City Council

b. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 2025-04-1554\nAMENDING CHAPTER 13.04.130 (RATE ESTABLISHMENT) OF THE SIGNAL\nHILL MUNICIPAL CODE\nSummary:\nThe City of Signal Hill currently provides water service and collects associated\nservice fees in accordance with California law. Although the Signal Hill Municipal\nCode authorizes the adoption of rates by resolution, the existing water service\nand rate structure is included in Chapter 13.04 (Water Service and Rates) of the\nMunicipal Code. As a result, any changes currently require adoption by\nordinance. However, effective January 1, 2017, changes to Health and Safety\nCode Section 5471, allow public agencies to adopt new or increased water\nservice fees by resolution.\nOn April 22, 2025, City Council introduced Ordinance 2025-04-1554, which\nproposes to amend Sections 13.04.130(A) and 13.04.130 (C) of the Municipal\nCode. The proposed Ordinance would confirm the City would update rate\nchanges by resolution, streamline the rate setting process, and remove the\nrequirement to include water rates within the Municipal Code, without\ndiminishing the City’s legal authority.\nStaff is now presenting Ordinance No. 2025-04-1554 for second reading and\nadoption. If adopted, the Ordinance would become effective June 12, 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.\nRecommendation:\nAdopt Ordinance No. 2025-04-1554, entitled:\nAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL,\nCALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 13.04.130(A) AND 13.04.130(C) OF\nTHE SIGNAL HILL MUNICIPAL CODE TO AUTHORIZE FUTURE RATES FOR\nWATER SERVICE FEES TO BE SET BY RESOLUTION, AND FINDING SAID\nACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY\nACT.