RIPON MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE PLAN

Transcription

1 RIPON AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE PLAN Prepared by the City of Ripon For San Joaquin LAFCO October 29, 2009

2 2009 PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT SUBMITTED BY CITY OF RIPON OCTOBER 29, 2009

3 Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION Chapter 2 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN Chapter 3 GROWTH AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR THE AFFECTED AREA Chapter 4 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES Chapter 5... FINANCIAL ABILITY OF AGENCIES TO PROVIDE SERVICES Chapter 6 STATUS OF, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR, SHARED FACILITIES Chapter 7 ACCOUNTABILITY FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE NEEDS, INCLUDING GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY One of the primary responsibilities of a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) is to determine the sphere of influence of local governmental agencies. A sphere of influence (SOI) designates the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency. The Cortese- Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization (CHK) Act of 2000 requires that a Municipal Service Review (MSR) be prepared prior to or concurrent with an update of an SOI. The MSR evaluates existing and future service conditions and reviews the advantages and disadvantages of various government service structure options. An MSR provides information upon which the LAFCo can base its action on an SOI. Concurrent with approval of this MSR, San Joaquin LAFCo is amending Ripon s SOI consistent with the requirements of the CHK Act and San Joaquin LAFCo policies through a Sphere Plan. Since the City of Ripon s SOI is being amended at this time, and the City is requesting an expansion of its SOI, the MSR determinations address the City s ability to provide adequate services to existing and future residents within the proposed SOI. This MSR provides the basis for adopting the City s SOI update request. Issues Addressed In accordance with the CKH Act of 2000, MSR s were required to address nine categories for which LAFCo must render written determinations pursuant to Government Code Effective January 1, 2008, AB 1744 amended the CKH Act to reduce the required nine categories to five, as follows: Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area; Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services, including Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies; Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services; Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities; and Accountability for Community Service Needs, including Governmental Structure and Operational Efficiencies. Written determinations are included for each of the areas addressed. The analysis and determinations in this MSR considered the LAFCo Municipal Service Review Guidelines (August 2003) prepared by the State Office of Planning and Research and comply with San Joaquin LAFCo Guidelines adopted September 21, In preparing this Sphere Plan and MSR, the City also complied with State law requirements to consult with San Joaquin County prior to any SOI amendment pursuant to AB 1262, which requires that a city and county meet prior to the city applying to the local agency formation commission for a new or updated sphere of influence. City staff and officials met with San Joaquin County staff and officials on March 31, 2008 to discuss the proposed new boundaries of the SOI and explore methods to reach agreement on development standards and planning and i- 1

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY zoning requirements to ensure that development occurs in a manner that reflects the concerns of the City and County and is accomplished in a manner that promotes the logical and orderly development of areas within the SOI. At the conclusion of the meeting, the County and the City of Ripon agreed to prepare an agreement consistent with similar agreements between other cities and San Joaquin County regarding future growth and development within the SOI. Determinations An explanation of the specific operational and management aspects of each service provider considered in each of these topic areas is provided below. Based on the information contained in the MSR, the determinations listed by general topic areas covered in this MSR are as follows: Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area The General Plan, approved in 2006, estimated the population in Ripon will reach approximately 40,000 by the year If the City maintains an average annual growth rate of 3.2% as calculated by the absorption study, the City will remain on-track to reach its 30-year population projection of 40,516 by The City of Ripon will continue to review future growth and population patterns to project and monitor growth within its SOI. The 2040 General Plan includes a policy that directs the City to ensure that there is adequate land to accommodate a three to six percent residential growth rate. In some years, the City Council has implemented the General Plan s three to six percent growth policy through the adoption of resolutions imposing specific growth limits, such as in 2003 (Resolution 03-90) and 2005 (Resolution 05-53). The City has met its policy by including enough residential land within its SOI to accommodate the anticipated growth for the next 30- years. Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services, including Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies a. Law Enforcement Determinations Although the City of Ripon s Police Department currently provides adequate law enforcement services to meet the needs of the existing population, continued growth within the SOI will increase the overall demand on law enforcement services in the city. As the City grows, new residential and non-residential development such as new commercial and industrial development will increase the demand for police services, resulting in the need for additional personnel, new and/or expanded facilities, and the acquisition of additional vehicles and equipment. Police service requirements are also influenced by the demands for traffic control and traffic accident services. The additional operations costs that result will be provided by the expanded tax base that results from new development and capital costs for facilities and equipment will be funded by City s PFFP (development fees). The City s Police Department will continue to monitor the development fees (PFFP) to insure that the fees collected are adequate to serve the expanded needs of the city. The City also has discussed and continues to explore the feasibility of i- 2

6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY adopting a special sales tax override initiative to help cover additional staffing needs in the future if needed. The PFFP also includes the financing and construction of two police substations. The City Council along with the Ripon Consolidated Fire District Board has just recently adopted resolutions regarding the construction of the first joint public safety facility which will include facilities for both Police and Fire personnel and will be located in the vicinity of River Road, near the Mistlin Sports Complex. This first satellite station, for the Police Department will be needed once the population reaches approximately 23,000. The second satellite office will be needed when the city reaches a population of approximately 32,000 which is expected to occur between 2030 and These substations will serve the City s projected population growth to the year b. Fire Protection Determinations Continued growth within the SOI will increase the overall demand on fire protection services in the city. Growth in accordance with build out of the SOI is expected to generate the typical range of service calls, including structure fires, car fires, electrical fires, emergency medical response and others. New fire facilities, vehicles, equipment, and personnel will be required to maintain adequate response time to serve future growth, therefore the Fire District s costs to maintain equipment and facilities and to train and equip personnel will also increase. Future city growth will also impact the adjoining rural fire district of Lathrop-Manteca. As annexations occur, fire and emergency medical services will be provided by the Ripon Consolidated Fire District and the boundaries of the surrounding rural fire districts will be reduced in territory, which may have a long-term financial impact on those districts. LAFCo intends to complete a service review for the rural fire districts in the near future. At that time, it is anticipated that the long-term impacts will be considered and recommendations regarding efficient government structure options will be considered. In order to continue to meet the five-minute standard response time as required by the Fire Departments current ISO rating, the Department anticipates expanding their operations in the future to include new stations, equipment, and personnel to ensure adequate services are provided. The Ripon Consolidated Fire District just recently passed a resolution along with the City of Ripon regarding a new joint public safety facility in the northern area of the City near the Mistlin Sports Park, to address just this issue. The additional operation costs that result will be provided by the expanded property tax base that results from new development and Capitol costs for facilities and equipment will be funded by the Fire Protection Facilities Fees (development fees). The Ripon Consolidated Fire Department will continue to monitor their development fees to ensure that the fees collected are adequate to serve the expanded needs of the city, and with assistance from the City will ensure that these updated fees are adopted and implemented. The City also has discussed and continues to explore the feasibility of adopting a special sales tax override initiative to help cover additional staffing needs in the future if needed, which would more than likely contain a component for the Fire District. i- 3

7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY c. Water Supply and Treatment Determinations Expected growth in the City over the next 10 and 30 year time period will generate substantial increases in demand for domestic water. The General Plan and the Public Facilities Financing Plan assume that future domestic water supplies will continue to be met from groundwater wells as well as South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) water. Demands on the groundwater system will be reduced by the City s increasing planned reliance on non-potable water for landscape irrigation and commercial water uses. Anticipated urban development will require not only a substantial expansion of the City s water distribution but also expansion of the supply through the development of new wells, storage and pumping facilities. On-site water system improvements required by new development will be the responsibility of developers and sub-dividers who must design and install the conveyance system and pay for water facilities determined by the City Engineer as necessary to implement the Water Master Plan. Supply facilities and major distribution lines will be financed through fees established in the adopted Public Facilities Financing Plan (PFFP). Proposed major water system improvements will be constructed with anticipated development within the primary Urban Area expanding the City s network of wells, storage and distribution lines throughout areas proposed for new development. Main lines, new groundwater production wells, and water storage and pressurization facilities will be constructed as needed and existing residents will not experience a decrease in service as the City expands. All existing and future facilities will meet or exceed the minimum requirements established by the State of California Office of Drinking Water. This demand will be met by the collection of fees through the PFFP, and the infrastructure built and dedicated by the developers for their projects will put in place the improvements necessary to accommodate the growth as it occurs. The City s Public Facilities Financing Plan has assigned costs to the anticipated water facility improvements and establishes a set of infrastructure fees adequate to finance or serve as a basis for financing necessary improvements. The PFFP is the vehicle the City will use to provide all the needed facilities to accommodate the full build out of the City. General Plan build-out and associated expansion of the City water well system would increase demands on the underlying groundwater system. Based on projected water demands, new annual demands could amount to an additional 11,000 acre-feet by 2040; combined with existing usage of about 6,000 acre-feet, total annual water demands would amount to about 17,000 acre-feet annually. About 60 percent of this demand would rely on the groundwater system, about 10,000 acre-feet annually. Despite increases in groundwater demand for urban development purposes, future impacts on the groundwater system are expected to be minimized as a result of the City s adopted Groundwater Preservation Program as well as its ability to use SSJID water as a non-potable water source. The City of Ripon is also researching and contemplating the feasibility of connecting to the South San Joaquin Irrigation District s Surface Water Supply project to help supplement the City s future potable water demands. The City has a master plan for expansion of the potable water system to meet the present and future demands of the community. Expansion will consist of additional wells and above ground storage capacity to ensure an adequate supply of potable water. The City plans to construct 2 new elevated storage tanks, the first around 27,000 population and the second at around 39,000. The City anticipates that 14 new domestic water wells will be required to serve future demands i- 4

8 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY during the planning period covered by the Water Master Plan These wells will be required with every 2,000 increment increase in population to keep up with future demands. d. Wastewater Collection and Treatment Determinations The City of Ripon s Wastewater Treatment Facility has met and expects to continue to meet annual wastewater collection and treatment demand within the SOI in compliance with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board s Waste Discharge Requirements. Growth in the SOI will increase the overall demand on the wastewater collection and treatment facility in the city. Future growth in accordance with build out of the SOI is expected to generate the typical amount of treatment needs associated with the type of urban development that has occurred in the past. According to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility Plan (March 3, 2009) the City s wastewater treatment facility can support a population of about 20,000 within the SOI, which is within the 10-year sphere horizon of the SOI. The City anticipates that the existing treatment facility will continue to be in service until such time as upgrades and/or new facilities are needed to ensure that wastewater collection and treatment match urban growth. Phasing and exact timing of expansion and/or additional facilities to accommodate additional growth has not been determined, however improvements and expansion to the Wastewater Treatment Facility must take place prior to the City s population reaching 20,000 which is approximately slated to happen around Any improvements and/or expansion to the existing facility will likely require higher treatment, which will also meet anticipated discharge requirements. Facility expansions and upgrades are planned to accommodate the projected needs at build out of the SOI. The City s commitment to maintain existing facilities and expand and/or develop new wastewater collection and treatment facilities is addressed in the 2040 General Plan. The Plan includes policies that require adequate facilities are in place to serve urban development and that the treatment and quality of discharge is sufficient to meet water quality standards. In addition, the Plan includes policies that encourage the reuse and recharge of reclaimed water. The City requires that any costs associated with new facilities and/or upgrades to the existing facility be offset through increased revenue and fees generated by future development. In addition, the City will review future projects on an individual basis and require compliance with City requirements, such as impact fees and General Plan compliance. e. Stormwater Drainage Determinations The City of Ripon expects to continue to meet stormwater flood control needs within the existing SOI in cooperation with San Joaquin County and the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency. Build out of the existing SOI will continue to require the capture and removal of stormwater in a safe and efficient manner. Future growth in accordance with build out of the existing SOI is expected to result in the typical amount of capture and removal needs associated with the type of urban development that has occurred in the past. As development occurs within the SOI, gutters, alleys, catch basins, trunk lines, retention basins, pump stations, and surface infrastructure will continue to collect and convey storm runoff to the Stanislaus River and storm drainage basins. The City will continue to require new development in growth areas in the SOI to develop storm drains to collect and convey runoff to i- 5

9 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY storm basins and outfalls. In addition, the quality of runoff water is expected to be emphasized in future stormwater management activities to address stormwater pollution. The City s 2040 General Plan commits the City to maintain existing storm drain and flood management facilities. The Plan includes policies that ensure and require that stormwater drainage planning be addressed prior to development occurring. The Storm Water Development Standards Plan includes policies that encourage and require the use of Best Management Practices to reduce stormwater runoff and its associated pollution. The City requires that any costs associated with new facilities and/or upgrades to existing facilities be offset through revenue and fees generated by future development and that all flood issues be adequately mitigated. In addition, the City will review future projects on an individual basis and require compliance with any and all City requirements in effect. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services The City of Ripon receives funds for the provision of public utilities and services through impact fees, property taxes, and connection and usage fees. These fees apply to all land that is annexed into the City. The City s Department of Finance reviews the usage fee structure on an annual basis to ensure that they provide adequate financing to cover the provisions of City services. The Development impact fees are indexed on an annual basis, and revisited and revised every five years to ensure that adequate funds are collected to cover the provision of City services. The Ripon Consolidated Fire District is responsible for the fire protection services in the City of Ripon. However in order to implement the goals and objectives of the General Plan regarding adequate fire protection, and to mitigate the impact of new development on fire protection services in the City, certain Fire Protection Facilities must be constructed and equipped. Therefore the City Council determined that a development impact fee was needed in order to finance these public improvements and to pay for the development s fair share of the costs of the improvements, and hence adopted a Fire Protection Facilities Fee. The City works closely with the Fire Department to ensure that these fees are maintained and are adequate to cover the impacts of new growth. The City may also seek additional funding for the Fire District by either contracting with the Fire District for the required level of services needed by the City or explore the possibility of a general sales tax override that would include an element for public safety. The City has adequate fee structures and planning processes to ensure that the fee structures remain sufficient to cover costs of required services, and thus no financial constraints to service provisions have been identified. The General Plan includes policies that require new development to pay its fair share capital improvement costs for all services. The cost of providing on-going services for annexed land is offset by the increased tax base provided by new development. Taxes, including property and sales tax, are expected to provide 65 percent of the City of Ripon s General Fund for the fiscal year. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities Ripon has multiple planning processes in place to assess whether levels of service provided are adequate to accommodate new growth, including the City s General Plan, its annual budgeting process, master planning processes for water supply and distribution, wastewater and sewer i- 6

10 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY systems, as well as law enforcement services. It is through these processes that the City will continue to monitor and assess whether future opportunities for shared facilities will improve levels of service in a cost effective manner. Accountability for Community Service Needs, including Governmental Structure and Operational Efficiencies a. Accountability for Community Service Needs Determinations The City has established a good system of accountability which adequately serves the residents of Ripon. The City of Ripon is responsible for governance within its incorporated boundaries. Actions of the City Council, including opportunities for public involvement and public hearing, are regulated in accordance with the Brown Act (California Government Code Section et seq.) other applicable statues and regulations, and City procedures. The residents of Ripon are offered a wide range of opportunities to oversee the activities of elected, appointed and paid representatives responsible for the provision of public services to the community through elections, publicized meetings and hearings, as well as through the reports completed in compliance with State and Federal reporting requirements. b. Government Structure Determinations Ripon s government structure is adequate and meets the needs of the residents. Since Ripon is an incorporated city, the City Council will make the final decisions concerning fee structures and the provisions of services. As discussed in previous chapters, the City of Ripon and the Ripon CFPD both review their fee structures every 5 years and index the fees on an annual basis. The City s General Plan also has numerous goals, objectives, policies and actions to ensure that adequate services are provided in a cost effective manner to accommodate new growth. c. Evaluation of Management Efficiencies Determinations The City s current management process is adequate and meets the needs of the City. Ripon will continue to use the budget and long-range planning process to ensure that it continues to provide direct and adequate levels of service in a cost-effective manner within its service area. i- 7

11 INTRODUCTION 1 INTRODUCTION The City of Ripon prepared this Municipal Service Review (MSR) for the San Joaquin Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) in compliance with the 2000 Cortese-Knox- Hertzberg Act (CKH), which requires that an MSR be prepared prior to or concurrent with an update of a Sphere of Influence (SOI). This MSR will be used by San Joaquin LAFCo in evaluating the expansion of the Ripon SOI consistent with the City s 2040 General Plan, adopted in September State law requires the MSR to make five written determinations. Following the SOI plan in Chapter 2, this document dedicates a chapter to each of these determinations in the order listed below. Growth and Population Projections for the Area Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services, Including Infrastructure Needs and Deficiencies Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services Status of and Opportunities for Shared Facilities Accountability of Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and Operational Efficiencies A. LAFCo and the Sphere of Influence The role of the LAFCo is to implement the CKH Act consistent with local conditions and circumstances (Governmental Code et seq.). According to the CKH Act, the purpose of LAFCo as established in the CKH Act includes: Promote orderly growth and urban development; Promote cooperative planning efforts among cities, the county, and special districts to address concerns regarding land use and development standards, premature conversion of agriculture and open space lands, efficient provision of services, and discouragement of urban sprawl; Serve as a master plan for future local government reorganization by providing longrange guidelines for efficient provision of public services; and Guide consideration of proposals and studies for changes of organization or reorganization. To carry out State policy, LAFCo has the power to conduct studies, approve and disapprove proposals, modify proposal boundaries, and impose reasonable terms and conditions on approval of proposals. San Joaquin LAFCo has adopted policies and procedures for determining Spheres of Influence consistent with the CHK Act. 1-1

12 INTRODUCTION Government Code Section defines an SOI as a plan for the probable physical boundaries and service area of a local agency, as determined by the Commission. An SOI is an area within which a city or district may expand through the annexation process. In simple terms, an SOI is a planning boundary within which a city or district is expected to grow over time. The purpose of an SOI is to encourage logical and orderly development and coordination of local governmental agencies so as to advantageously provide for the present and future needs of the county and its communities. An SOI serves a similar function in LAFCo determinations, as general plans do for cities and counties. San Joaquin LAFCo s procedural guidelines for determining the SOI requires documentation of the City s ability to meet the requirements of the CKH. The Sphere Plan, along with the Municipal Service Review, and the City of Ripon s 2040 General Plan, provide the basis for expansion of the City of Ripon s existing SOI. According to LAFCo policies, only territories that are in need of urban services can be included in a city s SOI. This excludes the inclusion of open space, agricultural, recreational and rural lands into a city s SOI. However, if governmental actions (such as land use decisions) related to such territories impact a city, LAFCo may designate specified territories as Areas of Interest to a city. LAFCo policy requires that any given Area of Interest can be designated to only one city. Ripon may explore this Area of Interest concept as a means of providing a separator between Ripon and Manteca, protecting open space and agricultural land and maintaining the unique character of Ripon. The intended use, level of service, and purveyor of services in this buffer area are being explored by the City. B. City/County Consultation State law requires that a city and county meet prior to the city applying to the local agency formation commission for a new or updated SOI. This meeting requirement promotes dialogue between a city and county, offers the opportunity for a more collaborative approach to future growth, and fosters a less contentious environment for annexations in the future. City staff and officials met with San Joaquin County staff and officials on March 31, 2008 to discuss the proposed new boundaries of the SOI and explore methods to reach agreement on development standards and planning and zoning requirements to ensure that development occurs in a manner that reflects the concerns of the City and County and is accomplished in a manner that promotes the logical and orderly development of areas within the SOI. At the conclusion of the meeting, the County and the City of Ripon agreed to prepare an agreement consistent with similar agreements between other cities and San Joaquin County regarding future growth and development within the SOI. C. California Environmental Quality Act On September 19, 2006, the City Council of the City of Ripon adopted the City of Ripon General Plan In connection with the adoption of the General Plan, the City Council 1-2

13 INTRODUCTION certified a Final Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse Number , also referred to as the General Plan FEIR ). The City has determined that any environmental impacts associated with the adoption of this MSR and SOI plan are the same as the impacts evaluated and mitigated within the General Plan FEIR. The City has also determined that none of the circumstances set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section have occurred. Thus, the City intends to rely upon the Final EIR for the General Plan 2040 in connection with the adoption of this Municipal Services Review and Sphere of Influence Plan. 1-3

14 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN 2 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN This chapter analyzes the City s ability to serve existing and future residents within the SOI. While LAFCo encourages the participation and cooperation of the subject agency, LAFCo alone is responsible for adopting the sphere of influence (SOI) and is the sole authority as to the sufficiency of the documentation and the Sphere Plan s consistency with law and LAFCo policy. In adopting the SOI for Ripon, LAFCo must consider and prepare a written statement of its determinations with respect to the following four factors as stated in Section (e) of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act: The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural open space lands. The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area. The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency provides or is authorized to provide. The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the Commission determines that they are relevant to the agency. In order to adopt Ripon s SOI, the State requires LAFCo to conduct a review of the municipal services provided in the city and SOI. The standards, procedures, and policies for service reviews are contained in San Joaquin LAFCo s policies and procedures. The SOI must be consistent with the determinations of the Municipal Service Review (MSR). San Joaquin LAFCo requires the Sphere Plan to include maps and explanatory text that describes the probable boundary of the service area and the city s sphere. San Joaquin LAFCo is being requested to expand Ripon s existing SOI in conjunction with the MSR. Detailed determinations as to the ability of the City to provide adequate services to existing and future residents within the proposed SOI are contained in the subsequent chapters of this MSR. A. Present and Planned Land Uses Ripon can be characterized as a low-rise community (one-or two-story buildings) dominated by low density, single family housing along with some multi-family housing, low intensity commercial mostly serving local community needs, and a very modest industrial base. Most of the city s development is balanced on either side of State Route 99, which dissects the city in two. Historically, the city has grown out from its center located just south of State Route 99, and it has been an ongoing goal of the city to balance the growth on both sides of State Route 99. Lands surrounding the City limits are primarily in active agriculture production, with the exception of the southern edge of the City which is bordered by the Stanislaus River and serves as the separator between San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. There is also a small portion of the eastern boundary of the City Limits which contains an older county subdivision known as Spring Creek. Prior to any further annexation and development along the eastern boundary of the City, the City anticipates that annexation of the Spring Creek subdivision will have to occur. 2-1

15 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN At that time negotiations and an annexation plan will have to be explored with the residents of the Spring Creek subdivision. Figure 2-1 shows the existing land use distribution around the City of Ripon within the existing SOI, and Figure 2-2 shows the existing land use distribution around the City of Ripon within the proposed SOI. Additional land has been added to the proposed SOI to the north to accommodate additional needs for residential and non-residential development needs. A small portion of residential land, approximately 118 acres, was removed from the existing SOI in the south/eastern portion of the SOI because of potential flood plain issues and the estimated timing of the ability to provide services to that area. This loss of residential property was accounted for in the additional residential property added to the proposed SOI. It should be noted that the existing land use information shown in Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2 is taken from the County s General Plan Land Use map and includes only what the properties are actually zoned within the county. The City of Ripon 2040 General Plan contains goals, policies, and standards for growth, development, and conservation of open space throughout the city. Figure 2-3 shows the 2040 General Plan Land Use diagram, which includes land outside of the proposed SOI but is however included within Ripon s proposed Area of interest. Planned land uses shown on the Ripon 2040 General Plan Land Use diagram, within the SOI and Area of Interest include Extremely Low Density Residential, Very Low Density Residential, Low Density Residential, High-Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, High Density Residential, Very High Density Residential, Neighborhood Commercial, Community Commercial, Urban Core, Highway Service Commercial, Commercial Recreation, Regional Commercial, Professional Office, Business Park, Mixed Use, Light Industrial, Heavy Industrial, Public Municipal Service, Public Parks, Public Open Space, Agricultural Reserve, and Resource Reserve. All the land uses within the proposed SOI above will require the full range of services such as water, wastewater, storm drainage, police, fire, etc. 2-2

16 2-3 CITY OF RIPON SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN

17 2-4 CITY OF RIPON SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN

18 2-5 CITY OF RIPON SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN

19 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN B. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services The ability of the City of Ripon to provide adequate services has been explored in the Municipal Services Review and has been found to provide adequate services to meet the needs of the existing population. Services provided by the City include police, water, wastewater, storm water drainage, and garbage and refuse collection. The City also provides public facilities including transportation, libraries, and recreational facilities. Services provided by other agencies include fire protection which is covered by the Ripon Consolidated Fire District, and schools which is covered by the Ripon Unified School District. New development within the proposed SOI will lead to population growth and the need for additional service provisions. Development fees will address the capital cost of new development, and the expanded tax base that results from new development, as well as user charges will address the operating expenses of day to day operation of these facilities. In addition to the above mentioned fees the City may research the feasibility of a special sales tax initiative to help address operational expenses where needed. General Plan policies are in place to ensure adequate service provision for current and future populations. C. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services Existing public facilities and services are adequate for serving the needs of Ripon s population. The Ripon Consolidated Fire District has adequate staff and facilities to provide for existing populations, and is in the process of planning for new joint facilities with the Ripon Police Department to better serve growing populations. Ripon s police department also has adequate staff and facilities to provide for existing populations, and as mentioned above is in the process of planning for new joint facilities with the Ripon Consolidated Fire District. The City s water supply, wastewater, storm drainage and refuge collection services are also adequate to meet the needs of the existing population. The determinations included in Chapter 3 of this MSR show that public facilities and services are adequate to meet the needs of the current population, and are master planned and continuously being improved so as to meet the needs of future populations as well. D. Social and Economic Communities of Interest The residents of Ripon share social and economic interests with the adjacent communities of Manteca and Modesto as well as a variety of more local communities of interest, such as numerous businesses, schools, churches, public sector facilities and other Community Service programs that serve the residents of this community. The existing social fabric of the City will not change substantially by the proposed changes to the SOI. It is likely, however, that this change will be positive, bringing in new families and economic buying power as well as possible revenues that could help the City s budget. Expansion of industrial, commercial and retail areas could bring jobs and economic growth into the City. The City of Ripon shares a Sphere of Influence and Area of Interest boundary with the City of Manteca, which is directly west. Ripon has worked with the City of Manteca in developing a 2-6

20 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The purpose of the MOU is to develop a cooperative understanding of where each city s ultimate boundary will be as each city expands towards the other. The MOU outlines the areas that are currently within the Manteca General Plan and Ripon General Plan area that were exchanged between the two cities. The MOU, which was adopted by the City of Ripon on July 15, 2008 and the City of Manteca on July 21, 2008, identifies issues of joint concern, including community separators, and sets forth both parties understanding as to how those issues may be addressed. Figure 2-4 illustrates the area of exchange agreed upon by the MOU between the two cities. The areas that were exchanged between Ripon and Manteca actually lie outside the City of Ripon s SOI, however the exchanged areas are part of Ripon s proposed Area of Interest. 2-7

21 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN E. Existing and Projected Population The City of Ripon s growth rate has shown large swings through the decades. Table 2-1 summarizes the City of Ripon s growth from 1960 through As the table shows, the city s growth rate peaked in the 1980s, in fact, between 1980 and 1987, the annual growth rate exceeded 10%. This was followed in the 1990s by a significantly lower annual growth rate (3.2%) reflecting the statewide economic downturn in the 1990s. From 2000 through 2008, Ripon s growth rate rose again to an average annual rate of 5.3%. TABLE 2-1 POPULATION COUNTS AND ANNUAL RATE OF GROWTH CITY OF RIPON, YEAR POPULATION ANNUAL GROWTH , , % , % , % , % , % Source: Ripon General Plan 2040, page 2-4; JB Anderson Land Use Planning The population projections shown in Table 2-2 are based on a 3.2% growth rate, and a 2008 population of 15,260. According to the General Plan Update 2040, the City s residential growth accommodation program targets an annual growth rate ranging between 3.0% - 6.0%. Since implementation of the growth program in 1998, the City has experienced an annual growth rate of 3.9%. City staff estimates that the rate of growth will be reduced substantially for the next 10-year planning period in view of the recent slowdown in the residential market. Ripon s General Plan projections depict a growth rate of 3.2%, based on a past market absorption study conducted for the City of Ripon, for the years , therefore Table 2-2 projects the city s population growth over the next 30-years based on the 2008 base population of 15,260 and a 3.2% annual growth rate. TABLE YEAR POPULATION PROJECTIONS CITY OF RIPON, YEAR ESTIMATED POPULATION NET NEW POPULATION COMPOUNDED NET GROWTH , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

22 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,499 1,008 17, ,539 1,040 18, ,612 1,073 19, ,720 1,108 20, ,863 1,143 21, ,042 1,180 22, ,260 1,217 24, ,516 1,256 25, ,812 1,297 26,552 (3.2% Average Annual Growth Rate per City of Ripon General Plan) As part of the Sphere of Influence Plan, the City must estimate the remaining capacity within the City limits and existing SOI and the timing or phasing of its build out. This information allows LAFCo to evaluate the City s ability to provide adequate services to existing and future residents in a timely manner within the city s existing SOI. Table 2-3 illustrates the projected dwelling units, the net new population of those dwelling units and the amount of residential acres needed to accommodate the growth. Slightly more acres have been planned than are absolutely necessary in order to provide for some flexibility in actual densities and options of where new development can occur. 2-9

23 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN TABLE 2-3 ESTIMATED SPHERE CAPACITY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNITS ESTIMATED CAPACITY PROJECTED DWELLING UNITS NET NEW POPULATION ACRES NEEDED ACRES PLANNED WITHIN CURRENT 412 1, (3) CITY LIMITS 10-YEAR GROWTH 1,925 5, HORIZON 30-YEAR GROWTH 6,514 19,542 2,225 2,235 HORIZON TOTAL 8,851 26,553 3,023 3,083 (1) Net new population assumes 3 people per dwelling unit (2) As currently illustrated on the 2040 General Plan Land Use Map (3) Existing vacant residential land within the city limits The Land Use Diagram also designates land for non-residential use such as commercial, industrial, mixed use, and office development. Table 2-4 shows the estimated remaining nonresidential capacity within the SOI and existing city limits. TABLE 2-4 ESTIMATED SPHERE CAPACITY NON-RESIDENTIAL LAND USES ESTIMATED CAPACITY INDUSTRIAL OFFICE COMMERCIAL MIXED USE BUSINESS PARK Square Feet (1) 2,279, ,126 2,979,696 6,872,444 1,976,927 (1) Estimated Square Feet Based on General Plan 2040 Floor Area Ratio designations and actual Floor Area Ratios of current development. The City of Ripon 2040 General Plan contains goals, policies, and standards for non-residential, development throughout the city. The Land Use and Growth Accommodations chapter of the General Plan contains a policy which states that the City will annex sufficient land designated for job generating uses to provide for a projected ratio of at least two jobs per household. The Economic Development chapter of the General Plan incorporates by reference The City of Ripon s Comprehensive Economic Development Plan which was adopted in 2006, and sets forth goals and policies for economic growth within the planning area of the city. Appendix D of that plan explains the desire of the City Council to build the economic viability of the City by aggressively pursuing a three to one jobs/housing ratio. Although this goal seems aggressive, adequate land has been included within the SOI to achieve an approximate 2 ½ to 1 jobs to housing ratio, which is midway between the General Plan s economic growth policy and the City of Ripon s Comprehensive Economic Development Plan. An estimate of 1 job per every 500 square feet of facility was used for all commercial, industrial, and mixed use land use designation and 1 job per every 400 square feet of facility for office and business park facilities. These job ratios are based on industry standards for the area as well as what was used to calculate job ratios in a previously adopted specific plan for the City of Ripon, known as the Jack Tone Road Specific Plan. Table 2-5 shows the estimated jobs that 2-10

24 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN would be created by the estimated square footage of non-residential land within the Sphere of Influence. TABLE 2-5 ESTIMATED JOB CREATION OF NON-RESIDENTIAL LAND USES WITHIN THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE ESTIMATED JOBS Number INDUSTRIAL OFFICE COMMERCIAL MIXED BUSINESS TOTAL USE PARK JOBS 4,559 1,048 5,959 13,745 4,942 30,253 (1) of Jobs (1) Total Jobs assumes a 2 ½ to 1 jobs to housing ratio. With a projected 8,851 new dwelling units added to the current 5,000 existing dwelling units, the total number of jobs needed to reach the City s goal would be 34,627 jobs. Subtract the current estimated 3,776 jobs currently within the City of Ripon and 30,851 jobs would be needed to meet the City s goal. The City projects that residential and non-residential areas in the existing City limits and SOI will develop through 2040, assuming a 3.2% per year growth rate for residential and population growth and a very aggressive non-residential development objective. The City has divided the build out into two timeframes: 0-10 years and years extending to For each timeframe the City has projected the amount of residential and non-residential development that is expected to occur within the SOI. Specific policies in the 2040 General Plan related to the provision of services for residential and non-residential growth are noted in subsequent chapters of the MSR. Figure 2-5 shows where the City assumes growth will occur during the 10-year timeframe. It is expected that these areas will be partially or entirely annexed into the city and developed as part of master planned communities that will be phased over time and will continue building beyond the 10-year timeframe. However, the City expects that the entire SOI will be entitled or completely built out by the end of the 30-year timeframe. The City is committed to continue to work with the County and property owners to annex unincorporated island areas that may be created as part of future annexations, such as the Spring Creek subdivision that was mentioned earlier in this text. Also portrayed in figure 2-5 is the City of Ripon s proposed area of interest, which encompasses an additional 6,380 acres. This area of interest has been pursued by the City of Ripon for several reasons. First, the area of interest portrayed is essentially re-affirming the overall General Plan boundaries that were established with the adoption of the City of Ripon s 2040 General Plan on September 19, Secondly, the City would like to preserve this area as a means of providing an essential community separator between the City of Ripon and the City of Manteca, by allowing for open space and agricultural land in order to maintain and preserve the unique character of the City. Lastly, the City would like to include this area into the area of interest, in order to allow the City to facilitate long range planning. Although it is difficult for jurisdictions to plan with any accuracy beyond a 30 year horizon, it is essential for a City s long term development and orderly growth to tackle such long term planning. The City would like to ensure that expenses and time spent on such long term planning for services and growth can reasonably be protected for our City s future longevity and economic survival. Although the majority of area within the proposed Area of Interest is covered by the Ripon Unified School District s boundaries and the Ripon Consolidated Fire District s boundaries there are some 2-11

25 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN small pockets of land that fall under neighboring jurisdiction s responsibilities, such as the Manteca Unified School District and the Lathrop / Manteca Fire District s jurisdiction. Prior to any annexations within these neighboring district s boundaries, the City of Ripon will have to meet and confer with these other districts and implement MOU s to facilitate action plans of how to accommodate and provide services efficiently and economically to any new development within these areas. 2-12

26 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN Table 2-5 shows how much residential development the City assumes will occur in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the SOI over the next 10-years from 2010 through When combined, this incorporated and unincorporated development will add an estimated additional 7,010 people to the 2009 population of 15,260, bringing the city s population to about 22,270 by As indicated earlier in Table 2-3, the City of Ripon has very little available infill property located within the current City limits and therefore expects that most of the additional growth will occur on land that is annexed into the city from within the SOI. Table 2-5 also shows how much development the City assumes will occur in the unincorporated area of the SOI from 2020 to The City anticipates that the unincorporated areas within the SOI will fully build out by 2040 adding an additional population of 19,542 people to the projected 2020 population of 22,270, bringing the city s population to about 41,812 TABLE 2-5 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT-POPULATION PROJECTIONS Net New Population Total Population , year Incorporated 1, year Unincorporated 5, (10 Year Timeframe) 7,010 22, Unincorporated 19, (30 year Timeframe) 19,542 41,812 Non-residential growth will occur on land within the existing city limits and on land within the SOI that will be annexed to the city in the future. Projecting non-residential development beyond the 10-year timeframe can be difficult due to uncertainty concerning future market trends, emerging industries, and local, regional, state, national, and international demands. The City of Ripon has however included enough non-residentially zoned land within its proposed SOI to accommodate the previously mentioned City Goal and Objective of a 2 ½ to 1 jobs to housing ratio. Table 2-6 depicts the square footage, acreage, and estimated jobs creation for properties within the 10-year and 30-year timeframe within the City of Ripon s proposed SOI for each non-residential land use. As you can see by the numbers with an estimated 10-year population of 22,270 and a build out population of 41,812, the number of jobs needed to reach the City s employment goals and objectives would be approximately 18,560 at the 10-year mark and 34,850 jobs at build out. 2-13

27 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND SPHERE PLAN TABLE 2-6 NON - RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT JOB PROJECTIONS 10-year Growth Horizon Square Footage Acreage Jobs Created Business Park 1,506, ,766 Commercial 1,990, ,982 Industrial 724, ,450 Mixed Use 4,381, ,763 Office 319, Sub-Total 8,923, , year Growth Horizon Square Footage Acreage Jobs Created Business Park 470, ,176 Commercial 988, ,977 Industrial 1,554, ,109 Mixed Use 2,490, ,982 Office 99, Total 14,527, ,

28 GROWTH AND POPULATIONPROJECTIONS FOR THE AFFECTED AREA 3 GROWTH AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS This chapter identifies future growth projections for the City of Ripon and its SOI that need to be taken into consideration when planning for the provision of services. Chapter 4 discusses the provision of municipal services to meet the demand for services identified in this chapter. As will be discussed in Chapter 4, the City has plans and policies in place to ensure that if and when demand increases, as allowed by the General Plan, adequate public services will be provided, while existing levels of service are maintained. A. Population and Demographics Ripon is the fifth largest city in San Joaquin County, with a population of 14,575. Between 1990 and 2000, the City of Ripon s population increased by 36% to 10,146, as shown in Table 3-1, which correlates to approximately a 3.2% growth rate per year for this period. Over this same time period the demographics for the City of Ripon remained relatively unchanged with only a slight increase in residents of Hispanic/Latino origin. TABLE 3-1 POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLD TRENDS IN RIPON Population 7,455 10,146 14,575 Housing Units 2,567 3,446 4,849 Average Household Size Total Households 2,466 3,368 4,544 Family Households 1,995 2,681 3,821 Non-Family Households Owner-Occupied 1,683 2, (1) United States Census 1990 & 2000 (2) California Department of Finance estimate for January 2007 From 2000 through 2007 the City of Ripon, like the Central Valley as a whole, returned to higher rates of growth as was previously experienced in the 1990s. As shown in Table 3-2, over the past seven years Ripon grew at an average of 5.3% per year. In fact, all the cities in San Joaquin County grew at rates higher than the unincorporated county (1.3%). The average annual population growth rate in San Joaquin County as a whole during this period was 2.71%. During this time period, Lathrop had the highest annual growth rate at 6.73%, and Lodi had the lowest at 1.53%. Much of this growth had been fueled by the Bay Area workers seeking affordable housing in the Central Valley. 3-1

29 GROWTH AND POPULATIONPROJECTIONS FOR THE AFFECTED AREA TABLE 3-2 CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE POPULATION ESTIMATES, Annual Growth Jurisdiction 1/2000 1/2001 1/2002 1/2003 1/2004 1/2005 1/2006 1/2007 Rate Escalon 5,963 6,151 6,400 6,622 6,702 6,918 7,044 7, % Lathrop 10,445 10,824 11,655 12,135 12,530 12,849 14,627 16, % Lodi 57,011 58,353 59,835 60,951 61,848 62,520 62,828 63, % Manteca 49,255 51,658 55,338 57,596 60,258 61,981 63,716 65, % Ripon 10,158 10,676 11,242 11,665 12,388 13,252 13,911 14, % Stockton 243, , , , , , , , % Tracy 56,929 61,114 66,081 70,122 74,757 78,374 80,477 50, % Incorporated Total 433, , , , , , , , % Unincorporated Total 130, , , , , , , , % County Total 563, , , , , , , , % Source: State of California, Department of Finance, E-4 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State, , with 2000 Benchmark, Sacramento California, May

30 GROWTH AND POPULATIONPROJECTIONS FOR THE AFFECTED AREA Development during the 1980 s alerted the City to problems related to rapid growth because city services were not able to keep up. Therefore a growth accommodation policy was adopted in the 1988 General Plan. While percentage rates for any single year could go higher, the City s 1988 General Plan policy stated the city would maintain growth at a rate in the range of 3% to 6% during the planning horizon by annexing sufficient land to provide for the projected residential growth. To further monitor and maintain this growth accommodation policy established with the adoption of the 1988 General Plan, the City implemented a building permit allocation schedule. Developers of residential projects of ten or more units are required to execute a development agreement which includes a provision limiting the maximum number of building permits issued to each developer. The City of Ripon reaffirmed its growth accommodation policy by adopting Residential Growth Rate Resolution (No ) on December 16, 2003 which reaffirmed a 3% average rate of growth for the City. The resolution allowed for some exceptions to the 3% Growth Allocation cap, and the resolution stated that there were certain instances in which the residential development was not subject to the 3% growth cap. These exceptions included housing units restricted to senior citizens, and affordable housing as defined by the City of Ripon s Below Market Rate Housing Program (Municipal Code Chapter ). Even with these exceptions, however the growth rate was capped at 4% and all building allocations had to be used within ten years of the date the allocation was received. On June 7, 2005 the City Council reauthorized Resolution #03-90 when they adopted Resolution No This resolution slightly modified the Residential Growth Rate program and raised the maximum annual growth rate including all the exceptions to 6%. The exceptions, which were actually expanded, included housing units restricted to senior citizens, affordable housing as defined by the City of Ripon s Below Market Rate Housing Program (Municipal Code Chapter ), affordable housing in which the Ripon Redevelopment Agency provides direct financial participation and infill projects of not more than 50 single family or multiple family residential units. Resolution No has hence expired and the Ripon City Council at this point in time has not opted to reauthorize the residential growth rate ordinance. Therefore any residential development currently falls under the City of Ripon s General Plan policy of maintaining growth between 3 to 6 percent. B. Population Projections The 2040 General Plan provides for a 3-6% growth rate over the life of the General Plan. However, an absorption study prepared previously for the city projected a 3.2% average annual absorption rate. For the purposes of the MSR the absorption rate determined by the absorption study is being used to calculate the growth projections as shown in Table 3.3. The ten year growth boundary is expected to absorb 2,337 dwelling units with 7,010 new residents assuming a 3.2% average annual growth rate and a household size of 3 persons per dwelling unit. The City should fully absorb 8,851 dwelling units with 26,552 new residents by 3-3

31 GROWTH AND POPULATIONPROJECTIONS FOR THE AFFECTED AREA the year 2040 assuming a 3.2% average annual growth rate and a household size of 3 persons per dwelling unit. TABLE 3-3 POPULATION PROJECTIONS Assumes a 3.2% average annual growth rate YEAR ESTIMATED POPULATION NET NEW POPULATION COMPOUNDED NET GROWTH , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,499 1,008 17, ,539 1,040 18, ,612 1,073 19, ,720 1,108 20, ,863 1,143 21, ,042 1,180 22, ,260 1,217 24, ,516 1,256 25, ,812 1,297 26,552 Source: State of California, Department of Finance, E-4 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State, October 2007; JB Anderson Land Use Planning,

32 GROWTH AND POPULATIONPROJECTIONS FOR THE AFFECTED AREA C. General Plan Growth Policies The MSR must evaluate whether the City projects future growth into its planning functions. The City of Ripon General Plan 2040 provides the framework for future growth within Ripon and its SOI. The General Plan includes goals and policies for the provision of services to accommodate anticipated growth. These goals and polices include the following: Designate adequate land to meet residential, commercial, and industrial development needs. (Goal A, Policy A1, page 2-1) The City will annex enough residentially designated land to provide for a projected residential growth rate in the 3% - 6% range for the urban planning period. At its discretion the City Council will annually review development activities and determine the rate of growth to be followed during a specified period. (Goal A, Policy A8, page 2-2) The City will ensure that proposed development within newly annexed territory will not be a fiscal burden. Development project applications may be required to include a fiscal analysis of the projects impact on the City. (Goal A, Policy A10) The City shall evaluate new development projects for consistency with planned facilities identified in the Public Facilities Financing Plan. (Goal E, Policy E4, page 2-3) The City shall work with the Ripon Unified School District, the Ripon Consolidated Fire District, and the Ripon Police Department to identify, establish, and implement additional measures that may be necessary to adequately finance these facilities in the City, consistent with applicable State law. (Goal E, Policy E9, page 2-3) The City shall ensure that new development provides necessary infrastructure to develop residential projects that will meet the needs of the community, including schools, irrigation and drainage facilities and water wells. (Goal E, Policy E10, page 2-3) D. Determinations The General Plan, approved in 2006, estimated the population in Ripon will reach approximately 42,000 by the year If the City maintains an average annual growth rate of 3.2% as calculated by the absorption study, the City will remain on-track to reach its 30-year population projection of 41,812 by The City of Ripon will continue to review future growth and population patterns to project and monitor growth within its SOI. The 2040 General Plan includes a policy that directs the City to ensure that there is adequate land to accommodate a 3-6% residential growth rate. In some years, the City Council has implemented the General Plan s 3-6% growth policy through the adoption of resolutions imposing specific growth limits, such as in 2003 (Resolution 03-90) and 3-5

33 GROWTH AND POPULATIONPROJECTIONS FOR THE AFFECTED AREA 2005 (Resolution 05-53). The City has met its policy by including enough residential land within its SOI to accommodate the anticipated growth for the next 30-years. 3-6

34 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES 4 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS AND DEFICIENCIES The purpose of this section is to evaluate the infrastructure needs and deficiencies of services provided by the City of Ripon, especially as they relate to current and future users. Infrastructure needs and deficiencies will be evaluated in terms of supply, capacity, condition of facilities, and service quality with correlations to operational, capital improvement, and finance plans. This section of the MSR will evaluate the following public services and infrastructure systems, some of which are directly provided by the City of Ripon and others which are provided by special district: Law Enforcement Fire Protection Water Supply and Treatment Wastewater Collection and Treatment Storm Water Drainage In order to approve a change to the SOI and annexation of land into the City of Ripon, LAFCo must determine that the necessary infrastructure and public services exist to support the new uses at comparable service levels. The information presented within this section supports the City s requested 10-Year and 30-Year SOI boundaries. A. Law Enforcement Law enforcement services in the City of Ripon s SOI are provided by the Ripon Police Department and the San Joaquin County Sherriff s Department. The Ripon Police Department currently (2009) serves the area within City limits, covering over 5 square miles, while the San Joaquin County Sherriff s Department serves all adjacent unincorporated areas within the SOI. 1. Ripon Police Department Staffing/Equipment In 2009, the Ripon Police Department comprised 27 authorized sworn positions and 11 nonsworn positions. The staffing level for the department is determined by the Ripon City Council, and is subject to change as the Council and Chief of Police determines the needs of the city. The General Plan 2040 has a target ratio of 1.5 sworn officers per 1,000 projected residents and is assumed to be the correct standard. Based on this ratio, the city will require approximately 33 sworn officers in 2020 and at full build-out the Ripon Police Department would require a total of approximately 63 sworn officers, plus support personnel. More recently the City Council provided direction to the police department that they would like to see an increase in the ratio of police officers from 1.5 to 2 officers per 1,000 populations. 4-1

35 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES Therefore when the Public Facilities Financing Plan (PFFP) was created the ratio of officers to population was increased to 2 officers per 1,000 populations. Given the population and existing number of officers at the time the PFFP was adopted plus the expected growth, in ten years (2020) there would be a need for approximately 44 officers and in 30-years there would be a need for approximately 84 officers to serve the City. The new officer to population ratio is used for all new growth but the PFFP fees can not be used to make up existing deficiencies. As Table 4-1 shows, in 2009 Ripon s 27 sworn police officers served about 15,260 citizens for an average ratio of 1.8 sworn officers per 1,000 people. TABLE 4-1 RIPON POLICE DEPARTMENT STAFF Position Actual Approved Police Chief 1 1 Police Lieutenant 1 1 Sergeants 5 5 Office Manager 1 1 Police Officers Community Service Supervisor 1 1 CSO Officer 3 4 Dispatchers 6 6 Total Source: Ripon Police Department; 2009 The Police Department has both traditional and specialized transportation equipment that it uses to conduct patrols, respond to emergencies, and provide programs. Table 4-2 provides a breakdown of the transportation equipment used by the Ripon Police Department. TABLE 4-2 RIPON POLICE DEPARTMENT TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT Type of Transportation Number of Units Marked Patrol 23 Unmarked Patrol 6 All Terrain Vehicles 2 Bicycles 8 CSO / Animal Control 4 Miscellaneous Vehicles (School Vehicles) 2 Motorcycle 1 VIPS (Volunteers In Police Services) 5 Special Service Trailers 3 Aircraft 1 Electric Alternative Vehicles 2 Source: Ripon Police Department;

36 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES 2. Ripon Police Department Organization The Ripon Police Department is organized in four divisions, including the Office of the Chief of Police, Administration, Operations, and Support Services. Divisions are coordinated out of one facility. In 2007, the Police Department reorganized its management team. This new arrangement consists of the Chief of Police, One Lieutenant, Five Patrol Sergeants, One Records Supervisor, and One Support Division Supervisor. The Ripon Police Department is a full-service Department which includes Police Services, Traffic Safety Services, Community Services, Youth Services, Animal Services, Parking Control Services, and E Telecommunications and Dispatch Services. The Ripon Police Department subscribes to the Community-Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) philosophy, and it is truly practiced by the Ripon Police Department. The Ripon Police Department s Mission Statement reflects the care and concern that the Department has and the Department strongly believes in close partnerships and working relationships to strengthen the community. The Ripon Police Department has operated out of the newly remodeled Ripon Police Facility at 259 N. Wilma Avenue since the facility s completion in The facility includes approximately 15,000 square feet for police services, which includes a 1,330 square foot training facility. All newly hired officers must complete a 12 week Field Training Program. Unlike a big city department where officers work only in specialized areas, all Ripon Officers receive ongoing, specialized training so that they may effectively investigate any and all types of crimes. Ripon Police Officers are also considered First Responders. They are trained in CPR, First Aid, and the use of HeartStart, a portable defibrillator. The Department also sponsors a Crime Prevention Program, and a large volunteer program that includes Police Reserve Officers, Technical Reserve Officers, Citizen Volunteers, an Intern Program and a Police Chaplain program. Citizen Volunteers give service by helping crime prevention patrols, business watch, traffic control, vacation checks, neighborhood watch, senior liaison and administrative operations. Contract police dispatching for the City of Escalon is also provided by the Ripon Police Department. The Ripon Police Department is divided into four geographical areas or patrol beats, as shown in Figure 4-1. Beat #1 covers the north/west portion of the City north of State Route 99 and is bound on its west by North Ripon Road. Beat #2 covers the north/east portion of the City north of State Route 99 and is bound on its east by North Ripon Road. Beat #3 covers the south/west portion of the City south of State Route 99 and is generally bound on its west by Vera Avenue and Wilma Avenue. The last and final beat, Beat #4 covers the south/east portion of the City south of State Route 99 and is bound on its east by Vera Avenue and Wilma Avenue. 4-3

37 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES FIGURE 4-1 RIPON POLICE DEPARTMENT PATROL BEATS 4-4

38 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES The Ripon Police Department has 40 personnel budgeted for , including 28 sworn officers and 12 non-sworn positions. Sworn officers include one chief, one lieutenant, five sergeants, and twenty-one police officers. Non-sworn positions include administrative personnel, dispatchers and community service officers. The existing ratio of police officers per 1,000 residents is Ripon Police Department Response Times The Ripon Police Department defines offenses for statistical purposes using the Uniform Crime Reporting Code of California which classifies crimes as Part 1 or Part 2 based on their severity. Part 1 Crimes include homicide, rape, burglary and larceny such as car break-ins, auto accessory theft and shoplifting. For the year 2007 Ripon had 527 Part 1 Crimes reported. As outlined in the City of Ripon s General Plan Health and Safety Element, the goal for the Ripon Police Department response time shall be maintained at the minimum feasible police response times for police calls for services. Actual average response times vary, however the average response time is three to five minutes for all calls. Calls involving Part 1 offenses or other life-endangering situations have an even faster average response time. 4. San Joaquin County Sheriff s Department and California Highway Patrol All areas outside of the City boundaries are currently under the jurisdiction of the San Joaquin County Sheriff s Department and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), which handles all traffic related incidents on the freeway and in the unincorporated county area, which includes issuing traffic citations, and investigating vehicle accidents and auto thefts. Once areas are annexed, the City of Ripon Police Department will expand police services in order to provide service to the project areas. 5. Law Enforcement Policies The City s 2040 General Plan includes policies to achieve a steady and orderly growth rate that allows for the adequate provision of services and community facilities. To support this goal as it relates to law enforcement, the 2040 General Plan outlines policies to ensure the provision of adequate police services needed to provide a safe environment in Ripon as follows: Goal E, Policy E1: The Ripon Police Department will continue to promote neighborhood security programs and provide crime prevention training for neighborhood groups and associations Goal E, Policy E2: The City will promote personal security when reviewing the design of development. Goal E, Policy E3: Encourage the participation of local citizens in the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program, Police Reserves, and the Technical Reserves. Goal F, Policy F1: The City will try, through adequate staffing and equipping, to maintain the minimum feasible police response times for police calls for service. Depending on available revenue and demographics, the City should use 1.5 sworn officers per one thousand population as its target ratio. Goal F, Policy F2: The City will continuously monitor response times. 4-5

39 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES 6. Ripon Police Department Funding The City of Ripon funds its law enforcement exclusively through the General Fund. Sixty percent (60%) of Ripon s General Funds are allocated to the Ripon Police Department for the budget cycle, providing a yearly budget of $5,641, Law Enforcement Determinations Although the City of Ripon s Police Department currently provides adequate law enforcement services to meet the needs of the existing population, continued growth within the SOI will increase the overall demand on law enforcement services in the city. As the City grows, new residential and non-residential development such as new commercial and industrial development will increase the demand for police services, resulting in the need for additional personnel, new and/or expanded facilities, and the acquisition of additional vehicles and equipment. Police service requirements are also influenced by the demands for traffic control and traffic accident services. The additional operations costs that result will be provided by the expanded tax base that results from new development and capital costs for facilities and equipment will be funded by City s PFFP (development fees). The City s Police Department will continue to monitor the development fees (PFFP) to insure that the fees collected are adequate to serve the expanded needs of the city. The City also has discussed and continues to explore the feasibility of adopting a special sales tax override initiative to help cover additional staffing needs in the future if needed. The PFFP also includes the financing and construction of two police substations. The City Council along with the Ripon Consolidated Fire District Board has just recently adopted resolutions regarding the construction of the first joint public safety facility which will include facilities for both Police and Fire personnel and will be located in the vicinity of River Road, near the Mistlin Sports Complex. This first satellite station, for the Police Department will be needed once the population reaches approximately 23,000. The second satellite office will be needed when the city reaches a population of approximately 32,000 which is expected to occur between 2030 and These substations will serve the City s projected population growth to the year

40 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES B. Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services The Ripon Consolidated Fire District provides fire protection, basic emergency medical services, and related safety services to the City of Ripon and its surrounding unincorporated areas. The department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Emergency medical transportation services are also provided by the Ripon Consolidated Fire District, with overflow services provided by San Joaquin County EMS System, which fills in with the closest ambulance per an operating agreement between the Ripon Consolidated Fire District and the County. 1. District Boundaries and Mutual Aid Agreements As shown in Figure 4-2, the Ripon Consolidated Fire District is bordered by the City of Manteca, Lathrop/Manteca, Collegeville, Escalon, and Salida Fire Protection Districts. The Ripon Consolidated Fire Department has established mutual aid agreements with the following fire districts in order to increase cost effectiveness and efficiency in responding to emergencies in San Joaquin County and the City of Ripon: Salida Fire District Lathrop-Manteca Fire District Escalon Fire District 4-7

41 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES FIGURE 4-2 RIPON CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOUNDARY 4-8

42 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES 2. Existing Facilities and Services Administrative offices of the Ripon Consolidated Fire Department, including Fire Administration and Fire Prevention (Station 1), are located at 142 S. Stockton Avenue near downtown Ripon. Station 1 houses the Fire Chief, Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Engineers, Firefighters, Paramedics, and Department Administration Assistants. In addition to Station 1, the fire department operates one other fire station (Station 2), which is an unmanned station located in the rural area of the district. Table 4-1 lists the fire protection equipment and emergency response vehicles currently operated by the District and Figure 4-2 above shows the fire station locations. TABLE 4-1 FIRE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT - PUMPING APPARATUS Engine 2-1: 2000 Pierce Dash 2000, 1500 gpm pump, 750 gal water tank, 20 gal Class A foam, 6 man cab Engine 2-2: 1994 Pierce Saber 1250, gpm pump, 750 gal water tank, 10 gal Class A foam, 6 man cab Engine 2-3: 2002 Pierce Model 25, 1000gpm pump, 185 gpm auxiliary pump, 500 gal water tank, 20 gal Class A foam, 4 man cab Engine 2-5: 1989 Ford/Grumman, 1250 gpm pump, 1000 gal tank, 6 man cab Engine 2-9: 1989Chevy/Knapheid, 50 gpm pump, 300 gal tank Water Tender 2-1: 1989 Kenworth, 1000 gpm pump, 3200 gal tank, 3500 portable tank, 3 quick dump valves Water Tender 2-2: 1986 International, 1000 gpm pump, 3500 gal tank, 3500 gal portable tank, 3 quick dump valves Truck 2-1: 2008 Pierce Arrow XT 105 Foot Quint, 2000 gpm pump FIRE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT - SUPPORT APPARATUS HazMat 2-1: 2000 Ford F-550/Marion, 250 gpm pump, 200 gal. water, 10 gal. class A foam. Medic 60: 1997 Ford F-Superduty/Lifeline ALS Medic Unit Rescue 2-1: 2007 Pierce Arrow Rescue with light and air supply Pick-up 2-1: 1994 Chevy C1500 Pickup, manpower transportation/staff vehicle Van 2-1: 1996 Chevy Astro Van, manpower transportation/staff vehicle Medic 61: 2006 Ford F Superduty Medtec Ambulance 3. Staffing Levels The Ripon Consolidated Fire Department employs 19 personnel, including a fire chief, one (1) fire inspector, fifteen (15) line personnel which includes Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Engineers, Firefighters, and Paramedics, and two (2) administrative support staff. The District also utilizes approximately thirty (30) volunteers to assist in their staffing of their two (2) stations. A large majority of the firefighters and engineers are licensed Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and can provide basic emergency services. 4-9

43 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES 4. Emergency Response The department received a total of 1,579 calls in 2007, averaging slightly over 4 calls per day, and the majority of the department s call volume (65 percent in 2007) consisted of medical and rescue calls. The Ripon Consolidated Fire Department has established a response travel time of 5:00 minutes or less for emergency calls in order to maintain their ISO (Insurance Services Office) classification of 4 within the current City Limits. Actual average response time in 2008 within the city limits was 4:06 minutes, with drive time to the northernmost section of the City being the longest response times. 5. Fire Department Policies within the City s General Plan The City s 2040 General Plan includes policies to achieve a steady and orderly growth rate that allows for the adequate provision of services and community facilities. To support this goal as it relates to fire protection and emergency medical services, the 2040 General Plan outlines policies to ensure the provision of adequate fire protection and emergency medical services needed to provide a safe environment in Ripon as follows: Goal D, Policy D1: All new non-residential development will be equipped with automatic interior sprinkler systems to meet the Uniform Building Code. Goal D, Policy D2: Encourage the Ripon Consolidated Fire District to maintain a regular program of fire inspection for existing commercial and industrial buildings. Involve the District at the planning stage of new development to ensure appropriate life safety and fire issues are addressed. Goal D, Policy D3: Require that the construction of new roads and streets be adequate as to width and turning radius to simplify access by firefighting apparatus. Plans for new streets will be submitted for review and comments to the Ripon Consolidated Fire District. Goal D, Policy D4: All development will be required to meet the minimum fire flow rates specified by the City s Fire Code. Goal D, Policy D5: Enforce building and fire codes and City ordinances regarding fire protection Goal D, Policy D6: Support the Ripon Consolidated Fire District in the establishment and adjustments of fees and /or funds collected from new development for capital facilities, apparatus, and equipment required to mitigate the impact of new growth. 6. Ripon Consolidated Fire Department Funding The operational budget for the Ripon Consolidated Fire Department is funded through various sources: property tax, special assessments, redevelopment pass through, contract services (City of Ripon Hazmat), mutual aid contracts (State and Federal), fee for service (ambulance service, plan check, permits), lease agreements, training income, and interest. For the the Ripon Consolidated Fire Department has an operating budget of $2,262,

44 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES 7. Fire Protection Determinations Continued growth within the SOI will increase the overall demand on fire protection services in the city. Growth in accordance with build out of the SOI is expected to generate the typical range of service calls, including structure fires, car fires, electrical fires, emergency medical response and others. New fire facilities, vehicles, equipment, and personnel will be required to maintain adequate response time to serve future growth, therefore the Fire District s costs to maintain equipment and facilities and to train and equip personnel will also increase. Future city growth will also impact the adjoining rural fire district of Lathrop-Manteca. As annexations occur, fire and emergency medical services will be provided by the Ripon Consolidated Fire District and the boundaries of the surrounding rural fire districts will be reduced in territory, which may have a long-term financial impact on those districts. LAFCo intends to complete a service review for the rural fire districts in the near future. At that time, it is anticipated that the long-term impacts will be considered and recommendations regarding efficient government structure options will be considered. In order to continue to meet the five-minute standard response time as required by the Fire Departments current ISO rating, the Department anticipates expanding their operations in the future to include new stations, equipment, and personnel to ensure adequate services are provided. The Ripon Consolidated Fire District just recently passed a resolution along with the City of Ripon regarding a new joint public safety facility in the northern area of the City near the Mistlin Sports Park, to address just this issue. The additional operation costs that result will be provided by the expanded property tax base that results from new development and Capitol costs for facilities and equipment will be funded by the Fire Protection Facilities Fees (development fees). The Ripon Consolidated Fire Department will continue to monitor their development fees to ensure that the fees collected are adequate to serve the expanded needs of the city, and with assistance from the City will ensure that these updated fees are adopted and implemented. The City also has discussed and continues to explore the feasibility of adopting a special sales tax override initiative to help cover additional staffing needs in the future if needed, which would more than likely contain a component for the Fire District. 4-11

45 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES C. Water Supply and Treatment The City of Ripon provides water service to all of its 15,260 residents. The service area is slightly over 5 square miles, encompassing the City of Ripon. Figure 4-3 depicts the service area for water and wastewater. Both water and wastewater service areas are defined by the City limits. FIGURE 4-3 CITY OF RIPON SERVICE AREA FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER 4-12

46 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES 1. Existing Water Supply This section discusses the City of Ripon s water sources which include potable groundwater that comes from the San Joaquin Groundwater basin, non-potable water from the City s nonpotable wells as well as treated groundwater from the Nestle groundwater treatment facility, and surface water from the South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID). Table 4-2 summarizes the City s current and projected water supplies. TABLE 4-2 CURRENT AND PROJECTED WATER SUPPLIES (ACRE-FEET PER YEAR) WATER SUPPLY SOURCES City potable groundwater wells City nonpotable groundwater wells ,200 5,500 6,400 7,400 8,700 10,000 11,700 13,700 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 SSJID contract surface water Nestle agreement for treated groundwater 1,400 1,600 2,800 3,900 5,100 6,000 6,000 6, a. Potable Groundwater Groundwater from the San Joaquin basin has supplied all of the City of Ripon s water to the present date. The City of Ripon is located within California s Central Valley, at the northern end of the San Joaquin Valley. Groundwater supplies 40 percent of the water used in the San Joaquin Valley during years with normal precipitation, and higher percentages during drought years. In the drought year of 1977, groundwater provided about 80% of agriculture needs in the San Joaquin Valley. The Central Valley is considered an alluvial basin, which acts as a groundwater resource. There are two primary groundwater aquifers underlying the City of Ripon planning area. The two aquifers have a combined annual recharge of 196,000 to 263,000 acre-feet annually. Using a conservative estimate of 15% of the specific yield, the estimated available groundwater per 1,000 surface acres is approximately 6,000 acre-feet. Over the approximately 10-square mile planning area, this would amount to nearly 40,000 acre-feet. This analysis has not taken into account surface water infiltration along the Stanislaus River, which would increase the potential groundwater available in the Ripon area. The City was an active participant in the October 2001 Water Management Plan for San Joaquin County that was conducted under the lead of the San Joaquin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The County Study identified that the Eastern San Joaquin County 4-13

47 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES Groundwater Basin, which includes the Ripon area, is critically over drafted in some parts. The critical overdraft areas are located in the central part of the basin near Stockton, and near the northern boundary north of the Mokelumne River. The study identified that overdraft is not typically a problem in the southern portion of the basin, where Ripon is located, since irrigation districts in that area have sufficient surface water supplies and conveyance facilities and have historically not relied heavily on groundwater for irrigation. Ripon is located at the southernmost boundary of the basin and has not experienced overdraft due to its location adjacent to the Stanislaus River and its relatively small demand compared with other users. The City has adopted a Groundwater Preservation Plan to proactively address stabilizing and enhancing the groundwater levels in the Ripon area as future growth occurs. This plan provides the planning framework for groundwater recharge basins in the general area around the City. b. Non-Potable Groundwater The City currently uses non-potable water from non-potable water wells for irrigation and limited industrial uses. In 2003, the City also entered into an agreement with Nestle to receive treated groundwater from its Groundwater Treatment Facility for the City s non-potable water system. The facility includes GAC filters and air stripping, and the treated groundwater is of high quality. According to the terms of this agreement, Nestle will supply the City with treated groundwater at an average rate of about 500 gallons per minute year-round. To convey the treated groundwater from the Nestle facility, the City has completed construction of a pipeline that ties the treatment facility into the City s existing non-potable system. c. SSJID Surface Water Ripon is voluntarily taking measures to reduce their contribution to regional groundwater overdrafting. In 1999 the City of Ripon entered into an agreement with South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) to provide surface water that can be used for groundwater recharge or for municipal and industrial uses. The agreement is for forty years and was structured so that incrementally over certain time periods the annual supply of surface water would increase with growth. Table 4-2 above indicates the contracted annual surface water allotted to the City by SSJID over the course of the contract. 2. Existing transmission and distribution system The following list describes the major components of the City of Ripon s water transmission and distribution system. (As the City s sole source of water is groundwater, it does not currently operate any facilities for surface water diversion or treatment). a. Potable Municipal Groundwater Wells All of Ripon s potable water currently is supplied from (8) groundwater wells. These wells tap underground reserves or aquifers from approximately 125 to 450 feet below the ground surface. The aquifers are replenished by rainfall, the Stanislaus River, and agricultural irrigation water. Annual water production in Ripon over the last twenty-five years has increased from 1,067 acre-feet in 1980 to 2,195 acre-feet in 1990, to 4,021 acre-feet in 2000, 4,565 acre-feet in 2002, and finally in 2005 to 5,458 acre-feet. 4-14

48 PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES The City currently has well capacity in excess of their average daily demand, and uses the wells to help meet summer peaking needs. If the City s existing potable wells were pumped at their maximum capacity over the entire year, the total water supply would be almost 15,000 acrefeet. b. Non-Potable Groundwater Wells The City has two non-potable municipal wells that can be used as supply for the non-potable water system. The water quality of these wells is not suitable for potable use, but can be used for irrigation and other suitable uses. Currently the City has a 550,000 gallon storage tank with booster pumps for non-potable water use and storage as well as approximately 16 miles of nonpotable water lines in place. These wells are predominantly used during the summer time when irrigation demands are the highest. The wells could provide up to 2,800 acre-feet per year of non-potable water if pumped 365 days per year at the design production rate. Assuming that the wells are pumped for 6 months each year for irrigation during the dry season, the annual volume would be 1,400 acrefeet per year, exceeding the current demand. c. Water Mains and Pipelines The piping system for water distribution includes approximately 121 miles of potable water piping and 16 miles of non-potable water piping, with distribution mains ranging from 4 inches to 24 inches. In 1996 the City completed an upgrade and replacement of all substandard potable water lines per improvements identified in the Ripon Redevelopment Agency Downtown Water System Improvement Project. d. Water Storage The City has a 1.55 million gallon (MG) elevated water storage tank, constructed in 2002, located near the Jack Tone Interchange and a 2.5 million gallon elevated water storage tank, constructed in 2006, located at the Mistlin Sports Park. Both tanks are currently in operation and the expanded water storage is used to help meet peak hour needs and for fire protection million gallon (MG) water tower 2.5 million gallon (MG) water tower e. Groundwater Recharge Basins The City operates and maintains several groundwater basins located throughout the City for groundwater recharge. Because of SSJID s extensive distribution system in and around the City 4-15