Agenda — Willits City Council, July 27, 2022

111 E. Commercial Street
Willits, California 95490
Tel | 707.459.4601
Fax | 707.459.1562
www.cityofwillits.org

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WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
JULY 27, 2022 | 6:30 PM | VIA TELECONFERENCE
Due to the provisions of the Governor’s new Executive Orders N-15-21 (Assembly Bill 361) which continues to suspend certain requirements of the Brown Act, and the Order of the Health Officer of the County of Mendocino to impose/recommend measures to promote social distancing to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the City Council will be participating by tele/video conference.

TELECONFERENCING ATTENDANCE INSTRUCTIONS
How to attend this Council meeting remotely – See end of the agenda.

1. OPENING MATTERS
a. Call to Order. | b. Pledge to Flag. | c. Roll Call.

2. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
The City Council welcomes participation in its meetings. Comments shall be limited to three (3) minutes per person so that everyone has an opportunity to address the Council. To expedite matters and avoid repetition, whenever any group of persons wishes to address the Council on the same subject matter, the Mayor may request the group appoints a spokesperson. This item is limited to matters under the jurisdiction of the City Council, which are not on the posted agenda. Public criticism of the City Council, Commission, Boards and Agencies will not be prohibited. The City Council will take no action.

3. PUBLIC MATTERS
a. Update from Mendocino County Third District Supervisor John Haschak.

4. ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCES
a. None.

5. CONSENT CALENDAR
The City Council considers matters listed under the Consent Calendar as routine. The Council will take action with a single motion and roll call vote. A Councilmember may request the removal of an item(s) from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion and subsequent action.

The following items as presented are before the City Council for approval or denial:
a. City Council Minutes:
i. June 22, 2022
ii. June 27, 2022
b. Resolution Ratifying and Extending for an Additional 30-Days, Approval of Continuing Virtual City Council, Commission, and Committee Meetings Pursuant to AB 361.

Willits City Council Agenda – July 27, 2022.

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6. MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORTS
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest. a. Business License Activity for June 2022.

7. COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES AND AUTHORITIES
The Willits City Council meets concurrently as the City of Willits Planning Commission & City of Willits Successor Agency.

8. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
a. Six municipalities Mutual Aid Agreement.
b. Brown Water and Hard Water Technical Memorandums. Composed by LACO Associates. c. Revised parking management for the 100 and 200 Block of East Commercial Street. d. Verbal Reports – No Action.

9. DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS (ACTION ITEMS)
a. Discussion and Proposed Action Awarding Professional Services Contract to Planwest Partners, Inc to Update the General Plan Land Use Element and Prepare a Sphere of Influence Amendment
Presenting staff member: Community Development Director Duley. b. Mobile Vendor Ordinance Interpretation Update: No action sought.

Presenting staff member: Community Development Director Duley. c. Vacant Commercial Building Registration Program Update: No action sought.

Presenting staff member: Community Development Director Duley.

10. DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORTS – (presented at the second meeting of each month) a. Airport. b. Community Dev. c. Engineering. d. Police Dept. e. Public Works. f. Utilities.

11. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS

12. GOOD & WELFARE

13. CLOSED SESSION NOTICE
a. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9 – Existing Litigation:

Alexis Blaylock vs the City of Willits; Mendocino County Superior Court, Case No. 21CV00310.

14. ADJOURNMENT
Right to Appeal - Persons who are dissatisfied with the decisions of the City Council may have the right to a review of that decision by a court. The City has adopted Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure, which generally limits to 90- days, the time within an individual and/or entity may judicially challenge the decisions of the City Boards and Agencies.

I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that I posted the foregoing Agenda on the bulletin board at the main entrance of the City of Willits City Hall, located at 111 East Commercial Street, Willits, California, not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting set forth on this Agenda.

Dated this 21st day of July, 2022.

Delores Pedersen, City Clerk
Willits City Council Agenda – July 27, 2022.

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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
If you need assistance to attend or participate in a City Council meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (707) 459-7113 or Fax (707) 459-1562. Notification at least 48-hours prior to the meeting will assist the City Clerk in assuring the implementation of reasonable accommodations to provide accessibility to the meeting. Our meeting room is wheelchair accessible and ADA parking is available.

Additional Meeting Information for Interested Parties
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Willits City Council, Planning Commission, or Community Development Agency after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at City Clerk’s office at 111 E. Commercial Street, Willits, during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday 9 AM to 5:30 PM.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING – ELECTRONIC ATTENDANCE
To attend the City Council meeting of Wednesday, July 27, 2022, electronically, please do the following:

Navigate to the GoToMeeting site.

Join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/565446765
Phone:
• Dial in: 1 (571) 317-3122
• Punch in the following Access Code when prompted: 565-446-765 • Please keep your phone on Mute, unless you are addressing the Council. • When calling in on a landline phone press *6 to mute and unmute your phone.

Public Comments:
• Members of the public wishing to address the City Council, either during public comment or for a specific agenda item, or both, will be limited to three (3) minutes per person at the time the Mayor opens item for public comments.
111 E. COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA 95490
(707) 459-4601 TEL
(707) 459-1562 FAX

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WILLITS CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022
Mayor Rodriguez called a regular meeting of the City Council to order at 6:30 p.m., via teleconference/video conference. The meeting was preceded by the pledge to the flag.

Roll Call: Councilmembers Gerardo Gonzalez, Larry Stranske, Madge Strong, Greta Kanne, and Mayor Saprina Rodriguez were present.

Also present were staff members: Brian Bender City Manager; Cathy Moorhead, Assistant City Manager; Jim Lance, City Attorney; Dusty Duley, Community Development Director; Manuel Orozco, Finance Director; Scott Herman, Public Works Director; Kenan O’Shea, Public Works Superintend; Fabian Lizarraga, Police Chief; Davey Bowlds, Building Inspector; Karen Stevenson, Human Resources Manager; and Delores Pedersen City Clerk.

Due to the provisions of the Governor’s new Executive Order N-15-21 (Assembly Bill 361) which continues to suspend certain requirements of the Brown Act, and the Order of the Health Officer of the County of Mendocino to continue to impose/recommend measures to promote social distancing to minimize the spread of COVID19, the City Council will be participating by tele/video conferencing.

2. Public Communications
 Gary Martin on behalf of the Willits Cultural Arts Center (WCA) thanked Brian Bender and Jim Lance for putting together the new Art Policy. The WCA would like to present a Sculpt and Show in 2023 or 2024 for and with the City of Willits.

3. Public Matters
a. Little Lake Fire Department Updates – Presented by Fire Chief Carter.  Recently had a fundraiser for the Little Lake Fire Fighters Association, there was a great turn out for the event. Chief Carter wanted to thank all who attended and the businesses that gave for the event.
 Chief Carter reported that they have received final completion on the New Fire House.
 The Little Lake Firefighters have completed their annual pressure training.

Public Comment: Mayor Rodriguez asked Chief Carter if anyone has approached the Little Lake Fire Department about needs, with regards to the new Sales Tax Initiative.

Chief Carter responded that no one has approached him, but that he is excited about the Initiative and the opportunities I will give the Fire Department.

4. Enactment of Ordinances
None presented.

Willits City Council Minutes of June 22, 2022 Page 2 of 4

5. Consent Calendar
The following item(s) are recommended for approval or denial, as follows:
a. City Council Minutes:
i. June 8, 2022
b. Resolution ratifying and extending for an additional 30-days, approval of continuing Virtual City Council, Commission, and Committee meetings pursuant to AB 361.

Public Comment: None presented.

Moved by Stranske/Seconded by Strong and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar item(s) (a & b).

6. Monthly Activity Reports
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest. a. None presented

7. Commissions, Agencies and Authorities
None presented.

8. City Manager Reports and Recommendations
a. Verbal Reports – No Action.
 City Manager Bender gave an update on the City Hall Renovations. Announced that City Hall would be closed to the public until Monday June 27, 2022.  Reported that the County IT has been very helpful with the transition to APEX for our IT needs. Looking at upgrades to internet access for City Hall and the Police Department.
 There is a Budget Meeting scheduled for Monday June 27th at 9:30 am.

Public Comment: None presented.

9. Department Recommendations (Action Items)
a. Discussion and Possible Action Approving a Resolution to Adopt the Local Road Safety Plan for the City of Willits and Authorizing the Submission of Two Project Applications.

Presenting staff member: Project Manager Ronco.

Public Comment: None presented.

Moved by Councilmember Gonzalez/Seconded by Kanne and carried unanimously to approve Resolution No. 2022-42 of the City Council of the City of Willits Adopting the City’s Local Road Safety Plan.
b. Discussion and Possible Action Adopting a Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Trout Unlimited Establishing the Framework for a Pilot Study to Determine the Benefit of a Proposed Flow Release from Morris Reservoir to Davis Creek for the Native Anadromous Fish.

Presenting staff member: Public Works Director Herman.

Item was tabled until a future meeting.

Willits City Council Minutes of June 22, 2022 Page 3 of 4

10. Department Monthly Reports (ONLY SECOND MEETING OF EACH MONTH) a. Airport – Assistant City Manager Moorhead reporting that the Public Works Crew has been busy at the airport doing weed abatement. Caltrans Department of Transportation (DOT) did an inspection and requested that the City top a few trees at the airport. There has been a decline in fuel sales at the airport. We are at a higher price right now due to our purchase of the fuel at the peak of the price of fuel. We are continuing to work on the new hangar leases with City Attorney Lance. There are only a few more hangar inspections left to do, this will be completed for the first time in several years. b. Community Development Department – City Manager Bender reported that Community Development has been working with the new City Planner Taylor Perry getting her assignments with applications. We have released the RFP for the General Plan Amendment. Pending the Budget Hearing we modified the Budget under Community Development to apply additional funds for some planning work that needs to be done in the next few years and that will support the General Plan Amendment.

Mayor Rodriguez requested that an update on the Building Vacancy Ordinance at the next meeting.
c. Engineering – Project Manager Ronco reported that he has been busy with the Blosser Lane Project. The Curb and Gutter has started being installed on Blosser and it looks good. PG&E will be starting Traffic Control on East Hill Road next week and maybe the week after.
d. Police Department – Police Chief Lizarraga reported we will be swearing in New Officer John Gale on Monday June 27th. We started the Racial Identity Profile Act (RIPA) reporting in January. As of June 12th, we have made 1019 entries into the system. This encompasses all the stops that the officers make. The Frontier Days Celebrations kicked off last weekend with the Hometown Celebration. The Sheriffs, Parole and Fish and Game will be lending us some additional bodies, we anticipate that everyone will have fun. Monday we are interviewing for the Vacant Sargent Position. The candidate has 8 years of experience.
e. Public Works – Public Works Director Herman reported that we will be getting our tractor mower back early next week and the first goal is to hit Sherwood Road. f. Utilities – Still at 100% capacity at our reservoirs.

No action taken.

11. City Council Announcements, Communications and Reports  Councilmember Strong reported there have been two meetings of the Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority in the last seven days. The first was a regularly scheduled meeting and then there was a special meeting this morning because they have not been able to find a new General Manager, they are looking at what their options are.
 Mayor Rodrigues reported that Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) met on Monday, there was lots of discussions about their budget. There was a request for a bus stop at the Golden Rule. A south bound bus stop is not a major issue, but unfortunately passengers can not be picked up if they can not be dropped back off. There is no way Willits City Council Minutes of June 22, 2022 Page 4 of 4 to drop passengers off at the Golden Rule area heading northbound. She will be contacting the Willits Senior Center to see if they are providing services there and if not, how can we get that going. Loretta from Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) informed the MTA board that the study was approved for a needs assessment for public transit which impacts us because it would potentially provide for services in Brooktrails, Laytonville, Covelo, Potter Valley and Redwood Valley. The assessment will take about a year.

Public Comment: None presented
No action taken.

12. Good & Welfare
Mayor Rodriguez stated that she is looking forward to seeing everyone during the 4th of July and asked that everyone be Covid safe.

13. Closed Session Notice

14. Adjournment
Mayor Rodriguez declared the meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m. _____________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council for the City of Willits
ATTEST:
__________________________

DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
111 E. COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA 95490
(707) 459-4601 TEL
(707) 459-1562 FAX

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WILLITS CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2022
Mayor Rodriguez called a special meeting of the City Council to order at 9:37 a.m., via teleconference/video conference. The meeting was preceded by the pledge to the flag.

Roll Call: Councilmembers Madge Strong, Gerardo Gonzalez, Larry Stranske, Greta Kanne (arrived at 9:45 am), and Mayor Saprina Rodriguez were present.

Also present were staff members: Brian Bender City Manager; Jim Lance, City Attorney; Cathy Moorhead, Assistant City Manager; and Delores Pedersen, City Clerk.

2. Resolution ratifying and extending for an additional 30-days, approval of continuing Virtual City Council, Commission, and Committee meetings pursuant to AB 361.

Moved by Strong/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to approve Resolution (No. 2022-43) ratifying and extending for an additional 30-days, approval of continuing Virtual City Council, Commission, and Committee meetings pursuant to AB 361.

3. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt the Fiscal Year 2022/2024 Biennial Budget Including the Capital Improvement Program. At the June 13th Budget Workshop, the City Council Completed their Review of the Document and Instructed Staff to Present it for Final Action at the June 22nd Meeting. Staff was Unable to Complete the Requested Revisions in Time for Inclusion on the June 22nd Agenda and Subsequently Scheduled this Special Meeting.

Presenting staff member: Finance Director Orozco
Finance Director Orozco presented a Power Point Presentation of the 2022/2024 Biennial Budget including the Capital Improvement Program.

Public Comment: None presented.

Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Kanne and carried (4-1 with Strong dissenting) to Adopt Resolution of the City Council of the City of Willits Adopting the Fire-Year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2022-2023 through 2026-2027 and as Included in the City Biennial Budget for Fiscal Years 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Willits City Council Minutes of June 27, 2022 Page 2 of 2 Mayor Rodriguez declared the meeting adjourned at 10:51 a.m. _____________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council for the City of Willits
ATTEST:
__________________________

CATHY MOORHEAD
Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
Resolution No. 2022-__ Page 1 of 2 July 27, 2022
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WILLITS RATIFYING AND EXTENDING FOR AN ADDITIONAL 30-DAYS, UNTIL AUGUST 26, 2022 THE CONTINUANCE

OF VIRTUAL CITY COUNCIL, COMMISSION, AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS DURING DECLARED STATE OF EMERGENCY PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE 54953 (AB 361).

WHEREAS, on October 13, 2021, the City of Willits adopted Resolution No. 2021-37, authorizing virtual City Council, Commission and Committee meeting during the Declared State of Emergency, which is to be renewed every 30-days. FURTHERMORE, the Resolution was renewed on November 10, 2021, Resolution No. 2021-40; December 8, 2021, Resolution No. 2021-42; December 20, 2021, Resolution 2021-47; and January 12, 2022, Resolution No. 2022- 01; February 9, 2022, Resolution No. 2022-11, March 9, 2022, Resolution No. 2022-15; March 23, 2022, Resolution No. 2022-16; April 13, 2022, Resolution No. 2022-20; May 11, 2022, June 8, 2022 Resolution No. 2022-37; June 22, 2022 Resolution No. 2022-41; June 27, 2022 Resolution No. 2022-43; and
WHEREAS, AB 361 was signed by the Governor of the State of California, enacting certain changes to the Brown Act as set forth in Government Code section 54953; and WHEREAS, AB 361 authorizes local legislative bodies to continue having purely virtual meetings using teleconferencing and virtual meeting technology as long as there is a “proclaimed state of emergency” and either 1) State or local officials imposing or recommending measures that promote social distancing, or 2) The legislative body finding that meeting in person would present an imminent safety risk to attendees; and
WHEREAS, the state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor on March 4, 2020, related to the pandemic of coronavirus commonly known as COVID-19 has not been rescinded and remains in effect; and
WHEREAS, Mendocino County, California continues to be in an area of high transmission rates and experiences new variants of COVID-19, and the risk of illness or death due to these conditions remain significant to the general public; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined virtual meetings have not limited participation of Council Members, staff and other potential attendees; and WHEREAS, staff advised the City Council that modifications to the Council Chambers and the Community Center to accommodate on-site and/or hybrid meetings are cost prohibitive.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Willits that:

1. The City Council determines that the pandemic of COVID-19 creates an imminent safety risk to councilmember, staff, and other potential attendees of City Council meetings.

2. In accordance with AB 361, the City Council shall re-consider the passage of this resolution not less than every 30 days to determine whether the state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person, or whether state or local officials continue to impose or recommend measures to promote social distancing, until this resolution is rescinded.

The above and foregoing Resolution was introduced by Councilmember ________ seconded by Councilmember ________, and passed and adopted at a special meeting of the City Council of the City of Willits, held on the 27th day of July, 2022, by the following vote:

Resolution No. 2022-__ Page 2 of 2 July 27, 2022
AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:
____________________________________
_________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council of the City of Willits

DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
BL# Name Owner Address
Date
Issued Type of Bussiness
7068 Crystal's Hair Crystal Senander 871 S. Main St. 6/8/2022 Hair Stylist 7069 Super Coats Painting Colby Jergenson 701 Coast St. 6/8/2022 Painting Contractor 7070 Mendocino Materials Ricardo Travalini 400 N. Lenore Ave. 6/8/2022 Wholesale of Wood Shavings and Soil 7071 Big Earl's BBQ Earl Chavez 720 S. State St. Ukiah, CA 95482 6/8/2022 Catering/ Food Services 7072 Aragon Electric Alexander Aragon 253 State St 6/8/2022 Electrical Contracting 7073 Bluecloud Botanicals Tara Bluecloud 38 S. Main St. 6/8/2022 Health & Wellness 7074 Lis Shredding Bianca & Lis Escobedo 1522 Padula Dr. 6/8/2022 Paper Shredding 7075 Element 7 Robert DiVito 1795 S. Main St. 6/8/2022 Cannabis Dispensary 7076 Smokey's 707 BBQ LLC Simone River & Dingane Jackson 42 S. Main St. 6/16/2022 Food Services New Business License - June 2022
Item No. 8a
Meeting Date: 7/27/22

AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Brian Bender, City Manager
Agenda Title: CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ENTRANCE INTO A MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT

FACILITATING EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AMONG THE CITIES OF FORT BRAGG, POINT ARENA, UKIAH, CLEARLAKE AND LAKEPORT.

Type: Presentation Consent Regular Agenda Public Hearing Urgent Time: 10 minutes Summary of Request: The accompanying Mutual Aid Agreement covers the four Mendocino County municipalities, and the two situated in Lake County. The merits of having a shared agreement between the six municipalities originated from discussions held during the bimonthly, Mendo/Lake City Manager meetings. The agreement uses last year’s, water focused Mutual Aid Agreement as a template. As with the 2021 agreement, City of Ukiah staff composed the document and routed it to the managers for their review.

The managers agreed there is value to have a Mutual Aid Agreement in place to facilitate the delivery/exchange of resources, materials and staff during a situation when an organization may not possess the necessary items. Importantly, it is entirely voluntary if a signatory wants to supply as there is no mandatory obligation to provide resources especially if the capacity does not exist. The agreement contains the appropriate indemnity and insurance requirements, and requirements for documentation of the need and use of the assistance. The agreement specifics the entity receiving assistance is to compensate at fair market value of the services or other resources, but in amounts sufficient to cover the providers’ labor expense and cost of production and treatment.

City Attorney, Jim Lance reviewed the agreement and found no provisions and/or stipulations that are problematic or worrisome.

Recommended Action: Accept the intent and purpose of the presented Mutual Aid Agreement and authorize the City Manager to the sign. This action requires the adoption of the supporting Resolution.

Alternative(s): None. Advise staff to seek different means to provide and/or provide mutual aid to neighboring municipalities.

Fiscal Impact: Unknown. Depends on the situation and if the City is providing or receiving assistance.

Personnel Impact: Unknown. Depends on the situation and if the City is providing or receiving assistance.

Reviewed by: City Manager City Attorney Finance Director Human Resources Risk Council Action: Approved Denied Other: ________________________________________ Records: Agreement Resolution #_________ Ordinance #_________ Other _________ 1 MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT PROVIDING FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AMONG

THE CITY OF UKIAH, CITY OF FORT BRAGG, CITY OF WILLITS, CITY OF POINT

ARENA, CITY OF CLEARLAKE, AND THE CITY OF LAKEPORT
This Mutual Aid Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between the City of Ukiah (“Ukiah”), the City of Fort Bragg (“Fort Bragg”), the City of Willits, and the City of Point Arena in Mendocino County, and the City of Clearlake and the City of Lakeport in Lake County, which may be referred to herein individually as “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

RECITALS

1. The Parties recognize that Mendocino County and Lake County are potentially vulnerable to natural and manmade disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, pandemics, droughts and other emergencies. As such, the Parties desire to establish a mutual aid plan for use during an emergency to maximize the utilization of available supplies, distribution facilities, equipment, and personnel to prevent and combat the effect of disasters.

2. Mutual aid is defined as emergency assistance given from one public agency to another, under a prearranged agreement.

3. It is desirable that the Parties should be free to voluntarily aid and assist each other in a timely manner both in preparation for an emergency and in response to any emergency situation, or extraordinary or unusual circumstance, such as in the event of an earthquake, flood, fire, sabotage, riot, pandemic, drought or other emergency in Mendocino County or Lake County (hereinafter referred to as an “emergency” or “unforeseen circumstance”).

4. Such assistance may include the interchange of materials, resources, including potable, non-potable and recycled water (hereafter “resources”), facilities, services, equipment, and personnel to cope with the problems which would arise in the event of a major emergency or unforeseen circumstances.

5. Materials, resources, facilities, services, equipment and/or personnel are provided on the basis that the providing agency can continue operations and simultaneously meet the health and safety needs of its residents and businesses and the receiving agency has, or is about to, exhaust resources required to meet the health and safety needs of its residents and businesses.

6. The Parties are each willing to assume risks due to the use of resources, equipment, materials and personnel furnished by a Party; and
2 7. To the extent provided herein, the Parties agree to indemnify and hold each other harmless from any liability for injury, illness, or property damage incurred by a Party or its employees, officers or agents, or by third parties in the course of, or as a result of a Party’s activities performed pursuant to this agreement.

8. This Agreement is not intended as a joint use or joint purchasing program.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants herein, the Parties agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

1. MUTUAL AID: ADOPTION OF EMERGENCY PLANS. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Parties agree to furnish to each other resources, facilities, personnel, and services to respond to emergencies and unforeseen circumstances in accordance with duly adopted or hereafter duly adopted emergency plans. The Party making a request for mutual aid shall be called a "Recipient" and the Party giving aid and assistance shall be called a "Provider."

1.1 Emergency Plan. The Parties shall develop emergency plans ("Emergency Operation Plans") providing for the effective mobilization of their resources, facilities, and services to respond to any type of emergency.

1.2 Voluntary Participation. No Party to this Agreement shall be liable for its failure or inability to provide, or attempt to provide, assistance to any other Party. It is the intent of the Parties to provide assistance on a strictly voluntary basis. No Party shall be required to lend any items or to unreasonably deplete its own resources, facilities, and services in furnishing such mutual aid.

2. INTENT OF PROVIDER AND RECIPIENT. It is the intent hereof that each Recipient will use the procedures herein established only for emergency situations or unforeseen circumstances requiring resources beyond its existing resources, and only for as long as necessary to respond to those situations or circumstances. Each Provider should assist other Parties to the extent it can do so without detriment to its own needs or impairing its ability to perform its own normal work requirements. If the Provider determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that its needs are greater than those of the Recipient's, the Provider has first priority and sole authority over its own equipment, personnel, resources and materials.

3. REQUEST FOR AID OR ASSISTANCE. If a Party has an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, it may make a request to any other Party or Parties for emergency assistance under this Agreement. The requesting Party will explain the nature of the circumstance and the type of resources, materials, equipment or personnel expected to be needed. No Party receiving a request for assistance shall be under any obligation to provide assistance nor shall any Party incur any liability for not complying with the request.
3 3.1 Documentation. All mutual aid assistance, whether given or received, shall be documented either in advance of providing/receiving assistance, or after the emergency assistance is no longer required, as these records may be needed for federal and state emergency assistance funding application requirements and must be available to the Provider/Recipient within 30-days of the resolution of the emergency. The Parties shall develop a standard documentation form as soon as possible after this agreement is executed by the Original Signatory Parties.

3.1.1 Documentation shall include one or more of the following, as applicable:
(1) photographs of damage and repairs; (2) documentation of insufficient resources: (3) documentation of the type or amount of equipment, resources, or materials provided; (4) notes on damage and repairs; (5) clippings of press reports; (6) a record of all expenditures, including timecards and logs documenting equipment hours; (7) a record of all pertinent conversations about specific damages and/or repairs to damaged facilities; (8) retained receipts, invoices, statements, and other relevant paperwork for services rendered by a contractor or vendor; and (9) any other documents reasonably requested by a Provider or a Recipient or any state or federal agency regulating the emergency service or reimbursing the costs thereof.

3.1.2 Books, documents, papers, accounting records, and other evidence pertaining to costs incurred or compensation provided under this Agreement shall be maintained by each Party and made available at all reasonable times for four (4) years from the date of payment for inspection by another Party or state or federal agencies regulating or reimbursing expenses incurred in providing mutual aid under this Agreement.

3.2 Procedures for Providers. A Provider may require a Recipient to comply with procedures adopted by the Provider in its Emergency Plan to document requests made hereunder.

4. CONTROL SAFETY SUPERVISION AND RECALL. It is expressly understood that the Recipient, in whose jurisdiction the incident requiring mutual aid has occurred, shall remain in charge for such incident, including the schedule of the work and the direction and supervision of such personnel and equipment provided to it through the operation of this Agreement. Safe work procedures and practices shall be observed by a Provider. Employees lending assistance to a Recipient will not be asked to perform tasks which could lead to reasonably foreseeable to injury or illness. Equipment shall be operated according to standards and procedures, if any, provided by the Provider at the time such equipment is provided. A Provider may recall any equipment, personnel, or unused materials or supplies at any time, but shall give the Recipient as much notice as practical prior to such recall.

5. CHARGES FOR MATERIALS, RESOURCES, PERSONNEL, AND EQUIPMENT. 4 5.1 Materials. All materials borrowed but not utilized shall be returned to the Provider in the same condition as they were when they were borrowed. The Recipient shall pay the Provider either the purchase or replacement cost (whichever is higher) for all materials obtained, utilized, and not returned under this Agreement. With the prior approval of the Provider, the Recipient may replace materials and return them to the site of the Provider as soon as practical instead of making payments.

5.2 Resources. The Recipient shall pay the Provider for the use of resources in an amount agreed upon by the Recipient and Provider. Such charge shall be approximately the fair market value but it should reflect a return to the Provider sufficient to reimburse for the costs of production or treatment.

5.3 Personnel. The Recipient shall pay the Provider's cost of salaries for the time spent by all personnel in assisting the Recipient, including a provision for overtime, vacation, holidays, sick leave, insurance, retirement, payroll taxes, and other direct salary costs. No overhead costs shall be included.

5.4 Equipment and Facilities. The Recipient shall pay the Provider for the use of equipment and facilities in an amount agreed upon by the Recipient and Provider. Such charge shall be approximately the fair market value‐ rental charge but it should reflect a return to the Provider sufficient to reimburse for the costs of ownership and operation. Unless otherwise arranged, the default rate for equipment is the current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement rate.

The Recipient shall return all equipment and facilities in undamaged condition, subject to reasonable wear and tear. If equipment and/or facilities are damaged, the Recipient shall pay the cost of repair. If equipment is damaged beyond repair, it shall be replaced by the Recipient with new or comparable used equipment, acceptable to the Provider. The Recipient shall not be responsible to repair pre‐existing damage on equipment or facilities.

5.5 Invoicing and Payment. The Providershall provide the Recipient a detailed invoice for the cost of the mutual aid services. The invoice will include assigned personnel classification, dates and hours worked (copy of timesheet/cards and FEMA Form 214’s if not collected by the requested agency), hourly billing rates (including force labor breakdown), equipment used, materials provided, and a summary of total costs incurred. The Recipientshall notify the Provider of any dispute of the information in the invoice within thirty (30) days of receipt. The Parties will cooperate to resolve any disputes before resorting to legal remedies.

The Recipient shall pay the Provider within 60-days of receipt of the invoice for any undisputed charges or within fifteen 15-days after resolution of any disputed charges. By mutual consent, the Provider and Recipient may agree to an alternate payment schedule and/or charges in consideration of federal and/or state reimbursements or other factors.

6. INDEMNIFICATION.
5 6.1 Indemnity for Requested Assistance. To the fullest extent provided by law, each Recipient shall fully indemnify and hold the Provider and its elected officials, officers, employees, contractors, authorized volunteers and agents (“Indemnified Parties”) harmless from any liabilities, claims, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, losses or damages, including attorney’s fees and expert witness fees (collectively, “Claims”) arising out of, or occurring during or in the course of the provision of assistance under this Agreement. Recipient shall assume on behalf of the Provider, the defense of any Claims in which liability is sought to be imposed on the Provider or shall reimburse the Provider for all reasonable costs of defending or responding to such action, claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys' fees.

Notwithstanding the above, Recipient shall have no obligation to indemnify, defend, or hold harmless the Indemnified Parties to the extent the Claims are caused by the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of an Indemnified Party. Obligations arising out of this section shall survive the termination or withdrawal from this Agreement by a Party hereto.

6.2 Liability for Joining. In the event of any Claims of whatever kind or nature arising out of the rendering of assistance pursuant to this Agreement, the Parties involved in rendering or receiving assistance agree to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each signatory to this Agreement, whose only involvement in the transaction or occurrence which is the subject of such Claims, is the execution and approval of this Agreement.

Such indemnification shall include indemnity for all Claims, including but not limited to Claims for personal injury and property damage.

7. WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE CLAIMS; EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES.

Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement, it is the intent of the Parties that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any employee of a Provider that provides labor pursuant to this Agreement, is performing the labor within the course and scope of employment for Provider and, therefore, will be covered by Provider’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage during performance of any labor provided under this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of Section 6.1, the Providershall indemnify and hold the Recipient and its elected officials, officers, employees, contractors, authorized volunteers and agents harmlessfrom any and all Claims for personal injury or death incurred by such officers, employees or agents while engaged in carrying out their duties, functions or activities under this Agreement, except to the extent the Claims are caused by the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of an Indemnified Party.

Each Party shall pay all wages, salaries, and other amounts due to its employees and agents in connection with any and all services performed under this Agreement and as required by law. Each Party shall be responsible for all reports and obligations respecting their own employees, including, but not limited to, social security taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance. Employees or agents of one Party shall not be deemed employees of any other Party for any purpose. 6 8. INSURANCE. Each Party shall be responsible for maintaining a program of insurance that shall cover each Party’s indemnification obligations. Without in any way affecting the indemnity herein provided and in addition thereto, each Party shall secure and maintain throughout the Agreement the following types of insurance, including coverage through a pooled risk joint powers agency with limits as shown.

8.1 Workers’ Compensation: A program of Workers’ Compensation Insurance or a state-approved self-insurance program in an amount and form to meet all applicable requirements of the Labor Code of the State of California, including Employer’s Liability with $250,000 limits covering all persons providing services on behalf of each Party and all risks to such persons under this Agreement.

8.2 Comprehensive General and Automobile Liability Insurance: This coverage is to include contractual coverage and automobile liability coverage for owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles. The policy or self-insurance shall have combined single limits for bodily injury and property damage of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000.00).

8.3 Additional Named Insured: All policies, and/or memoranda of coverage, except Workers’ Compensation, shall contain additional endorsements naming each Party and its officers, employees, agents and volunteers as additional named insured with respect to liabilities arising out of each Party’s performance hereunder.

8.4 Policies Primary and non-Contributory: All policies required above are to be the primary and non-contributory with any insurance or self-insurance carried or administered by each Party.

9. EXECUTION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic signatures or signatures on copies transmitted by email or telefax shall have the same force and effect as original signatures and any copy of this Agreement with executed counterparts so transmitted shall be admissible in any administrative or judicial proceeding as evidence of the Parties’ agreement. Each Party shall, upon approval of this Agreement, forward a certified copy of its resolution or other action approving the Agreement to all other Parties.

10. TERMINATION NOTICE. This Agreement shall remain operative and effective as between each and every Party that has heretofore or hereafter approved or executed this Agreement until participation in this Agreement is terminated by the Party. A Party which no longer desires to participate shall, by resolution or other action, give notice terminating its participation in this Agreement to all other Parties. This Agreement is terminated as to such party 30-days after notice to all Parties has been given. 7 11. AGREEMENT BINDING. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Original Signatory Parties and all parties who may subsequently enter into this Agreement, and their successors and assigns.

12. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. This Agreement is only for the benefit of the Parties as municipal or local government entities and shall not be construed as or deemed to operate as an agreement for the benefit of any third party or parties, and no third party or parties shall have any right of action or obtain any right to benefits or position of any kind for any reason whatsoever.

13. SEVERABILITY. In the event that any one or more phrases, sentences, clauses, paragraphs, or sections contained in this Agreement shall be declared invalid or unenforceable by a valid judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, sentences, clauses, paragraphs, or sections of this Agreement which are hereby declared as severable and shall be interpreted to carry out the intent of the parties hereunder.

14. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Venue shall be in the state courts located in Mendocino County. In the event any Party seeks to change venue under Code Civ. Proc. §394, the Parties agree to waive the right to a jury trial and stipulate to the appointment of an out-of-county judge by the Judicial Council to hear the case in Mendocino County.

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains the entire Agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings or agreements. This Agreement may only be modified by a written agreement signed by each of the Parties hereto.

16. NON‐WAIVER. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be considered waived by any Party unless such waiver is specifically provided in writing.

17. Addition of Signatory Parties. Additional cities, special districts, or other government agencies in Mendocino County or Lake County may become parties to this agreement with the approval of the Original Signatory Parties by duly approving and executing this Agreement in accordance with Section 9. The city managers of the Original Signatory Parties are hereby delegated the authority by their respective governing bodies to approve the addition of a party or parties to this Agreement. 8 SIGNATURES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE(S)
9 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties have caused this Mutual Aid Agreement to be executed by its authorized agent or official evidencing the consent of its legislative body hereto.

APPROVED:

City of Willits City of Point Arena
By: ________________________ By: ________________________ Brian Bender, City Manager Paul Anderson, City Manager
Dated: ________________ Dated: _______________
City of Ukiah City of Fort Bragg
By: __________________________ By: __________________________ Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager Sarah McCormick, Interim City Manager
Dated: ________________ Dated: _______________
City of Clearlake City of Lakeport
By: __________________________ By: __________________________ Alan Flora, City Manager Kevin Ingram, City Manager
Dated: ________________ Dated: _______________

Resolution No. 2022-__ Page 1 of 1 July 27, 2022
RESOLUTION 2022-_____

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WILLITS APPROVING THE

ENTRANCE INTO A MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT FACILITATING EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

AMONG THE CITY OF UKIAH, CITY OF FORT BRAGG, CITY OF WILLITS, CITY OF POINT ARENA, CITY OF CLEARLAKE, AND THE CITY OF LAKEPORT.

WHEREAS, the Cities of Ukiah, Fort Bragg, Port Arena, Clearlake, Lakeport and Willits recognize there is advantage of each organization to receive and extend mutual aid to ensure the public safety of their citizens during emergencies; and WHEREAS, the Mutual Aid Agreement is an all hazard and/or situation agreement that reflects the varied types of responses anticipated in these municipalities; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the Mutual Aid Agreement is to establish the terms and conditions by which any entity to the agreement may request aid and assistance from one another in responding to a significant event, an emergency, or a disaster that exceeds the resources available to the requesting party; and
WHEREAS, the providing of assistance is entirely voluntary as there is no mandatory obligation to deliver resources especially if the capacity does not exist; and WHEREAS, the City of Council has reviewed the Mutual Aid Agreement attached hereto and believes it is in the best interests of the City of Willits to approve and enter into the attached agreement; and
WHEREAS, at the July 27, 2022 Council meeting, staff recommended the City Council to approve the Mutual Aid Agreement to enable the delivery and acceptance of assistance among the entities during emergencies; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Willits approves the Mutual Aid Agreement providing for emergency assistance among the Cities of Ukiah, Fort Bragg, Port Arena, Clearlake, Lakeport and Willits. The approval authorizes the City Manager to sign the Mutual Aid Agreement.

Resolution 2022-____ includes the Mutual Aid Agreement as supporting documentation.

The above and foregoing Resolution was introduced by Councilmember seconded by Councilmember , and passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Willits, held on the 27th day of July, 2022, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:
__________________________
__________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council of the City of Willits

DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Date: July 27, 2022
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Brian P. Bender, City Manager
Subject: Agenda Item #8b
Item 8a:

The accompanying Technical Memos stem from discussions I had with Rod Wilburn, City Engineer and Scott Herman, Public Works Director regarding the episodes of brown water and the presence of hard water the residents experience. These discussions helped me to understand the dynamics of the City’s Water Distribution System and our unique landscape that places additional strains on the system. Another factor that needs consideration is the presence of aged, steel water mains are problematic as their internal surfaces corrode and rust. If one stops and thinks, the inherent complexities the system needs to overcome to provide a dependable supply of drinking water to the community is remarkable.

Following our discussions, I inquired what are viable options to mitigate these conditions with the Distribution System and I tasked the City Engineer to compose these Technical Memos for the benefit of the City Council. Organized around the following headings: Executive Summary; Problem Definition; Alternatives; and Conclusions, the Memos frame the existing conditions and establish an informational baseline for the Council. Importantly, the Memos reference both current projects listed in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as well as future projects aimed at reducing the occurrences of these less than desirable conditions.

The purpose of this agenda item is to allow the City Council to hear from staff, ask questions and familiarize yourselves with the Water Distribution System and the projects designed to improve its functionality.

Memorandum 111 E. Commercial Street
Willits, California 95490
Tel | 707.459.4601
Fax | 707.459.1562
www.cityofwillits.org
City Manager’s Office
Technical Memorandum: Brown Water
City of Willits
City of Willits Water Quality Assessment
LACO Project No. 8509.17
July 21, 2022

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Willits (City) experiences brown water quality issues with its potable water distribution system largely due to improper and unexpected hydrant use and leaks in the water distribution system. Brown water is the discoloration of water due to the presence of particulates. This can be caused by sudden changes in velocity, a lack of regular system maintenance, aging infrastructure, and high presence of minerals in the water. There are several potential alternatives to alleviate the City’s brown water problem such as 1) annual maintenance, 2) continued capital improvements, and 3) potential treatment additions to the water treatment facility.

1.0 P R OBLEM DEFINITION
Brown water is the discoloration of the water and is generally associated with particulates in the water. Sediment and scaling can build up in pipe networks over time due to background concentrations of minerals present in the water and reactions between those minerals and the pipe material (Lui et al., 2017). This is most common in areas where steel piping is used as they are more susceptible than PVC pipes to corrosion, scale, and hard water buildup (Husband and Boxall, 2010).

Some sections of the City’s water distribution system are made of steel pipe which is likely contributing to the brown water issue. Brown water is generally more apparent during higher flows as it often dislodges some of the buildup on the pipes. When hydrants are improperly or unexpectedly used (i.e., they are opened or closed too quickly), this causes a sudden change in velocity which can dislodge sediment buildup. Other hydraulic changes, such as if a pipe bursts or when there are pipe leaks, can lead to this sediment mobilization as well.

2.0 ALTE RNATIVES
Several alternatives were evaluated to aid the City in their brown water issues. These include:

Annual Maintenance
• Unidirectional Flushing
• Ice Pigging
Capital Improvements
• Replacement of aging steel pipeline
Treatment Additions
• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
• Reverse Osmosis (RO)

2.1 Annual Maintenance
To mitigate the brown water quality issues that the City is facing, the City can implement an annual water distribution pipe cleaning maintenance program. Annual cleaning of the water mains improves water quality by removing sediment that has built up at the bottom of the water main over 2 time (WHO, 2004). Two typical water distribution cleaning methods that the City can implement are unidirectional flushing (UDF) and ice pigging.

Unidirectional flushing cleans the water mainlines through a series of flushing sequences in which specific valves are closed to ensure that water is moving in one direction until it is discharged from a fire hydrant at the end of the isolated water segment. Between February 15, 2022, and May 5, 2022 the City Public Works and Water Departments flushed the system from the base of Pine Mountain o the city limits on Main Street at the north end of town. This maintenance is estimated to have used approximately 25 million gallons of water. The This technique increases water velocities and uses approximately 40% less water than the conventional flushing methods (Town of Newmarket, 2019).

The higher water velocity results in better scouring of the pipe and will dislodge and remove mineral deposits, biofilm, and sediment in water mains (Carrie, 2005). A clean water source is used for the flushing process and flows from larger to smaller pipes. A UDF plan targeting specific water main segments will need to be in place before implementing this technique to the City’s water distribution system. A diagram depicting the UDF process is displayed is Figure 1.

Figure 1. Unidirectional flushing process (Town of New Market, 2019).

Ice pigging is an effective pipe cleaning technique in which an ice slurry is moved through the water distribution system to remove material, biofilm, and sediment from the water distribution system. The term “pigging” refers to an object being pushed through a pipe to clean the pipe walls. In ice pigging, the crushed ice brine slurry is the “pig”. Salt is added to the ice to lower the freezing point which creates the right slurry consistency that can conform to the shape of the pipe and travel through the water distribution system (Steven, 2019). Similar to the unidirectional flushing method, ice pigging targets specific water main segments by closing upstream and downstream valves. A benefit of ice pigging over conventional pigging methods is that the ice pig can navigate through various pipe sizes, bends, T’s, and valves. Ice pigging poses a smaller risk of blockage than conventional pigging since if any ice pig is stuck in the distribution system, it will melt and can be 3 flushed out of the system (Quarini, 2002). During the ice pigging process, the ice slurry increases the friction along pipe walls by 2 to 4 orders of magnitude than UDF, resulting in better removal of material build up in the water main (Quarini, 2010). Another benefit of the ice pigging is that it uses considerably less water than UDF (Jurek, 2021). A plan outlining specific water main segments to be cleaned will need to be in place before any ice pigging cleaning occurs. Figure 2 displays a diagram of the ice pigging process.

Figure 2. Diagram describing the Ice pigging process (KCI Technologies, 2012).

2.2 Continued Capital Improvements
Aging and corroding metal water mains can be a major source of water discoloration. The City of Willits will continue to remove and replace steel water mains as it will help mitigate current and future reoccurrences of brown water. Steel water main replacement projects over the past five years include California, Penn, Spruce, Pine, and Maple Streets. These projects included the replacement of 1,860 feet of steel water main at a cost of approximately $450,000.

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in the 2022/24 FY Budget identifies the following projects under the Water Enterprise Fund (503) that replace aging steel water mains over the next five years:
• North Street Water Main Replacement - $150,000
• Madrone Street Water Main Replacement - $200,000
• Pearl Street Water Main Replacement - $175,000
• Relocate and Upgrade Water Main on Railroad Trestle (south of Safeway) - $100,000 Selecting which steel water mains to be replaced has been taken into careful consideration as it can lead to better water quality results. It is best to target steel water lines that are in low lying areas since these lines typically have a larger amount of sediment build up which can further corrode the water main pipe. The corrosion of these sites will contribute to the brown water quality issues that the City is currently facing. The City should also use data from their water sampling stations to determine which areas are contributing or experiencing more brown water quality concerns. 4 2.3 Treatment Additions
Treatment additions such as granular active carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis (RO) at the water treatment facility can help to further remove the particulates causing the brown water before entering the distribution lines.

GAC is useful in water treatment as is acts as a surface for compounds to adsorb to and thus be removed from the water. GAC treatment works by passing water through GAC beds where contaminant can adsorb onto the GAC (EPA, 2017). GAC is more applicable for target contaminants specifically those that are readily adsorbed. A disadvantage of GAC treatment is that the GAC will have to be removed once particulates have adsorbed onto it and not all contaminants are readily adsorbed to carbon. There are regeneration technologies that allow for continued use of the GAC, however those can be costly, and a waste product will still need to be delt with.

RO treatment consists of forcing water at a high pressure through semi-permeable membranes that filer out unwanted particulates. RO is generally best applied after some pretreatment as it reduced maintenance to the membrane. RO treatment can remove a wider variety of contaminants at once than GAC as it is a physical process and does not depend on the contaminant’s’ ability to adsorb (EPA, 2021). A disadvantage of RO is that 15 to 30% of the water that enters the RO treatment train is rejected as it contains the removed contaminants and needs to be disposed of (EPA, 2021).

Another disadvantage is the high energy consumption that accompanies the high pressure used in this treatment process. Due to the ability of RO treatment to both treat brown water and hardwater, this treatment addition may be well suited to the City’s needs.

3.0 CONCLUSIONS
Brown water is the discoloration of water due to the presence of sediments and particulates in the water. To help combat the City’s brown water issue, several solutions were examined. Annual maintenance of the current water distribution network will continue to remove sediment buildup in the pipes. The City will continue to use unidirectional flushing as an annual maintenance practice and is considering ice pigging for targeted water segments that are of particular concern.

Continued capital improvements to the City’s existing infrastructure like replacing the steel pipes will reduce brown water due to pipe erosion.

REFERENCES
Carrière, A., Gauthier, V., Desjardins, R., Barbeau, B. (2005). “Evaluation of loose deposits in distribution systems through: Unidirectional flushing.” J. Am. Water Works Assoc., 97, 82–92.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). “Overview of Drinking Water Treatment Technologies.” < https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/overview-drinking-water-treatmenttechnologies > (Mar. 7, 2022).

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2017). “Work Breakdown Structure-Based Cost Model for Granular Activated Carbon Drinking Water Treatment.”
<https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-03/documents/wbs-gacdocumentation-dec-2017_v2.pdf> (Mar. 7, 2022).

Husband, S., and Boxall, J.B. (2010). “Field Studies of Discoloration in Water Distribution Systems:

Model Verification and Practical Implications.” J. Environ. Eng., 10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943- 7870.0000115, 136(1).
5 Jurek Vidláˇrová, P.; Heviánková, S. “Comparison of Modern Drinking Water Network Maintenance Methods: Evaluation of Removed Deposits in the Form of Total Suspended Solids (TSS).” Int.

J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 4311. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084311.

KCI Technologies. (2012). “Using Ice to Clean Sediments in Underground Storage Mains.” < https://www.kci.com/resources-insights/innovator/using-ice-clean-sedimentsunderground-mains/> (Mar. 7, 2022).

Lui, G, Zhang, Y., Knibbe, W., Feng, C., Liu, W., Medema, G., Meer, W. (2017). “Potential impacts of changing supply-water quality on drinking water distribution: A review.” Water Res.,

10.1016/j.watres.2017.03.031, 135-148.

Quarini, G.; Ainslie, E.; Deans, T.; Ash, D.; Rhys, D.; Haskins, N.; Norton, G.; Herbert, M.; Andrews, S.; Smith, M. (2010). “Investigation and development of an innovative pigging technique for the water-supply industry.” Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng. Part E J. Process. Mech.Eng., 224, 79–89.

Quarini, J. (2002) “Ice-pigging to reduce and remove fouling and to achieve clean-in place.” Journal Applied Thermal Engineering., 747-753.

Town of Newmarket. (2019). “Uni-directional Flushing Program.” < https://www.newmarket.ca/LivingHere/Pages/Utilities/Water%20and%20Wastewater/Maint enance%20Programs/Unidirectional-Flushing-Program.aspx> (Mar. 7, 2022).

Vreeburg, I.J.H.G, and Boxall, J.B. (2007). “Discoloration in potable water distribution systems: A review.” Water Res., 10.1016/j.watres.2006.09.028, 519-529.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2004). “Safe Piped Water: Managing Microbial Water Quality in Piped Distribution Systems.” Ainsworth, R., Ed.; IWA Publishing: London, UK, 2004; ISBN 1 84339 039 6.

Technical Memorandum: Hardwater
City of Willits
City of Willits Water Quality Assessment
LACO Project No. 8509.17
July 21, 2022

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Willits (City) experiences hardwater quality issues with its potable water distribution system since the implementation of groundwater as an additional water source. Hardwater can be caused by the presence of excessive minerals in the water and can lead to several aesthetic issues and scaling. There are several potential alternatives to alleviate the City’s hardwater problem such as 1) water softening, 2) reverse osmosis, and 3) blending surface water and groundwater before entering the water distribution system.

1.0 PROBLEM DEFINITION

1.1 Causes of Hardwater
Hardwater has generally been characterized by water that does not lather easily. Hardwater is caused by the presence mineral ions, namely calcium and magnesium, and is typically expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L) as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) (Davis and Masten, 2020). Table A below shows common hardness classification. For the past three years, the City’s water hardness has been reported to range between as 65-70 mg/L as CaCO3, suggesting it is moderately hard (City of Willits Public Works Department, 2020). However, the Elias Replacement Well water quality test reported 280 mg/L as CaCO3, indicating that the City’s source of groundwater is classified as very hard.

Table A. Typical water hardness classification.

Degree of Hardness 1Concentration Range (mg/L as CaCO3) Soft 0 to 17
Slightly Hard 17 to 60
Moderately Hard 60 to 120
Hard 120 to 180
Very Hard > 180
1Skipton and Dvorak 2014

1.2 Source of Hardwater
The City’s hardwater problem is primarily a result of the use of groundwater as a potable water source. Groundwater is typically harder than surface waters as naturally occurring minerals can dissolve and leach into the groundwater as water moves through the surrounding soil and rock.

Hardwater can cause a myriad of issues including:
• scale and mineral deposits on dishes, sinks, and appliances which can also lead to reduced water pressure;
• the need for excessive soap;
Project Description
Groundwater Resiliency Improvements Project
City of Willits; LACO Project No. 8509.08
July 21, 2022

Page 2 ends

2 • clothes staining; and
• poor water taste (Water Quality Association, n.d.).

2.0 ALTERNATIVES

2.1 Water Softening
Water softening is commonly used to treat hard water and generally refers to the removal of calcium and manganese that contributes to water hardness. Cation exchange is a commonly used method for water softening. During cation exchange, water passes through columns containing a medium that attracts dissolved positively charged ions such as calcium and magnesium from the water (EPA, 1992). Sodium ions are typically used to coat the ion exchange medium which are loosely held in place by the medium. As water passes through the medium, the sodium ions are replaced with the more positively charged hardness ions and the sodium ions are then released into the water (Skipton and Dvorak, 2014). After softening a large quantity of hard water, the ion exchange medium becomes saturated with calcium and magnesium which means that the medium needs to be regenerated. The medium is flushed to remove the calcium and magnesium and recoated with sodium ions. The frequency of regeneration of the ion exchange medium is dependent on the hardness of the water, that amount of water used, size of the softener, and the capacity of the ion exchange medium (Skipton and Dvorak, 2014,). To reduce the frequency of regeneration of the ion exchange medium, part of the hard water can pass through the softening process and then the treated water can then be mixed in with the hard water. (EPA, 1992).

Figure 1. Water softening and recharge process diagram.

2.2 Reverse Osmosis
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is water purification process that can help reduce water hardness. RO treatment consists of forcing water at a high pressure through semi-permeable membranes that filters out unwanted particulates and has been associated with high removal rates of dissolved Project Description
Groundwater Resiliency Improvements Project
City of Willits; LACO Project No. 8509.08
July 21, 2022

Page 3 ends

3 mineral and contaminates (Baker, 2012). RO has been found to be highly effective in removing hard water that is often found in groundwater (Indika et. al., 2021). Figure 2 depicts how Reverse Osmosis works.

Figure 2. A diagram depicting how reverse osmosis works. (ESP Water Products, 2022) Although RO systems are effective in reducing water hardness, it is generally recommended that it follow a pretreatment process to reduce fouling and scaling, thus extending the lifespan of the RO membrane filters (Indika et. al. 2021). RO has also been shown to reduce water quality issues like taste, color, and odor. A disadvantage of RO is that 15 to 30% of the water that enters the RO treatment train is rejected as it contains the removed contaminants (EPA, 2021). This “brine” requires discharge and disposal. Another disadvantage is the high energy consumption that accompanies the high pressure used in this treatment process. Additionally, some post treatment may be necessary as RO can often lower pH of the water which could in turn lead to additional erosion of the pipe system (EPA, 2021).

For best water quality results and to expand the life space of the RO system, it is recommended that the City combine water softening and Reverse Osmosis to help mitigate the water hardness issues that the City is facing.

2.3 Blending Groundwater and Surface Water
There has been some research indicating that blending groundwater and surface water sources can be useful in reducing hard water quality issues. The idea is that mixing surface water, which has less hardness ions, will dilute the hardness concentration of the groundwater source. However, the effectiveness of this method is highly dependent on water composition and quality of both sources.

More water quality information and pilot testing will need to be conducted to determine the effectiveness City of Willits source blending. Blending sources will also require adding a new pipeline to connect the surface water to the groundwater treatment line. Since it is generally recommended to mix the sources before sending it out to the distribution system, a tank will also be needed to mix the two water sources.

Project Description
Groundwater Resiliency Improvements Project
City of Willits; LACO Project No. 8509.08
July 21, 2022

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4 3.0 CONCLUSION S
Hardwater is caused by the presence of excessive minerals in the water that can leach into groundwater sources from the surrounding geology. This can cause a number of aesthetic issues including the buildup of scale deposits. To help the City with the hardwater problem, several potential solutions were examined including water softening, reverse osmosis, and mixing groundwater and surface water sources. A combination of water softening and reverse osmosis is potentially the best solution. Further research and evaluation are necessary to determine the specific treatment equipment and the construction elements related to adding such facilities. Once the research and evaluation are completed the City will be able to prepare cost estimates and the projects can be incorporated in the Capital Improvement Plan. The design and construction is expected to happen over the next 3 to 5 years.

REFERENCES
Baker, R.W. Membrane Technology and Applications, 3rd ed.; John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, NJ, USA, 2012; ISBN 1118359690.

City of Willits Public Works Department. (2020). “2020 Consumer Confidence Report.” <https://cityofwillits.org/DocumentCenter/View/998/2020-Consumer-Confidence-ReportPDF> (Mar. 7, 2022).

Davis, M. L., and Masten, S. J. (2020). Principles of Environmental Engineering and Science. McGraw Hill, New York.

ESP Water Products. (2022). “Does RO Filtration Waste Water?” <https://www.espwaterproducts.com/does-reverse-osmosis-waste-water/?wi=0> (Mar. 7, 2022).

Indika, S.; Wei, Y.; Hu, D.; Ketharani, J.; Ritigala, T.; Cooray, T.; Hansima, M.A.C.K.; Makehelwala, M.; Jinadasa, K.B.S.N.; Weragoda, S.K.; Weerasooriya, R. (2021). “Evaluation of Performance of Existing RO Drinking Water Stations in the North Central Province, Sri Lanka.” Membranes 11, 383. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11060383.

NSF International. (N.d.). “Treating Hardness in Drinking Water.” <https://es.nsf.org/newsroom_pdf/cons_treating_hard_water.pdf> (Mar. 7, 2022) Skipton, S.O., and Dvorak, B.I. (2014). “Drinking Water Treatment: Water Softening (Ion Exchange).” Neb Guide, Nebraska.

United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (1992). “Manual of Small Public Water Supply Systems.” Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL.

United States Geological Survey (USGS). (2018). “Hardness of Water.” <https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/hardnesswater#overview> (Feb. 18, 2022).

Water Quality Association. (N.d.). “Perceptible Issues.” <https://www.wqa.org/learn-aboutwater/perceptible-issues/scale-deposits> (Feb. 18, 2022).

Item No. 8c
Meeting Date: 7/27/22

AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Brian Bender, City Manager
Agenda Title: ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF TWO-HOUR LIMIT AND NO

SEMI-TRUCK PARKING SIGNAGE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF EAST COMMERCIAL STREET BETWEEN HUMBOLDT AND MADDEN STREETS.

Type: Presentation Consent Regular Agenda Public Hearing Urgent Time: 10 minutes Summary of Request: The request consists of revisions to parking management for the south side of East Commercial Street between Humboldt and Madden Streets. The revisions will see the installation of signage restricting parking to a two-hour limit and prohibiting semi-truck parking for approximately 60 lineal feet of the 100 block and approximately 190 feet for the 200 block. The project requires the installation of four new signs, one at the start of designated portion and one at the end. The accompanying graphic depicts the proposed changes.

Staff seeks the revisions to ensure the Little Lake Fire District has unhindered sightlines when turning onto E.

Commercial Street from Humboldt Street. The act of prohibiting semi-truck parking also ensures the safe and efficient passage of motorists and cyclists along this segment of E. Commercial Street with its numerous intersections and curb cuts. Semi-truck parking in the subject area also creates obstacles for children to cross E. Commercial Street when entering Snyder Park. The 100 block of E. Commercial Street also accommodates two MTA bus stops and semi-truck parking can create obstacles for riders attempting to access the stops.

Furthermore, the elimination of semi-truck parking avoids damaging street trees from encounters with highsided trailers.

Staff reviewed the revisions at the July 20th Public Works meeting and agreed they are appropriate for the area.

The City Council is acting through the provisions contained in Municipal Code Sections 10.32.060 and

10.32.120 that authorizes the Chief of Police through a Council Resolution to implement the sought-after revisions to parking management.

Recommended Action: Accept the recommendation of the Public Works (Engineering) Committee and adopt the accompanying Resolution.

Alternative(s): Send the item to the Traffic Safety Committee with instructions to consider alternative proposals.

Fiscal Impact: The funds will originate from 202.2011.2101.000 in the Traffic Safety Fund 202. The project estimate is less than $1,000 for the purchase of four signs and posts. Public Works may rent a specialized drill to reduce cracking of existing concrete when installing the posts. The rental will add expense to the project.

Personnel Impact: Negligible. Only a few hours of staff time.

PROPOSED RESTRICTED PARKING FOR EAST COMMERCIAL STREET
for Council Review, July 27, 2022
Resolution No. 2022- Page 1 of 2 July 27, 2022
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WILLITS AUTHORIZING THE

INSTALLATION OF TWO-HOUR LIMIT AND NO SEMI-TRUCK PARKING SIGNAGE ON THE

SOUTH SIDE OF EAST COMMERCIAL STREET BETWEEN HUMBOLDT AND MADDEN STREETS.

WHEREAS, the Chief of Police is authorized pursuant with a resolution of the City Council as outlined in Municipal Code Sections 10.32.060 and 10.32.120, to implement the sought-after revisions to parking management as permitted by the Vehicle Code of the State; and
WHEREAS, the revised parking management consists of the installation of signage restricting parking to a two-hour limit and prohibiting semi-truck parking for approximately 60 lineal feet in the 100 block and approximately 190 feet in the 200 block on the south side of E.

Commercial Street; and
WHEREAS, the revisions ensure the Little Lake Fire District has unhindered sightlines when turning onto E. Commercial Street from Humboldt Street; and WHEREAS, the elimination semi-truck parking also ensures the safe and efficient movement of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians along this segment of E. Commercial Street with its numerous intersections & curb cuts, access to Snyder Park and two MTA bus stops; and WHEREAS, the removal of semi-truck parking avoids damaging street trees from encounters with high-sided trailers; and
WHEREAS, staff reviewed the revisions at the July 20th Public Works meeting and agreed they are appropriate for the area.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant Sections 10.32.060 and

10.32.120 of the Willits Municipal Code, the Willits City Council does hereby approve the following:
a. The installation of signage restricting parking to a two-hour limit and prohibiting semitruck parking for approximately 60 lineal feet of the 100 block and approximately 190 feet for the 200 block E. Commercial Street.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the City Council authorizes and directs the Chief of Police in coordination with Public Works to install the required signage in the subject area as illustrated in Exhibit A.

The above and foregoing Resolution was introduced by Councilmember __________ seconded by Councilmember ____________ and passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Willits, held on the, 27th day of July, 2022, by the following vote:

Resolution No. 2022- Page 2 of 2 July 27, 2022
AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:
_________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council of the City of Willits
ATTEST:
_________________________

DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Item No. 9a
Meeting Date: July 27, 2022

AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Dusty Duley, Community Development Director
Agenda Title: DISCUSSION AND PROPOSED ACTION AWARDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CONTRACT TO PLANWEST PARTNERS, INC TO UPDATE THE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE

ELEMENT AND PREPARE A SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AMENDMENT
Type: Presentation Consent Regular Agenda Public Hearing Urgent Time: 10 min.

Summary of Request: Staff is requesting Council approval to enter into a professional services contract with the consultant group Planwest Partners, Inc. to complete an update of the General Plan Land Use Element and prepare an amendment to the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI). The project is being funded through a combination of three State grant programs; Local Early Action Planning (LEAP), Regional Early Action Planning (REAP), and Senate Bill 2 (SB2). The secured grant funding totals $260,364.

Background: On June 9th, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), No. 2022-01CD, to solicit qualified consulting professionals, firms, and/or managed teams of consultants to prepare an update of the Land Use Element of the City’s General Plan, prepare an application to the Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) for an amendment to the City’s SOI, and to conduct associated environmental analysis for each activity pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The objective of the project is to update the Land Use Element of the General Plan, including an amendment to the City’s Sphere of Influence. The current Land Use Element was originally adopted in August 1992 and has not gone through a comprehensive update since then. The update will accommodate current growth projections, address current community issues, and meet new statutory requirements relevant to housing needs. The update will also include an amendment to the City’s Sphere of Influence to include up to approximately 325-acres of residentially zoned land located south and southwest of the existing City limits for the purpose of providing new housing opportunities, streamlining the approval process, and accelerating housing development.

Consultant Selection
The City received two responses to RFP No. 2022-01CD. The bids received were:

Company Cost Proposal
Planwest Partners Inc. $257,790
Precision Civil Engineering $163,449
After a detailed review of the two proposals, Planwest Partners Inc., along with subconsultants LACO, Fehr & Peers, and J.B. Lovelace, were selected by staff as the most qualified and responsive candidate for the project. The Planwest Partners Inc. team has extensive experience preparing general plan updates and SOI amendments for municipalities in Northern California, including small, rural cities similar to Willits.

The team is familiar with the grant programs being used to fund this project and has unmatched experience working with and for LAFCO.

Precision Civil Engineering presented a project cost proposal that was $94,341 lower than Planwest Partners, Inc. The preferred Planwest proposal presents 1,688 project staff hours compared to 1,015 project staff hours identified by Precision Civil Engineering. The limited hours presented by Precision Civil Engineering’s team may be a reflection of the relatively limited experience the team has working on both General Plan Land Use Element Updates and Sphere of Influence Amendments. Staff is concerned that the limited hours proposed to complete the project may lead to change orders requests resulting in significant additional project costs.

Staff is well versed with the necessary requirements to complete this project and the proposal submitted by Planwest Partners, Inc. presents a superior project scope. Again, this project is being funded by the LEAP, REAP and SB2 grant programs.

The following documents are attached:

Attachment A: City Request for Proposal No. 2022-01CD
Attachment B: Planwest Partners Inc. Project Proposal
Attachment C: Planwest Partners Inc. Cost Proposal
Attachment D: Precision Civil Engineering Project Proposal Attachment E: Precision Civil Engineering Cost Proposal Recommended Action: By Resolution, authorize the City Manager to negotiate a contract with Planwest Partners, Inc for a not to exceed amount of $260,364 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents.

Alternative(s): None
Fiscal Impact: There should be no fiscal impact to the General Fund. Consultant work will be 100% funded by State grants. The City Land Use Element Update and Sphere of Influence Amendment project is included in the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 budget under account # 420.1010.4003.000.

Personnel Impact: The City will rely on consultants to help successfully manage and complete this project. Despite the presence of the consultants, as with any significant community visioning exercise, this project represents a major endeavor for the Community Development and Engineering Departments over the next 18-months.

Reviewed by: City Manager City Attorney Assistant City Manager City Clerk Finance Director Human Resources Risk Manager
Council Action: Approved Denied Other:________________________________________ Records: Agreement Resolution #_________ Ordinance #_________ Other _________

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
For The
General Plan Land Use Element Update and
Sphere of Influence Amendment
RFP No. 2022-01CD
Proposal Due Date: July 8, 2022 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
City of Willits
Community Development Department
111 East Commercial Street
Willits, Ca 95490
June 2022

1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
for
General Plan Land Use Element Update and Sphere of Influence Amendment RFP Schedule
Issue RFP June 9, 2022
Written questions from consultants due June 23, 2022
Responses from the City due July 5, 2022
Proposals due July 8, 2022
Proposal evaluation completed July 13, 2022
Consultant Selection August 1, 2022
Notice to Proceed TBD (typically 2 weeks after selection) I. Requested Service
The City of Willits is requesting proposals from qualified consulting professionals, firms, and/or managed teams of consultants to prepare an update of the Land Use Element of the City’s General Plan, prepare an application to the Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) for an amendment to the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI), and to conduct associated environmental analysis for each activity pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Proposals are expected to include a preliminary (but well-defined) scope, schedule, and budget for all proposed tasks.

The objective of the project is to update the Land Use Element of the General Plan, including an amendment to the City’s Sphere of Influence. The current Land Use Element was originally adopted in August 1992 and has not gone through a comprehensive update since then. The update will accommodate current growth projections, address current community issues, and meet new statutory requirements relevant to housing needs. The update will also include an amendment to the City’s Sphere of Influence to include up to approximately 325 acres of residentially zoned land located south and southwest of the existing City limits for the purpose of providing new housing opportunities, streamlining the approval process, and accelerating housing development. See “Attachment A”.

The project is presently funded through a combination of three grant programs. Applications for the three funding sources (Local Early Action Planning Grant, Regional Early Action Planning Grant, and SB2) are attached for review as “Attachment D”. The secured grant funding totals approximately $260,000. A breakout of the amounts of each funding source and a brief summary of the scope of each grant is provided below.

Local Early Action Planning (LEAP): $65,000 to update the Land Use Element of the General Plan and complete environmental review pursuant to CEQA.
2 Regional Early Action Planning (REAP): $35,364 to supplement the cost of preparing the appropriate CEQA document(s) to support an update to the Land Use Element of the General Plan.

SB2: $160,000 to amend the City’s Sphere of Influence boundary to include up to 313 acres located south-southwest of the City.

The expenditure deadline for the SB2 grant is September 30, 2023, and the expenditure deadline for the LEAP and REAP grants is December 31, 2023.

The project budget is presently constrained by the total funding of these three grants; however, the City anticipates pursuing additional funding for future project phases beyond the scope of this contract.

Qualified firms are encouraged to respond to this Request for Proposals even if the proposed budget for the scope of work exceeds the current grant funding. Firms will be evaluated on their ability to efficiently accomplish the scope of work within the project budget, as well as their ability to identify areas to supplement or bolster the tasks to improve the project, even if it exceeds the total grant funding.

The City has limited staff resources and will need to rely on consultants to successfully manage and complete this project. While considerable staff involvement will be necessary during different phases of the project, an important aspect of this contract will be the consultant’s ability to minimize the impact of this project on staff resources.

II. Scope of Work
Consultants are expected to provide a detailed Scope of Work that covers the items outlined below, along with any additional items that the consultant identifies as necessary to provide full service to the City in delivering the described project.

Consultants are expected to be familiar with Local Early Action Planning, Regional Early Action Planning, SB2 grant requirements, and all applicable local standards and procedures.

Anticipated consultant tasks for this project are provided below:

Task 1: Develop Comprehensive Project Scope, Schedule, and Budget The Scope of Work in this Request for Proposals reflects the City’s efforts and understanding of the processes and activities necessary to appropriately complete the list of anticipated deliverables described on Page 3. The City recognizes that the selected consultant will have a broader and more experienced grasp of project needs. Therefore, Task 1 is intended to finalize the scope, schedule, and budget to achieve the project deliverables. Subtasks include:

1.1 Review and discuss the overall format and organization of the Land Use Element Update and Sphere of Influence Amendment, and associated work products.

1.2 Establish the roles and responsibilities of City staff and the consultant team as necessary to complete the Scope of Work.

1.3 Through coordination with City staff, finalize the strategy for completing the tasks in this Scope of Work.

1.3.1 Prepare a schedule and budget for subtasks, activities, and deliverables for the project. 3 Task 2: General Plan—Land Use Element Update

2.1 Review the existing Land Use Element.

2.2 Identify inconsistencies within the existing Land Use Element with changes in Federal and/or State law.

2.3 Identify inconsistencies between current development patterns and the existing General Plan Land Use Diagram and Zoning Map.

2.3.1 For example, the area between East San Francisco Street and Barbara Lane that is currently designated Community Commercial will likely be amended to a residential designation to align with current land use patterns and to promote a variety of housing types.

2.4 Engage City residents, businesses, public agencies, Council, and other stakeholders to identify support for other modifications to the Land Use Element and General Plan Land Use Diagram.

2.4.1 Lead public outreach efforts, including presenting to City Council and leading other public meetings as needed.

2.4.2. Prepare staff reports or assist with preparation of staff reports to City Council or other agencies.

2.4.3. Prepare other educational or conceptual material for the public as needed.

2.5 Revise the Zoning Map, General Plan Land Use Diagram, and Land Use Element incorporating information collected in the previous subtasks for presentation to City Council.

2.6 Revise maps within the Land Use Element and the Zoning Map to reflect revisions of the Land Use Element.

2.7 Prepare environmental document(s) consistent with the provisions of CEQA for the adoption of the Land Use Element and Zoning Map Update.

Task 3: Sphere of Influence Amendment
The selected consultant will develop an application to LAFCo of Mendocino County for an amendment to the City’s current Sphere of Influence boundary. The objective is to include parcels southeast of the City and zoned Mendocino County Suburban Residential, (Attachment A) in the new Sphere of Influence.

Subtasks include:

3.1 Develop an application to the Mendocino County LAFCo for Sphere of Influence boundary amendment.

3.2 Work with City Council and the community to pre-zone lands within the amended Sphere of Influence boundary.

3.3 Project the infrastructure and service needs generated by potential development in the Sphere of Influence area based on the pre-zoned land use designations, including the projected water, sewer, circulation, and other service needs. These projections will be utilized in preparation of an environmental document (consistent with the provisions of CEQA) for either the Sphere of Influence amendment or future annexation application.

3.4 Determine and prepare appropriate level of environmental review for Sphere of Influence Amendment.
4 Project Deliverables
The completed Scope of Work is expected to produce the following deliverables:
• Land Use Element Update, General Plan Land Use Diagram Update, Zoning Map Update with accompanying CEQA documentation adopted by City Council • Sphere of Influence Amendment application to LAFCo with accompanying CEQA documentation • Pre-zoning of new lands located in revised Sphere of Influence • Report of infrastructure and service needs generated by potential development in the Sphere of Influence area based on the pre-zoned land use designations NOTE: Consultant may be tasked with developing new primary zoning districts such as mixed-use.

III. Schedule
The scope of services and all deliverables are expected to be completed prior to the expenditure deadline associated with the grants funding the project: September 30, 2023.

IV. Selection Procedure
The City will select the proposal based on the scoring criteria outlined in the following table:

Maximum Points Proposal Submittal
10 POINTS
Responsiveness to
requirements, terms,
and conditions of the
RFP
• Ability to commence work immediately after execution of the contract; • Ability to meet the City’s insurance requirements;
• Understanding the project and the needs of the City;
• Ability of project team to deliver project in a timely manner; and • Submittal of all documents and components requested in this RFP. 30 POINTS
Project Approach
• Team organization and work plan. Presentation of a clear project plan from beginning to end, that addresses Section 2 of the RFP Submittal Requirements;
• Approach to work plan elements and responsiveness to said Section 2, as well as identification of key staff, applicable experience, and roles; • Thorough discussion of project management and familiarity with City, grant requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements.
30 POINTS
Project
Team/Previous
Experience
• Responsiveness to Section 3 of the RFP Submittal Requirements; • Depth and breadth of experience with General Plan and Land Use Element Updates, and Sphere of Influence Amendments;
• Demonstrated capability on similar projects. Past relevant projects and outcomes for key team members; individual team member’s experience will be considered more important than the firm’s. Provide references for projects of similar type and scope. Recent project experience, along with success of projects, will be preferred;
• Ability and proven experience working with, and responding to, the community and businesses impacted by a project.
5 20 POINTS
Cost
• Evidence of reasonable and competitive overall pricing as shown by the fee schedule.
• Was pricing information sufficiently detailed to cover most anticipated costs?
• Were realistic and practical approaches to handle unforeseen circumstances that may cause the cost to exceed the proposed estimate taken into consideration?
• Were costs for subconsultants and surcharges properly explained? 5 POINTS
References
• When did reference last employ firm?
• What services were provided to reference?
• How did references rate firm’s work?
• How did references rate firm’s timeliness and dependability? • How did references rate firm’s price?
• How did references rate firm’s professional attitude? • Would references hire firm again?
5 POINTS
Local Experience
• Firms that show a work history with the City of Willits. • Firms that show a work history with the City of Willits that included public participation and public workshops.

Evaluation Process

1. All proposals will be reviewed for compliance with the mandatory requirements stated within the RFP. Proposals deemed non-responsive will be eliminated from further consideration.

2. The City may contact the firm for clarification of the response.

3. Responsive proposals will be evaluated and scored on the factors and point values listed above. The qualified firms with the highest scores may be selected as the finalists to be interviewed. Please note that a serious deficiency in the response to any one factor may be grounds for rejection regardless of the overall score.

V. Proposal Submittal Requirements
For this proposal, applicant shall submit a detailed, estimated project budget for these services, which shall include approximate timelines and costs for each phase of the project. Proposers are asked to demonstrate the ability to accomplish all tasks necessary to complete this project within the City’s budgetary limitations and time constraints.

Consultant shall also submit names, titles, and résumés of actual staff assigned to this project, and a clear description of the role each member of the team will play. Substitutions of staff identified in this proposal will require City approval.

Section 1. Cover Letter
The cover sheet shall be signed by an official authorized to bind the firm and shall contain a statement that the proposal is valid for ninety (90) days.
a) Provide a primary contact, along with their contact information. This will be the individual who can be contacted during proposal evaluation if the City has questions about the proposal. 6 b) Provide the location of the headquarters for all firms, as well as any local support offices which will provide service to the City.

Section 2. Project Understanding/ Technical Approach
a) Provide an overview of the project, including a brief description of your understanding of the services to be provided.
b) Describe your team’s proposed approach to the project’s objectives, including: the development of this project, anticipated steps, projected schedule, and identification of tasks and proposed team members who would be assigned to them. Identify any services that may need to be procured at a later time.
c) Identify and detail specific tasks necessary to complete the work. The City is particularly interested in a description of your team's approach for completing the project in a timely fashion so that allocation requests can be made in accordance with the project programming. d) Proposers are encouraged to amplify the scope of work to identify any supplemental tasks necessary, and to recommend any alternatives that may enhance the project or reduce costs.

Section 3. Firm/Team Qualifications
a) If multiple firms are teaming up, identify the lead firm for the overall proposal. Include background of the firm(s), number of professionals (by discipline) and support staff, major focus of practice, range of services and references.
b) Identify the Project Manager and key personnel on the project team that will be assigned to the contract through its duration. For all project team members, describe specific services they will perform, and clearly illustrate the applicability of the individual’s background, including relevant past projects, education, and experience to his or her assigned role. c) Provide résumés for key personnel expected to expend significant effort on the project. Consultant’s identification of staff assigned to the project will be considered binding. Any substitutions of project team members will require City approval prior to their assignment to the project.

Section 4. Cost estimate
Provide a preliminary cost estimate for project development within the City’s budget. Please separate cost estimates into separate categories for each of the tasks listed in the Scope of Work, so that the City can easily compare proposals.

The proposal shall define the total estimated contract price on a time-and-expenses basis. The price shall be an estimate of the time and expenses needed to complete the work as proposed.

Please include this cost estimate in a separately sealed envelope. The estimate shall include:
a) A listing of tasks required to accomplish the proposed scope of services; b) An estimate of the labor hours for each position classification and task; c) The proposed hourly fee schedule for calendar year 2022 for the primary staff proposed to complete work on the project;
d) All other reimbursable fees and expenses
7 e) Assumptions upon which estimate is based; and
f) References: Provide any references specifically applicable to this project or for team members unique to this project.
g) Acknowledgement of all addenda issued for this RFP.

VI. Contract and Insurance Requirements

1. The consultant selected to perform the work will be required to enter into a standard professional services contract with the City of Willits. An example of this agreement is attached hereto, as “Attachment G”.

2. The City asks consultants to review the example contract and forward the Insurance Requirements section to their insurance agents prior to submitting a proposal.

3. The City requires the firm to provide certificates of insurance as described in the contract. Please refer to “Attachment F” for an example.

4. The City also requires the firm to accept a transfer of liability, under the insurance endorsement section of the contract. Please refer to “Attachment F” for the acceptable endorsement forms and verbiage. The required verbiage is also listed in the insurance section of the Professional Services Contract and should be referred to for the completion of the insurance forms.

5. The required minimal insurance limits are as follows:

The required minimal insurance limits are as follows:
• Professional Error & Omission (Minimum Limit - $1,000,000) • General Liability (Minimum Limit $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate) • Automobile (Minimum Limit $1,000,000)

6. The Consultant is responsible for sharing all insurance information with their insurance carrier.

Please be aware that some of the requirements may raise your premiums. You should understand these increases and take them into consideration when submitting your proposal. Additional compensation for increases in insurance expenses incurred will not be granted at a later date.

7. If you or your insurance agency have questions regarding the insurance documentation, you may direct those questions to:

City of Willits Engineering Division
Attn: Brandy Sanderson
111 E. Commercial St. Willits, CA 95490
Phone: (707) 459-7143
Fax: (707) 459-2481
Email: [email protected]
VII. Submittal of Proposal
To be considered, the City must receive from Consultants four (4) complete hard copies and one (1) complete electronic copy of the Proposal, at the address set forth below, prior to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, July 8, 2022. The Proposals must be sealed. Consultant’s name and address shall appear in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope. If more than one envelope is required, each envelope shall be legibly numbered below the name of the Respondent, e.g. Envelope 1 of 3, as required. 8 By Mail In Person or by Courier
City of Willits City of Willits
Re: RFP No. 2022-01CD Re: RFP No. 2022-01CD
Attn: Dusty Duley Attn: Dusty Duley
111 E. Commercial Street 111 E. Commercial Street
Willits, CA 95490 Willits, CA 95490
Questions regarding this RFP shall be directed to the contact above through June 23, 2022. All questions must be in writing and submitted via email to [email protected] , or mail at the address above, and by using the Request for Information (RFI) form, which has been attached to this RFP, as “Attachment E.”
Thank you for your interest in this Request for Proposals

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – Sphere of Influence Boundary Amendment Map Attachment B – City of Willits Zoning Map
Attachment C – City of Willits Zoning Table
Attachment D – City of Willits LEAP, REAP, and SB2 Planning Grant Applications Attachment E – Request for Information (RFI) Form
Attachment F – Insurance Notice and Examples
Attachment G – Sample Professional Services Agreement
Proposal to Prepare:

Submitted by:

July 8, 2022
Planwest Partners Inc.

City of Willits
General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment Dusty Duley July 12, 2022
City of Willits
111 E. Commercial Street
Willits, CA 95490
RE: City of Willits General Plan & Sphere of Influence Updates Dusty Duley:

The Planwest Partners team proposes to prepare the Land Use Element and Sphere of Influence (LUE/SOI) updates for the City of Willits. Updating the LUE/SOI is very important, as it will establish a clear blueprint for future physical development that reflects City values and provides valuable new housing opportunities to support sustainable growth. For this proposal, Planwest has partnered with LACO Associates, Fehr and Peers and Lovelace & Associates.

Our Mendocino County experience will provide valuable insights for the LUE/SOI updates. The entire Planwest team is dedicated to providing a clear and comprehensive Land Use Element Update that is accessible to the public and will achieve the objectives of the City, and well-defined Sphere of Influence determinations for guiding future annexations and development. The Planwest team is available and prepared to commence work immediately upon execution of a contract.

Planwest Principal and Owner Colette Santsche AICP will serve as Project Principal. She’ll be responsible for contract/team oversight and facilitating the Community Engagement Program. She is a LAFCo Executive Officer with significant Sphere of Influence Experience. John Miller, will be the Project Manager and responsible for overall project management and City staff coordination. Planwest Senior Advisor George Williamson AICP will be responsible for Land Use Element policy development and environmental compliance. George’s experience includes fifteen years as a LAFCo Executive Officer and was project manager for the Willits Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation Project EIR. Planwest Senior Planner Krystle Heaney AICP, will be assistant project manager and responsible for coordinating team land use and SOI activities. LACO Senior Project Manager /Regional Manager Kevin Doble, is the team’s Government Relations and Water Specialist. LACO Principal Engineer/Engineering Vice President Rodney L. Wilburn, Jr., MS, PE will be responsible for water, wastewater, water resources, and related infrastructure studies. Both Kevin and Rodney are based out of LACO’s Ukiah, CA office. Fehr and Peers Principal Ronald T. Milam, AICP, PTP co-leads the company’s research and development, is actively involved in project work and teaches transportation planning and CEQA transportation impact analysis courses for UC Berkeley Tech Transfer and UC Davis Extension. He’ll be responsible for vehicle miles travelled and other transportation related analysis. J.B. Lovelace will be responsible will be responsible for the biological resources related baseline conditions, special studies, and analysis for the CEQA review. Qualifications for these and other assigned staff are included in our proposal.

The Planwest team has extensive experience working in Mendocino County and the City of Willits in particular.

LACO Associates has a local office in Ukiah and offers a multidisciplinary consulting team providing services for engineering, design, planning, permitting, and regulatory compliance for water, wastewater, water resources, and related infrastructure projects. The assigned LACO staff includes former Ukiah Mayor and Mendocino LAFCo Commissioner Kevin Doble. Fehr and Peers has prepared several recent studies relating to Willits downtown streets and prepared the Mendocino Council of Governments Vehicle Miles Travelled Baseline Study in 2021 and the Mendocino Countywide Travel Demand Model & Capital Improvement Program. J.B. Lovelace & Associates is located in Mendocino County and conducted migratory nesting bird surveys and biological monitoring for the Caltrans Willits bypass project. Planwest Partners prepared a comprehensive environmental impact report and environmental impact assessment for the Willits wastewater treatment plant and water reclamation project which Planwest Partners Inc.

City of Willits
General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment included a detailed socio-economic impact analysis and provided staffing services to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) between 2014-2016.

The Planwest team offers extensive experience in preparing comprehensive general plan updates for cities and counties in northern California. Planwest Partners has over 25 years of experience preparing general plans and updating housing elements and other individual elements for cities and counties in northern California and is currently part of a project team preparing the Point Arena General Plan /Zoning Update – Local Coastal Program Update. For the City of Arcata, Planwest is leading a team that is preparing the Gateway Area Plan and General Plan Update for the City of Arcata and updating the housing elements for the cities of Yreka and Mt Shasta. Most of this work is fully or partially funded through Senate Bill 2 and Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) funding. Fehr and Peers is on the premier transportation planning consulting firms in the west and regularly works for California regional transportation planning agencies, including the San Diego Association of Governments, who use Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) grants to support planning and implementation activities to accelerate infill, affordable housing development, and reductions in vehicle miles travelled to achieve the states climate action goals.

In addition to our team’s considerable land use planning experience, we have detailed knowledge of LAFCO and the procedural requirements of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act (CKH Act). Planwest Partners, working with San Diego LAFCo staff, prepared the City of Poway MSR and SOI Update in 2020-21 and working as Humboldt LAFCo staff assisted City of Blue Lake staff in the preparation of 2019 update to the City MSR/SOI and prepared findings of approval for Commission proceedings. As described above, Planwest provided Executive Officer staffing services to Mendocino LAFCo and worked closely with the Commission on updating policies, preparing MSR/SOI updates, and building relationships with member agencies. Our team has been able to successfully manage SOI updates for multiple cities and special districts in northern California including the recent City of Arcata SOI update which includes a portion of the Jacoby Creek County Water District and a special planning area near Fickle Hill Road. This experience provides us with the knowledge and understanding of what would benefit the City of Willits in a LUE/SOI Update.

Our team looks forward to discussing this proposal with you and the selection committee. Colette Santsche is the official authorized to bind the firm and John Miller is the Primary Contact should you have questions about the scope of work or approach to the project. Our proposal is valid for ninety (90) days. Below is the location of the headquarters for all firms:
• Planwest Partners, Inc.
1125 16th Street, Suite 200
Arcata, CA 95521
• LACO Associates
21 West 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501
• Fehr and Peers
100 Pringle Ave, Ste 600
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
• J.B. Lovelace & Associates
HC 69, Box 38
Covelo, CA 95428
Sincerely,
Colette Santsche, Principal and Partner John Miller, Project Manager/Principal Planner Planwest Partners, Inc. Planwest Partners, Inc.
707.825.8260, [email protected] 707.825.8260, [email protected] 1125 16th Street, Suite 200 Arcata, CA 95521 1125 16th Street, Suite 200 Arcata, CA 95521 Planwest Partners Inc.

City of Willits
General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment Table of Contents
I. Approach & Scope of Work ................................................................................................................................2 A. Scope of Work ............................................................................................................................................2 II. Experience and Qualifications ......................................................................................................................... 13 A. Team Overview........................................................................................................................................ 13 B. Proposed Team Key Personnel ................................................................................................................ 15 C. Related Project Experience...................................................................................................................... 20 III. Cost Proposal................................................................................................................................................... 25 IV. Contract and Insurance Requirements............................................................................................................ 25 Appendix A – Resumes
Appendix B – Cost Proposal

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment I. APPROACH & SCOPE OF WORK
A. PROJECT UNDERSTANDING The City of Willits is updating the City’s Land Use Element, which was last updated with the Circulation, Conservation and Open Space Element, Noise, Public Services and Facilities, Parks and Recreation Elements as part of the City of Willits General Plan Revision Vision 2020 in August 1992. The City Housing Element was updated in December 2019 and a Draft Safety Element prepared in October 2019 is still under review.

California Planning and Zoning Law requires each city to adopt a general plan for the physical development of the city and any land outside its boundaries which bears relation to its planning. The general plan is intended to be an expression of a community's values and a blueprint for expected growth and development. The general plan also forms the basis of policy for local government land-use decision making. For a general plan land use element to achieve these objectives, in particular the objective for the plan to reflect a community's values, it must be the result an open public process where community members of all ages have an opportunity to participate.

The Land Use Element is the central framework for the general plan and must designate the distribution, location, and employment intensity and residential density of uses of land for housing, business, industry, natural resources, open space, recreation, and other uses including greenways. As applicable, the Land Use Element shall also designate a land use category that provides for timber production and consider the impact of new growth on military readiness activities carried out on military bases, installations, and operating and training areas. The Land Use Element is also required to correlate with other elements of the general plan and in doing so provides a longrange context for decisions made regarding zoning, subdivision, and public works, and represent a balance between the health, safety, and values of the community and the rights of property owners.

The City seeking assistance from qualified professionals to update the Land Use Element of the General Plan to address changes in California Planning and Zoning Law that have occurred since its last adoption, to address current community issues, and to accommodate projected population growth, as well as to amend to the City’s SOI. The City SOI was last adopted by the Mendocino Local Agency Formation Commission in May 2019, adding a 12-acre peninsula area to the City’s previously coterminous SOI located in the area of Crest Drive and Meadowbrook Drive west and south of the City. The SOI amendment would add approximately 325 acres of residentially zoned land to the SOI, streamlining the process for future City annexation and providing new housing opportunities that could accelerate needed housing development. In addition, the City has previously identified other Sphere of Influence Areas of Interest on the north side of the City boundary and to the south, which have not been identified for inclusion in this project.

B. PROJECT APPROACH The Planwest team proposed approach to preparing the LUE/SOI is based on extensive experience updating general plans and conducting accompanying CEQA environmental for small cities and rural counties as well as preparing the necessary service reviews and findings to support applications for SOI amendments. The Planwest team is qualified and committed to reviewing the existing Land Use Element and other mandatory General Plan Elements to prepare an updated Land Use Element that reflects current conditions, the community’s vision, and that meets California Planning and Zoning Law requirements. We are knowledgeable about current General Plan law and understand the requirements for internal consistency, which together may necessitate well-crafted Land Use Element policies and diagrams that can address deficiencies in other older Elements. The Planwest team also has experience with SB2, LEAP, and REAP funding requirements and have the skills and training for public engagement and information presentation and dissemination to the City, affected agencies, stakeholders, and the public for review and comment.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment The Planwest team management plan is based on solid communication and teamwork. Key project management practices are to keep the City informed on project activities, review work products, and implement the project schedule. Once selected to work on a project, we will coordinate with the City to fine tune our approach, as needed.

The Kick-Off Meeting will provide an opportunity to clarify how we will collectively achieve the multiple goals of the project through active management of scope, schedule, and budget, and through appropriate allocation and direction of staff and other resources. Project management is such a critical component to the success of this project, we are providing details below to convey how the Planwest team will manage this project.

We have organized our team and approach to effectively manage the process and offer some added emphasis to stay ahead of schedule. Our project manager, John Miller, will act as primary City liaison and project team leader.

The Planwest team will hold periodic internal project team meetings to coordinate actions to meet task obligations.

Meetings with City staff will include a review of the actions required and progress made for the required tasks. We will meet project demands by committing adequate staffing resources that allow multiple team members to coordinate project work. To proactively keep the project on schedule, Planwest makes it a top priority to respond quickly to requests and to clearly communicate project needs and timelines.

The Planwest team is committed to the City LUE/SOI project and working within the established budget, schedule, and scope. We feel that having an experienced team able to efficiently communicate with the client, set clearly defined goals, and accomplish interdependent tasks and activities is essential to meeting the project requirements.

We have the right team for this project that best meets the needs of the City as well as the timing of project completion.

C. SCOPE OF WORK The Planwest team will complete the Land Use Element Update and Sphere of Influence Amendment covering items outlined below, along with any additional items identified in Task 1 to serve as future growth guides for the City of Willits. The Planwest Team is available and prepared to commence work i upon authorization to proceed and committed to complete the project within grant funding time frames. We’ll start by working with City staff to develop a comprehensive project scope, schedule and budget as Task 1.

The Planwest team is familiar with Local Early Action Planning, (LEAP) Regional Early Action Planning (REAP), SB2 grant requirements, applicable State Office of Planning and Research (OPR) General Plan Guidelines, California Planning and Zoning Law and general plan case law that govern land use planning; local land use planning standards for Cities, Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Spheres of Influence (SOI) Updates and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines and procedures including impact analyses relating to vehicle miles travelled.

Planwest Partners is currently preparing objective residential design standards and a Specific Plan for the City of Fortuna as well as housing element updates for the City of Mt. Shasta and the City of Yreka, each of which is primarily funded through SB 2 and LEAP grant funds. SB 2 and LEAP grant funds are intended to streamline the development permit approval process in order to accelerate local housing production primarily for low- and moderate-income families. Fehr and Peers provides on-call sustainable communities consulting services to the San Diego Association of Governments providing transportation planning service to support the housing acceleration program and implementation of the regional plan funded through a REAP grant.

Task 1 – Develop Comprehensive Project Scope, Schedule, and Budget The Scope of Work will complete activities necessary to provide project deliverables. Planwest and LACO have a broad grasp of City project needs. Task 1 will finalize the scope, schedule, and budget to achieve project deliverables. Subtasks include:

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment

1.1 Kick-off Meeting with City staff to review and discuss overall Land Use Element Update, SOI Amendment and associated work product format and organization.

The Planwest team will meet with City staff to confirm goals, opportunities, and constraints; refine roles; discuss responsibilities and expectations; review the schedule; and confirm deliverables. Planwest team representatives will assess background data, discuss project opportunities and constraints, and identify work program refinement opportunities and make any needed scope changes. As part of this task, the Planwest team expects to refine the budget to fully align with details of the modified work program.

After the kick-off meeting, the Planwest team representatives will tour the City and Sphere of Influence Areas of Interest with City staff. This will help identify and document existing conditions at key city locations that should receive special consideration in the Land Use Element Update, such as the City Gateway area, neighborhoods and the Main Street Corridor now that Hwy 101 has been rerouted. We’ll be especially watchful for infill opportunities.

1.2 Establish City staff and Planwest team roles and responsibilities to complete the Scope of Work. The initial Planwest team assignments are as follows:
• Planwest Partners will lead the project team focusing on the preparation of the Land Use Element, CEQA review, and the application to amend the City Sphere of Influence. Planwest Principal and Owner Colette Santsche AICP will serve as Project Principal. The Project Principal will be responsible for contract/team oversight and facilitating the Community Engagement Program. John Miller will be the Project Manager and responsible for overall project management and coordination with City staff. Planwest Senior Advisor George Williamson AICP will be responsible for Land Use Element policy development and environmental compliance. Planwest Senior Planner Krystle Heaney AICP, will be assistant project manager and responsible for coordinating team land use and SOI activities. Planwest Partners is also supported by Jason Barnes who is an expert in the use of geographic information systems in all aspects of land use planning, including spatial analysis and mapping.
• LACO will be led by Senior Project Manager/Regional Manager Kevin Doble, who is the team’s Government Relations and Water Specialist. LACO Principal Engineer/Engineering Vice President Rodney L. Wilburn, Jr., MS, PE will be responsible for water, wastewater, water resources, and related infrastructure studies. Reports and analyses prepared by LACO will be used, as necessary, in land use policy development, CEQA review, and to support the SOI amendments. • Fehr and Peers Principal Ronald T. Milam, AICP, will be responsible for vehicle miles travelled and other transportation related analysis. Fehr and Peers work will be focused on CEQA compliance but will also support land use policy development.
• J. Brett Lovelace, Principal Environmental Scientist/Owner of J.B. Lovelace & Associates, will be responsible for the biological resources related baseline conditions, special studies, and analysis for the CEQA review.

Team assignments will be refined and modified as necessary as part of Task 1 deliverables.

1.3 Tribal and Community Engagement. Effective community engagement is essential to the community’s support and acceptance of the LUE/SOI. Assignments and timelines will be established for this essential task:
• A community engagement; Tribal consultation; agency outreach strategy • Communications schedule
• Publicity, including a project page on City website and GIS webapp For this to be a community-supported Land Use Element Update and Sphere of Influence Amendment, a coordinated Community Engagement Program is proposed. This will include: an advisory committee, identification, and incorporation of key City land use character elements; meetings, materials, and other products accessible to multi-lingual speakers and readers.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment Input will be generated through an outreach and engagement methodology, to be refined with City staff input.

After gathering City staff input in the kick-off meeting, we’ll prepare a Community Engagement Program guide for community review and buy-in. This will include:
• Three well publicized events to attract community stakeholders early, middle and pre-adoption in the Land Use Element Update process: early, to present a baseline study and refined scope; mid-point to help define a 2040 community vision and present land use alternatives; and pre-adoption to obtain input about a preferred alternative; and supporting policies. • Presentations: to the City Council, Planning Commission, and Design Review or other commissions, if applicable, at key decision points in the update process. • Self-guided tour with staffed locations to gather input • Land Use Element orientation video
• A survey targeted to area youth
In addition, we’ll offer:
• Frequent Fliers (those who interact on land use issues/ develop in City) Interviews • Meetings with local businesses and non-government organizations with land use interests; • Land Use Element Update page on City Website, social media postings and Local media press releases For Tribal Consultation, the Planwest team is prepared to carry out the following as part of Task 2:
• Submit request for list of Tribal Organizations to the Native American Heritage Commission • Prepare a Letter Inviting Tribal Organizations to Consult • Provide assistance with Consultation Meetings
• Document Tribal Consultation

1.4, Finalize methodology for completing Scope of Work tasks, with emphasis on City staff coordination.

1.4.1 Prepare a project schedule and budget for subtasks, assignments, activities, and deliverables.

Methodology to include an evaluation of internal consistency per OPR guidelines to ensure equal status among elements and coordination with the Safety Element.

Task 1 Timing and Work Products
• August – September 2022
• Deliverables:
o Refined Deliverable Format / Document Organization
o Established City Staff/ Planwest team Roles /Responsibilities o Scope of Work Task Completion Strategy
o Updated Subtasks, Activities, Deliverables Schedule and Budget o Community Engagement Program Deliverables
o Community Engagement Program events and Milestones
o SB 18 Tribal (and AB 52) Consultation Program
o Community Preference Summary
o Tribal Consultation Documentation for SB 18 compliance Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment Task 2 – General Plan – Land Use Element Update

2.1 Review existing Land Use Element.

Compile available relevant mapping, reports, and other information relating to land use; hazards; natural, cultural, and historic resources; city services and infrastructure; transportation and circulation systems and identify gaps and additional information needs.

The Planwest team will prepare an assessment identifying land use and related development issues facing the City. This will serve both element preparation and the identification of infrastructure and service needs to support an SOI application. There will also be an environmental justice and equity assessment addressing health and wellness indicators, such as sensitive receptors that may be affected by certain land uses, and access to services.

The Planwest team understands that, as part of the Housing Element, the City elected to address general plan requirements associated with environmental justice and disadvantaged unincorporated communities (DUCs) when funding is available and that the City will strive to include any DUCs in any future SOI expansions or annexations. Using CalEnviroScreen 4.0 https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen-40 and other resources, those communities disproportionately affected by pollution and DUCs will be identified for general plan and SOI considerations. Environmental and health databases will be assessed for inclusivity and equity indicators.

The Planwest team will use prior experience and the completeness checklists and other resources contained in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) General Plan Guidelines to identify information and policy gaps. In addition, the Planwest team will use OPRs online viewers and GIS data to identify factorssuch as military special use airspace and very high fire hazard severity areas affecting the City that may trigger the need to coordinate with the Board of Forestry or branches of the United States Armed Forces. The OPR guidelines also contain useful tools to evaluate internal general plan consistency which will be used in this task. Given the changes in California Planning and Zoning Law since the Willits General Plan was adopted, there will be a need to evaluate other related General Plan Elements to determine if there may be the need for focused amendments to the elements such as Circulation, Noise, or Open Space.

2.2 Identify existing Land Use Element inconsistencies with Federal and/or State law changes.

Review the Housing Element 2019-2027 and compile planned, proposed, and approved development and infrastructure projects in the city and surrounding nearby unincorporated area; land use data from transportation analysis zones (if any); city economic development and industrial market information; and current and projected future demographic information from the US Census, Department of Finance, and Employment Development Department. Compile climate change and vulnerability assessment information from the Mendocino Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Program.

2.3 Identify inconsistencies between current development patterns and existing General Plan Land Use Diagram and Zoning Map.

2.3.1 The Planwest team will use its knowledge of the City coupled with current Land Use and Zoning Maps and Assessor’s Use Code information to identify inconsistencies between current development patterns and adopted land use mapping and opportunities for infill development that may be achieved through land use changes. As identified in the RFP, the area between East San Francisco Street and Barbara Lane which is designated Community Commercial should likely be changed to a residential designation, and there are several areas that are zoned for industrial purposes that are adjacent to and contain residential development.

Depending upon the demand for industrial land, these may represent opportunities for plan/zone changes to residential or mixed use. Along Main Street there are a number of centrally located vacant or underutilized Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment parcels that could be redeveloped in the future with mixed-use structures in character with the surrounding uses.

2.4 Implement the Community Engagement Program to engage City residents, businesses, public agencies, Council, and other stakeholders to identify support for other modifications to the Land Use Element and General Plan Land Use Diagram.

2.4.1. Lead public outreach efforts, including presenting to City Council and public meetings.

2.4.2. Prepare staff reports or assist with staff report preparation for City Council or other agencies.

2.4.3. Prepare other public educational or conceptual material as needed.

2.5 Prepare Draft General Plan Land Use Diagram, Land Use Element and Zoning Map incorporating information collected in previous subtasks for City Council presentation.

Develop land use policy and edits to land use diagrams to addressland use conflicts with hazard mapping, natural and cultural resources using resources from the City of Willits General Plan; Public Draft Safety Element and Mendocino Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Program (MJHMP); the current 100-year floodplain identified FEMA and the updated map (if available during the project period); areas subject to the Seismic Study Combining (-SS) which requires adherence to the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act. The Planwest team will also use the MJHMP in combination with the Mendocino LAFCo Multi Fire District Municipal Service Review and other wildfire hazard information to propose land use policy and diagram changes to address fire response constraints that may affect land use.

2.6 Revise Land Use Diagram and Zoning Maps to reflect Land Use Element revisions.

Modify the Land Use Diagram based on City direction relating to land use conflicts and initial residential commercial development opportunities and suggested changes relating to hazards or open space identified above. Compare existing land use element (other essential elements identified in 1.1 above) to California Planning and Zoning Law requirements.

2.7 Prepare environmental document(s) consistent with CEQA provisions for Land Use Element and Zoning Map Update adoption.

An EIR Notice of Preparation (NOP) consistent with CEQA Section 15082 will be prepared for City review, then circulated to the public and affected communities. The NOP will include a programmatic Project Description, an environmental scoping study and a description of topics to be analyzed in the EIR. environmental issues found not to require additional analysis will be screened out from further analysis, with source references provided.

The NOP will be circulated to the State Clearinghouse.

During the 30-day NOP comment period, the Planwest team recommends a public scoping meeting for receiving public comment as part of the EIR scoping process. A team representative will attend the meeting and present a Land Uses Element/Zoning Map overview, how community input received is integrated into the Draft Element, and CEQA issues. A Scoping Report, including written summary of the environmental issues raised at the scoping meeting will be prepared and distributed.

Administrative Draft EIR
Aesthetics
The aesthetics analysis will review the Draft Land Use Element, Land Use Diagram, Zoning Map, policies, and programs with potential scenic vistas and other scenic resource effects. A visual assessment will be made, to analyze potential aesthetic impacts related to surrounding land uses compatibility.

Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment The Land Use Element air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis will address proposed land use changes from quantified Land Use Diagram designations and projections. Long-term air pollutant criteria and GHG emissions criteria will be applied for a projected development based GHG inventory. This will be consistent with the most recent Mendocino County Climate Action Plan (CAP) GHG inventory and will follow ICLEI’s U.S.

Community Protocol for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Accounting and Reporting Guidelines. Key factors will be Transportation., energy consumption, Solid Waste collection/disposal and recycling, water use/wastewater generation.

Applicable Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32), Senate Bill 32 (SB 32), SB 375, Executive Order S-03-05 GHG and California Air Resources Board (CARB) reduction targets will be documented, with GHG emissions reduction policies io address state and regional GHG reduction goals.

Biological Resources
Vegetation types, wildlife habitats, known special-status species occurrences, sensitive natural communities and wetland features will be identified as baseline conditions, including a known biological resources inventory and Threatened and Endangered Species List. The impact analysis will qualitatively evaluate Land Use impacts on biological resources and propose policies that mitigate potential impacts.

Cultural, Historic and Tribal Resources
A Long Valley and local prehistoric and historical profile, including historic uses along local creeks, will be prepared. Local, State, and federal policies, laws, and regulations regarding the treatment of cultural and tribal culturalresources summarize. Tribal Consultation for CEQA (Assembly Bill 52) purposes would be coupled with Senate Bill 18 general plan amendment related Tribal Consultation, to the greatest extent possible. A California Historical Resources Information System NorthwestInformation Centerrecordssearch will be conducted. Potential Land Use impacts on prehistoric and historic cultural resources, tribal cultural resources will be analyzed, and policies for mitigation, if needed, will be provided.

Geology, Mineral Resources and Soils
Geologic maps, investigations, published California Geologic Survey (CGS) studies, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data, Northern California Earthquake Data Center data and available local geotechnical studies will be compiled.

The potential for significant direct and/or indirect environmental impacts to geology, soils, and seismicity will be analyzed.

Hazards and Hazardous Materials
A database search for properties that use, store, or transport hazards of hazardous materials will be conducted.

Hazards and hazardous materials exposure from future development projected in the Land Use Element, especially in-fill sites will be analyzed and protection policies proposed as needed.

Hydrology and Water Quality
Local hydrology and water quality plans, regulations and any City’s storm water plans or NPDES permits will be compiled. A regional and City hydrological setting including existing hydrology and water quality conditions, stormwater drainage characteristics, water quality data (surface and groundwater), the current 100-year floodplain identified FEMA and the updated map (if available during the project period), and pollutants of concern will be prepared. SB 5 (flood protection) compliance and applicable City stormwater best management practices will be incorporated as policy references in the Land Use Element.

Land Use and Planning
Any physical divisions of the City or established neighborhoods; conflict; or conflict with any applicable habitat conservation or natural community conservation plan will be documented.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment Noise and Vibration
A programmatic noise and vibration overview will be provided as a baseline. Relevant noise exposure standards, criteria and an impacts assessment will be based on federal, State, and local ordinances, policies and standards.

Potential impacts on sensitive land uses, such as hospitals and senior centers will be identified. Land Use Element policies will be proposed to reduce acoustical impacts, due to projected future development, to less than significant levels.

Population and Housing
The potential for displacement of people or housing and substantial population growth attributable to future development projected in the Land Use Element will be identified. This will include growth inducing impacts of buildout and indirect growth from increased employment opportunities.

Public Services
A description of each public service provider, including current and projected capacity will be provided as a baseline. Expanded public services needed for projected buildout, including law enforcement, fire protection, libraries, other City service and schools will be analyzed at the program level. Policies for improved public services to meet future needs will be incorporated into the Land Use Element.

Parks and Recreation
Existing City recreation facilities will be provided as a baseline. Potential impacts on existing park and recreation facilities due to projected growth and development will be analyzed. The impact analysis will draw on standards, such as the Quimby Act and any objectives from adopted City documents.

Transportation
The General Plan, Downtown Willits Streets & Alleys Connectivity Study, 2010, Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) Travel Demand Forecasting Model, 2010 and the MCOG Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Regional Baseline Study, 2020 (which included the Willits Sphere of Influence Expansion as a test case for VMT analysis), and other City and MCOG resources will be used to establish appropriate transportation baselines.

Both a VMT and a Level of Service analysis will be prepared to satisfy CEQA requirements and applicable General Plan policies. Policies to reduce transportation impacts associated with projected residential and commercial growth will be incorporated into the Land Use Element.

Utilities
A description of City water, wastewater, storm drainage systems, including current and projected capacity will be provided as a baseline, as well as permitted landfill capacity and compliance with applicable solid waste regulations. Expanded utility services needed for projected buildout, in particular water and wastewater services, will be analyzed at the program level. Policies for improved utility services to meet future needs will be incorporated into the Land Use Element.

Alternatives Analysis
Up to three alternatives including the CEQA-required No Project Alternative will be described and analyzed.

CEQA Guidelines allow the alternatives to be evaluated at a lower level of detail, while still providing a basis for comparison. This analysis will be at a qualitative level. An Environmentally Superior Alternative will be identified.

CEQA Required Conclusions
An assessment of unavoidable significant environmental effects; significant irreversible environmental changes; relationship between local short-term uses of the environment and long-term productivity; and effects found not to be significant will be provided to fulfill CEQA requirements.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment Draft Program Environmental Impact Report and Notice of Completion Upon the conclusion of the City’s review of the Administrative Draft EIR for the Land Use Element in Task 2 and the incorporation of requested changes by the Planwest team, this document will be ready for the additional Sphere of Influence Amendment analysis in Task 3. Once the proposed SOI amendments have been analyzed, a Draft EIR and Notice of Completion will be prepared to facilitate the release of the EIR for agency and public review and comment. See Task 3.4.

Task 2 Timing and Work Products
• September – July 2023
• Deliverables:
o Land Use Element Amendment
o Policy Gap/Land Use Conflict and Opportunity Summary
o Administrative Draft Land Use Element and Land Use Diagram Update o Draft Land Use Element and Land Use Diagram Update
o Report of infrastructure and service needs generated by the Draft Land Use Element and Land Use Diagram Update and potential development in SOI based on the pre-zoned land use designations Zoning Amendment
 Evaluation of Principal Zones and Zoning Standards and Gaps Summary  Zoning Consistency Review based on Draft Land Use Element Update (Text and Map)  New Mixed-Use Zone and Existing Principal Zone Amendments (as requested)  Draft Zoning Map and Regulations
 Pre-zoning of lands located in proposed SOI Amendment o CEQA Review – Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (EIR)  Initial Study of Draft Land Use Element and Land Use Diagram Update  Tribal Consultation Summary
 Baseline Studies & screening of less than significant impacts  Notice of preparation and Scoping Report
 Administrative Draft Program EIR for City Review
 NOTE: The Program EIR will be in Admin Draft Form until the SOI Amendment analysis is added
o Participation in Planning Commission, and City Council meetings Task 3 – Sphere of Influence Amendment
The Planwest team will develop an application to LAFCo of Mendocino County for an amendment to the City’s current Sphere of Influence boundary.

A SOI is a LAFCo-approved plan that designates an agency’s probable physical boundary and service area. The Planwest team understands that Spheres are planning tools used to provide guidance for individual boundary change proposals and are intended to encourage efficient provision of organized community services, discourage urban sprawl and premature conversion of agricultural and open space lands, and prevent overlapping jurisdictions and duplication of services.

LAFCo is required to establish SOIs for all local agencies and enact policies to promote the logical and orderly development of areas within the SOIs. Furthermore, LAFCo must update those SOIs every five years. For a SOI Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment update, LAFCo is required to conduct a MSR and adopt related determinations. It must also make the following SOI determinations:

1. The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open-space lands.

2. The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area.

3. The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency provides or is authorized to provide.

4. The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the commission determines that they are relevant to the agency.

5. For an update of a sphere of influence of a city or special district that provides public facilities or services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection, that occurs pursuant to subdivision (g) on or after July 1, 2012, the present and probable need for those public facilities and services of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere of influence.

The objective is to include parcels southeast of the City and zoned Mendocino County Suburban Residential, for a proposed Sphere of Influence Amendment. Subtasks include:

3.1 Develop an application to the Mendocino County LAFCo for Sphere of Influence boundary amendment.

This task will start with a SOI Report, including appropriate information for the City and Mendocino LAFCo, to consider for SOI recommendations. The Planwest team proposes an early meeting with City and Mendocino LAFCo staff to discuss significant issues including those related to the Mendocino LAFCo SOI approved in the City of Willits 2019 MSR/SOI Update. SOIs are not well-known documents in terms of content and purpose. Planwest has prepared and presented more than 50 SOI Updates and understands how they can be organized for community and decisionmaker comprehension. An Administrative Draft SOI Report will be prepared and presented in a format that can be easily understood by City staff, Council, and the community. Report contents supporting SOI recommendations to follow will include the following:
• Brief background section (CKH Overview, purpose, and study methodology). • SOI study area.
• Summary of important issues, conclusions, and analyses by determination. • Service level/industry standards comparison tables.
• Governance structure options and considerations.
• SOI determinations and factors that will be applied in making recommendations.

3.2 Work with City Council and the community to pre-zone lands within proposed SOI boundary.

Planning Staff /Agency Coordination.
• Mendocino County
• Mendocino LAFCo
• Mendocino Council of Governments
• Brooktrails Township
• Caltrans
• CDFW
• Little Lake Fire Protection District
• CAL FIRE

3.3 Project infrastructure and service needs generated by SOI potential development based on the pre-zoned land use designations, including projected water, sewer, circulation, and other service needs. These projections will be Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment analyzed in an environmental document (consistent with CEQA) for either the SOI amendment or future annexation application.

This will support City efforts to a proposed SOI based on findings supporting SOI Determinations:

1. The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open-space lands;

2. The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area;

3. The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency provides or is authorized to provide;

4. The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the Commission determines that they are relevant to the agency; and

5. The present and probable need for public facilities and services related to sewers, municipal or industrial water, or structural fire protection of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere of influence

3.4 Determine and prepare appropriate level of SOI Amendment environmental review.

The Administrative Draft Programmatic EIR prepared in Task 2 will be expanded to include analysis related specifically to the SOI Amendment. A Draft EIR covering both the Land Use Element Update and Sphere of Influence Amendment will then be distributed for public review and comment. Upon completion of the public review period a final EIR will be prepared for certification by the Willits City Council.

Task 3 Timing and Work Products
• September – July 2023
• Deliverables:
o Pre-Zoning of Proposed SOI Amendment Lands, as a supplement to the Zoning Map prepared in Task 2.
o Report of Infrastructure and Service Needs for Proposed SOI Amendment Lands. Report containing land use, demographic, and services information to support services delivery findings and determinations for the City of Willits Municipal Services Review/Sphere of Influence Update
o Sphere of Influence Amendment application to LAFCo with accompanying CEQA documentation Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment II. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
A. TEAM OVERVIEW The Planwest team is highly qualified to conduct the City’s LUE/SOI Update. Our team includes key Planwest staff that has completed multiple city and county land use updates, provides staffing services for multiple LAFCO’s in northern California, manages and analyzes GIS data, and is currently contributing to the Point Arena General Plan review process.

Planwest Partners staff are currently working with the City of Yreka on their 6th Cycle Housing Element Update, the City of Fortuna on SB2 funded housing related code updates, and on the City of Arcata Gateway Area Plan. Fehr and Peers is under contract to perform transportation planning services subject to the requirements of REAP grant funds. Firm overviews, qualifications, and project key personnel are provided below.

Planwest Partners Inc.

Planwest Partners is a community planning consulting firm serving California communities since 1997. Planwest provides community, land use, environmental, economic, and transportation planning services. We are committed to working collaboratively with our clients and the community to deliver outcomes that promote sound growth, economic sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

Planwest has assisted city, county, regional, and tribal governments; transportation planning agencies; special districts; non-profits; and private industry in achieving their specific goals. Our multi-disciplinary staff comprised of planners, economists, spatial analysts, technicians, and administrators offers a wide range of professional skills necessary to meet, and often exceed our client’s diverse planning needs and expectations. Planwest provides a full range of planning services, including:
• Community, General and Specific Plans
• Housing Element Updates
• City and Tribal Economic Development Plans
• Strategic Plans and Visioning
• Community Outreach and Meeting Facilitation
• Transportation Planning
• Environmental Planning Services – CEQA and NEPA Compliance • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Mapping and Data Management • Land Use Plans
• Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Management Planning
• Grant Writing
• Project Management
• Site Selection, Design and Feasibility Studies
• Survey Research
We pride ourselves on serving client needs, engaging the public in visioning and place-based strategies, providing concise and engaging work products, and implementing comprehensive planning programs that serve to maximize the potential for implementation based on available and potential resources. Planwest has provided City planning and zoning services throughout Northern California.

Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment LACO Associates
LACO Associates utilizes decades of local experience and the complementary strengths of our experts to deliver professional consulting services. Serving Northern California for over 60 years, we’ve grown along with our communities, but what hasn’t changed since we opened our first office in 1954 is the personal connection to our clients.

J.B. Lovelace & Associates
J.B. Lovelace & Associates is a biological consultancy serving clients throughout California and the Pacific Northwest.

Our experienced staff offers a diverse suite of services to assist clients in accomplishing their project goals while simultaneously protecting and restoring sensitive biological resources.

Our core services include:
• Wetland and Riparian Habitat Restoration Plan
Development and Implementation
• Biological Resource and Habitat Assessments
• Threatened, Endangered, and other Special Status
Species Surveys
• Mitigation Monitoring Plan Development and
Implementation
• Migratory Nesting Bird Surveys and Nest Monitoring • Revegetation Plan Development • Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Surveys • Wetland Delineations • Botanical Surveys, Vegetation Mapping, and Plant
Population Monitoring
• Biological Monitoring and Construction Support
• Forest Canopy Access (Tree Climbing), Rope-Based
Data Collection, and Passive Data-Collection
Equipment Deployment
Fehr & Peers
At Fehr & Peers, we are passionate about transforming transportation consulting through innovation and creativity.

We derive inspiration by partnering with communities to understand and shape local transportation futures objectively tailored to diverse needs. Clients trust us to help them overcome barriers and uncertainty by combining our advanced expertise with curiosity, humility, and initiative to deliver implementable, data-driven solutions that reinforce community values. From the most straightforward to the most complex, we actively listen to client and community needs and handle every project with diligence and focus.

We differentiate ourselves by investing in research and development to anticipate needs, explore the unknown, and collaboratively imagine a better future. Our culture of applied innovation generates an appetite for new and better ways of approaching problems, motivates us to explore emerging transportation concepts and mobility trends, and inspires us to develop new analytical tools and techniques.

As we grow, our commitment to inclusive, local, and long-term community relationships remains central to our philosophy. Many of our client relationships are decades long, built on years of listening, understanding, collaboration, and successful outcomes. Our clients have appreciated our long-term commitments to the communities we serve, trusting us as their objective partners in transportation since 1985. Together with our clients, we are motivated by shared success, inclusive partnerships, and the positive impact our work has on the communities we serve.

Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment We purposefully maintain a focus on transportation consulting, serving client needs including the following:
• Active Transportation • Freight
• Climate Change • Land Use & Transportation
• Communications & Engagement • Safety
• Data Science • Transit Planning
• Emerging Technologies • Transportation Engineering
• Equity in Transportation • Transportation Forecasting & Operations B. PROPOSED TEAM KEY PERSONNEL
Our proposed project team includes personnel from team lead Planwest Partners, Inc, including Principal Planner and Project Manager John Miller, Principal Planner and Partner Colette Santsche, AICP, Senior Advisor George Williamson, AICP, GIS Manager Jason Barnes, and Senior Planner Krystle Heaney, AICP. John Miller will have direct continued responsibility for this project and will be the City staff contact. Additional staff from our three subconsultants are included below. Together, our team has the expertise, experience, and dedication to effectively and creatively prepare the City’s General Plan and Sphere of Influence Update. Summary resumes are included in Appendix A.

Planwest Partners Inc.

John Miller - Principal Planner/ Project Manager
John Miller has nearly 28 years of experience working for, and consulting to, local government in land use and environmental planning, local government organization, and land use economics. Mr. Miller has worked as a long-range and project land use planner, analyst for a Local Agency Formation Commission, military base conversion project manager, consulting planner for local agency land use and environmental planning and land use economics, Tribal planner, and interim city manager. As a Senior Planner for Humboldt County, Mr. Miller played a pivotal role in the preparation of the 2017 county general plan update, preparing the Community Infrastructure and Services Element, contributing to the Land Use Element, leading a comprehensive update to the land use map, was principal author of the environmental impact report, and prepared zoning text and map amendments to implement the plan. In addition, Mr. Miller managed the planning and design for a key wastewater project in the Coastal Zone, including coastal land use plan and zoning changes and environmental review.

Colette Santsche, AICP – Principal Planner/ Partner
Colette Santsche is Principal Planner and Partner at Planwest Partners with over 13 years of experience in community, environmental and services planning. Since 2011, she has served as Humboldt LAFCo’s administrator and analyst, and now serves as executive officer for both Humboldt and Trinity LAFCos. During this time she has processed over 30 boundary change applications, prepared a range of agency and service-specific MSR/SOI updates, and provides ongoing technical assistance to member agencies. More recently she has overseen the completion of regional MSRs for fire related districts, the formation of several community services districts, processed consolidations and complex special district reorganizations, and prepared a range of city and special district MSR and SOI updates. She works closely and effectively with elected officials and public agency staff.

Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment George Williamson, AICP - Senior Advisor
George Williamson, founder of Planwest Partners Inc., has over 35 years of experience working as a planner in California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. Mr.

Williamson has been providing contract planning and environmental services on the California North Coast since 1997. Since moving to northern California, he has been involved in community planning, environmental compliance, and economic development activities. He has provided services to cities and organizations throughout the North Coast and beyond. His community, land use and transportation planning experience offer a broad perspective when engaging organizations, agencies, and stakeholders in developing investment, capacity, and implementation strategies. Mr. Williamson led the Samoa Town Master Plan EIR preparation, serves as Humboldt Bay Harbor District Planner, and Executive Officer for Shasta and Del Norte Local Agency Formation Commissions. He has both principal and project management experience, with community land use planning and economic development expertise.

Krystle Heaney, AICP - Senior Planner
Krystle Heaney is an Associate Planner for Planwest and formerly worked as a environmental specialist for a Lake Tahoe area consulting firm. In her time there, Krystle prepared CEQA documents including initial studies, exemption notices, programmatic environmental impact reports, and mitigated negative declarations.

Krystle worked on the Initial Study for Eureka Housing Element Update and portions of the Samoa Town Master Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Report. She also currently provides environmental planning services to Planwest clients including LAFCo’s, cities, and private businesses. She has worked collaboratively with local governments and districts, State and federal regulatory agencies, and community groups on a variety of projects including CEQA environmental review, coastal development permitting requirements, waste discharge requirements documentation, and prohibited pesticide use exemption applications. Due to this experience she is well-versed in the environmental analysis processes, permitting, and community engagement activities.

Jason Barnes - GIS Analyst
Jason Barnes will serve as the team GIS analyst and will be an integral part of updating the City’s GIS database and creating new GIS data layers. Jason has over 10 years of experience working as an analyst, technician, cartographer, programmer, and university lecturer in the GIS field. His art background and broad technical experience lends well to GIS and cartographic visualization and communication. He has both principal and project management experience on a wide range of projects from socio-spatial, transportation, interactive mapping, and large area climate projects. He has been involved in activities involving many local consulting, non-profit, and federal agencies. He is currently on the board of directors for the Bigfoot Trail Alliance and is in the process of receiving his GIS Professional (GISP) certification through the GIS Certification Institute.

Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment LACO Michael Nelson, AICP
Principal Planner, President/CEO
Mr. Nelson has over 25 years of professional planning experience and currently serves as LACO’s President and Planning Principal. Mr. Nelson has extensive experience in project management, financial pro forma statements, entitlement, environmental compliance, sustainable design, design, construction, and operation of hospitality projects, commercial facilities, residential developments, subdivisions, and municipal planning projects. Mr. Nelson is LACO’s expert on the planning and entitlement process.

Mr. Nelson has managed projects from due diligence phases through commissioning and Certificate of Occupancy phases in Northern California, the Central Valley of California, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Bermuda for many complex entitlement, development, and construction projects, as both an owner’s representative and private consultant.

Rod Wilburn, PE, JD
Principal Engineer, Vice President
Mr. Wilburn has decades of experience as a technical leader, delivering well-managed design and engineering projects. He has a proven ability to plan, manage, and oversee activities and operations of design and engineering projects. Mr. Wilburn has a deep understanding of individual roles on a civil engineering design team through advancement working with planners, doing field survey work, becoming a registered civil engineer, and working as a Public Works Director. His achievements include planning, preliminary design, development of bid documents, and construction management for transportation, pedestrian safety improvement, water, wastewater, water resources, and related infrastructure projects. He has managed multiple large land development projects in the Central Valley that included drainage studies, sewer studies, improvement plans, and quantity/cost estimates.

Kevin Doble
Senior Project Manager, Government Relations
Mr. Kevin Doble is the Director of Business Development. Additionally, he is a Senior Project Manager, Government Relations, and Storm Water Specialist. Mr. Doble joined our team in 2018 with LACO’s acquisition of Doble Thomas and Associates and provides a broad range of experience from both the public and private sectors and provides high level project management for key projects and clients. Mr. Doble’s integrated approach to communities is supported by special knowledge of jurisdictional ordinances, the ability to navigate and solve complex projects, and key relationships with public agencies.

Additionally, Mr. Doble participates in many civic activities in the Ukiah area and throughout the North Bay region.

He is formerly the Mayor for the City of Ukiah, a Board Member on the Russian River Watershed Association, a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Commissioner, Board Member for the Mendocino Economic Development Corporation, Commissioner for the Mendocino Inland Water and Power Commission, and Ex-officio Member of the Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce.

Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment Bradley Thomas, PLS
Principal Surveyor, Vice President
Mr. Bradley Thomas, Vice President of Land Surveying, LACO Associates, has been a California Licensed Land Surveyor since 1984. Brad began his career as a land surveying apprentice in 1975 and began self-employment as a Land Surveyor in 1989. His original business began in Sebastopol a relocated to Windsor in 1995. Brad purchased the Cloverdale land surveying firm of John H. Doble and Associates in 2000 and incorporated the firm as Doble Thomas & Associates. Brad also operated The Map Store for many years and published the Sonoma County American Viticultural Maps. Since 1993, Brad has been the Vice President of Delta Geomatics Corporation, an aerial photogrammetry firm. LACO Associates purchased Doble Thomas & Associates in July of 2018. The acquisition is the joining two extraordinary firms very similar in culture, with practice strengths that are highly complementary.

Chad Mosier, PE, PLS
Senior Civil Engineer & Regional Manager Santa Rosa
Mr. Mosier is a Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor with over 33 years in the profession. Mr. Mosier has been involved in all aspects of Civil Engineering and Land Surveying including topographic and boundary surveys, civil design, construction management, permitting and project management.

Mr. Mosier has managed several projects as a consultant working for major energy sector utilities in California and throughout the Country. This has included the management of large teams of engineers and other consultants on high profile, projects that help ensure the utilities are being operated safely and efficiently. He has acted as owner’s representative providing construction management and inspection on Public Works projects, developed and reviewed bid documents, engineering reports, and other deliverables.

Mr. Mosier was the Senior Director of Design and Engineering Services for a Utility Consulting firm in the San Francisco Bay Area. As Senior Director, Mr. Mosier oversaw several teams on a variety of projects for major West Coast Natural Gas Utilities.

Mr. Mosier also operated a Civil Engineering and Land Surveying firm in Middletown, California from 2004 through 2010. During that time, Mr. Mosier completed a varied portfolio of projects throughout Lake and surrounding Counties. These projects were often multifaceted, including planning, surveying, and engineering tasks with both private and public sector clients.

J.B. Lovelace & Associates
J. Brett Lovelace, Principal Environmental Scientist/ Owner Mr. Lovelace is a consulting biologist/ecologist and small business owner based in northern Mendocino County, California with over 25 years of professional experience acquired throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

Typical services provided during the course of work include the preparation and performance of biological inventories and resource assessments, special status wildlife and botanical (vascular & nonvascular) surveys, nesting bird surveys, wetland delineations, environmental compliance monitoring & species relocation efforts, impact assessments and development of mitigation measures, as well as the design and implementation of longterm habitat restoration- and mitigation-monitoring programs. Additional specialized services include forest canopy access (tree-climbing), rope-based data collection, and arboreal installation of nest-monitoring camera systems, acoustic sampling equipment, and other passive data collection technologies. Routine professional responsibilities Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment include the hiring, training, management, & supervision of field crews; sampling design, collection, management, analysis, & interpretation of field data; authoring of scientific reports; delivering public presentations; coordination with clients, project partners, stakeholders, & regulatory agency scientists; and the development of project proposals, budgets, cost estimates, & contractual agreements.

Fehr & Peers
Ron Milam, PTP, AICP – Principal
Ronald T. Milam, AICP, PTP is the director of evolving the status quo at Fehr & Peers and co-leads the company’s research and development. He is actively involved in a variety of project work and teaches transportation planning and CEQA transportation impact analysis courses for UC Berkeley Tech Transfer and UC Davis Extension.

A unique part of Ron’s experience is thinking long-term and helping clients understand the future outcomes of their decisions. His recent work has focused on disruptive trends, SB 743 implementation, and new metrics to help inform challenging transportation policy and technical questions.

Rodney Brown, AICP, PTP, RSP – Associate
Rodney Brown is an associate with Fehr & Peers. Rod contributes a solid background in transportation policy and a strong multimodal focus to each of his projects. Rod also brings to each of his projects an attention to detail and commitment to quality control that is rooted in his previous experience as an engineer and project manager for the United States Navy's Nuclear Propulsion Program and in the tech industry. After joining Fehr & Peers in early 2015, Rod quickly earned a reputation as a thoughtful and dependable project manager with a strong commitment to rigorous quality control. He has served as the project manager or lead planner on many complex transportation planning projects, including regional transportation plans, general plans, transportation impacts assessments, active transportation plans and model development for general plans.

Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment C. RELATED PROJECT EXPERIENCE Planwest has prepared certified 6th Cycle Housing Elements for the Cities of Ferndale and Point Arena. HCD letters acknowledging Senior Advisor George Williamson’s and Principal Planner Vanessa Blodgett’s roles in these Element are attached to this Proposal (Appendix B). Related project experience with references are summarized below. We are also in the process of developing the Del Norte County (as a subcontractor to Minter Harnish) and City of Yreka Housing Elements.

Planwest Partners, Inc.

CITY OF POINT ARENA
Point Arena General Plan /Zoning Update – Local Coastal Program Update Planwest Partners is part of a project team, led by Mendocino County based North Coast Community Planning to prepare the Point Arena General Plan /Zoning Update – Local Coastal Program Update. This includes background studies and investigations, as well as the Community Engagement process. Planwest and NCCP are preparing a comprehensive set of amendments to the Point Arena General Plan and Zoning Ordinance to implement the priority policy objectives identified by the City Council. The team is preparing summary documents for each proposed LCP Amendment component. These summaries will identify recommendations, options, alternatives, etc. Once direction is received from the City Council, draft policy and implementation language will be prepared, reviewed and finalized. The LCP Amendment will include amendments to the certified LCP Land Use Plan (LUP) and Implementation Program (IP).

Contact: Paul Andersen City Manager
Phone: (707-882-2122
Email: [email protected]
Dates: 2022-23

CITY OF ARCATA
Gateway Area Plan and General Plan Update
Planwest is leading a comprehensive team that is currently preparing the Gateway Area Plan and General Plan Update for the City of Arcata. This multidisciplinary project involves assessing current zoning regulations within the Gateway area of the City and developing new form based code to foster work/live environments that will increase housing opportunities in the City and allow for development of a lively community where residents can easily walk or bike to their daily needs. In addition to the Gateway Area Plan, the project also involves a comprehensive update to the City’s General Plan. This involves coordination with City staff, community members, and subject matter experts for cultural/historical resources, creeks and wetlands,
Contact Person: David Loya, Director of Community Development Phone: (707) 825-2045
Email: [email protected]
Date of Completion: In progress
Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment

CITY OF FERNDALE
General Plan & Sphere of Influence Updates
As contract City Planner for the City of Ferndale, Planwest Partners has been responsible for updating several of the City’s General Plan Elements. Most recently this has involved a comprehensive update the Land Use and Safety Elements in addition to work on the Historical Resources Element. The last time the City’s General Plan was comprehensively updated was in 1986. As such, many of the elements must be developed from the ground up in order to comply with current Office of Planning and Research guidelines and state law. As part of each update, Planwest works closely with the City Manager, leads public outreach, provides staff reports and Planning Commission meetings, and stays up to date on current legislation to ensure that all elements accurately reflect the desired growth in the City. Planwest has also conducted CEQA on the City’s regular Housing Element Updates, and is begging the CEQA process for the current Land Use and Safety Element updates.

Contact Person: Jay Parrish, Ferndale City Manager
Phone: (707) 786-4224
Email: [email protected]
Date of Completion: 2008 – Present

HUMBOLDT LAFCO
City of Fortuna MSR/SOI Update
As Humboldt LAFCo staff, Planwest prepared the 2021 City of Fortuna MSR/SOI Update.

Fortuna is a rural city located on the banks of the Eel River with a population of approximately 12,000. The City offers a range of municipal services including water, wastewater, street maintenance, police, and parks and recreation. Planwest worked closely with City staff to accurately document the current state of city services including recent impacts experienced from the Covid-19 pandemic such as fluctuating income, budget concerns, and changes to recreation opportunities. Most notably the MSR discussed the City's planned relocation of wastewater dispersal fields, updates on planned police department renovations, and traffic concerns in the southern portion of the City. In addition to standard services, Planwest also included a discussion of emergency preparedness and a tribal land for the area's original inhabitants. (https://humboldtlafco.org/wp-content/uploads/Fortuna-MSR-Adopted_1-20-

21.pdf)

Contact: Liz Shorey, Deputy Director of Community Development Phone: (707) 725-1408
Email: [email protected]
Dates: 2020-21
City of Arcata and Jacoby Creek CWD MSR/SOI Updates
Planwest recently prepared the City of Arcata and Jacoby Creek County Water District MSR/SOI updates. The City of Arcata provides a wide range of services including water, wastewater, law enforcement, street maintenance, parks and recreation, and other miscellaneous services. Most notably, the City has an agreement with the Jacoby Creek CWD for management, control and maintenance of the District’s water system until the outstanding debt from a Davis-Grunsky loan obtained to construct the distribution system is fully paid off. Planwest staff worked with the City and District to document the shared services agreements and included conditions on the District SOI to include a plan of succession for when payoff of the Davis-Grunsky loan occurs. Additionally, the City operates a unique wastewater treatment facility on Arcata Bay and includes the use of a marsh system to treat wastewater.

Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment Many of the components of the facility are nearing the end of their useful life and the City is in the process of planning and implementing updates. Planwest was able to document planned facility upgrades in relation to expected demand in addition to highlighting City strategies for accommodating sea level rise in project plans. (https://humboldtlafco.org/wp-content/uploads/Arcata-MSR_Adopted-11-18-20.pdf)

Contact: David Loya, Community Development Director
Phone: (707) 825-2045
Email: [email protected]
Dates: 2019-2020
City of Blue Lake MSR/SOI Update
The City of Blue Lake is located in Humboldt County, in the Mad River Watershed. It is inland of the Humboldt Bay area along Highway 299. Though founded years earlier, the city was incorporated in 1910 and has a current estimated population of 1,096 living in an area of about 0.6 square miles (416 acres). During the Recent MSR/SOI Update Planwest Partners working as Humboldt LAFCo staff worked with City staff to assess recreation resources within the City Sphere. The Mad River is a significant recreation resource and the City has interest in maintain a large potion of the river corridor in their SOI. LAFCo and City staff ended up presenting different SOI boundary recommendations to the Commission. The Commission selected the LAFCo staff option.

Contact: Amanda Mager, City Manager
Phone: (707) 668-5655
Email: [email protected]
Dates: 2018 - 2019

SAN DIEGO LAFCO
City of Poway MSR/SOI Update
Planwest, working with San Diego LAFCo staff, prepared the City of Poway MSR and SOI Update in 2020-21. The City of Poway provides water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, fire protection and emergency medical service, street and sidewalk maintenance, storm water and flood control, parks and recreation services, and community planning within its jurisdictional boundaries. The City does not provide water service to any adjacent unincorporated communities but does contract with nearby City of Escondido and City of San Diego to treat its wastewater. The City covers approximately 39.1 square miles (25,024 acres) and is located in northeast San Diego County. The SOI is larger than City boundaries and includes 2,114 acres of non-jurisdictional land. (https://www.sdlafco.org/home/showpublisheddocument/5774/637592910932770000) Contact: Keene Simonds, San Diego LAFCo Executive Officer Phone: (858) 614-7755
Email: [email protected]
Dates: 2020-21
Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment

CITY OF WILLITS
Wastewater Treatment/ Water Reclamation Project Planning and CEQA/NEPA Environmental Compliance Planwest completed the Willits Wastewater Treatment/Water Reclamation Project Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Report for the City of Willits. The EIR was prepared to comply with CEQA; the Environmental Report was prepared to comply with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which was triggered by USDA Rural Development–Rural Utility Services funding requirements. Planwest served as the lead for the project team, which included hydrological, biological, economic, and noise specialists. This project will change Willits’ existing mechanical wastewater treatment and disposal system to a natural marsh wastewater system that includes treatment wetlands and enhancement wetlands. Key issues covered in the EIR include impacts to hydrological and biological resources, land conversion, growth inducement, and water quality. The EIR also includes a socioeconomic analysis with demographic information about the community and projected allocations for facility costs. Planwest prepared EIR scoping documents including the Notice of Preparation; conducted a pubic scoping meeting; and presented environmental findings at public meetings held during the environmental review process. Planwest coordinated comments from, and responses to, federal, state, and local agencies and community members.

Contact: Tom Herman, former City Engineer, City of Willits Phone: (707) 459-4601
Email: [email protected]
Dates: 2001-2004
LACO Associates
City of Willits Contract City Engineer
Name: City of Willits
Type: Contract City Engineer
Location: Willits, California
Dates of Work: 2016 - Present
Contact Name: Jeremy Ronco, Project Manager
Phone Number: 707-459-7154
The City of Willits retained LACO to provide civil engineering services for all public works projects and fill the role of City Engineer. Over the past 5.5 years, LACO has assisted the City by providing engineering support and recommendations during the design and construction of the Caltrans Main Street Relinquishment City of Fortuna On-Call Services
Name: City of Fortuna
Type: On-Call Services
Location: Fortuna, California
Dates of Work: 2020 - Present
Contact Name: Merritt Perry, City Manager
Phone Number: 707-725-7650
The City of Fortuna selected LACO Associates for on-call professional consulting services, including but not limited to, civil engineering, project management, environmental permitting/compliance, traffic engineering, urban planning, design drafting, and other related fields.

Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment City of Eureka On-Call Services
Name: City of Eureka
Type: On-Call Services
Location: Fortuna, California
Dates of Work: 2020 - Present
Contact Name: Miles Slattery, City Manager
Phone Number: 707-441-4144
The City of Eureka selected LACO Associates for on-call professional consulting services, including but not limited to, civil engineering, project management, environmental permitting/compliance, traffic engineering, urban planning, design drafting, and other related fields.

J.B. Lovelace & Associates
Willits Bypass Project, U.S. Highway 101 - Mendocino County, CA (SHN Consulting Engineers & Geologists, Inc.)
Migratory Nesting Bird Surveys & Biological Monitoring
JBLA assisted our client by coordinating with staff from numerous firms to facilitate with the implementation of the ambitious Willits Bypass Project. Services performed for our client included intensive pre-construction nesting bird surveys, nest monitoring, and biological monitoring of construction activities adjacent to sensitive biological resources.

Southern Humboldt Community Park Wildlife Surveys - Humboldt County, CA (Southern Humboldt Community Park)
Biological Resource (Wildlife) Surveys
JBLA performed wildlife surveys for our client during their development of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that addressed proposed changes to zoning classifications and land use designations that would allow for increased public use and limited, phased development at the Park.

Salt River Ecosystem Restoration Project Post-Restoration Habitat Monitoring & Reporting - Humboldt County, CA (Humboldt County Resource Conservation District)
Habitat Restoration Monitoring Services
Since 2016, JBLA has continued to advise the Humboldt County Resource Conservation District and provide postrestoration annual habitat monitoring and reporting services to assist in the tracking of progress towards realization of identified habitat restoration goals.

Habitat Restoration Monitoring Tasks:
• Quantitative habitat area mapping and documentation
• Quantitative vegetation percent cover sampling and analysis • Replanted riparian forest basal area sampling and analysis • Invasive vegetation mapping
• Annual habitat monitoring report production

Planwest Partners Inc.

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General Plan Land Use Element & Sphere of Influence Amendment Fisheries & Aquatic Wildlife Surveys of the North Fork Eel River - Mendocino & Trinity Counties, CA (USDI—Bureau of Land Management)
Fisheries & Aquatic Wildlife Surveys
Since 2016, JBLA has continued to assist BLM with fisheries and aquatic wildlife surveys throughout the North Fork Eel River to determine the distribution and age structure of aquatic invasive species and subsequently suppress their populations. Occurrences of native salmonid and other aquatic species of special concern are also being documented as part of this ongoing effort.

Fehr & Peers
Recent project work in Mendocino County includes the following:
• Fort Bragg Dollar General TIA (Ongoing)
• Fort Bragg Grocery Outlet VMT (Ongoing)
• Mendocino COG SB 743/VMT Baseline Study (2021)
• Willits California Conservation Corps Facility TIA (2019) • Willits Main Street Corridor Study (2016)
• Willits Downtown Streets Study (2016)
• Ukiah Courthouse Parking Study (2015)
• Ukiah GHG Inventory & Climate Action Plan (2014)
• Fort Bragg VMT Inventory (2013)
• Mendocino Countywide Travel Demand Model & Capital Improvement Program (2013) III. COST PROPOSAL
A separately sealed envelope that contains a complete breakdown of costs by task and team member is provided in Appendix B – Cost Proposal. We currently have the team capacity and expertise available to complete all tasks for the cost proposed prior to the grant funding deadline in September 2023. We acknowledge receipt of all addenda issued for this RFP including the Reponses to Questions and Extended Proposal Due Date to July 13, 2022.

IV. CONTRACT AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS The Planwest team acknowledges its ability to meet the City’s insurance requirements. Upon selection, Planwest will provide the City of Willits with certificates of insurance that includes the endorsements specified in Attachment F of the RFP which will include the following:
• Commercial general liability insurance, with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.
• Professional liability insurance, with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per claim. • Automobile liability insurance, with a minimum combined single limit coverage of $1,000,000. • Workers Compensation insurance coverage at statutory limits.

These insurance requirements and amounts will be finalized with the City prior to the start of work on the project.

JB Lovelace Total
Principal
Planner
Project
Manager
Sr Advisor
GW GIS Mgr JB Senior Planner KH Planning ‐ Env. Techs JB Lovelace Principal Plnr MN Principal Eng RW Sr Proj. Mgr KD Sr Planners Ron Milam Rod Brown Expense Rate $140 $140 $130 $100 $120 $80 $120 $195 $235 $195 $165 $375 $215 Task 1 ‐ Develop Comprehensive Scope, Schedule and Budget $26,700.00

1.1 Review/Discuss Deliverables, Format/Organization 4.00 6.00 4.00 4.00 6.00 4.00 2.00 4.00 2.00 $5,440.00

1.2 Establish City/Planwest Team Roles/Responsibilities; Team Check‐ins 4.00 6.00 4.00 $1,920.00

1.3 Finalize Strategy to Complete Scope of Work Tasks 12.00 12.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 2.00 4.00 $9,500.00

1.3.1 Prepare Subtasks, Activities, Deliverables Schedule/Budget 8.00 12.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 2.00 4.00 8.00 4.00 2.00 $9,840.00 Task 2 ‐ General Plan—Land Use Element Update $133,530.00

2.1 Review Existing Land Use Element 6.00 24.00 6.00 4.00 6.00 4.00 $7,410.00

2.2 Identify Inconsistences in LU Element with Federal and State Law 40.00 16.00 $7,680.00

2.3 Identify Devt Pattern Consistency: Land Use Diagram/Zoning Map 40.00 16.00 16.00 12.00 12.00 6.00 6.00 8.00 $19,900.00

2.3.1 Amend Designations‐Align with LU Patterns/Promote Housing 36.00 12.00 16.00 $8,520.00

2.4 Engage Stakeholders‐LU Element/Diagram Modification Support 12.00 12.00 24.00 16.00 $2,500.00 $11,740.00

2.4.1 Lead Public Outreach and Public Meetings 40.00 24.00 4.00 16.00 16.00 $14,520.00

2.4.2 Prepare/Assist with Staff Reports 10.00 16.00 24.00 12.00 $7,580.002.4.3 Prepare Educational/Conceptual Materials for Public 40.00 $4,800.00

2.5 Revise Zoning Map, Land Use Element/Diagram 24.00 12.00 40.00 $8,920.00

2.6 Revise Land Use Element/Zoning Maps to Reflect Revisions 4.00 24.00 20.00 $5,920.002.7 Prepare Environmental Documents Consistent with CEQA 16.00 16.00 40.00 60.00 36.00 16.00 6.00 12.00 40.00 6.00 12.00 $36,540.00Task 3 ‐ Sphere of Influence Amendment $97,560.00

3.1 Develop Mendocino LAFCo SOI Amendment Application 40.00 12.00 60.00 20.00 20.00 40.00 6.00 12.00 $35,590.00

3.2 Pre‐Zone Amended SOI Lands‐City Council /Community 16.00 36.00 24.00 $9,680.00

3.3 Project Infrastructure and Service Needs 6.00 24.00 20.00 60.00 36.00 12.00 $29,900.00

3.4 Environmental Review for SOI Amendment 20.00 60.00 8.00 40.00 6.00 12.00 $22,390.00 Total Hours 152.00 354.00 146.00 88.00 268.00 84.00 90.00 64.00 108.00 160.00 92.00 32.00 50.00 $2,500.00 Total Cost $21,280.00 $49,560.00 $18,980.00 $8,800.00 $32,160.00 $6,720.00 $10,800.00 $12,480.00 $25,380.00 $31,200.00 $15,180.00 $12,000.00 $10,750.00 $2,500.00 $257,790.00 City of Willits ‐ Land Use Element Update & Sphere of Influence Amendment ‐ Cost Proposal Task
Planwest Partners Inc. LACO Fehr & Peers
Planwest Partners, Inc. July 12, 2022
(559) 449-4500 | [email protected] | 1234 O Street, Fresno, CA

CITY OF WILLITS
111 EAST COMMERCIAL STREET,
WILLITS, CA 95490
JULY 8, 2022

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

GENERAL PLAN LAND USE ELEMENT UPDATE

AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AMENDMENT
Source: https://cityofwillits.org/
COVER LETTER 1
PROJECT UNDERSTANDING/ TECHNICAL APPROACH 3
FIRM/ TEAM QUALIFICATIONS 9
COST ESTIMATE 27

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRECISION CIVIL ENGINEERING, INC.

SECTION 1.

COVER LETTER
1 CITY OF WILLITS
RE: RFP NO. 2022-01CD
ATTN: DUSTY DULEY
111 E. COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CA 95490
2 Dear Dusty Duley:

Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. (PCE) is pleased to submit our proposal in response to the Request for Proposals (RFP) for General Plan Land Use Element Update and Sphere of Influence Amendment for the City of Willits. PCE is a California corporation and a state-certified small business based in Fresno and Merced, California, and has been serving clients throughout California for 20 years. We offer a full range of development consulting services including Environmental and Land Use Planning, Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, and Construction Management. Our team has extensive experience providing these services for both public sector and private sector clients throughout the the state.

It is our understanding that the City of Willits intends to update the City's General Plan Land Use element and amend the Sphere of Influence, as well as the associated environmental analysis for each activity pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.

PCE's Vice President of Planning and Senior Project Manager, Bonique Emerson, MAUP, AICP will serve as the Project Manager and is authorized to negotiate for the team. Our assembled team for this project consists of our Land Use and Environmental Planning Division including Kelsey George, Senior Planner, Jenna Chilingerian, MCRP, AICP Candidate, Senior Associate Planner, and Shin Tu, MUP, Assistant Planner who work in our primary office at 1234 O Street, in Fresno, California. Additionally our team consists of 2 selected sub-consultants for the project: Argonaut Ecological Consulting, Inc. and Peak & Associates, Inc., both of which are headquartered in the Sacramento Metropolitan area.

Our team's collective experience and specializations in comprehensive and environmental and land use planning, land development projects, biological, cultural, and environmental services, policy and technical writing, GIS and data visualization, and knowledge of applicable laws and requirements within these areas makes us the ideal team to serve the City of Willits.

We certify that (1) we are not in litigation that may have a significant and adverse impact on the ability to perform these services for the City of; (2) we have the resources, expertise, and commitment to complete all components of the project in a timely and competent manner; and (3) our Project Manager will be present at all meetings requested by the staff members and will fully participate in the day-to-day management of the contract. Our proposal represents a firm binding offer for 90 days. On behalf of the PCE team, I would like to thank you for considering our firm to provide these services. We greatly look forward to the opportunity to work together.

Edward D. Dunkel, Jr.

President & CEO, Precision Civil Engineering
Contact Person:

Bonique Emerson, MAUP, AICP
VP of Planning Division (Project Manager)
[email protected]
1234 O STREET
FRESNO, CA , 93721
P. (559) 449-4500
F. (559) 449-4515
SECTION 2.

PROJECT UNDERSTANDING/

TECHNICAL APPROACH
3 SCOPE OF WORK

PROPOSED APPROACH AND METHODS
Meetings with Project Team (12 meetings): 1-hour, milestone meetings with the Project Team to review and discuss deliverables and comments.

Agendas and Minutes/Action Items: agendas and minutes/action items prepared for each meeting, including pre-meeting and post-meeting emails.

Work Program: detailed work program will cover objectives and milestones, tasks, a schedule/timeline for the completion of each task, and roles and responsibilities.

Invoicing/Progress Reports: detailed, line-item invoices/progress reports will be provided to the County on a monthly basis. Invoices will be organized by task and person.

TASK 1. DEVELOP COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT SCOPE, SCHEDULE, AND BUDGET Task 1.1. Kick-Off Meeting (1). Upon receiving notice to proceed from the County, the PCE Project Team will coordinate a kick-off meeting with City staff to identify project milestones, refine the scope of work, confirm timeline, clarify specific roles and responsibilities, and identify project resources. For the kick-off meeting, PCE will prepare a detailed work program. During the meeting, PCE and City staff will review and discuss the rough approach and organization of deliverables, including the Land Use Element Update and Sphere of Influence Amendment, roles and responsibilities, and work strategy. PCE will finalize the work program based on the discussions at the kick-off meeting. The work program will include a budget, tasks and subtasks, revised schedule, and deliverables.

Task 1.2. Project Management and Coordination. In order to keep the project moving on time and within budget, PCE recommends the following measures and tools.

TASK 2. LAND USE ELEMENT UPDATE
Task 2.1. Background Research. Based on discussions of the purpose and approach to the Land Use Element update during the Kick-off Meeting, PCE will conduct background research to determine all the considerations and recommendations for updating the Element. Background research will include the review of the existing Land Use Element to identify 1) inconsistencies with current Federal and State law and 2) inconsistent with current development patterns and goals. PCE will prepare a summary memo that documents the findings and overall approach to updating the Element.

Task 2.2. Introduction/Kick-Off Workshops. To kick-off the process and introduce the community to the Land Use Element Update, PCE recommends holding two types of introduction/kick-off workshops:
4 Community Workshop: The workshop will be targeted to residents and key stakeholders and will be held in-person and/or virtually (dependent on the public safety protocol at time of workshop). PCE will prepare a workshop invite (flyer, social media posting, mailer), agenda, and presentation. PCE will facilitate the workshop. The workshop will focus on the purpose, update process, demographics, State and Federal requirements, etc.

Study Session/Workshop: This workshop will be targeted to Planning Commission and City Council and will be held in-person and/or virtually (dependent on the public safety protocol at time of workshop). PCE will prepare the agenda and presentation. PCE will facilitate the workshop. The workshop will focus on the purpose, update process, demographics, State and Federal requirements, etc.

1. 2.

Comments received from these workshops will be incorporated into the draft. After outreach ends, PCE will prepare a summary memo that documents comments received and respective recommended updates.

Task 2.3. Community and Stakeholder Survey. PCE will develop an online survey for input and feedback on priorities for the City to be posted on the City website after the Introduction/Kickoff Workshop. PCE will create an outreach list of stakeholders to advertise the survey. Survey responses will be incorporated into the draft. After outreach ends, PCE will prepare a summary memo that documents comments received and respective recommended updates.

Task 2.4. Land Use Element Update. PCE will revise the General Plan Land Use Element, including the land use diagram and zoning map, to incorporate information collected during the background research and public outreach. First, PCE will prepare administrative draft as a redlined word version for easy commenting between City staff and PCE. PCE will work with the existing GIS layers provided by the City to incorporate changes in zoning, city boundary, and the sphere of influence (SOI) boundary. City staff should review and route to identified departments for comments as needed. PCE will then revise according to City staff comments for a public draft version to present at City Council. PCE will prepare the staff report and presentation as needed. Following public hearing(s), PCE will finalize the update.

TASK 3. SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AMENDMENT
Task 3.1. SOI Amendment Application. PCE will prepare legal descriptions, exhibits, and application forms, as applicable, for the 313 acres SOI boundary amendment LAFCO application.

Task 3.2. Pre-zone. Based on the Land Use Element, land use diagram, and zoning map updates, PCE will “pre-zone” the lands within the amended sphere of Influence. This task will occur currently with Task 2.
5 Introduction - Regulatory Information and Document Format Project Description - Project Title, Lead Agency, Contacts, Location and Coordinates, Land Use and Zoning, Project Description, Setting, Required Approval from Other Agencies, Tribal Consultation
Environmental Determination - MND or ND
Impact Analysis (per Appendix G: Aesthetics, Agriculture, etc.) Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (if applicable) - Mitigation Measure(s), Responsible Party for Implementation, Responsible Party for Monitoring, Timeframe for Implementation, Confirmation of Implementation
Technical Appendices – technical studies, memos, and output files as necessary Cover Page, Table of Contents, List of Tables and Figures Utilize the applicant’s project description and project drawings to prepare a more detailed project description/operational statement for the IS.

Establish thresholds of significance and analyze the project in relation to these thresholds for all impact sections identified in the 2022 (or 2023) CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G.

Analyze and determine the significance of project impacts for each area of potential impact.

Impacts that are found to be less than significant will be described, and impacts found to be potentially significant (if any) will be described and mitigation measures that will bring impacts below the significance thresholds, will be identified.

Identify and evaluate further permitting needs, which will be listed in the Project Description.

Task 3.3. Infrastructure and Service Demand Projection. PCE will estimate infrastructure and service need generated by potential development in the SOI based on the pre-zoned land use designations. These projections will include water, sewer, circulation, and other service needs, and would be utilized to prepare the environmental document for the SOI amendment and/or future annexation application.

TASK 4. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
PCE recommends one (1) environmental review document for the Land Use Element Update and SOI Amendment.

Task 4.1. Administrative Draft IS/ND or MND. PCE anticipates an Initial Study (IS) and Negative Declaration/ Mitigated Negative Declaration (ND/MND). PCE will prepare an Administrative Draft IS and ND/MND in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and any relevant case law. PCE will utilize any established templates, specifications, background information, or setting language provided by the City. The Administrative Draft IS/ND/MND will include the following at a minimum:

As part of drafting the IS/ND/MND, PCE will do the following:
6 Task 4.2. Public Review Draft IS/ND or MND. PCE will revise the Administrative Draft to incorporate City comments and revisions as appropriate. Once ready, PCE will prepare a Screencheck Draft for City review. After City reviews and accepts, PCE will finalize the Public Review Draft for public circulation, review, and comment. PCE staff will be responsible for the distribution of the Public Review Draft except for those required to be transmitted to the State Clearinghouse and Office of Planning and Research (OPR). In the case that the Public Review Draft shall be submitted to the OPR, PCE will prepare and electronically submit the required materials including the Notice of Completion and Summary Form.

Task 4.3. Revised Draft IS/ND or MND. If comments are received during the Public Review period from the public or responsible agencies, PCE will incorporate such comments as needed and provide the City with a Revised Draft ND or MND.

Task 4.4. Notice of Determination. PCE will prepare a Notice of Determination (NOD) to be filed with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse within five days of approval. PCE assumes the City will handle the responsibility for the filing.

TASK 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS (ADOPTION)
Task 5.1. Attend Public Hearings. PCE will draft staff reports, findings, resolutions/ordinances, and any attachments for public hearings, including the LAFCO hearing. PCE will also prepare a presentation as needed. PCE staff will be available to attend up to four (4) public hearings, present, and answer questions, as necessary.
7 PROJECTED SCHEDULE
Agendas and minutes/action
Monthly Check-Ins
Monthly Meetings
Kick off Meeting
Project Management and Coordination
Background Research
Introduction/Kick-Off Workshop
Community and Stakeholder Survey
Land Use Element Update
Final Element/ Zoning Map
SOI Amendment Application
Pre-zone
Infrastructure Demand Projection
Administrative Draft
Screencheck Draft
Public Review Draft + MMRP
Public Hearings
Planning Commission
City Council
Task 0. Project Management and Meetings
Task 1. Develop Comprehensive Project
Scope, Schedule, and Budget
Task 2. Land Use Element Update
Task 3. Sphere of Influence Amendment
Task 4. Environmental Review
Task 5. Public Hearings (Adoption)
First Week of September 2022
September 2022
September 2022 - November 2022
December 2022 - February 2023
February 2023 - May 2023
May 2023 - July 2023
July 2023 - August 2023
October 2022 - January 2023
January 2023 - February 2023
February 2023 - April 2023
April 2023 - July 2023
July 2023
July 2023 - August 2023
August/September 2023
August 2023
August/September 2023
September 2022 - September 2023
September 2022
September 2022 - August 2023
October 2022 - April 2023
April 2023 - September 2023
August 2023 - September 2023

PROPOSED TIMELINE & SCHEDULE
PCE anticipates the project to kick off in September 2022 and conclude in September 2023 with the public hearings to adopt the Land Use Element, Zoning Map, SOI Amendments, and related environmental documents.
8 SECTION 3.

FIRM/ TEAM QUALIFICATIONS
9 10
Firm Representative
Edward Dunkel, Jr. CEO & President
p. (559) 449-4500 f. (559) 449-4515
e. [email protected]
Firm Legal Identity
PCE is a California corporation and a
state-certified small business located
in Fresno, CA that has been in
business for 20 years.

Office Location
1234 O Street, Fresno, CA 93721
2807A G Street, Merced, CA 95340
Website
www.precisioneng.net
Firm Size
42 Total Staff Members
Civil
Engineering
Land
Surveying
Planning
Construction
Management
Landscape
Architecture
Project
Management
Environmental
Services
Traffic
Engineering
Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. (PCE) is an established, full-service firm with 20 years of experience providing comprehensive and sustainable solutions for a wide range of complex projects and issues in the Central Valley of California. Our roots are firmly established by fifthgeneration California resident and company CEO & President, Ed Dunkel, Jr. whose family has provided engineering services throughout the state for more than 57 years. Today, our firm employs over 40 full-time staff members with offices in Fresno and Merced. Our divisions include:

FIRM BACKGROUND
PRIME CONSULTANT: PRECISION CIVIL ENGINEERING, INC.

Who We Are | PCE is a California corporation and
is organized by divisions which are each headed
by licensed division managers, with daily
operations overseen by the company president,
Mr. Edward Dunkel, Jr. PCE approaches every
project with the philosophy that we are more
than just an Engineering firm; we are your
advocate, every step of the way.

From a project’s inception to completion, PCE
remains attentive to our client's needs and
responds immediately to calls for service.

Schedules are developed then monitored weekly
by managers and supervisors. Preparation of our
technical studies is modeled to minimize cost
without compromising competent solutions or
legally required technical analysis. To ensure
quality control, reports are subjected to a
comprehensive in-house review process.
"WE ARE DEDICATED TO USING CUTTING EDGE,

STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY IN ORDER TO

PROVIDE INNOVATIVE AND AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS
FOR OUR CLIENTS."

LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND SUBDIVISIONS
PCE staff has experience processing various types of planning entitlement applications from zone clearances to plan amendments and tract maps for large-scale development projects. We have a strong understanding of the planning process including understanding how to implement complex development codes and general plans at the project level. We follow the protocols outlined by the agency to make sure projects are processed consistently and accurately. We can see a project through completion, including presenting at Planning Commission and City Council. Our experience working directly on entitlements and supervising the process puts us a step ahead of most firms. Our services and areas of expertise include:

Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative Declaration Preparation Coordination of the CEQA process
Coordination of the NEPA process
Preparation of required technical studies
Review and Analysis of technical studies
Mitigation Monitoring/Compliance Verification
Consultation on type of analysis required and preliminary environmental review Third-party review of environmental documents prepared by others Tribal Consultation

CEQA/NEPA ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS AND TECHNICAL STUDIES PCE prepares environmental documents for development and public improvement projects in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). We have extensive knowledge of the potential legal and technical challenges that could arise in the environmental planning process. Our services and areas of expertise include:

Site Plan Reviews
Variance applications
Conditional Use Permits
Plan Amendments
Rezone applications
Annexations and Pre-Zones
Zoning Text Amendments
Tentative Tract Maps and Subdivisions
Staff Reports
Ordinances and Resolutions
Municipal Service Review (MSR)
Area Plan and Specific Plans
ADU Ordinances and Pre-approved Programs
11 PCE's technical capabilities and qualifications as related to the City of Willits General Plan Land Use Update and SOI Amendment proposal include the following:

Topographic and Boundary Surveys
ALTA/ACSM and Cadastral Surveys
Right-of-Way Surveys
Easement Documentation

LAND SURVEYING AND GIS SERVICES
PCE understands that a proper and thorough survey is the foundation for a quality project design and development. That’s why our survey teams follow a strict and comprehensive quality control checklist for every project. To further ensure quality, our surveyors receive continual upgrade training for all equipment and practices. Our services and areas of expertise include:

Grading/Drainage Design
Storm Water Master Planning
Earthwork Analysis
Sewer System Master Planning
Dry Utility Coordination
Water System Master Planning
Domestic Water System Design
Wastewater System Design
Reclaimed Water

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Our engineers have extensive experience with the master planning of the sewer, water, and storm drain systems, and are considered experts at evaluating existing conditions to engineer economical, competent designs. Our services include:

Site Feasibility Studies
Construction Staking
Monumentation
Geographical Information Systems
Sewer Lift Station Design
Storm Water Pump Station Design
HEC-RAS River/Channel Modeling
Flood Plain Modeling
Well Development
Water & Wastewater Treatment
Bridge & Culvert Analysis
SWPPP-NPDES Permitting
Site Master Planning
12 Argonaut Ecological Consulting, Inc. specializes in supporting projects from planning through construction. For over 30 years, our focus has been on infrastructure projects (electric generation, water and gas conveyance, flood control, roadway, and bridge construction) and traditional land development. Argonaut also provides wetland delineation and permitting.

Argonaut is a California-certified DBE (CA # 36268) and has a successful history of working throughout the Sacramento region since 1997.

Argonaut provides regulatory and compliance support services to municipalities, construction management teams, and traditional land developers. Our services focus on biological resources and stormwater/water quality compliance. Argonaut has worked within the Fresno region since 1997 performing biological habitat assessments, special status species evaluations, CEQA review and CEQA document preparation, species surveys, wetland delineations, permitting, and construction monitoring and support.

In addition, Argonaut supports project managers and construction management firms by providing technical and regulatory expertise with the objective being to minimize regulatory risks to their municipal clients. Our construction-related services include pre-construction biological surveys, preparing and conducting worker environmental awareness training, CEQA compliance reviews, reviewing contractor submittals (dewatering plans, SWPPPs, etc.), compliance tracking throughout construction, biological monitoring, and preparing construction notices required by the environmental permitting agencies.

Argonaut Ecological Consulting, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is a certified woman-owned disadvantaged business
enterprise (Caltrans DBE - Certificate No. 36268).

SUB-CONSULTANT: ARGONAUT ECOLOGICAL CONSULTING, INC.
13 Bonique Emerson
Project Management
& Oversight

PROEJCT MANAGER

DAVE RUBY
Project Manager

TUOLUMNE COUNTY
Our Project Team has the necessary experience and skills needed to provide Environmental services for the County of Tuolumne. Our Team includes 4 project staff plus a sub-consultant.

The chart below identifies key tasks and assigned responsibilities. Resumes summarizing our relevant experiences are provided on the following pages.

Project Management and Meetings
14 Develop Comprehensive Project Scope, Schedule, and
Budget
Land Use Element Update
Sphere of Influence Amendment
Environmental Services
Bonique Emerson: Management, Invoicing
Jenna Chilingerian: Agendas, Communication &
Coordination, Check-Ins
Bonique Emerson: Advisory & Oversight
Jenna Chilingerian: Work Program
Bonique Emerson: Advisory & Drafting
Jenna Chilingerian: Drafting, Document preparation,
coordination and communication
Kelsey George: staff reports, public meetings
Shin Tu: GIS, graphics, handouts, public materials
Bonique Emerson: Oversight
Kelsey George: coordination
Shin Tu: GIS, amendment application package
Pete Cohrs: legal descriptions, SOI boundary map
Nate Gleaves: infrastructure demand projection
Craig Roberts: water demand projection
SUB: ARGONAUT ECOLOGICAL
Kathy Kinsland
Biological surveys and reports
Bonique Emerson: Advisory & Oversight
Kelsey George: staff report, resolutions
Jenna Chilingerian: Coordination, documents
preparation, research and writing
Shin Tu: Research and writing

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PROFILE

TRAININGS
Master of Arts Urban Planning,
University of California, Los
Angeles with an emphasis in
transportation planning
Bachelor of Arts, Political
Science with minor in Public
Policy, University of California,
Los Angeles

EDUCATION
18 years

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Certified Planner through the
American Institute of Certified
Planners (AICP)
American Planning Association,
California Chapter, Central
Section (Member)
Association of Environmental
Professionals, California, Central
Chapter (Member)
Institute of Transportation
Engineers (member)

CERTIFICATION

PROFESSIONAL ORG
Project Management. Managed the building and implementation of the City of Fresno's Land Management Software System, a citywide, multi-million dollar project that modernized the way permits and entitlements were processed.

Business Analyst. Regularly analyzed organizational and procedural issues and developed solutions, including but not limited to modifying project workflows through a land management system, implementing new processing procedures, and delegating work assignments.

Implementation. Responsible for reviewing, interpreting, and analyzing new legislation and maintaining current knowledge of directives, policies, and regulations that affected the operation of the current planning division. Also responsible for implementation of the General Plan and Development Code at the project level.

Process Management. Managed (both directly and indirectly, through subordinate supervisors) all operations of a division which processes approximately 3,000 entitlement applications a year and operates a planning public front counter serving hundreds of customers weekly.

Supervisor and Trainer. Performed various supervisorial duties, including training, employee selection, evaluations, coaching, and discipline by supervising 4-5 staff directly, and managing a division of 20 staff directly and indirectly through subordinate supervisors.

VICE PRESIDENT OF PLANNING | SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

BONIQUE EMERSON, MAUP, AICP
Precision Civil Engineering
1234 "O" Street
Fresno, CA 93721
[email protected]
559-449-4500

CONTACT

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Project Management
Processing Entitlement Applications
Environmental Planning Services (CEQA/NEPA)
Policies, Procedures, and Processes
VMT Screening and Trip Generation Analysis
Oversight and Management of Environmental Consultants
Bonique Emerson, MAUP, AICP has over 18 years of experience as a Planner and Project Manager, spending a majority of those years with the City of Fresno Current Planning Division. While at the City of Fresno, Mrs. Emerson worked her way from a Planner I to the Current Planning Division Manager. Through these roles, she processed hundreds of entitlement applications, implemented the General Plan and Development Code at the project level, and played a key role in coordination among the public agency, developers, and residents. At Precision Civil Engineering, Mrs.

Emerson leverages her extensive planning knowledge to manage both public and private sector projects in various communities.

EXPERIENCE
CEQA Advanced Workshop, Association of Environmental Professionals, California (various)
California LTAP: Federal Requirements for Local Agency Transportation Projects "OFF" the State Highway System (November 2020) 15 PROFILE

TRAININGS

PUBLICATIONS
Master of Arts, Geography with
emphasis in Urban Planning,
California State University, Long
Beach
Bachelor of Arts, Geography and
Planning with Minor in Rural and
Town Planning, California State
University, Chico

EDUCATION
9 years

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
American Planning Association,
California Chapter, Central
Section (Member)
Association of Environmental
Professionals, California, Central
Chapter (Member)
California Geographical Society
(Member)
PROFESSIONAL ORG Land Development Process and Review. Oversaw the execution of complex projects, including tract map developments and subdivisions, plan amendments, rezones, annexations, and text amendments, while reviewing for compliance with applicable goals and policies.

Public Outreach and Presentation. Facilitated neighborhood and public meetings to provide city leaders, developers, attorneys, and the general public with plans within the city boundaries by delivering presentations in public meetings.

Project Management. Coordinated several complex projects including shortand long-range planning projects, while working closely with applicants, key developers, and any commenting City divisions, departments, and outside agencies.

SENIOR PLANNER

KELSEY GEORGE
Precision Civil Engineering
1234 "O" Street
Fresno, CA 93721
[email protected]
559-449-4500

CONTACT

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Project Management
Land use planning and entitlement processing
Environmental planning and compliance
Kelsey George brings over 9 years of experience in city planning, community development, and environmental and sustainable development. With nearly 5 years of municipal planning experience in the Central Valley, she has worked on a various and diverse portfolio of urban planning work including General Plan updates, Zoning Code text amendments, annexations, General Plan amendments, rezones, tentative tract maps, use permits, and site plan reviews. Through private and public sector planning roles she has developed extensive experience in interpreting zoning requirements and State and Federal laws and policies regarding land use, information analysis, project management, California Environment Quality Act, citizen engagement, community development, and local government background.

She received a Master’s of Arts in Geography and Planning and published her thesis on transit-oriented development in 2017.

EXPERIENCE
Complying with Federal Law in Regulating Telecommunications (January 2022) Transportation Planning: Travel Behavior Principles and Modelling Approaches (November 2021)
Resilience Planning for Wildfires (November 2021)
Revisiting" The Blue Line Blues": Transit-Oriented Development in Inner-City Areas of Los Angeles County, 2000-2016 (December 2017)
16 PROFILE
Master of Community and
Regional Planning, University of
Oregon
Bachelor of Arts, Political
Science with minor in Civic
Engagement, University of
California, Los Angeles

EDUCATION
9 years

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Certified Planner through the
American Institute of Certified
Planners (AICP Candidate)
American Planning Association,
California Chapter, Central
Section (Member and Director
for Membership and Public
Information)
Association of Environmental
Professionals, California, Central
Chapter (Member)

CERTIFICATION

PROFESSIONAL ORG
Land Development Process and Review. Processed zoning inquiries, zone clearances, environmental assessments, and conditional use permit applications for the City of Fresno Planning and Development Department, Current Planning Division.

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building. Coordinated planning and sustainable communities programming in rural communities of the San Joaquin Valley in the areas of housing, sustainable planning, parks and recreation, and transportation. Organized regional capacity building events that brought together over 1k stakeholders from across the region and state to bolster advocacy, increase the quality of partnerships, and build traction to find regional opportunities, solutions, and funding for planning.

Communication and Partnership Management. Managed marketing and communications programs for a property-based business improvement district, including creating and disseminating content for media platforms, public relations, and creation of materials. Managed special programs such as placemaking, grant writing/reporting, events and promotions, and negotiating and developing partnerships between the downtown merchant community and local resources.

Front Counter Customer Service. Provided customer service to City of Fresno external and internal clientele by monitoring the Current Planning Division front counter, answering and directing questions, responding to requests for more information, and interpreting planning and zoning programs to the general public.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE PLANNER

JENNA CHILINGERIAN, MCRP
Precision Civil Engineering
1234 "O" Street
Fresno, CA 93721
[email protected]
559-449-4500

CONTACT

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
CEQA/NEPA Compliance
Environmental Analysis and Planning
Land Use Planning/Permitting
Project Coordination and Management
Jenna serves as a senior associate planner at Precision Civil Engineering (PCE) in downtown Fresno, CA, bringing more than 9 years of experience in planning, community and economic development, and program management in the nonprofit and public sectors. At PCE, Jenna provides CEQA services for public and private sector projects, on-call planning services for local agencies, and development and entitlement services for private sector clients. Jenna is an active AEP and APA member, participating in webinars and workshops to remain up to date on current environmental legislation, procedures, and best practices. She received her Masters of Community and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon and holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UCLA. She joined the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) as a Candidate in 2021.

EXPERIENCE
17 PROFILE

TRAININGS
Master of Urban Planning,
Environmental Hazard
Management Certificate, GIS
Graduate Certificate, Texas A&M
University
Bachelor of Science, Urban
Planning, National Cheng Kung
University, Taiwan

EDUCATION
4 years

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
American Planning Association,
California Chapter, Central
Section (Member)
Association of Environmental
Professionals, California, Central
Chapter (Member)

PROFESSIONAL ORG
Urban Design. Received awards for 2 design competitions that focused on designing human-oriented space/streets for transit and pedestrian connectivity and revitalization.

Corridor Planning. Drafted a corridor revitalization plan in Tainan City, Taiwan.

Conducted interviews with local businesses, held 3 workshops to introduce and collect feedback for the plan, and coordinated with public agencies for implementation of the proposed public transit program.

Graphics Communication. Lead Graphics and Written Communications Team to develop the first comprehensive plan of the City of Caldwell, Texas. Coordinated with data analytics and public outreach team to develop branding, design flyers and public outreach materials, presentations, and the final plan document.

Research and Analysis. Conducted data cleansing, labeling, categorizing, and statistical analysis using Stata. Co-authored for journal publication and was responsible for the management of 2+ datasets.

Planning Assistant. Performed traffic flow and land use analysis for 3 city-scale plans to provide a fact base for the planning process. Performed zoning inquiries, environmental assessments, building and conditional use permit applications. Produced multiple exhibits, drafted proposals, and corresponded with clients and agencies.

ASSISTANT PLANNER

SHIN TU, MUP
Precision Civil Engineering
1234 "O" Street
Fresno, CA 93721
[email protected]
559-449-4500

CONTACT

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Research and Analysis
Geographic Information Systems and spatial analysis
Visualization and Digital communication
Shin Tu, MUP brings to Precision Civil Engineering her knowledge of communications, site planning, data analysis, and working with the public. With a Master of Urban Planning degree at Texas A&M University and graduate certificates in Environmental Hazard Management & Geographic Information Science, Shin has experience working in the public, private, and academic sectors.

EXPERIENCE
CEQA Advanced Workshop, Association of Environmental Professionals, California (March 2022)
CEQA Essentials Workshop, Association of Environmental Professionals, California (October 2021)
18 PROFILE
Bachelor of Science, Surveying &
Photogrammetry, California State
University, Fresno

EDUCATION
46 years (PCE: 8 years)

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
State of California Licensed Land
Surveyor # 5096

CERTIFICATION
Mr. Cohrs manages personnel matters, supplies, billing, client meetings, and scheduling of the surveying department at PCE. He oversees all aspects of project research, surveys, and mapping. Mr. Cohrs directs topographic, boundary, control, quantitative analysis, flood insurance, monitoring wells, subsidence monitoring, and American Land Title Association surveys. He supervises the preparation of tentative and final tract maps and parcel maps. Additionally, Mr. Cohrs prepares lot line adjustments & mergers, deed documents, entitlement documents, boundary determination, and legal descriptions.

Mr. Cohrs was the Chief Surveyor and Manager of the Surveying Section (consisting of four to six survey crews) within the City of Fresno, Public Works Department, Construction Management Division. As Chief Surveyor for the City of Fresno, Mr.

Cohrs monitored personnel and budget matters for the surveying section of the Public Works Department.

Mr. Cohrs’ experience with the City of Fresno included, but is not limited to, boundary surveys of city-owned properties, topographic mapping, control, and construction staking for public works projects which included widening or reconstruction of major streets, wastewater treatment plant expansion, construction of major sewer trunk lines, airport expansion and lease lots, surface water treatment plant, Chaffee Zoo exhibits and expansion, Fresno Air Terminal main runway and taxiway reconstruction, Chukchansi Park control survey, grade separation at Shaw and Marks Avenues, multi-story parking structure, city-wide horizontal control survey in conjunction with CSU Fresno staff and students using GPS, maintenance and expansion of the City’s vertical control network and he served in court on multiple occasions as an expert witness on boundary determinations.

PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR | PROJECT MANAGER

PETER COHRS, PLS
Precision Civil Engineering
1234 "O" Street
Fresno, CA 93721
[email protected]
559-449-4500

CONTACT
Peter Cohrs is a Professional Land Surveyor and has been licensed in the State of California for over 37 years. Before joining PCE, Mr. Cohrs worked for the City of Fresno for 29 years, 21 of which he served as the Chief Surveyor. He has broad experience in a diversity of fields and is an expert in boundary determination, research, and mapping compilation. Mr. Cohrs earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Surveying and Photogrammetry from California State University, Fresno.

During his time at PCE, Mr. Cohrs has had over a hundred maps recorded for residential and commercial development, has numerous maps in the review process for various cities and counties, and has completed many ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey maps throughout the State of California.

EXPERIENCE
19 PROFILE
Bachelor of Science, Civil
Engineering, California State
University, Fresno

EDUCATION
17 years (PCE: 17 years)

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
State of California Certified Civil
Engineer # 67552

CERTIFICATION
Veteran's Home-Design Build | Fresno, CA
This project consisted of the Veterans’ Senior Living Home development including 300 rooms, a two-story central operations building, and a central plant with a hot and chilled water system. The approximate building square footage is 470,000sf on 26 acres. PCE prepared grading and drainage plans, and sewer, water, and storm drainage plans for site development. PCE performed project coordination with Architect, sub-consultants, and contractors. The scope of services included bidding assistance, construction staking services, and construction administration for the project.

Rivertsone Development | Madera, CA
Mr. Gleaves served as the Project Manager for the Riverstone Development project that consisted of approximately 11 miles of water mains, 11 miles of sewer mains, and 5 miles of the storm drain. The project also constructed 11 miles of interior roadways and 1 mile of widening on State Route 41 to accommodate dual left-turn lanes. As part of the project, Precision coordinated with Caltrans for State Route 41, Army Corp of Engineers, and the State Department of fish and wildlife for blue line stream alteration. Master planning and utility design was coordinated through Root Creek Water District.

Fulton Plaza | Fresno, CA
Mr. Gleaves was the Project Manager and oversaw the preparation of grading and drainage plans, utility plans, street plans, striping plans, and street lighting plans for site development. PCE performed construction management, utility coordination for service, and relocation of existing overhead utilities.

VICE PRESIDENT | PROJECT MANAGER | PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER

NATHAN GLEAVES, PE
Precision Civil Engineering
1234 "O" Street
Fresno, CA 93721
[email protected]
559-449-4500

CONTACT
Nathan Gleaves brings to Precision Civil Engineering, Inc. his experience with extensive knowledge of building codes and ADA policies to ensure that each project has proper drainage and is ADA compliant.

As Vice-President and one of PCE’s project managers, Mr. Gleaves is responsible for all aspects of a project’s engineering requirements. He acts as the central communication hub between clients and all team members, monitoring and coordinating the project to ensure all timelines are met. Mr. Gleaves also coordinates with architects and other outside consultants to keep projects on track.

He is the key liaison between clients and public agencies, advocating clients’ needs and goals while considering public agency requirements.

Mr. Gleaves’ areas of expertise include planning, grading, and drainage design, storm drainage design, street layout, and design, sewer and water system layout and design. His experience and ability to build and maintain relationships with clients and architects allow him to ensure that changes to the site layout are properly coordinated, addressed, and reflected in the design process.

EXPERIENCE
20 PROFILE
Master of Science, Civil
Engineering, Stanford University
Bachelor of Science, Civil
Engineering, UNiversity of
California, Los Angeles

EDUCATION
14 years (PCE: 10 years)

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
State of California Certified Civil
Engineer # 77603
CERTIFICATION Mill Creek | Visalia, CA
Mr. Roberts was the Project Manager for the biomechanical stabilization of approximately 300 linear feet of Mill Creek, within Miki City Park in Visalia, CA. Bank stabilization included log revetment structures to enhance habitat and aesthetic values within this urban corridor. Hydraulic modeling was conducted to design scour protection features and provide flood level mapping. The project incorporated the use of bio-swales, and other stormwater BMP’s. ADA accessible paths, crossings, and sidewalks were constructed to provide access to the park and enhanced channel.

Giffen Reservoir | Piedra, CA
PCE led the development of an Emergency Action Plan for the Giffen Reservoir on a tributary of the Kings River. The project included the development of Dam Breach Inundation Mapping to facilitate emergency response. The hydraulic modeling, included velocity profiles, inundation depths, and flood wave travel timing. Aerial photos, modeled 3D water surfaces were paired utilizing GIS software to create illustrative maps.

Riverstone Development | Madera, CA
PCE led the development of subdivision street and utility plans for the 850 lot Market Village of the Riverstone Development. The design process included grading design and the master planning of the sanitary sewer and storm drain systems for the phased development. The project also included the piping and by-pass of a small tributary stream that traversed the site.

WATER RESOURCES DIVISION MANAGER | PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER

CRAIG ROBERTS, PE
Precision Civil Engineering
1234 "O" Street
Fresno, CA 93721
[email protected]
559-449-4500

CONTACT
Mr. Roberts has over a decade of professional experience in the fields of environmental engineering and water resource management, performing tasks ranging from hydraulic and hydrologic modeling to civil infrastructure design, and land surveying. Mr. Roberts has completed designs for stream and habitat restoration projects, bank stabilization, flood control, irrigation, sanitary sewer, and storm drain projects. He specializes in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, analysis and design of culvert and bridge crossings, scour analysis, floodplain studies, and mapping, natural channel design, bank stabilization, habitat enhancement, and permitting. His experience also includes stormwater and sanitary sewer master planning.

Mr. Roberts works closely with developers, communities, and agencies in developing efficient design solutions. As a project manager, he has experience in design coordination with Federal, State, and Local Agencies and all aspects of the permitting process.

EXPERIENCE
21 CISEC, QSP, TOR-QISP

KATHY KINSLAND

HIGHLIGHTS

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Over 35 years of experience with environmental reviews under various state environmental policies and NEPA reviews.

Qualified Biologist for dozens of roadway/bridge construction projects throughout the Sacramento Valley.

Over 35 years of experience with regulatory permitting (404, 1600, 401, etc.) Served as Co-chairman for California Storm Water Quality Association’s (CASQA) Construction Subcommittee.

Project Manager for preparation of an EA for environmental resources plans for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Deputy project manager for a joint state/NEPA review of a 230-mile natural gas pipeline under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Prepared and implemented a Public Involvement Program for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and energy development projects in CA.

Project Manager for preparation of CEQA documents (infrastructure projects).

Former U.S. Army Corps staff. Conducted environmental reviews for levee restoration following floods or flood control systems throughout the U.S.

Worked also in Regulatory Division.

Lead biologist assigned to coordinate environmental compliance associated with munitions remediation at the former George AFB
Frontier Communications Expansion Project (Categorical Exemptions) Dry Creek Levee Improvement Project (SAFCA CEQA)
Shepherd Avenue Intersection Improvement Project (City of Clovis, CEQA) SMUD/USBR/Arden-Cordova Water Agency Emergency Water Supply Project (CEQA/NEPA).

Tuscarora Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline EIS (CA, OR, NV, CEQA/NEPA) Kern County Waste Management, Habitat Conservation Plan Amendment (CEQA/NEPA)
Fink Road Landfill, Vertical Expansion Project (CEQA)
Deputy Project Manager for a NEPA/CEQA Joint EIR/EIS for a 223-mile natural gas pipeline that ran from Malin, OR, through Northern CA to just outside Reno Navada (circa 1995). Ran through the Modoc Plateau, Susanville, etc.

Caltrans Natural Environment Study and CEQA review for telacommuniction project, Antelope Valley (near Portola, CA). 2014
Culvert Replacement Project (Construction Support, Paradise, CA).

Environmental pre-construction surveys, and regulatory guidance. (Ongoing) Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Telecommunication project, various locations through the National Forest. Prepared biological assessment (2015) Environmental Review; NEPA/CEQA - Over the past 36 years, Ms. Kinsland has managed or assisted in the preparation of numerous state and federal environmental review documents, ranging from full EIR/EIS’s to Environmental Assessments and Mitigated Negative Declarations and categorical exclusions. Ms.

Kinsland has served as the project manager or technical lead in preparation of technical studies as part of the environmental reviews for residential land development, landfill expansion, electric generation and transmission, infrastructure, and commercial development. Some representative projects include:

BS, Aquatic Biology, Chemistry Minor,
Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI
Graduate Course Work and Continuing
Education in stream restoration and
hydrology
Graduate Certificate-National
Environmental Policy (In progress), Utah
State University

EDUCATION
35+

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Certified Inspector Sediment & Erosion
Control (CISEC- 311)
California Storm Water Quality
Association (CASQA)
Executive Planning Committee and CoChair of the Construction Subcommittee – 2003-2006

CERTIFICATION/ AFFILIATION
Staff scientist, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Detroit District and
Sacramento District
Manager of Environmental Services
Division, RMI/Navigant
Owner/President; Argonaut
Ecological, Inc. (since 1997)
Storm Water Pollution Prevention on
Construction Sites
Advanced Wetland Delineation and
Management Training

KEY POSITIONS

TRAINING
22 EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES
PCE: MASTER PLANNING AND ANNEXATION EXPERIENCE
23 PCE prepared the infrastructure study for Village D, a 1,800-acre Specific Plan located on the western edge of the City of Madera. Implementation of the Specific Plan would result in approximately 10,800 residential units, approximately 2,089,200 square feet of commercial and office space, approximately 160 acres of parks and recreational area, and approximately 54 acres of public facilities including schools. PCE is also currently in the process of putting together the Cost Estimates for all roadway and Caltrans improvements and a financing plan for this specific plan. PCE is also serving as project manager/planner, coordinating with the City, EIR consultant, and specific plan consultant. Services provided include project management, infrastructure study, financing planning, planning
consultation, and environmental consultation.
01 THE VILLAGES AT ALMOND GROVE SPECIFIC PLAN
Reference | Norm Allinder, AICP | Fagundes Bros. Dairy | [email protected] | (209) 534-6252 Reference | Edward Fanucchi | [email protected] | (559) 281-2314 PCE was responsible for all aspects (civil engineering, surveying, planning, landscape architecture, project management) of a private development project that included the annexation of 235 acres in Fresno. The overall project included Plan Amendment/Rezone Application No.

P19-02237 and Annexation Application No. P19-02239 pertaining to a total ±180acres of property; as well as, Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 6234/UGM pertaining to ±88.1 acres of property in the County of Fresno and within the City of Fresno Sphere of Influence. PCE assisted the applicant from conceptual phases to the approval of the overall project by City Council. 02 DAKOTA/HAYES ANNEXATION, TRACT MAP, PLAN AMENDMENT
Zoning Updates: Ordinance, Illustrative Designs, and Internal Policy and Procedure Site Analysis, Site Clearance, and Completion of Initial Studies Draft ADU Ordinance in compliance with state ADU law
Preparation of a How-to-Guide for Homeowners
Preparation of Pre-Approved ADU Plans and Elevations
PCE is providing engineering, environmental review, and planning services for the City of Arvin in order to assist with implementation of SB 2 and LEAP funded projects including but not limited to ADUs, updating zoning standards, and environmental analyses and studies for possible high density residential sites. The project is ongoing through 2022 and includes:
03 CITY OF ARVIN SB 2 & LEAP IMPLEMENTATION: ENGINEERING,

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW, AND PLANNING SERVICES
Reference | Christine Viterelli, Grant Writer | [email protected] | 661-606-6052

EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES
PCE: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE EXPERIENCES
PCE Project Team have many years of experience preparing environmental documents for development and public improvement projects in accordance with the CEQA and NEPA. We have extensive knowledge of the potential legal and technical challenges that could arise in the environmental planning process. PCE and key staff are members of the Association of Environmental Professionals regularly attend workshops and training to stay up to date on current CEQA legislation and relevant case law that impact the way environmental documents are written. PCE staff pride themselves on being up to date on key CEQA issues including VMT, air quality, and tribal cultural resources. Our team has also received formal training through LTAP's Federal Aid Series: Getting Your Federal-Aid Started, Environmental Requirements, and Project Development - Design to Construction. Recent experience for PCE is described as follows.
24 Assemi Group
Associated Design & Engineering
BDM Builders
Central Valley Engineering & Surveying, Inc.

Commercial Design Builders, Inc.

Fagundes Bros Dairy
GMA Engineering
Lennar Central Valley
Origo Investments
Private Sector Clients
City of Atwater, Community Development
Department
City of Fresno, Planning and
Development Department
City of Fresno, PARCS Department
City of Hanford, Community and
Development Department
City of Salinas, Community Development
Department
California State University, Fresno
Public Sector Clients
PCE's current list of clients within the past 12 months include the following:

Some of PCE's CEQA projects and references are:

PCE is conducting a density level analysis and buildable lands inventory to identify maximum and optimal densities for zoning districts that allow mixed-use development. In addition, conduct an infrastructure assessment to determine existing infrastructure capacity related to increased density. Lastly, conduct an environmental review and prepare the CEQA documentation for the anticipated text amendment increasing the mixed-use zoning density. 04 CITY OF FRESNO CEQA SERVICES FOR MIXED USE ZONING DENSITY INCREASE Reference | Sophia Pagoulatos, Planning Manager | [email protected] | 559-621-8062 25 Preparation of CEQA Documents for three (3) General Plan Amendment/Rezone projects, including technical analyses, public noticing, and State Clearinghouse documents.

Application Processing and Review for three (3) General Plan Amendment/Rezone projects through Public Hearing and Adoption, including preparation of staff reports, presentations, resolutions, and public noticing documents.

Application Processing and Review for two (2) Roadway Abandonments through Public Hearing and Adoption, including preparation of staff reports, presentations, resolutions, and public noticing documents.

Weekly processing of Plan Checks for single-family, accessory structures, and pools.

PCE provides on-call Planning staff support services to the City of Hanford Community Development Department on an as-needed basis. Completed projects include:

Reference | Mary Beatie, Interim Community Development Department Director | [email protected] | 559-585-2500
06 CITY OF HANFORD ON-CALL PLANNING SUPPORT STAFF
05 CITY OF ATWATER ON-CALL ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING

SERVICES
PCE provides on-call engineering and environmental planning services for the City of Atwater, on an as-needed basis. Services include but are not limited to research, consultation, and preparation of CEQA environmental documents ranging from Categorical Exemptions to Initial Studies/Mitigated Negative Declarations, to Environmental Impact Reports. Completed projects include:

Peer Review of Initial Study/Negative Declaration for the City of Atwater 1,2,3-TCP Mitigation Project.

Preparation of Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Bert Crane Solar Facility Project, including technical analyses, public noticing, and State Clearinghouse documents.

Preparation of Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Atwater Family Affordable Housing Project, including technical analyses, public noticing, and State Clearinghouse documents.

Preparation of Categorical Exemption for the Railroad Avenue Business Park.

Preparation of Categorical Exemption for Redwood Mixed Use Project.

Preparation of Categorical Exemption for Atwater Cannabis Dispensary, Distribution, and Cultivation Project.

Preparation of Categorical Exemption for Atwater Warehouse Facility.

Reference | Greg Thompson, Community Development Director | [email protected] | 209- 357-6370

EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES
SUB-CONSULTANT: ARGONAUT ECOLOGICAL CONSULTING, INC.
01 AUBERRY ROAD WIDENING/TURN LANE PROJECT
Argonaut Ecological Consulting conducted and prepared a biological habitat assessment for a lane widening and turn lane construction project proposed by the City of Clovis. They also conducted a wetland delineation, prepared permit applications for a Section 404 permit, Section 401 Certification, and a Streambed Alteration Agreement. For the pending construction, Argonaut is assisting the City with obtaining CTS upland credits, preparing a compliance matrix, and will perform agency and CEQA required construction monitoring. The project is scheduled for construction in 2021.

Reference | Ryan C. Burnett, AICP, Engineering Program Supervisor, City of Clovis | Department of Planning and Development Services | (559) 324-2350
Reference | Ryan C. Burnett, AICP, Engineering Program Supervisor, City of Clovis | Department of Planning and Development Services | (559) 324-2350
Reference | Matt Smith | Woodside Homes | [email protected] Argonaut Ecological, Inc., prepared a NES Study and Biological Assessment for the City of Clovis.

The project included Caltrans oversight and review. The project area covered approximately 3 acres and includes: a parking lot, seating wall, landscape plantings, irrigation system, tables, benches, lights, pedestrian trail bridges, drinking fountains, bike racks, and restroom facilities. The Dry Creek Trailhead also includes concrete trail paths that lead to the adjacent Class I Dry Creek and Enterprise Canal Trail Systems. By its very nature (a facility that promotes pedestrian/bicycle use), the Dry Creek Trailhead is considered a functional component of the intermodal transportation system.

Argonaut Consulting prepared a biological habitat assessment for the 80-acre Dry Creek Preserve Annexation CEQA review. Argonaut conducted the field work of the entire plan are at a level needed for a programmatic review. She coordinated with the City of Clovis to make sure the review was detailed enough to allow the City to rely on the results as part of the CEQA document. Ms. Kinsland also attended the Planning Commission meeting and answered questions as needed. 02 DRY CREEK TRAILHEAD PROJECT – NATURAL ENVIRONMENT STUDY AND

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
03 DRY CREEK PRESERVE BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
26 SECTION 4.

COST ESTIMATE
27 28

COST ESTIMATE

ESITMATED COST FOR EACH TASK
The cost estimate is provided separately in a sealed envelope.

Edward Dunkel, Jr., CEO & President
p. (559) 449-4500 f.(559) 449-4515
e. [email protected]
Location | 1234 O Street | Fresno, CA 93721
PROVEN
EXPERTISE.

Resolution No. 2022-__ Page 1 of 1 July 27, 2022
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-___

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WILLITS AWARDING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO PLANWEST PARTNERS, INC. FOR

ENVIRONMENTAL, PLANNING, AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO SUPPORT

THE CITY GENERAL PLAN LAND USE ELEMENT UPDATE AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AMENDMENT.

WHEREAS, the City Council has previously determined that it is the public interest to complete an update of the City of Willits General Plan Land Use Element and prepare an amendment to the City’s Sphere of Influence, hereinafter referred to as the Project; and WHEREAS, in order to pay for the Project, the City applied for, and was awarded, grant funding through the Local Early Action Planning (LEAP), Regional Early Action Planning (REAP), and Senate Bill 2 (SB2) grant series; and
WHEREAS, a professional consulting firm is needed to perform environmental, planning, and project management services for the City, to complete the project; and WHEREAS, the City prepared a Request for Proposals to solicit professional services to support the project; and
WHEREAS, the project was advertised for competitive bids for over five weeks and two bids were received for the project; and
WHEREAS, Planwest Partners, Inc. proposal was ranked highest based on demonstration of project understanding, technical approach for completing the project, and experience of identified personal; and
WHEREAS, the bid review indicates that the bid is responsive and competitive, the consultant group has good references, and has completed similar projects; and WHEREAS, staff recommends that a two-year contract for the Project be awarded to the highest ranked consultant group, Planwest Partners, Inc., for the not-to-exceed amount of $260,364.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes an award of a professional services contract to Planwest Partners, Inc., for a two-year term, in an amount not to exceed $260,364, for the Project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the City Manager to negotiated with Planwest Partners, Inc. and execute contract documents.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:
_________________________
__________________________
Saprina Rodriguez, Mayor
City Council of the City of Willits
Delores Pedersen
City Clerk
1 Date: July 27, 2022
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Dusty Duley, Community Development Director
Subject: Interpretation of Willits Municipal Code Chapter 5.28 - Peddlers Introduction
Purpose of memorandum is to provide the City Council with an update on the Community Development Director’s updated interpretation of Willits Municipal Code Section 5.28.010, which regulates the location of peddlers, including mobile vendors and food trucks. Additional City Code sections specifically applicable to peddlers is also provided along with a summary of matters that City staff must consider when reviewing these types of land use activities under the City’s business license review process.

Interpretation of City Code Section 5.28.010
Willits Municipal Code Chapters 5.04, 5.28, 17.66, and 17382 specifically regulate peddlers, including mobile vending and food trucks. Section 5.28.010 limits the location whereby peddlers may operate and states,
It is unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale any merchandise of any description from either stationary or portable stands or from vehicles upon either Main or Commercial Streets, or upon any side street within one block distant from either Main or Commercial Streets in the city.

City Ordinance number 29-04 established the above Section 5.28.010 in 1929.

City Code Section 5.28.010, as originally drafted in 1929, continues to be applicable to the siting of peddlers, including mobile vending and food truck operations. The Community Development Director has determined that Section 5.28.010 does not, in itself, prohibit activities such as food trucks and mobile vendors from operating on properties adjacent to Main Street or Commercial Street. Rather this code section prohibits these type of mobile businesses from operating upon the actual streets.

The City had previously disallowed peddlers from operating on properties that fronted either Main or Commercial Streets or any side street within one block distance from either Main or Commercial Streets.

Current staff is unsure as to whether this restriction was based on previous City staff interpretation of Section 5.28.010 or possibly a misunderstanding regarding Council direction to delete Section 5.28.010 along with other related modifications to City Code in 2014.

Memorandum 111 E. Commercial Street
Willits, California 95490
Tel | 707.459.4601
Fax | 707.459.1562
www.cityofwillits.org
Community Development
Department
2 2014 - Mobile Food Vendor Discussion Recap
Regulations pertaining to mobile food vendors, including Section 5.28.010, was a topic of significant discussion by the City Revitalization and Economic Development (Revit-Ed) Committee. Multiple Revit-Ed meetings led to a number of Committee recommendations that were presented to the City Council at the May 28, 2014 meeting. Revit-Ed recommendations to Council, including the deletion of the language in Section 5.28.010 and suggested replacement language are identified in the agenda summary report dated May 14, 2014 and provided as Attachment A. Revit-ED recommendations to Council in 2014 included:

1. Delete existing Section 5.28.010 (both references).

2. Add new Section 5.28.010 “Peddler definition. A person who sells merchandise, and wares including edible goods and agricultural products from portable or stationary stands or vehicles, often by traveling to different places such as along the street or from door to door; includes mobile vendor and mobile food vendor.”

3. Add new Section 5.28.020. “It is unlawful for any peddler, mobile vender, mobile food vender or other person selling or offering for sale any merchandise, goods or wares of any description from portable or stationary stands or vehicles along or within 100 feet of Main Street, West Commercial Street or East Commercial Street west of the railroad tracks except as provided in WMC Section

17.66.070(D)(7)(a).”

4. Add Section 17.04.1046 “Mobile Vendor. Mobile Vendor shall mean any peddler or person or business that sells merchandise, wares, edible goods or agricultural products from a temporary or non-stationary location. The term ‘mobile vendor’ shall include mobile food vendor. ‘Temporary or non-stationary’ shall include but not be limited to portable or temporary stands, self-contained motorized vehicles, concession carts and concession trailers. ‘Sell’ shall mean the act of exchanging a good for a profit or in return for a donation.”

5. Delete Section 17.66.070(D) because seasonal produce stands are being incorporated into the Mobile Vendor sections below.

6. Change Section 17.66.070(E) to Section 17.66.070(D) and modify the text to read as follows:
(D) Peddlers and mobile vendors shall be permitted by the Planning Director upon approval of a Zoning Permit application and shall be subject to the following requirements:

1. The Zoning Permit shall be issued for a maximum of one (1) year and subject to annual renewal.

2. All mobile vendors must possess and display a valid business license.

3. Mobile food vendors must also possess and display a valid license from the Mendocino County Health Department.

4. Mobile food vendors may be operated on a parcel subject to an ongoing major construction project.

5. All mobile food vendors shall provide clearly designated trash and recycle receptacles. 3 6. All mobile vendors shall maintain their premises in conformance with requirements of the Little Lake Fire Protection District.

7. No mobile vendors will be allowed along or within 100 feet of Main Street, West Commercial Street or East Commercial Street west of the railroad tracks except in the instance where, during the construction or renovation of a “brick and mortar” business, a property owner may operate as a mobile vender which sells merchandise directly related to the permanent structure on the subject parcel.
a. Exceptions: Temporary sales of merchandise or edible goods by service clubs and nonprofit or charitable organizations (i.e., Girl Scout cookies, Rotary Club crab sales, school bake sales, etc.) and individuals selling only local Mendocino County grown or harvested farm and fish products in an unrefined state shall be exempt from the requirements of this Section.

8. All Mobile vendors shall be located outside of the City Street right-of-way unless an Encroachment Permit is obtained, and shall be located on paved or all-weather gravel surfaces, no closer than 15 feet from fire hydrants, 25 feet from fire lanes, and 50 feet from bus stops.

9. All mobile vendors shall be located in commercial or industrial zoned properties except they may also be permitted when they are a bona-fide participant in a permitted special event. If they are not part of a special event, they may not be located within 100 feet of a City Park when such a special event is being held.

10. No mobile vendor is permitted to provide amplified or live music.

11. All mobile vendors shall maintain the premises in a neat and orderly manner at all times.

12. All mobile vendors shall occupy a location that does not disrupt the normal function of the site or its circulation, and does not encroach upon driveways, or pedestrian walkways.

13. All mobile vendors shall be restricted to a single sign with a maximum sign area of six (6) square feet. Any signs required by law are exempt from this restriction.

7. Change Section 17.66.070(F) to Section 17.66.070(E).

8. Change Section 17.66.070(G) to Section 17.66.070(F).

Minutes of the May 28, 2014 Council meeting are included as Attachment B and note Council direction for staff to initiate the process of amending the Willits City Code as recommended by Revit-ED with the following modifications:
 Mobile Vendors are to remain one block off Main Street;  A 90-day time limitation for businesses to operate on site while under construction; and  Extend no mobile vendors on East Commercial Street to the City Limits.

Current staff in not aware that requested modifications to City Code were ever brought back to the City Council for consideration.
4 Additional City Code Specific to Peddlers
Section 17.66.070(E) allows peddlers to operate in all zoning districts and permits display signs, consistent with the City sign code. Further, this Section also limits the duration that peddlers may operate within the City and states,
Chapter 17.66.070 - Temporary land uses.

E. Peddlers and hawkers shall be permitted business uses in all zoning districts by the planning director.

Further, such businesses shall:

1. Be permitted for no more than four nonconsecutive seven-day periods in a calendar year;

2. Such uses shall be permitted to display signs only in accordance with the provisions of the Willits sign ordinance.

Section 17.82.030 requires peddlers to obtain a zoning permit and states,

17.82.030 - Zoning permit required.

Unless a conditional use permit, variance, or site plan review permit has been approved in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, no owner of property in the city of Willits shall move a building, conduct a temporary land use or use or permit the use of any legally nonconforming structure, building, or land or part thereof until a zoning permit application has been issued by the planning department.

City Code Section 17.82.020(F) provides the planning director or representative the authority to conditionally approve, or disapprove an application for temporary land use which is accordance with the provisions contained in Section 17.66.070.

Section 17.82.060 specifies the procedure for an applicant to appeal the planning directors decision to the Planning Commission.

Zoning Permit Review Process - Other Matters of Consideration The City can further regulate peddlers, including mobile vendors and food trucks, to protect public health, safety and welfare.

Examples of matters that City staff considers when reviewing requests for businesses such as mobile food trucks can include:
 Ensure that the food truck operation will not convert parking spaces that are otherwise required to support other on-site businesses (Note: Applicant would need to seek approval of a variance application from Council prior to deviating from parking standards).  Determine that ingress/egress, on-site traffic circulation, and emergency access are not compromised.
 Inspect operation for fire safety purposes such as reviewing cooking apparatuses, canopy fire ratings, fuel source, and fire extinguishers.
 Request written approval of property owner(s) permission to operate. 5  Request copies of applicable permits from Mendocino County Division of Environmental Health, Air Quality Management District, and Sheriff’s Office
 Ensure operations are not located within existing easements.  Review proposed electrical and water source setups.
 Review wastewater disposal plan.
 Otherwise seek information to ensure business operations will not cause a nuisance (i.e., lighting details, noise generating sources, trash disposal, site cleanup).  Review vehicle details. Must be a registered vehicle, (license plate with current sticker).

Conclusion
Based on the above information, a peddler, including mobile vendors and food trucks, are permissible in all zoning districts subject to the standards discussed in this report. Peddlers are required to complete the Zoning Permit Review process, obtain a City Business License and pay the City Business License Tax.

Attachment A – May 14, 2014 Agenda Summary Report – Mobile Vendors Attachment B – Excerpt of May 28, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes Attachment A
Item No.

Meeting Date: May 14, 2014

AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Alan Falleri, City Planner
Agenda Title: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO THE WILLITS MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO MOBILE VENDORS.

Type: Presentation Consent Regular Agenda Public Hearing Urgent Time: 45 min.

SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Over the last couple of years, several issues regarding mobile food vendors have been brought to the attention of City staff and City officials, and more recently, this matter has been under review by the Revit-ED Committee. Because of some confusion in the regulations governing mobile vendors, The Revit-ED committee has directed that new ordinance language be considered for regulating mobile vendors within the City limits. While there were differing opinions expressed during the Revit-ED deliberations, it was the general consensus of the Committee members that some limitations be placed on mobile vendors to protect the interests of the “brick and mortar” business in town. The attached memorandum dated April 30, 2014 to the Revit-ED Committee provides some background information that provided a basis for the Committee’s review and recommendations.

At its April 14th meeting, the Committee recommended that the City Council direct staff to initiate the following amendments to the Willits Municipal Code.

1. Delete existing Section 5.28.010 (both references).

17.66.070(D)(7)(a).”

4. Add “Section 17.04.1046 Mobile Vendor. Mobile Vendor shall mean any peddler or person or business that sells merchandise, wares, edible goods or agricultural products from a temporary or nonstationary location. The term ‘mobile vendor’ shall include mobile food vendor. ‘Temporary or nonstationary’ shall include but not be limited to portable or temporary stands, self contained motorized vehicles, concession carts and concession trailers. ‘Sell’ shall mean the act of exchanging a good for a profit or in return for a donation.”

5. Delete Section 17.66.070(D) because seasonal produce stands are being incorporated into the Mobile Vendor sections below.

1. The Zoning Permit shall be issued for a maximum of one (1) year and subject to annual renewal.

2. All mobile vendors must possess and display a valid business license.

3. Mobile food vendors must also possess and display a valid license from the Mendocino County Health Department.

4. Mobile food vendors may be operated on a parcel subject to an ongoing major construction project.

5. All mobile food vendors shall provide clearly designated trash and recycle receptacles.

6. All mobile vendors shall maintain their premises in conformance with requirements of the Little Lake Fire Protection District.

10. No mobile vendor is permitted to provide amplified or live music.

11. All mobile vendors shall maintain the premises in a neat and orderly manner at all times.

12. All mobile vendors shall occupy a location that does not disrupt the normal function of the site or its circulation, and does not encroach upon driveways, or pedestrian walkways.

13. All mobile vendors shall be restricted to a single sign with a maximum sign area of six (6) square feet. Any signs required by law are exempt from this restriction.

7. Change Section 17.66.070(F) to Section 17.66.070(E).

8. Change Section 17.66.070(G) to Section 17.66.070(F).

Recommended Action: Direct staff to initiate the process of amending the Willits Municipal Code as recommended by the Revit-ED Committee on April 30, 2014.

Alternative(s): Direct staff to initiate the process of amending the Willits Municipal Code as recommended by the Revit-ED Committee on April 30, 2014 with modifications as specified by the City Council.

Fiscal Impact: City costs would be associated with the staff time (est. 6-8 hours) needed to prepare the amendments and related documents, including Agenda Summary, Staff Report, Resolution, and agenda packets, and the cost of publishing a 1/8th page legal ad in the local newspaper ($209.21).

Personnel Impact: The City Planner, with oversight by the City Clerk and City Manager, will prepare the documents needed for Council discussion and adoption of the code amendments. The City Clerk, with assistance of support staff, will prepare the Council packets. The City Council will hold an initial meeting to introduce and discuss the ordinance amendments and a second meeting to adopt the ordinance amendments
Reviewed by: City Manager City Attorney Finance Director Human Resources Risk Council Action: Approved Denied Other: ________________________________________ Records: Agreement Resolution #_________ Ordinance #_________ Other _________ • Mobile Vendors are to remain 1 block off of Main Street; ■ A 90 day time limitation for businesses to operate on site while under construction; and
■ Extend no mobile vendors on East Commercial Street to the City Limits.

City Council Minutes of May 28, 2014 Page 4 of 5
b. Community Development
1) Discussion and Possible Direction to Staff Regarding Amendments to the Willits Municipal Code Regarding Mobile Vendors
City Planner, Alan Falleri introduced this matter, explaining that over the last couple of years, several issues regarding mobile food vendors have been brought to the attention of City staff and City officials, and more recently, this matter has been under review by the Revit-ED Committee. Because of some confusion in the regulations governing mobile vendors, the RevitED committee has directed that new ordinance language be considered for regulating mobile vendors within the City limits. While there were differing opinions expressed during the Revit-ED deliberations, it was the general consensus of the Committee members that some limitations be placed on mobile vendors to protect the interests of the "brick and mortar" businesses in town.

Public Comment: Ron Moorhead, Lynn Kennelly, and Tony Madrigal thanked City Planner Falleri for bringing this item forward. All are recommending the idea of moving the restrictions to more than 100' off of Main Street and even further off East Commercial Street.

Moved by Burton/Seconded by Madrigal and carried (3-2, with Stranske and Strong dissenting) to direct staff to initiate the process of amending the Willits Municipal Code as recommended by the Revit-Ed Committee on April 30, 2014 with the following modifications that have been specified by the City Council:

Attachment B
1 Date: July 27, 2022
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Dusty Duley, Community Development Director
Subject: Vacant Commercial Building Registration Program Update Purpose of this memorandum is to provide the City Council with an update on the City Vacant Commercial Building Registration Program.

Background
The City Council adopted the Vacant Commercial Property Registration and Property Maintenance Ordinance (2018-02) on May 23, 2018. The Ordinance established a vacant commercial building registration program requiring all owners of vacant commercial buildings to register the building(s) with the Community Development Department within 90 days after it has become vacant. The Ordinance also established specific maintenance and security requirements for owners of commercial buildings for the purposes of safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of the general public. The ordinance aims to decrease the number of vacant commercial buildings by maintaining a registration of vacant commercial buildings and their information to share with prospective tenants. Ordinance also encourages a building owner to activate their building by leasing their space to an entity such as a non-profit or artist, while they continue to seek a long-term tenant.

Another key provision of the ordinance is the requirement of landlords to allow for the annual inspection of the vacant commercial building by the Building Official and Fire Chief or their designated appointee, for the purposes of safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of the general public. For instance, it is important to ensure that the integrity of the building is not failing, the building is properly secured, fire safety devices are working, and whether or not people are living inside the building.

Willits City Code Section 8.28.030(F) defines a Vacant Commercial Building as, F. "Vacant commercial building." A commercial building shall be vacant if greater than fifty percent of the commercial units within the building have been unoccupied for over ninety days. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, a commercial building shall not be considered vacant if:

1. There is a valid building permit for alterations or rehabilitation, excluding standard maintenance and repairs, of the commercial building and the owner completes the alterations or rehabilitation, within one year from the date the initial permit was issued, unless the community development director, in his or her sole discretion, determines that good cause exists to extend to the owner an additional period of time to complete the alterations or rehabilitation, of the commercial building; or
Memorandum 111 E. Commercial Street
Willits, California 95490
Tel | 707.459.4601
Fax | 707.459.1562
www.cityofwillits.org
Community Development
Department
2 2. The owner or leaseholder has filed an application for, and is actively seeking to obtain, authorization, permits or a license required by state or local law permitting the lawful use and occupancy of the commercial building.

3. In the case of a structure or portion of a structure designed or intended as a hotel or motel the owner or operator is actively engaged in operating such premises as a hotel or motel. At a minimum, active engagement as a hotel or motel requires that the owner or operator participate as a certified registrant of the Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax Ordinance of the City of Willits with respect to such premises.

Vacant Commercial Building Registration Program Status
As of September 2021, City staff was aware of 11 commercial structures on 10 properties that met the above noted City definition of a Vacant Commercial Buildings Staff has sent letters to all property owners requesting them to register their Vacant Commercial Building(s) or otherwise provide information to demonstrate that their building was not vacant. Eight of the 10 property owners have completed the registration forms and paid the $100 registration fee. Staff has provided a follow-up letter to those property owners that failed to register their building or did not provide all necessary information such as a local property manager contact.

The City Building Official and Little Lake Fire Department have inspected five of the eight registered Vacant Commercial Buildings. Of those five buildings, two were found to be in need of substantial building repair and were provided with letters requesting owners to obtain a building permit and complete building upgrades. Based on inspections and information otherwise available to the Building Official, only two of the 10 Vacant Commercial Buildings are in turn-key condition.

Conclusion
Based on information collected to date, it appears that the majority of Vacant Commercial Buildings in the City remain vacant as the result of the building condition rather than a lack of demand for commercial space. Only two of the buildings appear to be in turn-key condition, meaning they can support a business in their current state. One of these buildings is not being actively offered for sale or lease and the other is a large building that lacks any off-street parking.

Anyone with questions or concerns about the Vacant Commercial Building Registration Program may contact the City Community Development Department.

Attachment A - Vacant Commercial Building Property Registration Summary

ATTACHMENT A: Vacant Commercial Building Property Registration Summary Building Address APN
Currently
Registered
Local Property
Manager
Turn Key
Condition*
153 N Main St. 005-110-19 YES YES NO
151 N Main St. 005-110-07 YES YES NO
77 W Commercial St. 005-184-02 NO YES YES
24 S. Main St. 005-184-12 YES NO NO
39 S Main St. 005-147-04 YES NO NO
269 S Main St. 005-214-21 NO NO NO
316 S Main St. 006-043-15 YES YES NO
330 S Main St. 006-043-14 YES YES NO
603 S Main St 006-077-35 YES YES YES
1482 S Main St. 007-110-05 YES YES NO
* Determination of Building Official based on best available information.

Monthly Achievements & Activities
• Conducted additional hangar inspections, and all units are occupied. • Installed keypad access locks on the restrooms after staff noted a sink had been left running.

Efforts
Project Updates
• Consultants Mead & Hunt are collaborating with the developers of the new hangars and the FAA to obtain the necessary approvals.
• Security efforts at the airport have minimized access by un-authorized personnel. • Collecting quotes for additional fencing, internet & WIFI service, and gate improvements. • Collecting quotes for tree removal and vegetation management as identified in the annual CALTRANS Aeronautics inspection as the City continues toward compliance. • Postponed the quarterly tenant meeting due to the July 4th holiday and staff conflicts. The meeting will be scheduled for later in the month to keep tenants advised of projects and improvements.

Staffing Items
• No items to report.

Budget Status
• No items to report.

Focus for Next Month
• Obtain quotes for above mentioned projects and contract improvements. • Procure equipment to improve facility maintenance efforts. • Continue with grounds maintenance.
• Conduct the remaining hangar inspections and update the list of current based aircraft.

Airport Monthly Report
June | 2022
1 Monthly Achievements & Activities
• No Items to report.

Project Updates
• The Willits CDBG Business Loan Program is proving to be a valuable resource for our local businesses that spent the time and energy to submit business loan applications. Thirteen businesses have submitted their business loan applications, requesting a total of $470,000. Six businesses have received loans from the City totaling $215,000. All loans are anticipated to be forgiven after three months. The majority of the remaining applicants are still in the process of completing System for Award Management (SAM) registration with the Federal Government.

City staff and our project consultants are assisting our applicants with their SAM registration, a requirement of the CDBG grant funds. Provided all 13 businesses move forward in the process, the City will have successfully spent down our CDBG funding available to support the Program.

City staff is no longer accepting loan applications. This was a one-time funding source and staff is not aware of any other grants sources that would fund a forgivable loan program. • Staff has released a Request for Proposal to solicit a team of consultants to prepare an update of the Land Use Element of the City’s General Plan, prepare an application to the Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) for an amendment to the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI), and to conduct associated environmental analysis for each activity pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Staff anticipates bringing forward a request to enter into a professional service contract with a preferred consultant group at the July 27th Council meeting. The City has previously obtained three separate grants to fund this Project. • Staff is continuing to work on the Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP). Staff will be meeting to develop the sample tree protection ordinance language to be included as an appendix to the Urban Forest Management Plan. Staff is also working with the project consultants to develop a tree responsibility graphic to be included in the plan and as a onepage handout for educational purposes. Staff expects to set a date to present Final UFMP to Council after our next project meeting in July.
• The planning directors from Mendocino County and incorporated cities have been meeting monthly to discuss matters relevant to our respective communities. Our regional planning team will be hosting a meeting in Ukiah on August 25th to showcase some of our current efforts to support housing production as well as explore new strategies to recognize our community and Community Development June 2022 | Report
2 regional housing goals. Each jurisdiction is requesting two members or our Council to attend the August 25th meeting.

Staffing Items
• The Department is looking to fill the position of Community Development Specialist.

Budget Status
• No items to report.

Focus for Next Month
• CDBG business assistance loan program
o Continue to process business loan applications.
o Hold Loan Committee Meeting as required by HCD before issuing loan funds. o Issue loans.
• Urban Forestry Management Plan.
o Complete Final Public Draft and schedule for Council meeting. o Work with stakeholders to plant trees.
• Flood Emergency Response Plan.
o Finalize FERP and schedule for Council meeting.
• Downtown Willits Highway Signage
o Work with Caltrans to obtain permission to install signage as requested by Council. • Select consultant group to help complete a General Plan Land Use Element Update and Sphere of Influence Amendment.
• Expand efforts to recruit Community Development Specialist position in the Department. • Update City Zoning Map.
1 Monthly Achievements & Activities
• Project management for Blosser Lane Rehabilitation Project. • Bid management for Groundwater Resiliency Improvement Project. • Received $100,000 reimbursement for the 2021 Pavement Preservation Project (Local Partnership Program/SB1).
• Preparation of a Request for Proposals for the City Hall Solar Array Project. • Contracting and scheduling for the Community Center roof repair. • Utilizing the engineering on-call contracts for:
o Preparation of performance specifications for Solar Array Installation at City Hall (EBA). o Wastewater Discharge Permit preparation (EBA).
o Preparation of plans & specifications for the Groundwater Resiliency Improvement Project (LACO).
o Assistance with grant reporting and administration for Local Streets & Roads and Local Partnership Program (LACO).
o Construction inspection for Blosser Lane Rehabilitation Project (SHN). o Materials testing for Blosser Lane Rehabilitation Project (SHN). o Various other task orders issued by Community Development to support work in their department (SHN & EBA).
o Preparation of easements for Railroad Ave. water main relocation (SHN). o Preparing the Spring Operations plan to request changing the annual start date to March 1st, rather than the current April 1st, for flash board installation at Centennial (Tall Tree). • Continuing review of Encroachment Permit Applications. Major permits in progress:
o PG&E’s East Hill Road project should be wrapped up by the time this report reaches Council. Staff is very appreciative of PG&E and their contractor, ARB, who were able to fulfill the City’s request to expedite the portion of work taking place on East Hill Road. o CCC work on East Hill Road should begin this month, but traffic control is not expected to be as significant as it was on the PG&E project.
o There are multiple pending utility permits throughout town.

Project Updates
• Blosser Lane Rehabilitation construction is nearing completion. Road grinding and reconstruction took place on July 18th-20th. Median construction and paving will follow shortly. • The Groundwater Resiliency Improvement Project is currently out to bid. The 401 and 404 Permit Applications have been submitted to their respective agencies. Staff is optimistic that they will be received in time for construction this year. However, if they are not received in time, the project will need to be postponed until late August of 2023.

Engineering Report
June | 2022
2 • Staff is working with the groundwater level monitor supplier to install and automate groundwater monitoring at the Long 20 and Park Wells.

Staffing Items
• No items to report.

Budget Status
• The funds under the Engineering Department’s purview (departmental and project specific) are all under budget currently.

Focus for Next Month
• Complete construction of the Blosser Lane Rehabilitation Project. • Preparation of the 2022 Local Partnership Program/Pavement Preservation Project. • Preparation for this year’s annual Traffic Striping Project. • Preparation of allocation request for SB1 Local Partnership Program grant funding for upcoming Annual Preservation Project.
• Development of the solar array project at City Hall, which is part of a Power Resiliency Grant. • Encroachment Permit management.
• Groundwater Resiliency Improvement Project development. • Groundwater monitoring management.
• Landfill management.
1 Monthly Achievements & Activities
June 2021 June 2022
• Calls for service (CFS) 1,018 664
• Cases 90 91
• Arrests 42 58
• Citations 100 63
This month, Department personnel facilitated and monitored the numerous Frontier Days weekend events, the July 4th Parade, BBQ and Rodeo. There were some minor incidents which resulted in one arrest, but for the most part, we received favorable comments from the attendees at these events.

Project Updates
• No items to report.

Staffing Items
• The Dispatcher trainee is now flying solo and has her own shift. Congratulations to Dispatcher Chester for making it through the Field Training Program (FTP). • Sworn in an Officer this past month and now started FTP. • Recruitment continues for the Officer vacancies.
• One candidate in backgrounds for the Dispatcher position. • One candidate in backgrounds for the Police Sergeant position. • One candidate in backgrounds for the CSO Position.
[Very hopeful all these backgrounds can conclude in the next month or so.] • Met the new School District Superintendent, Marc Bebee. We are both committed to working together to optimize school safety. He is supportive of an SRO on campus and will support us in that avenue.

Budget Status
• No items to report.

Focus for Next Month
• Continue Community Outreach.

Police Department
June 2022 | Report
2 • Recruit applicants for the vacant Officer positions. • Recruitment for SRO candidate.
1 Monthly Achievements & Activities
• Made emergency repairs to the lift station pump and floats at the Carnival Grounds to make sure the wastewater system that services the Carnival Grounds, Rodeo Grounds, and Recreation Grove remained operational during the week of events. The team at the Wastewater Treatment Plant responded along with Public Works crew members. • The crew focused efforts preparing town and the parks for heavy use during the Hometown Celebration Events, placing extra trash cans, doubling up on facility patrols for public health and safety, trimming low hanging branches and vegetation, sweeping the streets and city parking lots before every event, power washing the facilities at the Recreation Grove, repairing plumbing and light fixtures, and cleaning up the extra trash the large crowds generate at events of this size. This typically takes most the crew’s efforts for 1-2 weeks prior and one week after.
• Coordinated with the PD, Wastewater Plant Operators, High School Football Players, Coaches, and Parent Volunteers to staff the Annual Hometown Parade and provide traffic control for the event. We would like to thank all those who gave up their time on the 4th of July to make this event safe and successful. The crew positioned over 95 folding barricades at various locations along the parade route and detour routes. The crew aided the efforts of the volunteers to monitor the closures during the parade.
• Family Tree Resources conducted tree trimming and two removals at Recreation Grove Park to reduce unbalanced weight and dead limbs. The areas of focus for this project included above the playground and around the picnic area. This section is the last area of the park that has not been addressed for many years, with the other areas being evaluated and addressed in recent fiscal years. The two trees that are being removed have a large amount of decay at the lower portion of the stem and large cavities at the base. • Abatement of weeds along City owned right-of-ways, roadways, alleys and properties. The property around the Three-Million Gallon Tank on Baechtel Road was cut back heavily for vegetation management, fire safety and to discourage homeless encampments. • Sherwood Road was also mowed, trimmed for dead and low hanging branches, filled potholes, and litter was removed from the roadways. Members from the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Treatment Plant crews assisted with the project, and WIPF Construction provided traffic control for the lane closures.
• Replaced the failed irrigation valve that directs water to the NE Little League field (GallopsSeaton). Fed and seeded all athletic fields, and increased watering to revitalize the grass.

Several sprinklers were replaced and adjusted. Mowing is conducted weekly to keep the fields at a playable height.

Public Works
June 2022 | Report
2 • Assisted with finishing details on the City Hall Renovation; painting, arranging furniture, installing cove base, and contributing when needed to ensure City Hall stays open and functioning.

Project Updates
• California Tree Solutions donated another sizeable supply of wood chips from removals during power line clearance. The chips will be used to refresh other beds and areas throughout the City.
• Vegetation abatement and removal of ladder fuel on City property surrounding the Bittenbender tank is underway. The project was halted due to equipment failure but will resume once repairs are completed.

Staffing Items
• The newly hired Public Works Maintenance Worker 1, Devin Howard is fitting well into the crew and his efforts to keep the parks and facilities and received recognition by several members of the public.

Budget Status
• No items to report.

Focus for Next Month
• Evaluate street and parking control signs, install and replace as needed. • Continue irrigation and field restoration at the sports complex. • Begin sourcing materials for the park improvements identified in the Prop. 68 Grant. • Facility maintenance at City facilities.
• Assist the Water Department with repairs and meter change outs. • Tree trimming and vegetation management as needed, the late season rains have increased the frequency of growth and mitigation efforts.

Monthly Achievements & Activities
• Replaced float on sewer lift station at the Carnival Grounds. • Repaired water main leak on the railroad trestle.
• Filter #3 back online with new stainless-steel screens at the Surface Water Treatment Plant (SWTP).
• Installed a filter media (anthracite) in filters #1 and #2. • Repaired water main leak on E. Van Lane.
• Completed vegetation clearing around all water distribution sites. • Cleaned 2,800 lineal feet of sewer mainline.
• Inspected fifteen manholes (light inflow/infiltration will be addressed). • Ordered and received replacement diffusers for the inspection of the South Aeration Basin liner (every five-years) starting the week of August 8th.
• Completed five sewer lateral inspections for home sales. • Completed six Fats, Oils and Greases (FOG) Inspections at various locations. • Completed the annual preventative maintenance at Recreation Grove for the Fourth of July festivities.
• Exploring the use of granular activated carbon for use at SWTP.

Project Updates
• Ongoing: Sewer lateral inspection program.
• Ongoing: Water meter replacement program.
• Ongoing: Grounds maintenance at Water/Wastewater facilities. • Consumer Confidence Report submitted July 1st and is available on the City’s website under Water Department or hard copies are available at City Hall upon request through Utility Billing •
• June 2022 Water Usage: SWTP: 16,230,537 MG June 2021: 24,577,210 MG GWTP: 6,012,200 MG June 2021: 0 mg
Total: 22,242,737 MG June 2021: 24,577,210 MG
• June 2022 Non-Potable Water Usage - Truck Fill Station (Park Well): 620,796 K/Gals • June 2021 Non-Potable Water Usage - Truck Fill Station (Park Well): 1,507,210 MG • Reservoir Capacity: Morris 578-acre feet and Centennial 595-acre feet equates to 90-percent of full capacity (July 18th).

Utilities
June 2022 | Report
Staffing Items
• Fully staffed with six operators each at both the Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants. • Adam Simental (WWTP) is officially and Operator in Training (OIT).

Budget Status
• Water Enterprise Fund- FY 22/23-23/24 approved.
• Wastewater Enterprise Fund- FY 22/23-23/24 approved.
•
Focus for Next Month
• Filter Media (anthracite) installs for filters #1 and #2. • Replace valve below Morris Dam.
• Replace the two aluminum screens at the SWTP with new stainless-steel screens. • Upgrade SCADA system at the SWTP (waiting for installation from SCADA programmer). • Install new electric gate to the entrance of WWTP (pending start date 08/15/22). • Replace four-inch, steel water main and services on Railroad Ave with eight-inch C900 (waiting for SHN to complete the field survey).
• Complete 2022 Cross Connection Program Backflow Testing (water) with John Graham Backflow Services.

Willits City CouncilJuly 27, 2022

Willits City Council
July 27, 2022