City Council

b. WATER MASTER PLAN AND RATE STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE FORMATION\nSummary:\nThe City of Signal Hill’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan identifies conducting a\ncomprehensive water rate study and updating the Water Master Plan (WMP) to\nensure the sustained delivery of safe and clean water while enhancing financial\nsustainability as key initiatives.\nThe City’s Water rates, last adopted in 2019, established rates for the period\nfrom 2020 to 2024. On December 7, 2023, the City Council approved a\nconsulting services agreement with Dudek Engineering Services (Dudek) to\nprepare the Water Master Plan and Water Rate Study Project.\nCurrently, the City is in the process of updating both the WMP and the Water\nRate Study (WRS). The WMP assesses the City's water system infrastructure,\nidentifies deficiencies, and outlines a strategic plan for capital improvements\nover the next five years. Building on the findings of the WMP, the WRS aims to\nestablish a sustainable and equitable rate structure to ensure adequate funding\nfor operations and capital projects.\nStaff is recommending to appoint two council members to serve on a\nsubcommittee to review the preliminary financial analysis, provide guidance on\nfindings, and develop recommendations for rate adjustments. If approved, staff\nwould schedule the subcommittee meeting for either Tuesday, December 17,\n2024 or Monday, January 27, 2025; a Water Rate Study Council Workshop at\nthe City Council meeting of Tuesday, February 25, 2025; and a Water Rate\nStudy Community Workshop on Monday, March 10, 2025.\nStrategic Plan Goal(s):\nGoal No. 1 Financial Stability: Ensure the City’s long-term financial stability\nand resilience.\nGoal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical\ninfrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.\nGoal No. 5 High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication,\nrecruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the\neffectiveness and efficiency of City services.\nRecommendations:\n1. Appoint two City Council members to serve on a subcommittee to review the\nWater Master Plan preliminary financial analysis and develop\nrecommendations for any necessary water rate adjustments.\n2. Select one of the following dates for the subcommittee meeting: Tuesday,\nDecember 17, 2024 or Monday, January 27, 2025.\n3. Schedule the Water Rate Study Council Meeting Workshop for Tuesday,\nFebruary 25, 2025.\n4. Schedule the Water Rate Study Community Workshop for Monday, March 10,\n2025.