TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Kim Summers, City Manager
PREPARED BY: David Chantarangsu, AICP, Development Services Director
SUBJECT:
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Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Riverside for Services Pertaining to Vector Control and Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, and Enacting Regulations Pertaining thereto by Adopting Riverside County Code Chapter 8.36 (Control of Vectors) by Reference
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RECOMMENDATION
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Approve a memorandum of understanding with the County of Riverside and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; and
Introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 609-24 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Adopting by Reference Chapter 8.36 (Control of Vectors) of Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the County of Riverside County Code as a New Chapter in the Murrieta Municipal Code.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
The City of Murrieta and the County of Riverside have previously entered into numerous agreements and/or extensions of agreements that enabled the County to provide the city with vector control services and permitting and inspection services for on-site wastewater treatment systems.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
The City of Murrieta (City) contracts with the County of Riverside (County) for certain inspection services, including vector control, and a variety of services for on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), such as private septic waste systems, that include environmental planning review, technical assistance, and plan review. For the latter services, the City contracts with the County of Riverside to comply with the State's water quality requirements, which are regulated by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides authority for the County to enforce its regulations regarding OWTS, including as a mechanism for vector prevention. The County’s regulations for wastewater treatment are referred to in the proposed MOU as a Local Agency Management Plan (LAMP).
Provisions of the MOU provide for the following:
• A five (5) year term;
• Authorization for the County to provide vector control services in the City, including mosquito control, bee control, and other vectors;
• Authorization for the County to respond to conditions harmful to water quality, such as sewage overflows and the accumulation of household waste;
• Authorization for the County to review and approve OWTS permit requests within the City;
• Authorization for the County to perform annual inspections of treatment systems;
• Authorization for the County to charge fees for services, which would be the responsibility of parties requesting service, or the party responsible for maintaining a violation on property requiring County inspection; and
• Other general contract provisions.
For the proposed MOU to be enforceable, the City must adopt by reference Riverside County Code Chapter 8.36, which establishes the processes and procedures that enable the County to address circumstances where vectors may be breeding or exist in excessive numbers. Riverside County Code Chapter 8.36 can be found online at <http://riversidecounty-ca.elaws.us/code/coor_title8_ch8.36>. Attachment 1 contains the proposed ordinance adopting County Code Chapter 8.36 as a new Chapter 8.46 in the Murrieta Municipal Code. Attachment 2 is the proposed MOU between the City and County.
Without the adoption of the MOU and approval of the ordinance adopting Riverside County Code Chapter 8.36 by reference, the City could potentially violate State water quality control regulations and lack the ability to address public nuisances involving vectors adequately. Violating state water quality laws can carry a fine of up to $10,000 per day.
FISCAL IMPACT
Several City departments rely on the County vector control services. The Community Services Department relies on the County to address vectors at City facilities, and facilities maintained by various maintenance districts. Public Works/Engineering also relies on the County’s services. Code Enforcement relies on the County’s services to resolve cases involving vectors on private property. Altogether, these services have a fiscal impact of approximately $100,000 in Fiscal Year 2024/25.
There is available funding in General Ledger accounts 1104140-60480 and 1800050-60480 to cover the estimated annual costs. County services for OWTS permitting and inspection are the responsibility of property owners who request such services from the County, and there is no expenditure of City funds.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Ordinance No. 609-24
2. Proposed MOU