Crows LGrayson Westley CSD

3 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE FOR: CROWS LANDING, GR AYSON, AND WESTLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICTS Grayson CSD West ley CSD Crows Landing CSD Prepared By: Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission 1010 Tenth Street, Third Floor Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: (209) 525-7660 Adopted: October 23, 2024 STANISLAUS LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION COMMISSIONERS Amy Bublak, City Member Richard O’Brien, City Member Vito Chiesa, County Member Terry Withrow, County Member Ken Lane, Public Member Javier Lopez, Alternate City Member Mani Grewal, Alternate County Member Bill Berryhill, Alternate Public Member STAFF Sara Lytle-Pinhey, Executive Officer Javier Camarena, Assistant Executive Officer Jennifer Vieira, Commission Clerk Shaun Wahid, Commission Counsel TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ..........................................................................................................1 Municipal Service Review Factors to be Addressed ........................................................ 1 Sphere of Influence Update Process ............................................................................... 2 Sphere of Influence Determinations ................................................................................. 2 Background .....................................................................................................................2 Authority ..........................................................................................................................3 Purpose ...........................................................................................................................3 Classification of Services ................................................................................................. 3 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW Crows Landing Community Services District ...................................................4 Formation ........................................................................................................................4 Location and Size ............................................................................................................4 Sphere of Influence .........................................................................................................4 Governance .....................................................................................................................4 Personnel ........................................................................................................................4 Services ..........................................................................................................................4 Support Agencies ............................................................................................................4 Funding Sources .............................................................................................................4 Municipal Service Review Determinations ....................................................................... 5 Growth and Population Projections .................................................................................. 5 Location and Characteristics of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities ................ 5 Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities, Adequacy of Public Services ............ 5 Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services ............................................................. 6 Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities ........................................................... 6 Accountability for Community Service Needs .................................................................. 6 Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery ................................. 6 Sphere of Influence Determinations .................................................................................. 7 Present and Planned Land Uses ..................................................................................... 7 Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services ......................................... 7 Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services ........................... 7 Communities of Interest in the Area ................................................................................. 7 Need for Public Facilities in Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities ...................... 7 Crows Landing Community Services District Summary Profile ...................................... 8 Crows Landing Community Services District Boundary & SOI Map ................................. 9 Grayson Community Services District ............................................................ 10 Formation ...................................................................................................................... 10 Location and Size .......................................................................................................... 10 Sphere of Influence ....................................................................................................... 10 Governance ................................................................................................................... 10 Personnel ...................................................................................................................... 10 Services ........................................................................................................................ 10 Support Agencies .......................................................................................................... 10 Funding Sources ........................................................................................................... 10 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.) Municipal Service Review Determinations ...................................................................... 11 Growth and Population Projections ................................................................................ 11 Location and Characteristics of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .............. 11 Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities, Adequacy of Public Services .......... 11 Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services ........................................................... 12 Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities ......................................................... 12 Accountability for Community Service Needs ................................................................ 12 Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery ............................... 12 Sphere of Influence Determinations ................................................................................ 13 Present and Planned Land Uses ................................................................................... 13 Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services ....................................... 13 Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services ......................... 13 Communities of Interest in the Area ............................................................................... 13 Need for Public Facilities in Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .................... 13 Grayson Community Services District Summary Profile ............................................... 15 Grayson Community Services District Boundary & SOI Map ......................................... 16 Westley Community Services District ............................................................. 17 Formation ...................................................................................................................... 17 Location and Size .......................................................................................................... 17 Sphere of Influence ....................................................................................................... 17 Governance ................................................................................................................... 17 Personnel ...................................................................................................................... 17 Services ........................................................................................................................ 17 Support Agencies .......................................................................................................... 17 Funding Sources ........................................................................................................... 17 Municipal Service Review Determinations ...................................................................... 18 Growth and Population Projections ................................................................................ 18 Location and Characteristics of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .............. 18 Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities, Adequacy of Public Services .......... 18 Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services ........................................................... 19 Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities ......................................................... 19 Accountability for Community Service Needs ................................................................ 19 Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery ............................... 19 Sphere of Influence Determinations ................................................................................ 20 Present and Planned Land Uses ................................................................................... 20 Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services ....................................... 20 Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services ......................... 20 Communities of Interest in the Area ............................................................................... 20 Need for Public Facilities in Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .................... 21 Westley Community Services District Summary Profile ................................................ 22 Westley Community Services District Boundary & SOI Map .......................................... 23 References ..............................................................................................................................2 4 This page intentionally left blank Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update For the Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Introduction The Cortese/Knox/Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 Act (CKH Act) requires the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to update the spheres of influence for all applicable jurisdictions in the County. A sphere of influence is defined by Government Code 56076 as “...a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency, as determined by the Commission.” The Act further requires that a municipal service review (MSR) be conducted prior to or, in conjunction with, the update of a sphere of influence (SOI). The legislative authority for conducting a municipal service review is provided in Government Code Section 56430 of the CKH Act. The Act states, that “in order to prepare and to update spheres of influence in accordance with Section 56425, the commission shall conduct a service review of the municipal services provided in the county or other appropriate area...” MSRs must have written determinations that address the following factors in order to update a Sphere of Influence. These factors were recently amended to include the consideration of disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence of an agency. Municipal Service Review Factors to be Addressed 1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area 2. The Location and Characteristics of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence 3. Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities, Adequacy of Public Services, and Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies Including Needs or Deficiencies Related to Sewers, Municipal and Industrial Water, and Structural Fire Protection in Any Disadvantaged, Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence 4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services 5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities 6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and Operational Efficiencies 7. Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as Required by Commission Policy This MSR will analyze the Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts. It will also provide the basis for LAFCO to reaffirm the Districts’ Spheres of Influence. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 1 Sphere of Influence Update Process A special district is a government agency that is required to have an adopted and updated sphere of influence. Section 56425(g) of the CKH Act calls for spheres of influence to be reviewed and updated every five years, as necessary. Stanislaus LAFCO processes municipal service reviews and sphere of influence updates concurrently to ensure efficient use of resources. For rural special districts, which do not have the typical municipal-level services to review, this document will be used to determine what type of services each district is expected to provide and the extent to which they are actually able to do so. For these special districts, the spheres will delineate the service capability and expansion capacity of the agency, if applicable. Spheres of Influence for the Grayson and Westley Community Services Districts were originally adopted by the Commission in 1984 and the Sphere of Influence for the Crows Landing Community Services District was adopted in 1988. The most recent combined update, adopted in 2019, proposed no changes to the Districts’ SOIs. The current update serves to comply with Government Code Section 56425 and will reaffirm the SOIs for each district. Sphere of Influence Determinations In determining a sphere of influence (SOI) of each local agency, the Commission shall consider and prepare determinations with respect to each of the following factors, pursuant to Government Code Section 56425: 1. The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open-space lands. 2. The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area. 3. The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency provides or is authorized to provide. 4. The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the commission determines that they are relevant to the agency. 5. For an update of a sphere of influence of a city or special district that provides public facilities or services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection, the present and probable need for those public facilities and services of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere of influence. This document proposes no changes to the Districts’ existing spheres of influence. Rather, it serves to reaffirm the existing SOI boundaries. Background Special districts are local governments that are separate from cities and counties, yet provide public services such as fire protection, sewer, water, and street lighting. California has over 3,400 special districts, which provide over 30 different types of services. There are 54 major types of special districts ranging from airports to fire protection to mosquito abatement to water conservation. To date, there are approximately 325 community services districts (CSDs) in California. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 2 Authority This review will cover three independent special districts located on the western portion of Stanislaus County: Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts. The Districts were organized under Section 61000 et. seq. of the Government Code. In addition, the Districts are considered “registered voter districts,” as the board members are elected by the registered voters residing within each district’s boundaries. Purpose Community services districts may be formed to provide one or more of the following services: water, sewer, garbage disposal, fire protection, public recreation, street lighting, mosquito abatement, police services, library services, street improvements, conversion of overhead electric and communication facilities to underground locations, ambulance services, airport facilities, flood control and transportation services. Classification of Services As part of the original MSR completed for the Districts, each District provided a listing of the services provided within their boundaries. The Districts are authorized to provide the functions or classes of services as identified in this report. State Law requires that the Districts seek LAFCO approval in order to exercise any other latent powers not currently provided. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 3 CROWS LANDING COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRCT Formation The Crows Landing Community Services District (CSD) was formed on September 23, 1986. Location and Size The District encompasses an area of approximately 124 acres located in the unincorporated community of Crows Landing, on the west side of Stanislaus County along State Highway 33, midway between the cities of Patterson and Newman. In addition, the former Crows Landing Naval Air Base is located approximately one mile west of the District boundaries. Sphere of Influence The District’s Sphere of Influence is coterminous with its current boundaries. Governance Five Board members, elected by the registered voters within the District boundaries, govern the District. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Crows Landing Fire Station, located at 22012 “G” Street, Crows Landing. Personnel There are four part-time employees working for the District to run the day-to-day operations. The District contracts out for assistance with water repairs, as well as engineering, legal and bookkeeping services. Services The District provides municipal water services for residential and commercial purposes via two groundwater wells. Currently, the majority of the municipal water is pumped through very old and small pipelines, which tend to lose pressure when heavy consumptive demands are placed on the system. The system is also at capacity, limiting the District’s ability to expand. The District is in need of new distribution lines. Support Agencies The District maintains collaborative relationships with other agencies, as necessary. These agencies include the: City of Patterson, Stanislaus County (including the Department of Environmental Resources and Public Works Department), West Stanislaus Fire Protection District, State Department of Water Resources and Regional Water Quality Control Board. Funding Sources The District’s source of revenue is derived from connection and monthly water service fees. The District has also obtained low-interest loans and grants for upgrades and repairs to the water system from the Department of Water Resources, the former Stanislaus County Redevelopment Agency, and the Stanislaus County Community Development Fund. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 4 Municipal Service Review Determinations Crows Landing Community Services District The following are determinations related to the seven factors required by Section 56430 for a Service Review for the Crows Landing Community Services District: 1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area The District serves the unincorporated community of Crows Landing with municipal water service. The area is included within a Community Plan in the Stanislaus County General Plan and includes residential, commercial, and industrial designated properties. The current estimated population in Crows Landing is 322 residents according to the decennial 2020 Census. Stanislaus County has designated an area approximately one mile northwest of the District for development of the Crows Landing Industrial Business Park (CLIBP). 2. The Location and Characteristics of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence Existing data from the Department of Water Resources’ Disadvantaged Communities Mapping Tool identifies the entire area of Crows Landing as a Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community. 3. Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services, Including Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies Related to Sewers, Municipal Water and Industrial Water, and Structural Fire Protection in Any Disadvantaged, Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence The District currently serves 137 service connections, including residential and commercial users, and a school. The District’s entire water distribution system is in need of improvements and system upgrades as many of the lines are over 50 years old. The water system is currently at capacity and upkeep of the system is an ongoing challenge as emergency repairs can quickly deplete the District’s limited resources. The District relies on two groundwater wells, one of which recently experienced a failure that has necessitated replacement. Water service is the only service that the Crows Landing Community Services District provides. Private septic systems are used for processing wastewater in the community. The area receives fire protection services from the West Stanislaus Fire Protection District, which operates a fire station in Crows Landing and has an Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating of 4/4Y for the area. In November of 2022, the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the District that outlined the rehabilitation of Well No. 4 and construction of a new well for the proposed Crows Landing Industrial Business Park (CLIBP). According to Stanislaus County, the District’s rehabilitated well and new CLIBP well will provide redundant well backup water service. During attempted rehabilitation of Well No. 4, failures in the well casing were found. Stanislaus County Public Works and the District agreed to drill a new well at the Well No. 4 site. While Well No. 4 was being drilled, the District was left with one functioning well (No. 5). MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 5 As a result, Stanislaus County approved a declaration of an emergency to drill the new well which helped expedite the replacement process. 4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services The District has limited financial resources to address system deficiencies necessitating assistance form the County and State for improvements. The District is also limited in its revenue stream and does not receive a share of the County property tax. The District raised its water service rates in 2010 and residents now pay a flat rate of $50 per month. This increase was based on the cost of maintaining the system in compliance with State regulations and the need for infrastructure upgrades to the entire water distribution system, as many of the lines are over 50 years old. The District is currently working with Self Help Enterprises for funding to replace the District’s water distribution system pipes and is continuing its efforts to seek additional funds for further system upgrades. 5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities There is no overlapping or duplication of services within the District boundaries. The District entered into a memorandum of understanding with Stanislaus County outlining construction of a new well for the Crows Landing Industrial Business Park (CLIBP) development that may ultimately lead to an interconnection with the District for backup water service. The additional well for the CLIBP has been drilled but functionality will not occur until early 2025. In terms of shared facilities, the West Stanislaus Fire Protection District allows the use of its conference room at the Crows Landing Fire Station for the CSD’s monthly meetings. 6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and Operational Efficiencies A five-member Board of Directors, elected by the registered voters, governs the District. The District is subject to the provisions of the Brown Act requiring open meetings. Currently there are five part-time employees of the District--a general manager, secretary, clerical staff person, and two water operators. 7. Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as Required by Commission Policy The District has benefited from local private organizations (Lions, FDES) and the West Stanislaus Fire Protection District, which recently assisted the District with the purchase and installation of several new fire hydrants. This effort saved the District several thousand dollars. Additionally, the District has an agreement with the City of Patterson to use personnel from the City’s Public Works Department for repairs to the District’s system and after-hours emergencies. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 6 SOI Update – Crows Landing Community Services District The following determinations for the Crows Landing Community Services District Sphere of Influence update are made in conformance with Government Code Section 56425 and local Commission policy. Determinations: 1. Present and Planned Land Uses in the Area, Including Agricultural and Open-Space Lands The District’s Sphere of Influence includes approximately 124 acres. Territory within the District boundaries consists of residential, commercial and industrial land uses. These uses are not expected to change. The District does not have the authority to make land use decisions. The responsibility for land use decisions within the District boundaries is retained by the County. 2. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Area The present demand for water service is not expected to change. The most critical need in the District at this time, and in the future, is an improved source of water and total upgrade of the existing water distribution system. The District is currently working with Self Help Enterprises on grant funding for needed upgrades. 3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services that the Agency Provides or is Authorized to Provide The District’s water system is at capacity. Much of the water is pumped through very old and small pipelines, which tend to lose pressure when heavy consumptive demands are placed on the system. The ability of the District to provide water services to its customers may be diminished in the future based on the lack of resources to remedy infrastructure deficiencies. The District should continue to pursue financing options that may be available to provide system-wide upgrades. 4. The Existence of Any Social or Economic Communities of Interest in the Area if the Commission Determines That They are Relevant to the Agency The unincorporated community of Crows Landing is located wholly within the District’s boundaries and Sphere of Influence and is the only community of interest in the area. 5. For an Update of a Sphere of Influence of a City or Special District That Provides Public Facilities or Services Related to Sewers, Municipal and Industrial Water, or Structural Fire Protection, the Present and Probable Need for Those Public Facilities and Services of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within the Existing Sphere of Influence Based on existing Census data, the community of Crows Landing is considered a disadvantaged unincorporated community. Currently, the District provides only municipal water service. The community relies on private septic tanks for sewer service, as there is no nearby infrastructure to provide public wastewater service. As described in the Municipal Service Review for the District, structural fire protection is provided by the West Stanislaus Fire Protection District. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 7 DISTRICT SUMMARY PROFILE District: CROWS LANDING COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT Location: Unincorporated community of Crows Landing in Western Stanislaus County, along State Highway 33 Boundary: Approximately 124 acres Population*: Approximately 322 persons Land Use: Residential, commercial, and industrial Date of Formation: September 23, 1986 Enabling Act: California Government Code, Section 61000, et. seq. Governing Body: Five-member Board of Directors, elected by the registered voters within the District Administration: Four part-time employees (a general manager, secretary and two water operators) District Services: Distribute water for residential and commercial purposes Total Revenues: $94,220 (Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget) Revenue Sources: Service and connection fees *Source: 2020 Census MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 8 CROWS LANDING COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT BOUNDARY AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 9 GRAYSON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT Formation The Grayson Community Services District was formed on January 21, 1969. Location and Size The District is located in the unincorporated community of Grayson, along the west side of the San Joaquin River, in western Stanislaus County, and encompasses approximately 100 acres. Sphere of Influence The District’s Sphere of Influence includes approximately 104 acres and is coterminous with the District’s current boundaries, with the exception of a small expansion area along the San Joaquin River. Governance A five-member Board of Directors, elected by registered voters within the District boundaries, governs the District. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m., at the United Community Center, located at 8900 Laird Street in Grayson. Personnel The District employs three part-time persons: a general manager, secretary, and wastewater plant operator. The District also contracts out for legal and bookkeeping services. Services The District provides street lighting and municipal wastewater (sewer) services to the community of Grayson. Support Agencies The District maintains collaborative relationships with other agencies, such as the: the City of Modesto, City of Patterson, Stanislaus County, Turlock Mosquito Abatement District, California Rural Water Association, and the State Regional Water Quality Control Board. Funding Sources The District receives funds from monthly service and connection fees, property tax assessments, as well as a small portion of the shared property tax revenues from Stanislaus County. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 10 Municipal Service Review Determinations Grayson Community Services District The following are determinations related to the seven factors required by Section 56430 for a Service Review for the Grayson Community Services District: 1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area The District serves the unincorporated community of Grayson. The area is designated in the Stanislaus County General Plan for residential, commercial and industrial uses. However, due to limited service capacity, it is not expected that any significant population growth will occur within the District boundaries in the near future. 2. The Location and Characteristics of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence Based on available Census data, the community of Grayson meets the income criteria to be considered a disadvantaged unincorporated community. The entirety of the community lies within the District’s boundary and Sphere of Influence. 3. Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services, Including Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies Related to Sewers, Municipal Water and Industrial Water, and Structural Fire Protection in Any Disadvantaged, Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence The Grayson Community Services District currently serves one commercial and 260 residential customers with street lighting and wastewater (sewer) service. The District appears to have the ability and the capacity to serve its existing service area. The District’s wastewater collection and treatment system has a designed flow capacity of 100,000 gallons per day. Any growth in the area would require significant upgrades to the system in order to increase this capacity. The District provides only street lighting and wastewater services. Municipal water is provided by the City of Modesto, who owns and operates the former Del Este water system in the area. Water service is provided via two groundwater wells in the Grayson area and is treated through an ion exchange nitrate treatment system. Structural fire protection service in the area is currently provided by the West Stanislaus Fire Protection District, which operates a fire station approximately one mile away in the community of Westley. The District is working on the Grayson Wastewater Treatment Plant Screening Installation Project. The project includes replacement of a manual screen with a mechanical screen at the headworks of the District’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and will provide electrical power to the screen control panel. The District previously received a planning grant which will consolidate the wastewater treatment for Westley and Grayson. A new secondary wastewater treatment facility is proposed to be constructed in the current location of the Grayson Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will collect and treat the combined wastewater flow from both communities. If completed, the current wastewater treatment facility will be abandoned and Westley and Grayson will only have one facility to operate and maintain. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 11 4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services At present time, the District appears to have the necessary financial resources to fund existing levels of wastewater and street lighting services within the District’s boundaries. Funds are received from monthly service and connection fees and a small portion of the shared property tax revenues from Stanislaus County. The District has also utilized property assessments to fund infrastructure improvements. In 2002, the District passed a $300,000 special assessment bond for public improvements to the wastewater system, in compliance with the regulations of the Regional Water Quality Control Board. These improvements included installation of new aeration equipment and lift station upgrades. 5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities The District utilizes the Grayson United Community Center for its meeting space. There is no overlapping or duplication of services within the District boundaries that would readily allow for other shared facilities. The nearest provider of urban services is the Westley Community Services District, which provides sewer and water services to the unincorporated community of Westley located about a mile southwest of Grayson. Both Districts struggle with aging infrastructure necessitating system-wide improvements. As mentioned previously, the District currently in the planning stages of developing a new wastewater treatment plant to serve both the communities of Grayson and Westley. 6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and Operational Efficiencies A five-member Board of Directors, elected by the registered voters, governs the District. The District is subject to the provisions of the Brown Act requiring open meetings. The District has a small, yet adequate part-time staff to provide the necessary services to its customers. 7. Any other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as Required by Commission Policy None. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 12 SOI Update – Grayson Community Services District The following determinations for the Grayson Community Services District’s Sphere of Influence update are made in conformance with Government Code Section 56425 and local Commission policy. Determinations: 1. Present and Planned Land Uses in the Area, Including Agricultural and Open-Space Lands The District’s Sphere of Influence includes approximately 104 acres. Territory within the District boundaries consists of residential, commercial, and industrial use areas. These uses are not expected to change. In addition, the District does not have the authority to make land use decisions, nor does it have authority over present or planned land uses within its boundaries. The responsibility for land use decisions within the District boundaries is retained by the County. 2. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Area The need for reliable wastewater service and street lighting in the area is not expected to change. In 2002, the District passed a $300,000 special assessment bond for public improvements to the wastewater system, in compliance with the regulations of the Regional Water Quality Control Board. These improvements included new aeration equipment and lift station upgrades. The District is currently in the planning stages for consolidation of its wastewater services with Westley CSD. The plan proposes a future wastewater plant that will provide wastewater services to both Districts. 3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services that the Agency Provides or is Authorized to Provide The District’s wastewater treatment plant is designed to handle flows of up to 100,000 gallons per day. According to the District, the plant is currently at capacity. Although at capacity, the District is currently meeting the demands of the community that it serves. 4. The Existence of Any Social or Economic Communities of Interest in the Area if the Commission Determines That They are Relevant to the Agency The unincorporated community of Grayson is the only community of interest within the District’s boundaries and Sphere of Influence. 5. For an Update of a Sphere of Influence of a City or Special District That Provides Public Facilities or Services Related to Sewers, Municipal and Industrial Water, or Structural Fire Protection, the Present and Probable Need for Those Public Facilities and Services of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within the Existing Sphere of Influence Grayson is considered a disadvantaged unincorporated community. The Grayson Community Services District provides wastewater services and lighting to the community. Water service is provided by the City of Modesto. As described in the Municipal Service MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 13 Review for the District, structural fire protection is provided by the West Stanislaus Fire Protection District. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 14 DISTRICT SUMMARY PROFILE District: GRAYSON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT Location: Unincorporated community of Grayson in Western Stanislaus County Boundary: Approximately 100 acres Population*: 1,041 Land Use: Residential, commercial and industrial Date of Formation: January 21, 1969 Enabling Act: California Government Code, Section 61000, et. seq. Governing Body: Five-member Board of Directors, elected by registered voters within District boundaries Administration: Three part-time employees (a district manager, secretary and plant operator) District Services: Street lighting and municipal sewer services Total Revenues: $113,759 (Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget for Sewer) Revenue Sources: Service and connection fees; property taxes *Source: 2020 Census MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 15 GRAYSON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT BOUNDARY AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 16 WESTLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT Formation The Westley Community Services District was formed on August 5, 1969. Location and Size The District is located in the unincorporated community of Westley, along State Highway 33 in western Stanislaus County, and encompasses approximately 60 acres. Sphere of Influence The District’s Sphere of Influence encompasses approximately 149 acres and includes the Stanislaus County Housing Authority’s Westley Migrant and Farm Labor Housing Complex. Governance The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected by the registered voters within the District boundaries. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Westley Fire Station. Personnel There are no paid employees working for the District. However, the District contracts with the Stanislaus County Housing Authority to provide sewer and water services within its boundaries. Services The Westley Community Services District was established to provide sewer, water and street lighting services to the unincorporated community of Westley. The Stanislaus County Housing Authority operates a wastewater treatment facility, which serves the Housing Authority’s Migrant and Farm Labor Housing Complex, and provides sewer service to the District on a contractual basis. The Housing Authority also provides municipal water service within the District boundaries via two pumping stations. Support Agencies The District maintains collaborative relationships with other agencies, as necessary. These agencies include the Stanislaus County Housing Authority and Stanislaus County. Funding Sources The District’s source of revenue is derived from service fees and a very small portion of the shared Stanislaus County property tax revenues. The District regularly reviews its service fees to adjust for increased costs associated with the sewer and water costs charged by the Housing Authority and PG&E for streetlights. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 17 Municipal Service Review Determinations Westley Community Services District The following are determinations related to the seven factors required by Section 56430 for a Service Review for the Westley Community Services District: 1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area The District serves the unincorporated community of Westley, which has an estimated population of 83 residents within the District’s boundaries. The Housing Authority’s Migrant and Farm Labor Housing Complex, with 173 housing units, lies just outside the District’s boundaries and within its Sphere of Influence. The area is designated in the Stanislaus County General Plan for residential, commercial and industrial uses. However, due to the limited service capacity, it is not expected that any significant population growth will occur within the District boundaries in the near future. 2. The Location and Characteristics of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence Based on available Census data, the community of Westley meets the income criteria to be considered disadvantaged unincorporated community. 3. Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services, Including Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies Related to Sewers, Municipal Water and Industrial Water, and Structural Fire Protection in Any Disadvantaged, Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence The Westley Community Services District currently serves 38 customer accounts (23 residential and 15 commercial) with street lighting, water and sewer service. The District has indicated that “short-term fix” repairs have been made to the sewer lift station and two pumps. Major repairs to this facility will be necessary at some time in the future. Structural fire protection service for the community is provided by the West Stanislaus Fire Protection District, which operates a fire station in Westley and has an Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating of 5 for the area. The District recently completed a Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Planning project through a grant provided by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). As mentioned previously in the document, the project contemplates that from the SWRCB’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, the Grayson and Westley CSDs will be consolidating into one wastewater treatment plant that will provide services to both communities. The District received a grant for installation of water meters and commercial backflow devices. The District stated it has been unable to complete the project due to the State grant not covering change orders. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 18 4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services In order to meet the rising costs of sewer, water, and electrical service for streetlights, the District regularly reviews its rates as they relate to actual costs. During the previous update period, reserve funds for the District had been depleted, as costs charged by the Housing Authority and electrical rates had increased. In addition, repairs were needed for the sewer lift station and pumps. The District last updated its fees in 2005. 5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities The sewer and water facilities are owned by the Housing Authority, which provides the District services by contract. The current arrangement seems to be the most logical given the size and location of the District. The nearest provider of urban services is the Grayson Community Services District, which provides sewer services to the unincorporated community of Grayson located about a mile northeast of Westley. Both Districts struggle with aging infrastructure necessitating system-wide improvements. The potential for shared facilities is currently being explored; however cost estimates associated with upgrades and regionalization of the infrastructure are significant and would necessitate financial assistance. 6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and Operational Efficiencies In the past, the District has had difficulty in securing and/or maintaining the required number of board members. A reduced number of board members can often hinder the District in performing the necessary governmental functions and responsibilities of the District. The District does not have a traditional management structure, as they do not employ full- time personnel. They do, however, contract with the Stanislaus County Housing Authority, which provides sewer and water services to the District. The current contractual arrangement for service with the Housing Authority appears to be appropriate for this relatively small District. 7. Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as Required by Commission Policy None. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 19 SOI Update – Westley Community Services District The following determinations for the Westley Community Services District’s Sphere of Influence update are made in conformance with Government Code Section 56425 and local Commission policy. Determinations: 1. Present and Planned Land Uses in the Area, Including Agricultural and Open-Space Lands The Westley Community Services District’s Sphere of Influence includes approximately 149 acres, of which 60 acres are currently within the District’s boundaries. According to the Stanislaus County General Plan, territory within the District boundaries consists of residential, commercial and industrial land uses. These uses are not expected to change. In addition, the District does not have the authority to make land use decisions, nor does it have authority over present or planned land uses within its boundaries. The responsibility for land use decisions within the District boundaries is retained by the County. 2. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Area The present demand for street lighting, water and wastewater services in the area is not expected to change. The District is currently meeting the service needs of its customers. However, the District recognizes that major repairs to the existing sewer lift station and two pumps will be necessary in the near future. The District is currently working on a project to consolidate its wastewater services with Grayson CSD. The plan proposes a future wastewater plant that will provide wastewater services to both Districts. 3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services that the Agency Provides or is Authorized to Provide The District contracts with the Housing Authority for water and wastewater services and the associated facilities are owned by the Housing Authority. The wastewater treatment plant is designed to handle flows of up to 90,000 gallons per day and is considered to be at capacity. Two water wells serve the area and both have necessitated improvements. 4. The Existence of Any Social or Economic Communities of Interest in the Area if the Commission Determines That They are Relevant to the Agency The unincorporated community of Westley, located within the District’s Sphere of Influence, is the only community of interest in the area. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 20 5. For an Update of a Sphere of Influence of a City or Special District That Provides Public Facilities or Services Related to Sewers, Municipal and Industrial Water, or Structural Fire Protection, the Present and Probable Need for Those Public Facilities and Services of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within the Existing Sphere of Influence Westley is considered a disadvantaged unincorporated community. The Grayson Community Services District provides water, wastewater services and lighting to the community. As described in the Municipal Service Review for the District, structural fire protection is provided by the West Stanislaus Fire Protection District. MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 21 APPENDIX “C” DISTRICT SUMMARY PROFILE District: WESTLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT Location: Unincorporated community of Westley in Western Stanislaus County, along State Highway 33 Boundary: Approximately 60 acres Population*: 575 Land Use: Residential, commercial, industrial Date of Formation: The August 5, 1969 Enabling Act: California Government Code, Section 61000, et. seq. Governing Body: Five-member Board of Directors, elected by registered voters within District boundaries District Services: Collection and treatment of sewage, street lighting and water distribution Total Revenues: $94,350 (Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget) Revenue Sources: Service and connection fees, property taxes *Source: 2020 Census MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 22 WESTLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT BOUNDARY AND SPH ERE OF INFLUENCE MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 23 REFERENCES 1. California Department of Water Resources. Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) Mapping Tool. Website (https://gis.water.ca.gov/app/dacs/). Accessed September 10, 2024. 2. California State Controller’s Office. Special Districts Annual Report for Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley CSDs (Fiscal Year 2022). https://bythenumbers.sco.ca.gov/ Accessed November 22, 2013. 3. Crows Landing Community Services District. Fiscal Budget. 2024/2025. 4. Grayson Community Services District. Fiscal Budget. 2024/2025. 5. United States Census Bureau. 2020. 6. Westley Community Services District. Fiscal Budget 2024/2025. INDIVIDUALS AND AGENCIES CONTACTED 1. Connie Payan, Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts MSR & SOI Update – Crows Landing, Grayson, and Westley Community Services Districts Page 24