111 E. Commercial Street
Willits, California 95490
Tel | 707.459.4601
Fax | 707.459.1562
www.cityofwillits.org
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
OCTOBER 12, 2022 | 6:30 PM | CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
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
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. September 28, 2022
6. MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORTS
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest. a. Business License Activity for September 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. Resolution in support of Mendocino County Measure P (Proposed sales tax to fund Fire Protection and Prevention)
b. Resolution in support of Mendocino County Measure O (Proposed sales tax to support County Library System).
c. Verbal Reports – No Action.
Willits City Council Agenda – October 12, 2022.
9. DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS (ACTION ITEMS)
a. Discussion and possible action approving the Annual Water Distribution System Flushing Plan.
Presenting staff member: Public Works Director Herman.
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 a. Finance Committee (September 29th).
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 7th day of October, 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.
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.
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
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 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 Madge Strong, Gerardo Gonzalez, Larry Stranske, Greta Kanne, and Mayor Saprina Rodriguez were present.
Also present were staff members: Brian Bender City Manager; Cathy Moorhead, Assistant City Manager; James Lance, City Attorney; Scott Herman, Utilities Superintendent; Fabian Lizarraga, Police Chief; Manuel Orozco, Finance Director; 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
Larry Olsen expressed his gratitude for the Council forming an Ad Hoc Committee regarding the Tobacco Retail Ordinance. Mr. Olsen feels the discussion between the City Staff, County staff and Tobacco Coalition was very productive. He also hopes the council will vote for the ordinance if it is brought back at a future council meeting.
3. Public Matters
a. Supervisor Haschak reported on items in the county that affect the City of Willits. County Cannabis Department will be moving to the upstairs portion of the Justice Center. The plan is to have this move competed within the month. Presented an update of the Great Redwood Trail Master Plan and Community Engagement Program. There are hopes to have the Master Plan complete by November 2023.
Measure P and Measure O are revenue neutral. They will be redirecting tax to the Libraries, Fire Departments and County Fire Safe Programs. No increase to taxes if both Measure P and O are passed.
Regarding the concern of the increase of homeless in Willits, Checked with Social Services and found that Building Bridges Program, is open in Ukiah and providing bother shelter and services. Ford Street is open, providing shelter for families with children in Ukiah. Manzanita Services in Willits is open and provides services and support.
October 9th, Blue Zones roll out for Northern Mendocino County at the Rec Grove Park at 1:00 p.m., at the County Museum, an opening for Recognition of the Hispanic Community and Contribution in Mendocino County, Nuestra Alianza will be showcased during the showing 1:00 p.m., at 2:00 p.m. the candidate forum will be at the Grange.
Hazardous Waste is only open in Ukiah on Wednesdays.
Willits City Council Minutes of September 28, 2022 Page 2 of 6 At the October 18th Board of Supervisors meeting there will be a public hearing to discuss closing off Dogwood Terrace and Dogwood Lane in Brooktrails.
Mayor Rodriguez and Councilmember Gonzalez expressed their concerns about the County Cannabis Department moving into the Justice Center. b. Scott Cratty, Mendocino County Fire Safe Council & Fire Chief Carter, Little Lake Fire District. Presentation of Measure P, County Essential Services Sales Tax. Scott Cratty gave an overview of Measure P and would like to get an endorsement from the City Council.
Fire Chief Carter added that the Little Lake Fire Department has 35 volunteers at the Little Lake Fire Department, they are looking for a way to pay the volunteers. The traveling public will also be paying into Measure P.
Public Comment: 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. September 14, 2022
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Strong/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar item (5a).
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. Agreement Between the Willits Chamber of Commerce and the City of Willits for the Allocation of Transient Occupancy Tax.
Verbal Reports –
City Manager Bender and City Attorney Lance gave clarification on the changes to the Brown Act.
City Manager Bender commended Davey Bowles, Building Official for getting the lights fixed at the Tennis Courts.
Moved by Gonzalez/Second by Strong and carried (4/1, Kanne dissenting) to approve Resolution No. 2022-59 of the City Council of the City of Willits Approving an Agreement Between the Willits Chamber of Commerce and the City of Willits for Allocation of Transient Occupancy Tax.
Public Comment: None presented.
Willits City Council Minutes of September 28, 2022 Page 3 of 6
9. Department Recommendations (Action Items)
a. Presentation by Finance Director Regarding Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2020.
Presenting staff member: Manuel Orozco, Finance Director.
Finance Director Orozco presented a Power Point Presentation of the City’s Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2020 and answered questions from the Councilmembers.
Public Comment: None presented.
10. Department Monthly Reports (ONLY SECOND MEETING OF EACH MONTH) a. Airport –
Airport Manager Moorhead reporting that the city has received the Data Survey on the Reach and Mike Smith hangars from LACO. Will be sending them on to Mead and Hunt so that they can finalize the documents with the FAA, to make sure that the placement of the hangers is correct. Received the quotes for having more trees removed from the north and south ends of the airport.
b. Community Development Department –
City manager Bender added that our General Plan Update is gaining momentum.
City Planner Duley is looking to schedule an elaborate city-wide tour for consultants and experts.
Councilmember Kanne asked if Dusty could give an update on the California Conservation Corps (CCC) Campus and its progress and what the timeline is. c. Engineering –
Public Works Director Herman reported that the Groundwater Resiliency Improvement Project Phase I is moving forward. All permits were approved as well as the dewatering plan if they encounter any groundwater. Councilmember Kanne expressed her gratitude to the staff at the Water Treatment Plant for their actions during the Walker Fire.
d. Finance-
Councilmember Kanne asked if the New Financial Software will tie in with ACS Payroll? Finance Director Orozco responded that we are bringing payroll back to ACS so that when we migrate over to the new software, we are only tying in one system not two.
e. Police Department –
Police Chief Lizarraga reported that we are slowly getting staffing levels up to par.
We have been able to give a couple of our officers the ability to go on vacation. Also trying to schedule some staff for training in the next few months to a year. Had a new Sargent start in the last few weeks. Sargent Walstrom came to us from Humboldt County. Next week we will start a new trainee for one of our dispatch positions. In the next week or two we are hoping to have a new Police Officer starting. We have a young lady we are sending to the academy starting October 10th, she will be attending Delta College in the Central Valley area. Hoping to have her on board with us in April 2023. Continuing to push to have more positive interaction with the community.
f. Public Works –
Public Works Director Herman added that the plan is to have the merry-go-round back in service Friday.
Councilmember Kanne commented that she had two citizens come to the bookstore and commented how impressed they were that they saw public works crews out cleaning storm drains before the rains. This was appreciated by the community. g. Utilities –
Willits City Council Minutes of September 28, 2022 Page 4 of 6 Public Works Director Herman thanked CalFire and Little Lake Fire Department for getting the Walker Fire under control, as well as the fire on Morris Island. CalFire was super helpful when they came and helped get the trees that fell during the fire out of the lake and back onto the island.
The Morris dam valve was removed today and the new one should be installed tomorrow. The reason it has taken so long is because it is about 125 ft down a hill, Wipf Construction had to get creative to get down there to remove and then to replace it.
Public Comment: None presented.
No action taken.
11. City Council Announcements, Communications and Reports Councilmember Gonzalez – Tobacco Retailers Licensing Ad Hoc Committee, does not feel we would be ready to bring the item back to Council by October 12th.
Councilmember Gonzalez had an opportunity to speak to Mark Fierro.
Councilmember Gonzalez mentioned to Mr. Fierro he would be interested in him or someone for his agency to come and speak at a council meeting about what is being done at the schools and who does what? Councilmember Gonzalez felt that this information would be important so that everyone has a good grasp as we move forward. Councilmember Gonzalez asked the representative from the local tribe to have someone from the Tobacco Store to contact him, he would like to ask some questions. Unless these people got back to us right away, he does not feel we would be ready for the October 12th meeting.
Councilmember Kanne added that Angela Wartell of the County mention that if the state voters decide to pass Measure 31, which would ban flavored tobacco statewide, there will not be any mechanisms from the state to help enforce the band, so from their perspective passing the Tobacco Retailers License Ordinance would help create a mechanism within our jurisdiction. It would give us a leg up.
Councilmember Kanne feels that from the meeting that all agreed that they wanted to wait to see how it shook out at the State level. The committee sees the benefit of being pro-active but wanted to see where it was all headed in the bigger picture before we start digging in too deeply. Councilmember Kanne agrees that we would not be ready by October 12th to act on the Ordinance.
Councilmember Gonzalez - There is a League of California Cities (LCC) Meeting tomorrow, Mariah Turner, the representative for our area, is resigning as a Councilmember for Lakeport which makes her not available as our representative, this position is now opened up and there will be a vote to fill the League of California Cities Representative position.
Councilmember Strong – Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA) met on September 15th, there is no draft of a Contract with C and S towards privatizing services, but MSWMA is working on it. The next meeting is October 20th, there may be a special meeting called once they have a proposed contract. Hoping to make the transition by the end of the year. Councilmember Kanne – Attended the Willits High School Environmental Club weekly meeting, they are planning a cleanup at either Baechtel Creek or Broadus Creek. She has contacted City Manager Bender who has spoken with Public Works Superintendent O’shea and Police Chief Lizarraga in hopes to clear the way for the High School group to do a two-hour cleanup in town.
Mayor Rodriguez – Attended the Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) Board meeting, discussed staffing and in the inland area they have restored most routes back to where they were before Covid activity. Fort Bragg area is in desperate need of drivers, there are four openings. The MTA Board accepted the retirement of Bob Willits City Council Minutes of September 28, 2022 Page 5 of 6 Butler from the maintenance department. Mr. Butler has been with MTA for 41 ½ years. The gentleman that is going to be filling his shoes has been with MTA for 38 years. MTA is receiving a $2,000 a month savings by switching from fuel to electric.
One challenge MTA had on the hot days, was the request not to charge the electric vehicles for those 3 days. MTA is trying to figure out what will be the plan if they change the whole fleet to electric as the State mandates. MTA is reaching out to lawmakers to make sure they have a plan as the State moves forward in imposing the switch to zero emissions mandates. MTA is making a marketing plan, there will be a thirty-day period where passengers will be able to ride MTA for free, in hopes that this will increase ridership. This is being paid for with left over LC Top funds from 2019.
Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) is putting out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Ukiah Transit Center. Working on a grant opportunity for FY 2023- 2024. It will be critical that the public participates when it is their time in this grant opportunity. Other communities that have gotten their Transit Centers going, it came down to the public participation showing that they really wanted this. Lake County and Humboldt County were awarded grants for their Transit Centers. Mayor Rodriguez brought up a community concern about Baechtel Road. There is community concern about excessive speed on Baechtel Road. City Manager Bender responded that Baechtel Road is one of the target areas that is subject to the city-wide traffic study. The city is going to be looking at road design, usage, volumes and speeds. The city will get the proposals out and hopefully retain a consultant to help complete this process before the end of the year.
Public Comment: None presented.
No action taken.
12. Good & Welfare
Councilmember Strong reported that Willits Economic Localization (WELL) sponsored an Energy Future Forum on September 22nd. The speakers talked a lot about the times to use the solar power and the times to try and not to so that the state can adjust and take advantage of when people are feeding power into the grid through their solar installations.
Councilmember Strong - October 9th there will be an Election and Candidates forum at the Willits Grange from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Councilmember Kanne – On September 10th Supervisor Mulhern and she hosted a cleanup event in Brooktrails on Dogwood Terrace, this has been a sight of dumping for the past couple of years, there were almost 30 people that showed up to help with the cleanup. In four hours, volunteers removed over 6,000 lbs. of rubbish, this was taken to the Willits transfer station and the fees were generously waived by Gerry Ward. Nicolaus Landscaping as well as residents of both Brooktrails and Willits were there helping. There will be a follow-up cleanup this coming Saturday to finish the job. Hoping to have some heavy equipment there to help load the last of the big stuff into the trailers and Gerry will once again be waiving the fees for us.
There will be an item before the County Board of Supervisors on October 16th to close both Dogwood Terrace and Dogwood Court. Once this is done the Willits Area Cyclist will be working to tie in trails from the top of those circles down into the green belt and into the rest of the hiking and biking that they have been stewarding these last few years. Councilmember Kanne wanted to thank the residents of Willits and Brooktrails that helped with the cleanup and those who will be coming this Saturday.
Public Comment: None presented.
Willits City Council Minutes of September 28, 2022 Page 6 of 6 No action taken.
13. Closed Session Notice
None presented.
14. Adjournment
Mayor Rodriguez declared the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. _____________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council for the City of Willits
ATTEST:
__________________________
DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
BL# Name Address
Date
Issued Type of Bussiness
7091
Baize Electric & Solar Technologies Paul Baize 13929 Eberle Rd, Bakersfield Ca 93313
9/15/2022 electric contractor
7092 Bright Planet Solar Stephen M Heinz 9767 Business Park Dr Suite E Sacramento ca 95827
9/15/2022 solar installation cont.
7093 Nomad Assistance, LLC Heaven Gunter/Ryan Mcphillips 12 Northbrook Way, Willits 9/15/2022 Virtual Assistance Serv.
New Business License - September 2022
6a
Item No. 8a&b
Meeting Date: 10/12/22
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Brian Bender, City Manager
Agenda Title: ADOPT RESOLUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF NOVEMBER 8TH MENDOCINO COUNTY BALLOT
MEASURES O & P TO COLLECT SALES TAX REVENUE FOR THE MENDOCINO COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM AND FIRE PROTECTION PROGRAMS.
Type: Presentation Consent Regular Agenda Public Hearing Urgent Time: 15 minutes Summary of Request: The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors agreed to place two sales tax measures on the November 8th Ballot. Measure O reconfigures the existing 5/8 of one cent Sales Tax by changing the 1/8-cent for the Library System to a permanent ¼-cent. Measure P receives an allocation of ¼-cent of the existing Sales Tax to fund fire protection and prevention efforts. Measure P expires in ten-years.
Recommended Action: Adopt the accompanying Resolutions.
Alternative(s): None.
Fiscal Impact: The City will not receive any of the collected revenue from the proposed Ballot Measures.
Personnel Impact: None.
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 1 October 12, 2022
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WILLITS PROCLAIMING ITS
SUPPORT FOR MENDOCINO COUNTY MEASURE P, A PROPOSED SALES TAX TO FUND FIRE PROTECTION AND PREVENTION.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Willits at its September 28th meeting received a briefing on the proposed Mendocino County Measure P from the Fire Safe Council of Mendocino County and the Little Lake Fire District; and WHEREAS, Measure P is not a new tax but a reallocation of the existing 5/8 of one-cent sales tax to fund fire protection and prevention throughout Mendocino County; and WHEREAS, Measure P is a Ballot Measure set for the November 8th General Election; and
WHEREAS, ninety-percent of the revenue collected from Measure P is earmarked for local Fire Districts and the remaining ten-percent for fire-prevention programs; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Willits agreed it is in the best interest of the public safety for Willits’ citizens to have the Little Lake Fire District receive additional funding to strengthen the fire and emergency services in the City of Willits; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Willits City Council by adopting this Resolution proclaims its support for Mendocino County Measure P to provide additional funding for fire protection and prevention efforts.
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, 12th day of October, 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
_________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council of the City of Willits
ATTEST:
_________________________
DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Resolution No. 2022- Page 1 of 1 October 12, 2022
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WILLITS PROCLAIMING ITS
SUPPORT FOR MENDOCINO COUNTY MEASURE O, A PROPOSED SALES TAX TO SUPPORT THE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Willits has an interest to ensure the Mendocino County Library System has sufficient funding thereby enabling the System to provide the most complete range of services for the benefit of County residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Willits hosts one of the six Library Branches; and WHEREAS, Measure O is a Ballot Measure set for the November 8th General Election; and
WHEREAS, Measure O is not a new tax but a reallocation of the existing 5/8 of one-cent sales tax to annually collect an estimated $4.2 million of which 40-percent is earmarked for capital repairs and improvements for the Library System; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Willits agreed it is in the best interest of the community to advocate for additional funding for the Mendocino County Library System especially as citizens of the Willits benefit by having a local Library Branch; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Willits City Council by adopting this Resolution proclaims its support for Mendocino County Measure O to provide additional funding for the County Library System.
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, 12th day of October, 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
_________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council of the City of Willits
ATTEST:
_________________________
DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Item No. 9a
Meeting Date: October 12, 2022
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Scott Herman, Public Works Director
Agenda Title: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION APPROVING THE ANNUAL WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FLUSHING PLAN.
Type: Presentation Consent Regular Agenda Public Hearing Urgent Time: 10 min.
Summary of Request: The Public Works Department prepared the attached Annual Water Distribution System Flushing Plan to document City’s routine water main cleaning activities. The Plan follows the Technical Memo the Council reviewed at the July 27th that described the problem and emphasized the importance of annual flushing as part of a phased response.
In recent years, the community has experienced frequent brown water events. Water customers experience brown water when there is a sudden change in velocity in the Water System pipes that stirs up any accumulated sediment. Annual flushing of the City’s Water Distribution System reduces these occurrences.
These maintenance activities are conducted during periods of low water demand, typically between December and April, with possible modified flushing during drought years. With the recent addition of groundwater as an approved source to offset the use of surface water, Public Works can schedule annual flushings on a regular basis.
Attached is the Annual Water Distribution System Flushing Plan for the Council’s consideration.
Recommended Action: Approve the Annual Water Distribution System Flushing Plan.
Alternative(s): None.
Fiscal Impact: Annual flushing involves staff overtime work related to flushing at night on Main Street to avoid impacts to businesses. Overtime associated with annual flushing is built into the existing Water Enterprise Fund Budget. If needed, the City can retain contractors to perform the work. If that should occur, the Water Enterprise has sufficient funds available to cover the additional expense.
Personnel Impact: Typically, flushing routines require four to six staff members until completed.
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 _________ 1 Annual Water Distribution System Flushing
Plan
City of Willits
This plan is being established to provide guidelines for the City of Willits Water Distribution System Flushing and Fire Hydrant/Valve exercising program required by the State Water Resource Control Board Drinking Water Division of Drinking Water (SWRCB-DDW) on an annual basis.
I. Goal
The purpose of the flushing program is to provide a safe high quality water supply to the customers of the City of Willits. Debris can enter and accumulate throughout the year in a water distribution system. Disinfectant residuals can deplete due to low usage and disinfectants may combine with constituents in the system to form undesirable byproducts. Each of these situations may be corrected by an adequate flushing program.
Flushing is conducted during periods of low water demand typically between December and April in the winter and early spring months with possible modified flushing occurring during drought years depending on water supply levels in the City’s reservoirs. To supplement flows from the reservoirs, staff may seek City Council approval to operate the Groundwater Production Facility (beyond agreed upon volumes) to ensure there is sufficient capacity in the system. Prior to the annual flushing, the City of Willits will send out notices with the start date and time of the flushing through water billing, social media, and the local newspapers. Throughout the duration of flushing, areas affected will be updated daily or weekly on the City’s Facebook page with date and start time.
II. Plan of Action
A systematic flushing of the entire distribution system will be conducted annually or more often if required to maintain water quality. Flushing will be performed by Water System Operators and Public Works maintenance personnel. When City staff is unavailable to conduct flushing, the 111 E. Commercial Street
Willits, California 95490
Tel | 707.459.4601
Fax | 707.459.1562
www.cityofwillits.org
Gateway to the Redwoods
Document added to packet.
2 City will utilize contractors to perform the task to the same level of proficiency. The flushing program will ensure that:
Sediment and air are removed.
The required free chlorine is maintained.
Water is clear with no visible sediment.
No objectionable taste and odor remain.
All valves, fire hydrants and end of line blowoffs are exercised. Any malfunctioning or non-working infrastructure equipment is inventoried for future repair.
III. Flushing Procedures
Valves are opened and closed slowly to prevent water hammer. Water is directed away from traffic, pedestrians, underground utility vaults, private lands, and landscaped areas.
Confirm that storm drains or natural water courses can accommodate the flow. Diffusers are used with sodium thiosulfate tabs for water dechlorination before entering any drainage or waterway.
Hydrants and blowoffs are opened for a sufficient length of time (5-10 minutes) to stir up deposits inside the water main.
The line is flushed until water is clear (this can take 30-minutes or longer) Open previously closed valves.
IV. Record Keeping
Records of each flushing will be maintained by the City of Willits Water Department.
These records will include the following:
Date.
Time.
Location.
Length of flushing.
The free chlorine residual after flushing.
Amount of water used for flushing.
File & keep flushing reports for future system comparison.
V. Conclusion
This plan documents operational procedures to reduce brown water and taste/odor issues that occur when the distribution system is not thoroughly flushed annually. The goal of this plan is to communicate these procedures to water consumers and provide assurance that the City is providing high quality drinking water to all consumers.
Resolution No. 2022-__ Page 1 of 1 October 12, 2022
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-___
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ANNUAL WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FLUSHING PLAN TO
GUIDE THE EFFORTS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO REDUCE THE EPISODES OF BROWN WATER.
WHEREAS, customers of the Potable Water Distribution System of the City of Willits experienced brown water events; and
WHEREAS, brown water is the discoloration of water due to the presence of particulates in the system due to sudden changes in velocity, a lack of regular system maintenance, aging infrastructure, and a high presence of minerals in the water; and
WHEREAS, brown water is a nuisance and creates unpleasant customer experiences; and WHEREAS, the City Council at its July 27th meeting, received a technical memo from the City Engineer explaining the extent of the problem and offering three recommended alternatives with system flushing listed as a principal element of an Annual Maintenance Program; and WHEREAS, the Public Works Department composed an Annual Water Distribution System Flushing Plan to help reduce the number of brown water episodes; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Willits City Council by adopting this Resolution approves the Annual Water Distribution System Flushing Plan as prepared by the Public Works Department and attached to this Resolution.
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 12th day of October, 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
______________________________
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council of the City of Willits
ATTEST:
____________________________
DELORES PEDERSEN, City Clerk