The URL can be used to link to this page

CC 2014-08-26_10.a. Water Conservation Education ProgramMEMORANDUM TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: STEVEN ADAMS, CITY MANAGER# SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC DATE: EDUCATION PROGRAM AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN ORDINANCE ALTERNATIVES AUGUST 26, 201.4 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the City Council: 1) approve the proposed water conservation public education program; 2) authorize the City Manager to execute a consultant services agreement with Verdin Marketing, Inc. to develop and implement the water conservation public education program; 3) appropriate $70,000 from the Water Neutralization Fund for the water conservation public education program; and 4) direct staff to develop a Water Shortage Contingency Plan Ordinance to be used only in the case of a future emergency and based on two emergency stages,· which will require residential customers to reduce water usage by an identified percentage during a Stage 1 emergency and allocate a minimum amount of water per household during a Stage 2 emergency. IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES: The recommendations will result in an initial annual cost of $70,000, which represents a reduction of approximately $30,000 from the prior proposal. While an appropriation for only the first year is recommended at this time, the intent will be to maintain this annual amount through the second year and then reduce ongoing costs to approximately $50,000 to $60,000 per year thereafter. There are no costs to enact the Water Shortage Contingency Plan Ordinance. However, there will likely be significant costs if it becomes necessary to activate a Stage 1 or Stage 2 emergency. Consultant and programming costs necessary to program the City's utility billing system will be identified. Staff will also likely recommend temporary employees be hired to assist in staffing enforcement, account inquiries and administration. There will be some impact on staff to coordinate the water conservation public education program. However, the intent of the consultant services agreement is to have the majority of work performed by an outside consultant. There will be a Item 10.a. - Page 1 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC PROGRAM AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN ALTERNATIVES AUGUST 26, 2014 PAGE 2of10 EDUCATION ORDINANCE substantial staffing impact if it becomes necessary to activate the Water Shortage Contingency Plan Ordinance. BACKGROUND: At the June 10, 2014 meeting, staff presented comprehensive strategies to address the City's long-term water supply needs. The primary objectives of the recommendations were to address long-term projected water demand through increased wat~r conservation measures, to protect existing water supply by pursuing initial studies to pursue a project that will use recycled water to prevent seawater intrusion, and to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions to manage the overall water supply in the most effective manner possible. The City Council approved all the recommendations except proposed funding for a water conservation public education program. Consideration of the program was deferred and staff was requested to provide more detail on what the program would entail. Some concerns were also expressed regarding the proposed cost for the program. In addition, it was emphasized that the water supply recommendations were designed to address future projected demand under normal weather and supply conditions and any project aimed at preventing seawater intrusion could take up to 1 O years to implement. Therefore, an extended drought will likely cause problems for the City. As a n~sult, staff was directed to establish a Water Shortage Emergency Plan to be in place in case mandatory water use restrictions become necessary to meet water demand. ANALYSIS OF ISSUES: Water Conservation Public Education Program Staff distributed a Request for Qualifications to local public relations and marketing firms for development of the water conservation public education program. Responses were received from three firms. Following interviews, a review committee recommended contracting with Verdin Marketing, Inc. Staff met with the consultant to develop the proposal, which is attached. To increase efficiency of the program, it is now recommended to develop and implement the program jointly with the City of Pismo Beach. They have proposed incentives consistent with those recently approved by the City Council. Their Council recently approved $60,000 for the water conservation program. Staff has recommended an allocation of $70,000 for Arroyo Grande's share due to the larger number of customer accounts. Based on initial contacts, it is anticipated that the City of Grover Beach and Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) may participate at. Item 10.a. - Page 2 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN ORDINANCE ALTERNATIVES AUGUST 26, 2014 PAGE 3of10 a lower amount. Therefore, the program is being designed so Arroyo Grande and Pismo Beach can proceed, but it can be expanded at a later date to include Grover Beach and OCSD for some of the measures as determined appropriate based on the level of financial participation. The proposal includes an alternative involving expansion of the program assuming a potential additional $50,000 from Grover Beach and OCSD. Staff from the City of Pismo Beach participated in the selection of the consultant and development of the proposal. It is important to clarify that the purpose of the public education program is to help meet water conservation goals to address the City's long-term future projected water demand. It is not simply designed to educate the public about the immediate need to conserve due to the drought. The intent of the recommended program is to: 1) promote incentives offered by the City to assist residents in changing water related equipment and appliances that will make permanent reductions in water use; 2) modify ongoing behaviors to use less water during normal daily activities; and 3) provide education on how water savings can be best achieved. Therefore, while the program is anticipated to be most intensive the first two years, some level of ongoing effort will need to be maintained in order to continue to achieve the water savings on a permanent basis through modified behavior by consistently reinforcing the information. , A copy of the proposal is attached. The consultant has been asked to make a presentation on the proposal at the Council meeting. The primary components of the program include the _following: · • Surveys • Brand Development • Website· • Social Media • Community Pledge • Business Outreach • Community Outreach o Billing Inserts o Cable Channel 20 o Direct Mail Postcards • Outreach to Visitors • Press Releases • Community Events • Installation Marketing • Paid Advertising Item 10.a. - Page 3 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN ORDINANCE ALTERNATIVES AUGUST 26, 2014 PAGE4of10 In order to further reduce costs, based on Mayor Ferrara's suggestion, staff is also developing a script to prepare in-house a public education video for Cable Channel 20. Staff would contract with AGP Video to film and edit the video. Water Shortage Contingency Plan Ordinance The City's water supply consists of Lake Lopez and groundwater. An extended drought could result in a reduction in delivery of Lake Lopez water and/or the threat of seawater intrusion. As a result, if rainfall below normal levels is experienced again next year, it could result in the need for dramatic reductions in water usage. Since the City's mandatory water conservation restrictions were made permanent, the only remaining step currently provided for in the Municipal Code is restriction of all outside water use and other rationing if the City uses 100% of its supply. Staff believes other conditions and circumstances may occur that could warrant water· use restrictions. As a result, it is proposed to develop an ordinance with additional restrictions that could be enacted in a more proactive and progressive manner if necessary. Staff anticipates creating an ordinance referencing the authority in provisions of the California Water Code relating to water shortage emergencies and water conservation programs (Water Code Sections 350 et seq. and Water Code Sections 375 et seq., that can be implemented by resolution and structured to be flexible as far as specific allocation amounts and penalties. Please note that it is only proposed to adopt the Ordinance at this time. Restrictions would not be activated until necessary. It is challenging to develop a methodology that is feasible to implement and can be ap.plied to everyone in a fair and equitable manner given everyone's unique circumstances. Two draft alternative concepts have been developed by a staff committee following a number of meetings for consideration by the City Co'uncil in an attempt to balance these issues. Household Allocation Methodology The first concept is based on allocating each household the same amount of water for an average sized household. Those using over that amount would be penalized. The financial penalties would be escalated based upon the level of water use. The penalty amounts would also be based upon the severity of the water shortage. As the shortage worsened, the penalties could be increased. Those with larger households could apply for an increased allocation. Staff is recommending that an increased allocation be provided to households with five to seven individuals and another increased allocation be provided to households with over seven individuals. Item 10.a. - Page 4 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN ORDINANCE ALTERNATIVES AUGUST 26, 2014 PAGE 5of10 The allocation amounts would be based on an analysis of the water projected to be available at the time of the shortage. The following is an example of one scenario of how the water and penalties could be established: Tier Baseline Units Baseline Units Baseline Units 1-4 residents 5-7 residents More than 7 Penalty 0 O -14 units 0-20 units 0-26 units No penalty 1 15-18 units 21 -24 units 27-30 units Low penalty 2 19-36 units 25-42 units 31 -48 units Medium penalty 3 37 +units 43 +units 49 +units High penalty This scenario is based on an assumption of providing approximately 75 gallons per person per day. Historical Use Methodology The second concept is based on requiring every household to conserve a specified percentage of their historical water use. Those not meeting their conservation target would be subject to a financial penalty on their next bill. Each account would be assigned a baseline amount of water, which would be equal to the water used in the same billing period the prior year. In order to address complaints that this methodology would penalize individuals that have already instituted conservation measures, the percentage of conservation requested would be escalated for each tier. Therefore, customers in Tier 1 would be required to conserve a small percentage. Customers in Tier 2 would be required to conserve a larger percentage. Customers in Tier 3 would be required to conserve an even larger percentage. For example, Tier 1 customers may initially be required to conserve 5%, Tier 2 customers 10% and Tier 3 15%. As the emergency worsened, the percentage reduction could be increased in order to achieve the projected savings needed. Customers with unusual circumstances could apply for a reduction in the required conservation percentage amount. For example, if the household was vacant during a portion of the prior year billing period or new family members moved into the house since the last year could be grounds for adjusting the baseline water amount. The City's Utility Billing Adjustment Committee (UBAC) could be used to consider and rule on requests for relief from the conservation requirements. Criteria for consideration of these requests would need to be established. Decisions of the UBAC can normally be appealed to the City Manager and then City Council. Commercial Properties and Irrigation Meters Under either methodology, it is recommended that commercial customers be exempted from the overall water restrictions unless they have an irrigation meter. Item 10.a. - Page 5 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC PROGRAM AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN ALTERNATIVES AUGUST 26, 2014 PAGE 6of10 EDUCATION ORDINANCE Many commercial businesses are unable to institute conservation measures without impacting public health and safety and the economic vitality of the City. In addition, they account for a relatively small percentage of the City's water use. It is recommended that the ordinance immediately require water to be served in restaurants only upon request and that hotels be required to display signs in rooms instructing visitors to place towels on the floor only if they need to be replaced. In a Stage 1 emergency, it is recommended that irrigation accounts be requested to reduce water use by a specified percentage or be subject to a financial penalty. In a Stage 2 emergency, it is recommended that no irrigation be allowed by commercial properties and car washes be allowed to operate only if they use recycled water. Survey Results Staff researched measures that have been taken by other jurisdictions throughout the State of California. Most ordinances are currently limited to restrictions similar to those the City already has in place in the Municipal Code on a permanent basis. Of those cities that have implemented restrictions on the amount of water used, all appear to fall within one of the two methodologies developed by staff. There does not appear to be an overwhelming practice of using one methodology over another. Both seem equally common. The results of the research are as follO':i"fS: - Household Allocation Methodology Bonanza Springs: • Penalties for use of over 900 cubic feet of water per month • Increased penalties for use of over 1, 100 cubic feet of water per month Brooktrails Township: _ • Each connection prohibited from using over 6,000 gallons per month • Meter restrictors utilized Cambria Community Services District: • Each permanent resident allotted two units of water per month • Residents can apply for additional allotments • Surcharge for exceeding allotments Paradise Valley: • Penalties for use of over 500 cubic feet of water per month • Increased penalties for use over 750 cubic feet of water per month Rio Dell: • Residents allotted 50 gallons per person per day Item 10.a. - Page 6 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN ORDINANCE ALTERNATIVES AUGUST 26, 2014 PAGE 7of10 • First violation results in warning • Further violations result in fines up to $500 Santa Cruz: • 10 CCF per month for households up to 4 people • Multi-family 7 CCF per unit up to 4 units, 6 CCF per unit 5-20 units, 5 CCF per unit above 20 units St. Helena: • Homes limited to 65 gallons per person per day • Warning for first violation, "improper water use fee" of 50 cents for each gallon of water used over the allotted amount for second violation, and fee increases to $1 per gallon for the third violation, $1.25 for the fourth, and $1.50 for the fifth. Historical Use Methodology Avalon: • Stage 1 requires 25% reduction in water use • Stage 2 requires 50% reduction in water use • Stage 3 requires 75% reduction in water use Corona: • Stage 1 involves voluntary measures • Stage 2 requires 10% to 15% reduction in water use from prior year • Stage 3 requires 16% to 20% reduction in water use from prior year • Stage 4 requires 20% to 40% reduction in water use from prior year • Stage 5 requires over 40% reduction in water use from prior year • Violations are a misdemeanor • May order flow restriction devices Glendale (not currently in effect): • Prior year rolling baseline • Appeal process Glendora: • Stage 1 requires 10% reduction in water use from same billing period prior year • Stage 2 requires 15% reduction in water use from same billing period prior year • Penalties progress from warning, to infraction, to misdemeanor Item 10.a. - Page 7 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN ORDINANCE ALTERNATIVES AUGUST 26, 2014 PAGE 8of10 Grover Beach: • Requires 10% reduction in water use • Initial violations result in warnings and penalties assessed for continued violations Hybrid Recommended Alternative . It is recommended that the proposed ordinance include two emergency stages, which would replace the existing critical water supply condition provisions in the Municipal Code. Activation of Stage I would be recommended when impacts to the City's water · supply occur, are eminent, or are projected within the next six month period that will reduce overall available supply to less than projected demand. Activation of Stage 2 would be enacted when impacts to the City's water supply occur, are eminent, or are projected within the next six month period that will reduce overall available supply to equal to or less than amounts determined necessary to meet basic household health and safety requirements. Under Stage 1, it is recommended the Historical Use Methodology be utilized, which would require all households to reduce usage by a percentage amount established by City Council resolution. The percentage reduction required would be escalated by water billing tier. · The percentage would be based upon the projected reduction necessary to ensure water supply meets demand. Therefore, it could start at a small percentage and be increased as the emergency worsens. Customers exceeding their allocation would receive an automatic financial penalty on their next bill. Under Stage 2, it is recommended the Household Allocation Methodology be utilized because it would be necessary at that point to restrict each household to the minimum amount of water necessary to address health and ·safety needs. In this stage, it may become necessary to arrange for emergency water delivery alternatives. The most commonly accepted water amount in these circumstances is roughly 50 gallons per person· per day. Staff believes it would not be feasible to determine the number of people per every household. Therefore, three categories of household size are recommended. It is recommended every household be allowed the equivalent of 125 gallons per household per day. Households with over 5-7 people would be allowed 175 gallons per day. Households with over 7 people would be allowed 225 gallons per day. Under Stage 2, those exceeding their allocation would first be subject to citations and financial penalties. Additional violations are recommended to be deemed a misdemeanor. Lastly, it is recommended the City be granted authority to install a flow restriction device on properties that continue to exceed their allocation. Item 10.a. - Page 8 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN ORDINANCE ALTERNATIVES · AUGUST 26, 2014 PAGE 9of10 ALTERNATIVES: The following alternatives are presented for consideration: • Approve staff's recommendations; • Modify or do not approve the water conservation public education program; • Direct staff to utilize only the Household Allocation Methodology; • Direct staff to utilize only the Historical Use Methodology; or • Provide staff other direction. ADVANTAGES: The primary advantages of the recommended water conservation public education program is that it will help the City meet its long-term water conservation goals in the most cost effective manner by partnering with neighboring jurisdictions and save staff time by contracting with a professional public relations and marketing firm. The advantages of using the Historical Use Methodology in Stage 1 are that: 1) it would reduce the conservation necessary for each household by requiring everyone to conserve some amount; 2) the water conservation targets could be easily modified and expanded based upon the amount of savings needed to address the existing condition; and 3) less exceptions would be necessary because household size would not be a factor since the water use reduction would be based upon prior usage of the same family. If the Household Allocation Methodology was also used for Stage 1, it would result in minimal or no reductions necessary for small properties and extremely large reductions for large properties. The advantages of using the Household Allocation Methodology for Stage 2 are that: 1) it would be most feasible to effectively determine and enforce the minimal allocation water amount for each household; and 2) every household would be treated equally with regard to allocation of water. DISADVANTAGES: No disadvantages of the water conservation public education program have been identified other than the expense required. The primary disadvantage of using the Historical Allocation Methodology for Stage 1 is that the City will receive complaints that it is not fair to households that have already implemented substantial water conservation efforts, which will make their baseline amount lower. Staff has tried to at least partially address this complaint by prop.osing escalating conservation amounts by water account tier. The primary disadvantage of using the Household Allocation Methodology for Stage 2 is that the City will have to process more exceptions based on household size. Item 10.a. - Page 9 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN ORDINANCE ALTERNATIVES AUGUST 26, 2014 PAGE 10of10 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: No environmental review is required for this item. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS: The agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, August 21, 2014 and on the City's website on Friday, August 22, 2014. No comments were received. Attachment: 1. Water Conservation Outreach Proposal Item 10.a. - Page 10 Verdin |1 WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM Submitted August 14, 2014 Presented to the City of Arroyo Grande ATTACHMENT 1 Item 10.a. - Page 11 WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROJECT|2 Table of Contents WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM 3 BUDGET 10 QUALIFICATIONS 11 VERDIN TEAM 20 RELATED EXPERIENCE 21 PORTFOLIO 27 Item 10.a. - Page 12 verdinmarketing.com 3580 Sacramento Dr. #110, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 t 805 541 9005 f 805 541 9007 RECOMMENDATION from verdin Water Conservation Outreach Proposal CITIES OF ARROYO GRANDE AND PISMO BEACH AUGUST 14, 2014 Introduction With California in an unprecedented drought crisis and the state requiring water suppliers to reduce consumption, a strategic and well-coordinated conservation campaign is a necessity to change public behavior. The proposed campaign for the Cities of Arroyo Grande and Pismo Beach encompasses a variety of communications methods from traditional advertising to social media to grassroots partnerships to spread the conservation message. While conservation programs such as turf removal and retrofit rebates already exist, there needs to be increased public awareness. The outreach campaign would raise the profile of these programs to encourage participation. In addition, this campaign will plant the seed for permanent behavioral changes that can extend long after the current drought has ended, helping the cities achieve their state-mandated water use reduction targets. Experience with other local communities has shown that water saving habits persist for years and even decades after the campaign is over. For example, the City of San Luis Obispo was averaging 180 gallons per person per day before the last major drought of the late 80s/early 90s. After an extensive water conservation campaign, usage dropped dramatically to 86 gallons. Today it stands at 108 gallons, well below the pre- drought number, and below the current statewide average. Initial Research The foundation of any effective communications plan is knowing your target audiences. We would conduct an online survey of city residents to understand their perceptions about the drought, water conservation and their role in responding to the situation. The survey would identify the roadblocks that need to be overcome in order to achieve the desired changes in behavior. If budget allows, we will commission locally based research firm Opinion Studies to conduct a statistically significant telephone study on which we can base perceptions, opinions and use to finalize messaging. The cost for this will range depending on the approach used, either combining cities or doing each as their own survey project. Our recommendation is to use the combined approach, which will yield highly valuable, reliable data for a reasonable cost. Recommended Communications Tactics Brand Development Create a brand for the water conservation campaign that will include a logo, tagline and color palette. The look and feel of the brand will be incorporated into all outreach materials to make the campaign consistent, easily identifiable and memorable. Item 10.a. - Page 13 verdinmarketing.com 3580 Sacramento Dr. #110, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 t 805 541 9005 f 805 541 9007 RECOMMENDATION from verdin Website Option 1: Create a branded website that will serve as the primary source of public information about the conservation campaign. The site would have an easy-to-remember URL that would be included in all campaign collateral. The site would include water saving tips, updates on the progress of the conservation effort and an explanation of the need to conserve. The new site will be prominently promoted on the existing City websites. This will enable easy expansion to accommodate other communities that may join in as part of a Five Cities effort to educate the public on water conservation. Option 2: Create branded landing pages on the existing Arroyo Grande and Pismo Beach City websites with the same information as above. This option would have a slightly lower cost than a separate site, but be harder to brand, promote and maintain effectively. If additional cities join the effort, they would be encouraged to add this page onto their respective city websites as well. Social Media Create Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for the campaign to reach the significant portion of the target audience that uses social media. Facebook alone reaches about 50,000 people aged 25+ in the Arroyo Grande and Pismo Beach areas. Regularly post and tweet drought related updates and conservation tips and news. Encourage the community to become more active and excited about water conservation by increasing fans and followers using a combination of paid ads and organic/viral growth. Facebook ¥ Create a branded cover photo. Change this photo monthly and include a call to action and link to more information. ¥ Post Daily with rich content. Photos and videos are ideal, with links in the captions for more information. Ask people specific questions in order to encourage engagement. For example, you could post a picture of someone shutting off the water while brushing their teeth and ask people what the small things they do on a daily basis to consume less water. ¥ Designate different days for different posts. For example, designate Tuesdays as #Tuesdaytips and post a meme with a short and simple, water saving tip. On the same note, Wednesdays, could become #WaterLessWednesdays and all posts center around articles that talk in more detail about water issues and advice from the experts. ¥ Make use of Facebook Advertising including Boosted Posts to increase engagement. Target Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach and Oceano to make sure your target geographic area is hit. ¥ Share information, graphs, tips and articles about water consumption facts, figures and stories. Saveourwater.com has some great information, articles, videos and infographics on their site and Facebook pages that we could share and then customize to our specific area. ¥ Interact with other relevant and influential pages by liking, commenting and sharing posts. ¥ Incentivize engagement with contests. For example, ask people to post their favorite water conservation tip and someone will be chosen at random to win a gift certificate donated by a restaurant. Twitter ¥ Create an image with a call to action. Share link to landing page. Item 10.a. - Page 14 verdinmarketing.com 3580 Sacramento Dr. #110, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 t 805 541 9005 f 805 541 9007 RECOMMENDATION from verdin ¥ Tweet at least 3 times per day. This can include standard tweets, retweets or quotes and replying to other tweets about relevant topics. ¥ Invest in promoted tweets. Promote tweets that provide relevant and interesting information as well as contests. For contests, use “RT to win” to generate engagement. ¥ Create and use hashtags. Create a relevant hashtag such as #savewater5cities and use on all posts. Make sure hashtags are relevant and short and include no more than one or two hashtags per post. ¥ Follow other water conservation pages and engage them by retweeting and replying to their content. ¥ Follow people who follow the water conservation Twitter page. Instagram ¥ Post photos daily. Share these automatically on Facebook 1-2 times per week. Include up to four hashtags, including some general and/or trending hashtags. ¥ Implement a unique hashtag associated with the campaign. Use something like this unique hashtag, #savewater5cities, on all forms of social media. ¥ Hold a monthly Instagram Photo Contest. Use Facebook/Twitter to encourage fans to enter the Instagram contest. For the first contest, base it around a water saving idea such as taking 5 less minutes in the shower. Have people share a photo of what they are doing with the five extra minutes and tag #5extraminutes (along with #savewater5cities) for a chance to win a prize. ¥ Interact with others on Instagram. Engage and encourage followers by following back, liking and commenting on photos, responding to comments and sharing relevant photos on other social media platforms (with permission). Community Pledge Develop a water conservation “pledge” that residents can take to proclaim their commitment to saving water. This type of personal commitment has proven effective in community-based social marketing programs. The mayors and city councils would be the first to take the pledge. The pledge could be printed as a large poster and posted in public places, where members of the community would be encouraged to sign it. They could also “sign” a digital version of the pledge that would be posted online and sharable on social media. Business Outreach Provide informational materials for Chambers of Commerce and local businesses to distribute to their members and customers. Partner with local nurseries and hardware stores that sell conservation-related products such as drought tolerant plants and low flow fixtures to offer promotional discounts. Possibly include a mailing to businesses with information and tips on how to conserve and direct them to the website and social media for ongoing information. Community Outreach Collaborate with community groups such as Arroyo Grande in Bloom, the Village Improvement Association, the Business Improvement Group (BIG), schools and home owners associations to help spread the Item 10.a. - Page 15 verdinmarketing.com 3580 Sacramento Dr. #110, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 t 805 541 9005 f 805 541 9007 RECOMMENDATION from verdin conservation message. Encourage schools to bring conservation message to the classroom. Many students will share this information with their parents, helping the entire family reduce its usage. ¥ Billing Inserts Inserts advising customers about the conservation campaign would be mailed with utility bills two to three times during the year, as budget allows. Stuffers would be eye-catching and have information on how to conserve, as well as direct residents to the website and social media for online information. This method is a direct tie to the water users, thereby making this an effective tool. ¥ Cable Channel 20 Create water conservation slides that will run on Charter cable’s channel 20, which broadcasts government meetings. These slides will carry information on conservation and direct residents to the website and social media for online information ¥ Direct Mail Postcards A well-designed postcard can capture peoples’ attention and influence them to change their water usage behaviors. Mailers will carry information on conservation and direct residents to the website and social media for online information. Postcards can be mailed only to water customers or to all city residents. Outreach to Visitors Introduce information to support Stewardship programs in partnership with Business Improvement Districts and Chambers of Commerce to educate and inspire visitors to the area to help us conserve. The most effective program will be to provide information to be included with existing programs that reach visitors through the BIDs, but could include content in Visitor’s Guides, information on Visitor TV, tent cards in the rooms and conservation cards given to front desk staff. Press Releases Press releases are an effective way to inform the community of important news, and this topic will have a high level of media interest. Press releases would be distributed to all print, broadcast and digital media serving the Five Cities area. Unlike paid advertising, the media do not charge when they run stories generated by press releases. Community Events At a minimum, information will be distributed at existing community events such as farmers markets, the Clam Festival, car shows and the Strawberry Festival. Depending on final budget allocated, a booth could be created and manned to participate in these events and would feature informational flyers and fun conservation-related activities for kids. A new event could also be created, a Water Conservation Fair, that would include workshops on drought tolerant landscaping, a demonstration garden and the opportunity to purchase low flow fixtures. Item 10.a. - Page 16 verdinmarketing.com 3580 Sacramento Dr. #110, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 t 805 541 9005 f 805 541 9007 RECOMMENDATION from verdin Installation Marketing Create unexpected, eye-catching displays in high-traffic public spaces that keep water conservation top of mind. These installations could include a large electronic sign that shows the community’s water use reduction over time. They could incorporate local symbols such as the Pismo clam. Paid Advertising A well-planned advertising campaign would further spread the conservation message. The campaign would use media that specifically targets the Five Cities area. This includes the Coast News community newspaper and The Beach radio, 95.3FM. Digital media options, which can target to the zip code level, include Facebook and Pandora radio. Digital Advertising ¥ Facebook Ads Facebook has shown to be a wonderfully successful format for advertising. It can reach into a community in a way few other channels can, across gender, age, income and lifestyle. It is cost effect, easily trackable and very adaptable to quick changes in content and targeting. While other social media advertising formats are appearing daily, Facebook’s penetration in the marketplace increases its effectiveness as an advertising vehicle over other platforms. We believe that by using geographic targeting options, we can effectively reach residents with the target area. If additional budget is added to include Grover Beach and Oceano, Facebook ads can quickly and easily be expanded into the larger area. ¥ Google Adwords Google Adwords is an affordable and effective way to drive traffic to any website. They target online users based on their search behaviors (as well as the users location) and have a high return on investment. Another benefit of the Google Adwords program is that it is Pay Per Click, meaning there is only a cost when a viewer clicks on them. They are easily changed, and key words can be managed and altered on a monthly basis. ¥ Targeted Display Banner Ads Digital advertising has grown dramatically in the last five years. Where website banner ads and Search Engine Optimization were the staples a few years ago, innovative new ways to reach online consumers have developed. Ad networks now reach across thousands of premium websites to deliver ads to consumers instantly. Technology can now find common denominators in search and online behaviors and offer ads to those targeted individuals exclusively (this is why these campaigns are often called “hunting” ad campaigns). Individuals who live in the targeted geographical area will see messages on their favorite websites in a traditional display ad format for water conservation. Targeted Display Advertising offers real time dashboards to track performance. This specific online display advertising will allow Arroyo Grande and Pismo Beach to keep consistency in its water conservation message; matching online ads with traditional advertising and other marketing collateral. Item 10.a. - Page 17 verdinmarketing.com 3580 Sacramento Dr. #110, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 t 805 541 9005 f 805 541 9007 RECOMMENDATION from verdin Broadcast Advertising ¥ Pandora Pandora listening is taking the country by storm and replacing traditional radio in many places. The free version of Pandora has become a great way to control music for the entire office with minimal commercials in business environments. In some offices individual workers each listen to their own created stations on their own desk computers to fulfill their personal musical tastes. Pandora is a successful cross over between terrestrial radio stations and digital music stations, with comparable rates. It offers a wide variety of options for micro-targeting. Here are just a few: o Pandora can reach EXACT demos and EXACT geographic target area. Pandora leverages User Registration data (aka "first party data") to assure advertisers they are not wasting impressions. o At Pandora, impressions are guaranteed, not estimated like in traditional radio. Each impression is tracked. o It allows advertisers the ability to cross all music genres, without paying for multiple stations. o Pandora adds a display banner ad that is served when a listener is engaged and using Pandora, with a click through option to the advertiser’s site. o Pandora has full real time dashboard reporting on activity and clicks, much like digital ad reporting. o Pandora will allow movement within the schedule at any time. If heavy rain storms appear early in the season, ads can be postponed to run in dryer months or run with new messaging. ¥ The Beach 95.3 The Beach is a local music station that has strong roots in the AG/Pismo and 5 Cities community. Many area advertisers support the station. The Beach may be added if a co-op agreement is reached with Grover and Oceano to grow the total budget. This station would effectively reach the wider target market. It would be the only media, however, that would include listeners not in the target geographic area as well. Print Advertising ¥ The Coast News The Coast News exclusively covers the news of Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, 5 Cities, Nipomo and Grover Beach. The majority of its concentration is in Arroyo Grande. For this reason, twice monthly color ads are recommended throughout the campaign. ¥ Regal Cinemas Theater Screens Regal Cinema advertising offer highly targeted broadcast ads into a select community. This recommendation would include First Looks ads (the ads prior to every movie) in addition to ads appearing on a screen in the lobby. These ads have the benefit of reaching all ages with minimal distractions. Ads can be either 15 or 30 seconds in duration. We also recommend that these ads run the entirety of the nine months, with new messaging in the event of a heavy rainy season. Item 10.a. - Page 18 verdinmarketing.com 3580 Sacramento Dr. #110, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 t 805 541 9005 f 805 541 9007 RECOMMENDATION from verdin Budget and Schedule Item: AG-Pismo Cost: Add GB-Oceano: Program Strategy & Management $15,000 $5,000 Community Research $3,000 - $30,000 $1,500 - $10,000 Brand Development (Name, logo, colors) $3,000 --- Website Development & Management $5,000 - $10,000 $1,000 - $4,000 Social Media & Management $17,000 - $24,000 $3,000 - $8,000 Community Outreach Business, Community & Visitor $8,000 - $17,000 $4,000 - $8,000 Schools $8,000 $8,000 Ongoing Press Releases $5,000 - $7,500 --- Community Events/Installation Marketing $2,000 - $12,000 $4,000 - $10,000 Advertising $30,000 - $40,000 $20,000 $50,000 TOTALS $130,000 $ 50,000 Notes: Verdin will manage ranges above so that total budget for AG-Pismo not exceed $130,000 and GB-Oceano will not exceed $50,000. See Excel sheet with budget detail broken down. Budget allocations are subject to change with final plan approval. Item 10.a. - Page 19 Cities of Arroyo Grande & Pismo Beach FY 2014-2015 Budget: $130,000 - $180,000 Arroyo Grande & Pismo Beach only Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach and Oceano Description BudgetDescription Additional BudgetTotal Budget Program Strategy & Research Program Strategy & Research Plan Development $3,500 Plan Development $1,500 $3,500 Ongoing Management $11,500 Ongoing Management $3,500 $11,500 Community Research Community Research Online Survey $0 - $3,000 Online Survey $1,500$0 - $3,000 Telephone Survey $18,000 - $30,000 Telephone Survey $10,000$18,000 - $30,000 Brand Development $3,000Brand Development $0 $3,000 Website Website Development $5,000 Development $1,000 $5,000 Ongoing Updates $5,000 Ongoing Updates $4,000 $5,000 Social Media Social Media Set up $1,000 Set up $1,000 $1,000 Ongoing Management $16,000 - $23,000 Ongoing Management $2,000 - $7,000$17,000 - $23,000 Community Outreach Public Relations Outreach Business mailers, Chamber, Rotary $2,000 - $6,000 Business mailers, Chamber, Rotary $2,000$4,000 - $8,000 Residents mailers, water bill stuffers$5,000 - $8,000 Residents mailers, water bill stuffers $4,000$9,000 - $13,000 Visitor info, Chamber and CVB outreach$1,000 - $3,000 Visitor info, Chamber and CVB outreach $2,000$3,000 - $5,000 School flyers, materials for program $8,000 School flyers, materials for program $8,000 $16,000 Ongoing press releases/story generation$5,000 - $7,000 Ongoing press releases/story generation $0$5,000 - $7,000 Community Events $2,000 - $4,000Community Events $2,000 - $4,000$4,000 - $8,000 Installation Marketing $0 - $8,000Installation Marketing $2,000 - $6,000$0 - $14,000 Advertising $30,000 - $40,000Advertising $20,000$50,000 - $60,000 Budget Totals - NOT TO EXCEED $130,000 Budget Totals - NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 $180,000 Notes: Verdin will manage ranges above so that total budget for AG-Pismo not exceed $130,000 and GB-Oceano will not exceed $50,000. Budget allocations are subject to change with final plan approval. Water Conservation Outreach Program Item 10.a. - Page 20 WE ARE PLEASED TO PRESENT OUR PROPOSAL FOR A PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM TO THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE. At Verdin we have a wide variety of experience working with municipalities and government agencies to provide strategies, messaging and outreach materials to a variety of constituencies. In addition to working on some previous projects with the City of Arroyo Grande, we have also worked with the City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Dept. over the past two decades on a range of initiatives, including water and resource conservation. We have recently completed our two-and-a-half year contract on the Los Osos Wastewater Project communications, and are in the midst of a public information program for the County’s related retrofit rebate program in Los Osos. Verdin specializes in helping organizations get the word out on important programs in a cost-effective and compelling manner. We’d love to work with Arroyo Grande to educate the public and support the city’s efforts in water conservation. We thank you for this opportunity. Sincerely, Mary Verdin, President & Chief Strategy Officer 3580 Sacramento Dr. #110 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 541-9005 mary@verdinmarketing.com Item 10.a. - Page 21 Verdin |12 QUALIFICATIONS Qualifications VERDIN IS A FULL-SERVICE MARKETING AGENCY THAT EMBRACES A CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PHILOSOPHY, focusing on the “triple bottom line” – balancing the economic, social and environmental aspects of business. Based in San Luis Obispo, California, Verdin was established in 2003 and has since grown from a one-person company to a national award-winning firm of 14 employees with clients throughout the state of California. Many of our employees take it upon themselves to volunteer for local nonprofit organizations and give back to the community. Our belief in giving back to the community has resulted in donations of marketing services to local nonprofits. Verdin is also an active member of the Public Relations Society of America and is involved in numerous business and community organizations. Please visit verdinmarketing.com for more information. Marketing & Brand Management • Marketing Plans • Strategic Planning • Corporate Identity & Brand Management • Image Perception Assessment • Customer Relationship Management Social Media & Online Marketing • Social Media Strategies & Management • Search Engine Marketing • Blogging & Podcasts • Mobile Marketing Website Development • Information Architecture • Writing, Design & Programming • Ongoing Maintenance Public Relations Services • Public Relations Strategies & Programs • Press Release & Story Generation • Online Release Distribution • White Paper Development & Publication • Cause-related Marketing • Internal Communications • Trade Show Booth Management Advertising • Print Ad Development • Broadcast Production • Digital Media Strategies • Media Buying • Production of Targeted Media Contact Lists VERDIN OFFERS FULL-SCALE MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES: Item 10.a. - Page 22 WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROJECT|13 QUALIFICATIONS SOME OF THE NAMES WE STAND BEHIND Preschool - Junior High School Item 10.a. - Page 23 Verdin |14 Branding Process Our proprietary Verdin 360™ process enables us to effectively delve into a brand and get to the foundational aspects that create brand advocates and build success. Our process will allow us to determine the essence of your brand – defining what makes the City of Arroyo Grande unique and desirable to the target audiences. From here, we can develop a spot-on marketing plan to expand the reach and credibility of the City of Arroyo Grande brand. QUALIFICATIONS Item 10.a. - Page 24 WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROJECT|15 1. Explore Research and analysis of the current state of the brand and of competitors. Identification of important benefits which serve as building blocks to the overall brand. Assessment of all internal and external representation of the brand. 2. Envision Inspirational, memorable and crisp idea that captures what the brand should stand for in the target’s heart and mind versus its competition. The unique long-term personality, image or attitude of the brand. Development or refining of positioning statement, mission statement and core values. 3. Execute Implementation of brand elements, transforming the visuals and messaging developed into the external manifestation of the brand. 4. Evaluate Ongoing monitoring to metrics and continuous adjustments, as needed, to reach goals. 5. Enjoy Celebration of small and large successes; kudos to the team and showing recognition where it’s due. 360TM 1 . E x p lore 2 . E n v i s i o n 5. Enjoy a n d a djust, as needed. w h e r e y ou are now. b e a n d h o w t o g et there. leveraging for growth. D i s c o v e r and def ne P l a n w h e r e y o u w ant to Celebrate successes; asse s s 4 . E valuate 3 . E x e c u t e M e a s ure performance B r i n g t h e p l a n t o life. Item 10.a. - Page 25 Verdin |16 Brand Blueprint Verdin will create a custom Brand Blueprint for your brand, which is a tangible representation of all information gathered and insights gained from the Explore and Envision phases of the Verdin 360. The Blueprint will guide all marketing and branding efforts moving forward to ensure a consistent, effective brand. QUALIFICATIONS Item 10.a. - Page 26 WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROJECT|17 BRAND BRAND EXPLANATION (Internal Strategic Choices) BRAND EXPERIENCE (External Consumer Communications) Brand Benefits The most important benefits that serve as building blocks to the brand foundation; these few points should include both points of differentiation and parity from competitors. Brand Promise & Reputation The most important reason to trust the brand; this could include a pedigree of experience, long-term standing as a trusted brand or extraordinary expertise. For existing brands, also includes current reputation and perception of brand among consumers. Brand Character The brand’s unique, long- term personality, image, voice and attitude. BRAND ESSENCE A memorable and crisp concept that captures the uniqueness of the brand in the hearts and minds of the target audience. The executional drivers are the primary brand elements that are used consistently without variation. These are the elements consumers will see or experi- ence firsthand that will develop the brand’s long-term stature, provide a marketplace pedigree, and that consumers will clearly identify with the brand. COULD INCLUDE: Logo, color palette, font or typography, icon, selling line or tagline, shape, brand look, signature benefit visual, nomenclature, sound, music, pattern, touch and scent, as well as website, ads, collateral, campaigns, etc. BRINGING YOUR BRAND TO L I F E Item 10.a. - Page 27 Verdin |18 Public Relations QUALIFICATIONS GET NOTICED WITH VERDIN PR TRUST THE EXPERTS AT VERDIN TO HELP GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT. Whether you need to publicize an event, increase brand awareness, mitigate a crisis situation, or overhaul your entire communications strategy, Verdin’s expert public relations team can deliver results. In today’s noisy, over-saturated media landscape we can get your message heard. We provide individualized comprehensive branding and media relations programs with creative and proactive storyline development as unique as your brand. Our team can get results at the local and national level built from our trusted relationships with members of the media. OUR PR EFFORTS HAVE EARNED US • A 98% run rate of distributed press release topics in targeted media.* • Image Awards from the Public Relations Society of America. • ADDY Awards from the American Advertising Federation. Contact us today to find out more about what Verdin can do for your brand. *Calculation is based on press release distribution and subsequent media coverage in 2013. ✔✔Compelling brand storylines ✔✔Creative press release writing ✔✔Targeted and optimized press release distribution ✔✔Traditional media outreach ✔✔Event media coordination ✔✔Ongoing media visibility for mature companies ✔✔Press tours ✔✔Reputation managment and crisis communications ✔✔Guaranteed immediate exposure online ✔✔Media monitoring and reporting PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES: Item 10.a. - Page 28 WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROJECT|19 Social Media QUALIFICATIONS SOCIALIZE YOUR BRAND WITH VERDIN VERDIN HARNESSES THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA to help clients reach their specific business goals. Social media marketing encompasses strategic communications and branding efforts to help increase brand awareness, customer loyalty, customer base and sales. By using Verdin’s highly customized and affordable strategic services, companies of all sizes and experience can grow their business. We will work with clients at any level to help them reach their goals by using proven social media marketing tactics. PICK AND CHOOSE FROM OUR RANGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING SERVICES: ✔✔Social media audit ✔✔Competitive analysis ✔✔Custom social media marketing strategies ✔✔Tailored social media content calendars ✔✔Online brand management and monitoring ✔✔Implementation guidelines ✔✔Online video marketing campaigns ✔✔Social account design and development ✔✔Custom Facebook app design and development ✔✔One-on-one consultations ✔✔In-house training Item 10.a. - Page 29 Verdin |20 VERDIN TEAM Lisa Campolmi MEDIA/MARKETING SPECIALIST Lisa forms media buying solutions to meet all of our clients’ marketing and advertising needs. She gets the job done and maintains strong integrity. Mary Verdin PRESIDENT & CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER Mary has more than 23 years of experience in the industry. She is known as someone who can get things done; a problem solver who acheives results. Megan Condict SENIOR DESIGNER Megan leads the Verdin design team. Her inspira- tional designs meet our clients’ business goals while also creating lasting impressions. Christiana Newcomb ACCOUNT COORDINATOR Christiana quickly devel- oped an interest in the process of company man- agement and marketing. Her attention to detail keeps projects on track. Adam Verdin PRINCIPAL Adam is deeply involved in all aspects of the business. He provides vision and strategy and helps keep the creative efforts of the firm focused on clients’ objectives. Karyn Savory GRAPHIC DESIGNER Karyn brings a colorful per- spective to all client projects. She has an uncanny ability to listen to what clients want and translate that into visually stunning design. Michelle Starnes OPERATIONS MANAGER Michelle is the cog that keeps us running. With over five years of experience in the printing industry, she navi- gates behind-the-scenes processes with ease and grace. Ashlee Akers VP/CLIENT SERVICES Ashlee focuses on analyz- ing client needs and exec- uting complete solutions with creativity that meets clients’ expectations and pushes beyond their goals. Jackie Cruickshank PRODUCTION DESIGNER Jackie understands how great design can make a huge difference in the way a campaign is received. She helps bring a client’s project to life. Megan Rivoire CREATIVE STRATEGIST Megan’s high-energy and passion for perfection helps her breathe life into any project. She leads the creative strategy of all Verdin projects. Dave Schermer MARKETING SPECIALIST Dave is an Emmy Award- winning journalist with a back- ground in journalism and website development. He helps our clients navigate the evolving media landscape. Connie Clements BOOKKEEPER A creative soul, Connie manages our bank acc- ounts, creating client invoices, or making sure our vendors get paid on time. She fits right in at Verdin. Whitney Szentesi DIGITAL STRATEGIST Whitney actively accom- plishes goals through hard work and planning. She’s a master at creating tailored social media and public relations strategies. Stephanie Goodwin PR/MARKETING SPECIALIST Stephanie’s passion for build- ing client relationships is matched by her enthusiasm for crafting compelling brand messaging and she provides additional PR expertise. Elizabeth DeVeny ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Elizabeth provides valuable administrative support for the agency, allowing our staff to focus on client work and business development. Item 10.a. - Page 30 WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROJECT|21 RELATED EXPERIENCE Spring 2013 Volume 17, Issue 2 BULKY ITEMS: New Sewer Cap | Improved Utility Billing | Rainy Season is Coming No Water Shortage for SLO Water Customers The City of San Luis Obispo is not threatened by the drought conditions and imminent water shortages plagu- ing many other communities statewide, even as we head into the dry weather season. That’s because about 25 years ago the community em- barked on one of the most successful water conservation campaigns in California, and at the same time diligently pursued alternative water supplies to secure a reliable water future. As a result, the City has reduced water use to sustain- able levels and completed the Nacimiento Reservoir Supply and Recycled Water Projects, which added more than 3,000 acre feet of water to the City’s water portfolio. San Luis Obispo now has enough water to weather an 11-year drought. The combination of good planning and a strong community commitment created a unique balance of water efficiency and water supply, which is the excep- tion, not the rule, in California. HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE: Spring Cleaning |Water, Sewer Rate Changes |Spring Irrigation Tips SPRING CLEANING WAS NEVER SO EASY SPRING CLEANUP WEEK: JUNE 17-21 Nothing feels better than shedding junk or unused items from your home. So start planning now and prepare for Spring Cleanup Week, June 17 to 21. During Spring Cleanup Week, San Luis Garbage Company picks up additional items on your regular trash and recy- cling day. Look for more information in the coming weeks. Remember, either 12 standard trashcans (32 gallons each) or the equivalent in other containers, or 12 bundles, each four feet or less in length and 75 pounds or less in weight, are allowed during the special pick up. Special prices for bulky items are valid during Cleanup Week. Additional items must be on the curb to qualify for these spe- cial prices, and you must schedule the pickup in advance. Please call (805) 543-0875 two days before collection day to schedule the pickup. Bulky items can be picked up during cleanup week for only $10 each. This includes: Televisions • Water Heaters Couches • Washers • Dryers Small Appliances • Chairs Box Springs • Mattresses Refrigerators • Overstuffed Chairs • Metal Items • Passenger Car Tires (no more than four) New Sewer Cap | Improved Utility Billing | Rainy Season is Coming What you can do to help prevent this… • INSPECT your rain gutters, downspouts, and yard drains to see if they are connected to your sanitary sewer lateral. Such connections are illegal. • CHECK your sewer clean out (call a plumber if you are not sure where yours is). Make sure the cap to the clean out pipe is on and has not been damaged. Replace missing caps; other- wise, rain can get into the sewer line. • AVOID planting trees and shrubs, which can cause damage to your lateral, above or near the sewer lateral that runs from your home to the street. • REPLACE your sewer lateral if you have persistent problem with root intrusion or frequent blockages. • Consider having the sewer lateral video inspected when purchasing a home to avoid surprises in the future. Winter 2013 Volume 17, Issue 1 HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE: Your Dollars at Work |Great Time To Plant |Winter Stormwater Tips YOU AND I & I (INFLOW & INFILTRATION) There are two problems most people don’t know about until there’s a backup in the sewer system and raw sewage spills into the street, a home or business. Those two problems are called “inflow” and “infiltration.” Inflow into sewer pipes can occur through rain falling directly into open drains that are connected to the system, or through surface drains, such as rain gutters being illegally connected to the collection system. By comparison, infiltration occurs when groundwater enters the sanitary sewer pipes through cracks and leaking joints. A vast majority of the infiltration contribution is from faulty private sewer laterals throughout the City. So why is this important? The added flow that these two items create can increase the volume of water in the collection system by a whopping 566%. This not only increases costs for treatment because of increased volume of water flowing through the system to the wastewater treatment plant, but it can also cause sewage overflows. On average, about 4.5 million gallons of water flow through the collection system every day during the dry season. But inflow and infiltration can increase that to about 20 million gallons during a storm event. What does this mean for you? Aside from the potential for sewage to spill into your business or home, the current and future cost to treat relatively clean water as wastewater is considerable. Planned upgrades to the Water Reclamation Facility include adding capacity to treat this water, which will affect your future sewer rate. Please call (805) 781-7215 with any questions or for more information.New Sewer Cap | Improved Utility Billing | Rainy Season is Coming Fall 2013/Winter 2014 Volume 18, Issue 1 New Sewer Cap Period Starts in November It’s that time again – the next period for establishing your sewer cap for 2013–14 is coming up. Your sewer cap is re-established annually by averaging your household’s last three billing cycles during the winter months when your outdoor irrigations should be at a minimum. So, as the temperature cools and the winter rains begin, turn your irrigation down or off during the sewer cap period to save money all year long on your sewer charges. The new sewer cap becomes effective each July 1. Because billing cycles vary depending on the meter- reading route, winter water use periods may vary by a couple of weeks. To find out when your period begins and ends, visit slowater.org, and click on “winter water use schedule” or call (805) 781-7133. HigHligHts iN tHis issUE: Don't Flush Your Trash |Help Prepare for the 'First Flush' It takes a lot of energy to treat wastewater, but it will soon take much less. The Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Energy Project has secured the funding needed to complete the project. The City Council approved the recommended financing strategy for approximately $7.5 million, paving the way to complete the final design by the end of the year, with construction starting in early 2014. For this important project, the Utilities Department has formed a unique partnership with PG&E to create a sustainable water resource recovery facility and further its goal to be an effective steward of natural and fiscal resources. The results will help the environment and save the city money in the long run, which will in turn help stabilize sewer rates into the future. For more information regarding this exciting new project, please contact Howard Brewen at hbrewen@slocity.org. Utilities Department 879 Morro Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Water r ecLaM ation FaciLity energy proJect takes a notHer step ForWard SAN LUIS OBISPO UTILITIES DEPARTMENT The City’s Utilities Department has counted on Verdin for its marketing and public relations needs for more than 9 years. We create a highly successful quarterly newsletter for the department that keeps the community up-to-date on issues regarding their water and sewer service. Verdin is also currently leading the communications efforts for major upgrades that the City is making to its wastewater treatment plant. RON MUNDS, Water Conservation Manager – rmunds@slocity.org, (805) 781-7258 Item 10.a. - Page 31 Verdin |22 RELATED EXPERIENCE LOWP RETROFIT REBATE INFO Verdin is working closely with the San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Works to encourage residents of Los Osos to upgrade to low-flow plumbing fixtures. The comprehensive communications strategy includes a project-specific website, social media outreach, branded print collateral and a public relations campaign. RAYMOND DIENZO, Program Manager/Project Engineer, County of San Luis Obispo Public Works rdienzo@co.slo.ca.us, (805) 788-2110 Properties shown in blue on the map above are already compliant. Join your neighbors and upgrade your fixtures before the rebate amounts are reduced. County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department County Government Center, Room 206 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ASAP REPROGRAPHICS 93442 So u t h B a y B l v d So u t h B a y B l v d Santa Ysabel AveSanta Ysabel Ave Binscarth RdBinscarth Rd LLoossOOssooss VVaalllleeyy RRdd 10 t h S t 10 t h S t RRaamm oonnaa AAvvee 3rd S t 3r d S t LOS OSOS WATER CONSERVATION REBATE PROGRAM The County is conducting a phone survey on this rebate program. We may be calling soon to get your thoughts. LOS OSOS WATER CONSERVATION REBATE PROGRAM YOU COULD END UP PAYING NOTHING! SAVE NOW AND BE HAPPY LATER. • Rebates can cover the full cost of new water-saving fixtures and installation by a licensed plumber. • Low-flow fixtures are required before connecting to the new sewer system. • Rebate amounts will be reduced after 2014. Don’t wait! TO GET STARTED: Choose your own plumber or contact any of the participating plumbers listed on our website: www.slocounty.ca.gov/pw/lowwp HAVE QUESTIONS? Not sure if your fixtures need a retrofit? Call us at (805) 788-6633 or e-mail rdienzo@co.slo.ca.us REBATE VALUES Toilets up to $250 each Showerheads up to $40 each Faucet Aerators up to $5 each Additional Rebates*up to $150 each *Available for Tier III clothes washers Item 10.a. - Page 32 WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROJECT|23 RELATED EXPERIENCE ON-LOT LATERAL CON N E C T I O N S INFORMATION All property owners in th e s e r v i c e a r e a w i l l b e r e q u i r e d to connect to the main se w e r l i n e s b y t y i n g i n t o t h e sewer laterals that Count y c o n t r a c t o r s w i l l i n s t a l l a t e a c h property line. The on-lot c o n n e c t i o n s w i l l b e r e q u i r e d a f t e r the new collection system a n d W a t e r R e c y c l i n g F a c i l i t y are operational in 2015. T h e p r o c e s s f o r o n - l o t l a t e r a l connections will includ e : 1. Decide whether to co m p l e t e t h e w o r k y o u r s e l f or hire a licensed contrac t o r f r o m a C o u n t y list of those who have bee n p r e - s c r e e n e d a n d completed required envi r o n m e n t a l t r a i n i n g . 2. Submit a plumbing pe r m i t a p p l i c a t i o n t o t h e County (may be done by c o n t r a c t o r ) . T h i s process will be streamlin e d f o r t h e p r o j e c t , b y including a permit proces s i n g o f f i c e i n L o s O s o s and online permit proce s s i n g . 3. Include a site plan wit h t h e p e r m i t a p p l i c a t i o n showing the lateral routi n g o n y o u r p r o p e r t y . 4. Pay any permit and i n s p e c t i o n f e e s ( C o u n t y staff are developing reco m m e n d a t i o n s t o t h e Board of Supervisors to r e d u c e o r e l i m i n a t e t h e permit and inspection fe e s ) . 5. Receive permit approv a l . 6. Have property owne r o r c o n t r a c t o r n s t a l l the lateral, have septic ta n k p u m p e d a n d decommissioned, connect t o t h e s y s t e m . 7. Have final inspection a n d p e r m i t a p p r o v e d b y the building inspector. Since the project will be u n d e r c o n s t r u c t i o n u n t i l 2 0 1 5 and there is currently not h i n g t o c o n n e c t t o , i n s t a l l i n g your sewer lateral on your p r o p e r t y i s n o t r e c o m m e n d e d at this time. FAQ—Early lateral installation Q: Can we install our se w e r l a t e r a l n o w to prepare for connection t o t h e s y s t e m when it is complete? A: Installing a sewer later a l e a r l y i s possible, but not recom m e n d e d . T h e o n - lot work (install lateral, a b a n d o n s e p t i c system, and connect to t h e s y s t e m ) requires permitting and i n s p e c t i o n . I t i s much more efficient if a l l o f t h i s w o r k i s done at the same time. In s t a l l i n g a l a t e r a l early will result in more c o s t s f o r y o u , since extra inspections w i l l b e n e e d e d . Once the project is com p l e t e , y o u w i l l still need to abandon th e s e p t i c s y s t e m and make final connect i o n s , w h i c h m u s t also be inspected. If you i n s t a l l a l a t e r a l before the project is com p l e t e , i t w i l l a l s o need to be re-inspected. 4 www.DigLosOsos.com FAQ—Financial assistance Q: Is financial assistance a v a i l a b l e f o r the on-lot work? A: The on-lot work is estima t e d t o c o s t $2,000 to $3,000 for the t y p i c a l h o m e . However, some may co s t u p t o $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 or more if other major w o r k i s r e q u i r e d to complete the on-lot w o r k . W h i l e s o m e individuals can afford t o p a y f o r t h e s e costs out of pocket, othe r s w i l l n e e d financing. The County i s d e v e l o p i n g a program to provide low-i n t e r e s t l o a n s (currently in the 2% to 3 % r a n g e f o r 2 0 years) that will be much m o r e a f f o r d a b l e than private financing op t i o n s . A l i m i t e d amount of grant funds a r e a l s o e x p e c t e d to be available for the m o s t f i n a n c i a l l y disadvantaged individu a l s . T h e s e programs are being deve l o p e d a n d w i l l be available when the p r o j e c t i s c o m p l e t e and ready for connectio n s . Water Conservation Rebates Most homes and busine s s e s a r e eligible for hundreds o f d o l l a r s i n rebates for low-flow toil e t s a n d fixtures. Installing the s e i s r e q u i r e d before you can connect t o t h e s e w e r . Call the County at (805) 788-6633 or visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/P W / L O W W P for more information. 5 DIG LOS OSOS — DIG TODAY, DONE TO M O R R O W . INTRODUCT I O N Construction o f t h e L o s O s o s W a s t e w a t e r P r o j e c t ( L O W W P ) has begun wit h t h e c o l l e c t i o n s y s t e m a n d i s e x p e c t e d t o c o n - tinue through e a r l y 2 0 1 5 w h e n t h e W a t e r R e c y c l i n g F a c i l i t y is completed. T h e C o u n t y o f S a n L u i s O b i s p o w i l l o p e r a t e a n d maintain the p r o j e c t , w h i c h c o n s i s t s o f t h e s e w e r a n d r e c y - cled water lin e s , s e w e r l a t e r a l s w i t h i n t h e r i g h t o f w a y , p u m p stations, leac h f i e l d s , a n d t h e W a t e r R e c y c l i n g F a c i l i t y . After construc t i o n i s c o m p l e t e a n d t h e s y s t e m i s r e a d y f o r operation, all p r o p e r t y o w n e r s w i l l b e r e q u i r e d t o c o n s t r u c t their private o n - l o t s e w e r l a t e r a l s , d e c o m m i s s i o n t h e i r existing septic t a n k s a n d c o n n e c t t h e i r p r o p e r t y t o t h e s e w e r . A critical com p o n e n t o f t h e p r o j e c t i s t h i s c o n n e c t i o n o f t h e on-lot laterals. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h i s , f l i p t o p a g e 4 . December 201 2 LOS OSOS WASTEWATE R PROJECT What you will f i n d i n t h i s i s s u e : Sewer Lateral D e s i g n • S e p t i c T a n k s • S a f e t y Because colla b o r a t i o n w i t h p r o p e r t y o w n e r s a n d p r o j e c t contractors is i n t e g r a l t o t h e s u c c e s s o f t h i s p r o j e c t , w e have prepared t h i s b r o c h u r e t o h e l p k e e p p r o p e r t y o w n e r s informed of t h e i s s u e s a n d u p c o m i n g s t e p s i n t h e p r o c e s s . For questions a b o u t y o u r p r o p e r t y ’ s s e w e r l a t e r a l a n d the connectio n p r o c e s s , p l e a s e c o n t a c t B r i a n U d e r , (805) 781-44 7 3 o r b u d e r @ c o . s l o . c a . u s . We hope that y o u f i n d t h i s b r o c h u r e helpful and in f o r m a t i v e . F o r q u e s t i o n s about the ong o i n g c o l l e c t i o n s y s t e m construction, p l e a s e c a l l M i c h e l l e Houser at (80 5 ) 2 4 2 - 6 8 1 5 o r v i s i t t h e website www.d i g l o s o s o s . c o m f o r g e n e r a l information, t r a f f i c u p d a t e s , c o n s t r u c t i o n schedules an d t o r e c e i v e u p - t o - d a t e information o n t h e p r o j e c t . 1 DIG LOS OSOS — DIG TODAY, D O N E T O M O R R O W . DIG LOS OSOS Verdin provided communications services and a Verdin employee was the community liaison to the local community during the controversial Los Osos Wastewater Project. In addition to creating the brand and tagline for Dig Los Osos, we developed information materials to help get critical information out to the public, including a website, door hangers and informational sheets. We also coordinated public relations outreach with the county and managed the Dig Los Osos blog. JAMES BRANTLEY, Project Supervisor, HDR Engineering james.brantley@hdrinc.com, (805) 534-1341 Item 10.a. - Page 33 Verdin |24 RELATED EXPERIENCE CCPWQ Verdin has been working with the Central Coast Partners for Water Quality in San Luis Obispo County since 2011, educating county residents about stormwater pollution. In SLO County, the main concerns are pet waste, overwatering and yard waste/fertilizer. We produced one :30 and two :15 TV PSAs, and one :60 radio PSA that run in the Spring and Fall to meet the State requirements. Viewers are directed to a website, stopdirtywater.org, for more information, which directs them to their city’s stormwater information. RON MUNDS, City of SLO Utilities Dept. and CCPWQ member rmunds@slocity.org, (805) 781-7258 Item 10.a. - Page 34 WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROJECT|25 RELATED EXPERIENCE SLO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Verdin created a public service awareness campaign for the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Task Force on Public Safety aimed at raising awareness about disaster preparedness. A series of seven video PSAs that focused on different aspects of disaster preparedness were produced in collaboration with Red Canary Productions, and ran on local television outlets as well as on the Sheriff’s website and YouTube channel. A social media strategy was also implemented using the hashtag “#preparedSLO” to gain more exposure for the campaign. TONY CIPOLLA, Public Information Officer – tcipolla@co.slo.ca.us, (805) 781-4547 This report reflects the hard work of the employees and their continued commit- ment to the community. The following pages will outline the changes that we have instituted over the past year. These changes range from a new Corner’s Office to new personnel. We have and will continue to make changes in the Sheriff’s Office that improve efficiency and effectiveness, both I am very proud to provide this annual report on the accomplishments of the Sheriff’s Office. internally and externally. Change is only possible with the willingness and desire of our employees. We are fortunate to have a tremendous number of dedicated regular employees and volunteers. We are com- mitted to providing the best possible service to the community, in order to make it a safe and desirable place to live and visit. We are leaders and will continue to live by the motto “Leading the Way!” MeSSage frOM the Sheriff-COrO ner Ian Parkinson San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner 4 San LuiS ObiSpO COunty Sheriff’S OffiCe and I have not been disappointed seeing it first hand from the inside. I joined Sheriff Parkinson as the Undersheriff because I knew we shared common phi- losophies and values on leadership. Throughout my law enforcement career, I have valued people as a department’s number one resource. I believe that team- work is critical to success, and no individual is greater than the team. In my years working in law enforcement within this county, I have always been impressed by the quality of staff at the Sheriff’s Office… Accountability and transparency at all lev- els is important, and strengthening the partnership we share with the community we serve is a high priority. I have learned a great deal since coming to the Sheriff’s Office, and realize that I have much more to learn. This is one of my favorite aspects of our profession; the fact that there are unlimited opportunities to learn. The Sheriff’s Office has provided services to our wonderful County since 1850. I am proud to be a part of that his- tory, and I am committed to helping Sheriff Parkinson and our valued employ- ees continue moving the Sheriff’s Office toward excellence. MeSSage frOM u nderS heriff Tim OlivasSan Luis Obispo County Undersheriff Lead the Way AnnuAl RepoRt 2011 5Lead the Way AnnuAl RepoRt 2012 5 Item 10.a. - Page 35 Verdin |26 RELATED EXPERIENCE SLOPD Verdin works with the San Luis Obispo Police Department’s Office of Neighborhood Services manager to educate students about respecting their college town and building relations with long-term residents. Our efforts have gone to raise awareness of the ordinances and penalties of noise and partying violations, as well as to remind them what the consequences of poor decisions could be. More recently, we have worked with SLOPD to develop a campaign to stop panhandling with the “Make Change Count” campaign. CHRISTINE WALLACE, Neighborhood Services Manager cwallace@slocity.org, (805) 781-7186 MONTER E Y S T S A N T A R O S A S T B R O A D S T O S O S S T M O R R O S T C H O R R O S T HIGUER A S T MARSH S T BUCHON S T MISSION PLAZA Monterey @ Chorro Higuera @ Court Street Higuera @ Downtown Center Chorro @ Marsh Broad @ Marsh Higuera @ Chorro Higuera @ Osos What happens on St. Patrick s Day stays on your record Drunk in Public Felony arrest and fines starting at $407 DUI Arrest, loss of license and fines starting at $5,000 UNRULY GATHERING Fines starting at $1,000 Open Container Fines starting at $700 Public Urination Fines starting at $700 The doubled fines (represented above) go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 17 and end at 7 a.m. on March 18. Call SLO Safe Ride at (805) 620–SAFE (7233) if you need a ride home. Porta potties will be installed on Garden, Chorro and Broad Streets on Friday, March 14th and will remain through the 17th for your convenience. For more information, visit RespectSLO.com Handouts don’t help. If you give panhandlers money, you could actually be feeding their addiction. Donate to charity or give at these donation meters to make a difference. www.SLOhelpthehomeless.com Higuera @ Chorro Higuera @ Court Street Higuera @ Osos Higuera @ Downtown Center Broad @ Marsh Chorro @ Marsh Monterey @ Chorro If you give panhan d l e r s m o n e y , y o u c o u l d actually be feeding t h e i r a d d i c t i o n a n d keeping them on th e s t r e e t s l o n g e r . Donate at one of t h e m a n y d o w n t o w n donation meters l i s t e d o n t h e b a c k o f this card, or contr i b u t e o n l i n e v i a t h e United Way. SUPPORT SOLUT I O N S , NOT ADDICTIONS. HANDOUTS DON’T HELP www.SLOhelpth e h o m e l e s s . c o m Item 10.a. - Page 36 WATER CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION PROJECT|27 On June 5, voters will b e a s k e d t o v o t e “ Y E S ” o r “ N O ” o n Measure A-12, which r e q u i r e s a t w o - t h i r d s v o t e r a p p r o v a l . The following voter info r m a t i o n i s t o h e l p v o t e r s m a k e a n informed decision. This measure seeks v o t e r a p p r o v a l t o i s s u e b o n d s u p t o a m a x i - mum of $6.7 million to cons t r u c t a n e w p o l i c e s t a t i o n a t t h e c o r n e r of West Branch Street a n d O l d R a n c h R o a d a n d t o r e t i r e b o n d s issued in 2003 for ex p a n s i o n o f t h e f i r e s t a t i o n . T h e p r o p e r t y t a x assessment rate w i l l b e maintained at equal to o r less than the curre n t r a t e paid by property owne r s f o r the fire station bonds. T h e r e - fore, the measure w i l l n o t increase the current a n n u a l property tax assess m e n t rate, but will extend i t f o r a 3 0 - y e a r t e r m . T h e c u r r e n t a n n u a l property tax assessme n t r a t e i s a p p r o x i m a t e l y $ 8 p e r $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 of assessed value. The total cost of the pro j e c t i s e s t i m a t e d t o b e a p p r o x i m a t e l y $ 7 . 5 million, and retiring the f i r e s t a t i o n b o n d s w i l l c o s t a p p r o x i m a t e l y $800,000. Total prop o s e d f u n d i n g i n c l u d e s $ 8 5 0 , 0 0 0 c u r r e n t l y programmed, $750,00 0 f r o m t h e s a l e o f t h e e x i s t i n g p o l i c e s t a t i o n and an unused portion o f t h e p r o p o s e d s i t e , a n d $ 6 . 7 m i l l i o n f r o m issuance of the bonds . The City has applied to t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s D e p a r t m e n t o f A g r i c u l - ture for low-interest fi n a n c i n g o f t h e b o n d s . A n n u a l p a y m e n t s a r e estimated to be $360,0 0 0 p e r y e a r , w h i c h w i l l b e p a i d a p p r o x i - mately half from the pro p e r t y t a x a s s e s s m e n t a n d h a l f f r o m l o c a l sales tax funds progra m m e d f o r t h i s p r o j e c t . The existing police stat i o n b u i l d i n g w a s a c q u i r e d i n 1 9 7 3 a n d w a s last expanded in 198 9 . S t a f f i n g , f u n c t i o n s a n d w o r k l o a d h a v e increased substantia l l y s i n c e t h a t t i m e . A n a d j a c e n t t e m p o r a r y modular unit is curre n t l y b e i n g u t i l i z e d t o p r o v i d e n e c e s s a r y operational space. The new facility wil l e n a b l e t h e A r r o y o G r a n d e P o l i c e Department to addres s t h e f o l l o w i n g i d e n t i f i e d d e f i c i e n c i e s of the existing facility : • Addition of office spa c e f o r t h e I n v e s t i g a t i o n ’ s S e c t i o n • Addition of an Emerg e n c y O p e r a t i o n s C e n t e r ( E O C ) t o coordinate citywide i n c i d e n t r e s p o n s e a c t i v i t i e s i n t h e event of a disaster • Expansion of the 911 s y s t e m a n d E m e r g e n c y C o m m u - nications Center • Expansion of evidenc e a n d e q u i p m e n t s t o r a g e • Addition of adequa t e p a r k i n g Please contact the Arro y o G r a n d e P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t a t ( 8 0 5 ) 4 7 3 - 5 1 2 0 w i t h questions or for additio n a l i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e p r o j e c t . THIS FLYER IS PRE S E N T E D F O R I N F O R M A T I O N A L P U R P O S E S A N D D O E S N O T A D V O C A T E A V O T E F O R O R A G A I N S T T H E M E A S U R E MEASURE A-12 VOTER INFORMATIO N A L M A T E R I A L Current Police Station a t 2 0 0 North Halycon Road Proposed site for new P o l i c e S t a t i o n a t t h e c o r n e r o f West Branch Street an d O l d R a n c h R o a d What is a charter city? There are two forms of city govern m e n t i n C a l i f o r n i a – a g e n e r a l l a w city and a charter city. A general law c i t y o p e r a t e s u n d e r t h e g e n e r a l powers granted by the statutory la w s o f t h e S t a t e o f C a l i f o r n i a . A charter city operates under the au t h o r i t y o f a l o c a l l y d r a f t e d c h a r t e r , approved by voters. This charter e s s e n t i a l l y s e r v e s a s a l o c a l c o n s t i -tution for a city, providing greater lo c a l c o n t r o l o v e r a r e a s t h a t h a v e been determined by the courts to b e “ m u n i c i p a l a f f a i r s . ” Why should Arroyo Grande b e c o m e a c h a r t e r c i t y ? As a charter city, Arroyo Grande w i l l h a v e m o r e c o n t r o l o v e r l o c a l finances, allowing the City to man a g e f u n d s i n a m o r e c o s t - e f f e c t i v e manner when dealing with munici p a l a f f a i r s . T h e C i t y w i l l h a v e g r e a t e r flexibility in operations of its munic i p a l g o v e r n m e n t , w h i c h c a n t r a n s -late to greater efficiency, effecti v e n e s s a n d i n n o v a t i o n . Unlike a general law city, a charter c i t y h a s m o r e o p t i o n s w h e n considering how to handle munici p a l a f f a i r s , s u c h a s : • Local bidding and purchasing pr o c e d u r e s • Land use and zoning decisions • Local elections • Public improvement financing Does the proposed charter ex p a n d t h e C i t y o f A r r o y o Grande’s authority to establi s h i n c r e a s e d t a x e s o r f e e s ? No. A provision is included in the propo s e d c h a r t e r t h a t s t a t e s : “ T h i s charter shall not be interpreted as g i v i n g t h e C i t y g r e a t e r a u t h o r i t y t o raise the level of taxes or to create n e w t a x e s b e y o n d t h e p o w e r s granted to general law cities, nor to e x e m p t t h e C i t y f r o m a n y p r o c e -dures for raising the level of taxes o r f o r c r e a t i n g n e w t a x e s r e q u i r e d by the law applicable to general la w c i t i e s . ” But what does that mean to yo u ? A charter serves as a local co n s t i t u t i o n f o r a c i t y , a n d d r a f t i n g o u r o w n c h a r t e r w i l l allow the City of Arroyo Grand e t o h a v e m o r e l o c a l c o n t r o l , p r o v i d i n g t h e C i t y w i t h the ability to manage local fina n c e s i n a m o r e c o s t - e f f e c t i v e m a n n e r . A Clear Process A proposal is under consideratio n b y t h e C i t y o f A r r o y o G r a n d e t o p l a c e a m e a s u r e to become a charter city on th e b a l l o t a t t h e N o v e m b e r 4 , 2 0 1 4 m u n i c i p a l e l e c t i o n . The City Council has conducte d a n e x t e n s i v e a n d t r a n s p a r e n t p r o c e s s t o o b t a i n a s much public involvement as po s s i b l e . An 11-member Citizens’ City C h a r t e r A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e e p r o v i d e d b r o a d c o m - munity representation to deve l o p r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s o n t h e c h a r t e r a n d p r o c e s s . This broad-based group inclu d e d l o c a l i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h v a r i e d b a c k g r o u n d s , i n - cluding business, agriculture, a n d n o n p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n s . The committee held several m e e t i n g s t h a t w e r e o p e n t o t h e p u b l i c , w h i c h r e s u l t e d in the development of a draft c h a r t e r t h a t i s d e s i g n e d t o b e s t m e e t t h e n e e d s o f t h e community. Once the draft char t e r w a s c o m p l e t e d , t h e c o m m i t t e e r e c o m m e n d e d the City Council proceed with th e p r o c e s s . A p u b l i c h e a r i n g t o d i s c u s s t h e c h a r t e r will be held on April 8, 2014. Frequently Asked Questions a b o u t C h a r t e r C i t i e s Does the proposed charter p r o v i d e t h e C i t y C o u n c i l w i t h authority to increase their c o m p e n s a t i o n ? No. A provision is included in the pr o p o s e d c h a r t e r t h a t s t a t e s : “The salary of the Mayor and Coun c i l M e m b e r s s h a l l c o n t i n u e t o be set pursuant to the State law a p p l i c a b l e t o g e n e r a l l a w c i t i e s . ” What is SB7 and how does i t a f f e c t t h e c i t y c h a r t e r ? SB7 is a recent bill passed by the S t a t e L e g i s l a t u r e t h a t p r o h i b i t s charter cities from receiving state f u n d s i f t h e y h a v e a p r o v i s i o n i n their charter that allows contractor s t o n o t p a y s t a t e - r e q u i r e d p r e v a i l i n g wage rates on public works contra c t s , e v e n f o r p r o j e c t s p a i d f o r entirely with local funds. The bill i s e x p e c t e d t o b e c h a l l e n g e d since it appears to conflict with a r e c e n t S u p r e m e C o u r t o f C a l i f o r n i a ruling that found prevailing wage a m u n i c i p a l a f f a i r t h a t c h a r t e r c i t i e s have a right to determine. As a resul t , t h e p r o p o s e d c h a r t e r i n c l u d e s provisions granting the City of Arro y o G r a n d e a u t h o r i t y o v e r p r e v a i l i n g wage decisions that will take eff e c t o n l y i f S B 7 i s f o u n d t o b e i n v a l i d by the courts. Does the proposed charte r p r o h i b i t t h e C i t y o f Arroyo Grande from requiri n g “ p r e v a i l i n g w a g e ” rates be paid on contracts fo r p u b l i c w o r k s p r o j e c t s ? No. The proposed charter simply provi d e s t h a t t h e C i t y C o u n c i l i s t o establish criteria and guidelines fo r d e t e r m i n i n g w h e n p r e v a i l i n g wages apply, rather than the Stat e L e g i s l a t u r e . Where can I get a copy of the d r a f t charter?A copy of the draft charter unde r c o n s i d e r a t i o n b y t h e C i t y Council can be downloaded on l i n e a t www.arroyogrande.org. For more information, contact Ci t y s t a f f a t (805) 473-5400 or visit www.arroyogrande.org. Photo by Vivian Krug PORTFOLIO FRENCH HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE Jack may be nimble... frenchmedicalcenter.org | arroyograndehospital.org | marianmedicalcenter.org Jack may be quick, but he didn’t clear the candle stick, so his friends took him to the French Hospital Medical Center Emergency Room, and now he’s at it again. At the French Hospital ER, the average wait time to be seen by a Board Certified Emergency Physician is 20 minutes or less and we never ask you to pay a pre-registration fee. Just a few reasons why the French ER is nationally ranked for patient satisfaction. 2 little monkeys jumping on the bed... At the French Hospital ER, the average wait time to be seen by a Board Certified Emergency Physician is 20 minutes or less and we never ask you to pay a pre-registration fee. Just a few reasons why the French ER is nationally ranked for patient satisfaction. When one fell off and bumped her head, Mama took her to the French Hospital Medical Center Emergency Room, and now they’re jumping again. frenchmedicalcenter.org | arroyograndehospital.org | marianmedicalcenter.org THIS IS A RESOURCE I N T E N D E D T O P R O V I D E C O M P L E T E I N F O R M A T I O N A B O U T M E A S U R E A - 1 2 , W H I C H W I L L B E O N A J U N E 5 B A L L O T F O R T H E C I T Y O F A R R O Y O GRANDE. THIS FLY E R I S P R E S E N T E D F O R I N F O R M A T I O N A L P U R P O S E S O N L Y A N D D O E S N O T A D V O C A T E A V O T E F O R O R A G A I N S T T H E M E A S U R E . City of Arroyo Grande 300 East Branch Street Arroyo Grande, CA 934 2 0 MEASURE A-12 VOTER INFORMATIO N A L M A T E R I A L PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ARROyO GRANDE, CA PERmIT NO. 37 Judith Bean Arroyo Grande Chamber of Co m m e r c e r e p r e s e n t a t i v e Tom Goss Arroyo Grande In Bloom repres e n t a t i v e Patricia Hardy Rotary representative Vard Ikeda Agriculture representative Kirk Scott South County Historical Society r e p r e s e n t a t i v e Randy Steiger Village Improvement Association r e p r e s e n t a t i v e Bob Lund Mayor Ferrara appointee Zachary Hall Council Member Guthrie appoint e e Andrea Montes Council Member Costello appoin t e e Duke Sterling Council Member Brown appoi n t e e John Keen Former Council Member Ray a p p o i n t e e CITIZENS’ CITY CHARTER AD V I S O R Y C O M M I T T E E City of Arroyo Grande 300 East Branch Street Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 Arroyo Grande City Charter Public Informatio n PRESORT STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE PAID CENTRAL COAST PRINTING After a lengthy public process, A r r o y o G r a n d e h a s t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o o p e r a t e under the authority of a locally d r a f t e d c h a r t e r i f a p p r o v e d b y C i t y C o u n c i l a n d t h e n the voters. Arroyo Grande could t h e n b e c o m e C a l i f o r n i a ’ s n e x t c h a r t e r c i t y . POSTAL PATRON Item 10.a. - Page 37 Verdin |28 RIDESHARE PORTFOLIO PEOPLE’S SELF-HELP HOUSING Peoples’ Self-Help Housing STRATEGIC P L A N Board Adopted o n J u l y 2 5 , 2 0 1 3 Peoples' Self- H e l p H o u s i n g mission is to p r o v i d e a f f o r d a b l e housing and p r o g r a m s l e a d i n g to self-sufficie n c y f o r l o w - income familie s , s e n i o r s , a n d other special n e e d s g r o u p s o n California's C e n t r a l C o a s t . FPO Item 10.a. - Page 38 © 2014 verdin Item 10.a. - Page 39 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Item 10.a. - Page 40