Scsd Service Area Plan

Salton Community Services District Service Area Plan July 2021 RICK Engineering Company Revised September 2023 Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................... 1 Population Projections ............................................................................................................................. 1 Public Facilities Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 2 1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 12 Background on the Salton Community Services District ...................................................................... 12 Purpose of the Service Area Plan ........................................................................................................... 12 2. GROWTH AND PHASING PROJECTIONS ..................................................................................................... 17 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 17 Projected Population.............................................................................................................................. 17 Areas of Annexation ............................................................................................................................... 18 Existing Land Use .................................................................................................................................... 18 Planned Land Use ................................................................................................................................... 19 3.0 Public Facilities and Services ................................................................................................................ 25 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 25 3.1 ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES ....................................................................................................................... 25 Performance Standard ........................................................................................................................... 25 Facility Planning and Adequacy Analysis ............................................................................................... 25 Funding ................................................................................................................................................... 29 Mitigation ............................................................................................................................................... 30 3.2 WASTEWATER FACILITIES ......................................................................................................................... 31 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 31 Performance Standard ........................................................................................................................... 31 Facility Planning and Adequacy Analysis ............................................................................................... 31 Funding ................................................................................................................................................... 40 Mitigation ............................................................................................................................................... 43 3.3 FIRE FACILITIES ........................................................................................................................................ 45 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 45 Performance Standard ........................................................................................................................... 45 Facility Planning and Adequacy Analysis ............................................................................................... 46 Funding ................................................................................................................................................... 47 Mitigation ............................................................................................................................................... 47 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 i 3.4 PARK AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ........................................................................................................ 48 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 48 Performance Standard ........................................................................................................................... 48 Facility Planning and Adequacy Analysis ............................................................................................... 48 Funding ................................................................................................................................................... 51 Mitigation ............................................................................................................................................... 53 3.5 SANITATION AND SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ................................................................................................ 54 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 54 Performance Standard ........................................................................................................................... 54 Facility Planning and Adequacy Analysis ............................................................................................... 54 Funding ................................................................................................................................................... 56 4. FINANCING ............................................................................................................................................. 57 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 57 Financing Opportunities and Constraints .............................................................................................. 57 Facility Financing .................................................................................................................................... 64 5. AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES NOT PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT ............................................................. 68 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 68 Law Enforcement .................................................................................................................................... 68 Water Services ........................................................................................................................................ 68 Electricity ................................................................................................................................................ 69 Coachella Valley School District ............................................................................................................. 69 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Service Area Plan (SAP) is prepared for the Salton Community Services District (District). The purpose of the SAP is to provide the Imperial County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) with enough information to demonstrate that future public facilities have been identified and will be available to serve the future development within the Sphere of Influence (SOI) in accordance with the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000. This document complies with the requirements of Section 56653(b) regarding the preparation of a plan for providing services (Service Area Plan) and provides the information necessary for LAFCO to conduct a municipal services review in compliance with Section 56430. The following definitions will be helpful in understanding this executive summary: Population Projections: Population projections provide the anticipated population in five year increments up to the year 2040. A four-year increment exists between the current year 2021 and 2025. Performance Standard: A performance standard is the desired level of service that a public facility must provide. Facility Analysis: The facility analysis determines the existing and future impacts or demands of public facilities. Population Projections Salton City Desert Shores Estimated/Projected Year Population Population Total Population 2021 4,557 1,750 6,307 2025 4,780 1,836 6,616 2030 5,073 1,948 7,021 2035 5,385 2,068 7,453 2040 5,716 2,195 7,911 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 1 Public Facilities Analysis Administrative Facilities Performance Standard: The district currently has no formal performance standard for administrative facilities. The district anticipates that 1,300 square feet of administrative facilities per 1,000 population reflects District demand. Existing Facilities: Administrative Office: 7,640 sq. ft. Service Garage with Storage: 2,500 sq. ft. Storage Building with Office: 900 sq. ft. TOTAL: 11,040 sq. ft. Existing Demand: 8,199 sq. ft. Adequacy: Building Square Footage Existing = 11,040 Demand = 8,199 Surplus = 2,841 Future Demand: The district is on track to meet the projected facilities square footage demand of approximately 10,285 sq. ft. of Administrative Facilities by 2040. Mitigation: Continue to periodically review the administrative facilities and personnel of the district through the preparation of annual reports. Such review will identify staffing and budgetary concerns as District growth continues to increase the demand on facilities and staff. Develop a long-term street lighting and landscaping plan. Maintain agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the County to continue providing space for County activities, departments, and programs. Performance of a formal building structural inspection to identify necessary repairs for construction and associated costs to be incurred by the district to continue administrative activities. Engage and hire a qualified and experienced professional to take over the role of District General Manager. Maintain the IGM and existing staff for as long as possible to provide a smooth transition to the upcoming General Manager. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 2 Funding Sources: General fund – property taxes from the County, interest income on accounts, charges for services, and other miscellaneous sources. Rental income from cellular tower facilities and from the Burrtec waste contract agreement also funds the administrative facilities. Proposed Budget N/A (2022/2023): Cost Per Capita: N/A* *Note: The District does not maintain a separate budget line item pertaining to Administrative Facilities. Instead, Sewer Maintenance Funds (SM) pay for and fund all items associated with the district office building. Property taxes are not used to fund the district office building. Instead, the District office building is funded by sewer user fees and rental income. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 3 Wastewater Treatment and Sewer Facility Capability Performance Standard: 85 percent capacity at peak flow Existing Facilities: Desert Shores: Evaporation and Percolation Ponds Seven Ponds Maximum capacity of 200,000 GPD (SCSD, 2016) 25 miles of sewer lines Thomas Ramon Cannell (TRC): Evaporation and Percolation Ponds 11 ponds Maximum capacity of 185,000 GPD (SCSD, 2016) 430 miles of sewer lines Lansing: Evaporation and Percolation Ponds Five Ponds Maximum capacity 120,000 GPD (SCSD, 2016) Shares 430 miles of sewer lines with TRC Existing Demand: 9 Personnel Adequacy: 6,307 Existing Population x 1.45 personnel / 1,000 Population = 9 personnel demanded – meets performance standard Future Demand: The district will update the wastewater master plan and continue to work with the Regional Water Board on plans to expand wastewater facilities as the TRC and Lansing Facilities reach capacity. Also, the district will apply for a planning study grant through the State Water Resources Control Board to evaluate the capacities of the wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs). SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 4 Mitigation: Continue to periodically review the wastewater rate and financing structure to ensure adequate funding for the implementation of new projects and the maintenance of existing facilities. The Salton Community Services District Wastewater Rate Study recommended an increase in sewer rates of 30 percent In June 2024 and incremental increases of 4 percent in the subsequent four years to ensure the system is financially viable. This study was updated in January 2023. Per Prop 218 requirements, the user rate increases were brought to the community for a vote in July 2023 and were ultimately adopted by the district. Establish District goals in terms of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) levels and continue to monitor activities at all three Wastewater Facilities. Implement best management practices (BMPs) for wastewater treatment to minimize pollutants and protect water quality. Prior to the recordation of a Final Map for a development project proposed within the District Sphere of Influence, the District shall require a development agreement enforced by the County Land Use Ordinance, indicating that adequate wastewater service would be available to the completed project. To meet the wastewater treatment needs of the existing population in Salton City, the District will construct an expandable ponding system per the design and specification requirements of a qualified engineering firm. Phase 1 for expanding the wastewater treatment needs include updating the TRC facility to a rated capacity of 1 MGPD and phase 2 would expand capacity to 3 MGPD to accommodate future District demand. The district will also complete the following tasks to assure the Wastewater System is in compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Implement a robust monitoring and reporting system complying with LAFCO guidelines to track the progress and effectiveness of mitigation measures. Regularly communicate findings and updates to the public and relevant authorities based on the requirements set forth in LAFCO’s Staff Report for the District. Adhere to all direction from LAFCO throughout probationary status. Release bid packages and secure construction contracts to proceed with the selected alternative. Obtain necessary permits and provide required notifications to agencies to receive authorization for completing the improvements. Conduct biological and cultural resource studies to address the federal crosscutter requirements of the federal Clean Water State Revolving Funding program. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 5 With the assistance from RCAC, develop a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Planning Application to fund the Selected Construction Project and promptly execute the bidder selection process to complete the improvements. Prepare detailed system maps of the sewer system, drainage basins, hydraulic models, or record drawings (as-builts) as required as part of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) mandated by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Apply for a separate planning grant through the State Water Resources Control Board to evaluate the capacities of the WWTFs. Funding Sources: The primary sources of revenue for wastewater treatment and collection facilities (including sewer maintenance) are yearly sewer user fees, sewered lot standby fees, and administration fees transferred from the General Fund. Proposed Budget $4,202,144.00 costs (2023/2024): Cost Per Capita: $672.34 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 6 Fire Facilities Performance Standard: The district no longer provides fire protection/emergency medical services to the Service Area. All fire personnel are currently staffed by the County of Imperial Fire Department. Historically, the County has agreed to the following: An 8 minute to site and a 3-minute out the door performance goal. 690 ft2 per 1,000 population performance standard for fire facilities. A 2.17 per 1,000 population performance standards for fire personnel. Existing Facilities: Stations: Imperial County Fire Station #9 is located at the Imperial County Road District #3 Satellite Road Yard at 2256 West Cleveland Ave. Salton City, CA 92275. The County currently uses a mobile home structure for personnel and utilizes the yard to hold emergency vehicles. Personnel: The District no longer provides fire protection/emergency medical services to the Service Area. Currently, all personnel are provided by the County of Imperial Fire Department. Equipment: • 2 Fire Trucks • 1 Ambulance (owned and operated by AMR) • 2 Defibrillators Existing Demand: 4,352 sq. ft. of fire facility building space and 14 personnel. Adequacy: Building Square Footage Existing = 1,564 Demand = 4,352 Deficit = 2,788 Personnel Existing = 0 Demand = 14 Deficit = 14 Future Demand: To meet the projected fire facilities square footage demand the County Fire Department will need approximately an additional 5,459 sq. ft. of Fire Facilities by 2040 and 17 fire personnel. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 7 Mitigation: Support the County’s fire protection services through continued use of the District’s facilities, vehicles, and protective equipment. Funding Sources: General fund. Note – The 2022-23 budget for fire reflects minimal expenses such as building and grounds expenses and does not include equipment, as the County is providing fire protection services to the Service Area. Proposed Budget $8,630 (2022/2023): Cost Per Capita: $1.37 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 8 Park and Recreational Facilities Performance Standard: The District currently has no formal performance standards with regards to parks and recreational facilities. However, historically the District utilized a 5.0 acres per 1,000 population performance standard to reflect District demand. Existing Facilities: Park Acres Owned: Salton City Community Park = 10.5 acres Desert Shores Park = 4.59 acres Undeveloped (possible) park/open space properties = 102.37 acres TOTAL = 15.09 acres of developed park facilities and 117.46 acres of possible park space Existing Demand: 32 acres Adequacy: Parkland Acreage: Existing = 15.09 Demand = 32 TOTAL = 16.91 acre deficit Future Demand: The District is not on track to meet the projected required demand of 40 acres of parkland by 2040 (based upon population projections). Mitigation: Leverage State and County grants to perform capital improvement projects in the Salton City Community Park and Desert Shores Community Park. Ensure compliance with grant funding requirements and meet the standards necessary for expenditures and reimbursements. Due to inconsistent funding, it is recommended the District investigate the process of relinquishing all responsibilities for Parks and Recreation to the County of Imperial or define a reoccurring funding source. Require developers of new residential developments to dedicate parkland and/or pay development impact fees for the improvement and expansion of existing park and recreational facilities. Develop a maintenance and improvement plan for all park and recreational facilities within the District taking into consideration the results of the questionnaire distributed by the Community Recreation Complex Commission. Funding Sources: The only Parks and Recreation funding for the district for the 2022-23 fiscal year is from a grant of $377,000 from an outside source to fund improvements in the two parks within the District. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 9 Annual Budget $N/A (2022/2023): Cost Per Capita: $N/A SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 10 Solid Waste Disposal/Sanitation Performance Standard: The California Integrated Waste Management Board (IWMB) sets a waste diversion rate goal of 50 percent. The Imperial County Waste Management Plan requires the landfill that services the area to have a minimum 15-year capacity. Existing Facilities: The District maintains a contract with Burrtec which ensures the adequacy of existing solid waste disposal facilities and services. In addition to the existing contract, the Salton City landfill services all residents of Imperial County, including District residents. Adequacy: The District’s contract with Burrtec ensures adequacy of solid waste disposal facilities and services. The Salton City landfill has a 50- year planning capacity. Imperial County, which is inclusive of the District, meets the waste diversion goal set forth by the IWMB. Future Demand: As the District continues to grow, so does the need for solid waste disposal services and facilities. The original ten-year franchise agreement with Burrtec from 2009 was amended as of December 2019 to include collection services for residents on the Imperial County Tax Roll. The Salton City Landfill has a closure date in excess of 50 years. This site will suffice for District needs now and into the future. Mitigation: Study the long-term implications of mandatory trash collection pick-up and the implication of in-house trash collection. Funding Sources: Burrtec and the District agreed to place all District Residents on the Imperial County Tax Roll for Solid Waste and Recycling Services, with the option to “opt-out” for direct billing or perform Self-Hauling. Direct costs billed to end users at rates determined by Burrtec. Each year, rates are assessed by Burrtec based on operating costs and are defined in the annual renewal agreement negotiated by the District. The District takes 5% of the annual revenue for administering the solid waste services. Annual Budget $N/A (2022/2023): Cost Per Capita: Effective 2021 residential rates average $75.15 per 3 months of service. Commercial rates are conditional on the frequency of collection and container size. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 11 1. INTRODUCTION Background on the Salton Community Services District The Salton Community Services District (District) lies on the west side of the Salton Sea within Imperial County just south of the Imperial-Riverside county line (see Figure 1). The District encompasses unincorporated land that includes the communities of Salton City and Desert Shores. In 1955 Desert Shores Community Services District was chartered by the State of California. In 1957 M Phillips and Holly Corporation of Dallas, Texas began development of Salton City and needed a method to control services. Rather than going through the legislative process of forming a governing agency, they annexed a section of land along the shoreline by tangent comers south to Salton City from the Desert Shores Community Services District. The Desert Shores Community District was renamed the Salton Community Services District in 1957 as authorized by the Secretary of the State of California. Figure 2-2 provides the existing District boundary. The Salton City area was divided into 86 subdivided tracts. Each of these tracts were allotted to individual development companies after the individual tract maps were Certified and Stamped approved by Imperial County as final. As each lot was surveyed and graded the developer of each lot paid into a District fund for water and sewer. As the streets were developed they were deeded to Imperial County. In 1985, per Chapter 59 Statues 1985, enforcement of the Covenants Condition and Restriction of all 86 tracts within the District was granted to the District. The District today includes Desert Shores, the connecting tract of land, and Salton City, which includes portions of land east of State Highway 86 (see Figure2). The District includes approximately 20,480 acres. The District maintains a Sphere of Influence (SOI) with the Imperial County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) that extends from the Riverside County line south to Highway 78, and from the Salton Sea to the San Diego County line (see Figure 2 below). Purpose of the Service Area Plan This Service Area Plan (SAP) has been prepared for the District in accordance with the Cortese-Knox- Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, which requires that such a plan identifying the existing and projected demand for public facilities and services be prepared by all incorporated cities and Special Districts within the State of California (State). The 2000 legislation is specifically implemented by LAFCO, whose policy states that an SAP must be implemented by a District in order for any formal annexation of land into that District's boundaries to take place. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 12 Organization and Use of the Service Area Plan The SAP outlines the district’s existing public services and facilities, estimates the current and future anticipated demand for such facilities and services, and describes how necessary facilities and services will be or may be developed and extended to meet projected demands. The SAP is intended to demonstrate the district’s intent and ability to provide adequate services within its boundaries. An approximately 20-year planning horizon is used to forecast growth, and the estimated demands and provision to meet demands are based on population projections in five-year increments through 2040. A four-year increment exists between the current year (2021) and 2025. The population projections used in this document are based on information provided by the Salton Community Services district and a review of historical and anticipated population growth rates in various communities in northern Imperial County. The document is organized into the following sections that satisfy the requirements set forth in the LAFCO guidelines. Executive Summary: Provides a brief summary of the SAP, highlighting key information regarding demand and financing. Chapter 1.0 Introduction: Outlines the purpose and intent of the SAP and presents the layout of the SAP to help the reader use the document. This chapter also provides background information on the district and the planning documents that enabled the preparation of the SAP. Chapter 2.0 Growth and Projections: Provides general information about projected population, current and future land use trends in the District and the District's SOI, and the implications of these trends for the development of District services and facilities. Chapter 3.0 Facilities and Services: Details the current and planned facilities and services, their current and projected adequacy, measures to ensure adequacy, and how such measures will be achieved and financed. An analysis of the following facilities and services is provided: 3.1 Administrative Facilities 3.2 Wastewater Treatment and Sewer Facilities 3.3 Fire Facilities 3.4 Park and Recreational Facilities 3.5 Sanitation / Solid Waste SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 13 The analysis within the SAP of each public service is based on the standards developed by LAFCO. Each subchapter of Chapter 3 contains the following four sections: • Performance Standard: A description of any standards or goals that have been adopted by the district to review the adequacy of service within the existing and future timeframes. • Facility Planning and Adequacy Analysis: An inventory of the existing facilities, the adequacy of the facilities when compared to existing demands, the anticipated demand for facilities pursuant to growth of the district, and the phasing of the demand for facilities. • Financing: An explanation and identification of how services and facilities are currently being funded, including a per capita cost, and how future services and facilities may be funded. • Mitigation: A series of recommendations to ensure that adequate facilities will be provided and that proper levels of service will be maintained. Chapter 4.0 Financing: Identifies all of the potential funding mechanisms for public services and facilities provision that are available to the district. This section presents potential funding sources and then identifies how each service or facility sector is currently funded. It outlines appropriate future funding opportunities as well as cost saving opportunities. Chapter 5.0 Services Not Provided by the District: Provides an overview of services not provided by the district such as schools, electricity, and water. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 14 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 15 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 16 2. GROWTH AND PHASING PROJECTIONS Introduction The phasing projections section provides an estimate for where and when development will occur within the district, including where annexation would extend the district’s boundaries. Although phasing projections are difficult to predict with precision, they are beneficial to the process of planning of public facilities to ensure level of service standards are continually met. The district includes approximately 20,480 acres with vacant lots located throughout the district. A large amount of developable land exists within the district boundaries. Projected Population Population projections are based on information provided by the Salton Community Services District and a review of historical and anticipated population growth rates in various communities in northern Imperial County. The population within the district is condensed mainly within the unincorporated communities of Salton City, Salton Sea Beach, and Desert Shores. The 2010 U.S. Census reported a population of 3,763 in Salton City, 422 in Salton Sea Beach, and 1,104 in Desert Shores. Estimates from ESRI Business Solutions (ESRI), a national database that conducts estimates of demographic information for geographies nationwide, indicate that in 2020 Salton City had a population of 4,107 and Salton Sea Beach had a population of 450. The district indicates that the Desert Shores area has experienced population growth that is not registering on Census data (or related databases such as ESRI), as many new residents in Desert Shores are undocumented. The district estimates that the current population of Desert Shores is between 1,500 and 2,000 residents, and the population estimates assume a 2020 population of 1,750 residents in Desert Shores. The population projections assume an average annual population growth rate of 1.2 percent for the various areas within the district, based upon research of projections for population provided by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)1 and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)2. Caltrans projections anticipate an average population rate of growth of 1.4 percent for the unincorporated areas within Imperial County, between 2020 and 2035. Caltrans projects an annual population growth rate of 1.0 percent for Imperial County (overall) between 2020 and 2035, and 1.07 percent for the nearest city to the District, the City of Brawley, between 2020 and 2035. SCAG’s most recent population projections for Imperial County anticipate a county-wide annual population growth rate of 1.2 percent between 2020 and 2035, as the area continues to attract residents working 1 California County Level Economic Forecast 2017 – 2050, California Department of Transportation, September 2017. 2 2016 – 2040 Regional Transportation Plan Final Growth Forecast by Jurisdiction, Southern California Association of Governments. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 17 in agricultural zones within the County as well as residents seeking more affordable housing, compared to the rest of Southern California. The population projections, outlined as follows, assume an annual population growth rate of 1.2 percent, in line with SCAG’s projections for Imperial County for the next 15 years, and representing a mid-range between projections made by CalTrans for unincorporated areas of Imperial County, versus the overall County of Imperial, for the next 15 years. Over the years, various local and state agencies have developed and begun executing a number of plans and studies to revitalize the Salton Sea area, including the Salton Sea Master Development Plan and the Salton Sea Habitat Enhancement Project, launched by the California Department of Water Resources. In addition, various companies and organizations have considered the Salton Sea area for the mining of natural resources needed for renewable energy storage and for the production of legal cannabis. While the District is aware of such plans, which could attract additional population and investment to the region if implemented, the implementation timelines for various rehabilitation and revitalization efforts and business ventures in the Salton Sea area remain uncertain. The population projections in this SAP were created independent of any other studies or plans at the local or regional levels and as noted, draw primarily from regional growth projections for the Imperial County area. Salton City Desert Shores Estimated/Projected Year Population Population Total Population 2021 4,557 1,750 6,307 2025 4,780 1,836 6,616 2030 5,073 1,948 7,021 2035 5,385 2,068 7,453 2040 5,716 2,195 7,911 Areas of Annexation There are no current or pending areas of annexation within the District boundaries at the time this SAP was drafted, and no annexations have occurred since the previous (2006) SAP was published. Existing Land Use The County of Imperial has land use authority over the District. Existing land use in the District is guided by the West Shores / Salton City Urban Area Plan, which is incorporated to and implements the Land Use Element of the Imperial County General Plan. The District is located within the West Shores / Salton City Urban Area, which encompasses nearly 32,000 acres and includes the community of Salton City, the beach resorts of Vista Del Mar, Salton Sea Beach, and Desert Shores, and the proposed Habitat 2000 Specific Plan Area. The West Shores / Salton City Urban Area (Urban Area) is generally bound by the Riverside County line on the north, the Salton Sea on the east, the Navy’s Salton Sea Test Base on the SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 18 south, and State Highway 86 on the west, except for portions of Salton City which extend west of Highway 86. Portions of the Torres-Martinez Indian Reservation are located in the northern part of the Urban Area. The Land Use Element of the County’s General Plan indicates that Urban Areas will eventually be annexed or incorporated and should be provided with the full range of public infrastructure normally associated with cities. The General Plan indicates that any new development in Urban Areas shall provide for the extension or development of full urban services such as public sewer and water, drainage improvements, streetlights, fire hydrants, fully improved paved streets with curbs and, in many cases, sidewalks. Improvements shall be consistent with the County’s development standards. Urban Areas may include a broad range of residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Existing land uses in the District are governed by the provisions of the Imperial County Zoning Ordinance and are guided by the goals and policies presented in the County’s Land Use Element of the General Plan and Urban Area Plan. By implementing the language from these documents, the District dictates the types of land uses that are allowed in specific areas within its boundaries. The West Shores / Salton City Urban Area Plan lists the following land use zones for Salton City and Desert Shores: Agriculture (A- 1), Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, High Density Residential, Neighborhood Commercial, General Commercial, Light Industrial, Medium Industrial, and F (Recreation Zone). Figures 3 and 4, below, show the zoning for Desert Shores and Salton City derived from the Imperial County General Plan and Figures 5 and 6 detail the General Plan’s guidance for land use and zoning in the Sphere of Influence. Figure 7 outlines the Salton City Airport land use compatibility zones. The West Shore economy is based on employment in the various agricultural operations in Imperial County, as well as employment in retail and hospitality, serving local residents as well as highway travelers and seasonal visitors to the area. In the event there is a significant clean-up or rehabilitation of the Salton Sea, making the region more attractive to residents and recreational visitors, the economic development prospects of the District may improve significantly. In addition, investment in renewable energy industries as well as the cannabis industry may continue to support economic growth in this part of Imperial County. Planned Land Use Planning and development within the District boundaries is guided by the goals and policies of the General Plan Land Use Element of the County of Imperial, the West Shores / Salton City Urban Area Plan, and other General Plan elements. Through the implementation of these elements / plans and the application of the land use designations detailed above, the District is generally able to foresee where and to what extent growth will occur within its boundaries. The SAP assumes that all of the land within the District’s Sphere of Influence will one day be annexed into the District. The General Plan does not provide a schedule for annexation of land to the District. Approved, Planned, and Proposed Development: At the time this SAP has been drafted (2021), there are no proposed, pending, or planned developments within the Desert Shores or Salton City communities. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 19 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 20 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 21 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 22 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 23 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 24 3.0 PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES Introduction The following chapter provides a detailed account of the various public services and facilities that are maintained and operated by the Salton Community Services District (District). This chapter discusses and evaluates administration, wastewater facilities, fire protection, recreational facilities, and solid waste services functions of the District. For each of these areas, an inventory of existing facilities is provided, and where applicable, performance standards are identified to gauge the effectiveness and adequacy of the facilities and services. The demands for future facilities and services are discussed relative to the projections for population growth outlined in Chapter 2. Where applicable, this chapter discusses plans for future facilities and services. This chapter outlines the current funding methods for each service area and the prospective sources of funding that could be used in the future. Finally, this chapter presents mitigation measures that would aid the District in ensuring future adequacy and efficiency of public facilities and services. 3.1 ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES Performance Standard There are no existing performance standards for administrative facilities for the Salton Community Services District. However, the District has indicated that the current facilities, encompassing 11,040 square feet of space, are sufficient to serve the existing population of 6,307 residents and provide room to accommodate population growth. Therefore, a performance standard of 1,300 square feet of administrative facilities per 1,000 residents may be applied. Photo of District office sign Facility Planning and Adequacy Analysis This analysis provides an inventory of the existing District administrative facilities owned by the District, the existing and future demand for facilities as well as a projected phasing schedule. The purpose of this analysis is to determine whether the existing facilities are adequate and to identify approximately when additional facilities will be needed in order to meet future demand. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 25 Inventory of Existing Facilities: Administrative Office 7,640 sq. ft. Service Garage with Storage 2,500 sq. ft. Storage Building 900 sq. ft. TOTAL 11,040 sq. ft. The one-story administrative office was built in 2007 and purchased by the District in 2014. The new district administrative office building was purchased to provide adequate office space for administrative staff, to provide a dedicated board room to hold district board/committee meetings, to provide storage space for district record retention, and space to provide community services such as housing the Imperial County Free Library, as shown in the photo to the right. The old district office building was not adequate in providing enough office space, storage space, along with not having a dedicated board room to hold district meetings. Photo of Library entrance located on the south side of the District office The administrative office space is located off Service Road and Van Buren Street at 1209 Van Buren Street, Salton City, CA. The garage and storage facilities are located at 2194 and 2196 Cleveland Avenue, Salton City, CA. The administrative office is currently staffed by the District’s Interim General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Board Secretary, Finance Officer, Field Foreman, and Lead Man, totaling 6 full-time office staff. Providing services for wastewater facilities, the District currently has 9 sewer maintenance crew members and 1 Public works staff member, totaling 10 off-site staff. A contract exists between the District and the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) for streetlight installation and maintenance. The District pays monthly electric fees for usage of the lights. Development within the District over the last 40 years has been very spread out, and as a result the lighting throughout the District is spread out as well. It is in the interest of the District to install and maintain photovoltaic streetlights. Adequacy of Existing Facilities: In 2014 the District was able to upgrade the administrative office and purchase the current facility at 1209 Van Buren Street. The administrative office is now considered to be adequately sized based upon the performance standard of 1,300 square feet of administrative facilities per 1,000 residents. As a SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 26 result of the administrative office upgrade, the Sheriff’s Station was relocated to 2101 South Marina Drive Suite 1, Salton City. The existing quantities of office space and meeting space are currently acceptable to accommodate the employees, customers, and users of the District administrative facilities. The current square footage of administrative office space also allows for the continued accommodations of the adjacent library, located on the south side of the District office. Additionally, District staff has determined that the square footage of their existing service garage and storage is adequate. The administrative office facilities currently withstand existing structural problems, demonstrated by damage visible within the District office. The District consulted with foundation contractor, Ram Jack Pacific, to assess the structural problems and provide a quote for repair and remediation. Upon performance of an informal manometer survey to assess elevation differences throughout the building, the contractor determined that the building requires additional inspection to determine repair costs. With regards to street lighting, the current layout of streetlights is very spread out across the District. With the recent increase in development, additional intersections now require streetlight installation. The District is considering installing photovoltaic streetlights around the District as well. Currently, the District needs 1 Administrative Assistant to provide support for office and off-site staff and accommodate service needs. Addition of these staff members would amount to 7 full-time District office staff and 15 off-site District staff. Future Demand for Facilities: As the Salton Community Service District continues to grow, so does the need for administrative facilities. With a population expected to reach 7,911 by the year 2040, it is projected that the current administrative facilities will be adequate to serve future residents. Application of the District's future performance standard suggests that 10,285 square feet of administrative facilities may be needed to adequately serve the projected 2040 population. Applying the recommended performance standard to population projections, the District will require the following square footage of administrative facilities in the coming years. Salton City Desert Shores Estimated/Projected Year Population Population Total Population 2021 4,557 1,750 6,307 2025 4,780 1,836 6,616 2030 5,073 1,948 7,021 2035 5,385 2,068 7,453 2040 5,716 2,195 7,911 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 27 The District is responsible for implementing a fully functional and qualified staffing level. Recent staffing changes have prompted a staffing transition period and the District has appointed an Interim General Manager (IGM) to continue operating and overseeing District services. The IGM is currently in an “at will contract” which continues at the pleasure of the Board and will remain in effect until a permanent, qualified General Manager is appointed to the District. The IGM has worked with the District within the Sewer Maintenance Department for 11 years and is extremely familiar with the day-to-day operations of the sewer systems and treatment plants. Their responsibilities within the Department have increased incrementally throughout their tenure, as reflected by their positions held starting from Sewer Maintenance Worker I, Sewer Maintenance Supervisor, Field Foreman until this most recent position as IGM. The IGM is highly knowledgeable about day-to-day operations, maintenance, field crew management, Regional Water Board compliance, budgeting and plant operations. The IGM has actively cooperated with LAFCO throughout the interim and will lead a smooth transition for the successor in their role. The District’s Finance Officer holds 15 years of experience managing accounting functions including AP/AR, payroll, ensuring integrity and accuracy of internal controls. The Financial Officer maintains financial books, prepares financial reports for month end, quarterly, and year end, prepares and files 571’s, quarterly payroll 941’s DE9-c’s, preforms advanced reviews of business operational trends, prepares accurate forecasts, and conducts auditing. The Finance Officer has remained cooperative with LAFCO throughout the interim and will serve as a valuable resource to the upcoming General Manager to discuss cash flow, economic trends, existing challenges, and funding opportunities. The District’s Board Secretary provides an advisory role on government rules and regulations for corporations’ policies and procedures for operations. The Board Secretary holds five years of experience as an administrative assistant performing data entry, drafting correspondence, drafting resolutions, agendas, and scheduling meetings. The Board Secretary is vital to the District’s record keeping processes and community public relations. Throughout the District’s remediation period, the Board Secretary will uphold the Board’s commitment to transparency by maintaining public access to board meeting minutes, agendas, and resolutions. The Board Secretary will also provide the District with clear guidance on the Board’s resolutions, proceedings and action items. The Field Foreman has worked with the District for 24 years serving in a variety of department roles between Public Works and Sewer Maintenance. The Foreman oversees maintenance of parks, fire stations, offices, and the public pool. The Foreman previously worked in Sewer Maintenance, overseeing day-to-day maintenance and operations of sewer systems, now serving as Chief Plant Operator Grade II. The Field Foreman will leverage their technical knowledge and experience to continue operations of the sewer system while the District undergoes this staffing transitionary period. Each District staff member plays an important role in maintaining the day-to-day operations and services of the District during the interim, while preparing for a smooth transition for the upcoming General Manager. They are committed to taking action to remedy the stated deficiencies of the District and providing quality services for District community residents. They will work together to engage a qualified and experienced professional to assume the role of District General Manager. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 28 Opportunities for Shared Facilities: In order to reduce administrative service costs, the District rents out a portion of the administrative offices for use by the County library. The tenant (the Imperial County Free Library) pays rent to the District for use of the facilities. Photovoltaic (solar) streetlights maintained by IID are another possible cost saving mechanism for the District as well. The District upholds a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County of Imperial to allow County programs and departments to use space in the administrative building to provide community services to the local residents who cannot travel all the way to nearby cities. This includes space for Imperial County’s Free Library, Behavioral Health Department, Probation Department and Smart Recovery Program. Phasing: The District does not have any plans for the phasing of new administrative facilities. As growth continues within the District, administrative facilities will continue to be reviewed to ensure that they are keeping pace with the performance standard projections and that they are adequate to serve the population. The following table provides an estimate of the phased demand associated with incremental growth within the planning horizon. Future Square Footage Year Projected Population Demand 2021 6,307 8,199 2025 6,616 8,600 2030 7,021 9,128 2035 7,453 9,689 2040 7,911 10,285 Funding The new District administrative office building was purchased June 5, 2014, with sewer maintenance funds, in addition to the former district office building being exchanged as a down payment towards the new District office building. The total cost for the new administrative office building amounted to $1,000,000.00. The former administrative office building was exchanged as a down payment totaling $500,000. This purchase resulted in an outstanding loan amount of $587,473.28, which is paid by the District monthly, through payments from the Sewer Maintenance Fund (SM). The District does not maintain a separate budget line item pertaining to Administrative Facilities. Instead, the SM provides funding to the General Fund, which in turn funds all items associated with the District administrative office building. Property taxes are not used to fund the District office building. The General Fund provides for streetlight installation as well as the ongoing electricity costs for operating streetlights. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 29 Per Capita Costs: As stated above, the District does not maintain a separate budget line item pertaining to Administrative Facilities. The cost per capita for the administrative facilities is embedded within the General Fund. Future Funding Costs: In addition to the continued use of existing funding sources, development impact fees may be established to help fund potential expansions or updates to administrative facilities needed to provide services associated with future development. If additional funding is needed, bonds can be issued and/or special assessments can be implemented. Mitigation In order for the District to provide adequate administrative services to its residents and ensure that future demands for facilities are properly identified and addressed, the District should implement the following measures: • Continue to periodically review the administrative facilities and personnel of the District through the preparation of annual reports. These reviews will identify staffing and budgetary concerns as District growth continues to increase the demand on facilities and staff. • Maintain agreements and MOUs with the County to continue providing space for County activities, departments and programs • Performance of a formal building structural inspection to identify necessary repairs for construction and associated costs to be incurred by the District • Develop a long term street lighting and landscaping plan that also addresses the feasibility of photovoltaic (solar) streetlights. • Engage and hire a qualified and experienced professional to take over the role of District General Manager. Maintain the IGM and existing staff for as long as possible to provide a smooth transition to the upcoming General Manager. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 30 3.2 Wastewater Facilities Introduction In 1955, the Desert Shores Community Services District was chartered by the State of California through Articles A through H of Section 61601 of the Government Code. In 1957, the Salton City area was annexed to that District and the name of the District was changed to Salton Community Services District rather than going through the process of forming a new District to encompass both Desert Shores and Salton City. The District is empowered to construct, operate, maintain, repair, and replace wastewater system facilities as needed to provide wastewater service in compliance with applicable standards and regulations. The District routinely constructs new facilities, maintains them, and replaces them as necessary to maintain adequate, reliable, and safe wastewater service to its customers. Performance Standard Wastewater treatment is generally regulated by the State of California. The District is held responsible to the Waste Discharge Requirements by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (Board Order No. 98-008). The State Water Quality Board (SWQB) sets a performance standard of 85 percent capacity, and by law the District must notify the SWQB upon reaching this level. Although no formal performance standards currently exist in terms of personnel required to maintain the wastewater treatment facilities, District representatives have suggested that at least 1.45 personnel per 1,000 population be staffed at all times. This is based on analyses of the adequacy of existing staffing conditions and discussions with the District. Facility Planning and Adequacy Analysis Inventory of Existing Facilities: The District owns and operates a wastewater system comprised of the collection, conveyance and treatment facilities for the communities of Salton City and Desert Shores. There are three wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) in operation within the District and the total peak capacity for the three facilities combined is 505,000 gallons per day (GPD). The District manages three wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) all utilizing evaporation-percolation ponds to support supplemental treatment processes: Desert Shores WWTF, Lansing WWTF, and Thomas R. Cannell (TRC) WWTF. A total of 10 workers are employed to provide maintenance to the three facilities. The specifications for each of the three facilities are detailed below: TRC: Includes the following: • 11 evaporation and percolation Ponds • Maximum capacity of 185,000 gallons per day (GPD) • Average daily flow of 181,591 GPD • Peak flow is 110,468 GPD SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 31 • Average operation is estimated to be above 90% of capacity • 430 miles of sewer lines shared with the Lansing facility Lansing: Includes the following: • 5 evaporation and percolation ponds • Maximum capacity of 120,000 GPD • Average daily flow of 107,713 GPD • Peak flow of 119,137 GDP • Average operation is estimated at 85% of capacity • Shares 430 miles of sewer lines with the TRC facility Both the TRC (named after Thomas Ramon Cannell) and Lansing facility serve the Salton City community. In Salton City, there are a total of 16 active lift stations, one backup lift station, and one inactive lift station conveying wastewater from Salton City that is ultimately discharged into either the Lansing WWTF or Thomas R. Cannell WWTF. The Lansing facility was built in 1972 and shares sewer lines with the TRC facility. The original Salton City Wastewater Treatment Plant was decommissioned in October 2008, when the TRC facility was constructed. Since both facilities serve the same area and share sewer lines, only one facility operates at a time. Operators manually direct the flow between the two facilities which have a combined capacity of 305,000 GPD. Operators alternate between the two on a weekly basis, where the District runs a facility average of ten days on a month and average of twenty on the other facility. On average the TRC facility operates for an average of 20 days per month and Lansing operates for an average of 10 days per month. The Lansing facility consists of five (5) ponds and the TRC facility contains 11 ponds. Both the Lansing and TRC facility are currently operating above the 85 percent capacity threshold at an average combined flow of 287,000 GPD. The District will continue to coordinate with the SWQB and a qualified engineer to update its wastewater master plan in order to meet the expanding capacity needs of both the TRC and Lansing Facilities. The TRC and Lansing facilities are monitored daily with a portion of the maintenance crew on 24 hour standby duty on a rotational basis. Samples are taken monthly from the ponds and different surrounding locations and are analyzed at qualified laboratories, which submit reports to the SWQB. Desert Shores: Includes the following: • 7 evaporation and percolation ponds • Maximum capacity of 200,000 GPD • Average daily flow of 140,000 GPD • Peak flow of 160,000 GPD • Average operation is at 80% capacity • 25 miles of sewer lines SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 32 The Desert Shores facility is located approximately 1.2 miles west of the Salton Sea. The facility is adjacent to Coolidge Springs Road, west of State Highway (SH) 86, and one mile southwest of the community of Desert Shores, California. The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is located 15 miles to the southwest of the Desert Shores facility. The number of sewer accessible lots in Desert Shores is approximately 1,043. The Desert Shores facility consists of seven (7) ponds and is located on approximately 14 acres of land. The ponds were constructed on artificial fill that ranges from 12 to 15 feet above the existing surface. The District estimates that Desert Shores facility operates at an average of 80 percent of capacity. The Desert Shores facility treats wastewater biologically. The ponds are used to treat influent by providing biological oxidation, evaporation and infiltration for treatment and final disposal. The ponds are aerated to achieve biological treatment of the influent and reduce objectionable odors. Disposal of the effluent is by evaporation and percolation. Due to the variety of sizes of the ponds at the facility, the level of treatment and disposal of effluent of each pond varies widely. The ponds have a large surface and a shallow depth, which promotes evaporation as well as growth of algae. The Desert Shores collection system consists of a system of gravity line force mains and four active lift stations. The Desert Shores facility has approximately twenty five (25) miles of sewer lines, 264 manholes, and six lift stations. Wastewater is collected from throughout the system by gravity sewer lines before discharging into the Desert Shores WWTF. The gravity lines range between 6, 8, and 10 inches in diameter and force mains range between 8 and 10 inches in diameter. Small submersible pump lift stations are used to convey wastewater to two main pump stations. Wastewater is pumped through force mains to the wastewater treatment plant, which consists of the aerated ponds previously described. Peak wastewater generation is approximately 160,000 GPD in Desert Shores. The Desert Shores facility does not currently exceed the SWQB 85 percent threshold. The District supports approximately 455 miles of sewer lines, dated from the late 1950’s to current day. In the 1950s, the Salton City and Desert Shores communities were developed, which included the construction of force main pipelines in the project area. Additionally, gravity sewer pipelines and manholes were built, connecting to both the entry and discharge points of these force main pipelines. These collection system components are now around 70 years old and are showing signs of aging. The last update was performed in 2006 in Westmorland to accommodate for growth in residential development. Adequacy of Existing Facilities: The District has a deteriorating, aging wastewater collection system that has experienced breaks and sewer spills, compromising ground and surface water quality in the Service Area. To provide more reliable sewer service to customers, minimize financial impacts to the community, and uphold compliance with Regional Water Board requirements, the District has leveraged government grant programs intended to fund infrastructure improvements in disadvantaged communities. Under Proposition 1, intended for the allocation of funding for Small Community Wastewater Projects, the District entered a financing agreement with the California State Water Control Resources Board for sewer force main replacement and other conveyance system improvements. The District was SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 33 awarded a planning study grant to assist with the planning, design and construction of the Desert Shores and Salton City Sewer Force Main Rehabilitation and Replacement Project. Through the preparation of a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER), an engineering and design engineering firm evaluated and identified critical deficiencies in the wastewater collection system. As part of this project, additional monitoring for the wastewater quality in the conveyance system was performed at selected locations to collect data and review changes in wastewater quality from select lift stations and wastewater treatment plants. Results from this effort were incorporated into the analysis of the wastewater system to recommend design criteria for force main improvements to the District. The PER provided these recommendations through a series of three alternatives which were evaluated in terms of feasibility and costs, ultimately to inform the District’s selected construction project. Water Quality Adequacy: District Wastewater Treatment Facilities (WWTFs) are under the regulatory oversight of the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board and are governed by specific board orders: No. R7- 2014-0007, R7-2012-0035, and R7-2012-0034. The adequacy of the existing wastewater facilities can be evaluated based on the current self-monitoring reports generated by the California Water Board, the adequacy of employees available to service the facilities, and the capacity of the system. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Colorado River Basin Region (Regional Water Board), is the public agency with primary responsibility for the protection of ground and surface water quality for all beneficial uses within Imperial County. The District is subject to the provision of Self- Monitoring Reports per authorization of the State Water Resources Control Board. The District is authorized to discharge treated municipal wastewater from the Desert Shores, Lansing and TRC wastewater facilities under Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) regulated by the Regional Water Board. Under the terms of the WDRs, the District can discharge up to 0.20 million gallons per day of treated wastewater. To produce the Self-Monitoring Report, samples retrieved from the treated wastewater are analyzed to measure levels of pollutants in the water, to measure compliance with WDR Effluent Limitations. The latest PER included a water quality and flow monitoring report which was included in the analysis to identify optimal locations for rehabilitation or reconstruction improvements. Following specified monitoring parameters, the District operator collected and tested samples from eleven locations throughout Desert Shores and Salton City for inclusion in the report. During this sampling period, the WWTFs demonstrated they were generally capable of treating raw wastewater below effluent limits. PER didn’t identify a consistent pattern of trends week to week which applied to all sample locations. Monthly Average Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) for Effluent Sample Location BOD Limit Monthly Average BOD (mg/L) Month (mg/L) Desert Shores Lansing TRC May 45 48.4* 41.8 49.8* June 45 33.3 29.9 31.6 Note: “*” indicates BOD limit exceedance SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 34 As shown on the table above, in the month of May, Desert Shores and TRC WWTFs effluent exceeded the monthly average BOD the limit of 45 mg/L. All three WWTF’s effluent levels were reduced below the monthly average BOD limit for the month of June. Note that BOD levels may be influenced by oversized pipes, long detention times, low flows and/or nitrification which can be caused by system deficiencies. Notice of Violations Per the monthly reports provided by the District to the Regional Water Board, BOD effluent exceedances have occurred intermittently over the years at all three WWTFs, both on average weekly and average monthly intervals. In February 2021, the Regional Water Board issued three Notices of Violation (NOVs), upon review of the District’s Self-Monitoring Reports for November 2020 through December 2020. 2021 Enforcement Documents from Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Date WWTF Name Enforcement Brief Description 11/19/2020 Desert Shores NOV BOD Exceedances July-Aug 2020 11/19/2020 Thomas R. Cannell NOV BOD Exceedance Aug 2020 11/19/2020 Lansing Avenue NOV BOD Exceedance Aug 2020 Desert Shores Facility The Desert Shores facility received a NOV regarding noncompliance with the WDRs specified in Order R7-2014-0007, Effluent Limitations B.1 stating that wastewater discharge to disposal ponds shall not exceed a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) average monthly of 45 milligrams per liter (mg/L). In the Desert Shores facility’s November 2020 SMR, the reported BOD in the sample collected exceeded the monthly limit with a detected concentration of 66 mg/L. Lansing Facility The Lansing facility received a NOV regarding noncompliance with the WDRs specified in Order R7-2012- 0035, Effluent Limitations B.1 stating that wastewater discharge to disposal ponds shall not exceed a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) average monthly of 45 milligrams per liter (mg/L). In the Lansing facility’s November 2020 SMR, the reported BOD in the sample collected exceeded the monthly limit with a detected concentration of 55 mg/L. In the December 2020 SMR, the reported BOD in the sample collected exceeded the monthly limit with a detected concentration of 49 mg/L. TRC Facility The TRC facility received a NOV regarding noncompliance with the WDRs specified in Order R7-2018- 0013, Effluent Limitations B.1 stating that wastewater discharge to disposal ponds shall not exceed a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) average monthly of 45 milligrams per liter (mg/L). In the TRC facility’s November 2020 SMR, the reported BOD in the sample collected exceeded the monthly limit with a detected concentration of 61 mg/L. In the December 2020 SMR, the reported BOD in the sample collected exceeded the monthly limit with a detected concentration of 56 mg/L. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 35 NOV District Response Upon notification of the BOD violations, the District immediately implemented corrective and preventative actions for each facility to bring the wastewater discharge into full compliance with WDRs. Since the issuance of the three Notices of Violation, the District has upheld compliance with wastewater discharge BOD levels and has not received Effluent Limit Violations from the Regional Water Board since. The District continues to coordinate with the Water Board to ensure the BOD levels reach the appropriate limit of a monthly average of 45 mg/L. Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Spill In July 2021, the District notified the Regional Water Board of a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) spill caused by a force main rupture, which reportedly spilled untreated wastewater into a drainage channel. The discharge of untreated wastewater into the drainage channel, which is classified as a water of the United States, resulted in the violation of Order 2006-0003-DWQ, Section C, Prohibition 1, California Water Code 13376 and Clean Water Act Section 301. Upon delivery of the notice, the District completed and submitted a SSO Technical Report to the Regional Water Board identifying the causes and circumstances of the SSO, describing the District’s response and explaining that the SSO liquid had not reached any waterways prior to cleanup of the site, therefore no water quality monitoring activities were undertaken. The cause of the spill was best estimated to be a small earthquake causing a shear crack near the force main. Upon notification and verification of the spill, the crew was immediately dispatched to shut down pump stations and gather equipment for the repair. The crew dug up the sewer main, located the shear crack and immediately cleaned and repaired the pipe. The crew turned on the pump stations to confirm repair prior to backfilling. Facility Plans and Upgrades The District is working with agencies to seek grant funding to replace the entire force main. The proposed force main replacement project has been designed by a professional engineer in the State of California from TKE Engineering and the District expects to put the project out to bid soon. In January 2023, the District update the Sewer Rate Study previously completed in April of 2021. The updated rate study was completed by the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) in early 2023, for faster implementation into existing District policy and pricing structures. According to the 2016 SAP, the Lansing and TRC facilities are currently operating at above 85 percent capacity and there is an immediate need to expand capacity of two facilities. In addition, the Desert Shores facility is operating at 80 percent capacity, it is recommended that the District include plans to expand all three wastewater facilities. The District’s aging infrastructure requires a systematic and phased approach for restoration of historic infrastructure and construction service connections. Older infrastructure requires more maintenance and therefore is more costly to perform standard repairs. In addition, older infrastructure has a higher possibility for cracks and malfunctioning equipment. Rehabilitation of this infrastructure will be an ongoing process the District will perform to continue providing quality services to community members. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 36 Employee Adequacy: The District currently employs 10 personnel to maintain the TRC, Lansing, and Desert Shores facilities. According to the District, the current number of personnel is sufficient to meet current needs compared to demand. Using the performance standard below, the existing demand for personnel is as follows: 6,307 Existing Population x 1.45 personnel / 1,000 population = 9 personnel demand* * Because a fraction of a person cannot exist, this number is always rounded down to the nearest whole number. Capacity Adequacy: The three facilities have a total peak capacity of 505,000 GPD. Since two of the three wastewater treatment facilities operate on alternating schedules the average, peak, and total capacities of the facilities were analyzed separately, as well as jointly for the TRC and Lansing Facilities, as outlined below. Both the TRC and Lansing facilities are operating above the 85 percent threshold. It is important to evaluate the adequacy of existing facilities now and into the future based on peak wastewater flows to accommodate for the worst-case scenario. The following analysis is based on peak wastewater generation numbers; however, average wastewater generation information is provided for informational purposes. The District is currently applying for a separate planning study grant through the State Water Resources Control Board to evaluate the latest capacities of the WWTFs. Facility capacities listed below are from the District’s 2016 Service Area Plan and may not reflect current conditions of the wastewater system. TRC and Lansing Facilities The District currently consists of approximately 6,307 residents, which include 4,557 residents in Salton City and 1,750 residents in Desert Shores. Actual pumping records confirm that wastewater generation is peaking at approximately 305,000 GPD for the Lansing and TRC facilities combined. Approximate peak wastewater generation for residents in Salton City equates to roughly 67 GPD per person. Average wastewater generation for Lansing is 107,713 GDP and 181,591 for TRC, equating to approximately 24 - 40 GPD per person. The following calculation shows the approximate peak wastewater disposal rate in Salton City: 4,557 population (2021) x 67 (peak GPD)/ population = 305,319 GPD Desert Shores Facility The current estimated population of Desert Shores is approximately 1,750 persons. Actual pumping records confirm wastewater generation is peaking at approximately 160,000 GPD. Peak wastewater generation for residents in Desert Shores equates to roughly 91 GPD per person. Average wastewater generation is approximately 140,000 GPD, equating to 80 GPD per person. The following calculation shows the approximate peak wastewater disposal in Desert Shores: 1,750 population (2021) x 91 (peak GPD)/ population = 160,000 GPD SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 37 This calculation shows that the Desert Shores wastewater treatment plant is currently below 85 percent of capacity. The District is currently in the process of rehabilitating check valves at the headworks of the wastewater system in these facilities. Check valves tightly seal to prevent backflow which causes double pumping, resulting in increased flow numbers. According to a visual inspection by maintenance crew staff, malfunctioning check valves have reported higher average daily flow rates. The District is seeking to replace and recalibrate flow meters to account for these circumstances. Future Demand for Facilities: According to the District, the Lansing and TRC facilities are currently operating at above 85 percent capacity and there is an immediate need to expand capacity of two facilities. In addition, the Desert Shores facility is operating at 80 percent capacity, it is recommended that the District include plans to expand all three wastewater facilities. The District identified key facilities which should be replaced to improve wastewater system operations, promote health and safety and reduce effluent levels in treated wastewater discharge. Key facilities and improvements include: the force main from Lift Station 2 in Desert Shores; force mains from Lift Stations 16, 22, and 24 in Salton City; select manholes downstream of the discharge point of the force main from Lift Station 16; and the configuration of the cluster of Lift Stations 19, 19B, and 20. As part of the PER, a series of project alternatives were analyzed and compared to determine feasibility, construction costs and design criteria. The PER provided recommendations for key improvements and replacements for the wastewater collection system to improve discharge quality in compliance with State and Regional Water Board standards. Based on these findings, the District decided to proceed with the following alternatives: Proposed Project Components Alternative DS-FM3 - 6-inch Replacement of Existing Force main from Lift Station 2 Alternative DS-WW1 - Lift Station 2 Improvements Alternative SC-FM2 - 8-inch Force main Replacement for Lift Station 16 Alternative SC-WW1 - Lift Station 16 Improvements Alternative SC-WW2 - Manhole Improvements Downstream of Lift Station 16's Force Main Discharge Alternative SC-WW3A - Replace Lift Station 19 and Remove Lift Station 19B Alternative SC-FM4 - 6-inch and 8-inch Force main Improvements for Lift Stations 22 and 24 The District’s aging infrastructure requires a systematic and phased approach for restoration of historic infrastructure and construction service connections. Older infrastructure requires more maintenance and therefore is more costly to perform standard repairs. In addition, older infrastructure has a higher possibility for cracks and malfunctioning equipment. Rehabilitation of this infrastructure will be an ongoing process the District will perform to continue providing quality services to community members. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 38 TRC and Lansing Facilities The current TRC and Lansing facilities operate above the 85 percent threshold. The District has immediate plans to increase the capacity of these plants to their original rated capacity of 1,000,000 GPD with the help of TKE Engineering, whom the District accepted a proposal to Provide Professional Engineering Services for Waste Discharge Requirements Permit Amendments. The District seeks to increase the estimated capacity of the TRC and Lansing facilities through a reassessment of the wastewater facilities to reevaluate their average daily peak flow capacity, which District maintenance crew members believe are underestimated. In addition, the District intends to replace and rehabilitate check valves to produce more accurate flow readings for SMRs. The proposed force main replacement project has been designed by a professional engineer in the State of California. Desert Shores Facility The Desert Shore facility has sufficient capacity to serve the existing population; however, the District recognizes the need for improved and updated facilities to meet the future needs of the Desert Shores Community and reduce the occurrence of effluent limit violations to comply with state water regulations. The 2007 Mitigate Negative Declaration (MND) discusses the impacts of implementation of a Clemson Treatment Process installed within two (2) of the existing ponds that are currently offline at Desert Shores. Expansions and improvements to the current aeration ponds and collection system are necessary to accommodate near term needs. An entire new mechanical treatment plant is necessary to accommodate the long-term facility demands in Desert Shores. The 2010 Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) states that for any project beyond a 200-connection threshold, the District will initiate construction of a mechanical plant that will have design features enabling expansion to 1 MGD capacity. In sum, the capacity of the current Desert Shores facility is sufficient. However, with new annexations or developments into the Desert Shores area the facility will soon approach 85% of capacity. As of September 2022, the District Board has approved the resolution for District consent for authorized representatives to Develop Scope of Work for Professional Services for Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Planning Application for Plant Capacity Expansion. The delivery of this scope of work will enable the District to perform the necessary capital improvements to increase capacity in each of the facilities. Opportunities for Shared Facilities: The District does not share wastewater treatment, storage or distribution facilities with other jurisdictions, and there is no opportunity to share such facilities. Phasing: Information on peak wastewater flows from pumping records are used to predict anticipated peak wastewater generation in both the Salton City and Desert Shores facilities. The future number of SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 39 employees is based on the performance standard of 1.45 employees per 1,000 population as it applies to the total District population. Funding In tandem with the preparation of the PER, the District began working with the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) to help apply for grant funding and conduct an updated Wastewater Rate Study to ascertain rates that would meet its existing and future revenue needs. The Rate Study was intended to ensure compliance with California Proposition 218, also known as the "Right to Vote on Taxes Act," which mandates that local governments must obtain approval from affected property owners or ratepayers before imposing, increasing, or extending certain assessments, fees, and charges. Under Prop 218, a specific procedure was followed by the District to formally adopt new fees: 1. Provision of Notice 2. Public Hearing 3. Ballot Process 4. Majority Approval The Wastewater Rate Study provided a rate schedule for a five-year period based on the costs to continue providing utility services, maintain an operating budget and prepare for future growth. The rate changes are intended to bolster the wastewater enterprise budget, balance expenditures and needed reserves and fund future capital improvements. The finalized Rate Study was provided to the public prior to the vote. RCAC assisted the District in following the required Prop 218 procedure for notifying the public and informing them of their rights to protest future rate changes through a majority opt-in voting process. RCAC delivered this presentation to the community on May 17, 2023 which presented the findings of the Rate Study and ensured compliance with Prop 218. The primary sources of revenue for wastewater treatment and collection facilities are the sewer capacity and connection fees for new developments along with yearly sewer user fees. Currently, a connection fee of $3,700 per residential unit is required. Sewer user fees are currently $640.74 per year/residential unit. With the proposed rate adjustment, in June of 2024, the user fee would increase to $838.41 per year/residential unit. After the first year, this would be followed by an annual 4 percent increase to base and usage rates and 5 percent for the stand-by fees to offset the impact of inflation. The proposed rate schedule is shown in the table below: Adjusted Rate 5 Year Rate Schedule Rate Type Year Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Base Rate $838.41 $871.95 $906.82 $943.10 $980.82 Maintenance $16.99 $17.84 $18.73 $1,967 $2,065 Standby Fees Standby Fees $21.00 $21.00 $2,100 $2,100 $2,100 Usage Rate $10.08 $10.48 $10.90 $11.34 $11.79 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 40 On July 19, 2023, the District Board of Directors held a second public hearing at the District office to consider the proposed rates and gather protest ballots from users voting against the rate increase. From the collection of ballots, it was determined that a majority consensus from the community was not achieved, therefore the proposed rate increases were adopted by the District. In demonstrating the District’s financial ability to function and become financially solvent over time, the Imperial Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) notified the District that the previous determination for dissolution would be reconsidered if funding opportunities materialized. Other sources of revenue are from interest income on accounts and equipment rental. The collected revenue is used for maintenance of the sewer system including vehicles and equipment, utilities, laundry, janitorial, salaries and other miscellaneous expenses. Capital purchases such as equipment, tools, and furniture, as well as pump stations, sewer lines, lumber, hardware, labs, and other professional and sewer project expenses are provided via these funds. The District will continue to utilize these funding sources in addition to searching for other sources to improve the existing system in order to meet future demand. In order to reduce wastewater treatment facilities maintenance and capital improvement costs, the District completes most repairs in house and provides qualified staff for maintenance purposes. The maintenance crew takes care of most problems without having to seek outside assistance. Reserve Funds The District maintains reserve funds necessary to uphold credit worthiness and provide funding for infrastructure replacement, economic uncertainty, revenue loss, natural disasters, debt, cash flow requirements and to comply with unfunded mandates. Use of these reserve funds is procedural and closely monitored to ensure funds are use appropriately. Prior to being met with litigation by former General Manager (GM) of the District, the District maintained reserve funds of $222,000. In December of 2021, a settlement was reached between the District and former GM. The financial settlement was approved in alignment with severance obligations, and the District awarded severance pay to the amount of $192,000. Per Capita Costs: For the fiscal year of 2022-23, the District’s total costs are projected to be $1,934,007. The current estimated population in Desert Shores and Salton City is approximately 6,307 persons. Using the current population of 6,307, wastewater services costs equate to $306.64 per resident. This data was calculated by dividing the annual budget for wastewater services by the existing population: $1,934,007 costs / 6,307 population = $306.64 per capita per year SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 41 Future Funding Costs: A cost estimate for future wastewater facilities is provided in the table below. These estimates were calculated by utilizing the existing per capita costs to determine future costs based on population projections. Future Costs for Year Projected Population Wastewater Facilities 2022 6,307 $1,934,007 2025 6,616 $2,028,730.24 2030 7,021 $2,152,919.44 2035 7,453 $2,285,387.92 2040 7,911 $2,425,829.04 Future Funding Sources: The fee structure will need to be reviewed annually and during proposed annexations to ensure that there is sufficient funding to provide wastewater service to new developments. The rate increases outlined in the Salton Community Services District Sewer Rate Study should ensure that the District has sufficient funds to provide for sewer operations over the next five years and beyond. The District retained the services of the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) to finalize the Wastewater Rate Study to evaluate the existing needs and future needs of the sewer system, both on an infrastructure level and financial level. With greater income from the adopted sewer rate tax, the District became better equipped to perform necessary repairs, developments and expansions of the sewer and treatment systems. The PER was finalized in September 2023 upon the District’s determination of the Selected Construction Project. With an improved financial outlook stemming from the increase in user fees, the District was also empowered to begin the process of applying for grants to fund the preferred capital improvements. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) is a federal-state partnership program designed to provide financial assistance for clean water infrastructure projects. It offers low-interest loans and grants to eligible entities like the SCSD, with the goal of improving water quality and environmental protection. RCAC will provide the staff time, expertise and technical assistance to research and write grant applications on behalf of the District. This application will provide a detailed project proposal, outlining the scope, objectives, and expected outcomes of the wastewater system project. The grant application will also outline how the district intends to manage and maintain the project after completion. This may include budget projections, rate increase plans, and strategies for covering ongoing operational costs. RCAC will ensure that the grant application adheres to all program requirements and guidelines set forth by the CWSRF. Through collaboration between relevant agencies, stakeholders and the District, the grant application will be submitted to secure necessary funding to advance the Selected Construction Project. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 42 Mitigation Upon completion of the Rate Study, finalization of the PER and adoption of the Prop 218 rate increase, the District was given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to continue providing wastewater services through the Municipal Services Review. This involves the preparation of the Service Area Plan (SAP), which also includes mitigation strategies to prevent future violations and ensure compliance with federal, state and local standards. To provide adequate service to its wastewater customers as development continues within its boundaries and within the Sphere of Influence, the District should implement the following measures: • Continue to periodically review the wastewater rate and financing structure to ensure adequate funding for the implementation of new projects and the maintenance of existing facilities. The Salton Community Services District Wastewater Rate Study recommended an increase in sewer rates of 30 percent In June 2024 and incremental increases of 4 percent in the subsequent four years to ensure the system is financially viable. This study was updated in January 2023. Per Prop 218 requirements, the user rate increases were brought to the community for a vote in July 2023 and were ultimately adopted by the District. • Establish District goals in terms of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) levels and continue to monitor activities at all three Wastewater Facilities. Implement best management practices (BMPs) for wastewater treatment to minimize pollutants and protect water quality. • Prior to the recordation of a Final Map for a development project proposed within the District Sphere of Influence, the District shall require a development agreement enforced by the County Land Use Ordinance, indicating that adequate wastewater service would be available to the completed project. • To meet the wastewater treatment needs of the existing population in Salton City, the District will construct an expandable ponding system per the design and specification requirements of a qualified engineering firm. Phase 1 for expanding the wastewater treatment needs include updating the TRC facility to a rated capacity of 1 MGPD and phase 2 would expand capacity to 3 MGPD to accommodate future District demand. • Implement a robust monitoring and reporting system complying with LAFCO guidelines to track the progress and effectiveness of mitigation measures. Regularly communicate findings and updates to the public and relevant authorities based on the requirements set forth in LAFCO’s Staff Report for the District. Adhere to all direction from LAFCO throughout probationary status. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 43 • Release bid packages and secure construction contracts to proceed with the selected alternative. Obtain necessary permits and provide required notifications to agencies to receive authorization for completing the improvements. • Conduct biological and cultural resource studies to address the federal cross- cutter requirements of the federal Clean Water State Revolving Funding program. • With the assistance from RCAC, develop a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Planning Application to fund the Selected Construction Project and promptly execute the bidder selection process to complete the improvements. • Prepare detailed system maps of the sewer system, drainage basins, hydraulic models, or record drawings (as-builts) as required as part of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) mandated by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. • Apply for a separate planning grant through the State Water Resources Control Board to evaluate the capacities of the WWTFs. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 44 3.3 FIRE FACILITIES Introduction As of November 2019, the District no longer provides fire protection/emergency medical services to the Service Area. In May 2019, the District Board voted to authorize an election for a Special Tax for Fire Protection Services. The election for the Fire Protection Parcel Tax did not pass with the required 2/3 vote. The District Fire Department, promptly resigned from their positions, without a transition plan in place to continue fire protections in the Service Area. In 2020, the Board motioned for the former General Manager, to negotiate fire coverage for the District Service Area. However, LAFCO was not notified of the change in provision of services and County negotiations were never settled. The County of Imperial took action and stepped in to continue Fire Protection Services for District residents. Currently, all fire personnel are staffed by the County of Imperial Fire Department. Imperial County Fire Station #9 is located at the Imperial County Road District #3 Satellite Road Yard at 2256 West Cleveland Ave. Salton City, CA 92275. The County currently uses a mobile home structure for personnel and utilizes the yard to hold emergency vehicles. Performance Standard The District’s authority to provide Fire Protection Services has not yet been formally removed by LAFCO, however the County is currently providing those services to the residents in the unincorporated Service Area. County Fire Protection standards are currently being used as a substitute until the determination of long-term Fire Protection Service plans for the area are set in place. Historically, a goal of the staff was to make it to the emergency site within eight minutes of receiving notice. Another goal of the staff is a three-minute "out the door" response time. Therefore, the performance standard necessary to maintain the current level of service shall not exceed the eight-minute station to site response time as well as the three-minute out the door time. The District does not maintain performance standards for square footage of their facilities. Therefore, a future performance standard can be determined based on each existing facility’s square footage and the existing population at the time of the preparation of the Service Area Plan. The total square footage of the Fire Station is approximately 1,850 square feet. Therefore, the performance standard for fire facilities for the District is 293 square feet per 1,000 population. In the previously drafted 2006 SAP, the performance standard was based off of two fire facilities totaling 3,800 square feet, with a performance standard of 690 square feet per 1,000 population. Similarly, although the District does not maintain a personnel standard for fire services, the adequacy of the existing staff suggests that a metric for staffing of 2.17 staff persons per 1,000 population is suitable. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 45 Facility Planning and Adequacy Analysis The District no longer provides fire protection/emergency medical services to the Service Area. As stated above, all fire personnel are currently staffed by the County of Imperial Fire Department. In addition to responding to fire related emergencies, the fire department responds to traffic collisions as well as medical emergencies to bridge the time gap until an ambulance/EMT arrives. The American Medical Response (AMR) Ambulance Service currently provides ambulatory services and operates out of the fire station in Salton City. Inventory of Existing Facilities: The District formerly operated one fire station located at 1520 Nile Drive in Salton City. The Station comprised approximately 1,850 square feet and included the following equipment: • Two (2) fire trucks • One (1) ambulance (owned and operated by AMR) • Two (2) defibrillators (one located at the district office, and the second one at the shop) Imperial County Fire Station #9, is currently overseeing fire protection and emergency medical services to the District Service Area. The facility uses a mobile home structure for personnel and is located at the Imperial County Road District #3 Satellite Road Yard at 2256 West Cleveland Ave. Salton City, CA 92275. In 2022, the District formally transferred ownership of a fire engine to the County, which is now utilized for emergency response and is stored in the station yard. Firefighter staffing is provided by the Imperial County Fire Department. Fire staff are available seven days a week to respond to emergencies. Adequacy of Existing Facilities: The fire staff have a response time goal of eight minutes. However, meeting this response time goal is a challenge when servicing communities such as Vista Del Mar and other calls originating far from the station. Additionally, since the District’s volunteer fire staff has been disbanded and firefighter staff are from the Imperial County Fire Department, there have been some concerns over delayed response times due to the complex geography of the District and having the District served by non-local responders. Future Demand for Facilities: As the District continues to grow, so does the need for fire services and facilities. There is a present need for training County staff to achieve the response time goal of eight minutes to the site. Given the large service area covered by the District, the need for training to achieve adequate response times will only increase as growth occurs and presents additional demands for fire services. With a population expected to reach 7,911 by the year 2040, additional fire facilities and personnel will be needed to serve the future residents of the District. In order to meet this future demand, an additional 2,318 square feet of fire facilities and 17 personnel total will be needed. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 46 Opportunities for Shared Facilities: The District no longer provides fire protection/emergency medical services to the Service Area. The District’s authority to provide fire services has not yet been relinquished by LAFCO, however services have been taken over by the County. The District formally transferred a fire engine to the County to support their fire protection services for the Service Area. The District still owns the former fire station and protective equipment, which could be transferred to the County in the future. Phasing: The District no longer provides fire protection/emergency medical services to the Service Area. However, the following table provides an estimate of the phased demand associated with incremental growth within the planning horizon using the updated standard of providing 293 square feet of facility space per 1,000 population. Future Personnel Future Square Year Population Demand Footage Demand 2021 6,307 14 1,848 2025 6,616 14 1,938 2030 7,021 15 2,057 2035 7,453 16 2,184 2040 7,911 17 2,318 Funding The District fire department personnel resigned from their positions upon the rejection of the Fire Protection Parcel Tax. This made the District lose authority to provide fire protection services to the County due to not having enough funding to operate and maintain the fire department. Imperial County began providing fire protection services to the Service Area in November 2019. To this date (2022), Imperial County has not scheduled or reached out to the District regarding payment toward fire protection services they are providing. Mitigation To provide adequate fire protection services as development continues within District boundaries and within the Sphere of Influence, the District should implement the following measures: • Support the County’s fire protection services through negotiations and agreements to provide fire protection and emergency response services to the service area • Facilitate shared use of facilities, vehicles and protective equipment with the County SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 47 3.4 PARK AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Introduction The Salton Community Services District welcomes and encourages community groups and individuals to use parks and recreation facilities in the District. Certain parks and facility space may be reserved for various functions, provided that such use does not conflict with regularly scheduled District programs. Performance Standard Objective 8.2 of the Imperial County General Plan is to ensure that new developments provide improvements to meet the added demand for parks and recreational facilities. While no objectives or performance standards have been formally adopted by the District for park facilities, Imperial County General Plan's established recreation objective applies to the intent of the District, described below. In order to assure consistency with Objective 8.2 and the goals of the District, when new residential developments are approved, developers are required to dedicate Open Space land such as parks to the District at a ratio of five acres per 1,000 projected residents, or pay a park impact fee to the District to help fund the maintenance of current parks and the expansion of the park system. This ensures a designated ratio of parks per population within a community and the adequacy of existing parks. This ratio is generally consistent with designated Urban Areas throughout Imperial County and meets state requirements. 6,307 Existing Population x 5 Acres / 1,000 Population = 32 Acres Facility Planning and Adequacy Analysis Inventory of Existing Facilities: The District maintains two constructed park facilities, the Salton City Community Park (10.5 acres) and the Desert Shores Park (4.59 acres). The opportunity exists for additional park development within the District on a total of 102.37 undeveloped acres, which brings the total possible combined park acreage within the District (including developed and undeveloped acreage) to 117.46 acres. The list of parks and possible park acres is as follows: Park Acreage Owned by the District: Salton City Community Park = 10.5 acres Desert Shores Park = 4.59 acres Undeveloped (possible) park/open space properties = 102.37 Total = 15.09 acres of developed park facilities and 117.46 acres of possible park space SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 48 At the time this SAP has been amended, there is one designated employee and one in training for maintaining the two public parks. The employee(s) are responsible for collecting any recreational fees, mowing the lawns, and providing general oversight over all of the parks. There are a number of privately owned and operated recreational activities and areas within the District as well, and these are discussed below. Salton Community Park The Salton Community Park is located in Salton City about one mile from the District administrative offices at the northwest corner of Harbor Drive and Iridescent Avenue. The picnic/activities area is open year round. This area includes a basketball court, a covered patio area, picnic tables, barbeque stands, and public restrooms. Photo of park entrance at Harbor Dr and Iridescent Ave Desert Shores Community Park The Desert Shores Community Park is located in the Community of Desert Shores. It covers nearly five acres and includes a baseball field, basketball courts, and playground equipment. The park has ample parking and includes public restrooms. Desert Shores Community Park SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 49 Additional Recreation Resources: Johnson's Landing Boat Launch Facility The Johnson’s Landing and Boat Launch Facility is located at the north end of Sea Garden Avenue, just east of North Marina Drive. The property includes a boat ramp, public restrooms, an RV dump station, and boat wash. The RV dump station and boat wash are free and open to the public. Additionally, the property offers ample free parking for boat trailers and their tow vehicles. Martin Flora Park The Martin Flora Park is a day use park located at the northern end of Seaport A venue and adjacent to the Salton Sea. The park has covered picnic areas with barbeque stands and public restrooms. Adequacy of Existing Facilities: Applying the performance standard of five acres per 1,000 residents to the estimated District population of 6,307, the District should include a minimum of 32 acres of parkland. The current park acreage of 16.91 acres falls below this standard. 6,307 Existing Population x (5 acres / 1,000 Population) = 32 acres 15.09 acres of developed park facilities - 32 acres of current demand = 16.91 acre deficit Future Demand for Park and Recreation Facilities Staff: Based on the 2040 population projection of 7,911 the District will need 40 acres of recreational open space in order to be consistent with the performance standard objective. This indicates that the District will have a deficit of parkland by the year 2040. This figure was determined as follows: 5 Acres/1,000 Population x 7,911 Population = 40 acres of future demand Opportunities for Shared Facilities: It is common for municipalities to share recreational facilities with school districts, making school related fields and playgrounds accessible to the public. At the time this SAP was published, the District has not investigated resource sharing with the Coachella Valley Unified School District. Phasing: To enhance the District’s park facilities, the District will perform a landscape redevelopment project for Salton City Community Park, to assist in dust depression and air pollution controls. This project will be designed and completed by June 2024. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 50 In addition, the District will perform a phased redevelopment of Desert Shores Community Park to provide an open green space for residents to enjoy known as Desert Shores Soccer Park. The District is performing landscape and irrigation installation, in addition to other facilities to support the upcoming development. The District will coordinate with the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD) to perform incremental improvement projects in Desert Shores Community Park. Upon completion of each phase of the project, the District will engage ICAPCD to perform inspection and review of the redevelopment, to ensure compliance with funding requirements. Additional parks will gradually be required in order to continue to meet the adopted standard as the District’s population grows. Based on the standard of providing 5.0 acres of park land per 1,000 population, the following table represents the demand for parkland acreage for the next 20 years in five year increments. As the table shows, the District currently has enough park land to accommodate projected population growth through the year 2040. Year Projected Population Park Acreage Required 2021 6,307 32 2025 6,616 33 2030 7,021 35 2035 7,453 37 2040 7,911 40 Funding Parks and Recreation funding comes from the General Fund, California State Parks Grants, and interest on these grants. It is recommended the District investigate the process of relinquishing all responsibilities for Parks and Recreation to the County of Imperial due to lack of reliable and reoccurring funding sources. Per Capita Costs: The District’s expenditures on parks in the 2019-2020 fiscal year totaled $49,735.96. Projected expenditures on parks for 2020-2021 show an increase in expenditures, primarily associated with a park improvement expense line item (for Desert Shores) of $40,000 for the year, compared to less than $3,000 in 2019-2020. However, park improvement expenses for Salton City parks are projected to decrease from around $44,000 in 2019-2020 to $20,000 in 2020-2021. Using the calculated 2021 population of 6,307 residents in the District, park and recreation services costs are $7.89 per resident. This data was calculated by dividing the actual parks and/ recreation expenses from 2019-2020 by the existing population. $49,735.96 cost / 6,307 residents = $7.89 per capita SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 51 Future Funding Costs: It is recommended the District start the process of relinquishing all responsibilities for Parks and Recreation to the County of Imperial due to lack of reliable and reoccurring funding sources. If the District does continue to manage Parks and Recreation, it is essential that the District require developers of new residential developments to dedicate parkland and/or pay development impact fees for the improvement and expansion of existing park and recreational facilities in accordance with applicable State statutes. It would also be critical that the District develop and implement a long term maintenance and improvement plan for all park and recreational facilities within the District. Awarded Grants The District has received two grants in support of Parks and Recreation projects in the Service Area. The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, in accordance with the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018, awarded the District with a $177,952 grant to support the redevelopment and restoration of the Salton City Community Park. The District will use the grant funds to restore the Salton City Community Park by contracting landscape architects and engineers to assist in the design and redevelopment of the landscaping. Landscape architects will conceptualize an updated site plan which will implement dust control measures to assist with dust pollution challenges faced by community residents. The District will meet the project performance period to have the project designed and completed by June 2024. As of November 2022, the District Board approved to direct staff to commence applications to begin the improvements to the Salton City Park for Landscaping grant funding. The District also received a funding project grant from the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD) as part of the Clean Air Trust Fund. In order to reduce particulate matter (PM ), ICAPCD 10 awarded a $200,000 grant to the District to install 33,000 square feet of real grass in Desert Shores Community Park. The Funding Agreement states that the project must be funded and fully executed by the District prior to review, inspection and reimbursement by ICAPCD. The District intends to adopt a phased approach to completing the green space project, through incremental contributions by the District to perform the work, until ICAPCD performs their inspection and approves the reimbursement. This is the most feasible and cost-effective approach for the District to leverage the total amount of funds while maintaining necessary reserves and ensuring the work is completed to the standard of ICAPCD. As of September 2022, the District Board authorized to proceed with the preparation of the contract documents and bidding of the Desert Shores Community Park Project and gave direction to staff for use of real grass under the Clean Air Trust Fund Grant. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 52 Mitigation In order for the District to provide to its residents adequate park land that is efficiently managed and maintained as growth continues within the District, the following measures should be implemented: • Leverage State and County grants to perform capital improvement projects in the Salton City Community Park and Desert Shores Community Park. Ensure compliance with grant funding requirements and meet the standards necessary for expenditures and reimbursements. • Implement reliable and reoccurring funding sources to finance park and recreational facilities. If budget cannot be made available, it is recommended the District relinquish its rights to service parks and recreation to the County. • Require developers of new residential developments to dedicate parkland and/or pay development impact fees for the improvement and expansion of existing park and recreational facilities. • Develop a maintenance and improvement plan for all park and recreational facilities within the District taking into consideration the results of the questionnaire distributed by the Community Recreation Complex Commission. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 53 3.5 SANITATION AND SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL Introduction The District maintains an agreement with Burrtec for the collection and disposal of all commercial, residential, industrial, and construction refuse within the jurisdictional boundaries of the District. Every year, the District and Burrtec renew a ten-year contract. District and Burrtec participate in a ten-year agreement which is reassessed every year to determine rates based on operating costs and participating users. The exclusive franchise agreement for solid waste and recycling services between Burrtec and the District became effective in September of 2009 and was amended in December of 2019. Performance Standard The California Integrated Waste Management Board (IWMB) is the designated State agency to oversee and manage California’s waste resources generated each year. The Imperial County Integrated Waste Management Board is tasked with ensuring the proper disposal of solid waste within the District. The IWMB sets a waste diversion rate goal of 50 percent, which means Imperial County must divert 50 percent of the waste generated within its jurisdiction. Special Districts are not held individually responsible for this goal but do contribute to the overall ratio of solid waste diversion in the County of Imperial. The IWMB typically requires a 15-year planning capacity for landfills that do not have diversion plans in place. District residents may independently dispose of solid waste at the Salton City Landfill, which has a closure date in excess of 50 years. Burrtec typically disposes District waste at Lamb Canyon Sanitary Landfill, Badlands Sanitary Landfill, or El Sobrante Landfill. Facility Planning and Adequacy Analysis An agreement exists between Burrtec and the District for the collection and disposal of all commercial, residential, industrial, and construction refuse within the jurisdictional boundaries of the District (see Appendix A). Burrtec provides all labor, material, and equipment necessary for the collection and disposal of all refuse within the District, as well as the collection and payment of these services. Burrtec, or delegated agents, also collects and removes all rubbish, waste material, Sign for the Salton City Landfill. Photo from Jay Calderon, August 2014 SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 54 construction material, hazardous waste and rubble as outlined and defined in the service agreement. Per District approval, Burrtec may collect and dispose of dirt, sod, rock, or other bulky heavy objects for an additional service charge. All commercial waste must be collected in bins at locations approved by the District and that provide clear access. Burrtec has an established route and schedule for collection of refuse and provides each individual a collection schedule, including alternative days for holidays. All operations are conducted in the least obstructive means possible. Burrtec typically disposes District waste at Lamb Canyon Sanitary Landfill, Badlands Sanitary Landfill, or El Sobrante Landfill. All residents of Imperial County, inclusive of all District residents, can independently dispose of solid waste at the Salton City Landfill, which is a Class III landfill. The Salton City Landfill is permitted for up to 6,000 tons per day and/or 498 vehicles, and is open on Saturdays from 7am to 4pm. Disposal of hazardous wastes is not permitted. Since 1994, the burying of any metal with recyclable value has been prohibited. A bin exists on site for white goods such as refrigerators, stoves, etc. for transport elsewhere. Inventory of Existing Facilities: The District’s contract with Burrtec ensures the adequacy of solid waste disposal facilities and services. This includes provision for bins, trucks, and associated equipment as well as adequate collection and disposal capacity. Residents of the District may opt to dispose of solid waste at the Salton City Landfill, which is located seven miles west of Highway 86, south of Salton City. Adequacy of Existing Facilities: Photo of a Burrtec Vehicle The commercial bins maintained by Burrtec are in a satisfactory condition as guaranteed per the solid waste contract. All collection trucks are in good mechanical condition and washed once each week per the contract as well. All trucks are watertight and leak-proof with adequate coverings to prevent refuse spillage. As stated above, the contract with Burrtec ensures the adequacy of solid was disposal facilities and services. The Salton City Landfill, which is primarily used by residents that do not subscribe to services via Burrtec, has capacity in excess of 50 years. The site is approximately 300 acres, of which only seven acres are currently disturbed. The site continues to have adequate capacity to meet the needs of District residents. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 55 Future Demand for Facilities: As the District continues to grow, so does the need for solid waste disposal services and facilities. The ten-year franchise agreement for Solid Waste and Recycling Services with Burrtec was amended as of December 2019 to include collection services for residents on the Imperial County Tax Roll. The Salton City Landfill has a closure date in excess of 50 years. This site will continue to suffice for District needs now and into the future. Opportunities for Shared Facilities: The District has a contract with Burrtec for solid waste disposal services. In the future, a goal of the District is to decrease reliance on contracted services and provide in-house trash collection services. Phasing: The District has no phasing plans for sanitation/solid waste services. As growth continues within the District, solid waste services will continue to be reviewed to ensure that they are keeping pace with the performance standard projections and that they are generally adequate to serve the population. A study of the long-term implications of mandatory trash collection pick-up and the implication of in-house trash collection would be useful to provide concrete phasing plans for future facilities development. Funding Burrtec performs all residential, commercial, industrial, construction, and roll-off billing per the conditions of the solid waste agreement signed by the District. To assist with the collection of funds, Burrtec and the District agreed to place all District Residents on the Imperial County Tax Roll for Solid Waste and Recycling Services, with the option to “opt-out” for direct billing or perform their own Self- Hauling. Direct costs billed to end users at rates determined by Burrtec. Each year, rates are assessed by Burrtec based on operating costs and are defined in the annual renewal agreement negotiated by the District. The District takes 5% of the annual revenue for administering the solid waste services. Future Funding Costs: Refuse collection rates are pre-determined in the contract between Burrtec and the District. Rate increases may only be made by a resolution passed by the Board of Directors of the District. As stated in the contract, commencing on the anniversary date of the agreement, the rates set forth shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect changes in the cost of doing business, as measured by fluctuations in the consumer price index (CPI). In addition, Burrtec may petition the District with written requests for rate adjustments on the basis of changes in the cost of doing business, such as labor, fuel, insurance, etc. All costs are subject to change upon contract expiration. The land use fee on property taxes will continue to be used as a funding source for operation of the Salton City landfill. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 56 4. FINANCING Introduction This section of the Service Area Plan (SAP) discusses various financing mechanisms available to the District. It also describes how each existing facility is currently financed and how future financial demands for these facilities can be satisfied. This section also discusses recommended finance plans and available financing options. In 1996, Proposition 218, a Constitutional amendment, was enacted. Prop 218 clearly defined general taxes and special taxes and set guidelines on the issuance, use, and implementation of taxes, fees, and charges. Proposition 218 applies to local governments in California, including Special Districts. General taxes must be approved by a majority of voters before they can be imposed, extended, or increased. Special taxes require an approval by a two-thirds vote of voters. Financing Opportunities and Constraints The following list presents sources of revenue that are currently utilized by the Salton Community Services District to accumulate funds necessary to develop and operate the various facilities and services discussed within the Service Area Plan. A. General Taxes General taxes generate revenue that is deposited in a District’s General Fund and can be used to support various improvements and services including general government operations, development services, public safety services, and community services. These revenues can also be used to construct public facilities. Per Proposition 13 (1978) the District General Fund earns one-half of 1 percent of the property taxes collected by the County of Imperial. The District General Fund is maintained via taxes, fees, and interest on accounts. The District essentially resembles an enterprise district in which the residents are charged a fee for services used, and the fees provide the funding reflected in the General Fund. The District is not as reliant on general taxes for day-to-day operations as it is on service fees; however, with some growth anticipated within the District over the next 20 years, the District may need to obtain additional sources of funding for its operations. B. Local Bond Issues The District can issue general obligation (GO) bonds to finance the acquisition and construction of public capital facilities and real property. These bonds cannot be used for operations and maintenance or to purchase equipment. GO bond measures must be approved by two-thirds of the jurisdiction’s voters. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 57 C. Development Impact Fees Development Impact Fees can be a significant funding source to finance large scale public facilities and services. These fees are intended to ensure that new development pays its proportional share of costs for public facilities and services based on the impacts created by the new development. In concept, the District charges the development community a series of fees, which provide the source of income to pay for capital projects and services. When enough cash has been assembled, the District constructs capital facility projects in order of priority. Development Impact Fees can be used for the following public facilities: • Fire Protection • Streetlights • Sewer Services • General Facilities • Open Space Acquisition • Park Land & Facilities D. Developer / Builder Contribution Many of the sewer, fire, park, solid waste services, and administrative improvements required as a result of new development can be directly funded and constructed by the developer and/or builder(s) through private funding sources. Facilities earmarked for developer / builder funding are typically those which normally would have been imposed as a condition of approval of a tentative map under the existing development review process. E. User Fees User fees are usually authorized by statute for specific uses and are typically required for monthly services. The fees are used as a revenue source to maintain the systems in proper operating condition and for the construction of facilities needed to meet demand. F. Special Assessments Districts can charge benefit assessments to pay for public works such as sewers and parks. Property owners pay benefit assessment only for the projects or services that directly benefit their property. The amount of the assessment must be directly related to the benefit received. As a result, a Community Services District may be broken into zones, which only pay for those facilities and services that provide a benefit to that zone. Proposition 218 (1996) required local governments, including Districts, to get weighted ballot approval from property owners before they can create assessment districts and levy benefit assessments. G. Fire Suppression Assessment Act (Government Code Section 500078 et seq.) SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 58 Under this act, a special district is allowed to levy assessments on specific parcels or zones for the provision of fire suppression services. A fire suppression assessment does not require the formation of an assessment district but requires the adoption of an ordinance or resolution in which the parcels or zones subject to the assessment must be identified. In addition, all requirements of Proposition 218 must be met when imposing a fire suppression assessment. H. Community Facilities District A Community Facilities District (CFD), not to be confused with a Community Services District, falls under the 1982 Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act. This Act allows a CFD to be established by cities, counties, special districts, and school districts to fund a variety of facilities and services. Note that the boundaries of a CFD are not required to be contiguous to any other jurisdiction, as they are for a CSD. In order for a CFD to be formed, a public hearing must occur, and an election (with a two-thirds affirmative vote) be held to authorize the specified tax levy. The special tax levy (Mello-Roos tax) is used to either provide direct funding or pay off bonds. The facilities being funded are not required to be physically located within the boundaries of the CFD. I. Federal Funding Various government programs are available at the State and Federal levels to assist local jurisdictions in financing public facilities and services. Most funding sources at the State level require an application requesting assistance and specify the projects or purposes for which the funds can be used. Financial assistance from the state can include grants, low interest loans and matching funds. At the Federal level financial assistance includes grants and federal matching funds for state run assistance programs. State and Federal funding sources include the following: Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) CDBG funds must be used within a broad functional area, such as community development. These federal funds are distributed to local governments through a local clearinghouse. The allocation amount is based on a formula. Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act Under this act, federal funding is available for street and road improvements and repairs. USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Rural municipalities with a population of 10,000 or less are eligible for Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants from the USDA. These loans are for the purpose of developing SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 59 water and waste disposal systems in rural areas. Funds may be used to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of drinking water sourcing, treatment, storage, and distribution; sewer collection, transmission, treatment, and disposal; solid waste collection, disposal, and closure; and storm water collection, transmission, and disposal. In some cases, funding may also be available for related activities such as legal and engineering fees; land acquisition, water and land rights, permits and equipment; start-up operations and maintenance; interest incurred during construction; and the purchase of facilities to improve service or prevent loss of service. A 40-year maximum repayment period has been set for the loans. Economic Development Administration (EDA) – Public Works Program EDA’s Public Works program helps distressed communities revitalize, expand, and upgrade their physical infrastructure. This program enables communities to attract new industry; encourage business expansion; diversify local economies; and generate or retain long-term, private-sector jobs and investment through the acquisition or development of land and infrastructure improvements needed for the successful establishment or expansion of industrial or commercial enterprises. Through the program, EDA invests in traditional public works projects, including water and sewer systems improvements, industrial parks, business incubator facilities, expansion of port and harbor facilities, skill-training facilities, and brownfields development. Environmental Protection Agency The Environmental Protection Agency makes low interest loans to communities to assist in the construction of new or upgraded water and wastewater treatment facilities, through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA). J. State Funding California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank This agency of the State of California offers a range of funding sources, including: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is responsible for managing the state's water resources and implementing programs to ensure the availability and quality of water for California residents. One of the funding sources administered by the SWRCB is the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The CWSRF provides low-interest loans and grants to assist communities in financing the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment and water quality improvement projects. The availability of CWSRF funding can significantly benefit the District in implementing mitigation measures and wastewater facility upgrades outlined in the Service Area Plan SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 60 (SAP). This funding source can help finance critical infrastructure upgrades and mitigation measures outlined in the SAP, contributing to the district's long-term sustainability and compliance with regulatory requirements. Access to CWSRF funding can also enable the development of higher capacity wastewater treatment facilities, which can, in turn, accommodate population growth and expanding service areas. The application process for CWSRF grants can be highly competitive and the availability of funds may be limited. While CWSRF loans offer favorable terms, they are still loans that need to be repaid and compliance with regulatory requirements is necessary to maximize the benefits of CWSRF funding. The District must plan for the long-term financial commitment associated with loan repayment. The CWSRF application review and approval process can be time-consuming, which may delay project implementation. Infrastructure State Revolving Fund Special districts in California may obtain loans for a range of infrastructure, including: • City streets • County highways • State highways • Drainage, water supply and flood control • Educational, cultural, and social facilities • Environmental mitigation measures • Goods movement-related infrastructure • Parks and recreational facilities • Public transit • Sewage collection and treatment • Solid waste collection and disposal • Water treatment and distribution • Public safety facilities Eligible costs covered by the Infrastructure State Revolving Fund include: • All or any part of the cost of construction, renovation, and acquisition of all lands, structures, and real or personal property • Rights, rights of way, franchises, licenses, easements, and interests acquired or used for a project • The cost of demolishing or removing any buildings or structures • Cost of machinery and equipment • Other expenses necessary for a project • The soft costs associated with a project (including architectural, engineering, legal, and related costs) SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 61 • Interest prior to, during, and for a period after, completion of construction, renovation, or acquisition, as determined by the Infrastructure Bank • Reserves for principal and interest and for extensions, enlargements, additions, replacements, renovations, and improvements. CLEEN Program: California Lending for Energy and Environmental Needs The CLEEN Center provides direct public financing to help meet the goals of the State of California for greenhouse gas reduction, water conservation and environmental preservation. The CLEEN Center offers the Statewide Energy Efficiency Program (SWEEP) and the Light Emitting Diode Street Lighting Program (LED). Financing through these programs can be made through direct loans with the Infrastructure State Revolving Fund in amounts from $500,000 to $30 million. Eligible SWEEP projects could include: • Advanced metering systems to support conversion of master-meter buildings to sub-metering • Data center, information technology, and communications energy efficiency • Energy management and/or control systems, including continuous commissioning • Demand response programs • Water conservation, wastewater management, pipeline, mining / extraction and similar end-use processes, facilities, buildings, and infrastructure • Lighting and control systems • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) • Building envelope improvements • Occupant plug load management systems • Other electrical load reduction • Thermal and electric energy storage The LED program helps to fund the installation of LED streetlights as another energy efficiency strategy for the State of California. Public Agency Revenue Bonds (PARBs) The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank provides bond financing to expand various programs of specific local government agencies for qualified purposes including the construction of transportation and transit facilities, water and wastewater systems, power generation and transmission systems, sewer systems, and related facilities. Transformative Climate Communities This Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program funds community-led development and infrastructure projects that achieve major environmental, health, and SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 62 economic benefits in the state’s most disadvantaged communities. The TCC is funded by California’s Cap-and-Trade Program, and eligible programs must reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly over time, leverage additional funding sources, and provide additional health, environmental, and economic benefits. Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the following: • Bicycle and car share programs • Water-energy efficiency installations • Urban greening projects • Bicycle and pedestrian facilities • Health and well-being projects The monitoring and reporting of TCC projects is conducted using a quantification methodology certified by the California Air Resources Board. Urban Greening Program This program provides grant funding to disadvantaged communities for projects designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible projects acquire, create, enhance, or expand community parks and green spaces, and/ or use natural systems (or systems that mimic natural systems) to achieve multiple benefits. K. Lease Financing Instead of purchasing or issuing bonds, agencies can enter into a lease agreement to acquire and dispose of property. Generally, one or two types of lease agreements is entered. The first type is a “lease-purchase” agreement, where an agency leases a facility while purchasing it. The second type is a “sale-leaseback” agreement, where a facility is sold to a lessor by an agency, which immediately leases the facility back to the agency. Leases are designed to be tax-exempt investments and a properly constructed lease is not considered a public debt. Lease financing requires finding an investor or group of investors to invest in the return from the agency’s lease payments. Certificates of Participation Certificates of participation (COPs) have become a popular financing method for cities, counties, school districts, and other public entities. They offer officials a way to obtain funding to build capital improvement projects without having to obtain a vote of the public, while complying with California debt limitation laws. All certificates of participation are structured so that the ownership of the project being financed is vested in a third party entity that then leases the project back to the district, thus providing the district the use of the project in return for lease payments from its general fund. The third party entity assigns the lease payments on the project to a trustee, who then remits the lease payments to investors in the COPs. The COPs are ultimately sold to investors. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 63 If projects are too small to attract investors or to be feasible for lease financing, local agencies can pool COPs. Pooling COPs allows agencies to minimize the costs of initiating and issuing a COP and may reduce the interest required to be paid on the lease. Entities involved with a pooled COP must form a Joint Powers Authority to oversee the pooled COP. L. Channel Maintenance Fund Channel Maintenance services were historically provided by the District and included in past Service Area Plans, prior to 2006. All Channel Maintenance Funds that were held by the District were released to three (3) HOA’s that oversee the channels, the HOA’s are as follows; Riviera keys Property Owners Association, Bahia Del Mar Estates Property Owner’s Association, and Pelican Island Property Owner’s Association. The District plans to renew the Channel Maintenance Fund next fiscal year (2023-2024) to aid with an upcoming project in Desert Shores. The Channel Maintenance Fund is a self-financed program which should be fully funded by user fees. The District’s self-financed programs are to be fully funded by the user fees including; overhead, equipment replacement, debt financing, transfers to reserves and capital expenditures. Facility Financing The following list presents sources of revenue that are currently utilized by the Salton Community Services District to accumulate finances necessary to develop and operate the various facilities and services discussed within the Service Area Plan. A. Administrative Facilities Current Funding The District does not maintain a separate budget line item pertaining to Administrative Facilities. Instead, Sewer Maintenance Funds (SM) pay for and fund all items associated with the District office building. Property taxes are not used to fund the District office building. Instead, the District office building funded by sewer user fees and rental income. Cost Avoidance Opportunities In order to reduce administrative service costs, the District completes most maintenance and repairs in-house prior to taking them out for bid. The District also takes part in the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA) Credit Incentive Program, which can provide credit incentives of up to 15 percent towards Property and Liability and Workers Compensation Programs. Recommended Funding SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 64 In addition to the continued use of existing funding sources, development impact fees may be established to help fund demand for future administrative facilities created by future development. If additional funding is needed, General Obligation Bonds may be issued, or a community facilities district can be formed. B. Wastewater Facilities Current Funding The primary sources of revenue for wastewater treatment and collection facilities are the sewer capacity and connection fees for new developments along with yearly sewer user fees. Other sources of revenue are from interest income on accounts and equipment rentals. Cost Avoidance Opportunities In order to reduce wastewater treatment facility and capital improvement costs, the District completes most repairs in house and maintains a qualified staff for maintenance purposes without having to seek outside assistance. The primary advantage of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program is access to low-interest loans. These loans often offer significantly lower interest rates than traditional financing options, which can result in substantial cost savings over the life of a project. In addition to loans, some portions of CWSRF funding may be available as grants. These grants do not need to be repaid and can provide essential financial assistance for projects. Recommended Funding The current fee structure will need to be reviewed periodically and during any proposed annexations in the future to ensure that there is sufficient funding to provide wastewater service to new developments. The Salton Community Services District Sewer Rate Study recommended an increase in sewer rate charges of 30 percent in the first year, followed by incremental increase of 4 percent in subsequent years for rate fees so that the system becomes financially viable, without causing undue burden on customers. Funding responsibilities for project-related facilities shall remain with the developers and secured prior to construction. The District is eligible to apply for the CWSRF to finance wastewater system improvement projects recommended in the PER. Alternative state and federal grant and loan programs are available such as USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants for Public Works and Infrastructure Development. The District should consider these programs for additional assistance in providing for adequate wastewater facilities to the residents of the District. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 65 C. Fire Facilities Current Funding The District fire department personnel resigned from their positions upon the rejection of the Fire Protection Parcel Tax. This made the District lose authority to provide fire protection services to the County due to not having enough funding to operate and maintain the fire department. Imperial County began providing fire protection services to the Service Area in November 2019. To this date (2022), Imperial County has not scheduled or reached out to the District regarding payment toward fire protection services they are providing. The District Board has approved donating the District’s fire truck to Imperial County. Cost Avoidance Opportunities To reduce fire protection services costs, the District and Imperial County maintain an agreement for fire dispatch services. Recommended Funding The District should cooperate with the County in providing the necessary buildings, machinery and equipment for the County Fire Department to continue providing fire protection services to the Service Area. The District should seek long-term solutions and reach an agreement with the County to sustain services. D. Parks and Recreational Facilities Current Funding Parks and Recreation funding comes from the General Fund, park fees, California State Parks Grants, and interest on these grants. Park fees generally consist of the following: green fees, pass fees, and tournament fees for golf course users; pool fees, and pool pass fees for Salton Community Pool users; and launch ramp fees for users of the boat launch. Cost Avoidance Opportunities The District employs just one person for the maintenance and operation of all parks in the District. By prioritizing the daily and routine demands of individual facilities, the District is able to minimize maintenance costs. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 66 Recommended Funding Current funding sources for parks and recreation should continue to be used. In addition, it is essential that the District require developers of new residential developments to dedicate park land and/or pay development impact fees for the improvement and expansion of existing park and recreational facilities. E. Sanitation / Solid Waste Disposal Current Funding Burrtec performs all residential, commercial, industrial, construction, and roll-off billing per the conditions of the solid waste agreement signed by the District. Funding comes from a direct cost billed to the end user. Effective 2021 residential rates average $75.15 per three months of service. Commercial rates are conditional on the frequency of collection and container size. Cost Avoidance Opportunities Burrtec provides collection services to District facilities including the District office, fire stations, parks, and maintenance yard at no charge to the District. Recommended Funding The District may by resolution or ordinance require that all residences subscribe to curbside solid waste collection services. This may provide more of a volume sales price to all residential customers, but would not provide any foreseeable income to the District. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 67 5. AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES NOT PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT Introduction As indicated in the previous sections, the provision of services to the population of the Salton Community Services District is shared with other agencies. This section addresses the availability of services not provided by the District. Law Enforcement Law enforcement is provided by the Imperial County Sheriff’s Department, which is divided into Patrol Divisions. The North County Patrol Division is headquartered in Brawley and services Bombay Beach, Niland, Palo Verde, Salton City, and rural areas of Brawley, Calipatria, and Westmorland. The department includes two full time sheriff’s officers serving the Salton Community Services District area. Because of the large coverage area of the sheriff’s department, no specific response time goals exist. Deputies try to keep response times at a minimum and are monitored for improvements in service. Law enforcement services are financed via the general fund. Water Services The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is a public agency, established by voters in 1918, that provides irrigation water and agricultural drainage, domestic water, wastewater treatment and recycled water, regional stormwater protection, groundwater management and water conservation across 1,000 square miles, primarily in Riverside County, but also in portions of Imperial and San Diego counties. CVWD provides urban water to most of the Coachella Valley and along both sides of the Salton Sea in the Imperial Valley. CVWD’s domestic water service area includes a population of around 290,000 people, stretching from Cathedral City to the Salton Sea. The CVWD operates 95 active wells to meet the needs of the more than 108,000 homes and businesses within its service boundary. The entire Salton Community Services District falls within the boundary of CVWD services. The agency obtains domestic water from its own aquifer system. Its water is pumped from wells up to 1,200 feet deep and stored until needed in more than 63 distribution reservoirs. A network of nearly 2,015 miles of distribution piping delivers the domestic water to end users. An ongoing concern of the District is the ability of a privately-built delivery system, which dates to the late 1950s and early 1960s, to provide water to new residents in the western Salton Sea communities. The District is located within the CVWD’s Improvement District No. 11 (ID-11). The CVWD’s domestic water supply for the ID-11 distribution system is located at the County Line Well Field on Avenue 86 on the west side of Highway 86. The CVWD is currently planning a $2.1 billion water pipeline to the local area that should solve most of the water capacity problems in the vicinity of the Salton Community Services District and accommodate additional growth in the area. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 68 Electricity The Imperial Irrigation District (IID), a community-owned utility, provides irrigation water and electric power to the lower southeastern portion of California’s desert. Once electricity leaves the power plant it becomes part of the transmission system and gets carried to local substations. All homes and businesses are served from one of several substations within the District. The IID policy is to extend its electrical facilities to those developments that have obtained the approval of the District or governmental authority having jurisdiction over said developments. IID has promoted and expanded its renewable energy programs significant over the last decade. The organization launched a community solar project for low-income communities in its service area in 2019, serving 12,000 customers in economically distressed areas. Many of IID’s customers have seen their monthly electric bills reduced under IID’s Residential Energy Assistance Program and the District’s eGreen Program. The program provides annual savings of over $1 million annually to low income customers in the district. Energy from renewables accounted for 31 percent of all electric energy produced by IID in 2019, and energy from geothermal sources represented 13 percent of IID’s total energy load. IID continues to explore how to expand renewable energy operations in the Salton Sea area, including exporting energy to other areas across the country and in Mexico. Additions or upgrades of electric facilities is dependent upon the requirements of new development. Coachella Valley School District The District is served by the Coachella Valley United School District (School District). This School District is based out of Riverside County, but also has facilities within Imperial County. It encompasses 1,200 square miles of rural farmland and desert and includes over 17,200 students. The School District operates 21 schools: 14 elementary schools that serve Transitional Kindergarten through 6th Grade; three middle schools (serving 7th and 8th grades); one high school serving 7th through 12th grades; two comprehensive high schools serving 9th through 12th grades; and one continuation high school serving adult learners. The schools are located throughout Coachella, Thermal, Mecca, Indio, and Salton City. Around 40 percent of students in the district are English language learners, 11 percent are migrant students, and 90 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch programs. Within the District are Sea View Elementary, which serves children from grades K-6, and West Shores High School, which services grades 7-12. The high school is located at 2381 Shore Hawk in Salton City and the elementary school is located at 2381 Sea Hawk Avenue, Salton City, CA 92274. West Shores High School has an enrollment of 357 students for the 2020-21 school year, and Sea View Elementary has an enrollment of 612 students for the 2020-21 school year. Both of these school facilities are relatively new, and it does not appear that the district has capacity issues in serving additional students in the Salton CSD area. SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT SERVICE AREA PLAN REVISED SEPTEMBER 2023 69