocino and released the Public Draft IS/MND for a 30-day public review; and Attachment 2
WHEREAS, the State Clearinghouse identified the Project with SCH # 2025021131; and WHEREAS, the 30-day public review period was established between February 27 and March 31, 2025, with copies of the Draft IS/MND available for review on the City’s website https://cityofukiah.com/ceqa-review/ and at the addresses below:
City of Ukiah, Public Works Administration Main Branch Library 300 Seminary Avenue 105 North Main Street
Ukiah, CA 95482 Ukiah, CA 95482; and
WHEREAS, the Final IS/MND was prepared according to CEQA Guidelines and considers and incorporates all comments received by the State Clearinghouse and other agencies during the 30- day public review period; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this document is to clarify facts set forth in the February 2025 Public Draft IS/MND, as necessary, to ensure accuracy; and
WHEREAS, the City must consider the IS/MND, together with any comments received, before approving the Proposed Project (Public Resources Code Section 21091(f); and CEQA Guidelines Section 15074); and
WHEREAS, the City has no affirmative duty to prepare formal responses to comments on the Public IS/MND, but should have adequate information on the record explaining why the comments do/do not affect the conclusion that there are no potential significant environmental effects; and WHEREAS, the City is required to, however, notify, in writing, any commenting agencies of the date of the meeting on the Proposed Project for which an IS/MND is prepared and will be decided upon for approval (Public Resources Code Section 21092.5(b); and CEQA Guideline Section 15073); and
WHEREAS, the Final IS/MND is being distributed to agencies, stakeholder organizations, and individuals who commented on the Public Draft IS/MND to ensure that interested parties have an opportunity to express their views regarding the environmental impacts of the Proposed Project, and to ensure that information pertinent to permits and approvals is provided to decision makers for the City and CEQA responsible agencies; and
WHEREAS, comments from the public have been incorporated into the Final IS/MND for the City’s City Council to consider whether to approve the Proposed Project; and WHEREAS, the City is scheduled to make a final decision on the Proposed Project at its regularly scheduled City Council Meeting on May 7, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH AS FOLLOWS:
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL does hereby make the following findings: (1) it has independently reviewed, analyzed and based its decision on the whole of the record, which includes those items identified in Public Resources Code Section 21167.6(e), including, but not limited to, the Public Draft and Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, the staff reports and other information in the administrative record. The City Council has considered the information contained therein, prior to acting upon or approving the Project, (2) the Public Draft and Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the Proposed Project has been completed in compliance with CEQA and consistent with state and local guidelines implementing CEQA, and (3) the Public Draft and Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration represents the independent judgment and
analysis of the City as lead agency for the Proposed Project. The City Council designates the City’s Director of Public Works Department as the custodian of documents and records of proceedings on which this decision is based.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL does hereby adopt the MMRP prepared for the Proposed Project.
The Public Draft, Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, and MMRP are: (1) on file with the City at its Public Works Department at 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California 95482 and (2) available for inspection by any interested person.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL does hereby authorize the Water Resources Director to file the Notice of Determination with the California State Clearinghouse and the Mendocino County RecorderClerk, along with a check for $3,018.75 for the required California Fish and Wildlife Filing Fee ($2,968.75) and the Mendocino County Processing Fee ($50) within five (5) days of this resolution as required by CEQA.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL does hereby adopt the Ukiah Municipal Well Project, as currently written. The Ukiah Municipal Well Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Notice of Determination is: (1) on file with the City at its Public Works Department at 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California 95482 and (2) available for inspection by any interested person.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of May, 2025, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
__________________________
Douglas F. Crane, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________
Kristine Lawler, City Clerk
Agenda Item No: 14.a.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/7/2025
ITEM NO: 2025-480
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
SUBJECT: Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Purchase Agreement for One Parcel, APN 167-280-15, Located at 1 Carousel Lane, and Adopt Resolution Approving the Purchase of Real Property Located at 1 Carousel Lane for the City of Ukiah Corporation Yard; Find the Project Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); and Approve Corresponding Budget Amendment.
DEPARTMENT: City Manager /
Admin PREPARED BY: Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager
PRESENTER: Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Carousel PSA_fully executed
2. DRAFT NOE - 1 Carousel Lane
3. Resolution CEQA Exemption Carousel_050725
Summary: The City Council will consider authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Purchase Agreement for one parcel, APN 167-280-15, located at 1 Carousel Lane, and adopt resolution approving the purchase of real property located at 1 Carousel Lane for the City of Ukiah Corporation Yard; find the project Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); and approving corresponding budget amendment.
Background: The City of Ukiah's Corporation Yard is the base of operations for the City Fleet and Plant Maintenance Facility, Street Maintenance Crew, Water and Wastewater Maintenance Crew, and, until recently, the Electric Utility Maintenance Crew. It is currently located on the east side of the Ukiah Airport; many of the structures are in failing condition and the size/location are quickly becoming inadequate for the Staff and equipment needs. Therefore, in 2022, the City issued debt (Lease Revenue Bonds, Series 2022) to finance the renovation/replacement of this facility, estimated at $15 million, and to conduct improvements to various city streets.
Since that time, Staff has explored various options for the Corporation Yard, resulting in ruling out new construction due to the exceedingly high cost. A needs assessment for the facility established that the site should consist of approximately 60,000 square feet of covered space on roughly five acres. Existing facilities meeting this description are limited; however, a building meeting these specifications has become available at 1 Carousel Lane.
The site is situated north of the city limits, but is still located centrally within the service area for the Ukiah Valley Water Authority, and with easy access to the freeway.
Discussion: With Council's direction, Staff has completed much of the necessary due diligence for the purchase of this property, including obtaining a Phase One Environmental Report that shows no findings, and begun negotiations with the Seller. The City and the Seller have agreed to the terms outlined in the Purchase and Sale Agreement (Attachment 1), with an agreed price of $7,600,000 plus normal and customary closing costs and corresponding due diligence.
The City recently commissioned an appraisal for another nearby industrial property, also for a potential Corporation Yard location, and the agreed-upon price for 1 Carousel is consistent with that valuation and the associate comparisons.
The Community Development Department has evaluated and determined that the purchase qualifies for a Categorical Exemption Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) under the California Environmental Quality Act; see Attachment 2 for the draft Notice of Exemption. The project site is zoned for industrial use and the proposed municipal corporation yard operations are consistent with both current and historical industrial uses of the property.
This facility is well within the planned budget and is an ideal fit for the future of the Corporation Yard. Staff is requesting the Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute the final stages of this acquisition and adopt the attached resolution (Attachment 3) approving the purchase of real property located at 1 Carousel Lane for relocation of the City Corporation Yard; find the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); and approve the corresponding budget amendment.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Purchase Agreement for one parcel, APN 167-280-15, located at 1 Carousel Lane, and adopt resolution approving the purchase of real property located at 1 Carousel Lane for the City of Ukiah Corporation Yard; find the project Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); and approve corresponding budget amendment.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: Yes
CURRENT BUDGET AMOUNT: 20824300.80220.18190: -$30,200
PROPOSED BUDGET AMOUNT: 20824300.80220.18190: $7,630,200 plus normal and customary closing costs and corresponding due diligence
FINANCING SOURCE: 2022 Lease Revenue Bonds
REVENUE: No GRANT: No
PREVIOUS CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER NO.: N/A
COORDINATED WITH: N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN (SP): SP 2A - Continue the development and maintenance of a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan that considers the climate impacts of those improvements.
CLIMATE INITIATIVES (CI): N/A
GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS (GP): N/A
Docusign Envelope ID: 8186A619- 49AC-4E6E-AE19-9199FA21D65D
Docusign Envelope ID: 8186A619- 49AC-4E6E-AE19-9199FA21D65D
Docusign Envelope ID: 8186A619- 49AC-4E6E-AE19-9199FA21D65D
Docusign Envelope ID: 8186A619- 49AC-4E6E-AE19-9199FA21D65D
Docusign Envelope ID: 8186A619- 49AC-4E6E-AE19-9199FA21D65D
Docusign Envelope ID: 8186A619- 49AC-4E6E-AE19-9199FA21D65D
Docusign Envelope ID: 8186A619- 49AC-4E6E-AE19-9199FA21D65D
Docusign Envelope ID: 8186A619- 49AC-4E6E-AE19-9199FA21D65D
Docusign Envelope ID: 8186A619- 49AC-4E6E-AE19-9199FA21D65D
Docusign Envelope ID: 8186A619- 49AC-4E6E-AE19-9199FA21D65D
Docusign Envelope ID: 8186A619- 49AC-4E6E-AE19-9199FA21D65D CEO
5/ 2/ 2025
Attachment 2
300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707)463-6200 · Fax: (707)463-6204 ·www.cityofukiah.com
NOTICE OF CEQA EXEMPTION
TO: Office of Planning and Research
1400 Tenth Street, Room 121
Sacramento, CA 95814
FROM: City of Ukiah
300 Seminary Avenue
Ukiah, CA 95482
X County Clerk: County of Mendocino
501 Low Gap Rd # 1020
Ukiah, CA, 95482
PROJECT TITLE: City of Ukiah Corporation Yard Relocation Project PROJECT LOCATION: 1 Carousel Lane, Ukiah, CA 95482
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:
The City of Ukiah proposes to purchase and occupy an existing industrial facility located at 1 Carousel Lane to establish a new corporation yard. The 7.9-acre property contains a 98,000-square-foot industrial building currently partially occupied by FedEx and an organic pesticide manufacturing operation, with a significant portion vacant.
The proposed corporation yard would utilize the majority of the existing building (excluding the FedEx space) for the following municipal operations:
• Vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair
• Construction materials and supplies storage
• Recreation program equipment and supplies storage
• Administrative functions
No expansion of the building envelope is proposed, and no significant increase in traffic is anticipated.
While the proposed use would occupy more of the currently underutilized building space, the intensity of operations would be less than historical uses, which included a commercial bakery with manufacturing, packaging, and distribution activities.
The project site is zoned for industrial use and the proposed municipal corporation yard operations are consistent with both current and historical industrial uses of the property.
PUBLIC AGENCY APPROVING PROJECT: City of Ukiah, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15051(a), which specifies that "if the project will be
Attachment 2
300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707)463-6200 · Fax: (707)463-6204 ·www.cityofukiah.com
CEQA EXEMPTION STATUS:
REASONS WHY PROJECT IS EXEMPT: The project qualifies for a Class 1 Categorical Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) because it consists of the operation and minor alteration of an existing industrial facility involving negligible or no expansion of the existing use.
The project:
1. Involves no expansion of the existing building envelope or footprint
2. Maintains industrial use consistent with the site's zoning and historical uses
3. Results in operations of similar or lesser intensity compared to previous industrial uses at the site. The previous commercial bakery operation involved more intensive industrial processes including manufacturing (baking), packaging operations, and distribution activities. While the proposed corporation yard will occupy more of the currently underutilized building space, its operations (vehicle maintenance, storage, and administrative functions) represent a less intensive industrial use with fewer mechanical processes, reduced utility demands, and lower operational impacts than the previous manufacturing facility.
4. Requires only minor interior modifications to accommodate the new use
5. Will result in reduced traffic impacts compared to historical uses. The previous commercial bakery operation generated more intensive traffic patterns due to multiple daily deliveries of raw materials, outbound distribution of finished products, multiple employee shifts for manufacturing operations, and continuous fleet movements throughout the day. In contrast, the proposed corporation yard will have more predictable and lower-intensity traffic patterns carried out by a public agency, that agency shall be
the lead agency even if the project would be located
within the jurisdiction of another public agency."
DATE OF APPROVAL: May 7, 2025
NAME OF PROJECT APPLICANT: City of Ukiah
❑ Ministerial [Section 21080(b); 15268]
❑ Declared Emergency [Section 21080(b)(3); 15269(a)]
❑ Emergency Project [Section 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c)]
❑ Statutory Exemption Section:
✓ Categorical Exemption Section: 15301 (Class 1 - Existing Facilities) ❑ General Rule [Section 15061 (b)(3)]
Attachment 2
300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707)463-6200 · Fax: (707)463-6204 ·www.cityofukiah.com primarily limited to standard business hours, with most employee trips occurring during typical commute periods and service vehicles departing in morning and returning in afternoon.
None of the exceptions to categorical exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply:
• The project is not located in an environmentally sensitive area • There are no cumulative impacts from successive projects of the same type in the same place • There are no unusual circumstances that would result in significant environmental impacts • The project will not damage scenic or historic resources • The project is not located on a hazardous waste site
• The project will not cause a substantial adverse change to a historical resource Lead Agency Contact Person Katherine Schaefers
Planning Manager
Phone Number (707) 463-6203
Email [email protected]
This is to certify that the record of project approval is available to the General Public at:
Community Development Department, Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482 May 07, 2025 Planning Manager
Signature (Public Agency) (Date) (Title)
Attachment 3
1 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1 CAROUSEL LANE FOR RELOCATION OF THE CITY CORPORATION YARD; AND FIND THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (EXISTING FACILITIES).
WHEREAS; the City Council has considered the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination for the acquisition and reuse of the property at 1 Carousel Lane for the City Corporation Yard; and
WHEREAS; the project consists of the purchase and operation of an existing 98,000-square-foot industrial facility on a 7.9-acre parcel for municipal corporation yard uses including vehicle and equipment maintenance, materials storage, and administrative functions; and WHEREAS; the project involves no expansion of the existing building envelope and will maintain industrial uses consistent with the site's zoning and historical operations; and WHEREAS; the proposed municipal use will result in reduced operational intensity compared to previous industrial uses at the site, including fewer mechanical processes and lower utility demands than the former commercial bakery operation; and
WHEREAS; vehicle trips and traffic patterns associated with the corporation yard will be less intensive than historical uses, with most activity limited to standard business hours rather than the multiple shifts and continuous delivery operations associated with previous manufacturing uses; and WHEREAS; none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions specified in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to this project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Ukiah finds that the corporation yard relocation project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) because it consists of the operation and minor alteration of an existing facility involving negligible or no expansion of the existing use.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City staff is directed to file a Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 7
th day of May 2025.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Douglas F. Crane, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kristine Lawler, City Clerk/CMC
Agenda Item No: 14.b.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/7/2025
ITEM NO: 2025-463
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
SUBJECT: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Cancellation of August 6, 2025, and January 7, 2026, Regular City Council Meetings, with the Option for the Mayor and/or City Manager to Call for a Special Meeting on an Alternate Date if Time-Sensitive Business Arises.
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk PREPARED BY: Kristine Lawler, City Clerk PRESENTER: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Summary: Council will consider cancelling the August 6, 2025, and January 7, 2026, Regular City Council meetings.
Background: City Council has regular meetings scheduled for the first and third Wednesdays of each month, with regularly scheduled meetings on August 6, 2025, and January 7, 2026. Council typically cancels various meetings during the year when there are holiday conflicts and/or are fewer business items, in order to give a break to both the Council and Staff from the heavy meeting schedule maintained throughout the rest of the year and allow time to focus on committee/ad-hoc assignments and project/program implementation.
Discussion: Staff is recommending the cancellation of the August 6, 2025, and January 7, 2026, regular meetings, with the option for the Mayor and/or City Manager to call for a special meeting on an alternate date if time-sensitive business arises. Staff will continue to monitor scheduling and will advise at the meeting of any changes and/or needs related to agenda management for Council's consideration.
Recommended Action: Approve the cancellation of the August 6, 2025, and January 7, 2026, Regular City Council Meetings, with the option for the Mayor and/or City Manager to call for a special meeting on an alternate date if time-sensitive business arises.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: N/A
CURRENT BUDGET AMOUNT: N/A
PROPOSED BUDGET AMOUNT: N/A
FINANCING SOURCE: N/A
REVENUE: No GRANT: No
PREVIOUS CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER NO.: N/A
COORDINATED WITH: N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN (SP): N/A
CLIMATE INITIATIVES (CI): N/A
GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS (GP): N/A
Agenda Item No: 14.c.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/7/2025
ITEM NO: 2025-431
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
SUBJECT: Receive Updates on City Council Committee and Ad Hoc Assignments, and, if Necessary, Consider Modifications to Assignments and/or the Creation/Elimination of Ad Hoc(s).
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk PREPARED BY: Kristine Lawler, City Clerk PRESENTER: Mayor Crane and Various Councilmembers
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2025 City Council Special Assignments and Ad Hocs
Summary: City Council members will provide reports and updates on their committee and ad hoc assignments. If necessary, the Council may consider modifications.
Background: City Council members are assigned to a number of committees and ad hoc activities. These assignments are included as Attachment 1.
Discussion: Previously, the City Council discussed having more time allocated to reporting on committee and ad hoc activities. Often, the Council Reports section of the regular agenda is rushed due to impending business (i.e., public hearings), and not enough time is afforded for reports beyond community activities.
In an effort to foster regular updates on committee and ad hoc assignments, this item is being placed on the agenda to provide the City Council members an expanded opportunity to report on assignments and modify assignments as necessary.
Recommended Action: Receive report(s). The Council will consider modifications to committee and ad hoc assignments along with the creation/elimination ad hoc(s).
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: N/A
CURRENT BUDGET AMOUNT: N/A
PROPOSED BUDGET AMOUNT: N/A
FINANCING SOURCE: N/A
REVENUE: No GRANT: No
PREVIOUS CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER NO.: N/A
COORDINATED WITH: N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN (SP): N/A
CLIMATE INITIATIVES (CI): N/A
GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS (GP): N/A
2025 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT LIST
LOCAL / UKIAH VALLEY MTG DATE/TIME MEETING LOCATION MAILING ADDRESS/CONTACT COMMITTEE FUNCTION ASSIGNED TO PRINCIPAL STAFF SUPPORT City Broadband Project TBD TBD
Civic Center300 Seminary Ave.Ukiah, CA 95482
to evaluate the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the California's Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Last Mile Broadband Orozco Jim Robbins, Grants Manager, 463-6708; [email protected] Investment Oversight Committee Varies
Civic Center300 Seminary Ave.Ukiah, CA 95482
Civic Center300 Seminary Ave.Ukiah, CA 95482
Reviews City investments, policies, and strategies
Crane
Orozco - AlternateAlan Carter, Treasurer
Dan Buffalo, Director of Finance; 463-6220 [email protected] Disaster Council
Shall meet a minimum of once a year at a time and place designated upon call of the chair Place designated upon call of the chair or, if she/he is unavailable or unable to call such meeting, the first vice chair and then the City Manager or her/his designee.
Office of Emergency Management 300 Seminary Ave. Ukiah, CA 95482467-5720 - Traci Boyl Develop any necessary emergency and mutual aid plans, agreements, ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations.
OrozcoCriss - Alternate
Traci Boyl, City Manager's Office Management Analyst; 467-5720; [email protected] Greater Ukiah Business & Tourism Alliance (GUPTA)
4th Monday of month, 10 a.m.
200 S School St.Ukiah, CA 95482
200 S School St.Ukiah, CA 95482
Promotes tourism and works to strengthen and promote the historic downtown and businesses within the greater Ukiah area Marianne Davison - Community
Services Department Staff Orozco - Alternate
Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager;467-5793 [email protected] Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC) 2nd Thursday of month, 6:00 p.m.
Civic Center300 Seminary Avenueconference room 5
IWPC Staff P.O. Box 1247Ukiah, CA 95482391-7574 - Candace Horsley Develops coordination for water resources and current water rights: Potter Valley project - Eel River Diversion RodinOrozco - Alternate
Sean White, Director of Water Resources; 463-5712 [email protected] North Coast Opportunities (NCO) 4th Wednesday of month, 2 p.m. Alternating locations - Ukiah and Lakeport Governing Board ChairNorth Coast Opportunities413 North State StreetUkiah, CA 95482 Assist low income and disadvantaged people to become self reliant Neil Davis Neil Davis, Community Services Director; 467-5764
[email protected]
Sun House Guild ex officio 2nd Tuesday of month, 4:30 p.m. Sun House 431 S. Main St. Ukiah, CA 431 S. Main Street Ukiah, CA 95482 467-2836 Support and expand Grace Hudson Museum Orozco, Sher Neil Davis - Alternate David Burton, Museum Director; 467-2836 [email protected] Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) 2nd Thursday of month, 1:30 p.m.
Board of Supervisors Chambers; 501 Low
Gap RoadUkiah, CA
County Executive Office501 Low Gap Rd., Rm. 1010Ukiah, CA 95482463-4441 GSA serves as the Groundwater Sustainability Agency in the Ukiah Valley basin CraneN/A - Alternate
Sean White, Director of Water Resources; 463-5712 [email protected]
MENDOCINO COUNTY MTG DATE/TIME MEETING LOCATION MAILING ADDRESS/CONTACT COMMITTEE FUNCTION ASSIGNED TO PRINCIPAL STAFF SUPPORT City Selection Committee Called as required by the Clerk of the Board BOS Conference Room 501 Low Gap Rd. Rm. 1090 Ukiah, CA C/O: BOS 501 Low Gap Rd., Rm 1090 Ukiah, CA 95482 463-4441 Makes appointments to LAFCO and Airport Land Use Commission (Mayor - Primary; Vice Mayor - Alternate) Mayor Crane Vice Mayor Sher Kristine Lawler, City Clerk; 463-6217 [email protected] Economic Development & Financing Corporation (EDFC)
2nd Thursday of month, 2:00 p.m.
Primarily 631 S. Orchard Street (location varies)
Executive Director631 South Orchard AvenueUkiah, CA 95482467-5953 Multi-agency co-op for economic development and business loan program Riley (appointed 12/19/18) Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager; 467-5793 [email protected] Library Advisory Board
3rd Wednesdays of alternate months; 1:00
p.m.
Various Mendocino County Libraries Ukiah County Library 463-4491 Review library policy and activities Sher Rodin - Alternate Kristine Lawler, City Clerk; 463-6217; [email protected] Mendocino County 1st District Liaison Monthly; TBD
Civic Center Annexconference room #5411 West Clay St.Ukiah, CA 95482 Civic Center300 Seminary Ave.Ukiah, CA 95482
To coordinate activities and policy development with the City's 1st District Supervisor Crane Rodin - Alternate
Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager;
463-6221; [email protected]
Mendocino County 2nd District Liaison 1st Wednesdays of month, 8:00 a.m.
Civic Center Annexconference room #5411 West Clay St.Ukiah, CA 95482 Civic Center300 Seminary Ave.Ukiah, CA 95482
To coordinate activities and policy development with the County's 2nd District Supervisor CrissRodin - Alternate
Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager;467-5793 [email protected] Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG)
1st Monday of month, 1:30 p.m.
Board of Supervisors Chambers501 Low Gap RoadUkiah, CA
Executive Director
367 N. State Street, Ste. 206 Ukiah, CA 95482463-1859
Plan and allocate State funding, transportation, infrastructure and project County wide Criss Sher - Alternate
Tim Eriksen, Public Works Director/City Engineer; 463-6280 [email protected] Mendocino County Airport Land Use Commission As needed
BOS Conference Room
501 Low Gap Rd., Rm. 1090,Ukiah, CA
Mendocino County Executive Office 501 Low Gap Rd. Rm. 1010 Ukiah, CA 95482 To formulate a land use compatibility plan, provide for the orderly growth of the airport and the surrounding area, and safeguard the general welfare of the inhabitants within the vicinity Liaisons: Owen/Schlatter
Greg Owen, Airport Manager; 467-2855;
[email protected] Schlatter, Director of Community Development; 463-6219; [email protected] Mendocino County Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) 1st Monday of month, 9:00 a.m. Board of Supervisors Chambers Executive Director
200 S. School Street, Ste. 2Ukiah, CA 95482463-4470
Required by legislation - planning spheres of influence, annexation, service areas, and special districts RodinCrane - Alternate for both city seat
members on Commission
Craig Schlatter, Director of Community Development; 463-6219; [email protected] Updated: 2/10/2025
Attachment 1
2025 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT LIST
MENDOCINO COUNTY
Continued MTG DATE/TIME MEETING LOCATION MAILING ADDRESS/CONTACT COMMITTEE FUNCTION ASSIGNED TO PRINCIPAL STAFF SUPPORT Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA)
3rd Thursday of every other month (varies), 10:00 a.m.
Willits Council Chambers
Solid Waste Director3200 Taylor DriveUkiah, CA 95482468-9710 County-wide Solid Waste JPA Crane Sher - Alternate Tim Eriksen, Public Works Director/City Engineer; 463-6280 [email protected] Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) Board of Directors
Last Wednesday of month, 1:30 p.m.
Alternating locations - Ukiah Conference Center or Fort Bragg, or Point Arena Executive Director
241 Plant RoadUkiah, CA 95482462-1422
County-wide bus transportation issues and funding Sher Rodin - Alternate Tim Eriksen, Public Works Director/City Engineer; 463-6280 [email protected] Mendocino Youth Project JPA Board of Directors
3rd Wednesday of month, 7:45 a.m. 776 S. State Street Conference Room Mendocino Co. Youth Project776 S. State Street, Ste. 107Ukiah, CA 95482 707-463-4915 Targets all youth with a focus on drug and alcohol prevention, healthy alternatives and empowering youth to make healthy choices Criss Max Brazill, Admin Lieutenant - Alternate
Cedric Crook, Police Chief; 463-6771; [email protected] Russian River Flood Control District
(RRFCD) Liaison
1st Monday of month, 5:30 p.m.
151 Laws Ave.,Suite D Ukiah, CA
151 Laws Ave., Ukiah, CA 95482; [email protected]; 462-5278 Proactively manage the water resources of the upper Russian River for the benefit of the people and environment of Mendocino County White/Orozco Sean White, Director of Water Resources; 463-5712 [email protected] Ukiah Players Theater Board of Directors
3rd Tuesday of month, 6:00 p.m
1041 Low Gap Rd Ukiah, CA 95482 462-1210
1041 Low Gap RdUkiah, CA 95482462-1210
To oversee the activities, organization and purpose of the Ukiah Players Theater Greg Owen, Airport Manager(appointed 12/19/18)
Kristine Lawler, City Clerk; 463-6217 [email protected] Ukiah Unified School District (UUSD) Committee Quarterly 511 S. Orchard, Ste. D Ukiah, CA 95482 511 S. Orchard Ukiah, CA 95482 Information exchange with UUSD Board Chair, Mayor, Superintendent, and City Manager Orozco, Criss Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager Cedric Crook, Police Chief Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager; 463-6221 [email protected]
REGIONAL MTG DATE/TIME LOCATION MAILING ADDRESS/CONTACT COMMITTEE FUNCTION ASSIGNED TO PRINCIPAL STAFF SUPPORT Great Redwood Trail Agency (GRTA) Bi-monthly, 3rd Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Various Locations - announced 419 Talmage Road, Suite M Ukiah, CA 95482 463-3280 Provides a unified and revitalized rail infrastructure meeting the freight and passenger needs of the region Rodin Sher- Alternate Neil Davis, Community Services Director 467-5764 [email protected] League of California Cities Redwood Empire Legislative Committee Prior to Division Meetings, meets 3x in person and then via conference call Various locations that are announced
Redwood Empire League President; Public Affairs Program Manager (916) 658-8243 Elected city officials and professional city staff attend division meetings throughout the year to share what they are doing and advocate for their interests in Sacramento OrozcoCriss - Alternate
Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager; 463-6221 [email protected] Russian River Watershed Association (RRWA)
4th Thursday of month, 9:00 a.m. (only 5 times a year)
Windsor Town Hall9291 Old Redwood Hwy, #400Windsor, CA 95492707-838-1000 Russian River Watershed Association 2235 Mercury Way, Suite 105Santa Rose, CA [email protected] 707-508-3670 (message only) Consider issues related to Russian river - plans projects and funding requests RodinSher - Alternate
Tim Eriksen, Public Works Director/City Engineer;
463-6280 [email protected]
Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) - Commission
4th Thursday of month, 9:00 a.m. (see NCPA calendar)
Roseville, CA and other locations
651 Commerce Drive Roseville, CA 95678916-781-4202
Pool of State and local power utilities developing and operating power generation, providing scheduling and related energy services and providing regulatory and legislative support.
Crane - Commissioner Sher - City Council Alternate Sauers - Alternate and Commissioner in absence of Commissioner Crane
Cindi Sauers - Electric Utility Director;463-6286 [email protected] Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) – Lodi Energy Center (LEC) Appointment 2nd Monday of month, 10:00 AM Lodi, CA and other locations 651 Commerce DriveRoseville, CA 95678916-781-4299
Committee oversees the operation, maintenance and expenditures of the LEC 300 MW generating project.
Sauers – Project Participate Appointee
Cindy Sauers, Electric Utility Director,463‐6286, [email protected] Transmission Agency of Northern California (TANC)
4th Wednesday of month, 10 a.m. 35 Iron Point Circle Suite 225 Folsom, CA 35 Iron Point Cir #225Folsom, CA 95630916-852-1673; [email protected] Provide electric transmission to its Member utilities through transmission line ownership or contract arrangements.
CraneSauers - Alternate
Cindi Sauers - Electric Utility Director;463-6286 [email protected]
STANDING COMMITTEES MTG DATE/TIME LOCATION MAILING ADDRESS/CONTACT COMMITTEE FUNCTION ASSIGNED TO PRINCIPAL STAFF SUPPORT Diversity and Equity TBD Virtual Meeting Room (link to be created) Civic Center 300 Seminary Ave. Ukiah, CA 95482 Improve diversity and equity in the City’s workforce and municipal services Orozco/Criss Traci Boyl, City Manager's Office Management Analyst; 467-5720; [email protected] Fire Executive Committee
2nd Tue, every other month beginning in January; 5:00 p.m.
Ukiah Valley Conference Center,200 S. School Street Ukiah, CA Civic Center300 Seminary Ave.Ukiah, CA 95482 [email protected] Per the recently adopted agreement between the City of Ukiah and the Ukiah Valley Fire Protection District Orozco/SherAlternates: Criss
Doug Hutchison, Fire Chief; 463-6263; [email protected] Countywide Oversight Board to the RDA Successor Agencies 4th Thursday of January, 4:00 p.m.; meets annually
Ukiah Valley Conference Center,200 S. School Street Ukiah, CA City of UkiahATTN: City Clerk300 Seminary Ave.Ukiah, CA 95482 Oversee and direct the Successor Agencies of the former redevelopment agencies Crane Dan Buffalo, Director of Finance; 463‐6220 [email protected] Lawler, City Clerk; 463‐6217, [email protected] Water Executive Committee(Ukiah Valley Water Authority) 1st Tue of each month
at 6:00 p.m.
Ukiah Valley Conference Center,200 S. School Street Ukiah, CA City of UkiahATTN: Sean White300 Seminary Ave.Ukiah, CA 95482 Oversight of UVWA; set annual budget for the combined water system; Manage rates and collect levies; modify existing water rights for the provision of water service; mediation and dispute resolution; Crane/Orozco Sean White, Director of Water Resources; 463-5712 [email protected] Updated: 2/10/2025
COMMITTEE ASSIGNED TO PRINCIPAL STAFF SUPPORT
Electric Grid Operational Improvements Crane/Orozco Cindy Sauers, Electric Utility Director; 463-6286 [email protected]
Trench Cut Policy Development Crane Tim Eriksen, Public Works Director/City Engineer; 463- 6280 [email protected]
Advance Planning & Policy for Annexation
Applications Crane/Rodin
Craig Schlatter, Community Development Director
463-6219 [email protected]
UVSD/ City Relations
Ad hoc committee to address specific issues with the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District, including discussion of overall sewer system service delivery policies, operating policy revisions, potential revisions to the current Operating Agreement, and cost sharing
Crane/Orozco
Dan Buffalo, Director of Finance;
463‐6220 [email protected]
Sean White, Water Resources Director
463‐5712 [email protected]
Orr Street Bridge Corridor Rodin/Sher Tim Eriksen, Public Works Director/City Engineer; 463- 6280 [email protected]
Complete Streets Rodin/Crane
Tim Eriksen, Public Works Director/City Engineer; 463-
6280 [email protected]
Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager
467-5793 [email protected]
Neil Davis, Community Services Director
467-5764 [email protected]
Special Districts (Water District Consolidation) Orozco/Crane Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager 467‐5793 [email protected]
Corp Yard Planning Crane/Orozco Jason Benson, Senior Civil Engineer 463‐6284 [email protected]
Mendocino County Courthouse Project and Reuse Sher/Orozco Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager 467‐5793 [email protected]
Climate Action Plan
Will coordinate with the Community Development Director to identify and assign representation to each of the identified categories, and also coordinate with the Community
Development Director and the Climate Action Plan Working Group related to other outreach efforts during the development of the draft municipal Climate Action Plan related to the 2040 General Plan
Sher/Criss Craig Schlatter, Community Development Director 463-6219 [email protected]
City's 150-Year Anniversary Planning Orozco/Rodin Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager 467‐5793 [email protected]
Zoning Reform
Function is to explore creation of a new ministerial zoning permit and identify additional zoning streamlining and reform efforts to provide better and more consistent development outcomes
Crane/Orozco
Craig Schlatter, Community Development Director
463-6219 [email protected]
Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)
Steering Committee
assist in the creation of the 2025 CHNA Report for the
communities served by the three Adventist Health hospitals in Mendocino County. providing insight, identifying, gathering and analyzing the health needs of our community. Additionally Rodin/Sher
Jeremy Malin, NP
Director of Community Health Analytics
Adventist Health Howard Memorial
Adventist Health Ukiah Valley
Adventist Health Mendocino Coast
978-289-3330; [email protected]
Parks & Recreation Special District Exploration Rodin/Orozco Neil Davis, Community Services Director 467-5764 [email protected]
Downtown Zoning code Crane/Rodin Craig Schlatter, Community Development Director 463-6219 [email protected]
Tourism Advisory Committee Rodin/Sher Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager 467‐5793 [email protected]
Historic Preservation Code Sher/Criss Craig Schlatter, Community Development Director 463-6219 [email protected]
Fire Severity Rodin/Orozco Craig Schlatter, Community Development Director 463-6219 [email protected]
City Council Handbook Review and Update Sher Kristine Lawler, City Clerk 463‐6217; [email protected]
2025 AD HOC COMMITTEES
*Note: Changing the composition of an existing ad‐hoc among current councilmembers after work has begun presents potential Brown Act issues. Requests for fully filled ad‐hocs are represented on the draft, but staff does not recommend changes except to fill vacated assignments. The current requests on the sheet for fully composed ad‐hocs are primarily intended to convey interest in topics covered by these ad‐hoc committees for possible future consideration of new assignments.
Updated: 3/6/2025