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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 3810 Amending Chapter 14.18 of the Huntington Beac Huntington Beach Independent has been adjudged a newspaper of general circulation in Huntington Beach and Orange County by Decree of the Superior Court of Orange County,State of California,under date of Aug. 24, 1994,case A50479. CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH PROOF OF LEGAL NOTICE ORDINANCE NO.3810 PUBLICATION AdoCouncitheCity v 1 Council on AUGUST 18,2008 "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY ,OF HUNTINGTON STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) BEACH AMENDING CHAPTER I OF THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RE- SSe LATING TO THE WATER MANAGEMENT PRO- COUNTY OF ORANGE ) SYNOPSIS: CHAPTER 14.18 OF,THE MUNICIPAL CODE SETS FORTH THE WATER am the Citizen of the United States and a MANAGEMENT GRAM FOR THE CITY.PRO resident of the County aforesaid; I am over THE CALIFORNIA I WATERCODE, DOCU- the age of eighteen years, and not a party I MENTING THE NEED TO to or interested in-the below entitled matter. ' AVOID OREmWATER THE EFFECTS OF WATER am a principal clerk of the HUNTINGTON SHORTAGES,' ALLOWS_� PUBLIC ENTITLES SUP- BEACH INDEPENDENT, a newspaper of PLYING ADOPT AND ENFORCE ROT general circulation, printed and published in PROGRAM. THE PRE- VIOUS ORDINANCE WAS the City of Huntington Beach, County of ADOPTED IN 1991 IN g RESPONSE TO THE Oran e, State of California, and the DROUGHT THAT , SOUTHERN:CALIFORNIA i attached Notice is a true and complete copy WAS EXPERIENCING. THERE HAD BEEN NO as was printed and published on the UPDATES TO THIS POR- TION OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE SINCE THAT TIME. ORDINANCE` NO. 3810 REVISES SECTION 14.18.050 TO ALLOW THE CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT A WATER MAN- AGEMENT PROGRAM BY RESOLUTION. THE OTH- ER REVISION TO THIS SECTION GIVES THE OF RECTOR OF PUBLIC August 28, 2008 WORKS THE AUTHORITY gREGULATIONSTO MAKE ULES TO END FORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CODE, WITH A COPY OF ANY SUCH RULE OR REGULATION PROVIDED TO THE CITY COUNCIL. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the. City Council of the City of Huntington !Beach at a regular declare, under penalty of perjury, that the ;meeting held August 18,1 2008 by the ,following i foregoing is true and correct. roll call vote: g 9 !AYES: Hansen, Hardy,I Bohr, Cook, Coerper, .Green,Carchio NOES:None ABSTAIN:None ABSENT:None 2008 i Executed on August 28, I THE FULL TEXT OF THE at Huntington Beach, California ORDINANCE IS AVAIL-! ABLE IN THE CITY I CLERK'S OFFICE: This ordinance is effec-1 !five 30 days after{ ; adoption. CITY OF I �HUNTINGTONBEACH i Sigriatumf HUNT NGTON BEACH, CA 92648 - 714-536-5227 I JOAN L.FLYNN, CITY CLERK - Published Huntington (Beach Independent Au- gust 28,2008' 084-813 jV6qpda*) FDA- Council/Agency Meeting Held: $/ �Llor Deferred/Continued to: eZi� t�/� � Appro ed ❑ Conditionally Approved ❑ Denied it CI rk's SicVature Council Meeting Date: 8/4/2008 Department ID Number: PW 08-49 CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION SUBMITTED TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COU: PUBLIC CIL MEMBE SUBMITTED BY: PAUL EMERY, INTERIM CITY ADMINIRATOR PREPARED BY: TRAVIS K. HOPKINS, PE, DIRECTOR WORK SUBJECT: Approve Ordinannce Amending Chapter 14.18 of the Municipal Code Water Management Program Statement fissue,Funding Source, Recommended Action,Alternative Action(s),Analysis,Environmental Status,Attachments) Statement of Issue: Chapter 14.18 of the Municipal Code establishes a Water Management Program for the City based upon the need to conserve water supplies and to avoid or minimize the effects of future water shortages. With water delivery curtailments possible in the near future, an updated Water Management Program is proposed. Funding Source: Any funds needed to implement the Water Management Program will be provided by the Water Fund (506) operating budget. Recommended Action: Motion to: 1. Adopt Ordinance No. 3,q1 0 , An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Amending Chapter 14.18 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Relating to the Water Management Program; and 2. Adopt Resolution No. 2008-44 , A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Adopting the Water Management Program. Alternative Action(s): 1. Adopt the amending ordinance, but not the resolution. Without the resolution, the 1991 Water Management Program will remain in place. 2. Adopt neither and instruct staff on how to proceed. REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION MEETING DATE: 8/4/2008 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: PW 08-49 Analysis: Municipal Code Chapter 14.18 of the Municipal Code sets forth the Water Management Program for the City. The California Water Code, documenting the need to conserve water and avoid or minimize the effects of water shortages, allows public entities supplying water to adopt and enforce a program. The current ordinance was adopted in 1991 in response to the drought that Southern California was experiencing. There have been no updates to this portion of the Municipal Code since that time. The proposed ordinance revises Section 14.18.050 to allow the City Council to adopt a Water Management Program by resolution. An authorizing resolution is also presented for consideration. The other revision to this section gives the Director of Public Works the authority to make rules and regulations to enforce the provisions of this code, with a copy of any such rule or regulation provided to the City Council. Water Supply in Huntington Beach The City provides water service to over 52,000 connections in the City and in unincorporated Sunset Beach. Water supply is a mixture of groundwater, provided by 10 wells located throughout the City, and imported water, provided by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Imported water is a mixture of Colorado River and State Water Project deliveries. The groundwater basin is managed by the Orange County Water District (OCWD). The City is a member agency of the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC), which in turn is a member agency of MWD. MWDOC manages the imported water supply for the majority of Orange County. Each year OCWD sets the allowable basin pumping percentage (BPP) and the replenishment assessment (RA). The BPP has fluctuated over the course of the last several years; 66%, 64%, 69% and 82% respectively in the last four water years (July through June). The BPP set for the current water year (July 2008 through June 2009) is 69%. The RA is the amount that groundwater producers pay per acre-foot of water pumped from the basin. The RA has increased substantially over this same period; $172, $205, $223 and $237 over the last four water years. The RA for the upcoming water year is set at $249/acre-foot. The balance of the City's water demand must be met with imported water or an equity assessment is added to the RA, essentially making pumped water equal to the cost imported water. Imported water cost is far greater than that of groundwater. Therefore, the higher the BPP, the lower overall water cost to the City. As of July 1, 2008, the cost of imported water is $528.50/acre-foot. On January 1, 2009, the cost will increase to $603.50/acre-foot. Water Supply Situation in Southern California Water year 2007 was a dry year statewide, and especially in Central and Southern California. Much of Southern California had one of the driest precipitation years of record, surpassing the prior records set in 2001/02. In Northern and Central California, unimpaired runoff from Sierra Nevada watersheds was below average. The Colorado River Basin, an important source of water supply for Southern California, continued in drought conditions, having -2- 7/15/2008 4:46 PM REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION MEETING DATE: 8/4/2008 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: PW 08-49 experienced below average runoff in seven of the last eight years. In addition, water supplies for customers of the State Water Project and federal Central Valley Project, which includes Huntington Beach and most of Southern California, have been affected by court- imposed restrictions on diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to protect the Delta smelt. Impacts of the record dry spring months of 2008, combined with water projects' export restrictions from the Delta, led the Governor to issue Executive Order S-06- 08, proclaiming a statewide drought and directing state actions to be taken to address drought conditions and water delivery restrictions. Proposed Water Management Program The Water Management Program is presented in stages; however, the nature of the water supply shortage will determine the appropriate stage to be implemented. If the severity of the water emergency increases, stages which reduce demand more than the previous stage will be implemented. Unanticipated emergency water shortages may require immediate restrictive actions, without progressive stages. Stage I (Shortage 10%) - Involves implementing voluntary conservation measures; specific water use restrictions; regulated irrigation times; review of City facilities water use; and a coordinated public information program. In all stages, water waste is prohibited. Penalties may be assessed for noncompliance. Stage II (Shortage 10%-20%) — Includes all the components of Stage I, plus additional specific use restrictions. Appropriate water use allocations and rate block structures will be determined, and a program for rationing prepared. This stage will include strict enforcement of the penalty system for violations. Stage III (Shortage more than 20%) - Includes all the components of Stages I and II, plus water rationing plan that includes water use allocations and putting an increasing block rate structure in place. In this stage, specific limitations will be placed on all nonessential water use. If further shortages are imminent, the water rationing plan will be accelerated. All nonessential water use, including irrigation and grading, will be prohibited. Outdoor water use will be restricted to that necessary for public health and safety. The Water Management Program includes ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of the imposed conservation measures and restrictions. The estimated water savings at each stage will be determined. If the demand is significantly disproportional to the anticipated supply, then the stage of conservation will be adjusted accordingly. Public Works Commission Action: Not applicable. Strategic Plan Goal: E-1 - Increase community involvement, dialogue, and outreach by educating residents about opportunities for involvement such as how to donate to projects, volunteer, access information, and offer opinions through the website and other means. -3- 7/15/2008 4:46 PM REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION MEETING DATE: 8/4/2008 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: PW 08-49 Environmental Status: Actions taken pursuant to the Water Management Program are exempt from CEQA and are considered necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080 (b)(4) and the CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(c). Attachment(s): , a - o s Deveriptibon, Ordinance No. 3810 An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Amending Chapter 14.18 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Relating to the Water Management Program 2 Resolution No. 220nR_44 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Adopting the Water Management Pro ram, including Exhibit A 3. Legislative Draft Chapter 14.18 -4- 7/23/2008 10:37 AM ATTAC H M E N T # 1 ORDINANCE NO. 3810 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AMENDING CHAPTER 14.18 OF THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby ordain as follows: SECTION 1. Section 14.18.050 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 14.18.050 Authorization. The City's Director of Public Works and the City Administrator, or their designated representative, are hereby authorized and directed by the City Council to implement the provisions of this chapter as specifically set forth in the Water Management Program as may from time to time be adopted by resolution of the City Council; provided however that, any actions taken by them pursuant herewith shall be confirmed at the earliest practicable time by the City Council. The Director of Public Works shall make such rules and regulations as may be necessary, reasonable and to enforce the provisions of this code. A copy of any rule or regulation promulgated by the Director shall be provided to the City Council. SECTION 2. This ordinance shall become effective 30 days after its adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a regular meeting thereof held on the 18th day of August 12008 8 Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: 9#690.) F ,,— rv-),- �- aYl— City Clerk City Attorney Owe (quSlob REVIEWE A D PPROVED: INITIATED AND APPROVED: City Admi is ator Director of Pu lic Works 08-1626/23172 Orel. No. 3810 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss: CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ) I, JOAN L. FLYNN, the duly elected, qualified City Clerk of the City of Huntington Beach, and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of said City, do hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach is seven; that the foregoing ordinance was read to said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on August 4, 2008, and was again read to said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on August 18, 2008, and was passed and adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the members of said City Council. AYES: Hansen, Hardy, Bohr, Cook, Coerper, Green, Carchio NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None I,Joan L.Flynn,CITY CLERK of the City of Huntington Beach and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council,do hereb} certify that a synopsis of this ordinance has been published in the Huntington Beach Fountain Valley Independent on August 28,2008. In accordance with the City Charter of said City Joan L. Flynn City Clerk ty Clerk and ex-offici Clerk Senior Deputy City Clerk of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California ATTACHMENT #2 RESOLUTION NO. 2008-44 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ADOPTING THE WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, California Water Code Section 375, et seq. permits public entities which supply water at retail to adopt and enforce a Water Management Program to reduce the quantity of water used by the people for the purpose of conserving the water supplies of the public entity; and The City Council established in 1991 a comprehensive Water Management Program pursuant to California Water Code Section 375, et seq. based upon the need to conserve water supplies and to avoid or minimize the effects of any future shortage; and The City Council has determined there is a need to replace the 1991 Water Management Program with an updated plan; NOW, THEREFORE,the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby resolve as follows: SECTION 1. The Water Management Program, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein, is hereby adopted and all prior Water Management Programs are hereby repealed. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a regular meeting thereof held on the 4th day of August , 20 08 Au&i 610� Mayor REVIEWE D A PROVED: APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Administrator YAttorney DV-0to�slo' C� •s.ass INITIATED AND APPROVED: Director of Public rks 08-1626/23176 Resolution No.2008-44,Exhibit"A" E::EX:7HIBIT A Resolution No.2008-44,Exhibit"A" WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM June 2008 Resolution No.2008-44,Exhibit"A" WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The Huntington Beach Water Management Program is intended to reduce water demand to a level that matches the available water supply. It is the responsibility of the municipal water agency to assess needs, system capability and available supplies, and to provide a method to equitably share the water resources. The program will be implemented when a sustained or an emergency water shortage is imminent. The program is presented in stages; however, the nature of the water supply shortage will determine the appropriate stage to be implemented. Anticipated shortages may allow staged programs. If the severity of the water emergency increases, stages which reduce demand more than the previous stage will be implemented. Unanticipated emergency water shortages may require immediate restrictive actions, without progressive stages. Stage I (Shortage 10%): Involves implementing voluntary conservation measures; specific water use restrictions; regulated irrigation times; review of City facilities water use; and a coordinated public information program. In all stages, water waste is prohibited. Penalties may be assessed for noncompliance. Stage 11 (Shortage 10%-20%): All of Stage 1,plus additional specific use restrictions. Appropriate water use allocations and rate block structures will be determined, and a program for rationing prepared. Strict enforcement of the penalty system for violations. Stage III (Shortage more than 20%): All of Stage 11, plus a water rationing plan which includes water use allocations and increasing rates structure is put in place. Specific limitations on all nonessential water use. Restrictions to grading, hydrant use and new construction permits will be requested. If further shortages are imminent, the water rationing plan will be accelerated. All nonessential water use, including irrigation and grading, will be prohibited. Outdoor water use will be restricted to that necessary for public health and safety. The Water Management Program includes ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of the imposed conservation measures and restrictions. The estimated water savings at each stage will be determined. If the demand is significantly disproportional to the anticipated supply, then the stage of conservation will be adjusted accordingly. 1 Resolution No. 2008-44,Exhibit"A" IMPLEMENTATION STAGES Stage I (Less than 10%) To be implemented if the anticipated supply of water available to the City over the foreseeable future will be 10% less than the projected normal year demand. This stage combines voluntary water use reductions and specific water use restrictions including: All Water Users Prohibit the washing of concrete and other hard surfaces, including driveways, walkways and parking areas except as required to maintain health or safety; Turn off decorative fountains, ponds, lakes and pools unless a water recycling system is used; Retrofit indoor plumbing fixtures with low-flow devices if appropriate; encourage low-water-using fixtures when replacing existing fixtures; Check faucets, toilets, pipes, irrigation systems and meters for leaks and repair immediately; Reduce interior and exterior uses of water whenever possible to prevent water waste; Require automatic cut-off valves on hoses when washing vehicles or other items outside; Encourage installation of pool and spa covers to minimize water loss due to evaporation; Discourage draining and refilling of pools and spas unless necessary for health and safety reasons; Prohibit the indiscriminate running of water or washing with water which is wasteful and without reasonable purpose; Implement a water waste penalty system. Irrigation and Outdoor Water Use Regulate irrigation on residences, golf courses, cemeteries, government,public and commercial facilities landscape areas to include: Schedule irrigation times between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. Adjust sprinklers and irrigation systems to avoid over-spray, run-off and waste; 2 Resolution No.2008-44,Exhibit"A" Encourage the installation of low-water-using plants combined with hardscape materials and energy-efficient irrigation systems when installing or replacing landscapes; discourage replanting, if possible; Do not allow water to run off landscaped areas into adjoining streets, sidewalks, parking lots or alleys; Reduce irrigation times or frequency by 50% where possible; Check faucets, pipes, irrigation systems and meters for leaks and repair immediately; If outside water connections are available,require automatic cut-off valves on hoses; Require vehicle washing be accomplishing with a bucket rather than running hose to the extent possible; Eliminate draining and refilling of decorative ponds and fountains unless necessary for health and safety reasons. Commercial/Industrial Use/Public Agencies Adhere to all restrictions applied to all water users, including irrigation and outdoor water use; Make plumbing and irrigation adjustments as recommended; Restaurants shall serve drinking water only upon request; Review operational water use and determine possible alternatives, i.e. recirculating; automatic cut-off valves; Prohibit water use for cleaning of hard surfaces except as necessary for health and safety reasons, or if a cleaning machine equipped to recycle water is used; Evaluate necessity or frequency of high-water-using activities, such as window washing, exterior walls or other nonessential cleaning. 3 Resolution No. 2008-44,Exhibit"A" Stage II (Shortage 10% - 20%) All of Stage I, plus: All Water Users Mandatory adherence to irrigation limits, street cleaning, system flushing, car washing and other requests for outdoor water use in Stage I; Prohibit the filling of pools, spas and lakes except as necessary to maintain health and safety; Require all ornamental fountains be turned off or not refilled; Discourage the use of hydrants and water trucks used for grading or cleaning; Discourage the use of water softeners and filters which increase water use. Irrigation A surcharge of 50% of the domestic water rate will be applied to irrigation meter water use in excess of 50% of prior years' usage; Industrial and Commercial Allow access to the premises to/by Utilities Division personnel to conduct internal water use audits if requested; City and Public Agencies Implement applicable procedures required of all water users; Prohibit use of water trucks for washing sidewalks and watering landscaping; Limit water use for street cleaning unless necessary for health and safety reasons; Limit water use for sewer cleaning to necessary amounts to prevent or eliminate sanitation problems; Reduce water system pressure during off peak hours if practical. Stage III (Shortage 20% +) All of Stage 11, plus: All Water Users Mandatory compliance with all restrictions; 4 Resolution No.2008-44,Exhibit"A" Mandatory compliance with water use allocations; Irrigation of greenbelts, golf courses, cemeteries and ornamental landscaping will be prohibited; Strict enforcement of the penalty system for all users. City and Public Agency Water Use Restrict water system flushing to emergency situations only; Limit the issuance of permits for hydrants and water trucks used for grading or cleaning; All public water uses not required for health or safety are prohibited. 5 Resolution No.2008-44,Exhibit"A" City Water Use Request the cooperation of all City Departments to control internal and external water uses; Inspect and adjust irrigation systems at all City facilities; Perform internal plumbing repairs in all facilities; Eliminate the use of hoses on cement walkways unless necessary for sanitation reasons; Establish a system at each facility to notify the proper personnel of leaks or water waste problems; Review current water use by all facilities; Evaluate water needs of Fire Department and Public Works Departments to ensure public health and safety, yet eliminate water waste; Monitor all public use areas for proper water use and leak detection; Limit all unnecessary water use, including system flushing and fire flow testing, except as necessary to protect public health and safety. City Administrative Actions Stage 1 Implement a public information program which may consist of. conservation packets and brochures; cable network programming; water bill inserts; local newspaper information and speaker's bureau; Make available, upon request, water-saving bathroom kits,including shower-flow restrictors and toilet displacement bags; Provide water conservation information and assistance to all residents upon request; Increase response to water waste reports at public facilities and landscaped areas; Review personnel and budgetary needs as necessary to respond to additional customer service and administrative demands to ensure a successful program; Stage II Implement a surcharge of 50% of the domestic water rate to irrigation meter water use in excess of 50% of comparable period 2007/08 usage; 6 Resolution No.2008-44, Exhibit"A" Prepare a plan for household allocation water use limits; Prepare increasing block rate structure for excessive use. Excessive use will be determined by the average water use for the type of dwelling,per the most current city Urban Water Management Plan; Respond to all reports of water waste; proceed with water waste penalty implementation; Provide additional programs as possible. Programs could water bill credits (rebates) for ultra-low flow toilet installations; a low-flow shower head replacement program; household water audits upon request; Review staffing and budget allocations as necessary to implement additional programs and customer services responses to ensure a successful program. Stage III Implement the household water use allocation plan; Implement increase block rate structure for all water use. 7 Resolution No.2008-44,Exhibit"A" Reporting, Enforcement and Penalty Systems Reporting If misuse of water is reported at a residence or business, the Utilities Division shall investigate the address in a timely manner, usually within 24 hours. Reports of violations should include the name and phone number of individual making report. This information will not be used except for documentation of the problem and statistical information by the Utilities Division. The Utilities Division will keep a separate log, by service address, of investigations generated by water waste complaints. If, through the course of daily activities, a City employee observes a violation of water use, it should be reported to the Utilities Division. Response to Violations Should violations of the plan be witnessed,reported or apparent to Utilities Division personnel, they shall proceed with the established investigation system. Stage I response will be limited to public agency, irrigation meter and commercial landscaping violations. Stage II and III will include response to all reported violations. Investigation System l. First Report If personal contact with the resident can be made, the Water Representative will make a verbal request to comply with the requirements of the Program. The customer will be provided with a copy of the appropriate pages of the Program, a water conserving tip sheet and a phone number to call if the customer has any questions about the program. The customer will be offered assistance and an explanation of the Program. If personal contact with the resident cannot be made, a notification will be placed in a visible area on or near the primary access door whenever possible. 2. Second Report— Same Service Address After verification through a field inspection, the customer will be sent a written notification from the Utilities Division requesting compliance. The letter shall explain the violation, and inform the customer of the penalties 8 Resolution No.2008-44,Exhibit"A" for further infractions, including financial penalties, flow restriction and possible water disconnection. 3. Third Report Same Service Address The letter will be the final attempt to resolve the situation without penalty. It will advise that immediate water disconnection will occur should the situation be observed or reported again. 4. Fourth Report Same Service Address A flow restrictor will be inserted into the customer's water meter. 5. Fifth Report Same Service Address Water will be disconnected, and the current established penalty must be paid before service is restored. Should the situation continue, the customer will be notified by certified letter that he is in willful violation of the ordinance, and the next occurrence of the incident will be reported to the Police Department. 9 Resolution No.2008-44,Exhibit"A" PUBLIC COOPERATION Conservation actions to cope with emergency water shortages are usually received with widespread response by the general public. The public perception that there is a need for extraordinary measures, some of which entail personal financial costs and/or inconveniences, and an understanding of the effectiveness of the prescribed actions, is essential to gaining public support and ready participation. Consumer response to rationing programs is more predictable than to other conservation measures, and these are generally the most effective programs to achieve significant demand reduction. One of the problems with a rationing system is in accurately designing the program to achieve the reduction in demand to correlate with the available supply, while adversely impacting citizens as little as possible. Although corrections can be made to lessen the impact of a program proving to be too severe, changing programs once they are in place tends to send a message to the customers that the utility lacks resolve or understanding. For this reason, the City must carefully plan the public information program and emergency conservation actions. The public information program should be aimed at the following five basic groups: local decision makers; governmental bodies; industries, schools businesses, homeowner's associations, and other groups asked to comply with specific use restrictions; news media; and the general public. The first objective should be providing information accurately and promptly. It is important that the City demonstrates to the public that they are doing everything possible to minimize the shortage. Accurate information concerning supply status (reservoir and ground water levels), conservation efforts, remaining supply, and other pertinent information should be provided to all personnel involved with public information, especially to those dealing with the media. 10 Resolution No.2008-44,Exhibit"A" Water Allocation Methods The key elements of a rationing program are that the resources are shared as equitably as possible, and that customers are kept informed about the status of the shortage. Rationing decisions are expected to raise questions, and procedures to handle valid exceptions and variances need to be a part of the program. Rationing programs are usually patterned after one of the following basic allocation plans: • Percentage reduction • Fixed allotment • Seasonal allotment • Specific use bans A percentage reduction assigns each customer class a consumption goal as a percentage of the consumption level used in a similar billing period during the past year. Fixed allotments allow a specific amount of water to each user group based on customer type and average use for similar residential or commercial uses. The seasonal allotment is similar to the percentage reduction except that the consumption reduction goal is varied, depending on the time of year. Specific use bans prohibit water waste and are generally limited to outdoor uses and other nonessential uses. The Huntington Beach plan proposes a combination of these programs to provide guidelines for general water use allocations. Fixed percentage reductions are easy to determine; however, this method can be perceived as inequitable because it has the effect of penalizing former water conservers,' while rewarding those who had previously used large water quantities. Identical houses could receive different water allotments. To avoid this potential problem, a fixed percentage reduction will not be applied across the entire customer base. Fixed percentage is appropriate for public agencies, irrigation water use and public facilities which have a wide variety of water uses. A 10% to 50%reduction of certain uses can be made without significantly impacting public health and safety. Fixed allotment rationing establishes a customer's water consumption goal on a billing unit basis, calculated from an estimate of essential or normal uses, and provides an average use for each particular type of customer. Seasonal use fluctuations will also be incorporated in the formula. These calculations are generally based on meter size, number of dwelling units and average consumption for type of use. A per connection allotment is easy to implement, but does not specifically distinguish between families with large water use requirements and those with none. A fixed allocation is preferred from the standpoint that each customer can determine their own water use priorities. Specific use bans are easy to implement and enforce. The specific restrictions generally apply to outside water use activities which can be limited or prohibited without significant impact on most customers. These bans include regulation of irrigation times; 11 Resolution No.2008-44,Exhibit"A" the hosing of hard surfaces; prohibiting water waste; limiting the filling of pools and spas; etc. Cooperation with each stage is mandatory unless a significant financial hardship would be created through water limitations. Also eligible for exceptions are proven medical, or other health and safety needs. Variances in the established allocations will be considered on an individual basis by a Variance Review Committee appointed by the Director of Public Works. All requests must be made on the form provided by the Utilities Division. Variance Petitions Variance petitions for additional allocations will not be considered until after an excess water use fee occurs on a bill. Variances may be requested based on any of the following criteria: • Extraordinary water use is necessary for documented medical reasons. Correspondence to be sent directly from the medical professional to the Variance Review Committee. • The documented number of residents in a household makes adherence to allocations impossible without detrimentally affecting health and safety of the occupants. • The designated allocation will cause unnecessary and undue financial hardship on the applicant or public. • The designated application will create an emergency condition. Petitions must be filed on the City's form in person by the customer of record or by a notarized application for non-resident owners. In addition, all variance requests must be accompanied by a water use survey completed by the customer. Water use audits to the establishment may be performed upon recommendation of the Committee prior to further review of the request. The Committee may deny or modify the variance and impose any water use conditions it deems appropriate to the petitioner,provided that granting of the petition will not adversely affect the water supply or service to other existing water customers. Additional water allocations will be granted on a one-time basis per residence. 12 Res. No. 2008-44 STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss: CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ) i, JOAN L. FLYNN the duly elected, qualified City Clerk of the City of Huntington Beach, and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of said City, do hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach is seven; that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the members of said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on August 4, 2008 by the following vote: AYES: Hansen, Hardy, Bohr, Cook, Coerper, Green, Carchio NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Cit Jerk and ex-officio GVerk of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California ATTAC H M E N T #3 Huntington Beach Municipal Code ORDINANCE N0. 3810 14.18,010-14.18.050 LEGISLATIVE DRAFT Chapter 14.18 WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (3104-4/91) Sections: 14.18.010 Declaration of policy 14.18.020 Findings 14.18.030 CEQA exemption 14.18.040 Application 14.18.050 Authorization 14.18.060 Mandatory conservation phase implementation 14.18.070 Penalty 2 14.18.010 Declaration of policy. California Water Code Section 375 et seq. permit public entities which supply water at retail to adopt and enforce a Water Management Program to reduce the quantity of water used by the people therein for the purpose of conserving the water supplies of such public entity. The City Council hereby establishes a comprehensive Water Management Program pursuant to California Water Code Section 375 et seq.,based upon the E need to conserve water supplies and to avoid or minimize the effects of any future shortage. (3104-4191) 14.18.020 Findings. The City Council finds and determines that a water shortage could exist based upon the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions: (a) A general water supply shortage due to increased demand or limited supplies. (3104-4/91) (b) A major failure of the supply, storage and distribution facilities of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, or of the City occurs. (3104-4/91) (c) A local or regional disaster which limits the water supply. (31044191) The City Council also finds and determines that the conditions prevailing in the Huntington Beach area require that the water resources available be put to maximum beneficial use to the extent to which they are capable, and that the waste or unreasonable use, or unreasonable method of use, of water be prevented and that the conservation of such water encourage with a view to the maximum reasonable and beneficial use thereof in the interests of the people of the City and for the public welfare. (3104-4/91) 14.18.030 CEQA exemption. The City finds that this chapter and actions taken hereafter pursuant to this chapter are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(4) and the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15269(c). The City Administrator of the City is hereby authorized and directed to file a Notice of Exemption as soon as possible following adoption of this chapter. (3104-4/91) 14.18.040 Application. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all persons,customers, and property served by the City. (3104-4/91) b `b i� 14.18.050 Authorization. The City's Director of Public Works and the City Administrator, or their designated representative, are hereby authorized and directed by the City Council to implement the provisions of this chapter as specifically set forth in the Water Management Program as may from time to time be adopted by resolution of the City Council; z provided however that, any actions taken by them pursuant herewith shall be confirmed at the earliest practicable time by the City Council. The Director of Public Works shall make such rules and regulations as may be necessary, reasonable and proper to enforce the provisions of this Chapter. A copy of any rule or regulation promulgated by the Director shall be provided to the City Council. (3104-4/91) 14.18.060 Mandatory conservation phase implementation. The City shall monitor the projected supply and demand for water by its customers. The Director of Public Works shall determine the extent of the conservation required through the implementation and/or termination of particular conservation stages in order for the City to prudently plan for and supply water to its customers. The City Council shall direct the City Administrator to order that the appropriate stage of water conservation be implemented or terminated at any time it determines appropriate in accordance with the applicable provision of this chapter. However,in case of local emergencies as defined under the Huntington Beach Municipal Code, the City Administrator shall have the authority to order the implementation of the appropriate stage of water conservation subject to ratification by the City Council within seven(7) days thereafter or such ' order of the Director of Public Works shall have no further force or effect. (3104-4/91) 14.18.070 Penalty. Any violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor. In addition to any other remedies which the City may have for the enforcement of this Ordinance, service of water shall s be discontinued or appropriately limited to any customer who willfully uses water in violation of any provision hereof. (3104-4/91) { 4/91 F a t 8 L 2 6 a RCA ROUTING SHEET INITIATING DEPARTMENT: Public Works SUBJECT: Adopt Water Management Program COUNCIL MEETING DATE: August 4, 2008 RCA ATTAC H.M E NTS STATUS Ordinance (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Attached Not Applicable ❑ Resolution (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Attached Not Applicable ❑ Tract Map, Location Map and/or other Exhibits Attached ❑ Not Applicable Contract/Agreement (w/exhibits if applicable) Attached ❑ (Signed in full by the City Attorney) Not Applicable Subleases, Third Party Agreements, etc. Attached ❑ (Approved as to form by City Attorney) Not Applicable Certificates of Insurance (Approved by the City Attorney) Attached ❑ Not A plicable Fiscal Impact Statement (Unbudgeted, over $5,000) Attached ❑ Not Applicable Bonds (If applicable) Notached t Applicable Staff Report (If applicable) Attached ❑ Not Applicable Commission, Board or Committee Report (If applicable) Attached ❑ Not Applicable Findings/Conditions for Approval and/or Denial Attached ❑ Not Applicable EXPLANATION ATTACHMENTSFOR'IVI9SSING REVIEWLD RETURNED ;3 FOR RD.ED Administrative Staff ) Deputy City Administrator (Initial) ( ) City Administrator (Initial) ) City Clerk ( ) EXPLANATION FOR RETURN OF ITEM: - . 7pe F RCA Author: Dills:jg