Fresno Mosquito & Vector Control District

F M RESNO OSQUITO AND V C D ECTOR ONTROL ISTRICT M S R UNICIPAL ERVICE EVIEW AND S I U PHERE OF NFLUENCE PDATE Report to the Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission MSR 21-01 / USOI-200 Prepared with the assistance of Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District David E. Fey, Executive Officer George W. Uc, Senior LAFCo Analyst Juan Lara, LAFCo Analyst II Amanda Olivas, Commission Clerk Amanda Castro, Intern 2607 Fresno Street, Suite B Fresno, CA 93721 Adopted: April 14, 2021 FRESNO MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT Mosquito suppression, control, source reduction, and prevention services District Contact Manager: Ryan P. McNeil, District Manager Address: 2338 E. McKinley Avenue Fresno, CA 93703 Phone: (559) 268-6565 Alternative Contact: Jacob M. Jones, Assistant Manager Phone: (559) 268-6565 Website: http://www.fresnomosquito.org Management Information District formation: January 1942 Principal act: Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District Law (Health and Safety Code. Section 2000 et seq.) District powers: Vector-borne disease surveillance and vector suppression and control Governing Body: Appointed five-member board of trustees Board Members: Kristi Lawrence, President Appointed by City of Fresno 2005* Expires 2024 Kenneth Moore, Vice President Appointed by City of Kerman 1988* Expires 2023 Peter Woolcock, Secretary Appointed by County BOS 2019 Expires 2022 Rauden (Rod) Coburn III, Trustee Appointed by County BOS 2006* Expires 2024 Jennifer Estrada, Trustee Appointed by County BOS 2018 Expires 2022 *original year of appointment. Board Meetings: Held on the third Wednesday each month at 2:00 pm Staffing: 1 Manager, 1 Assistant Manager, 1 Office Manager, 1 Area Supervisor, 1 Biologist, 1 Administrative Secretary, 4 Technicians, and varying amounts of seasonal employees Service Information Population served: 397,852 Sphere of Influence: 179,578 acres Proposed SOI update: add 365 acres Acres served: 179,578 acres Proposed service area: annex 365 acres Infrastructure: The district office building, vehicles, and equipment necessary to provide District services. Fiscal Information Budget: $2,068,662 (2019-2020 Fiscal Year) Sources of Funding: Property taxes and benefit assessments Administrative Policies Master Plan: No Policies/Procedures: Yes By-laws: Yes Previous SOI update: 2007 Memberships: California Special Districts Association; and, Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 2 Table of Contents PURPOSE OF THIS MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW ...................................................................... 4 Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 4 Environmental Review .......................................................................................................................... 5 1. MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW ................................................................................................ 11 District Service Area ........................................................................................................................... 11 SOI Update Proposal .......................................................................................................................... 12 Authorized District Services ............................................................................................................... 13 Fresno LAFCo Municipal Service Review Policy ................................................................................. 13 Growth and Population Projections ................................................................................................... 14 Fresno, Central-Westside ................................................................................................................... 16 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities ................................................................................... 17 District Infrastructure and vector control .......................................................................................... 24 Abatement Techniques ...................................................................................................................... 25 District Finances ................................................................................................................................. 27 Opportunities for Shared Facilities..................................................................................................... 28 Government Accountability ............................................................................................................... 29 Any Other Matters Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery................................................ 31 2. MSR DETERMINATIONS ............................................................................................................. 33 3. SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS ....................................................................... 37 4. RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................................. 39 5. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................................... 40 MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 3 PURPOSE OF THIS MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW The Local Agency Formation Commission (“LAFCo”) is charged with determining and updating the spheres of influence (“SOI”) for local agencies (special districts and cities) within the County of Fresno. SOIs are planning tools used to provide guidance for individual boundary change proposals, they discourage duplication of services by local agencies, identify the need for specific reorganization studies, and provide the basis for recommendations to local agencies for potential government reorganizations. Every determination made by LAFCo must be consistent with the SOI for that local agency. This Municipal Service Review (“MSR”) has been prepared in response to the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District's request for a SOI update (LAFCo file no. USOI-200, “FMCVD SOI update”), and reorganization application (LAFCo file no. RO-20-12) filed with LAFCo on August 10, 2020. This MSR presents data and analysis in support of the Commission’s determinations pursuant to Government Code secs. 56425 and 56430, to evaluate the District’s service provisions, service policies, and financial practices in place to provide services in its existing SOI and the proposed SOI update. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In a joint effort, the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District (“Fresno MVCD,” “FMVCD,” or “District”) and the Madera Mosquito and Vector Control District (“Madera MVCD”) wish to reorganize their respective boundaries to “trade” two areas along the San Joaquin River that the Districts’ believe would be more efficiently served by the other District. Both Districts operate under the authority granted by California's Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District Law (Health and Safety Code section 2000 et seq.). Health and Safety Code (“HSC”) prohibits territory that is already in a mosquito abatement and vector control district to be included in another mosquito abatement and vector control district’s boundaries.1 In accordance with the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (“CHK”) procedures for proposals affecting more than one county,2 Fresno LAFCo and Madera LAFCo agreed to the delegation of responsibility for the Districts’ modifications for which they are the principal county. This agreement Since the Fresno MVCD’s SOI update and reorganization application would trigger a simultaneous reduction in Madera MVCD’s SOI and subsequent detachment of the affected territory, Fresno LAFCo and Madera LAFCo agreed to establish exclusive jurisdiction for the processing of both District’s applications; Fresno LAFCo would have jurisdiction to process applications USOI-200 and RO 20-12 for the Fresno MVCD and to amend the corresponding Madera MVCD SOI and detachment.3 Madera LAFCo would have jurisdiction to process the Madera MVCD SOI and annexation, and the corresponding SOI reduction and detachment of the Fresno MVCD. 1 Health and Safety Code Section 2007. 2 Government Code sections 56123 and 56124. 3 On November 18, 2020, Fresno LAFCo authorized the Executive Office to submit a request to Madera LAFCo to establish jurisdiction to process LAFCo applications USOI-200 and 20-12. On December 9, 2020, Madera LAFCo granted approval to Fresno LAFCo to process the applications. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 4 Fresno MVCD applied to Fresno LAFCo (Fresno LAFCo file no. USOI-200) to expand the FMVCD SOI by approximately 365 acres into Madera County, shown on Figure 2. The affected territory consists of a section of the San Joaquin River along the Fresno-Madera County line and two unincorporated parcels (marshland and ponds) adjacent to the San Joaquin River.4 Currently, the affected territory is identified in the Madera MVCD’s service area and SOI. At the time this MSR was prepared, the District Manager for the Madera MVCD was working with Madera LAFCo’s Executive Officer to begin the data collection process to update Madera LAFCo’s 2007 MSR for the Madera MVCD. As planned, the MSR update would enable Madera MVCD to request Madera LAFCo to consider an SOI expansion by mid-late 2021. This MSR update prepared for the Fresno MVCD includes sufficient analysis necessary to addend Madera LAFCo’s 2007 MSR for the Madera MVCD by reference and enables Fresno LAFCo to process the reduction of Madera MVCD’s SOI and concurrent detachment of the affected territory from the Madera MVCD. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW CKH directs LAFCos to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) 5 for SOI updates.6 LAFCo prepared the MSR for the Fresno MCVD SOI update pursuant to GC section 56430. An MSR gathers data to present an independent assessment of service provisions provided within a geographic area in the County. Furthermore, an MSR provides a foundation that may support future LAFCo actions. Therefore, an MSR is exempt under CEQA guidelines section 15306, "Information Collection.” However, this MSR update also evaluates the District’s request to Fresno LAFCo for a SOI update that is essential to facilitate a 365-acre reorganization application. In conducting environmental review for the Fresno MVCD SOI update and reorganization, the Fresno MVCD assumed the role of “Lead Agency” pursuant CEQA Guidelines. The proposal will not change existing land uses nor change land use designation that are depicted on either the Fresno County’s General Plan Land Use Element or the Madera County’s General Plan Land Use Element. The proposal consists of a boundary change along the San Joaquin River that is within the Madera MVCD but, through cooperative agreement, has historically been served mosquito abatement and vector control by the Fresno MVCD. Since it can be seen with certainty that the proposal does not have the potential to result in a significant effect on the environment, it is not subject to CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061 (b)(3). The District determined that the proposal is exempt from environmental review and filed a Notice of Exemption (“NOE”) with the Madera County Clerk (#2020038) on July 22, 2020; and on July 30, 2020 the District filed with the Fresno County Clerk (E202010000267). As a “Responsible Agency” pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Fresno LAFCo independently reviewed and considered the environmental effects of the SOI update and reorganization as presented in the NOE prepared by the District as Lead Agency, prior to reaching a decision on the proposal. Since it can be seen with certainty that the SOI update does not have the potential to result in a significant effect on the environment it is not subject to CEQA pursuant to CEQA guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3). 4 Madera County Assessor Parcel Numbers: 049101018 and 049102003. 5 California Environmental Quality Act, Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code. 6 Government Code section 56428. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 5 Figure 1 – District map MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 6 Figure 2 – Vicinity map MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 7 Figure 3 – Proposed Fresno MVCD SOI expansion and Madera MVCD SOI reduction MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 8 Figure 4 – Affected Territory MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 9 MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 10 1. MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW The Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District (“District” or “FMVCD”) was formed in 1942 under California's 1939 Mosquito Abatement Act. In 2002, the Legislature comprehensively updated the Mosquito Abatement Act of California of 1939 through the adoption of Senate Bill 1588 (Committee on Local Government).7 SB 1588 comprehensively updated California's Mosquito Abatement Act.8 Currently, the District operates under the authority granted by California's Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District Law (Health and Safety Code section 2000 et seq.). State law authorizes the District to take all necessary or proper actions to prevent the occurrence of vectors and vector borne diseases. A vector is defined by the HSC, as “any animal capable of transmitting the causative agent of human disease or capable of producing human discomfort or injury, including, but not limited to, mosquitoes, flies, mites, ticks, other arthropods, and rodents and other vertebrates.”9 Under this definition of a vector, the District provides surveillance and control measures for mosquitoes, rats, rodents, flies, and midges. The District implements various educational programs to teach individuals about mosquitoes, safety, and preventative measures to reduce the spread of mosquito transmitted diseases. Under its principal act, the District is also authorized to service and control locations outside the District's service area if the territory outside the District generates vectors and vector borne diseases that enter the District.10 The District is an independent, non-enterprise special district governed by a five-member board of trustees. District trustees are appointed to four-year terms by the legislative boards representing the County of Fresno and the cities within the District’s boundaries. Three trustees are appointed to the District board by the County Board of Supervisors, the Fresno City Council appoints one trustee to the board, and the Kerman City Council appoint one trustee to the District board. The District functions independently from the County of Fresno and is not governed by another legislative body (either a city council or a county board of supervisors). The District board members are responsible for exercising powers granted by statute and their independent judgment on behalf of the interests of residents, property owners, and the community. DISTRICT SERVICE AREA The District is in the north central portion of Fresno County, as shown on Figure 1. The District is bounded by the Fresno-Madera County line to the north, the City of Kerman’s Lassen Avenue to the west, Clovis Avenue and First Street on the east, and South Avenue on the south. Major roadways within the District 7 Senate Bill 1588, Committee on Local Government. Mosquito abatement: pest abatement: vector control districts. http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=200120020SB1588&search_keywords= 8 Science, Service, and Statutes: A Legislative History of Senate Bill 1588 and the Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District Law, 2003. 9 HSC section 2002. 10 HSC section 2040. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 11 include State Route 180/Whitesbridge Avenue, State Route 99, and State Route 41. The District overlaps with the City of Kerman and portions of west and central City of Fresno. Currently, the District’s service area and SOI are coterminous and encompass approximately 179,578 acres. The District abuts similar mosquito abatement districts on all sides. The Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District is located to the south and east, Fresno Westside Mosquito Abatement District is located to the west, and the Madera County Mosquito and Vector Control District is located immediately north of the District. SOI UPDATE PROPOSAL The purpose of the proposal is for the District to memorialize an out-of-district location that has been maintained by the District for many years. For over 30 years, the District has performed mosquito treatment and abatement services for the 10 mile stretch of the San Joaquin River between State Route 99 and Fruit Avenue. The District informed LAFCo that the north side of the river annually produces an enormous number of mosquitoes that migrate into the District’s service area. According to the District Manager treatment and vector control records show that the two Madera County parcels, APN 049-101-018 and -102-003, are known vector breeding places that produce a substantial number of mosquitoes and vectors that enter Fresno County. In analyzing the affected territory, LAFCo staff observed that nearly all land abutting the north side of the District’s service area is in the Madera MVCD service area, see Figure 2. As noted earlier in this report, HSC prohibits any territory from being within two of the same type of mosquito abatement and vector control districts. The District Manager informed LAFCo that a Joint Powers Agreement pursuant the Joint Exercise of Powers Act11 has been considered by both districts as an alternative to reorganization; however, it has not been determined to be a feasible option be either agency. Both Districts recognize that the two parcels’ proximity to the river creates a public nuisance, and a significant health risk to the residents of the San Joaquin River bluffs, Madera County, and Fresno County. Although the Districts’ principal act authorizes mosquito districts to treat areas in or outside the District, the objective of the reorganization is to accurately depict where District revenue is being spent to fund abatement and vector control services. The proposed SOI update requests the Commission to expand the District SOI by 365 acres that would encompass a portion of the San Joaquin River and the two parcels in Madera County, shown as Figures 3 and 4. The affected territory is owned by the State of California under a trust with the San Joaquin River Conservancy. Both parcels are tax exempt properties. The affected territory is identified in the following districts: Madera Cemetery District, Madera Chowchilla Resource Conservation District, and the Madera MVCD. The proposal includes the District SOI expansion and simultaneous reduction of the Madera MVCD SOI. As planned, the SOI updates would facilitate the subsequent reorganization of the affected territory.12 11 Government Code section 6500, Joint Exercise of Power Act. 12 Fresno LAFCO File No RO-20-12. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 12 The proposal has the potential to create a new multiple-county special district and increase the District’s boundaries from the existing 179,578 acres to 179,943 acres. Likewise, the Madera MVCD’s boundaries would be reduced by 365 acres as a result of the SOI update and detachment. The Madera MVCD has expressed its acknowledgment and support to the District SOI update application submitted to Fresno LAFCo. On June 18, 2019, Madera MVCD’s board of trustees adopted a resolution in support of Fresno MVCD SOI update and reorganization application to Fresno LAFCo. Fresno LAFCo requested Madera LAFCo to establish exclusive jurisdiction to process the simultaneous reduction of the Madera MVCD SOI and subsequent detachment of the affected territory.13 Through effective collaboration, Fresno LAFCo was able to obtain records and enough information to prepare a thorough service review update for the requested SOI updates. AUTHORIZED DISTRICT SERVICES Under GC section 56425(i), “when adopting, amending, or updating a sphere of influence for a special district, the commission shall establish the nature, location, and extent of any functions or classes of services provided by existing districts.” The District’s principal act authorizes the District to do all things necessary expressed or implied under its principal act to protect against the threat of vector borne diseases. State law defines vectors as any animal capable of transmitting the causative agent of human disease or capable of producing human discomfort or injury, including, but not limited to, mosquitoes, flies, mites, ticks, other arthropods, and rodents and other vertebrates.14 The District informed LAFCo that it provides a wide range of services associated with but not limited to: • Mosquito trapping and identification • Mosquito larvae treatment (larvicide) • Ultra-Low-Volume and thermal fogging for adult mosquitoes (adulticide) • Mosquito disease testing • Pest identification • Rodent inspections • Dead bird retrieval and disease testing • Mosquito fish delivery and application to pools, ponds, etc. Furthermore, whenever a public nuisance exists on any property within the District or on any property that is located outside the District from which vectors may enter the District, it is the responsibility of the District to either abate the nuisance or require the property owner to abate the nuisance. If a property owner neglects their duty, HSC section 2061 authorizes the District’s board of trustees, after notification and public hearing process to initiate legal abatement proceedings to eliminate the nuisance.15 FRESNO LAFCO MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW POLICY 13 On November 18, 2020, Fresno LAFCo authorize the Executive Office to submit a request to Madera LAFCo to establish jurisdiction to process LAFCo applications USOI-200 and 20-12. On December 9, 2020, Madera LAFCo granted approval to Fresno LAFCo to process the applications. 14 HSC section 2002, “Vectors.” 15 Health and Safety Code Sec. 2060 to 2067. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 13 An MSR is required in order to prepare or update a local agency’s sphere of influence.16 While the Commission is not required by law to make any changes to an SOI, the Commission may, at its discretion, opt to reaffirm, expand, or shrink an SOI, or approve, deny, or approve with conditions any changes of organization or reorganization impacting the governmental agency as a result of the information gathered during the MSR update process.17 In accordance with GC section 56066, Fresno County is the principal county for the Fresno MVCD. Therefore, Fresno LAFCo is responsible for updating the SOI for the District consistent with GC sections 56425. In line with CHK’s procedures for proposals affecting more than one county,18 Fresno LAFCo requested Madera LAFCo to establish exclusive jurisdiction to process the simultaneous reduction of the Madera MVCD SOI and subsequent detachment of the affected territory for Fresno LAFCo application numbers USOI-200 and RO 20-12.19 GROWTH AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS The District does not have land use authority nor provides services that would directly affect the rate of population growth or induce population growth. Rather, the District’s services consist of meeting existing and future demand for adequate treatment and abatement of mosquitoes, vectors, and reduce the spread of vector borne diseases within the District and surrounding locations. Geographic Information System (GIS) files were derived from the U.S. Census Bureau to estimate a current population for territory inside the District. According to the Census block group units located within the District, there is an estimated total population of 397,852 people inside the District’s boundaries. These population estimates do not exactly match the boundaries of the District, but they do provide an estimate for the population that benefits from the District’s services. Land uses in the District are regulated by the following land use authorities: County of Fresno, City of Kerman, and the City of Fresno for the portions of the City that are inside the District. The County of Fresno is the land use authority for the unincorporated land within the District and the Fresno County General Plan Land Use Element designates majority of the District’s territory for agricultural use. Population concentrations in the unincorporated areas of the District occur in Biola, Easton, and Malaga. Unincorporated community of Biola The community of Biola is located near the intersection of West Shaw Avenue and North Howard Avenues. Biola has an estimated population of 1,265 people and a housing stock of 342 units.20 The County of Fresno has an adopted Community Plan for Biola that identifies existing and planned land uses for the community. 16 California Government Code Section 56430. 17 Fresno Local Agency Commission – Policy 107 – Municipal Service Review Policy. 18 Government Code sections 56123 and 56124. 19 On November 18, 2020, Fresno LAFCo authorized the Executive Office to submit a request to Madera LAFCo to establish jurisdiction to process LAFCo applications USOI-200 and 20-12. On December 9, 2020, Madera LAFCo granted approval to Fresno LAFCo to process the applications. 20 Biola CDP, California. American Community Survey 2012-2016. Accessed: May 24, 2020. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 14 According to the Fresno County’s 2015-2023 Housing Element update, Biola is anticipated to host 61 additional units ranging between multi- and single-family residential units within the next five years.21 Municipal services such as potable water, sewer treatment, street lights, and storm drainage is provided by the Biola Community Service District. Portions of the community receive augmented road maintenance and storm drainage from County Service Area 35 CG, Tract Map 5322.22 Unincorporated community of Easton The community of Easton is located south of West American Avenue and East of South Walnut Avenue in Fresno County. Easton has an estimated population of 2,347 people and a housing stock of 716 units.23 The County of Fresno has an adopted Community Plan for Easton that identifies existing and planned land uses for the community. According to the Fresno County's 2015-2023 Housing Element update, approximately 101 new units can be accommodated on vacant sites within the Easton area, of which 17 units can be multi-family units and the remainder can be a combination of single family residential and or commercial uses.24 A substantial portion of Easton's housing units and commercial sites are on private groundwater wells and sewer septic systems. The Easton Community Service District provides public street lighting and storm drainage services within its limited boundaries. Unincorporated community of Malaga The community of Malaga is located near the intersection of East Central Avenue and South Willow Avenue, south of the City of Fresno. Malaga has an estimated population of 1,246 people and a housing stock of 328 units.25 The County does not have an adopted community plan for the community of Malaga. However, land uses within Malaga are designated by the County’s Roosevelt Community Plan. Malaga consists of residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. The Malaga County Water District provides potable water, sewer, park & recreation operation, and solid waste service within the community of Malaga. Public street lighting, landscape maintenance, and recreational services are provided by County Service Area 33 (Malaga) within portions of the community. Except for the described unincorporated communities, the majority of the District’s service area is designated as agriculture by the County of Fresno General Plan. According to the Fresno County General Plan, rural settlement areas surrounded by agricultural and/or open space, such as the unincorporated communities described earlier in this section have historically experienced little growth since their establishment. Generally, unincorporated communities in Fresno County experience minimal to limited growth. 21 Fresno Multi-Jurisdiction 2015-2023 Housing Element, fifth cycle final draft. 22 The Zone was created by Tract Map 5322 and is located south of West Shaw Ave and east of North Third Street. 23 Easton CDP, California. American Community Survey 2012-2016, Accessed: May 24, 2020 24 Fresno Multi-Jurisdictional 2015-2023 Housing Element, page 2A-136. 25 Malaga CDP, California. American Community Survey 2012-2016. Accessed: May 24, 2020. 25 Fresno Multi-Jurisdiction 2015-2023 Housing Element, fifth cycle final draft. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 15 According to the Fresno County Multi-Jurisdictional 2015–2023 Housing Element adopted in April 2016, the 2014 population of the unincorporated areas of Fresno County was 169,500 people. From 2000 to 2014, the population grew by 0.2 percent. Based on projections through 2040, the County is expected to experience an annual growth rate of 1.8 percent.26 Incorporated areas in the District Kerman The City of Kerman is located near the intersection of State Route 180/Whitesbridge Avenue and State Route 145/Madera Avenues. The Kerman city limits are generally bounded by Goldenrod to the east, Jensen Avenue to the south, Siskiyou Avenue to the west, and Whitesbridge to the north. As of December 2020, Kerman's city limits encompass 2,147 acres, while the Kerman SOI encompasses 3,110 acres. Based on California Department of Finance 2020 report, Kerman’s population estimate is 15,767 residents. According available Census Data, the City of Kerman has an estimated housing stock of 4,025 units.27 According to the City’s 2016 General Plan Housing Element update, the City of Kerman has been assigned a Regional Housing Need Assessment (RHNA) of 909 units. In addition, the City has a carry-over of 420 units from the City’s previous Housing Element cycle identified in the moderate-income level.28 On July 8, 2020, the City of Kerman Council adopted an update of the Kerman General Plan for the 20- year planning period from 2020 to 2040. Based on the 2040 Kerman General Plan, between 2010 and 2018, Kerman experienced an average annual growth rate of 1.4 percent versus 1.0 percent for Fresno County and 0.8 percent for California.29 Additionally, the Kerman General Plan's Environmental Impact Report background notes that between 2000 and 2010, Kerman’s housing stock increased by almost 5 percent a year. The City of Kerman is projected to grow by an estimated 3,820 persons and 720 new households. Including persons residing in Kerman SOI, a total of 20,470 persons are projected to reside in Kerman General Plan’s planning area by 2040.30 On October 14, 2020, LAFCo approved an 18-acre expansion of the Kerman SOI for the Eastside Community Park Project. During 2020, the City of Kerman expressed to LAFCo its interest to pursue a comprehensive update of the Kerman SOI based on the recently adopted 2040 Kerman General Plan. FRESNO, CENTRAL-WESTSIDE The City of Fresno is located along State Route 99 in the north-central portion of Fresno County. The City of Fresno has an estimated population of 513,807 people and a housing stock of 183,030 units.31 As of 26 Fresno County Multi-Jurisdictional Fifth-Cycle Housing Element Update https://www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/public-works-planning/divisions-of-public-works-and- planning/development-services-division/planning-and-land-use/general-plan-maps Accessed October 16, 2020. 27 City of Kerman, California. American Community Survey 2012-2016. Accessed: May 24, 2020. 28 Fresno Multi-Jurisdiction 2015-2023 Housing Element, fifth cycle final draft. 29 City of Kerman 2040 General Plan Update, Background Report. Public Review Draft Date: January 2019. http://kermangp.com/images/docs/kgpu_public_review_draft_background_report_2019_01_14_reduced.pdf 30 City of Kerman 2040 General Plan Update, Background Report. Public Review Draft Date: January 2019. 31 City of Fresno, California. American Community Survey 2012-2016. Accessed: May 25, 2020 MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 16 October 2020, the Fresno city limits encompass 73,369 acres, while the Fresno SOI encompasses 103,016 acres. The City of Fresno's 2035 General Plan designates urban and planned land uses for the portions of the District that are in the City and the Fresno SOI. LAFCo notes that majority of the land inside the City and within the unincorporated islands inside the Fresno SOI are considered developed with urban land uses. Majority of the unincorporated undeveloped parcels in the District and in the Fresno SOI are situated west of the current Fresno city limits. Although the Fresno 2035 General Plan designates planned land uses for the western portion of the Fresno SOI, LAFCo notes that potential growth in this section of the District's service area may experience challenges due to parcelization and variation of vacant lots neighboring existing rural residential parcels. Population growth in the western portions of the Fresno SOI are limited to the City’s commitment to implement an annexation program that can successfully implement the City of Fresno’s 2035 General Plan. The City of Fresno's 2035 General Plan projects that areas within the Fresno SOI will accommodate an additional population of approximately 226,000 new residents by 2035; this equates to an estimated total population of 771,000 people. The Fresno General Plan estimates an average annual growth rate of 1.24 percent through year 2035.32 Although the District does not have land use authority; the District informed LAFCo that it participates in the consultation process with each land use authority through the evaluation of proposed land use entitlements (i.e. Tract Maps, Conditional Use Permits, and Annexations) that may impact the District's service levels. Regarding the proposed District SOI update, the affected territory consists of a section of the San Joaquin River along the Fresno-Madera County line and two unincorporated parcels (marshland and ponds) adjacent to the to the San Joaquin River.33 The Madera County General Plan Land Use Element designates both parcels for Agricultural Use, and both parcels are identified in Madera County’s Exclusive Agriculture Zone District (ARE-20). The District reports that there are no growth projections in the affected territory. The proposed SOI expansion and subsequent annexation of the affected territory would not alter the existing land uses. DISADVANTAGED UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES The CKH requires LAFCo to make determinations regarding “disadvantaged unincorporated communities” (“DUCs”) when considering a change of organization, reorganization, SOI expansion, and when conducting municipal service reviews.34 For any updates to a SOI of a local agency (city or special district) that provides public facilities or services related to sewer, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection, the Commission shall consider and prepare written determinations regarding the present and planned capacity of public 32 City of Fresno 2035 General Plan. 33 Madera County Assessor Parcel Numbers: 049101018 and 049102003. 34 GC sections 56375 (a)(8)(A), section 56425(e)(5), and section 56430 (a) (2). MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 17 facilities and adequacy of public services, and infrastructure needs or deficiencies for any DUC within or contiguous to the SOI of a local agency. GC section 56033.5 defines a DUC as: i) all or a portion of a “disadvantaged community” as defined by section 79505.5 of the Water Code (territory with an annual median household income (“MHI”) that is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median household income) and as defined in GC section 56046 and WC section 79505.5); and a status of ii) “inhabited territory” (12 or more registered voters), as defined by GC section 56046, or as determined by Commission policy. Fresno LAFCo policy further refines the definition of a DUC as having at least 15 dwelling units at a density not less than one unit per acre. GIS files were derived from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) compiled for the five-year period 2012–2016 to identify the demographic composition for the various census geographies. Although the ACS provides annual and three-year estimates, the five-year reports between years 2012– 2016 provide more precise data and mapping information for analyzing small populations. The five-year reports are the most reliable form of information generated by the US Census bureau.35 The statewide annual MHI reported for years 2012 through 2016 was $63,783. Therefore, the calculated threshold for a DUC is any geographic unit with a reported annual MHI that is less than $51,026. Census block group data was used to provide the economic and population backgrounds for this section of the MSR. The following information characterizes the 15 DUC locations with respect to the District’s service area. Each identified area is shown on Figure 5 and a corresponding description is provided below: • Area 1 is known as Skaal Knolls Homes.36 The DUC is located at the northwest corner of Olive Avenue and Marty Avenues. As of December 2019, there are 48 register voters within this DUC. The DUC consists of approximately 29 parcels located within US Census Tract 38.07-Block Group 2. Census Tract 38.07-Block Group 2 had a reported MHI of $26,667 between 2012 and 2016. There are 28 dwelling units in an area that encompasses approximately 14 acres. Water and sewer service is provided by City of Fresno; North Central Fire Protection District provides structural fire protection; and storm drainage is planned for by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. • Area 2 does not have a formal name.37 The DUC is located at the southeast corner of Olive Avenue and Valentine Avenue. As of December 2019, there are 64 register voters within the DUC. The DUC is located within US Census Tract 38.07-Block Group 3. The US Census ACS five-year estimate reports indicate that Census Tract 38.07-Block Group 3 had an MHI of $35,179 between 2012 and 2016. LAFCo estimates that there are 37 dwelling units, and the DUC boundary encompasses approximately 27 acres. Based on number of dwelling units per acreage, LAFCo estimates the density to exceed one dwelling unit per acre. Water and sewer services are provided by the City of Fresno; North Central Fire Protection District provides fire protection; and storm drainage is planned for by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. • Area 3 is known as the Thomasville Estates.38 The DUC is located at the southeast corner of Clinton and Marty Avenues. As of December 2019, there are 62 register voters within the DUC. The DUC is located within US Census Tract 38.07-Block Group 1. The ACS five-year estimate reports indicate 35 US Census Bureau, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/guidance/estimates.html Accessed 11 October 2019. 36 DUC Number 1 in LAFCo's 2020 DUC database. 37 DUC Number 2 in LAFCo's 2020 DUC database. 38 DUC Number 3 in LAFCo's 2020 DUC database. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 18 that Census Tract 38.07-Block Group 1 had an MHI of $25,849 between from 2012 to 2016. LAFCo estimates that there are 51 dwelling units, and the DUC area encompasses approximately 16 acres. Based on number of dwelling units per acreage, LAFCo estimates that there are three dwelling units per acre. Water and sewer services are provided by the City of Fresno; North Central Fire Protection District provides fire protection; and storm drainage is planned for by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. • Area 4 is known as "Forkner Giffen, Fig Garden Subdivision."39 This DUC is located at the southwest corner of Ashlan Avenue and Maroa Avenue. As of December 2019, there are 106 register voters within the DUC. The DUC consists of approximately 60 residential properties within an area that encompasses 34 acres. LAFCo estimates that the density is approximately two dwelling units per acre within this DUC. The DUC is located within Census Tract 49.01-Block Group 1. The ACS five- year estimate reports indicate that Census Tract 49.01-Block Group 1 had an MHI of $28,816 between 2012 and 2016. Water and sewer services are provided by the City of Fresno; North Central Fire Protection District provides fire protection; and storm drainage is provided by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. • Area 5 is known as "West Park."40 This DUC is located at the Northeast corner of Jensen Avenue and Valentine Avenue. As of December 2019, there are 163 register voters within the DUC. LAFCo estimates that there are 129 dwelling units located in an area that encompasses approximately 80 acres. There are at least two dwelling units per acre within this DUC. This DUC is located within Census Tract 19.00-Block Group 2. The ACS five-year estimate reports indicate that Census Tract 19.00-Block Group 2 had an MHI of $41,923 between 2012 and 2016. Potable water is provided by County Service Area No. 39B; North Central Fire Protection District provides fire protections; and storm drainage is planned for by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. • Area 6 is known as "Daleville."41 This DUC is located at the Northeast corner of Cherry Avenues and Central Avenue. As of December 2019, there are 68 register voters within this DUC. LAFCo estimates that there are 42 dwelling units located in an area that encompasses approximately 26 acres. There are at least two dwelling units per acre within this DUC. This DUC is located within Census Tract 18.00-Block Group 1. The ACS five-year estimate reports indicated that Census Tract 18.00-Block Group 1 had an MHI of $38,973 between 2012 and 2016. Potable water is provided by the City of Fresno; sewer is achieved through private septic systems; fire protections is provided by Fresno County Fire Protection District; and storm drainage is provided by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. • Area 7 is known as "Britten."42 This DUC is located at the Southeast corner of Britten Avenue and Cherry Avenue. As of December 2019, there are 48 register voters within this DUC. LAFCo estimates that there are 25 dwelling units located in an area that encompasses approximately 21 acres. There are at least two dwelling units per acre within this DUC. This DUC is located within Census Tract 18.00-Block Group 1. The ACS five-year estimate reports indicated that Census Tract 18.00-Block Group 1 had an MHI of $38,973 between 2012 and 2016. Dwelling units within this DUC are on individual private wells and septic sewer systems. Fire protection is provided by Fresno 39 DUC Number 6 in LAFCo's 2020 DUC database. 40 DUC Number 7 in LAFCO's 2020 DUC database. 41 DUC Number 9 in LAFCO's 2020 DUC database. 42 DUC Number 10 in LAFCo's 2020 DUC database. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 19 County Fire Protection District. Storm drainage is planned for by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. • Area 8 is known as "Flamingo Mobile Home Lodge.”43 This DUC is located at the Southeast corner of Central Avenue and Maple Avenue. As of December 2019, there are 69 register voters within this DUC. The DUC boundary encompasses approximately 35 acres and it includes a 75-lot mobile home park. Based on dwelling unit estimates, there is at least two dwelling units per acre within this DUC. The DUC is located within Census Tract 15.00-Block Group 1. The ACS five-year estimate reports indicate that Census Tract 15.00-Block Group 1 had an MHI of $29,167 between 2012 and 2016. Potable water and sewer treatment service is provided by Malaga County Water District. Fire protection is provided by Fresno County Fire Protection District. Storm drainage is provided by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. • Area 9 is the community of Malaga.44 The DUC consists of approximately 220 properties. As of December 2019, there are 495 register voters within the DUC. The DUC boundary encompasses approximately 95 acres, and LAFCo estimates there are approximately 241 dwelling units within this DUC. Based on dwelling unit estimates, there is at least two dwelling units per acre within this DUC. The community of Malaga is located within Census Tract 15.00-Block Group 2. The ACS five- year estimate indicated that Census Tract 15.00-Block Group 2 had an MHI of $41,656 between 2012 and 2016. Potable water, sewer treatment, solid waste services are provided by Malaga County Water District. Fire protection is provided by Fresno County Fire Protection District; County Service Area No. 33 provides public street lighting and landscaping services; and Storm drainage is provided by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. • Area 10 is the community of Calwa.45 The DUC consists of approximately 385 properties located near the Southeast corner of Church Avenue and Orange Avenue. The DUC encompasses approximately 179 acres. LAFCo estimates that the density is approximately two dwelling units per acre within this DUC. As of December 2019, there are 520 register voters within the DUC. This DUC is located within Census Tract 12.01- Block Group 1, Tract 12.01-Block Group 2, and Tract 12.01- Block Group 4. The ACS five-year estimate reports show Census Tract 12.01-Block Group 1 had an MHI of $26,406; Tract 12.01-Block Group 2 had an MHI of $21,324; and Tract 12.01- Block Group 4 had and MHI of $48,162 between 2012 and 2016. Potable water and sewer services are provided by the City of Fresno; fire protections is provided by Fresno County Fire Protection District; and storm drainage is provided by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. • Area 11 is known as "Villa View Tract"46 located north of Calwa. The DUC encompasses 10 acres located near the Church Avenue and Orange Avenue intersection. As of December 2019, there are 23 register voters within the DUC. The DUC consists of 22 properties located within Census Tract 12.01- Block Group 1. The ACS five-year estimate reports indicated that Census Tract 12.01- Block Group 1 had an MHI of $26,406 between 2012 and 2016. Potable water and sewer services are provided by the City of Fresno; fire protections is provided by Fresno County Fire Protection District; and storm drainage is provided by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. 43 DUC Number 14 in LAFCo's 2020 DUC database. 44 DUC Number 15 in LAFCo's 2020 DUC database. 45 DUC Number 17 in LAFCo's 2020 DUC database. 46 DUC Number 18 in LAFCo's 2020 DUC database. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 20 • Area 12 is the community of Biola.47 The community of Biola is located at the Southeast intersection of Shaw Avenue and Howard Avenue. As of December 2019, there are 415 register voter within the DUC. LAFCo estimates that there are 324 parcels within Biola and the DUC boundary encompasses approximately 157 acres. Based on number of dwelling units per acreage, LAFCo estimates that there are 2 dwelling units per acres. Biola is located within Census Tract 41.00- Block Group 2. The ACS five-year estimate reports indicate that Census Tract 41.00-block group 2 had an MHI of $33,393 between from 2012 to 2016. Potable water, sewer, storm drainage, solid waste, and street lighting services is provided by Biola Community Service District. County Service Area No. 35 CG, only maintains a section of a street within a subdivision in Biola. Fire protection is provided by the North Central Fire Protection District. • Area 13 is the Double L Mobile Home Park located at the intersection of South Floyd Avenue and West Church Avenue. The DUC encompasses 22 acres consisting of 19 single family rural residential parcels and a 35-unit mobile home park. As of November 2020, there are 25 register voters within the DUC. Double L Mobile Home Park is located within Census Tract 39.00- Block Group 5. The ACS five-year estimate reports indicate that Census Tract 39.00-Block Group 5 had an MHI of $31,048 between from 2012 to 2016. The City of Kerman provides water to the Double L Mobile Home Park through an extended service agreement, and the 19 single family parcels are served by private wells. Sewer is attained though private septic tank systems. Fire protection is provided by the North Central Fire Protection District. There is no storm drainage system within the DUC. • Area 14 is located south of the City of Kerman near the intersection of South Madera and West Date Avenues. The DUC encompasses 24 acres and consists of approximately 29 dwelling units and the Le Fe Market convenience store. As of November 2020, there are 48 register voters within the DUC. The Madera and Date Avenues DUC is located within Census Tract 39.00- Block Group 5. The ACS five-year estimate reports indicate that Census Tract 39.00-Block Group 5 had an MHI of $31,048 between from 2012 to 2016. The City of Kerman provides water service to a portion of the DUC through an extended service agreement, while several parcels are served by private wells. Sewer is attained though private septic tank systems. Fire protection is provided by the North Central Fire Protection District. There is no storm drainage system within the DUC. • Area 15 is known as “Sunnyside” which consists of several neighborhoods within the unincorporated areas generally bounded by State Route 180, Winery Avenue, the San Joaquin Valley Railroad way, and Sunnyside Avenue. In total there are approximately 1,714 registered voters within Sunnyside DUC. The City of Fresno provides water and sewer within this DUC. Fire protection is provided by Fresno County Fire Protection. Storm drainage is provided by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. Fresno LAFCo’s DUC database described the Sunnyside DUC in two parts: o The southeast section of the Sunnyside DUC consists of approximately 260 parcels that lie within Census Tract 30.03-Block Group 1 and Tract 30.03-Block Group 2. The ACS five- year estimate reports show Census Tract 30.03-Block Group 1 (west of Minnewawa and north of Kings Canyon) had an MHI of $19,478, while Tract 30.03-Block Group 2 (east of Minnewawa and north of Kings Canyon) had an MHI of $27,540 between 2012 and 2016. 47 DUC Number 20 in LAFCo's 2020 DUC database. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 21 o Part 2 is generally located south of Olive Avenue and east of Peach Avenue. This DUC section of the Sunnyside community consists of approximately 639 properties located within four Census Tracts. Portions of the DUC are located within Census Tract 29.03- Block Group 2, Census Tract 29.04-Block Group 1, Tract 29.04-Block 2, Tract 29.05-Block Group 2, and Tract 30.01- Block Group 2. The ACS five-year estimate reports indicate that Census Tract 29.03-Block Group 2 had an MHI of $20,737; Census Tract 29.04-Block Group 1 had an MHI of $34,000; Tract 29.04-Block 18 2 had an MHI of $46,618; Tract 29.05-Block Group 2 had an MHI of $27,396; and Tract 30.01- Block Group 2 had an MHI of $36,094 between 2012 and 2016. The District provides mosquito abatement and treatment of properties within its limited boundaries. LAFCo observes that DUCs identified within Fresno MVCD service area also receive the same level of service as all other parcels within the District. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 22 Figure 5 – DUC Map MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 23 DISTRICT INFRASTRUCTURE AND VECTOR CONTROL The District offers a number of services to its community residents including but not limited to mosquito trapping and identification, mosquito larvae treatment (larvicide), Ultra Low Volume (“ULV”), and thermal fogging for adult mosquitoes (adulticide), and mosquitofish application to pools and ponds to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds overall. The District owns the land and buildings at its headquarters which is located at 2338 E. McKinley Avenue Fresno, California. The District owns no other property, building, or parcels. The District employs 10 full time staff members – a District Manager, Assistant Manager, Office Manager, Office Secretary, Biologist, one Area Supervisor, and four Certified Technicians. The District owns the following major equipment listed below: • Three thermal fogging machines • One Buffalo Turbine industrial sprayer • Nine Ultra Low Volume (ULV) sprayers, two of which are large, truck mounted sprayers • 22 Backpack Sprayers Additionally, the District has a fleet of vehicles that include three Jeeps, two passenger vehicles, 20 trucks, and two boats used by technicians and staff in service calls and applying treatments throughout the District. The District uses sophisticated ARC-GIS mapping and in-house database systems to track and maintain records of all catch basins, drains, utility vaults, and other areas that are treated or otherwise maintained by the District. According to the District's website, there are 12 mosquito species that are known to frequent within the District’s service area. Of the 12 species, only seven breeds regularly use humans or animals for a blood meal. The following bullet points summarizes the mosquitoes that have been found within the District: • Aedes nigromaculis is a medium-sized, black to brown coloration, and usually have a white band near the middle of the proboscis and on each leg. This mosquito is generally found in irrigated pastures. • Anopheles freeborni is a medium-sized, dull brown to black in coloration, and it usually has four visible spots on the outer half of the wings. According to the District, the Anopheles freeborni is the primary vector of malaria in the western United States. Female mosquitoes are known to be active at dusk during mosquito season. • Culex stigmatosoma is a medium-sized, dark in color, and it usually has white band on its proboscis and white bands on each of its legs. This mosquito is common near polluted water. This mosquito prefers to feed on birds and a livestock, and rarely feeds on humans. • Culiseta incidens is a large-sized, dark in color, and it has spotted wings with white cross bands present on all abdominal segments. This mosquito only breeds in cool weather, generally during the spring and fall seasons. This mosquito is an avid biter and feeds on humans and other mammals during the twilight hours. • Aedes sierrensis is a small-sized, dark in color, it has a pointed abdomen, and white bands on all legs. This species is not known to transmit any diseases to humans; however, they may transmit MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 24 canine heartworms to dogs. This mosquito is an avid biter and feeds on humans throughout the day. Female mosquitoes are most active during the early evening hours, and they are known to occasionally enter houses to bite. • Culex quinquefasciatus is a medium-sized, light brown in color, and with narrow white bands on its abdominal segments. This mosquito is known to enter into residential structures to bite humans or to make its own breeding grounds in household containers. The mosquito is the primary vector of West Nile Virus ("WNV") in urban areas in California. It can also transmit the organisms causing bird malaria, fowl pox, and dog heartworm. • Culex tarsalis is a medium-sized, dark in color, and it usually has white band on its proboscis and white bands on its legs. This mosquito is the primary carrier of encephalitis viruses in the Western United States. This mosquito bites humans, domestic animals, and birds in low light settings or in the dark. This mosquito is known to carry the WNV. • Aedes aegypti is a small to medium-sized, black and white striped invasive mosquito that bites humans and animals during the day. This mosquito is internationally referred to as the “yellow fever mosquito.” Female mosquitoes are known to attack indoors and outdoors and are most active approximately two hours after sunrise and several hours before sunset. According to the District's website, this mosquito has the potential to transmit several viruses, including dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.48 However, none of these viruses are known to be present or transmitted in California. The District’s pesticide management and application methods are regulated by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) General Permit (CAG990004) and the Water Quality Order 2016- 0039-DWQ. The District also operates under a Cooperative Agreement with the California Department of Public Health to ensure proper records, pesticide reports, and certifications are maintained both with the state of California and local County Ag Commissioner. The District is self-insured and is a part of the Vector Control Joint Powers Authority ("VCJPA") for its auto, liability, property, and all other related insurances. The District has been self-insured since 1979. Reviews of insurance, equipment, affiliations, memberships, permits, and all other related items are conducted on an annual basis by the District Manager and support staff. ABATEMENT TECHNIQUES The District's abatement techniques consist of various strategies including but not limited to routine community education, outreach, and sharing of public information about proactive ways to reduce the mosquito population. The District’s website, https://www.fresnomosquito.org/ offers a variety of educational resources including public service announcements, mosquito abatement methods brochures, mosquito data, and maps that depict the types of mosquitoes that have been captured within the District. Upon request to the District Manager, District personnel can provide workshops to local schools and organizations to raise awareness on mosquito safety. The District also attends various community events 48 https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/transmission/index.html MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 25 such as The Big Fresno Fair and local festivals to distribute District informational brochures on mosquitoes and District services. The District works throughout the year to abate mosquito nesting grounds with the frame of mind that local weather conditions also influence the annual mosquito season/s in the San Joaquin Valley. Generally, each wet winter followed by a warm spring season creates a major nesting ground for mosquitoes in the San Joaquin Valley. Peak mosquito season for the District occurs from late spring throughout the late winter months. According to the District, abatement starts with individuals proactively eliminating standing water from places where mosquitoes may harbor their eggs. Standing water, ponds, broken sprinklers, irrigation drains, neglected pools and yard fountains are known to be the primary breeding grounds for various types of mosquitoes in Fresno County. The District also relies on surveillance traps, biological control, and chemical control to monitor and eliminate active mosquito breeding grounds. The District regularly sets out various traps to survey for specific mosquito species, identify their migrating locations, and to collect information. Depending upon the level of nuisance being reported to the District, staff members strategize around the most feasible abatement method to eliminate the nuisance. Before a biological or chemical control measures are employed, the District makes every attempt to study the environment and eliminate potential breeding sites. According to the District, biological control is the use of natural enemies to manage mosquito populations. There are several types of biological control including the direct introduction of parasites, pathogens, and predators to target mosquitoes. The District's biological control program consists of its use of the Gambusia affinis (mosquito fish), widely known as a natural mosquito predator. The District owns a small mosquito fish farm that houses and produces mosquitofish that are then used to combat mosquito breeding grounds in water ways and recharge basins. The District estimates that on average a mosquito fish can eat up to 100 mosquito larvae per day. The District may use chemical control measures to combat nuisances when preventative methods are not possible or are unsuccessful. Chemical control is the use of larvicides to control immature mosquitoes (larvae or eggs) or adulticides to abate mature mosquitoes. As previously noted, the District chemical usage is regulated by the California Department of Public Health, California Department of Pesticide Regulations, and the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner. The District uses pesticides that are registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Environmental Protection Agency. Four types of larvicides that are used by the District include bio-rational, surface oils, growth regulating, and chemical products. Larvicides are applied by hand, from hand-held or vehicle-mounted engine-driven blowers, depending on the product, the formulation, and the location of the nuisance. Adulticides are insecticides that target adult mosquitoes over large areas with the use of ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays. The District own four trucks with mounted fogging equipment used for emitting ULV sprays. According to the District, the droplets can kill adult mosquitoes on contact. The ULV applications are MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 26 scheduled to coincide when mosquitoes are active generally after sunset or before sunrise. The District provides adequate notification to property owners and residents prior to spraying residential locations. The District's application of pesticides is regulated by National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. DISTRICT FINANCES This section of the MSR includes financial information provided by the District’s Management to assist LAFCo staff in determining if the District has sufficient revenues and financial systems in place to continue its provision of services to its customers. The following information and analysis are based on annual budgets, most recent audited financial statements and supportive documents made available to LAFCo. Consistent with the requirements of its principal act, the District Manager prepares an annual budget for the District's operation, and the District board adopts an annual budget on or before June 30th of each year. The District’s budget identifies anticipated revenues and expenditures using detailed line items for the upcoming fiscal year. Once a budget is adopted by the District’s Board of Trustees it can only be amended by action of the Board. All budget appropriations lapse at the end of the fiscal year. The District’s primary source of revenue is the annual property tax charged to all parcels within the District. According to the State Board of Equalization data, the District’s tax revenues are derived from 670 tax rate area (“TRA”) maps. The District informed LAFCo that annual property taxes make up approximately 62% of the District’s annual budget. For Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2019-20, the District’s annual property tax revenues amounted to approximately $1,304,779. Additionally, the District also pursues state funding and industry grants when opportunities arise agreeable to the District’s board. For Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2019-20, the District’s annual property tax revenues amounted to approximately $1,304,779. The District’s estimate shows that other sources of income may amount to $763,883. At the beginning of FY 2019-20, the District anticipates that its ending operation cash carried forward from FY 2018-19 will amount to $2,459,731. The District’s budget identifies approximately $2,608,662 as total revenues for FY 2019-20 and adopted this estimate as its budget hearing for that fiscal year. The District’s total operating revenues are derived primarily from annually secured property taxes from all properties within the District’s boundaries. Additionally, other revenues for the District are generated from annual accumulated interest from its funds account with Fresno County and an annual benefit assessment voted on and passed by the District’s residents. The District’s budget information reported through annual audits also show an annual balance amount that is carried forward at the beginning of each year. The District’s projected net operating revenues are estimated at $2,068,662, and the District anticipates a cash transfer carried forward of approximately $48,802. By the end of FY 2019-20, the District anticipates an ending operating cash carried forward balance of $2,508,533. The District accounts for various expenditure line items in its budget. Major District expenditures include District wages and benefits, Fresno County Employees Retirement Association (“FCERA”) pension obligation bonds, FCERA settlement financing, and pesticides. For FY 2019-20, the District shows its total operating expenditures at approximately $2,019,860. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 27 The District prepares and adopts an annual budget that projects its anticipated revenues and expenditures for the upcoming year. At the time this service review was prepared, the District showed its total operating revenues greater than its anticipated total operating expenditures. During the preparation of the MSR the District indicated that it had an unfunded liability associated with its FCERA membership The District’s unfunded liability is estimated to be $1,588,616 and is scheduled to be paid off over time. The District began paying debt service payments in August 2004 and makes monthly payments of varying amounts each year based on investment performance and amortization. Based on the current outlook of Fresno County’s investment portfolio, the last payment for the debt is scheduled for 2033 but could change based on future performance of the county’s investments. The District has the option to pay the liability off early at any time with extra payments. LAFCo staff also was provided a copy of the District’s most current independent auditor’s report, financial report, and supplementary information for fiscal years ending June 30, 2019. The Auditor’s report indicates that the District’s annual budgets conform with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.49 The District establishes an annual budget for its governmental fund consistent with GAAP and derived from estimated tax revenue amounts provided by Fresno County directly to the District each year. The District’s bank deposits are entirely covered by federal depository insurance or otherwise collateralized. The District does not have an investment policy independent of what is allowed under the California Government Code. LAFCo observes that that District annually receives a steady stream of revenue that allows for its service levels to continue operating efficiently. Based on available financial information, the District’s total revenues exceed its liabilities at the time this MSR was prepared. The District states that its revenues are at adequate levels to continue providing services to customers. It appears that the District can meet its financial obligations and is available to meet the District’s ongoing commitments to residents and creditors. OPPORTUNITIES FOR SHARED FACILITIES The District benefits from its participation in one joint powers agreement with the Vector Control Joint Powers Agency ("VCJPA"). The relationship between the District and the JPA is such that the JPA is not a component unit of the District. The VCJPA arranges for liability and property insurance for its member agencies, all of which are mosquito abatement districts in California. VCJPA is governed by a separate board of directors consisting of representatives from participating member districts. The VCJPA board manages its operations including selection of management and approval of operating budgets, independent of any influence by the member districts beyond their representation on the board. Each participating district pays a premium commensurate with the level of coverage required and shares surpluses and deficits proportionately to their participants. 49 Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District, Notes to Financial Statements for the Year Ended June 30, 2019. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 28 LAFCo recognizes that mosquito abatement is one type of service that lends itself to be efficiently and effectively provided using various partnerships among local agencies. At the time this report was prepared, the District’s operations were adequately managed and there are no other similar agencies that present an obvious opportunity to recommend additional shared facilities. The District overlaps with the following special districts: • Biola Community Service District • Fresno County Fire Protection District • Calwa Recreation and Park District • Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control • County Service Area No. 2 (Tenaya Park) District • County Service Area No. 7 & 7D • Fresno Irrigation District • County Service Area No. 19 (Hampton • Kings River Conservation District Way) • Malaga County Water District • County Service Area No. 33 (Malaga) • Mid-Valley Water District • County Service Area No. 35 (Road • North Central Fire Protection District Maintenance) • Pinedale County Water District • County Service Area No. 39AB (Beran • Pinedale Public Utility District Way/Prospect Grove) • Raisin City Water District • Easton Community Services District • Washington Colony Cemetery District • Fig Garden Fire Protection District • West Fresno County Red Scale District • Fig Garden Police Protection District Similar Districts near FMVCD boundaries that provide mosquito abatement are: • Fresno Westside Mosquito Abatement District • Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District • Madera Mosquito and Vector Control District (County of Madera) GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY This section of the MSR considers various topics, such as compliance with state disclosure laws, the Ralph M. Brown Act, public participation, i.e. open meetings, accessible staff, election processes, and the agency’s governing structure. Additionally, this considers the agency’s level of participation with the Commission's MSR program. Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies is evaluated as part of the MSR Program to encourage the orderly formation of local government agencies, create logical boundaries, and promote the efficiency delivery of services. This MSR is an informational document that will be used by LAFCo, other local agencies, and the public at large to examine the government structure of the District. The District operates under the authority granted by California's Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District Law (Health and Safety Code section 2000 et seq.). The District has adopted policies that govern the District’s activities from a procedural, personnel, and operational standpoint. The District is an independent special district with a separate board of trustees, not governed by other legislative bodies (neither a city council nor a county board of supervisors). A body of five appointed officials serve as the governing body of the District. The five members of the board are appointed by representatives of the City of Fresno, City of Kerman, and the Fresno County Board of Supervisors to four- MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 29 year terms or until their successor qualifies and takes office.50 All five District board seats are filled; two are set to expire 2022, an additional two seats are set to expire 2024 and one seat in 2023. Active District board members receive a $100.00 stipend for each month of service, plus mileage reimbursement for district related travel miles, and training. The District board of trustees creates policy by adopting resolutions and ordinances through duly noticed public meetings. The District board meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. All District board meetings take place at 2338 E. McKinley Fresno, CA 93703. Meetings are noticed consistent with Brown Act requirements, which include postings in public places, such as the District headquarters, as well as online at the District’s website. Public notices are displayed outside of the District office a minimum of 72 hours before each meeting. The District posts meeting agendas, hearing information, and general information on its website at www.fresnomosquito.org. District board meetings are open to the public, landowners, and residents may attend the monthly board meetings. Opportunities to address the District board on items not on the agenda is provided on each meeting agenda. If a public member desires to present to the board, the person is encouraged to contact the District Manager in advance of the meeting. Meetings of the District board are conducted by the District president in a manner consistent with the policies of the District, and the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order. The District board annually elects one of its members to serve as the District President, another member to service as a Vice-President, and another to serve as Secretary to the Board. The District President presides at all meetings of the board, and announces its decision on all subjects, and decides all questions of orders, subjects, and signs all board ordinances and resolutions and contracts approved by the District board. The President also performs any other duties imposed by the board, after first receiving approval by at least three members of the board. In the absence of the President, the Vice-President assumes all duties of the President. The District Secretary of the board is the custodian of all records of the proceedings taken by the District board. Each District Board member and certain district officers receive training on the Brown Act and the Fair Political Practices Commission ("FPPC") offered by the District's legal counsel and/or the California Association of Special Districts ("CSDA"). The District’s legal counsel also provides input and guidance on any updates of the Brown Act. The District is a member of the CSDA, which also provides training materials and course work to comply public official with training requirements, i.e. ethics, public records, sexual harassment preventions, and dealing with difficult people. The District is also a member of the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California ("MVCAC"). As previously noted, the District has one appointed full-time District Manager responsible for the daily operations of the District, with the support of nine full-time employees. The District’s legal counsel services are provided through a contract with a local attorney with experience in local government. The District Manager reports directly to the District board, and he/she oversees office staff and service 50 Health & Safety Code sec. 13843 (a) The term of office of each member of a district board is four years or until his or her successor qualifies and takes office, except as provided in subdivision (b). MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 30 contracts, monitors the surveillance and abatement programs, schedules maintenance programs, and oversees the District’s annual budget. The District informed LAFCo that District personnel receive cross training within the organization to assist in the operation of the District. Upon employment, District staff is provided with an organization orientation, training on sexual harassment, and on safety and safe operating practices. Field staff also receive training in the following areas: i.e. safety, pesticide safety, equipment safety, heat illness prevention, landowner relations, ethics, and specific job and equipment training. Continued education and training ensures that staff members are generally familiar with others' duties within the District, in addition to their primary assignments. The District is secure that staff experience and number of employees are adequate to continue the District’s operation. The District’s governance structure is appropriate to ensure adequate services are provided and managed. At the time of MSR preparation, the District’s government structure appears to be adequately structured to operate and fulfill its role as a services provider in the community ANY OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO EFFECTIVE OR EFFICIENT SERVICE DELIVERY LAFCo staff and the District Manager has reached out to several agencies including but not limited to Fresno County Auditor Controller/Treasurer-Tax Assessors, Madera County, Madera County Assessor’s Office, Madera LAFCo, and Madera MVCD to inform them about the District’s intent to annex land in Madera County. In order to facilitate a unified process, Fresno LAFCo requested Madera LAFCo exclusive jurisdiction to process the District SOI update and RO applications. On December 9, 2020, Madera LAFCo granted its approval to assign Fresno LAFCo exclusive jurisdiction. As of February 2021, there are three items to note in anticipation of processing Fresno MVCD applications: Madera MVCD SOI reduction 1) During the preparation of this MSR, the Madera MVD’s Manager informed Fresno LAFCo that it plans to submit a similar SOI update proposal to Madera LAFCo by mid-late 2021.51 The Madera MVCD SOI update application would request Madera LAFCo a District SOI expansion into Fresno County by approximately 93 acres along the San Joaquin River. The planned expansion area is generally between Howard and Goldenrod Avenues north of Barstow Avenue. The SOI update application would include a subsequent reorganization (detachment of Fresno MVCD) of the affected territory. On or before the SOI update is requested to Madera LAFCo, consistent with GC section 56430, Madera LAFCo would need to update its 2007 MSR for the Madera MVCD. 2) Looking ahead to 2021: once an application by Madera MVCD is filed with Madera LAFCo, it’s anticipated that Madera LAFCo would consult with Fresno LAFCo staff to assist with data collection for the Madera MVCD’s SOI update and reorganization applications. On November 18, 2020, Fresno LAFCo approved to delegate the exclusive jurisdiction to Madera LAFCo to process 51 Electronic communication with Madera MVCD District Manager and Fresno LAFCo. December 7, 2020. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 31 Madera MVCD’s application once it’s submitted to Madera LAFCo. Being that the future proposal would affect Fresno MVCD’s SOI and service area, Madera LAFCo will route the application and request comments once an MSR update is prepared for Madera MVCD. 3) Fresno LAFCo has consulted with Madera LAFCo staff through this MSR and application mailing to address concerns regarding the simultaneous Madera MVCD’s SOI reduction and detachment of the affected territory. Madera LAFCo did not convey any concerns to Fresno LAFCo. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 32 2. MSR DETERMINATIONS This portion of the report addresses the factors specified in the governing statute for MSRs and provides analysis in conformance with GC section 56425 and Fresno LAFCo policy. Pursuant to GC section 56430, the Commission has prepared the following written determinations. 1. Growth and population projections for the affected area • The District’s service area and sphere of influence (SOI) are conterminous and encompass 178,578 acres. Majority of the land in the District is unincorporated. The District’s service area includes the City of Kerman and portions of central-westside City of Fresno. • The County of Fresno is the land use authority for the unincorporated land within the District and the Fresno County General Plan Land Use Element designates majority of the District’s territory for agricultural use with the exception of the unincorporated Community Plans for Biola and Easton. • The City of Kerman is the land use authority for the incorporated city boundaries inside the District, and the City’s 2040 General Plan establishes urban land use for territory within the City’s SOI. The City of Kerman is projected to grow by an estimated 3,820 persons and 720 new households. Including persons residing in Kerman SOI, a total of 20,470 persons are projected to reside in Kerman General Plan’s planning area by 2040. • The City of Fresno is the land use authority for the portions of the District that overlap with the City of Fresno’s central-westside. The City of Fresno's 2035 General Plan designates urban and planned land uses for the portions of the District that are in the City and the Fresno SOI. Although the Fresno 2035 General Plan designates planned land uses for the western portion of the Fresno SOI, LAFCo notes that potential growth in this section of the District's service area may experience challenges due to parcelization and variation of vacant lots neighboring existing rural residential parcels. • The District does not have land use authority; however, the District informed LAFCo that it participates in the consultation process with each land use authority through the evaluation of proposed land use entitlements (i.e. Tract Maps, Conditional Use Permits, and Annexations) that may impact the District's service levels. • Regarding the proposed District SOI update into Madera County, the affected territory consists of a section of the San Joaquin River along the Fresno-Madera County line and two unincorporated parcels (marshland and ponds) adjacent to the to the San Joaquin River.52 The affected territory is owned by the State of California under a trust with the San Joaquin River Conservancy. Both parcels are tax exempt properties. The Madera County General Plan Land Use Element designates both parcels for Agricultural Use, and both parcels are identified in Madera County’s Exclusive Agriculture Zone District (ARE-20). The District reports that there are no growth projections in the affected territory. 52 Madera County Assessor Parcel Numbers: 049101018 and 049102003. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 33 2. The location and characteristics of any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence • Government Code sec. 56033.5 defines a “disadvantaged unincorporated community” as an inhabited territory, as defined by Government Code sec. 56046, or as determined by commission policy, that constitutes all or a portion of a "disadvantaged community" as defined by section 79505.5 of the California Water Code (WC). • The District's service area encompasses census block groups that meet the Water Code definition of Disadvantaged Communities based on MHI levels reported in the American Community Survey five-year reports for year 2012 through 2016. This MSR update characterized 15 locations within the District’s service area that met LAFCo’s DUC definition, shown on Figure 5. • The District provides mosquito abatement and treatment of properties within its limited boundaries. LAFCo observes that DUCs identified within Fresno MVCD service area also receive the same level of service as all other parcels within the District. 3. Present and planned capacity of public facilities and infrastructure needs or deficiencies • The District owns and operates various public facilities and equipment necessary to conduct business and provide mosquito abatement services. The District offers a number of services to its community residents including but not limited to mosquito trapping and identification, mosquito larvae treatment (larvicide), Ultra Low Volume (“ULV”), and thermal fogging for adult mosquitoes (adulticide), and mosquitofish application to pools and ponds to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds overall. • The District owns the land and buildings at its headquarters which is located at 2338 E. McKinley Avenue Fresno, California. Additionally, the District owns the following major equipment items: three thermal fogging machines, one Buffalo Turbine industrial sprayer, nine Ultra Low Volume (ULV) sprayers (two of which are large, truck mounted sprayers), 22 backpack sprayers. • The District has a fleet of vehicles that include three Jeeps, two passenger vehicles, 20 trucks, and two boats used by technicians and staff in service calls and applying treatments throughout the District. The District owns a small mosquito fish farm that houses and produces mosquitofish that are then used to combat mosquito breeding grounds in water ways and recharge basins. 4. Financial ability of agency to provide services • The District Manager prepares an annual budget for the District's operation, and the District board adopts an annual budget on or before June 30th of each year. The District’s budget identifies anticipated revenues and expenditures using detailed line items for the upcoming fiscal year. • The District’s primary source of revenue is the annual property tax charged to all parcels within the District. The District informs that annual property taxes make up 62% of the District’s annual budget. For Fiscal Year 2019-20, the District’s annual property tax revenues amounted to approximately $1,304,779. Additionally, the District also pursues state funding and industry grants when opportunities arise agreeable to the District’s board. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 34 • For Fiscal Year 2019-20, the District’s adopted budget showed $2,608,662 as total revenues, while operating expenditures were estimated at $2,019,860. At the time this service review was prepared, the District showed its total operating revenues greater than its anticipated total operating expenditures. • Major District expenditures include District wages and benefits, Fresno County Employees Retirement Association (“FCERA”) pension obligation bonds, FCERA settlement financing, and pesticides. During the preparation of the MSR the District indicated that it had an unfunded liability associated with its FCERA membership. The District’s unfunded liability is estimated to be $1,588,616 and is scheduled to be paid off over time. • LAFCo staff also was provided a copy of the District’s most current independent auditor’s report, financial report, and supplementary information for fiscal years ending June 30, 2019. The Auditor’s report indicates that the District’s annual budgets conform with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. • LAFCo observes that that District annually receives a steady stream of revenue that allows for its service levels to continue operating efficiently. The District states that its revenues are at adequate levels to continue providing services to customers. 5. Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities • The District benefits from its participation in one joint powers agreement with the Vector Control Joint Powers Agency ("VCJPA"). The VCJPA arranges for liability and property insurance for its member agencies, all of which are mosquito abatement districts in California. • LAFCo recognizes that mosquito abatement is one type of service that lends itself to be efficiently and effectively provided using various partnerships among local agencies. At the time this report was prepared, the District’s operations were adequately managed and there are no other similar agencies that present an obvious opportunity to recommend additional shared facilities. 6. Accountability for community service needs, including government structure and operational efficiencies • The District operates under the authority granted by California's Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District Law (Health and Safety Code section 2000 et seq.). The District has adopted policies that govern the District’s activities from a procedural, personnel, and operational standpoint. • The District operates under the authority granted by California's Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District Law (Health and Safety Code section 2000 et seq.). The District has adopted policies that govern the District’s activities from a procedural, personnel, and operational standpoint. • A body of five appointed officials serve as the governing body of the District. The five members of the board are appointed by representatives of the City of Fresno, City of Kerman, and the Fresno County Board of Supervisors to four-year terms or until their successor qualifies and takes MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 35 office. Active District board members receive a $100.00 stipend for each month of service, plus mileage reimbursement for district related travel miles, and training. • The District board of trustees creates policy by adopting resolutions and ordinances through duly noticed public meetings. The District board meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. All District board meetings take place at 2338 E. McKinley Fresno, CA 93703. • The District board has one appointed full-time District Manager responsible for the daily operations of the District, with the support of nine full-time employees. The District’s legal counsel services are provided through a contract with a local attorney with experience in local government. • The District Manager reports directly to the District board, and he/she oversees office staff and service contracts, monitors the surveillance and abatement programs, schedules maintenance programs, and oversees the District’s annual budget. • The District’s pesticide management and application methods are regulated by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit (CAG990004) and the Water Quality Order 2016-0039-DWQ. • The District also operates under a Cooperative Agreement with the California Department of Public Health to ensure proper records, pesticide reports, and certifications are maintained both with the state of California and local County Ag Commissioner. • The District is self-insured and is a part of the Vector Control Joint Powers Authority ("VCJPA") for its auto, liability, property, and all other related insurances. The District has been self-insured since 1979. Reviews of insurance, equipment, affiliations, memberships, permits, and all other related items are conducted on an annual basis by the District Manager and support staff. • Each District Board member and certain district officers receive training on the Brown Act and the Fair Political Practices Commission ("FPPC") offered by the District's legal counsel and/or the California Association of Special Districts ("CSDA"). The District’s legal counsel also provides input and guidance on any updates of the Brown Act. • The District is an independent special district with its separate board of trustees, not governed by other legislative bodies (either a city council or a county board of supervisors). • The District’s governance structure is appropriate to ensure adequate services are provided and managed. At the time of MSR preparation, the District’s government structure appears to be adequately structured to operate and fulfill its role as a services provider in the community. 7. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by Commission policy. • None. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 36 3. SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS LAFCo has prepared this MSR consistent with GC section 56430 in order to update the Fresno MVCD SOI in accordance with GC section 56425. The purpose of the service review is to get a “big picture” of the public services provided by a local agency, determine service needs, and make recommendations in order to promote the orderly development of local agencies. As noted in Section one of the MSR, this SOI update has been initiated by the Fresno MVCD’s application to LAFCo, USOI-200. The District requests Fresno LAFCo to expand the current SOI by 365 acres into Madera County to facilitate the subsequent reorganization of Fresno MVCD’s and Madera MCVD’s service areas, as shown on Figure 2. Madera MVCD has consented to the removal of the affected territory from the Madera MVCD’s SOI and subsequent detachment. The purpose of the requested SOI expansion and subsequent reorganization is for Fresno MVCD to memorialize an out-of-district location that has been maintained by the District for over 30 years. The affected territory consists of two tax exempt parcels (marshland and ponding areas) along the San Joaquin River that are owned by the State of California under a trust with the San Joaquin River Conservancy.53 The applications (USOI-200 and RO 20-12) have the potential to increase the Fresno MVCD's SOI and service area from the existing 179,578 acres to 179,943acres. While the Madera MVCD would experience a simultaneous 365 acres District SOI reduction and detachment. The MSR update prepared for the Fresno MVCD includes sufficient analysis necessary to addend Madera LAFCo’s 2007 MSR for the Madera MVCD by reference. This MSR update also enables Fresno LAFCo to process the reduction of Madera MVCD’s SOI and concurrent detachment of the affected territory from the Madera MVCD. Based on the information and analysis in the MSR, this section of the report fulfills the requirements of GC section 56425 and allows LAFCo to update the District SOI consistent with the written determinations for the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District. In determining the SOI of each local agency, the commission shall consider and prepare a written statement of its determinations with respect to each of the following items pursuant to GC Section 56425 (e): 1. Present and planned land uses, including agricultural and open-space lands • As outlined in the MSR, the Fresno County General Plan designates a majority of the land within the District for agricultural use with the exception of the unincorporated Community Plans for Biola and Easton. The District’s service area includes the City of Kerman and portions of central- westside City of Fresno. • The City of Kerman is the land use authority for the incorporated city boundaries inside the District, and the City’s 2040 General Plan establishes urban land uses for territory within the City’s SOI. Likewise, the City of Fresno is the land use authority for the portions of the District that overlap with the City of Fresno’s central-westside. The City of Fresno's 2035 General Plan designates urban and planned land uses for the portions of the District that are in the City and the Fresno SOI. • The proposed SOI update would add 365 acres of land into the Fresno MVCD’s SOI consisting of a section of the San Joaquin River and two unincorporated tax-exempt parcels along the Fresno- Madera County line. The Madera County General Plan Land Use Element designates both parcels 53 Madera County Assessor Parcel Numbers: 049101018 and 049102003. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 37 for Agricultural Use, and both parcels are identified in Madera County’s Exclusive Agriculture Zone District (ARE-20). The District reports that land uses will not change because of the proposed SOI update. 2. Present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area • The District owns and operates various public facilities and equipment necessary to conduct business and provide mosquito abatement services. In addition, the District uses sophisticated Arc-GIS mapping software and in-house database systems to track and maintain records of all catch basins, drains, utility vaults, and other areas that are treated or otherwise maintained by the District. • The purpose of the requested SOI expansion and subsequent reorganization is for Fresno MVCD to memorialize an out-of-district location that has been maintained by the District for over 30 years; and, to accurately depict where District revenue is being spent to fund abatement and vector control services. According to the District, existing facilities have sufficient capacity to meet the District’s current service demand. 3. Present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency provides or is authorized to provide • The District's abatement services consist of various strategies including but not limited to routine community education, outreach, and sharing of public information about proactive ways to reduce the mosquito population. • The District’s services include but are not limited to: mosquito trapping and identification, mosquito larvae treatment (larvicide), Ultra Low Volume (“ULV”), and thermal fogging for adult mosquitoes (adulticide), and mosquitofish application to pools and ponds to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds overall. • LAFCo observes that that District annually receives a steady stream of revenue that allows for its service levels to continue operating efficiently. Based on available financial information, the District’s total revenues exceed its liabilities at the time this MSR was prepared. The District states that its revenues are at adequate levels to continue providing services to customers. 4. Existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the commission determines that they are relevant to the agency • Based on the census datasets obtained during the preparation of this report, the District is located within census geographic units that meet the MHI threshold for Disadvantaged Communities. • The District provides mosquito abatement and treatment of properties within its limited boundaries. 5. The present and probable need for those public facilities and services of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere of influence • Chapter one of this MSR update identified 15 locations that meet Fresno LAFCo’s definition for a DUCs. The MSR notes that DUCs within the Fresno MVCD receive the same level of service as all other parcels within the District. Chapters one of this MSR provides a description for each DUC and Figure five depicts their locations relative to the District’s boundaries. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 38 4. RECOMMENDATIONS In consideration of information gathered and evaluated during the Municipal Service Review, it is recommended the Commission: 1. Receive this report and any public testimony regarding the proposed Municipal Service Review and proposed Sphere of Influence update. 2. Find that the Municipal Service Review is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to section 15306 (Information Collection). 3. Approve the recommended Municipal Service Review determinations, together with any changes deemed appropriate. 4. Approve the recommended Sphere of Influence determinations, together with any changes deemed appropriate. 5. Find that LAFCo, as a Responsible Agency pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) considered the Notice of Exemption (“NOE”) prepared by Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District (“Fresno MVCD”), Lead Agency, for its review and update of the Fresno MVCD SOI. 6. Find that as a Responsible Agency, Fresno LAFCo, independently reviewed and considered the environmental effects of the SOI update and reorganization as presented in the NOE prepared by the Fresno MVCD, as Lead Agency, prior to reaching a decision on the proposal. Since it can be seen with certainty that the SOI update does not have the potential to result in a significant effect on the environment it is not subject to CEQA pursuant to CEQA guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3). 7. Using the authority and jurisdiction granted by Madera LAFCo, reduce the Madera MVCD SOI by 365 acres and detach this territory from that District. as depicted on Figure 3 of the MSR. 8. Increase the Fresno MVCD SOI by this same acreage and annex this territory to that District, as depicted on Figure 3 of the MSR. MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 39 5. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This Municipal Service Review update was prepared by Fresno LAFCO. The Manager of the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District provided substantial information included in this service review. Supporting documentation was made available through the effective partnership between the District, Madera LAFCo, and Fresno LAFCo. Fresno LAFCo staff extends its appreciation to District staff and Madera LAFCo for their assistance in the development of this Municipal Service Review. Available Documentation – documents used for the preparation of this report consist of public records and are available at the Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission Office located at: Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission 2607 Fresno Street, Suite B Fresno, California 93721 The Municipal Service Review is available on Fresno LAFCo’s website, http://www.fresnolafco.org/default.asp G:\LAFCo Projects\Districts\MAD\Fresno Mosquito and Vector CD\USOI-200 (FMVCD SOI)\MSR\MSR Update\Final_FMVCD_MSR_04142021_DF.docx MSR and Sphere Update Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District 40