111 E. Commercial Street
Willits, California 95490
Tel | 707.459.4601
Fax | 707.459.1562
www.cityofwillits.org
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2025 | 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 input from the audience. If there is a matter of business on the agenda that you are interested in, you may address the Council when this matter is considered. If you wish to speak on a matter that is not on the agenda, you may do so at this time. In order for everyone to be heard, please limit your comments to three (3) minutes per person. The Brown Act regulations do not allow action to be taken on audience comments in which the subject is not listed on the agenda.
Members of the public are asked to observe the rules of decorum. While the City Council welcomes public criticism of policies, procedures, programs, or services of the agency; behavior that disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting and that includes, but is not limited to use of profanity, slurs, yelling from the audience, threatening remarks, physically threatening conduct, or physical or verbal displays of disrespect, will not be tolerated and the individual will be removed immediately.
3. PUBLIC MATTERS
a. None.
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:
Willits City Council Special Meeting Agenda – January 21, 2025.
a. City Council Minutes:
i. January 8th.
b. Adopt A Resolution to Accept 2024 Pavement Preservation Project (Project #2024-01) and Authorize the Filing of the Notice Of Completion. The Completed Project Totaled $1,155,435.
6. MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORTS
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest. a. None.
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. Request by Redwood Waste Solutions, Inc. for a Consumer Price Index Increase of
2.55-percent Applied to all Service Accounts Within the City. b. Verbal Reports – No Action.
9. DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS (ACTION ITEMS)
a. None.
10. DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORTS – (presented at the 2nd monthly meeting) a. Airport. b. Community Dev. c. Finance. d. Police. e. Services & Facilities. f. Utilities.
11. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS a. Mayor’s Appointments to City Committees, Boards and Agencies for 2025.
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 17th day of January, 2025.
Delores Pedersen, City Clerk
Willits City Council Special Meeting Agenda – January 21, 2025.
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. 111 E. COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA 95490
(707) 459-4601 TEL
(707) 459-1562 FAX
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8, 2025
Mayor Stranske called a regular meeting of the City Council to order at 6:30 p.m., in Council Chambers. The meeting was preceded by the pledge to the flag.
Roll Call: Councilmembers Gerardo Gonzalez, Tom Allman, Vice Mayor Matthew Alaniz and Mayor Larry Stranske were present.
Also present were staff members: Brian Bender, City Manager; Cathy Moorhead, Assistant City Manager; Jim Lance, City Attorney; Mike Parish, Interim Police Chief; Dusty Duley, Community Development Director; Walter Kolon, Services and Facilities Director; Philip Davidson, Code Compliance Officer; and Delores Pedersen, City Clerk.
Mayor Stranske called for a Moment of Silence for the residents affected by the fires in Southern California and in recognition of the passing of President James Carter.
2. Public Communications
Former Councilmember Madge Strong expressed the importance of the existing Councilmembers to serve on County Wide boards and committees. Hoping all of the Councilmembers are planning to do their share and that the City of Willits is represented. Ms. Strong spoke in support of City Manager Bender, stating that she has the utmost respect for City Manager Bender and feels he has accomplished a tremendous amount and does it with honesty and respect for the citizens in the community, Mr. Bender is the best City Manager she has worked with during her tenure on City Council. Ms. Strong ends with if there are areas of dissatisfaction those are legitimate to take up. Helen Sims inquired about the Standing committees and what Councilmembers will be on those committees.
3. Public Matters
a. None.
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. December 11th.
ii. December 17th.
Willits City Council Minutes of January 8, 2025 Page 2 of 4 Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Alaniz and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar item(s) (a).
6. Monthly Activity Reports
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest. a. Accounts Payable Activity Report – December 2024.
b. Business License Activity Report – December 2024.
c. Building Permit Activity Report – December 2024.
7. Commissions, Agencies and Authorities
None presented.
8. City Manager Reports and Recommendations
a. Request by Redwood Waste Solutions, Inc. for a Consumer Price Index Increase of 2.55-percent Applied to all Service Accounts Within the City. Councilmember Gonzalez recused himself as he has a family member that is currently employed at Redwood Waste Solutions.
Vice Mayor Alaniz inquired if this item should have had a Public Hearing Notice in the Newspaper?
Michelle Goodman of Redwood Waste Solutions (RWS) explained that the only area that it is required to run a Public Hearing Notice in Mendocino County is Brooktrails based on the Franchise Fee Agreement that Brooktrails holds. Ms. Goodman also provided a breakdown as to how RWS came up with the 2.55% Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase.
After further discussion the item was pulled to allow staff to further investigate whether a Public Hearing Notice is required. This item will be brought back at a future meeting.
Public Comment:
Former City Councilmember Madge Strong provided background on the matter from her tenure. The annual cost of living, fuel, and Cold Creek passthrough increase was written in as part of the annual review of the rates that would be voted on in December of each year. This would allow for the increase to become part of the billing cycle for January 1 if approved by Council.
Bruce McCracken of Redwood Waste Solutions (RWS) stated that he concurred that RWS does not want to be doing anything incorrectly, but that this is the first time in forty years that this has happened. The CPI is an index contract, anything above the CPI would require a Public Hearing.
b. Verbal Reports – No Action.
Public Comment: None presented.
9. Department Recommendations (Action Items)
a. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Awarding a Professional Services Contract to EBA Engineering for Landfill Post-Closure Compliance Services for a Two-Year Term, with a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $82,412.40 ($41,206.20 for the First Year and $41,206.20 for the Second Year), and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Contract.
Presenting staff member: Walter Kolon, Services & Facilities Director.
Willits City Council Minutes of January 8, 2025 Page 3 of 4 Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Alaniz and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2025-01 awarding a Professional Services Contract to EBA Engineering for Landfill Post-Closure Compliance Services for a two-year term, with a total not-to-exceed amount of $82,412.40 ($41,206.20 for the first year and $41,206.20 for the second year), and authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract.
b. Adopt a Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Contract with Tall Tree Engineering for On Call Services as the City Engineer Defined as a Consultant in a Management Support Role (CMSR) for an Amount not to Exceed $150,000 with a Term Ending June 30, 2026.
Presenting staff member: Walter Kolon, Services & Facilities Director.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Allman/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2025-02 approving professional services contract with Tall Tree Engineering as Acting City Engineer defined as a Consultant in a Management Support Role (CMSR) for an amount not to exceed $150,000 with a term ending June 30 2026, and authorize the City Manager to execute contract documents. c. Review and Approve the City of Willits 2023 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports.
Presenting staff member: Dusty Duley, Community Development Director.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Alaniz and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2025-03 to approve the 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report and 2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
d. Introduction by Title Only a Revision to Section 8.26.090 - Suspension, Termination or Revocation of License Provisions of the Willits Municipal Code.
Presenting staff member: Phillip Davidson, Code Compliance Officer.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Stranske and carried unanimously to approve Introducing by Title Only and Waiving the First Reading of Ordinance 2023-01. e. Introduction by Title Only to Insert Chapter 8.24 – Nitrous Oxide Sales Into the City of Willits Municipal Code, Making it Unlawful for Any Person in the City, with Exceptions, to Sell or Attempt to Sell, Offer, Distribute, or Provide Nitrous Oxide to Any Person.
Presenting staff member: Phillip Davidson, Code Compliance Officer Public Comment: Madge Strong spoke in support of the two Ordinance updates.
Moved by Alaniz/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to approve Introducing by Title Only and Waiving the First Reading of Ordinance 2023-02.
Willits City Council Minutes of January 8, 2025 Page 4 of 4
10. City Council Announcements, Communications and Reports Councilmember Allman asked City Manager Bender to give an update on the recruitment of a new City Councilmember. City Manager Bender responded that the City is seeking applicants.
City Clerk Pedersen announced that she has currently received one applicant that was deemed invalid due to not living within the City Limits. Ms. Pedersen reminded any potential applicants that they must live within City Limits and your home address must match your voter registration. The deadline to apply is January 15th at 5:30 pm.
No action taken.
11. Good & Welfare
None.
City Council Adjourned to Closed Session at 7:42 pm.
12. Closed Session Notice
a. Conference with Legal Counsel existing litigation (CA Govt. Code §54956.9 (d)(1)); in the matter of Craig Anthony Gelber vs City of Willits, et al, Case No. 3- 23-cv-00681-JSC, United States District Court for the Northern California District.
Item was pulled from the agenda by City Manager Bender. b. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 – Agency Negotiator Patrick Clark, Patrick Clark Consulting and City Manager Bender. Employee Organization(s): International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker (IBEW).
The City Council reconvened to open session at 8:12pm, with the following report out:
Mayor Stranske reported that the item would be brought back to the City Council meeting of January 22nd for consideration.
14. Adjournment
Mayor Stranske declared the meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
For more information on the January 8, 2025 Willits City Council Meeting please view the recording on YouTube.
_____________________________
LARRY STRANSKE, Mayor
City Council for the City of Willits
ATTEST:
__________________________
DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Item No. 5b
Meeting Date: January 21, 2025
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Walter Kolon, Services and Facilities Director
Agenda Title: ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT 2024 PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROJECT (PROJECT #2024-01) AND AUTHORIZE THE FILING OF THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION. THE COMPLETED PROJECT TOTALED $1,155,435.
Type: Presentation Consent Regular Agenda Public Hearing Urgent Summary of Request: Approve the accompanying Resolution to close out the 2024 Pavement Preservation Project.
The City Council at their June 26th meeting awarded the project to Argonaut Constructors Inc., of Santa Rosa, California. The project consisted of pavement improvements on portions of Blosser Lane, Locust Street, and Walnut Street totaling approximately 46,500 square feet and approximately 10,000 square feet of asphalt digouts on East Commercial Street. Reflective special
Staff initiated additional paving work by leveraging Argonaut’s mobilization for the concurrent Underground Utility Project, which allowed for the resurfacing of State Street. While this work was not officially designated as part of PPP 24 (the public may have viewed it as a phase of PPP 24), it provided significant benefit to the community through enhanced resurfacing. Funding for this additional work was provided by the Transportation 202 and Wastewater 510 Funds, with a subsequent reimbursement from the Surface Transportation Block Grant.
Recommended Action: Approve Services and Facilities recommendation to issue Argonaut Constructors a Notice of Completion and file the notice with the County Recorder’s Office.
Alternative(s): None recommended.
Fiscal Impact: The project was initially approved with a budget of $1,120,380. The final project cost totaled $1,155,435, with the overage resulting from two change orders totaling $35,090.60.
The cumulative overage is less than ten percent of the total contract amount, as established by the City Council's June 22nd action.
The Change Orders are as follows:
Change Order #1 for $4,477.50 was for extra work due to an unmarked waterline.
Change Order #2 for $30,612.60 was for AC Paving & AC Digouts. The additional AC paving came in widening the shoulder on Locust and thickening a portion of pavement on Blosser where poor subgrade was encountered. The additional AC digouts were the portion of Blosser south of Franklin and the westerly extension of the E Commercial Street digout.
Personnel Impact: Staff time in Service & Facilities Department for project management.
Identified City Council Conflict of Interest: None.
2021 Adopted Goals: This item meets Goal #1 for Services & Facilities…Maintain and improve infrastructure systems of water, wastewater, public facilities, and streets capable of managing future growth while responding to current City needs.
California Environmental Quality Act: The project as scoped and implemented did not evoke a CEQA review.
This Item Relates to the following General Plan Element : N/A Land Use Circulation Conservation and Open Space Noise Housing Public Services and Facilities, Parks and Recreation Economic Development Reviewed by: City Manager City Attorney Assistant City Manager City Clerk Finance Director Human Resources
Council Action: Approved Denied Other: ______________________________ Records: Agreement Resolution #_______ Ordinance #________ Other _______ Resolution No. 2025-__ Page 1 of 1 January 22, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WILLITS AUTHORIZING AN NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF THE 2024 PAVEMENT PRESERVATION REPLACEMENT PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 2024-01.
WHEREAS, the final inspection of the Willits Downtown Improvement Project, Project No. 2024-01, was made by the Surface and Facilities Department; and WHEREAS, staff determined that the work for this project has been completed in substantial compliance with the project plans and specifications; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Willits does hereby accept the work performed by Argonaut Constructors, subject to all warranties and conditions of the contract; and
WHEREAS, the awarded contract was for $1,120,345.50 and subsequently incurred two additive change orders totaling $35,090.10 for a final project total of $1,155,435.60; and WHEREAS, the final project total is within the ten-percent of the total contract amount, as established by the City Council's June 22nd approval action.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Willits City Council Does hereby authorize a Notice of Completion for the 2024 Pavement Preservation Project, Project 2024-01.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is authorized and directed to execute the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City of Willits and the City Clerk is directed to record said Notice of Completion with the Recorder of the County of Mendocino.
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 22nd day of January 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
__________________________
_________________________________
Larry Stranske, Mayor
City Council of the City of Willits
DELORES PEDERSEN, City Clerk
(REV. 09/14/2010)
RECORDING REQUESTED BY: NO FEE FOR GOVT. AGENCY
GOVERNMENT CODE 27383
City of Willits
AND WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:
City of Willits
(NAME)
111 E. Commercial Street
(STREET ADDRESS)
Willits, CA 95490
(CITY, STATE, ZIP)
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT:
1. The undersigned is the OWNER or agent of the interest or estate stated below.
2. The FULL NAME of the owner is: City of Willits
3. The FULL ADDRESS of the owner is: 111 E. Commercial St., Willits, CA 95490
4. The nature of the interest or estate is: In Fee. Fee Simple (if other than Fee, Strike “In Fee” and insert, for example, “Purchaser Under Contract of Purchase” or Lessee”)
5. The FULL NAMES and ADDRESSES of all CO-OWNERS, if any, who hold any title or interest with the aforementioned owner in the property are
NAMES ADDRESSES
6. A work of improvement on the property hereinafter described, was completed on: 12-30-2024 The work done was (describe below): (DATE)
Project includes pavement improvements on portions of Blosser Lane, Locust Street, and Walnut Street totaling approximately 46,500 square feet and approximately 10,000 square feet of asphalt digouts on East Commercial Street. It also includes construction of new sidewalks, curb and gutter, asphalt dikes, pedestrian ramps, and driveways within the project footprint.
7. The name of contractor, of any, for such work of improvement is:
Argonaut Constructors July 29, 2024
(NAME) (DATE OF CONTRACT)
8. The street address of said property is:
Throughout the City of Willits as described on Page 1, line 3A of their contract.
9. The property on which said work was completed is in the: Willits Mendocino State of California, and is described as follows: (CITY OF) (COUNTY OF)
10. The Willits City Council accepted the project as complete by adoption of Resolution No.:
I, the undersigned, certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
Signature of owner or
owner’s representative as
identified in paragraph 2.
Brian Bender, City Manager
(TYPED NAME) (SIGNATURE) (DATE)
SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE FOR RECORDER’S USE
Item No. 8a
Meeting Date: January 21, 2025
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Brian Bender, City Manager
Agenda Title: CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY REDWOOD WASTE SOLUTIONS, INC.
TO APPLY A CONSUMER PRICE INDEX INCREASE OF 2.55-PERCENT TO ALL SERVICE ACCOUNTS WITHIN THE CITY OF WILLITS.
Type: Presentation Consent Regular Agenda Public Hearing Urgent Update to the January 8th Agenda Summary:
The City Council tabled this item at the January 8th meeting to allow staff to determine whether the requested fee increase requires a noticed public hearing. Staff directs the City Council to review and consider the opinion expressed by City Attorney, Jim Lance in his memo dated January 14th. The memo outlines the application of the noticing and publication requirements under Proposition 218. According to Mr. Lance, the cost-of-living adjustment proposed by Redwood Waste Solutions is consistent with Proposition 218 and is not subject to the specific hearing requirements associated with rate adjustments. Redwood Waste Solutions also prepared a January 13th correspondence affirming that the cost-of-living adjustment, as outlined in the franchise agreement, does not qualify as a significant rate increase and is not subject to a separate hearing.
Staff confirms that the cost-of-living adjustment is a legitimate request, consistent with the terms of the franchise agreement. As such, the City Council may consider this item as part of a regular meeting.
If approved, Redwood Waste Solutions will implement the new rates on February 1st.
Summary of Request: Redwood Waste Solutions, Inc. requests a Consumer Price Index (CPIU) cost-of-living rate adjustment of 2.55-percent for all service accounts within the City of Willits.
Redwood Waste Solutions seek to have the revised rates go into effect on a delayed billing cycle for January 2025 (please see the December 17th correspondence).
Section 15(B) of the Franchise Agreement between Redwood Waste Solutions and the City outlines a procedure that allows rate adjustments to occur for cost of living and cost of fuel adjustments on an annual basis. The request for the adjustment complies with the procedures described in the agreement through the submission of the required documentation.
The proposed increase will affect the following common residential services: (1) 65-GallonCurrent: $93.93 | Proposed: $96.32; (2) 35-Gallon-Current: $74.69 | Proposed $76.52; and (3) 20-Gallon-Current: $34.60 | Proposed: $35.52.
The supporting documentation accompanies this Agenda Summary.
Recommended Action: Adopt the accompanying Resolution to approve the CPI-U rate increase of 2.55-percent requested by Redwood Waste Solutions.
Alternative(s): None recommended.
Fiscal Impact: A revenue increase of approximately $1,200 in franchise fees due to the rate adjustment.
Personnel Impact: None since the City outsources waste and trash collection services.
Identified City Council Conflict of Interest: None.
2021 Adopted Goals: This item satisfies Goal #1 for Services and Facilities…Maintain and improve infrastructure systems of water, wastewater, public facilities and streets capable of managing future growth while responding to current City needs.
California Environmental Quality Act: The item does not require a CEQA review.
This Item Relates to the following General Plan Element : N/A Land Use Circulation Conservation and Open Space Noise Housing Public Services and Facilities, Parks and Recreation Economic Development
Reviewed by: City Manager City Attorney Assistant City Manager City Clerk Finance Director Human Resources
Council Action: Approved Denied Other: ________________________________ Records: Agreement Resolution #______ Ordinance #______ Other _______ Resolution No. 2025- Page 1 of 1 January 21, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-____
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WILLITS APPROVING A CONSUMER PRICE INDEX INCREASE OF 2.55-PERCENT TO ALL SERVICE
ACCOUNTS WITHIN THE CITY OF WILLITS WITH THE INCREASE TAKING EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 1, 2025.
WHEREAS, the City of Willits contracts with Redwood Waste Solutions, Inc. for solid waste collection services via the terms of a December 2023 Agreement; and WHEREAS, rates for collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste were set by considering income received from the sale of recyclables as well as rates charged to consumers; and
WHEREAS, the request for the adjustment complies with the procedures described in the agreement by specifying the amount of the adjustment for each given rate justified by higher operating costs; and
WHEREAS, Redwood Waste Solutions, Inc. seeks a cost-of-living adjustment of
2.55-percent to cover the additional operation costs for the collection, transportation, disposal and recycling of garbage, refuse, and rubbish services to citizens and businesses of Willits; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Willits approves a 2.55-percent, Consumer Price Index rate adjustment to Solid Wastes of Willits, Inc. for the collection, transportation, disposal and recycling of garbage, refuse and rubbish with an effective date of February 1, 2025.
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 21st day of January, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
______________________________
________________________________
LARRY STRANSKE, Mayor
City Council of the City of Willits
DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
1 Office of the City Attorney, City of Willits
Memo
To: Mayor Larry Stranske and Council Members
From: James Lance, City Attorney
Date: January 14, 2025
CC: Brian Bender and Cathy Moorhead
Re: Application of the Proposition 218 45-day noticing regulations to Redwood Waste Solution’s request for Cost of Living and Fuel Expense Adjustments Introduction
This memorandum addresses the issue of whether the request for an annual cost of living adjustment and fuel expense adjustment (“Annual Adjustments”) by the City’s franchise refuse hauler, Redwood Waste Solutions (“Redwood”), is subject to the 45-day noticing and publication requirements of Proposition 218. As discussed herein, Redwood’s request for the Adjustments is authorized under the terms of the parties’ franchise agreement and is not subject to the Proposition 218 45-day notice. Lawful notice of the meeting to consider the Adjustments was provided in advance of the January 8, 2025 city council meeting.
Discussion
At the regular meeting held January 8, 2025 the council members inquired whether the subject Adjustments requested by Redwood qualify as “new or increased rates” under Proposition 218 and thus subject to a 45-day public hearing notice requirement. In this regard, the procedural requirements for imposing a new or increased property related fee subject to Prop 218 are set forth in the Ralph M. Brown Act at Government Code Section 54954.6 (a)(2) which provides:
“(2) The legislative body shall provide at least 45 days' public notice of the public hearing at which the legislative body proposes to enact or increase the general tax or assessment. The legislative body shall provide notice for the public meeting at the same time and in the same document as the notice for the public hearing, but the meeting shall occur prior to the hearing.” ⚫ Page 2
As discussed herein, an annual cost of living adjustment, authorized by contact and calculated pursuant to a clearly defined and agreed upon formula, is permissible and statutorily exempt from the Prop 218 public noticing requirements.
Proposition 218 added Articles XIII C and XIII D to the California Constitution and made numerous substantive and procedural changes to local government finance law in the areas of taxes, assessments, fees and charges.
Specifically, Article XIII D, Section 6 (c) created a new category of fees and charges commonly referred to as “property related fees” that apply to “property related services” provided by a local agency. As discussed in the League of California Cities publication, Propositions 26 and 218 – Implementation Guide, “…water, sewer and refuse collection services are most often property-related services if provided by a local agency.” (emphasis added). The subject refuse collection services are provided by the city’s franchisee, not the city, and application of the Prop 218 regulations is uncertain at best. However, even if the Prop 218 regulations apply to any new or increased property related fees and charges imposed by Redwood, an annual cost of living adjustment is expressly excluded from the Proposition 218 definition of a “new or increased” charge.
The “Proposition 218 Omnibus Implementation Act, which became effective January 1, 2018, defines some of the key terms of the Prop 218 and clarifies application of the phrase “new or increased rates and charges.” Specifically, the Act provides that for purposes of Article XIII C and XIII D of the California Constitution, the following words have the following meanings:
A tax, fee, or charge is not deemed to be “increased” by an agency action that does either or both of the following:
(A) Adjusts the amount of a tax, fee, or charge in accordance with a schedule of adjustments, including a clearly defined formula for inflation adjustment that was adopted by the agency prior to November 6, 1996.
(B) Implements or collects a previously approved tax, fee, or charge, so long as the rate is not increased beyond the level previously approved by the agency, and the methodology previously approved by the agency is not revised so as to result in an increase in the amount being levied on any person or parcel.
With respect to subsection (A) above, the request made by Redwood for an Adjustment was made in accordance with a clearly defined formula for inflation which was approved by the City. This annual cost of living adjustments are made based upon changes in the prior year to an agreed upon consumer price index and are consistent with the practices followed by the City and its waste hauler since 1975.
With respect to subsection (B) above, the Request by Redwood for an Adjustment implements a previously approved city charge that is not increased beyond the level previously approved by the city and the approved methodology. The Adjustments are therefore permissible under Prop 218 and not subject to the procedural regulations that apply to new or increased fees or charges. ⚫ Page 3
Finally, the request by Redwood for a cost of living adjustment is made pursuant to the terms of a valid and enforceable franchise agreement with the City of Willits. It is respectfully recommended that the Council consider and approve Redwood’s request at its regular meeting on January 22, 2025. / James Lance, City Attorney
(
NOTICE OF A FEE ADJUSTMENT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Willits will hear a request, on January 21, 2025, at 6:30 P.M. from Redwood Waste Solutions for a Consumer Price Index Adjustment of 2.55% applied to all service accounts within the City of Willits. /s/ Delores Pedersen
City Clerk
Posted 1/18/2025
111 E. Commercial Street
Willits, California 95490
Tel | 707.459.4601
Fax | 707.459.1562
www.cityofwillits.org
Gateway to the Redwoods
City of Willits
COLA
A Total Disposal Costs $151,076 Input
B Vehicle Expense - Fuel $114,094 Input
C Total Operating Expenses $1,126,669 Input
D Pass-through Component 0.1341 A/C
E Fuel Component 0.1013 B/C
F All Other Component 0.7646 1-D-E
G CPI 2.705% Input
H COLA (CPI x 90%) 2.435% G*0.9
I COLA Component 0.0186 H*F
J COFA
K Previous Average/Gallon $5.49 Input
L Current Average/Gallon $5.36 Input
M Fuel Index (0.0238) (L-K)/K
N COFA Component (0.0024) E*M
Pass-Through - Disposal
O Old Tipping Fee $94.30 Input
P New Tipping Fee $99.06 Input Willits TS RA
Q Difference $4.76 P-O
R Total Tons Collected 1,472 Landfill Report
S Total Revenue $1,320,178 Financials
T Pass-Through Component 0.0053 (Q*R)/S
Recycling CMV
U New Composite Market Value $ 70.00 CMV
V Difference Fee/Credit from Grid $20 Grid Old $60, new $80 W Total Tons Collected 263 Volume Grid
X Total Revenue $1,320,178 Financials
Y Recycling Value Component 0.0040 (V*W)/X
Z Recycling Value Component % 0.40%
AA Adjusted Recycling Value Component 0.40%
Rate Adjustment Summary
AF COLA Component 0.0186 Input
AG Fuel Component (0.0024) N
AH Pass-Through Component - Disposal 0.0053 T
AI Recycling Value Component 0.0040 AA
AK Net Rate Adjustment 0.0255 AF+AG+AH+AI+AJ
AL Net Rate Adjustment % 2.55%
Redwood Waste Solutions City of Willits %
Revenue 1,320,178
Cost of Ops
Disposal 151,076 11%
Taxes & Fees 116,868 9%
Labor 329,212 25%
Safety & Training 2,372 0%
Truck & Container Costs 176,276 13%
Fuel 114,094 9%
Facilities Cost 46,996 4%
G&A 135,315 10%
Insurance Costs 54,460 4%
Total Cost of Ops 1,126,669
OCT-YTD Op. Ex - D&F 861,499
Waste Connections, Inc.
IS 200 - PL Review
2024-08
4041 - City of Willits
Days - Weekdays
98501 Days - Weekdays
31000 Hauling Revenue - Roll Off Permanent
32000 Hauling Revenue - Residential MSW
32001 Hauling Revenue - Residential MSW Extras
33000 Hauling Revenue - Commercial FEL
33001 Hauling Revenue - Commercial FEL Extras
33010 Hauling Revenue - Commercial REL
Hauling Revenue
Transfer and MRF
35527 Support - Other Recyclables
Recycling Proceeds
Landfill Revenue
Intermodal
E&P Revenue
2025 Rate Adjustment - City of Willits (SUBMISSION) - City of Willits P&L Printed 11/18/2024 - 8:45 AM Page 1 of 8 Waste Connections, Inc.
IS 200 - PL Review
2024-08
4041 - City of Willits
Days - Weekdays
98501 Days - Weekdays
37001 Sale of Equipment
38000 Other Revenue
38001 P-Card Rebate Revenue
Other Revenue
Revenue
40122 Disposal Other
40139 Disposal Transfer Station Intercompany
Disposal
MRF Processing
41121 Brokerage Cost
41201 Taxes and Fees
Brok. and Taxes
Cost of Materials
Other Expense
Rev Reductions
Net Revenue
2025 Rate Adjustment - City of Willits (SUBMISSION) - City of Willits P&L Printed 11/18/2024 - 8:45 AM Page 2 of 8 Waste Connections, Inc.
IS 200 - PL Review
2024-08
4041 - City of Willits
Days - Weekdays
98501 Days - Weekdays
50010 Salaries
50020 Wages Regular
50025 Wages O.T.
50035 Safety Bonuses
50050 Payroll Taxes
50060 Group Insurance
50065 Vacation Pay
50070 Sick Pay
50086 Safety and Training
50087 Drug Testing
50090 Uniforms
50115 Pension and Profit Sharing
50335 Miscellaneous
Labor
51295 Licenses
51335 Miscellaneous
Truck Fixed
52010 Salaries
52020 Wages Regular
52025 Wages O.T.
52035 Safety Bonuses
52036 Other Bonus/Commission - Non-Safety
52050 Payroll Taxes
52060 Group Insurance
52065 Vacation Pay
52070 Sick Pay
52086 Safety and Training
52115 Pension and Profit Sharing
2025 Rate Adjustment - City of Willits (SUBMISSION) - City of Willits P&L Printed 11/18/2024 - 8:45 AM Page 3 of 8 Waste Connections, Inc.
IS 200 - PL Review
2024-08
4041 - City of Willits
Days - Weekdays
98501 Days - Weekdays
52120 Parts and Materials
52125 Operating Supplies
52140 Tires
52142 Fuel Expense
52146 Oil and Grease
52147 Outside Repairs
52182 Towing Expense
52185 Travel
52901 Costs Awaiting Capitalization
Truck Variable
55020 Wages Regular
55025 Wages O.T.
55035 Safety Bonuses
55050 Payroll Taxes
55065 Vacation Pay
55070 Sick Pay
55120 Parts and Materials
55125 Operating Supplies
Container Exp
56010 Salaries
56020 Wages Regular
56025 Wages O.T.
56050 Payroll Taxes
56060 Group Insurance
56105 Employee Relocation
56200 Travel
Superv. Ex
2025 Rate Adjustment - City of Willits (SUBMISSION) - City of Willits P&L Printed 11/18/2024 - 8:45 AM Page 4 of 8 Waste Connections, Inc.
IS 200 - PL Review
2024-08
4041 - City of Willits
Days - Weekdays
98501 Days - Weekdays
57125 Operating Supplies
57147 Bldg & Property
57150 Utilities
57165 Communications
57176 Short Term Equip/Vehicle/Bldg Rental
57254 Drive Cam & Routing SW Fees
57275 Property Taxes
57324 Penalties and Violations
57335 Miscellaneous
57357 Permits
57370 Bonds Expense
Other Operating
Closure Exp
59271 Property and Liability Insurance
59340 Self Insurance Premium
59341 A&L - Current Year Claims
59343 WC - Current Year Claims
Insurance Exp
G/L on Ops
Cost of Ops
Gross Profit
Sales Exp
2025 Rate Adjustment - City of Willits (SUBMISSION) - City of Willits P&L Printed 11/18/2024 - 8:45 AM Page 5 of 8 Waste Connections, Inc.
IS 200 - PL Review
2024-08
4041 - City of Willits
Days - Weekdays
98501 Days - Weekdays
70010 Salaries
70020 Wages Regular
70025 Wages O.T.
70036 Other Bonus/Commission - Non-Safety
70050 Payroll Taxes
70060 Group Insurance
70065 Vacation Pay
70070 Sick Pay
70090 WCN Training
70095 Empl & Commun Activ
70110 Contributions
70116 Pension and Profit Sharing
70148 Allocated Exp In - District
70165 Communications
70167 Cellular Telephone
70185 Postage
70195 Dues and Subscriptions
70200 Travel
70203 Lodging
70205 Travel - Auto
70206 Meals
70210 Office Supplies and Equip
70214 Credit Card Fees
70215 Bank Charges
70217 Invoice Printing Costs
70220 Sponsorships
70255 Other Prof Fees
70300 Data Processing
70301 Computer Software
70302 Computer Supplies
70303 Software License Fees
70310 Bad Debt Provision
70320 Credit and Collection
2025 Rate Adjustment - City of Willits (SUBMISSION) - City of Willits P&L Printed 11/18/2024 - 8:45 AM Page 6 of 8 Waste Connections, Inc.
IS 200 - PL Review
2024-08
4041 - City of Willits
Days - Weekdays
98501 Days - Weekdays
70335 Miscellaneous
70336 Coffee Bar
70345 Security Services
G&A
70149 Corporate Overhead Allocation In
Corp Overhead
Total SG&A
EBITDA
Watch list EBITDA
51260 Depreciation
Depreciation
Airspace Amort
70264 Amortization
70269 Long Term Contract Amort
Intangible Amort
Total DDA
EBIT From Ops
Interest Exp
Interest Income
2025 Rate Adjustment - City of Willits (SUBMISSION) - City of Willits P&L Printed 11/18/2024 - 8:45 AM Page 7 of 8 Waste Connections, Inc.
IS 200 - PL Review
2024-08
4041 - City of Willits
Days - Weekdays
98501 Days - Weekdays
91002 NSF Fees
Other Inc/Exp
FX Gain Loss
NI b/ Taxes & Extra
Extra. Items
NI b/ Taxes
Taxes
Net Income
Non Controlling Int
Net Income Attrib
Data Not Included
2025 Rate Adjustment - City of Willits (SUBMISSION) - City of Willits P&L Printed 11/18/2024 - 8:45 AM Page 8 of 8 Aug-23 340.09
Aug-24 349.29
∆% 2.71%
CLICK
HERE
3.10%
Data Online Data 1: California Gasoline and Diesel Retail Prices Sourcekey DPG _DPG DPG A_DPG DPG A_DPG DPG _DPG _DPG SCA_DPG Date
California All Grades
All Formulations
Retail Gasoline
Prices (Dollars per
Gallon)
California All Grades
Reformulated Retail
Gasoline Prices
(Dollars per Gallon)
California Regular All
Formulations Retail
Gasoline Prices
(Dollars per Gallon)
California Regular
Reformulated Retail
Gasoline Prices
(Dollars per Gallon)
California Midgrade
All Formulations
Retail Gasoline
Prices (Dollars per
Gallon)
California Midgrade
Reformulated Retail
Gasoline Prices
(Dollars per Gallon)
California Premium
All Formulations
Retail Gasoline
Prices (Dollars per
Gallon)
California Premium
Reformulated Retail
Gasoline Prices
(Dollars per Gallon)
California No 2 Diesel
Retail Prices (Dollars
per Gallon)
California No 2 Diesel
Ultra Low Sulfur (0-
15 ppm) Retail Prices
(Dollars per Gallon)
Jan-1995 1.307 1.262 1.369 1.459
Feb-1995 1.289 1.245 1.348 1.438
Mar-1995 1.273 1.229 1.332 1.428
Apr-2020 2.827 2.744 2.996 3.063 3.283 3.283
May-2020 2.771 2.685 2.937 3.022 3.182 3.182
Jun-2020 2.972 2.889 3.123 3.217 3.216 3.216
Jul-2020 3.102 3.021 3.238 3.345 3.254 3.254
Aug-2020 3.156 3.074 3.295 3.405 3.263 3.263
Sep-2020 3.174 3.091 3.323 3.422 3.259 3.259
Oct-2020 3.137 3.052 3.289 3.388 3.246 3.246
Nov-2020 3.115 3.029 3.269 3.374 3.25 3.25
Dec-2020 3.143 3.057 3.297 3.407 3.356 3.356
Jan-2021 3.262 3.176 3.411 3.522 3.439 3.439
Feb-2021 3.434 3.347 3.589 3.691 3.607 3.607
Mar-2021 3.781 3.692 3.937 4.04 3.931 3.931
Apr-2021 3.911 3.822 4.074 4.172 3.98 3.98
May-2021 4.068 3.982 4.228 4.323 4.024 4.024
Jun-2021 4.182 4.094 4.338 4.443 4.095 4.095
Jul-2021 4.253 4.165 4.415 4.515 4.195 4.195
Aug-2021 4.319 4.232 4.476 4.582 4.291 4.291
Sep-2021 4.31 4.222 4.469 4.573 4.324 4.324
Oct-2021 4.4 4.31 4.56 4.673 4.481 4.481
Nov-2021 4.598 4.51 4.748 4.873 4.745 4.745
Dec-2021 4.597 4.508 4.759 4.863 4.776 4.776
Jan-2022 4.584 4.495 4.736 4.857 4.803 4.803
Feb-2022 4.66 4.568 4.82 4.934 5.018 5.018
Mar-2022 5.655 5.562 5.829 5.928 6.133 6.133
Apr-2022 5.692 5.598 5.867 5.98 6.26 6.26
May-2022 5.871 5.774 6.052 6.158 6.479 6.479
Jun-2022 6.294 6.201 6.47 6.569 6.874 6.874
Jul-2022 5.897 5.807 6.087 6.149 6.587 6.587
Aug-2022 5.333 5.239 5.513 5.607 6.123 6.123
Sep-2022 5.375 5.272 5.567 5.676 6.149 6.149
Oct-2022 5.905 5.805 6.096 6.204 6.33 6.33
Nov-2022 5.173 5.071 5.387 5.459 6.121 6.121
Dec-2022 4.418 4.317 4.619 4.705 5.558 5.558
Jan-2023 4.368 4.265 4.555 4.67 5.467 5.467
Feb-2023 4.591 4.487 4.761 4.911 5.423 5.423
Mar-2023 4.786 4.682 4.951 5.105 5.263 5.263
Apr-2023 4.787 4.682 4.963 5.108 4.99 4.99
May-2023 4.74 4.633 4.92 5.059 4.842 4.842
Jun-2023 4.781 4.674 4.966 5.097 4.76 4.76
Jul-2023 4.823 4.717 5.014 5.139 4.907 4.907
Aug-2023 5.13 5.023 5.322 5.446 5.518 5.518
Sep-2023 5.52 5.412 5.73 5.827 6.043 6.043
Oct-2023 5.546 5.439 5.775 5.847 6.094 6.094
Nov-2023 4.935 4.935 4.826 4.826 5.127 5.127 5.26 5.26 5.684 5.684 Dec-2023 4.558 4.558 4.446 4.446 4.768 4.768 4.881 4.881 5.32 5.32 Jan-2024 4.482 4.482 4.369 4.369 4.681 4.681 4.815 4.815 5.13 5.13 Feb-2024 4.535 4.535 4.424 4.424 4.738 4.738 4.856 4.856 5.214 5.214 Mar-2024 4.831 4.831 4.72 4.72 5.028 5.028 5.159 5.159 5.216 5.216 Apr-2024 5.255 5.255 5.145 5.145 5.433 5.433 5.59 5.59 5.239 5.239 May-2024 5.118 5.118 5.005 5.005 5.31 5.31 5.454 5.454 5.078 5.078 Jun-2024 4.777 4.777 4.663 4.663 4.982 4.982 5.112 5.112 4.927 4.927 Jul-2024 4.59 4.59 4.471 4.471 4.796 4.796 4.944 4.944 4.901 4.901 Aug-2024 4.451 4.451 4.332 4.332 4.663 4.663 4.801 4.801 4.758 4.758
Rate Adjustment 2.55%
City of Willits Effective upon board approval
Residential Customers Old Rate New Rate % Increase
Trash
95 gallon cart - Weekly $ 93.93 $ 96.32 2.55%
65 gallon cart - Weekly $ 74.69 $ 76.59 2.55%
35 gallon cart - Weekly $ 34.64 $ 35.52 2.55%
20 gallon cart - Weekly $ 19.60 $ 20.10 2.55%
Recycling
96 gallon cart - Weekly Included Included
Organics
96 gallon cart - Weekly Included Included
Additional Services
Drive in/backyard service less than 100 ft. - per month $ 10.00 $ 10.25 2.55% 95 gallon special pickup - per occurrence $ 45.64 $ 46.80 2.55% 65 gallon special pickup - per occurrence $ 38.69 $ 39.68 2.55% 35 gallon special pickup - per occurrence $ 31.68 $ 32.49 2.55% Extra bag on service day up to 20 lbs. - per occurrence $ 9.03 $ 9.26 2.55% Extra residential pickup - per occurrence $ 15.00 $ 15.38 2.55% Additional Fees
Contamination fee - per occurrence $ 25.00 $ 25.64 2.55% Overflowing cart fee - per occurrence $ 9.03 $ 9.26 2.55% Restart Service - per occurrence $ 5.00 $ 5.13 2.55%
Late/ Finance Fee 1.50% 1.50%
Commercial Customers Old Rate New Rate % Increase
Trash
2 Yard Container
1/week $ 403.85 $ 414.15 2.55%
2/week $ 737.26 $ 756.06 2.55%
3/week $ 1,116.77 $ 1,145.24 2.55%
3 Yard Container
1/week $ 558.72 $ 572.97 2.55%
2/week $ 1,005.64 $ 1,031.28 2.55%
3/week $ 1,609.01 $ 1,650.03 2.55%
3 Yard Container
1/week $ 558.72 $ 572.97 2.55%
2/week $ 1,005.64 $ 1,031.28 2.55%
3/week $ 1,609.01 $ 1,650.03 2.55%
6 Yard Container
1/week $ 1,079.61 $ 1,107.14 2.55%
2/week $ 1,943.29 $ 1,992.84 2.55%
3/week $ 3,109.39 $ 3,188.67 2.55%
35 gallon cart
1/week $ 40.98 $ 42.02 2.55%
65 gallon cart
1/week $ 81.97 $ 84.06 2.55%
95 gallon cart
95-Gallon Cart - 1/week $ 106.94 $ 109.67 2.55%
Temporary Bins
Delivery, removal and up to 7 days rental $ 74.64 $ 76.54 2.55% Temp Bin Removal - per bin 221.63 $ 227.28 2.55%
Other Services
Locking Bin, Lock on Gate, enclosure Monthly Fee - per lock, per month $ 8.00 $ 8.20 2.55% Restart Charge - per occurrence $ 16.00 $ 16.41 2.55%
Contamination fee: Trash, Recycle, Organics - per occurrence $ 25.00 $ 25.64 2.55% Solid Waste of Willits , Inc.
Overflowing Cart Fee - per occurrence $ 11.29 $ 11.58 2.55% Overflowing Bin Fee - per occurrence (per 1/2 yard) $ 39.48 $ 40.49 2.55% 39.48 40.48662 Per1/2 Yard Replacement Key - per occurrence $ 20.00 $ 20.51 2.55%
Commercial Container Delivery - per occurrence $ 82.83 $ 84.94 2.55% Roll-off Compactor Charge per Pull - per pull $ 1,014.75 $ 1,040.62 2.55% Roll-off Compactor Charge per Pull - per pull $ 1,094.86 $ 1,122.78 2.55% Industrial Customers Old Rate New Rate % Increase
Roll-Off Rates
20 Cubic Yard Container (per pull per haul)
Trash $ 831.02 $ 852.21 2.55%
Recycle $ 500.00 $ 512.75 2.55%
Wood $ 500.00 $ 512.75 2.55%
Metal $ 475.00 $ 487.11 2.55%
30 Cubic Yard Container (per pull per haul)
Trash $ 1,004.39 $ 1,030.00 2.55%
40 Cubic Yard Container (per pull per haul)
Trash $ 1,296.34 $ 1,329.39 2.55%
Recycle $ 650.00 $ 666.57 2.55%
Wood $ 900.00 $ 922.95 2.55%
Metal $ 875.00 $ 897.31 2.55%
50 Cubic Yard Container (per pull per haul)
Trash $ 1,673.07 $ 1,715.73 2.55%
Recycle $ 1,100.00 $ 1,128.05 2.55%
Wood $ 1,100.00 $ 1,128.05 2.55%
Metal $ 1,075.00 $ 1,102.41 2.55%
Additional Fees
Delivery fee for all roll-offs $ 95.90 $ 98.35 2.55%
Overload charge per yard $ 29.94 $ 30.70 2.55% 29.94 30.70338 Per Yard PRS MRF Per Ton Tip Fee January 2024 PRS MRF Per Ton Tip Fee May 2024 UWS $45.00 MENDO UWS $35.00 MENDO
RWS $45.00 MENDO RWS $35.00 MENDO
SWS $45.00 MENDO SWS $35.00 MENDO
SWOW $70.00 MENDO SWOW $70.00 MENDO
CWS $35.00 LAKE CWS $25.00 LAKE
LCWS $35.00 LAKE LCWS $25.00 LAKE
LCTS $35.00 LAKE LCTS $25.00 LAKE
South Lake Refuse $35.00 LAKE South Lake Refuse $25.00 LAKE Lakeport Disposal $35.00 LAKE Lakeport Disposal $25.00 LAKE Upper Valley Disposal $75.00 NAPA Upper Valley Disposal $60.00 NAPA Lassen $75.00 LASSEN Lassen $75.00 LASSEN
El Dorado $75.00 EL DORADO El Dorado $75.00 EL DORADO
Sonoma Co. Resource Rec $75.00 SONOMA Sonoma Co. Resource Rec $75.00 SONOMA Pacific Sanitation (Windsor) $75.00 SONOMA Pacific Sanitation (Windsor) $75.00 SONOMA Recology $75.00 SONOMA Recology $75.00 SONOMA
PRS MRF Per Ton Tip Fee February 2024 PRS MRF Per Ton Tip Fee June 2024 UWS $45.00 MENDO UWS $25.00 MENDO
RWS $45.00 MENDO RWS $25.00 MENDO
SWS $45.00 MENDO SWS $25.00 MENDO
SWOW $70.00 MENDO SWOW $70.00 MENDO
CWS $45.00 LAKE CWS $25.00 LAKE
LCWS $45.00 LAKE LCWS $25.00 LAKE
LCTS $45.00 LAKE LCTS $25.00 LAKE
South Lake Refuse $45.00 LAKE South Lake Refuse $25.00 LAKE Lakeport Disposal $45.00 LAKE Lakeport Disposal $25.00 LAKE Upper Valley Disposal $75.00 NAPA Upper Valley Disposal $60.00 NAPA Lassen $75.00 LASSEN Lassen $75.00 LASSEN
El Dorado $75.00 EL DORADO El Dorado $75.00 EL DORADO
Sonoma Co. Resource Rec $75.00 SONOMA Sonoma Co. Resource Rec $75.00 SONOMA Pacific Sanitation (Windsor) $75.00 SONOMA Pacific Sanitation (Windsor) $75.00 SONOMA Recology $75.00 SONOMA Recology $75.00 SONOMA
PRS MRF Per Ton Tip Fee March 2024 PRS MRF Per Ton Tip Fee July 2024 UWS $45.00 MENDO UWS $35.00 MENDO
RWS $45.00 MENDO RWS $35.00 MENDO
SWS $45.00 MENDO SWS $35.00 MENDO
SWOW $70.00 MENDO SWOW $70.00 MENDO
CWS $35.00 LAKE CWS $25.00 LAKE
LCWS $35.00 LAKE LCWS $25.00 LAKE
LCTS $35.00 LAKE LCTS $25.00 LAKE
South Lake Refuse $35.00 LAKE South Lake Refuse $25.00 LAKE Lakeport Disposal $35.00 LAKE Lakeport Disposal $25.00 LAKE Upper Valley Disposal $75.00 NAPA Upper Valley Disposal $60.00 NAPA Lassen $75.00 LASSEN Lassen $75.00 LASSEN
El Dorado $75.00 EL DORADO El Dorado $75.00 EL DORADO
Sonoma Co. Resource Rec $75.00 SONOMA Sonoma Co. Resource Rec $75.00 SONOMA Pacific Sanitation (Windsor) $75.00 SONOMA Pacific Sanitation (Windsor) $75.00 SONOMA Recology $75.00 SONOMA Recology $75.00 SONOMA
PRS MRF Per Ton Tip Fee April 2024 ○ August 2024
UWS $45.00 MENDO UWS $35.00 MENDO
RWS $45.00 MENDO RWS $35.00 MENDO
SWS $45.00 MENDO SWS $35.00 MENDO
SWOW $70.00 MENDO SWOW $70.00 MENDO
CWS $35.00 LAKE CWS $35.00 LAKE
LCWS $35.00 LAKE LCWS $35.00 LAKE
LCTS $35.00 LAKE LCTS $35.00 LAKE
South Lake Refuse $35.00 LAKE South Lake Refuse $35.00 LAKE Lakeport Disposal $35.00 LAKE Lakeport Disposal $35.00 LAKE Upper Valley Disposal $60.00 NAPA Upper Valley Disposal $60.00 NAPA Lassen $75.00 LASSEN Lassen $75.00 LASSEN
El Dorado $75.00 EL DORADO El Dorado $75.00 EL DORADO
Sonoma Co. Resource Rec $75.00 SONOMA Sonoma Co. Resource Rec $75.00 SONOMA Pacific Sanitation (Windsor) $75.00 SONOMA Pacific Sanitation (Windsor) $75.00 SONOMA Recology $75.00 SONOMA Recology $75.00 SONOMA
We currently charge a flat fee
of $70/tn for recyclables
TRASH Current Rate New Rate
S95G1W1 95 GL 1X WK 1 95 gallon cart Weekly $93.93 $96.32 S65G1W1 65 GL 1X WK 1 65 gallon cart Weekly $74.69 $76.59 S35G1W1 35 GL 1X WK 1 35 gallon cart Weekly $34.64 $35.52 S20G1W1 20 GL 1X WK 1 20 gallon cart Weekly $19.60 $20.10
RECYCLING
S96G1W1REC 96 GL 1X WK RECYCLE 1 96 gallon cart Weekly Included Included
ORGANIC WASTE
S96G1W1GW 96 GL 1X WK GREENWASTE 1 96 gallon cart Weekly Included Included DRIVEIN-RES DRIVE IN SERVICE - RES Drive in/backyard service less than 100 ft. per month $10.00 $10.25 EP95-RES SPECIAL PICK UP - RES 95 gallon special pickup per occurrence $45.64 $46.80 EP65-RES SPECIAL PICK UP - RES 65 gallon special pickup per occurrence $38.69 $39.68 EP35-RES SPECIAL PICK UP - RES 35 gallon special pickup per occurrence $31.68 $32.49 EXTRABAG-RES EXTRA BAG - RES Extra bag on service day up to 20 lbs. per occurrence $9.03 $9.26 EP-RES EXTRA PICK UP RES Extra residential pickup per occurrence $15.00 $15.38 CONTAMTR-RES CONTAMINATED RESI TRASH Contamination fee per occurrence $25.00 $25.64 OW-RES OVERFILL / OVERWEIGHT CAN - RES Overflowing cart fee per occurrence $9.03 $9.26 REINSTATE-RES REINSTATE - RES Restart Service per occurrence $5.00 $5.13 LATE FEE/FINANCE FEE 1.50% 1.50%
ADDITIONAL FEES
CITY OF WILLITS SERVICE AREA
Single-Family Residential
COMPANY 4041 - BILL AREA WILLITS
AUTOMATED CART SERVICES
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Current Rate New Rate
S35G1W1COM 35 GL 1X WK COM 1 35-Gallon Cart 1/week $40.98 $42.02 S65G1W1COM 65 GL 1X WK COM 1 65-Gallon Cart 1/week $81.97 $84.06 S95G1W1COM 95 GL 1X WK COM 1 95-Gallon Cart 1/week $106.94 $109.67 *Do not offer F1Y1W1 1 YD 1X WK 1 1 CY Bin 1/week $299.09 $306.72 *Do not offer F1Y2W1 1 YD 2X WK 1 1 CY Bin 2/week $525.87 $539.28 *Do not offer F1Y3W1 1 YD 3X WK 1 1 CY Bin 3/week $802.34 $822.80 *Do not offer F1.5Y1W1 1.5 YD 1X WK 1 1.5 CY Bin 1/week $334.00 $342.52 *Do not offer F1.5Y2W1 1.5 YD 2X WK 1 1.5 CY Bin 2/week $595.84 $611.03 *Do not offer F1.5Y3W1 1.5 YD 3X WK 1 1.5 CY Bin 3/week $905.33 $928.41 F2Y1W1 2 YD 1X WK 1 2 CY Bin 1/week $403.85 $414.15
F2Y2W1 2 YD 2X WK 1 2 CY Bin 2/week $737.26 $756.06
F2Y3W1 2 YD 3X WK 1 2 CY Bin 3/week $1,116.77 $1,145.24 F3Y1W1 3 YD 1X WK 1 3 CY Bin 1/week $558.72 $572.97
F3Y2W1 3 YD 2X WK 1 3 CY Bin 2/week $1,005.64 $1,031.28 F3Y3W1 3 YD 3X WK 1 3 CY Bin 3/week $1,609.01 $1,650.03 F4Y1W1 4 YD 1X WK 1 4 CY Bin 1/week $700.14 $717.99
F4Y2W1 4 YD 2X WK 1 4 CY Bin 2/week $1,260.20 $1,292.33 F4Y3W1 4 YD 3X WK 1 4 CY Bin 3/week $1,924.22 $1,973.28 F6Y1W1 6 YD 1X WK 1 6 CY Bin 1/week $1,079.61 $1,107.14 F6Y2W1 6 YD 2X WK 1 6 CY Bin 2/week $1,943.29 $1,992.84 F6Y3W1 6 YD 3X WK 1 6 CY Bin 3/week $3,109.39 $3,188.67 DEL4TEMP-COM DELIVERY FEE 4 YD TEMP - COM Delivery, Removal and up to 7 days rental per bin $74.64 $76.54 REM4TEMP-COM REMOVAL 4 YD - COM Temp Bin Removal per bin $221.63 $227.28 Total Due: $296.27 $303.82
ENCLOSURE-COM ENCLOSURE ENTRY FEE - COM Locking Bin, Lock on Gate, enclosure Monthly Fee per lock, per month $8.00 $8.20 RESTART-COM RESTART FEE - COM Restart Charge per occurrence $16.00 $16.41 CONTAMTR-COM CONTAMINNATED COM TRASH Contamination fee: Trash, Recycle, Organics per occurrence $25.00 $25.64 OW-RES OVERFILL / OVERWEIGHT CAN - RES Overflowing Cart Fee per occurrence $11.29 $11.58 OW-COM OVERFILL / OVERWEIGHT CAN - COM Overflowing Bin Fee per occurrence $39.48 $40.49 per 1/2 yard LOCK&KEY LOCK & KEY INSTALL/REPLACEMENT Replacement Key per occurrence $20.00 $20.51 DEL-CONT CONTAINER DELIVERY Commercial Container Delivery per occurrence $82.83 $84.94 HAUL10-CP COMP HAUL 10 YD Roll-off Compactor Charge per Pull per pull $1,014.75 $1,040.62 HAUL12-CP COMP HAUL 12 YD Roll-off Compactor Charge per Pull per pull $1,094.86 $1,122.78
CITY OF WILLITS SERVICE AREA
Other Services
Multifamily & Commercial
Company 4041 -BILL AREA WILLITS
Trash Collection (Includes 96-Gallon Recycling and 96-Gallon Organics) Temporary Bins
Roll-Off Pull Rates
Roll-Off Containers billed on a per pull Current Rate New Rate HAUL20-RO HAUL 20 YD - RO 20 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $831.02 $852.21 includes 3.0 tons disposal HAUL30-RO HAUL 30 YD - RO 30 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $1,004.39 $1,030.00 includes 4.5 tons disposal HAUL40-RO HAUL 40 YD - RO 40 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $1,296.34 $1,329.39 includes 5.7 tons disposal HAUL50-RO HAUL 50 YD - RO 50 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $1,673.07 $1,715.73 includes 7.5 tons disposal HAUL20REC-RO HAUL 20 RECYCLE- RO 20 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $500.00 $512.75 HAUL20WD-RO HAUL 20 WOOD - RO 20 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $500.00 $512.75 HAUL20METAL-RO HAUL 20 YD METAL- RO 20 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $475.00 $487.11 HAUL40REC-RO HAUL 40 RECYCLE- RO 40 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $650.00 $666.57 HAUL40WD-RO HAUL 40 WOOD - RO 40 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $900.00 $922.95 HAUL40METAL-RO HAUL 40 YD METAL- RO 40 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $875.00 $897.31 HAUL20REC-RO HAUL 50 RECYCLE- RO 50 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $1,100.00 $1,128.05 HAUL20WD-RO HAUL 50 WOOD - RO 50 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $1,100.00 $1,128.05 HAUL20METAL-RO HAUL 50 YD METAL- RO 50 Cubic Yard Container per pull per haul $1,075.00 $1,102.41 DEL-RO DELIVERY FEE ROLL OFF Delivery Fee for all roll offs $95.90 $98.35 OW-COM OVERLOAD FEE Overload charge per yard $29.94 $30.70
CITY OF WILLITS SERVICE AREA
Additional Services
Company 4041 -BILL AREA WILLITS
Other Services
Fertilizer and Soil Amendments for Sustainable Agriculture 6000 East Side Potter Valley Road, Ukiah, CA 95482
(707) 485-5966 - www.coldcreekcompost.com
October 14, 2024
Michelle Goodman
Education & Outreach Manager
Redwood Waste Solutions
3515 Taylor Drive
Ukiah, CA 95482
Subject: Cold Creek Compost – 2025 Rate Increase
Dear Ms. Goodman:
Pursuant to Section 5.3 of the executed contract with Solid Waste of Willits, the following rate increase applies:
The rate charged shall be adjusted up or down on January 1, 2024, and then on each subsequent January 1, by a percentage factor equal to 100% percent of the change of the All Urban Consumers Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), all items, for the San FranciscoOakland-San Jose, CA, Base Period 1982 - 1984 = 100, not seasonally adjusted, compiled and published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics or its successor, and its value twelve months before.
The change in the CPI-U value for the last twelve months from August 2023 to August 2024 is 2.7 percent. This results in a $1.68 per ton increase. The current tip fee is $62.04 per ton, and the new Cold Creek Compost tip fee will be $63.72 per ton effective January 1, 2025.
Please feel free to contact me at (707) 485-5966 if you have any questions. We appreciate your continued business.
Sincerely,
Maxwell Mileck, CFO
Cold Creek Compost, Inc.
cc: Brian Bender, City Manager, City of Willits
Redwood Waste Solutions
P.O. Box 60 / Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone 707-234-6400 / Fax 707-234-6404 / www.candswaste.com November 15
th
, 2024
Brian Bender
City Manager, City of Willits
111 E Commercial St
Willits, CA 95490
Dear Mr. Bender:
In accordance with Section 15 of the City of Willits and Redwood Waste Solutions Franchise Agreement, please accept this letter as our formal request to adjust rates effective January 1, 2025.
This has come to a 2.55% adjustment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call 707-799-0814 or email me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Bruce McCracken
District Manager
Kevin Navetta
Associate Counsel
3 Waterway Square Place, Suite 110 • The Woodlands, TX 77380 Tel (832) 442-2889 • [email protected] • www.wasteconnections.com {00120743.DOCX.}
City of Willits
111 E. Commercial Street
Willits, CA 95490
January 13, 2025
Re: Notice Requirements for Cost-of-Living Rate Adjustment – City of Willits Franchise Agreement
To Whom It May Concern:
I am legal counsel for Redwood Waste Solutions, Inc. (“Redwood Waste”). This letter relates to the Franchise Agreement between City of Willits and Redwood Waste Solutions, Inc. for Collection, Transportation, and Disposal of Solid Waste and the Collection, Transportation, Processing, and Marketing of Recyclable Materials (the “Franchise Agreement”). I understand that Redwood Waste presented a costof-living rate adjustment to the City at a recent meeting, and that the City postponed approval of the new rates pending further discussion of any notice requirements under the Franchise Agreement or relevant law that may be applicable to such rate increases.
Section 15(B) of the Franchise Agreement allows Redwood Waste to seek cost-of-living (“COLA”) rate adjustments on an annual basis with new rates to be effective January 1. Section 15(B) requires Redwood Waste to make the request by November 15 and to provide the City with its computations and documentation. The sum of the calculation provided in Section 15(B) “equals the New Rate.” I understand that Redwood Waste has fully complied with the requirements of Section 15(B).
The Franchise Agreement generally, and Section 15(B) specifically, contain no special notice requirementsfor COLA rate adjustments such as notice to the public, public meetings, or public opportunity to comment. Further, we are unaware of any applicable law that would require any of the above with respect to COLA rate adjustments under the type of franchise granted by the City. We do not understand there to be any special notice requirements for COLA rate adjustments in these types of franchises unless provided by the specific jurisdiction’s franchise agreement.
Notably, Sections 15(C) and (D) of the Franchise Agreement—“Larger Rate Increases” and “Rate Decreases”—require the City to “hold at least one public meeting . . . to solicit public comment on the proposed Rate increases[/decrease] . . . no less than 14 days before the Board considers adoption of the Rate increases[/decrease].” Such requirements are absent from Section 15(B) and are not applicable to COLA rate adjustments.
{00120743.DOCX.} Page 2
Redwood Waste appreciates your attention and consideration, and I would be happy to discuss this issue further. Please do not hesitate to contact met.
Regards,
/s/ Kevin Navetta
Kevin Navetta
Associate Counsel
Redwood Waste Solutions
P.O. Box 60 / Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone 707-234-6400 / Fax 707-234-6404 / www.candswaste.com November 18
th
, 2024
Brian Bender
City Manager, City of Willits
111 E Commercial St
Willits, CA 95490
Dear Mr. Bender:
In conjunction with the 2.55% rate adjustment proposed to the City of Willits in the attached documents, the City will see an estimated average of a $1200 adjustment in franchise fees per quarter.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call 707-799-0814 or email me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Bruce McCracken
District Manager
Redwood Waste Solutions
P.O. Box 60 / Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone 707-234-6400 / Fax 707-234-6404 / www.candswaste.com December 17
th
, 2024
Brian Bender
City Manager, City of Willits
111 E Commercial St
Willits, CA 95490
Dear Mr. Bender:
In accordance with Section 15 of the City of Willits and Redwood Waste Solutions (RWS) Franchise Agreement, RWS provided the City with a formal request to adjust rates effective January 1, 2025 on November 15th, 2024. This requested adjustment is 2.55%.
Due to scheduling issues with placing this item on the Agenda prior to January 1st this item is coming before the board on January 8th. To resolve the issues presented with the delayed approval, RWS is going to delay billing for the month of January to January 10th. Due to the shorter timeframe for customers to pay due to the delayed billing, RWS will provide an additional 10 days for customers to pay their bill, and will wave late payment fees for the month of January.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call 707-799-0814 or email me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Bruce McCracken
District Manager
Monthly Achievements & Activities
• Staff member Thomas Gallups repaired several hangars, with a focus on addressing roof leaks. • Conducted the 4th quarter Tenants Meeting and discussed the following topics: (1) Open hangars; (2) PAPI lights; (3) Installation of tenant mailboxes; (4) Trespassers; and (5) Annual hangar inspections.
• At the meeting, the tenants inquired about the purchase of a "FOD Razor", which is a portable, tow-behind friction sweeper specifically designed to remove foreign object debris (FOD) from airport runways, taxiways, aprons, and other paved surfaces. This device would be available for both staff and tenants to sweep the runway and tarmac when needed. • On December 26th Airport Manager Moorhead another Notice of Extension of Time from the FAA regarding the Part 16 Supplement Complaint. According to the FAA Office of Airport Compliance, the following decision was reported: "Additional time is necessary and appropriate for a fair and complete consideration of the matters before the agency. Accordingly, pursuant to 14 CFR Part 16, Subpart B, the deadline for the Director’s Determination in this matter is extended to January 26, 2025."
Project Updates
• We are continuing to have issues with one set of the newly installed PAPI Lights. The contractor reordered a new board, but it has not arrived yet. The expectation is to have the issue resolved in late January, early February.
Staffing Items
• No items to report.
Budget Status
• No items to report.
Focus for Next Month
• Continue to wait for notification from County of Mendocino regarding the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure Communities Grant (vegetation clearing adjacent to the facility). • Hangar Inspections and the purchase of the FOD Razor.
Airport December 2024 | Report
1 Monthly Achievements & Activities
• Issued fifteen Building Permits ......................................................Six in November. • Opened nine Code Enforcement Cases......................................Seven in November. • Closed twelve Code Enforcement Cases ....................................Nine in November. • Forty-nine active Code Enforcement Cases ..............................Fifty in November. • The Department required an average of 11 calendar days to issue December Building Permits. Over the counter Permits (reroofs/minor electrical) are typically issued on the day of submission and are not included in the average processing timeline. The timeline includes time for the Fire Department to complete the required review.
Project Updates
• Rail with Trail Project Update:
o Construction bid opening is scheduled for January 14th. o Award of construction contract is tentatively scheduled for the February 12th Council Meeting o Developed Non-Infrastructure Work Plan to promote awareness and support high usership of the trail.
o City requests to allocate $189,000 in grant funds (non-infrastructure tasks) is agendized for the California Transportation Committee January 30th meeting agenda. • Caltrans Clean California Grant (Beautify Willits Project):
o Award of construction contract for Main Street pedestrian lighting and banner project is tentatively scheduled for the February 12th Council meeting. o Staff has begun planning for the 2nd annual Clean Canvas event to occur in Bud Snider Park on Saturday, April 19th.
o Received a Community Champions Playground Grant for $88,451.75 to support purchase of playground equipment.
o Purchased large playground equipment for Bud Snider Park. The equipment selection was based on feedback from a community survey and was paid for in full using the Playground grant and Clean California Grant. Installation date TBD. o Completed updated designs for Bud Snider Park including alternative pavilion location as directed by Council. Staff will present updated designs at upcoming Council meeting. • Willits Housing Rehabilitation Program:
o A total of five applications were approved to receive program funding to support home rehabilitation. Loans are in the process of being executed. o Staff anticipates opening a 2nd round of application requests in Spring 2025 after State releases additional funding.
• Department of Water Resources Statewide Flood Emergency Response Grant:
o Completed final reimbursement and closeout report to include all grant deliverables.
Community Development December 2024 | Report
2 • CDBG Grant for Mendocino Community Health Clinic (MCHC):
o Successfully submitted CDBG grant for $300,000 to support planning and design for a new medical campus at the old hospital site-1 Madrone Street.
Staffing Items
• No items to report.
Budget Status
• No items to report.
Focus for Next Month
• Land Use Element Update:
o SOI Amendment Application to LAFCO.
o Development of Mixed-Use Zoning Districts.
• Rail with Trail Project:
o Review project bids and select a contractor.
• Clean California Grant:
o Complete designs for decorative pedestrian scale solar lighting in downtown and a banner support system near Oak S. Main Streets intersection.
o Final designs for Bud Snider Park improvements
o Grant reporting.
o Submit grant to support purchase of new playground equipment. • Willits Housing Rehabilitation Program:
o Execute housing rehabilitation loans.
o Request State update on release of PLHA funds to support 2nd round of program funding. • Business License Program:
o Transition City Business License Program from the Finance Department to the Community Development Department.
o Onboard new project tracking software to support more efficient processing and tracking of business license applications.
1 Monthly Achievements & Activities
December 2023 December 2024
• 911 Calls received 51 52
• Calls for service (CFS) 517 466
• Cases 49 42
• Arrests 21 10
• Citations 152 58
• Traffic Stops
Project Updates
• As staffing permits, continue traffic safety education and enforcement, with a focus on school zones, pedestrian safety, speeding, and passing violations. • Continued deployment of the speed awareness radar trailer. • Two new patrol cars are in the process of being outfitted with emergency equipment (actively receiving bids).
• Providing extra patrols in Parks as time allows.
• Department personnel assisted and participated in the Trucker’s Light Parade which went well.
Staffing Items
• Police Recruit Donovan Shively and CSO Chris Dendy reported to the Santa Rosa Junior College Public Safety Center (Police Academy) on January 6th. Graduation is May 23rd. • Two additional Police Officer Recruits are finishing the background and hiring process and may be hired in this Spring.
• The Department continues to focus on an ongoing recruitment effort to fill vacancies for Police Officers, Dispatchers, and Community Service Officers.
• Sgt. Avalos completed the Basic Investigator (detective) course in December.
Legal Update
Proposition 36 went into effect December 18th. Persons found to be in possession of hard drugs (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl) who have two prior convictions of possessing hard drugs may arrested for a felony. Under Proposition 47, hard drug possession was a misdemeanor.
Prior to Proposition 47 hard drug possession was a felony.
Proposition 36 also made some thefts felonies that under Proposition 47 were misdemeanors.
Proposition 47 thefts had to be over $950 to be a felony (previously over $400 was a felony).
Police Department December 2024 | Report
2 Proposition 36 allows officers to arrest persons for a felony if they have two prior theft convictions or if they steal over $950 for multiple thefts.
Budget Status
• No items to report.
Focus for Next Month
• Coordinate the assessment of the Department's communications capabilities with the Altavista Group.
1 Monthly Achievements & Activities
• Hung the newly purchased Holiday decorations on the light posts. The led bulbs held up well and provided an element of continuity to the Main Street corridor. A Christmas tree was erected and decorated at Babcock Park, and the High School FFA Club set up additional individually themed trees along the pathways at Snider Park.
• Replaced a damaged stop sign on Coast Street after being hit by a vehicle. • Repaired the illuminated flashing stop sign on Central Avenue and replaced the battery cells. • The Maintenance Department repaired water leaks at multiple locations (see Utility Report for more info).
• The Maintenance Department replaced a section of water line and updated the meters at the end of Railroad Avenue.
• Installed motion activated solar lights on the field equipment tool storage container and the locks were changed after it was broken into on December 16th. The back fence was cut to gain entry to the Yard and the lock was disabled. After an inventory was conducted it was determined that two chainsaws and a weed eater were stolen. The matter is still under investigation. • Painted and re-decked the two utility trailers (Units #100 & #117). Minor welding repairs were also made to re-enforce the gates as needed.
• Cleared storm drains and deployed flooding advisory signs as needed during the heavy rainstorms throughout the month. Localized flooding was minimal. Restocked the sandbag station and made available on December 13th to assist the community with structure protection and erosion control.
• Cleared a fallen oak tree on the Haehl Creek Trail. Evaluated a different tree in the same area with determination that is also a potentially hazard. The tree has been contracted for removal. • Purchased a portable light tower trailer to provide better lighting and increase public safety at the Skunk Train parking lot in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce. The Holiday Train drew large crowds throughout the month.
• Scoped repairs for the Tennis Court lighting system and completed upgrades to the power supply system. Staff is looking at alternative upgrades to the existing outdated system to reduce the maintenance costs and electricity usage at the site. • Winterized outdoor drinking fountains and irrigation systems. • The mounting bracket on the clamshell of the front loader bucket on the Backhoe (unit #185) broke due to age and wear. The bucket was brought to Peterson Cat of Ukiah for replacement parts and welding to get the machine back online.
Services & Facilities December 2024 | Report
2 Project Updates
• Installed new trim and base boards to complement the resurfaced floors throughout the Community Center. Replaced the ceiling tiles in the bar area and hallways. Completed painting of the walls and ceilings. Repaired two toilets in the women’s restroom. • Replaced the damaged push button and batteries for the flashing pedestrian crossing at the State and N. Main Streets.
• Repaired and re-installed the broken spring rider at Recreation Grove. • Repaved State St., Muir W. Van Lanes, and a section of Magnola. • Started painting the interior and reconditioning the floors of the Snack Shack and restroom facilities at the Sports Complex.
• Performed post rainstorm pothole patching at multiple locations. The crew spent several days during the month addressing pavement issues.
• Repaired the front gate to the Corporate Yard with the replacement of various parts. Purchased an additional storage unit to hold water infrastructure materials. The maintenance crew is in the process of preparing a location for the unit.
• Removed a large oak tree threatening a home on Holley Street as grew over from the public right-of-way. Trimmed two ornamental pear trees on Pine Street were trimmed for public safety.
Secured a contractor to trim trees at the intersection between School Street and W. Mendocino Avenue to accommodate the solar parking lot light project. • Inspected four of the hangars at the Airport and made ready for renting. Work consisted of the following: repairs to lighting and electrical systems; lubricating doors; power washing floors and walls; and patched roofs & cleared gutters. Starting in mid-January, the occupied hangars are being scheduled for annual inspections.
• Ordered benches and picnic tables for various parks locations under the Clean California Grant arrived at the Public Works Corp.
Staffing Items
• Jeanette Wilson was appointed to the Project Coordinator position.
Budget Status
• No items to report.
Focus for Next Month
• Continue monitoring and clearing of drainage ditches and the storm drain system. • Continue extra street sweeping, roadway debris removal & pothole patching. • Purchase equipment to replace stolen items.
• Continued Community Center remodeling.
• Monitor current projects and plan spring projects.
• Set a new storage unit in place and move assorted items into it. • Finish renovations to the Sports Complex facilities.
• Airport hangar inspections and address subsequently identified maintenance issues. 1 Monthly Achievements & Activities
• Repaired water main line leak on Railroad Avenue.
• Repaired the pathway to the Outfall for compliance sampling due to the November/December storms at Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
• Replaced hydraulic hoses on Vac-Truck due to wear and tear. • Jetted problematic areas in the collection system after storm flow receded. • Installed float sump-pump in the Return Activation Sludge (RAS) pit to avoid flooding during strong storm events at WWTP.
• Assisted with water leaks behind Sanhedrin High School, Baechtel Road and State Street. • Assessed all facilities including water distribution storage tanks and wastewater collection system after 7.0 earthquake.
• Cleaned and filmed sewer lateral at 340 S. Main Street. • Completed one new F.O.G. Program grease trap installation and inspection. • Completed the first round of annual chronic and acute toxicity sampling at WWTP. • Assisted backflow contract consultant with repairs of City owned backflow devices. • Collected quarterly influent, effluent and sludge pre-treatment samples at WWTP. • Inspected and signed off on four sewer lateral inspections for home sales. • Replace chart recorders with new units at all water distribution pump stations. • Operators handed out multiple shutoff notices for the Underground Utilities project during the transition from old steel pipe to new C-900.
• Cleared out tules around the boat launch at the Surface Water Treatment Plant (SWTP). • Assisted Argonaut Constructors on replacement of water valve clusters at W. Mendocino Avenue and School Street.
• Repaired water level float at Berryhill Water Distribution Tank. • Repaired service line manifold leak on Meadowbrook Drive. • Cleared brush and trees around antenna for communications at the Three M Gallon Tank site. • Replaced pressure switch at Northbrook Pump Station.
• Ordered replacement actuator on Filter #3 effluent from Caltrol. • Replaced broken curb stop at 284 Redwood Avenue.
• Worked with AT&T to repair telephone lines due to recent storms. • Replaced motor starter at Northbrook Pump Station.
• Replaced pump head and rollers on the main coagulant pump at SWTP. • Replaced failed check valve at Bittenbender Pump Station.
Utilities December 2024 | Report
2 • Cleaned and inspected Filters #1 and #2 at SWTP.
• Operators assisted with meter reads with the hi/low monthly list.
Project Updates
• Rain Totals: November 16.63-inches and December 16.91-inches. Annual total of 77.25-inches. • Reservoir Capacity: Morris 662-acre feet and Centennial 501-acre feet equates to 89-percent of full capacity (January 13th).
• Dec. 2024 Water Usage: SWTP: 8,327,907 MG. Dec. 2023: 16,965,027 MG.
GWTP: 4,200,000 MG. Dec. 2023: 0 MG.
Totals: 16,965,027 MG. Dec. 2023: 17,458,229 MG.
• Non-Potable Water Usage [Truck Fill Station]: 5,500 K/Gals. Dec. 2023: 10,841 K/Gals. • Dec. 2023 Wastewater Treatment Plant Flows: 89,260,044 MG. • The Underground Utilities Project will be completed by January 17th including all paving and concrete work.
• Completed new server and software upgrade at WWTP with Apex (IT) and Primex (SCADA integrator). Installation is complete with Primex monitoring the operations until the end of January 2025.
Staffing Items
• Chris Viall received his Grade III Water Treatment Certificate.
Budget Status
• No items to report.
Focus for Next Month
• Schedule electrical equipment upgrade and permanent weather structure at Northbrook Pump Station with Fuller Electric. In Progress.
• Upgrade sewer camera truck hardware and software equipment to the newest version with WECO Company. Sent the truck to WECO headquarters in Vallejo. • Schedule C.C. Overra Construction to do a reinforced permanent fix on the Upflow Solids Contact Clarifier at the SWTP.
• Order new 2025 backhoe for the Services and Facilities department to replace the 2002 Caterpillar model and surplus it to SWTP for watershed and road maintenance (16-week lead time).
• Receive quotes for the repair of the Langemann at the Irrigation Station and outfall of the WWTP treated effluent discharge.
• Scheduled Westec to replace Filter #2’s aluminum screens with the purchased stainless-steel screens. This is the last filter of three that need to be replaced.