Mosquito

MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATES FOR EAST SIDE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT DISTRICT TURLOCK M OSQUITO ABATEMENT DISTRICT Prepared By: Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission 1010 Tenth Street, Third Floor Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: (209) 525-7660 Adopted: October 25, 2023 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 Rob Taro, Commission Counsel TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ...........................................................................................................................1 Municipal Service Review Factors to be Addressed ........................................................ 1 Sphere of Influence Update Process ............................................................................... 2 Background .....................................................................................................................2 Municipal Service Review – East Side Mosquito Abatement District ............... 3 Authority ..........................................................................................................................3 Formation ........................................................................................................................3 Purpose ...........................................................................................................................3 Governance .....................................................................................................................3 Location and Size ............................................................................................................3 Sphere of Influence .........................................................................................................3 Personnel ........................................................................................................................3 Services ..........................................................................................................................4 Support Agencies ............................................................................................................4 Funding Sources .............................................................................................................4 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 ............................................................. 5 Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities ........................................................... 5 Accountability for Community Service Needs .................................................................. 6 Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery ................................. 6 Municipal Service Review – Turlock Mosquito Abatement District ................... 7 Authority ..........................................................................................................................7 Formation ........................................................................................................................7 Purpose ...........................................................................................................................7 Governance .....................................................................................................................7 Location and Size ............................................................................................................7 Sphere of Influence .........................................................................................................8 Personnel ........................................................................................................................8 Services ..........................................................................................................................8 Support Agencies ............................................................................................................8 Funding Sources .............................................................................................................8 Determinations ...................................................................................................................9 Growth and Population Projections .................................................................................. 9 Location and Characteristics of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities ................ 9 Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities, Adequacy of Public Services ............ 9 Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services ............................................................. 9 Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities ........................................................... 9 Accountability for Community Service Needs ................................................................ 10 Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery ............................... 10 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.) Sphere of Influence Update............................................................................................ 11 East Side Mosquito Abatement District Determinations ............................................... 12 Present and Planned Land Uses ................................................................................... 12 Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services ....................................... 12 Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services ......................... 12 Communities of Interest in the Area ............................................................................... 13 Need for Public Facilities in Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .................... 13 Turlock Mosquito Abatement District Determinations .................................................. 14 Present and Planned Land Uses ................................................................................... 14 Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services ....................................... 14 Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services ......................... 15 Communities of Interest in the Area ............................................................................... 15 Need for Public Facilities in Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .................... 15 Appendix A: District Summary Profile - East Side Mosquito Abatement ................................... 16 Appendix B: District Summary Profile - Turlock Mosquito Abatement ....................................... 17 Appendix C: References / Individuals and Agencies Contacted ............................................... 18 Map 1: East Side & Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts - Spheres of Influence .......... 19 Map 2: East Side Mosquito Abatement District Sphere of Influence .................................. 20 Map 3: Turlock Mosquito Abatement District Sphere of Influence ..................................... 21 Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Updates for the East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement 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 (SOI) 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 Service Reviews is provided in Government Code §56430 of the CKH Act. The Act states, that “in order to prepare and to update spheres of influence in accordance with §56425, the commission shall conduct a service review of the municipal services provided in the county or other appropriate area...” A Service Review must have written determinations that address the following factors: 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 State Guidelines and Commission policies encourage cooperation among a variety of stakeholders involved in the preparation of a municipal service review. This MSR will analyze both the East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts, with regards to existing and future services. The MSR will also provide a basis for each of the Districts and LAFCO to evaluate, and if appropriate, make changes to the Districts’ Spheres of Influence. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement 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 East Side and Turlock Mosquito Districts were originally adopted by the Commission in 1984. The most recent update, adopted in 2013, proposed no changes to either District’s SOI. The current update serves to comply with Government Code Section 56425 and will reaffirm the SOIs for both Districts. Background During California’s pioneering and modern development, mosquitoes have been recognized for their seasonal attacks outdoors and their association with diseases such as encephalitis and malaria. Early mosquito control efforts began in the salt marshes in the San Francisco Bay area and in the Central Valley where malaria mosquitoes where on the attack, leading to localized disease transmission. These control efforts were creating a drain on the local economies and were affecting the health and welfare of residents. As a result, the Mosquito Abatement Act of 1915 was adopted by the California Legislature to provide for the creation, function, and governing powers of mosquito abatement districts. Today, there are more than 60 agencies that provide mosquito control in California, including the East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts in Stanislaus County. These agencies act as guardians against epidemics, public health emergencies and economic disasters. Since the formation of the first mosquito abatement districts in 1915, these local governments have battled malaria, encephalitis, plague, and other vector-borne diseases. Californians now face new threats from the spread of the West Nile virus and the possibility of virus carried by the Asian tiger mosquito. With the growing population, California needs the protection these districts provide. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 2 Municipal Service Review - East Side Mosquito Abatement District Authority The District is a single purpose special district and is organized as a “Pest Abatement District”, under Chapter 8, Division 3 of the Health and Safety Code Section 2800 et. seq. Under the code, the District has the ability to control “pests”, identified as “any plant, animal, insect, fish, or other matter or material, not under human control, which is offensive to the senses or interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life, or which is detrimental to the agricultural industry of the State, and is not protected under any other provision of law.” Formation The East Side Mosquito Abatement District was formed on June 26, 1939, for the sole purpose of mosquito control. Purpose The District was established to provide mosquito abatement/control, as unabated outbreaks of mosquitoes pose a serious threat to the public health and safety. Governance A “Board of Trustees”, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, governs the District. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the District offices, located at 2000 Santa Fe Avenue, Modesto, CA. Location and Size The District encompasses approximately 555 square miles, serving the northern portion of Stanislaus County, north of the Tuolumne River. The District boundaries include four cities (Modesto, Oakdale, Riverbank and Waterford); the unincorporated communities of Empire, Knights Ferry, Salida, and Valley Home; as well as the unincorporated areas within the northern portion of the County. Sphere of Influence The District’s Sphere of Influence is coterminous with its current boundaries. Personnel There are currently 17 employees in the District. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 3 Services The District provides mosquito surveillance and monitoring programs, conducts studies, and prevents the spread of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. The District staff conducts inspections, and apply appropriate products to control mosquito production in designated zones and directs the aerial services to complement their ground control operations. The District conducts public education and outreach within the community. The District has biosafety level 2 laboratory on site that assists in identifying mosquito species and sampling those responsible for transmitting diseases for virus testing. The District collaborates with the State Department of Public Health, University of California and other mosquito abatement agencies under Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) and others to achieve the goals East Side Mosquito Abatement District. Support Agencies The District maintains a positive collaborative relationship with other local, state and federal agencies, as necessary. These agencies include: the cities within the District boundaries (Modesto, Oakdale, Riverbank and Waterford); Irrigation Districts, Fire Districts; County Public Works and Environmental Resources Departments; County Agricultural Commissioner; County West Nile Task Force; UC Davis Cooperative Extension; California Department of Public Health; California Department of Fish & Wildlife; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. The District also works with bordering Mosquito Abatement Districts (Turlock, Merced and San Joaquin). Funding Sources The District is allocated its share of the County’s property tax revenue. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 4 Service Review Determinations – East Side Mosquito Abatement District The following are determinations related to the seven factors required by Section 56430 for a Municipal Service Review for the East Side Mosquito Abatement District: 1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area The Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) recently released a regional growth forecast, projecting the population for the County and 9 cities. Based on StanCOG’s forecast, the area of the County covered by the East Side Mosquito Abatement District could experience an estimated increase in population of up to 12% (or 67,374 additional persons) by the year 2035. 2. The Location and Characteristics of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence There are a number of areas which could meet the definition of “disadvantaged unincorporated community” within the Sphere of Influence of the East Side Mosquito Abatement District. However, the existence of these communities does not impact the District’s ability to provide services, nor do the District’s services impact the status of these communities as “disadvantaged”. 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 has identified that it has both the ability and capacity to serve its service area, and has no unmet infrastructure needs or deficiencies. The District has adequate staff and equipment to provide efficient and effective services to its residents. The District’s supplies, equipment, vehicles, aircraft, and facilities are sufficient and well maintained to serve its residents. 4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services The District has the necessary financial resources to fund consistent levels of service within the District’s boundaries. The District has a budget of approximately $3.1 million for fiscal year 2022-2023. The District participates in the pooled Worker’s Compensation Program with California Special District Association/Special District Management Authority (SDRMA) for shared insurance to reduce costs. The District does not charge user fees, but may charge service fees to businesses, farms, golf clubs, parks and individuals to help defray the cost of mosquito abatement on a case-by-case basis. The District receives the majority of its funding through levied property taxes collected by Stanislaus County. The District’s revenue relies on property taxes which varies with property values. The District has stated that there is a need to incorporate a benefit assessment to improve its revenue stream. 5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities The District owns and operates two airplanes for spraying of mosquitoes. The use of aerial spraying is a valuable resource allowing the District to cover a significant amount of ground to both long-term larvicides, which controls immature stages of mosquitoes, and spraying adulticides, which targets adult mosquitoes as necessary. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 5 The District shares facilities with other agencies who are part of the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC).The District reviews new opportunities to continue these efforts. The District offers its services (staff, equipment, and expertise) in order to educate the community about mosquitoes and other insects. This allows the District to maximize its resources and be proactive towards abatement. 6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and Operational Efficiencies The District’s Trustees are appointed by the County Board of Supervisors and are residents of the northern portion of the County. The District holds regular meetings on a monthly basis, which are open to the public and subject to the Brown Act. The District also maintains a website with information regarding its services, West Nile Virus, and contact information. The District recently modernized its website to provide a more user-friendly interface for the public. In the past, there were discussions regarding the consolidation of the two Districts. The conclusion was that consolidation would not produce any sizeable efficiencies or savings. In part, this is due to the size of the County, as multiple field offices would be required in either case. The District was part of the 2021-2022 Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury (SCCGJ) report. The SCCGJ found that the District was in need of improving its community outreach, data gathering, and maintenance of its facilities. In particular, the report found that the District’s website was in need of some improvements including organized board information and meeting minutes. The report also mentions that the District’s laboratory was cluttered and lacked adequate storage space. The report indicates that the area could pose safety issues due the need for quick access to a fire extinguisher and eyewash station. The SCCGJ report provided a list of recommendations for the District. The recommendations include modernizing field work through use of electronic tablets or laptop computers to gather data, updating the website with information discussed in the report’s findings and including a service request form on the website, and better organization of the laboratory. The District submitted a detailed response to the 2022-2023 SCCGJ. The District has addressed the report’s findings and has improved its modernization of data gathering, revamped its website, and is now utilizing a more functional laboratory. 7. Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as Required by Commission Policy None. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 6 Municipal Service Review - Turlock Mosquito Abatement District Authority The District is a “single purpose special district” organized as a “Mosquito Abatement District”, under Chapter 1, Division 3 of the Health and Safety Code (commencing with Section 2000). Under the code, the District has the authority to conduct effective programs for the surveillance, prevention, abatement, and control of mosquitoes and other vectors. The specific powers that the District may exercise are: • Conduct surveillance programs and other appropriate studies of vectors and vectorborne diseases. • Take any and all necessary or proper actions to prevent the occurrence of vectors and vectorborne diseases. • Take any and all necessary or proper actions to abate or control vectors and vector borne diseases. • Take any and all actions necessary for or incidental to the powers granted by Chapter 1, Division 3 of the Health and Safety Code (Section 2000 et. seq.). The District may also levy special benefit assessments to raise revenues if there are inadequate revenues to meet the costs of providing facilities, programs, projects, and services (including vector control projects or programs). Formation The Turlock Mosquito Abatement District was formed on January 28, 1946, to control mosquitoes. Purpose The primary goal of the District is to control mosquitoes to protect the public health and safety. The control of mosquitoes enhances the public’s quality of life, as it greatly reduces the threat of mosquito borne diseases to people and animals, as well as reduces the annoyance that is created by mosquito feeding activities. Governance The District is governed by a Board of Trustees, consisting of residents appointed by the city councils of five member cities (Ceres, Hughson, Newman, Patterson, and Turlock) and three members appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the District offices, located at 4412 North Washington Road, Turlock. Location and Size The Turlock Mosquito Abatement District territory includes the southern portion of Stanislaus County, south of the Tuolumne River and encompasses approximately 966 square miles. The District boundaries include five cities (Ceres, Hughson, Newman, Patterson, and Turlock) in addition to unincorporated areas within the southern portion of the County. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 7 Sphere of Influence The District’s Sphere of Influence is coterminous with its current boundaries. Personnel There are currently 13 full time and 6 seasonal employees in the District. Services The District provides mosquito control services within its service area based upon an “integrated approach” to insect pest management. The components of this approach are: source reduction, physical control, chemical control and public education. The primary components for long-term mosquito control are source reduction and public education. Short-term control measures used to reduce mosquito population include biological control followed by chemical control. Mosquito control is accomplished primarily by spraying. The District also offers “mosquito fish” to residents at no charge to put in ponds and other water bodies for the natural control of mosquitoes. Occasionally, the District contracts for aerial spraying services. Support Agencies The District maintains a positive collaborative relationship with other local, state and federal agencies, as necessary. Some of these agencies include: local city departments served by the District (Ceres, Hughson, Newman, Patterson, and Turlock); Irrigation Districts, County Department of Environmental Resources; County Public Works; County Agricultural Commissioner; County West Nile Virus Task Force; UC Davis Cooperative Extension; California Department of Public Health; California Department of Fish & Wildlife; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Army Corps of Engineers; and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. The District also works with bordering Mosquito Abatement Districts (East Side, Merced and San Joaquin). For example, the District often coordinates its control efforts with Merced due to bordering wetland areas. Funding Sources The District receives a portion of the shared property tax revenues from Stanislaus County. to the District also collects a special tax assessment as outlined in the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District Board of Trustees Resolution 5-81, which has remained the unchanged for at least 10 years. According to the District’s 2022-2023 Budget, it is estimated that the District will generate approximately $380,000 in additional revenue from its special tax for the fiscal year. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 8 Service Review Determinations – Turlock Mosquito Abatement District The following are determinations related to the seven factors required by Section 56430 for a Municipal Service Review for the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District: 1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area The Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) recently released a regional growth forecast, projecting the population for the County and 9 cities. Based on StanCOG’s forecast, the area of the County covered by the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District could experience an estimated increase in population of up to 40% (or 86,920 additional persons) by the year 2030. 2. The Location and Characteristics of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence There are a number of areas which could meet the definition of “disadvantaged unincorporated community” within the Sphere of Influence of the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District. However, the existence of these communities does not impact the District’s ability to provide services, nor do the District’s services impact the status of these communities as “disadvantaged”. 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 At the present time, the District has both the ability and the capacity to serve its service area, and has no unmet infrastructure needs or deficiencies. The District has adequate staff and equipment to provide efficient and effective services to its residents. The District’s equipment, vehicles and facilities appear to be sufficient and well maintained. 4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services The District appears to have the necessary financial resources to fund adequate levels of service within the District’s boundaries. The District receives revenues from property taxes collected by Stanislaus County, a special tax that was approved in 1981 and pass-thru revenues. The District does not charge user fees, but may charge service fees to businesses, farms, golf clubs, parks, and individuals to help defray the cost of mosquito control on a case-by-case basis. The District participates in the pooled Worker’s Compensation Program with the Vector Control Joint Powers Agency for shared insurance to reduce costs. 5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities The District shares facilities with other agencies as necessary and continually reviews new opportunities to continue these efforts. For example, the District may, on a short-term basis, offer its services (staff, equipment, and expertise) to control other pests and insects that could invade the region in order to maximize the availability of local resources. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 9 6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and Operational Efficiencies The Turlock Mosquito District’s Trustees are appointed by local jurisdictions within the District boundaries. The District holds regular meetings on a monthly basis, which are open to the public and subject to the Brown Act. The District recently redesigned its website that now includes agendas, minutes, the District’s current budget, and a variety of informational documents. Additionally, the public is able to make requests for service and make reports online. In the past, there have been discussions regarding the consolidation of the two Districts, with the conclusion that consolidation would not produce any sizeable efficiencies or savings. According to the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District (TMAD), moving forward, re- visiting this discussion may be appropriate considering the rapidly changing environment of mosquito control in California. The necessity of multiple field offices was provided in the past as an example of a lack of financial savings; yet, most county-wide mosquito abatement districts have multiple field offices and tend to be the norm, not the exception. Following the 2015 Stanislaus County Grand Jury (SCCGJ) investigation and report, the TMAD Board concluded there may be significant benefit to the public by having one uniform district provide the same standard of service throughout the County and could certainly provide benefits in terms of operations efficiencies. As invasive mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti, enter the region, having a consistent and uniform approach to combating these issues and reducing the communication and management complexities may certainly provide advantageous benefits to the public, both financial and service related. 7. Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as Required by Commission Policy None. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 10 Sphere of Influence Update 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. The following determinations are made consistent with Government Code Section 56425 and local Commission policy for the East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 11 Sphere of Influence Update Determinations East Side Mosquito Abatement District The following determinations for the East Side Mosquito Abatement 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 boundaries and Sphere of Influence encompass approximately 555 square miles, serving the northern portion of Stanislaus County, north of the Tuolumne River. The District includes the four cities of Modesto, Oakdale, Riverbank, and Waterford, and the unincorporated areas within the northern portion of the County. The District’s Sphere of Influence is coterminous with its boundaries. Territory within the District’s boundaries consists of rural and urbanized areas including agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, and open space land uses. While some areas are projected to experience more development and growth than other areas, the need for mosquito abatement services will not diminish. 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 uses decisions within the District boundaries is retained by the County and the Cities of Modesto, Oakdale, Riverbank and Waterford. 2. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Area The need for mosquito control is likely to increase as the population for the region increases. However, the continued existence of irrigation in agricultural uses and the preservation of wetland habitats actually promote the main developing ground for mosquitoes. Urban development can eliminate these types of areas and reduce the number of mosquitoes, yet, at the same time, preservation of wetlands and open space areas create the need for continued mosquito control. There is also a need to monitor and ensure catch basins and drainage facilities constructed for urban development function properly to eliminate the need for potential standing water. Mosquito problems are particularly intense where there is a significant amount of standing water, such as in the agricultural areas (e.g. large irrigated areas), open space/wetland areas, and urban areas (storm drainage basins). 3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services that the Agency Provides or is Authorized to Provide The District operates and maintains the following facilities and equipment: a truck shed, chemical building, air craft hanger, shop building, office building, on-site laboratory, two airplanes, spraying equipment and numerous fleet vehicles. The District also provides many services and programs, such as providing “mosquito fish” without cost to residents and public outreach programs regarding mosquito control and West Nile Virus. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 12 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 There are no social and economic communities of interest affecting the District’s ability to provide services to the communities within the District boundaries. 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 As the District does not provide services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water or structural fire protection, this factor is not applicable. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 13 Sphere of Influence Update Determinations Turlock Mosquito Abatement District The following determinations for the Turlock Mosquito Abatement 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 Turlock Mosquito Abatement District territory includes the southern portion of Stanislaus County, south of the Tuolumne River and encompasses approximately 966 square miles. The District boundaries also include five cities (Ceres, Hughson, Newman, Patterson, and Turlock) in addition to the unincorporated areas within the southern portion of the County. The District’s Sphere of Influence is coterminous with its boundaries. Territory within the District boundaries consists of rural and urbanized areas including agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, and open space uses. While some areas are projected to experience more development and growth than other areas, the need for mosquito abatement services will not diminish. 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 uses decisions within the District boundaries is retained by the County and the Cities of Ceres, Hughson, Newman, Patterson, and Turlock. 2. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Area In August 2019, Ae. aegypti (Yellow Fever mosquito) was first discovered by TMAD in Stanislaus County (Newman, CA). Since this initial discovery, Ae. aegypti has now been found in most areas of Stanislaus County. In fiscal year 2020-2021 , the District purchased an A-1 Super Duty Mist Sprayer for use in conducting WALS (Wide Area Larvicide Spraying) treatments which have been found to be successful in controlling Aedes aegypti. District staff will continue to conduct surveillance throughout the District to detect if these mosquitoes have migrated into other areas and communities. According to TMAD, local transmission of Dengue fever was found in Arizona in 2023, which was a first for the Western United States. Once these mosquitoes become established, local transmission of new diseases such as Dengue fever, Zika virus, and Yellow Fever becomes possible as individuals visit places endemic with these diseases and enter Stanislaus County. The Yellow Fever mosquito lives in close association with human beings - they can complete their entire life-cycle indoors. Control of these mosquitoes is very time and labor intensive. Public participation is needed in order to control the mosquito in neighborhoods long-term. This mosquito is most active during the day, unlike dusk and dawn, making chemical control of this mosquito very difficult. With new species to control and the added complexities of climate change means that the need for District services has increased dramatically. To meet these new challenges, the District has spent the past few years identifying negligent property owners responsible for breeding the most mosquitoes and holding them accountable either through the abatement DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 14 process or by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding in which the property owner pays for the cost of mosquito control on their property. 3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services that the Agency Provides or is Authorized to Provide The District operates and maintains the following facilities and equipment: shop building, office building, on-site laboratory, spray equipment, and vehicles. The District provides services and programs, in addition to its control efforts, such as providing “mosquito fish” without cost to residents and public outreach programs educating the public on the importance of mosquito control and West Nile Virus. 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 There are no social and economic communities of interest affecting the District’s ability to provide services to the communities within the District boundaries. 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 As the District does not provide services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water or structural fire protection, this factor is not applicable. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 15 APPENDIX “A” DISTRICT SUMMARY PROFILE District: EAST SIDE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT DISTRICT Location: 2000 Santa Fe Avenue, Modesto, CA Service Area: Territory north of the Tuolumne River, within Stanislaus County Square Miles: Approximately 555 square miles Population: 309,520* Land Use: Varied land uses from residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural lands and open space Date of Formation: June 26, 1939 Enabling Act: Chapter 8, Division 3 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 2800 et seq. Governing Body: 6 Board of Trustees appointed by the County Board of Supervisors Personnel: 19 employees District Services: Mosquito Abatement Total Budget: Fiscal Year 2022-2023: $3,117,238 Primary Revenue Sources: Property Tax, Interest * Source: Staff estimate using U.S. Census 2022 data DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 16 APPENDIX “B” DISTRICT SUMMARY PROFILE District: TURLOCK MOSQUITO ABATEMENT DISTRICT Location: 4412 N. Washington Road, Turlock, CA Service Area: Southern portion of Stanislaus County, south of the Tuolumne River Square Miles: Approximately 966 square miles Population: 213,199* Land Use: Varied land uses from residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural lands and open space Date of Formation: January 28, 1946 Enabling Act: Chapter 1, Division 3 of the Health and Safety Code Section 2000 et seq. Governing Body: 8 Board of Trustees consisting of residents appointed by city councils of member cities (5) and the Board of Supervisors (3) Personnel: 13 full time and 3 seasonal employees District Services: Mosquito Abatement Total Budget: Fiscal Year 2022-2023: $2,815,800 Primary Revenue Sources: Property Tax, Special Assessment, Service Fees * Source: Staff estimate using U.S. Census 2022 data DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 17 APPENDIX “C” REFERENCES 1. American Mosquito Control Association Website (www.mosquito.org). 2. California State Controller. Special Districts Annual Report (Fiscal Year 2011-2012). November 23, 2013. 3. East Side Mosquito Abatement District. 2022-2023 Budget. 4. East Side Mosquito Abatement District Website (www.eastsidemosquito.com). 5. Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) Website (www.mvcac.org). 6. Stanislaus County 2021-2022 Civil Grand Jury Final Report. June 2022 7. Stanislaus County 2022-2023 Civil Grand Jury Final Report. June 2023 8. Stanislaus County West Nile Virus Taskforce. West Nile Virus in Stanislaus County - 2005 Summary & 2006 Strategic Plan. 2005. 9. Stanislaus LAFCO. Executive Officer’s Agenda Report: Consideration and Adoption of Spheres of Influence for Priority Group 10: Mosquito Abatement Districts. July 24, 1984. 10. Stanislaus LAFCO. Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update for the East Side Mosquito Abatement District and Turlock Mosquito Abatement District. September 26, 2018. 11. Turlock Mosquito Abatement District. 2019 Annual Report. 12. Turlock Mosquito Abatement District. District Budget 2022-2023. 13. Turlock Mosquito Abatement District Website (www.mosquitoturlock.com). 14. United States Census Bureau. 2022. DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 18 DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 19 DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 20 DRAFT MSR & SOI – East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts Page 21