Agenda — Willits City Council, August 24, 2022

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

Page 1 of 3 ends

WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
AUGUST 24, 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. Little Lake Fire Department Updates – Presented by Fire Chief Carter. b. Discussion regarding the proposed addition of Chapter 8.26 of the Willits Municipal Code.

Chapter 8.26 repeals Chapter 8.24 to revise the licensing of tobacco retailers. The City Council may decide to proceed to formally introduce the ordinance and waive the first reading at a subsequent meeting.

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. February 23, 2022.
ii. August 10, 2022
Willits City Council Agenda – August 24, 2022.

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b. Resolution Ratifying and extending for an additional 30-days, approval of continuing Virtual City Council, Commission, and Committee meetings pursuant to AB 361. c. Discussion and Consideration whether to adopt a Resolution appointing the only Nominees for City Council to the vacant seats and cancelling the General Election on November 8, 2022.

6. MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORTS
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest.

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. Adoption of a Resolution approving a pass-through rate adjustment for Solid Wastes of Willits, Inc. in response to increased fees from Cold Creek Compost for the processing of mixed organic wastes collected from residential and commercial accounts within the City of Willits. b. Verbal Reports – No Action.
i. Update on the reimbursement request submitted by the Willits Unified School District for the underground storage tank remediation at the Swimming Pool.

9. DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS (ACTION ITEMS)
a. None.

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. None.

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 19
th day of August 2022.

Delores Pedersen, City Clerk
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.

Willits City Council Agenda – August 24, 2022.

Page 3 of 3 ends

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, August 24, 2022, electronically, please do the following:

Navigate to the Microsoft Teams site.

Join on your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 299 166 655 486
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• Punch in the following Access Code when prompted: 905-335-313# • 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. • To raise your hand to address the council (during public comment) press *5 on your landline 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.

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MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES, EASIER.

Blue Zones Project Mendocino County
[email protected]
https://mec.bluezonesproject.com/home
POWERED BY:

May 25, 2022
Dear Council Members of the City of Willits,
Thank you for this opportunity to voice our concerns over commercial tobacco and other nicotine and vaping product use in city of Willits. The Blue Zones Project Mendocino County supports the implementation of an updated Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) ordinance to address these concerns for the following reasons:
• Tobacco use is still the No.1 cause of preventable death and disease in California.

Blue Zones Project Mendocino County
[email protected]
https://mec.bluezonesproject.com/home
POWERED BY:
action to confront the tobacco industry and protect our children. A Tobacco Retail License (TRL) is one such mechanism that has proved helpful.xii Strong tobacco laws/ordinances include the following elements:
• Eliminate the sale of flavored tobacco / vape / nicotine products. As of January 2021, over 60 communities in California have eliminated the sale of all flavored tobacco, including Mendocino County.xiii
• Restrict placement of tobacco / vape / nicotine product advertising, displays, and products within a certain distance of youth-oriented merchandise (candy, soda, snacks, etc.) The City of San Diego has adopted restrictions that prohibit the placement of tobacco, vape and nicotine products and advertising within two (2) feet of candy, snack or non-alcoholic beverage displays inside stores.xiv The Ccity of Fort Bragg has proposed this similar restriction and will be putting it before council vote soon.
• Prohibit tobacco / vape / nicotine product retailers near schools & other youth-serving areas such as parks & community centers.
• Reduce tobacco and nicotine product retail density. The City of Willits has 15 tobacco retailers, which equates to 7.75 per 2,500 residents, of which 60% are within 1,000 feet of a school. The California state average is 2 retailers per 2,500 residents.xv We recommend a cap of 1 per 2,500 residents.

No other legal product sold in America kills up to half of those that use it as intended. Please protect the health and safety of our children by supporting a strong tobacco retailer licensing or other ordinance.

Sincerely,
Tina Tyler-O'Shea Lucy Bartholomew
Tina Tyler-O'Shea Lucy Bartholomew
Executive Director Public Policy Advocate
Dear Willits City Council Members,
Thank you for this opportunity to voice our concerns over commercial tobacco and other nicotine and vaping product use in city of Willits. The Mendocino County Office of Education supports the update of the current Tobacco Retail License (TRL) or enacting other ordinance(s) that address these concerns for the following reasons:
• Tobacco use is still the No.1 cause of preventable death and disease in California. Each year, nearly 34,000 California adults die from smoking and 20,300 kids become new daily smokers.i
• Tobacco is the only legal consumer product that kills up to half of those who use it as intended by the manufacturer. xiv
• California pays more than thirteen billion dollars ($13,000,000,000+) each year for the costs of smoking and much of this cost is paid directly by the taxpayers.ii • Ninety percent (90%) of smokers today started before they were 18.iii The legal smoking age in the United States is now 21.
• In 2018, the U.S. Surgeon General declared the use of e-cigarettes an epidemic among youth.iv
• More kids than ever are using flavored electronic smoking devices and flavored tobacco products. In 2019 California Healthy Kids survey showed that in Willits, 11% of 7th graders, 34% of 9th graders and 42% of 11th graders had tried vaping. v A local TRL
policy can disrupt this unhealthy trend by reducing the availability of these dangerous products and assuring that they don’t fall into the hands of kids. Further, the 2021 California Healthy Kids survey showed an increase of 5% (to 16%) of 7th graders who have tried vaping.
vi
• Higher density of tobacco retailers in a community is associated with increases of nonsmokers starting to smoke. vii Willits has 7.75 tobacco retailers for every 2,500 residents, while Mendocino County has 3.5 and California’s average is 2 tobacco retailers per 2,500 residents. xi
• Exposure to retail tobacco marketing in stores increases tobacco experimentation and use by youth and is more powerful than peer pressure.viii,ix,x • Middle school youth exposed to tobacco products in a retail setting multiple times per week are twice as likely to start smoking.xi
• In the city of Willits, 45%, 71% and 84% of students in grade 7, 9, and 11, respectively, report that e-cigarettes are fairly easy or very easy to obtain. xii
We believe the increase in youth smoking is caused by the tobacco industry. Good education and family influences can help prevent youth uptake of smoking, but it hasn’t been enough.

Additionally, given the number of youth that are using these products, current state licensing and enforcement of tobacco retailers is not effective in preventing their initiation. We must take local action to confront the tobacco industry and protect our children. A Tobacco Retail License (TRL) is one such mechanism that has proved helpful.
xiii We recommend that the following aspects of
tobacco and nicotine products be addressed and included in a TRL, or similar ordinance:
• Eliminate the sale of flavored tobacco / vape / nicotine products. As of January 2021, over 60 communities in California have eliminated the sale of all flavored tobacco, including Mendocino County.xiv
• Restrict placement of tobacco / vape / nicotine product advertising, displays, and products within a certain distance of youth-oriented merchandise (candy, soda, snacks, etc.) The City of San Diego has adopted restrictions that prohibit the placement of tobacco, vape and nicotine products and advertising within two (2) feet of candy, snack or non-alcoholic beverage displays inside stores.xv The city of Fort Bragg has proposed this similar restriction and will be putting it before council vote soon. • Prohibit tobacco / vape / nicotine product retailers near schools & other youth-serving areas such as parks & community centers.
• Reduce tobacco and nicotine product retail density. The city of Willits has 15 tobacco retailers, which equates to 7.75 per 2,500 residents, of which 60% are within 1,000 feet of a school. The California state average is 2 retailers per 2,500 residents. xvi We recommend
a cap of 1 per 2,500 residents.

Sincerely,
Michelle Hutchins
Superintendent of Schools
Mendocino County Office of Education
i Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. (2014). The Toll of Tobacco in California. ii Xin Xu, Ellen Bishop, et.al. Annual Healthcare Spending Attributable to Cigarette Smoking. American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 2014. https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(14)00616- 3/abstract
iii U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking - 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health; 2014. iv https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/surgeon-general-advisory/index.html v Willits Unified School District. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2018-19: Main Report. San Francisco:

WestEd Health and Justice Program for the California Department of Education. vi Willits Unified School District. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2020-2021: Main Report. San Francisco: WestEd for the California Department of Education. vii Chan WC, Leatherdale ST. Tobacco retailer density surrounding schools and youth smoking behaviour: a multi-level analysis. Tobacco induced diseases. 2011;9(1):1. viii Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Toll of Tobacco in the United States of America. 2011. http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0072.pdf. ix Evans N, Farkas A, Gilpin E, Berry C, Pierce JP, Influence of tobacco marketing and exposure to smokers on adolescent susceptibility to smoking. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 1995 Oct 18;87(20):1538-45. x Henriksen, L., Feighery, E.C., Wang, Y., Fortmann, S.P., Association of retail tobacco marketing with adolescent smoking. American Journal of Public Health, 2004. 94(12): p. 2081-2083. xi Feighery EC, Henriksen L, Wang Y, Schleicher NC, Fortmann SP. An evaluation of four measures of adolescents' exposure to cigarette marketing in stores. Nicotine & Tobacco Research. 2006;8(6):751-759.
xiiWillits Unified School District. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2018-19: Main Report. San Francisco:

WestEd Health and Justice Program for the California Department of Education. xiii The Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing | American Lung Association in California. Tobacco Retailer Licensing is Effective. September, 2018. xiv https://truthinitiative.org/sites/default/files/media/files/2020/04/Local-flavored-tobacco-policies.pdf xv Available at https://onbase.sandiego.gov/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2019&doctype=1. Item #54
xiv Report on Tobacco Control for the Region of the Americas. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: 10 Years Later. Washington, DC : PAHO, 2016.
1 xvi California Tobacco Health Assessment Tool. www.cthat.org Accessed 2/19/21 The Truth About
Flavored Tobacco
The use of flavored tobacco products such as cigars,
cigarillos, smokeless tobacco, hookah tobacco, and
e-liquids (used in e-cigarettes) has increased in recent years.1 These products use enticing flavors, colorful
packaging and lower prices to hook a new generation
of tobacco users.

A Public Health Threat
Enticing Fruit and Candy Flavors
Sweet flavors like watermelon,
cherry, chocolate, mint, and gummy
bear appeal to kids and teens.2
Flavorings mask the harsh taste
of tobacco which make it easier for
youth to initiate tobacco use.2
Marketed to Young People
Flavored tobacco products often use the same
flavoring chemicals as popular brands like Jolly
Rancher, Kool-Aid, and Life Savers.3
Little cigars are often sold in small
packages for less than a dollar and
promoted as a low-cost alternative to
cigarettes.4,5
Colorful packaging and placement
near the register makes them highly
visible and attractive to kids.4
Growing Teen Use
A majority of youth report flavoring
as a leading reason for using
tobacco products.6 This includes:
of young people
who have ever used
tobacco started with a flavored
tobacco product.6
80%
79% of hookah users
74% of cigar users
69% of smokeless users
82% of e-cigarette users
7out of 10
teens who use tobacco
have used a flavored
product in the past 30
days.1
©2017 California Department of Public Health. 01/18
References

1. Corey, C.G., et al., Flavored tobacco product use among middle and high school students—United States, 2014. MMWR Morbitity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2015. 64(38): p. 1066-1070.

2. King, B.A., S.R. Dube, and M.A. Tynan, Flavored cigar smoking among US adults: findings from the 2009–2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2013. 15(2): p.608-614.

3. Brown, J.E., et al., Candy flavorings in tobacco. New England Journal of Medicine, 2014. 370(23): p. 2250-2252.

4. Oregon Public Health Division, Flavored Tobacco: Sweet, Cheap, and Within Kids’ Reach, in CD Summary. 2014, Oregon Health Authority: Oregon.

5. Delnevo, C.D. and M. Hrywna, “A whole ’nother smoke” or a cigarette in disguise: How RJ Reynolds reframed the image of littlecigars. American Journal of Public Health, 2007. 97(8):
p. 1368.

6. Ambrose, B.K., et al., Flavored Tobacco Product Use Among US Youth Aged 12-17 Years, 2013-2014. JAMA, 2015: p. 1-3.

7. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Preventing tobacco use among youth and young adults: a report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2012. 3.

8. Delnevo, C.D., et al., Smoking-cessation prevalence among US smokers of menthol versus non-menthol cigarettes. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2011. 41(4): p. 357-365.

9. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Flavored Tobacco Product Fact Sheet. 2011, U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

10.Joseph G. Allen, et al., Flavoring Chemicals in E-Cigarettes: Diacetyl, 2,3-Pentanedione, and Acetoin in a Sample of 51 Products, Including Fruit-, Candy-, and Cocktail-Flavored E-Cigarettes. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2015.

11.Farsalinos, K.E., et al., Evaluation of electronic cigarette liquids and aerosol for the presence of selected inhalation toxins. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2015. 17(2): p. 168-174.

Consequences for Our Youth
Long term addiction
The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that flavored
tobacco products help new users establish habits that
can lead to long-term addiction.7
Flavors like menthol in
tobacco products make it
harder for users to quit.8
All nicotine products are addictive and increase the risk of developing serious health problems.9
Protecting Our Communities
The FDA has banned the sale of flavored cigarettes (other than menthol) because they appeal to youth. But flavored e-cigarettes, e-liquid, cigars, hookah, and chewing tobacco continue to be sold.

Prohibiting the sale of all flavored tobacco products is a critical step to preventing another generation of young people from living with a lifetime of addiction.

Cancer Heart Disease Emphysema
The chemical Diacetyl, found
in 75% of flavored e-liquids, is
linked to bronchiolitis obliterans
(“popcorn lung”) which causes
irreversible lung damage.
10,11
Smokers who start
at a younger age,
are more likely to
develop a severe
nicotine addiction.7
Serious health risks
Deadly
Addiction
Dear Willits City Council Members,
As the 3rd District Supervisor, I sponsored the ordinance which passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products. As an educator of 30 years in the Willits Unified School District, I have seen firsthand the harmful effects of these products and agree with the other educators to say that the problem has been getting worse in our schools. Working together, we can create a healthier environment for the youth of Mendocino County.

Thank you for this opportunity to voice our concerns over commercial tobacco and other nicotine and vaping product use in city of Willits. I support the update of the current Tobacco Retail License (TRL) or enacting other ordinance(s) that address these concerns for the following reasons:
• Tobacco use is still the No.1 cause of preventable death and disease in California.

Each year, nearly 34,000 California adults die from smoking and 20,300 kids become new daily smokers.i
• Tobacco is the only legal consumer product that kills up to half of those who use it as intended by the manufacturer. xiv
• California pays more than thirteen billion dollars ($13,000,000,000+) each year for the costs of smoking and much of this cost is paid directly by the taxpayers.ii • Ninety percent (90%) of smokers today started before they were 18.iii The legal smoking age in the United States is now 21.
• In 2018, the U.S. Surgeon General declared the use of e-cigarettes an epidemic among youth.iv
• More kids than ever are using flavored electronic smoking devices and flavored tobacco products. In 2019 California Healthy Kids survey showed that in Willits, 11% of 7th graders, 34% of 9th graders and 42% of 11th graders had tried vaping.
v A local TRL policy can disrupt this unhealthy trend by reducing the availability of these dangerous products and assuring that they don’t fall into the hands of kids. Further, the 2021 California Healthy Kids survey showed an increase of 5% (to 16%) of 7th graders who have tried vaping. vi
• Higher density of tobacco retailers in a community is associated with increases of non-smokers starting to smoke.vii Willits has 7.75 tobacco retailers for every 2,500 residents, while Mendocino County has 3.5 and California’s average is 2 tobacco retailers per 2,500 residents. xi
• Exposure to retail tobacco marketing in stores increases tobacco experimentation and use by youth and is more powerful than peer pressure.viii,ix,x • Middle school youth exposed to tobacco products in a retail setting multiple times per week are twice as likely to start smoking.xi
• In the city of Willits, 45%, 71% and 84% of students in grade 7, 9, and 11, respectively, report that e-cigarettes are fairly easy or very easy to obtain. xii
We believe the increase in youth smoking is caused by the tobacco industry. Good education and family influences can help prevent youth uptake of smoking, but it hasn’t been enough. Additionally, given the number of youth that are using these products, current state licensing and enforcement of tobacco retailers is not effective in preventing their initiation. We must take local action to confront the tobacco industry and protect our children. A Tobacco Retail License (TRL) is one such mechanism that has proved helpful.
xiii We recommend that the following aspects of tobacco and nicotine products be addressed and included in a TRL, or similar ordinance:
• Eliminate the sale of flavored tobacco / vape / nicotine products. As of January 2021, over 60 communities in California have eliminated the sale of all flavored tobacco, including Mendocino County.
xiv
• Restrict placement of tobacco / vape / nicotine product advertising, displays, and products within a certain distance of youth-oriented merchandise (candy, soda, snacks, etc.) The City of San Diego has adopted restrictions that prohibit the placement of tobacco, vape and nicotine products and advertising within two (2) feet of candy, snack or non-alcoholic beverage displays inside stores.
xv The city of Fort Bragg has proposed this similar restriction and will be putting it before council vote soon.
• Prohibit tobacco / vape / nicotine product retailers near schools & other youth-serving areas such as parks & community centers.
• Reduce tobacco and nicotine product retail density. The city of Willits has 15 tobacco retailers, which equates to 7.75 per 2,500 residents, of which 60% are within 1,000 feet of a school. The California state average is 2 retailers per 2,500 residents.
xvi We recommend a cap of 1 per 2,500 residents.

No other legal product sold in America kills up to half of those that use it as intended.

Please protect the health and safety of our children by supporting a strong tobacco retailer licensing or other ordinance.

Sincerely,
John Haschak
3rd District Supervisor, Mendocino County
i Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. (2014). The Toll of Tobacco in California. ii Xin Xu, Ellen Bishop, et.al. Annual Healthcare Spending Attributable to Cigarette Smoking. American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 2014. https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(14)00616- 3/abstract
iii U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking - 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health; 2014. iv https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/surgeon-general-advisory/index.html v Willits Unified School District. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2018-19: Main Report. San Francisco:

June 3, 2022
Dear Willits City Council Members,
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the US and it causes or contributes to many forms of cancer, as well as heart disease and respiratory diseases, among other health disorders.

The League of Women Voters of Mendocino County supports the Mendocino County Tobacco Prevention Coalition’s recommended update of the current Tobacco Retail License (TRL), or enacting other ordinance(s) that address tobacco related health concerns, especially those related to elimination of the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarette and candy-flavored tobacco products.

Sincerely,
Cindy Plank, Co-President
League of Women Voters of Mendocino County
P.O. Box 1128, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Phone: (707) 937-4952 | Email: [email protected]
lwvmendo.org | cavotes.org | easyvoterguide.org | votersedge.org Dear Council Members of the City of Willits,
Thank you for this opportunity to voice our concerns over commercial tobacco and other nicotine and vaping product use in city of Willits. The Mendocino County Youth Coalition supports the implementation of an updated Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) ordinance to address these concerns for the following reasons:
● Tobacco use is still the No.1 cause of preventable death and disease in California. Each year, nearly 34,000 California adults die from smoking and 20,300 kids become new daily smokers.1
● Tobacco is the only legal consumer product that kills up to half of those who use it as intended by the manufacturer.
xiv
● California pays more than thirteen billion dollars ($13,000,000,000+) each year for the costs of smoking and much of this cost is paid directly by the taxpayers.2 ● Ninety percent (90%) of smokers today started before they were 18.3 The legal smoking age in the United States is now 21.
● In 2018, the U.S. Surgeon General declared the use of e-cigarettes an epidemic among youth.4
● More kids than ever are using flavored electronic smoking devices and flavored tobacco products. In 2019 California Healthy Kids survey showed that in Willits, 11% of 7
th graders, 34% of 9th graders and 42% of 11th graders had tried vaping.5 A local TRL policy can disrupt this unhealthy trend by reducing the availability of these dangerous products and assuring that they don’t fall into the hands of kids.
● Higher density of tobacco retailers in a community is associated with increases of non-smokers starting to smoke.6 Willits has 7.75 tobacco retailers for every 2,500 residents, while Mendocino County has 3.5 and California’s average is 2 tobacco retailers per 2,500 residents. xi
6 Chan WC, Leatherdale ST. Tobacco retailer density surrounding schools and youth smoking behaviour: a multi-level analysis. Tobacco induced diseases. 2011;9(1):1. 5 Willits Unified School District. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2018-19: Main Report. San Francisco:

WestEd Health and Justice Program for the California Department of Education. 4 https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/surgeon-general-advisory/index.html 3 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking - 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health; 2014.
2 Xin Xu, Ellen Bishop, et.al. Annual Healthcare Spending Attributable to Cigarette Smoking. American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 2014.
https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(14)00616-3/abstract 1 Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. (2014). The Toll of Tobacco in California. ● Exposure to retail tobacco marketing in stores increases tobacco experimentation and use by youth and is more powerful than peer pressure.7,8,9 ● Middle school youth exposed to tobacco products in a retail setting multiple times per week are twice as likely to start smoking.10
● In the city of Willits, 45%, 71% and 84% of students in grade 7, 9, and 11, respectively, report that e-cigarettes are fairly easy or very easy to obtain. 11 We believe the increase in youth smoking is caused by the tobacco industry. Good education and family influences can help prevent youth uptake of smoking, but it hasn’t been enough. Additionally, given the number of youth that are using these products, current state licensing and enforcement of tobacco retailers is not effective in preventing their initiation. We must take local action to confront the tobacco industry and protect our children. A Tobacco Retail License (TRL) is one such mechanism that has proved helpful.12 We recommend that the following aspects of tobacco and nicotine products be addressed and included in a TRL, or similar ordinance:
● Eliminate the sale of flavored tobacco / vape / nicotine products. As of January 2021, over 60 communities in California have eliminated the sale of all flavored tobacco, including Mendocino County.
13 ● Restrict placement of tobacco / vape / nicotine product advertising, displays, and products within a certain distance of youth-oriented merchandise (candy, soda, snacks, etc.) The City of San Diego has adopted restrictions that prohibit the placement of tobacco, vape and nicotine products and advertising within two (2) feet of candy, snack or non-alcoholic beverage 13 https://truthinitiative.org/sites/default/files/media/files/2020/04/Local-flavored-tobacco-policies.pdf 12 The Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing | American Lung Association in California. Tobacco Retailer Licensing is Effective. September, 2018.
11Willits Unified School District. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2018-19: Main Report. San Francisco:

WestEd Health and Justice Program for the California Department of Education. 10 Feighery EC, Henriksen L, Wang Y, Schleicher NC, Fortmann SP. An evaluation of four measures of adolescents' exposure to cigarette marketing in stores. Nicotine & Tobacco Research. 2006;8(6):751-759.
9 Henriksen, L., Feighery, E.C., Wang, Y., Fortmann, S.P., Association of retail tobacco marketing with adolescent smoking. American Journal of Public Health, 2004. 94(12): p. 2081-2083. 8 Evans N, Farkas A, Gilpin E, Berry C, Pierce JP, Influence of tobacco marketing and exposure to smokers on adolescent susceptibility to smoking. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 1995 Oct 18;87(20):1538-45.
7 Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Toll of Tobacco in the United States of America. 2011. http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0072.pdf. displays inside stores.14 The city of Fort Bragg has proposed this similar restriction and will be putting it before council vote soon. ● Prohibit tobacco / vape / nicotine product retailers near schools & other youth-serving areas such as parks & community centers.
● Reduce tobacco and nicotine product retail density. The city of Willits has 15 tobacco retailers, which equates to 7.75 per 2,500 residents, of which 60% are within 1,000 feet of a school. The California state average is 2 retailers per 2,500 residents.15 We recommend a cap of 1 per 2,500 residents.

Over 200 jurisdictions in California already have passed laws and ordinances requiring tobacco retailers to obtain licenses to sell tobacco products. Since local tobacco control projects can provide model policy language, offer free legal resources and technical assistance, and help draft retail licensing policy specific to the needs of our local community, we encourage you to reach out to them for support. You can contact the 15 California Tobacco Health Assessment Tool. www.cthat.org Accessed 2/19/21 14 Available at
https://onbase.sandiego.gov/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2019&doctype=1. Item #54
xiv Report on Tobacco Control for the Region of the Americas. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: 10 Years Later. Washington, DC : PAHO, 2016.
1 Mendocino County Tobacco Prevention Coalition at www.mendocino county.org/government/health-and-human-services-agency/public-health/prevention-pro grams.

No other legal product sold in America kills up to half of those that use it as intended.

Please protect the health and safety of our children by supporting a strong tobacco retailer licensing or other ordinance.

Sincerely,
Ukiah Valley Youth Leadership Coalition

RE D U CE T OBACC O RE TAI L D E N S I T Y
96%
Vapes come in 15,000

MASKING TOBACCO'S

HARSHNESS

L I M I T PR OD U CT S P LACE M E N T A N D A D VERT I S I N G Willits (2019)
students per grade...
1 perceived
no harm from
vaping regularly.
24%
1 FACT
of Willits
7th graders
of high school kids in
California who vape
use flavors 2
kid-friendly fruit, candy and dessert
flavorslike cotton candy, bubble
gum and mango.

Whatis a Tobacco Retail License (TRL)?
A tool communities can use to reduce youth initiation into tobacco and nicotine use.

E L I M I N AT E T H E SAL E OF F LAV ORE D T OBACC O
90% of smokers today started before age 18.

Youth are 3x more sensitive to tobacco ads.

Youth are more likely to be influenced
Exposure to marketing more than doubles the
odds that kids will use tobacco.
by ads than by peer pressure.

Tobacco Companies know
5 6
6 6
Willits has
15 Tobacco Retailers
3 Tobacco retail density
per 2,500 residents 3
California = 2
Mendocino County = 3.5
Willits = 7.75

WH AT OU R KI D S T H I N K, SAY A N D D O

HOW TOBACCO RETAIL POLICIES REDUCE

YOUTH TOBACCO AND NICOTINE USE
WI L L I T S , CA 2 0 2 1
Prohibit tobacco retailers near schools & other youthserving areas such as parks & community centers.

Cap the number of tobacco retailers to 1 per 2500 residents Restrict pharmacies from selling tobacco products
2 Flavor restrictions can be written into TRL or as a
stand alone policy.

As of January 2021, over 60 communities in California
have eliminated the sale of all flavored tobacco,
including Mendocino County.

Limit storefront advertising to no more than 10% coverage of doors and windows.

Restrict placement of tobacco/vape advertising, displays, and product within a certain distance of youth oriented
merchandise (candy, soda, snacks, etc.).

Excessive signage may create an overall image of blight, inhibit public safety and contribute to a reduction in property values and business in the surrounding areas. 4 Communities can choose to adopt a TRL or stand alone policies that can... 7th 9th 11th
11%
34% 42%
Report vapes are fairly
or very easy to obtain.

Tried vaping
7th 9th 11th
45%
71%
84%

RE D U CE Y OU T H SAL E S RAT E S
I M P L E M E N TAT I ON OF A C O M PRE H E N S IVE TRL WI L L . . .

L OCAL T OBACC O C ON TR OL PR OJ ECT S CA N . . .

Learn more at
www.NorCal4Health.org
Facebook: NorCal 4 Health
Provide model policy language.

Offer free legal resources and technical assistance.

Help draft retail licensing policy specific to the needs of local communities.

Provide opportunities for community collaboration and
action through local coalitions. (In Mendocino County,
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/government/health-andhuman-services-agency/public-health/prevention-programs)

1. Willits Unified School District. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2018-19: Main Report. San Francisco: WestEd Health and Justice Program for the California Department of Education

2. Zhu S-H, Braden K, Zhuang Y-L, Gamst A, Cole AG, Wolfson T, Li S. (2021). Results of the Statewide 2019-20 California Student Tobacco Survey. San Diego, California: Center for Research and Intervention in Tobacco Control (CRITC), University of California San Diego.

3. California Tobacco Health Assessment Tool. www.cthat.org

4. https://truthinitiative.org/sites/default/files/media/files/2020/04/Local-flavored-tobacco-policies.pdf

5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking - 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health; 2014.

6. Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids: Tobacco Company Marketing to Kids. https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/assets/factsheets/0008.pdf

7. The Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing | American Lung Association in California. Tobacco Retailer Licensing is Effective. September, 2018 Retrieved from https://www.co.monterey.ca.us /Home/ShowDocument?id=71196

8. California Department of Public Health. California Municipalities with Tobacco Retailer License. 2021.

9. Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation. Tobacco Retail Licensing: An Essential Tool to Reduce Youth Usage and Foster Health Equity, Best Practices in Tobacco Retail Licensing, September 2020, www.tobacco21.org

HOW TOBACCO RETAIL POLICIES REDUCE

YOUTH TOBACCO AND NICOTINE USE
Fund enforcement of tobacco sales regulations at no cost to the taxpayer.

Prevent illegal sales of nicotine and tobacco products.

Level the playing field for business owners who choose to sell tobacco by offering consistent guidelines.

Provide weight to current sales laws by imposing a threat of suspension for repeated violations.

Reduce productivity loss, health insurance costs (including Medicaid), related illness and death.

Advance public health through prevention and substantially increase health equity.

Kids who Kids who Kids who
see it
Try it
As of 2021, over 200 jurisdictions throughout California have adopted tobacco retail policies.

They are considered public health best practices for reducing harms caused by commercial tobacco. 8 City / County
Yolo County
Morgan Hill
Oroville
Date Passed
2006
2014
2013
Annual Fee
$377
$125
$30
Before Adoption
28%
15%

22.6%
After Adoption

7.8%
0%
0%
Youth Sales Rates before and after adoption of TRL 7
© 2021. California Department of Public Health. Funded under contract #20-10376 9 www.tobaccofreenorthcoast.org
5/20/22
Dear Mayor and City Council,
Twenty-nine percent of high-school students in Willits report that e-cigarettes are fairly easy or very easy to obtain, according to the California Health Kids Survey.

Young Adult Tobacco Purchase Surveys (YATPS) confirm this alarming truth.

On May 13, 2022, we conducted a YATPS in Willits. Working with a 19-year-old young man (decoy), we surveyed 14 tobacco retailers, including 4 tobacco specialty shops. Of the stores visited, 5 of them sold tobacco to our young decoy. This is an illegal sales rate of 35.7%. More than a third of the time, our decoy was able to purchase tobacco in person at local retailers. Of particular note, 3 out of 4 tobacco/vape specialty stores sold to the young decoy (see photo of the tobacco products purchased, all of which were flavored).

Local retail sales are not the only
source where young people get
tobacco, but clearly an important one.

California’s STAKE Act now requires
multi-level age verification for internet
sales upon purchase AND delivery.

Local tobacco retail license (TRL)
policies are an evidenced-based public
health best practice. At least 64
jurisdictions in California have used
TRL to completely eliminate the sale of
flavored tobacco.

Jay McCubbrey, PhD.

Project Director
Tobacco-Free North Coast
P.O. Box 7340
Eureka, CA 95502
707-951-6715
[email protected]
111 E. COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA 95490
(707) 459-4601 TEL
(707) 459-1562 FAX

Page 1 of 4 ends

WILLITS CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022
Mayor Rodriguez called a regular meeting of the City Council to order at 6:35 p.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, and Mayor Saprina Rodriguez were present.

Also present were staff members: Brian Bender City Manager; Jim Lance, City Attorney; Dusty Duley, Community Development Director; Scott Herman, Utilities Superintendent; Kenan O’Shea, Public Works Superintend; Karen Stevenson, Human Resources Manager; and Cathy Moorhead, Deputy City Manager | 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 COVID-19, the City Council will be participating by tele/video conferencing.

2. Public Communications
 Larry Olson from the Mendocino County Tobacco Prevention Coalition thanked City Manager Bender and City Attorney Lance for working on bringing forward a new tobacco ordinance to a future meeting.

3. Public Matters
None presented.

4. Enactment of Ordinances
None presented.

5. Consent Calendar
The following item(s) are recommended for approval or denial, as follows:
a. City Council Minutes:
i. None presented.

6. Monthly Activity Reports
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest.

None presented.

7. Commissions, Agencies and Authorities
None presented.

8. City Manager Reports and Recommendations
a. City Manager Bender gave a progress update on the Adopted Goals.

Willits City Council Minutes of February 24, 2022 Page 2 of 4 b. Verbal Reports – No action taken.
 Received a bi-weekly update regarding COVID-19 – mask mandate will stay in place until at least March 15th; in hopes that by summertime the county will be opening back up.
 Still encouraging folks to get vaccinated.

Public Comment: None presented.

9. Department Recommendations (Action Items)
a. Adoption of a Resolution establishing the Appropriations Limit for the 2020-21 Fiscal Year, pursuant to article XIIB of the Constitution of the State of California.

Presenting staff member: Finance Director Orozco
Public Comment: None presented.

Moved by Strong/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution (No. 2022-53) establishing the appropriations limit for the Fiscal Year 2020-21.

10. Department Monthly Reports (ONLY SECOND MEETING OF EACH MONTH) a. Airport – No further questions.
b. Community Development Department –
 Community Development Director Duley added to his report that there is a kickoff meeting on Tuesday March 8th at 6:00 pm, in the Community Center, for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) loan program. He Encourages businesses that were impacted by Covid that are interested in receiving loans between $15,000 - $40,000 to attend.
 The California Conservation Corps (CCC) regional director is excited to give a project update at the April 13th City Council Meeting.
 The Community Development department held a stake holder meeting with the adjacent property owners to discuss the Willits Rail Trail Project, there is a public meeting scheduled for March 10th at 6:00 p.m., this is a virtual meeting.  We have finally gotten some meaningful action from the ChargePoint crew that services the city hall electric vehicle charging station, a technician will be visiting the site later this week or next week to get the charger back online. c. Engineering – Project Manager Trincado reported that they are focused on preparing Blosser with the aim to bring to Council by late March. d. Police Department – Chief Lizarraga expand on the report changes in the statistics from, 2020 - 2021 arrests went from 212 in 2020 to 422 in 2021 and citations and cases increased by a sizable percentage. He has been asked by community members what happened, looking back on it 2020 was the height of covid and the department had to scale back as much public contact as possible, to handle anything they could over the phone and still respond to emergency or urgent situations. In 2021 we were able to ease back on the restrictions as well as give some clear direction to our staff as to what the needs of the community were. Direction was to be visible and interact with the community more. This year we are continuing the trend of being out there and available and responding to those situations where police presence is needed.

Councilmember Kanne under staffing in the Police Department Report is it 6 total positions that the Police Department is looking for?

Willits City Council Minutes of February 24, 2022 Page 3 of 4 Chief Lizarraga responded that yes, it is 6 total positions. There will be a Dispatch test soon. If anyone in the community is interested, please contact Police Department. e. Public Works – Superintendent O’Shea updated the Council on the Project Blue Zones.

Blue Zones is a nationwide program, in Mendocino County that has been holding community summits, meeting with individuals in City’s and County’s to identify possible projects that they can help us with through funding. These include strengthening walk and bike ability, help us work towards completing the streets program, an open space and transportation plans. Blue Zones is getting ready to host a series of kick off events.

The first one is scheduled for Ukiah Saturday, March 19th 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the next is on May 21st in Fort Bragg and Willits sometime in June. If anyone is interested in finding out more about, what Blue Zones does you can look them up at www.mec.bluezoneproject.com, and check them out on Facebook as well. f. Utilities – Public Works Director Herman added they have started the flushing program and at this time have completed most of the south end of town and looking to do Main Street, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday of next week, this work will be done at night.

Notices are going out to all businesses on Main Street. He is anticipating a variance on early installation of the dam boards for March 1st.

Councilmember Strong asked if there is a prediction of how much the flushing will alleviate the brown water complaints we have. Mr. Herman responded, about 90%. The main concern is that it hasn’t been flushed in a few years, this year the groundwater plant is offsetting the surface water. The reservoir is still trickling over the spillway.

Councilmember Kanne added with the lack of rain is it time to consider voluntary water use reductions? Mr. Herman responded not at this time; we are keeping an eye on it. If we can add splash boards in on March 1st that will be a big help.

Councilmember Gonzalez asked Mr. Herman if he had heard if there may be funding for drought or water resiliency. Mr. Herman stated there is a lot of funding for water and its being investigated. One of the grants is for the ground water treatment project, we have secured $550,000. As grants come up, we will investigate and utilize them.

No action taken.

11. City Council Announcements, Communications and Reports  Councilmember Kanne – none presented.
 Councilmember Strong – Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA) met, and all is going smooth, but still looking to replace the director position.  Councilmember Gonzalez – Water-Wastewater Committee will be meeting soon.  Councilmember Stranske – none presented
 Mayor Rodriguez – Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) met today and discussed routine business topics.

Public Comment: None Presented
No action taken.

12. Good & Welfare
Councilmember Strong – Willits Economic Localization (WELL) newsletter will come out next week, she will have an article and will summarize the department reports so that people know what is going on at the city. WELL is planning to sponsor fire preparedness meeting Willits City Council Minutes of February 24, 2022 Page 4 of 4 online. In May WELL is having a candidate forum for the election that will be taking place on June 7th.

13. Closed Session Notice
None presented

14. Adjournment
Mayor Rodriguez declared the meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m. _____________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council for the City of Willits
ATTEST:
__________________________

CATHY MOORHEAD
Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
Prepared By:

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

Page 1 of 5 ends

WILLITS CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2022
Mayor Rodriguez called a regular meeting of the City Council to order at 6:31 p.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, and Mayor Saprina Rodriguez were present.

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
Jay McCubbrey of Tobacco Free North Coast, and Greg Damron spoke in support of the Tobacco Initiative.

3. Public Matters
None presented.

4. Enactment of Ordinances
None presented.

5. Consent Calendar
The following item(s) are recommended for approval or denial, as follows:
a. City Council Minutes:
i. July 27, 2022
City Clerk Pedersen reported that Councilmember Strong requested that the following be added to the minutes of July 27, 2022:
“Councilmember Strong raised a question about the interpretation of the Councils April 13 action approving the Operational Use Plan (regarding ‘circumstances of use’ vis-à-vis monthly average usage) and requested the Council agendize an item to clarify the policy, but no other Councilmembers concurred.”
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Stranske and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar item (a) with addition of Councilmember Strong’s request to add to the minutes of July 27, 2022.

Willits City Council Minutes of August 10, 2022 Page 2 of 5 Public Comment: None presented.

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 – Renovations at City Hall are proceeding, there was an update this afternoon regarding some slight changes that we are incorporating into the final plan.

We should have the project finalized by the mid to end of September.

Public Comment: None presented.

9. Department Recommendations (Action Items)
a. Adopt a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Specifications for the Groundwater Resiliency Improvement Project, Phase I, (Project No. 2022-03), and Awarding a Construction Contract to Wahlund Construction, Inc., in an Amount not to Exceed $466,880, Contingent on the Issuance of 401 & 404 Permits for the Project and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Contract and Approve Construction Change Orders up to a Cumulative Total of 10-percent of the Total Contract Amount.

Presenting staff member. Project Manager, Andrea Trincado.

Public Comment: None presented.

Councilmember Strong is very glad we have a backup system for water supply, and she does feel that the prior capacity prior to completion of this project provides that backup system adequately for emergencies. She is not thrilled about expending the capacity, but she is concerned about expanding the capacity without any guidance on possible restraints due to the hydrology which has not been completely updated or in her opinion adequately studied. Both the environmental document and the operational use plan do not, in her opinion, provided the kind of caution that she believes is warranted given the possibility of how the aquafer can be tainted if we overdraw. It is one of the things we will not know until it might happen, it is unsettling to her. She would like to have everyone thinking of the idea of the targeted hydrologic aquafer study that was mentioned during the hearing, she believes it costs about $10,000 and it looks at the cone of depression which effects whether it is a closed or open aquafer and that determines how big the circumference of the potential impact that drawing water down would have. She is also very glad that we are doing a lot of monitoring so that by the end of this year we might have some additional data, but if there is value in getting the Hydrologic Study, she would like to have the staff consider it.

Councilmember Kanne mentioned that she shared in some of Councilmember Strong’s concerns, she appreciates that this is being paid for by grant money, she appreciates staff’s efforts and she has nothing against the contractor that submitted the reasonable bid.

Moved by Stranske/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried (3/2, with Kanne and Strong dissenting) to approve Resolution No. 2022-50 Approving Final Plans and Specifications for the Groundwater Resiliency Improvement Project, Phase I, Willits City Council Minutes of August 10, 2022 Page 3 of 5 (Project No. 2022-03), And An Award Of A Construction Contract To Wahlund Construction, Inc., Of Eureka, California, In An Amount Not To Exceed $466,880, Contingent On The Approval Of 401 & 404 Permits For The Project, And Authorize The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Approve Construction Change Orders Up To A Cumulative Total Of 10% Of The Total Contract Amount. b. Presentation and Possible Action on Adopting an Investment Policy and the Implementation of a Proposed Investment Strategy for Idle City Funds.

Public comment: None presented.

Moved by Strong/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to approve Resolution No. 2022-51 adopting an Investment Policy to Manage the Long-Term Obligation of City’s Funds and Resolution No. 2022-52 authorizing the Finance Director/City Treasurer to Implement the Presented Investment Plan and Ensure its Adherence with the Investment Policy.

10. Department Monthly Reports (ONLY SECOND MEETING OF EACH MONTH) a. None presented.

11. City Council Announcements, Communications and Reports  Councilmember Kanne – Attended the Museum Advisory Board meeting via Zoom, it was very upbeat, the Museum is functioning and open, has not been shut down by the county. The advisory board was very excited about that, they were also happy to report that they have had an uptick in attendance and therefore revenue. The community is showing its support of the museum which feels great to the staff. Councilmember Kanne expressed to the Museum staff comments from City Manager Bender, that the City of Willits is firmly behind the Museum and proud to have them as a partner here in our city and that we are hopeful that the County will stop dangling them as a possible easy target in future budget discussions, they mean a lot to our community and to the County as a whole.
 Councilmember Stranske brought up that you cannot go to Brookside School to allow their grandchildren to use the equipment during the summer and that the city park is controlled by the bigger kids. The 3–4-year-olds cannot compete with the older kids.  Councilmember Gonzalez – attending the Housing Summit on August 25, 2022. Is attending the League of City’s Redwood Division Meeting on August 19, 2022 in Point Arena.
 Councilmember Strong – Visited the Sonoma Clean Power Advanced Energy Center in Santa Rosa, she suggests that if anyone is in Santa Rosa and has an hour it is a wonderful tour. The Economic Development Finance Committee Meeting is August 11, 2022, at 2:00 pm. Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA) is meeting on August 18, 2022. She requested that we agendize the Flavored Tobacco Ordinance. Would like to hear pros and cons from the public, so that council can decide whether we want to adopt or not. No other councilmembers supported putting the Ordinance on the Agenda. There was support for having the topic on the agenda for informational purposes so that council can express concerns or ask questions.

Direction was given to City Manager Bender to bring it forward as an informational piece for council discussion. City Manager Bender asked Councilmember Strong if the City of Council should be sending any correspondence to MSWMA acknowledging the change and making sure there is no drop-in services as a reminder or ask them once the transfer has taken place to come back to the City Council with confirmation of what they will provided based on the agreements. Councilmember Strong responded that if Willits City Council Minutes of August 10, 2022 Page 4 of 5 we entered a contract or propose to enter a contract that all four entities that compose the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for Solid Waste Management would have to have it on their agenda and approved. Not ready yet for a formal review. Councilmember Kanne mentioned that she has had a few constituents concerned about not having the hazardous waste days, asked Councilmember Strong to convey to MSWMA board that the hope for the Hazardous Waste pick up days to be re-instituted quickly would be appreciated by members of the Willits community. Councilmember Kanne added that she had a meeting with Supervisor Haschak, Howard Dashiell from County Department of Transportation and Tamara Alaniz from the Brooktrails Township and there is some forward motion on the cleanup and potential closing of the cul-de-sac’s in Brooktrails she willing to speak with Madge outside a council meeting since it is not a city issue.

Councilmember Strong mentioned that MSWMA has not had the staff to be able to do the hazardous waste days remote sites, that people can take their hazardous waste to Ukiah.
 Mayor Rodriguez – Had the opportunity to meet with Senator McGuire and discussed water resiliency in the region, Senator McGuire offered to meet with City Manager Bender and Public Works Director Herman to discuss potentials for any water projects that might benefit the City of Willits or our neighbors in need of water as well. Mayor Rodriguez and Senator McGuire spoke a lot about housing and the need for annexation, he wanted to know how things were coming with our general plan. Senator McGuire was curious about how much housing potential the City of Willits had in the area in terms of investors that might be interested in exploring investments in our area.

They also spoke significantly about businesses and the economy, he stated that there is going to be a disbursement of $9.5 billion during the fourth quarter, hoping to boost sales tax, the way it would roll out is similar to how we have seen it before. Checks would be between $350 and $1,200 in the fall. There was a conversation about economic development and wanting to know how we can help small businesses; she mentioned that the city received a CDBG Grant to support small businesses and how we would like to see more of this type of support and other ways we can support our economy. They also spoke about tourism and how it has affected Willits and others at the State level, Senator McGuire then asked about homelessness. This is one of the top three topics as he talks to Mayors from each of the cities, homelessness is at the top of their concerns. Fortunately for us homelessness is not at the top, it is a concern but not in our top three.

Public Comment: None Presented
No action taken.

12. Good & Welfare
Councilmember Strong announced that her daughter had a baby boy on July 30, 2022, his name is Owen, and he is healthy and thriving.

13. Closed Session Notice
a. None presented

14. Adjournment
Mayor Rodriguez declared the meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

Willits City Council Minutes of August 10, 2022 Page 5 of 5 _____________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council for the City of Willits
ATTEST:
__________________________

DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Resolution No. 2022-__ Page 1 of 2 August 24, 2022
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-__

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WILLITS RATIFYING AND EXTENDING FOR AN ADDITIONAL 30-DAYS, UNTIL SEPTEMBER 23, 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; July 27, 2022, Resolution 2022-46; 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 24th day of August, 2022, by the following vote:

Resolution No. 2022-__ Page 2 of 2 August 24, 2022
AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

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

DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Item No. 5c
Meeting Date: August 24, 2022

AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Brian Bender, City Manager
Agenda Title: DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION WHETHER TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION

APPOINTING THE ONLY NOMINEES FOR CITY COUNCIL TO THE VACANT SEATS AND CANCELLING THE GENERAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022.

Type: Presentation Consent Regular Agenda Public Hearing Urgent Time: 10 min.

Summary of Request: The State of California will hold a General Election on November 8, 2022. On June 8, 2022, the City of Willits adopted a Resolution calling an election to be consolidated with the Statewide General Election, for the election of two Council Members (four-year term) and requesting that the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors consolidate the City’s election activities with those of the County.

The candidate nomination period opened on July 18, 2022 and closed on August 12, 2022. At of the close of nominations, only two candidates for City Council Members qualified for the ballot. In such circumstances where the number of nominees does not exceed the number of offices for election, Elections Code §10229 provides that the Council may take one of the following actions:

1. Appoint the nominees in lieu of holding the election; or

2. Appoint any eligible voter if no one has been nominated (does not apply); or

3. Hold the election.

Elections Code provides that the City Clerk submit to the governing body of the city a certification that the number of nominees does not exceed the number of offices (Attachment 2).

Analysis
If the City Council acts to appoint the nominees in lieu of holding an election, no City of Willits candidates will appear in the voter pamphlet or on the ballot. The cost of pamphlet and ballot printing and other services rendered to the City by the County of Mendocino varies depending on the number of nominated candidates and other factors. The City Council approved a budget set aside of $5,250.00 for election expenses. Canceling the election would eliminate need to make this expenditure, in addition to conserving a significant amount of staff time.

At this time, cancelling the election, no write-in candidates will be eligible to be nominated or elected.

Recommended Action: In consideration of the cost savings and less staff commitments associated with cancelling the election, staff recommends the Council to adopt a Resolution cancelling the November 8, 2022 General Election and appointing the nominated candidates.

By cancelling the election, City of Willits candidates will not appear in the voter pamphlet or on the ballot, and the appointed nominees will be sworn in and assume office in December 2022, in the same manner as if the election had been held.

Alternative(s): Do not adopt Resolution cancelling the election; directing the holding of the election.

Fiscal Impact: The cost for providing election services has been estimated at $5,250 which was budged in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Elections Budget, as well as significant staff time.

Personnel Impact:

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 _________

Resolution No. 2022-__ Page 1 of 2 August 24, 2022
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WILLITS PROVIDING FOR THE

APPOINTMENT OF NOMINATED CANDIDATES TO THE OFFICES OF THE CITY COUNCIL THAT WERE TO BE ELECTED ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022, IN LIEU OF HOLDING THE ELECTION.

WHEREAS, on June 8, 2022, the City Council of the City of Willits called an election to be held on November 8, 2022, consolidated with the Statewide General Election, for the election of two Council Members (four-year term); and
WHEREAS, as of the close of the candidate nomination period on August 12, 2022, there are not more candidates than the assigned offices to be elected; and WHEREAS, pursuant to §10229 of the Elections Code of the State of California, the City Council may take one of the following courses of action:

1. Appoint to the office the person(s) who has been nominated;

2. Appoint to the office any eligible voter if no one has been nominated;

3. Hold the election if either no one or only one person has been nominated for one of the two available offices; and
WHEREAS, a notice stating these facts was published in a newspaper of general circulation on August 18, 2022 pursuant to §6061 of the Government Code of the State of California.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Willits City Council does declare, determine and order as follows:

SECTION 1. Pursuant to §10229(a)(1) of the Elections Code of the State of California the following candidates are hereby appointed to the offices to which they were duly nominated, and are considered to be the same as being elected, pursuant to §10229(a)(3) if the Elections Code:

Name Office Term
Greta Kanne City Council Member Four-years (2026)
Larry Stranske City Council Member Four-years (2026)
SECTION 2. The election scheduled to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 is hereby canceled.

SECTION 3. The persons hereby appointed shall qualify, take office, and serve exactly as if elected at a municipal election for the office.

SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.

The above and forgoing 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 24th day of August, 2022, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

Resolution No. 2022-__ Page 1 of 2 August 24, 2022
ATTEST:
_______________________________
_________________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council of the City of Willits
DELORES PEDERSEN, City Clerk
Item No. 8a
Meeting Date: 8/24/22

AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Brian Bender, City Manager
Agenda Title: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PASS-THROUGH RATE ADJUSTMENT FOR SOLID WASTES OF WILLITS, INC. IN RESPONSE TO INCREASED FEES FROM COLD CREEK

COMPOST FOR THE PROCESSING OF MIXED ORGANIC WASTES COLLECTED FROM RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS WITHIN THE CITY OF WILLITS.

Type: Presentation Consent Regular Agenda Public Hearing Urgent Time: 20 minutes Summary of Request: The City received notice from Solid Wastes of Willits, Inc. (SWOW) via an August 1st correspondence (attached) of the need to increase fees charged to accounts for the processing of mixed organic wastes by 0.98-percent. As noted, the increase is a pass-through as SWOW is responding to higher tipping fees Cold Creek Compost (CCC) is charging for the processing of collected mixed organic wastes. The tipping fee is now $60 per ton, up from $24 established in August of 2018. CCC asserts the rate adjustment is a reaction to drought, inflation, fuel prices, and impacts to the cannabis industry. SWOW notes the agreement with CCC contains a provision allowing for the denial of the increase however, there are no other viable alternatives to the current program. The revised rates go into effect on September 1st.

The city will receive additional $1,949 in franchise fees because of the rate adjustment.

Recommended Action: Adopt the accompanying Resolution to approve the pass-through rate increase of

0.98-percent requested by Solid Wastes of Willits, Inc. in response to higher than anticipated processing expenses incurred by Cold Creek Compost for mixed organic wastes.

Alternative(s): None.

Fiscal Impact: The City will receive additional $1,949 from Solid Wastes of Willits, Inc. through the existing Franchise Agreement.

Personnel Impact: Minimal.

Resolution No. 2022-__ Page 1 of 1 August 24, 2022
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-___

A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PASS-THROUGH RATE ADJUSTMENT FOR SOLID WASTES OF WILLITS, INC. IN RESPONSE TO INCREASED FEES FROM COLD CREEK COMPOST FOR THE

PROCESSING OF MIXED ORGANIC WASTES COLLECTED FROM RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS WITHIN THE CITY OF WILLITS.

WHEREAS, the City of Willits contracts with Solid Wastes of Willits, Inc. (SWOW) for solid waste collection services; and
WHEREAS, SWOW needs to increase fees charged to residential and commercial accounts within the City for the processing of mixed organic wastes by 0.98-percent; and WHEREAS, the increase is a pass-through as SWOW is responding to higher tipping fees charged by Cold Creek Compost for mixed organic wastes; and WHEREAS, Cold Creek Compost now charges $60 per ton instead of $24 established in August of 2018 with the increase necessary to cover higher processing costs due to drought, inflation, fuel prices, and impacts to the cannabis industry; and
WHEREAS, the rate adjustment goes into effect on September 1, 2022; and WHEREAS, the City of Willits will receive additional $1,949 in franchise fees because of the rate adjustment; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Willits City Council by adopting this Resolution sanctions the pass-through rate adjustment of 0.98-percent for Solid Wastes of Willits, Inc. in response to a fee increase from Cold Creek Compost to process mixed organic wastes collected from residential and commercial accounts within the City of Willits.

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 24th day of August, 2022, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:
______________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council of the City of Willits
ATTEST:
____________________________
DELORES PEDERSEN, City Clerk
1 Monthly Achievements & Activities
• Held the quarterly tenant meeting but attendance was minimal, and the meeting will be rescheduled due to lack of a quorum. • Mowed the property and runway and weed abatement.

Project Updates
• Collecting quotes for new security gates, additional fencing and tree removal. Due to the lack of available contractors at this time the process is taking longer than anticipated. Once collected, staff will select the contractors and work will commence. • Coordinating with Mead & Hunt to determine details for the potential hangar developments. • Continuing to source parts and schedule a contractor to upgrade the fuel distribution system.

Staffing Items
• No items to report.

Budget Status
• No items to report.

Focus for Next Month
• Finalize quotes, select contractors, and enter into agreements to complete the work on above mentioned projects.

Airport Monthly Report
July | 2022
1 Monthly Achievements & Activities
June:
• Issued nine Building Permits.
• Opened eighteen Code Enforcement cases.
• Closed one Code Enforcement case.
• Twenty-nine active Code Enforcement cases.

July:
• Issued twelve Building Permits.
• Opened two Code Enforcement cases.
• Closed fifteen Code Enforcement cases.
• Sixteen active Code Enforcement cases.

Project Updates
• The City has awarded Planwest Partners Inc. a contract for $256,525 to assist staff with the completing an update of the Land Use Element of the City’s General Plan, preparing an application to the Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) for an amendment to the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI), and conducting associated environmental analysis for each activity pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The City has previously obtained three separate grants to fund this Project. Kick-off meeting is scheduled for August and the project is to be completed by September 2023. • Staff, along with our consultants, has completed the Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) final draft. The UFMP is available for review on the department website and is anticipated to be presented to Council for potential adoption at the September 28th Council meeting. http://www.cityofwillits.org/277/Urban-Forest
• The California Transportation Commission has allocated $544,000 to support the design phase of the City Rails with Trails project. A public outreach plan along with community meeting dates will be finalized in September.

Staffing Items
• The Department is looking to fill the position of Community Development Specialist. Job description can be found on the City website. http://www.cityofwillits.org/219/EmploymentOpportunities.

Community Development July 2022 | Report
2 Budget Status
• No items to report.

Focus for Next Month
• CDBG Business Assistance Loan Program.
o Hold Loan Committee Meeting as required by HCD before issuing loan funds. o Issue loans.
• Urban Forestry Management Plan.
o Release for public review, complete staff report and schedule for Council meeting. o Work with stakeholders to plant trees.
• Flood Emergency Response Plan.
o Finalize Plan and schedule for Council meeting.
• Downtown Willits Highway Signage.
o Work with Caltrans to obtain permission to install signage as requested by Council. • Hold kickoff meeting, finalize work schedule, public outreach plan for 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. • Bidding, contracting, permitting and other project management for the Groundwater Resiliency Improvement Project, Phase I.
• Submitted project nomination to the Local Partnership Program for the next Pavement Preservation Project, construction expected in Spring 2023. • Preparation of bid documents for the City Hall Solar Array Project. • Contracting and scheduling for the Community Center roof repair. • Submitted the Spring Operations Plan for the early installation of flash boards at Centennial Reservoir to the Division of the Safety of Dams.
• Utilizing the engineering on-call contracts for:
o Wastewater Discharge Permit preparation (EBA).
o Construction management services for the Groundwater Resiliency Improvement Project, including inspection and construction staking (LACO).
o Assistance with grant reporting and administration for the Local Partnership Program (LACO).
o Preparation of easements for Railroad Ave. water main relocation (SHN). 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).
• Continuing review of Encroachment Permit Applications. Major permits in progress:
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 the City.

Project Updates
• Blosser Lane Rehabilitation construction is nearly complete. Tree planting and traffic striping are scheduled for the week of August 15th. Expectation is to have construction completed by the start of school.
• The Groundwater Resiliency Improvement Project is pending approval of the 401 & 404 Permits.

Construction is anticipated to begin between Sept. 1-15th.

Staffing Items
• No items to report.

Engineering Report
July | 2022
2 Budget Status
• The funds under the Engineering Department’s purview (departmental and project specific) are all under budget currently.

Focus for Next Month
• Construct the Groundwater Resiliency Improvement Project, Phase I. • Preparation of the 2022 Local Partnership Program/Pavement Preservation Project. • Development of the Solar Array Project at City Hall, which is part of a Power Resiliency Grant. • Encroachment Permit management.
• Groundwater monitoring management.
• Landfill management, winterization of the site.

Monthly Achievements & Activities
July 2021 July 2022
• Calls for service (CFS) 965 737
• Cases 113 105
• Arrests 54 52
• Citations 70 66
Project Updates
• We will be moving forward with updating our video surveillance equipment for station security and evidence room monitoring.

Staffing Items
• Our new patrol officer is immersed in the Field Training Program and is assimilating well. He is making a lot of community outreach and getting known. His public contacts have been positive for the most part and is being well received by the community. • Our recruitment continues for vacancies in the Police Officer, CSO and Police Sergeant positions. Currently, we have candidates in backgrounds for all three positions.

Budget Status
• No items to report.

Focus for Next Month
• Continue Community Outreach.
• Renewed commitment to school safety and presence.
• Recruitment for SRO candidate.

Police Department
July 2022 | Report
1 Monthly Achievements & Activities
• Installed parking control signs at locations on E. Commercial St. and painted red curbs as needed from Main St. east to the Sports Complex.
• Replaced worn no parking signs at other locations.
• Water leaks this month were minimal, but a few were addressed at various locations; including E. San Francisco St. and W. Van Ln.
• Repaired and replaced multiple sprinklers at the Recreation Grove and Sports Complex. Filled gopher holes and areas where dogs have attempted to dig. Replaced signs to dissuade pet owners from using the athletic fields to exercise their animals. • Conducted weed abatement along the downtown corridor of Main St. • Weeded and chipped planter strips along E. Commercial Street. • Assisted with the installation of monitoring equipment for ground water wells at several sites. • Removed down trees on Water Plant Road to keep the Water Shed roads accessible. Worked on the gates that keep the roads secure from trespassing. • Filled holes at the Dog Park and trimmed trees along fence lines. • Mowed the property surrounding the Skate and Dog Parks. • Mowed along Manzanita Ave. to clean up transient camps in that area. • Assisted the Wastewater Department to repair a sewer lateral connection on E. Oak St. • Trimmed street trees at various locations, including the north side of Humboldt St. adjacent to Snyder Park.
• Continued to clean up the Public Works Yard.
• Hand watering newly planted trees on Main Street and various Parks to establish healthy roots and minimize over-saturation.

Project Updates
• Planned to replace a section of problematic waterline on S. Magnolia St. Notified 811 to mark utilities in the area and sourcing parts for the project. • Purchased signpost materials for Blosser Ln. and other parking control projects. • Order street name signs for locations to replace damaged or unreadable signs. • Staff is considering contracting with a local tree expert from Greenstone Landscaping to evaluate and conduct annual pruning of newly established trees on Main St. and potentially Blosser Ln. to further insure the health and success of the trees. • Planning more red curb painting for W. Commercial, S. Lenore St., and E. Valley St. Schedule the work throughout the following weeks.

Public Works
July 2022 | Report
2 • Temporarily removed the Merry-Go-Round at Snyder Park for public safety. The structure broke off the center pedestal, and when the repairs are complete it will be re-installed. The expectation is to have the amenity operational within a few weeks. • Trimmed trees along bus routes for clearance in preparation of the upcoming school year.

The District Office submitted the request.

Staffing Items
• Drafting a new position for Public Works Maintenance to assist with building and grounds maintenance at City facilities.

Budget Status
• Created an expenditure account to track funds spent on the Prop. 68 Grant to facilitate various improvements at the Sports Complex. Collecting quotes and pricing for materials.

Focus for Next Month
• Schedule stump grinding at Hael Creek and Highway 20 Parks. • Install footings to mount sculpture at the Highway 20 Park site pending approval. • Continue painting red curbs at above mentioned locations and replace additional parking control signs as needed.
• Repair section of waterline on S. Magnolia St.
• Finish brush and ladder fuel abatement at Bittenbender Ln. • Continue sprinkler and irrigation repairs to Recreation Grove and the Sports Complex as needed.
• Order materials and confirm vendors to start contracts as needed for improvements at the Sports Complex with funding from the Prop. 68 grants.
• Replace the flag on top of the Willits Arch and install a new photocell for the lighting. 1 Monthly Achievements & Activities
• Repaired water main leak on E. Van Ln.
• Repaired water service leak on McKinley St.
• Repaired water service leak on E. San Francisco St.
• Installed new program on TFS automatic monthly downloads for billing. • Conducted four Sewer Lateral Inspections for home sales. • Cleaned 2,800 lineal feet of sewer main line.
• Operators participated in the mowing and brush clearing on Sherwood Rd. • Worked with Sky Valley Engineering on SCADA programming. • Repaired back gate and cleared roadway for fire access to the backside of the Watershed property.
• Replaced 40 lineal feet of steel water main on S. Magnolia St. • Repaired sewer lateral on W. Mendocino Ave.
• Re-calibrated and re-wired air scour actuators on Filter #2 at the Surface Water Treatment Plant (SWTP).
• Insulated and added shade protection to water distribution panels throughout system. • Replaced SC200 face plates on Filters #1 and #2 at the SWTP. • Rebuilt transfer switch at Meadowbrook Pump Station.
• Installed generator plug on the Locust St. Storage Tank. • Received new mower and rebuilt tractor for vegetation management at the SWTP. • Replaced chlorine injection quills at the Ground Water Treatment Plant.

Project Updates
• Ongoing: Sewer Lateral Inspection Program.
• Ongoing: Water Meter Replacement Program.
• Ongoing: Ground Maintenance at both facilities Water/Wastewater. • Reservoir Capacity: Morris 514-acre feet and Centennial 636-acre feet equates to 88-percent of full capacity (August 15th).
• July 2022 Water Usage: SWTP: 21,329,564 MG. July 2021: 26,964,882 MG.

GWTP: 2,204,000 MG. July 2021: None.

Total: 23,533,564 MG. July 2021: 26,964,882 MG.

Utilities
July 2022 | Report
2 • July 2022 Truck Fill Station (Park Well) non-potable water usage: 615,684 K/Gals. • July 2021 Truck Fill Station (Park Well) non-potable water usage: 2,798,359 MG. • July 2022 Wastewater Treatment Plant Flows: 19,261,719 MG. • Consumer Confidence Report submitted July 1st and is available on the website cityofwillits.org under Water Department or hard copies are available at City Hall upon request through Utility Billing.
• North Aeration Basin offline for inspection/repairs (August 10th) anticipate it being back online by last week of August.

Staffing Items
• No items to report.

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 at the SWTP. • 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, entrance gate at the WWTP (start date August 15th). • Replace four-inch, steel water main and services on Railroad Ave with eight-inch C900 (waiting for field survey to be completed SHN).
• Complete 2022 Cross Connection Program Backflow Testing (water) with John Graham Backflow Services.
• Repair and paint old clarifiers at WWTP through contract with Underdog Painting.

Willits City CouncilAugust 24, 2022

Willits City Council
August 24, 2022