Ord 0191 12/2013ORDINANCE NO. 191
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VALLECITOS WATER DISTRICT
ESTABLISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR
CONTROL OF FATS, OILS AND GREASE
WHEREAS the Board of Directors wishes to establish rules and regulations for
f the control of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from food service establishments (FSEs) and
the recovery of reasonable costs associated with compliance;
l
L_ WHEREAS the program intends to: provide for the beneficial use of the District's
wastewater collection, conveyance and treatment system; prevent blockages of
wastewater systems and the accidental discharge of wastewater to storm drain systems
or the environment; ensure the cost of maintaining a FOG program is equitably
distributed among users; and establish grease disposal requirements to promote public
health and safety.
WHEREAS the District is required to have a FOG control program in accordance
with the 2006 - 0003 -DWQ Statewide General Discharge Requirements for Sanitary
Sewer System issued by the State Water Resources Control Board;
- - WHEREAS the District General Manager, or his designee, shall be authorized to
enforce all provisions of this Ordinance;
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Directors of the Vallecitos Water District as
follows:
SECTION 1: PURPOSE AND SCOPE
It is the purpose and intent of this ordinance to establish regulations for the
disposal of FOG and other insoluble waste discharges from FSEs within the District's
service area.
For purposes of this ordinance, FSEs shall include establishments primarily
engaged in activities of preparing, serving, or otherwise making available for
consumption and use one or more of the following preparation activities: cooking by
frying (all methods), baking (all methods), grilling, sauteing, rotisserie cooking, broiling
(all methods), boiling, blanching, roasting, toasting, or poaching. Also included are
infrared heating, searing, barbecuing, and other food preparation activity that produces
a hot, non - drinkable food product in or on a receptacle that requires washing.
Examples of FSEs include, but are not limited to, full service restaurants, fast food
establishments, delicatessens, cafeterias (including church and school facilities where
commercial equipment is installed and the frequency of use indicates more than
occasional use), meat distributors, butchering, food processing facilities, grocery stores
with food preparation and /or service areas, bakeries, caterers, and /or similar types of
operations.
SECTION 2: DISCHARGE PROHIBITIONS
No person shall discharge, or cause to be discharged, any wastewater from a
FSE directly or indirectly into the sewer system without complying with this section.
Ordinance No. 191 Page 2
No FSE shall discharge, or cause to be discharged into the sewer system, FOG
that exceeds the concentration levels in accordance with the District's Pretreatment
Ordinance or that may accumulate, cause or contribute to blockages in the public
wastewater system or private sewer lateral which connects the FSE to the public
wastewater system.
The following prohibitions shall apply to all FSEs:
• Installation of food grinders in the plumbing system of new construction of any
FSEs that generate FOG is prohibited. Existing food grinders must be
removed from existing food service establishments that generate FOG, as
determined by the District, within ninety (90) days of written notice to remove.
• Introduction of any additives into any FSE wastewater system for the purpose
of emulsifying FOG is prohibited.
• Disposal of waste cooking oils into drainage pipes. All waste cooking oils
shall be collected and stored properly in receptacles such as barrels or drums
for recycling or other acceptable methods of disposal.
• Discharge of wastewater from dishwashers to any grease removal device
(GRD). GRID shall mean any gravity grease interceptor, hydromechanical
grease interceptor or other approved device, which attaches to, or is applied
to, wastewater plumbing fixtures and lines, the purpose of which is to trap or
collect FOG and solid waste prior to it being discharged into the sewer
system.
• Discharge of wastewater with temperatures in excess of 140 °F to any GRD.
• The use of biological additives for grease remediation or as a supplement to
interceptor maintenance is prohibited, unless prior written approval from the
General Manager is obtained.
• Discharge of wastes from toilets, urinals, wash basins, and other fixtures
containing fecal materials to sewer lines intended for GRD service, or vice
versa.
• Discharge into the sewer system of any waste which has FOG as well as
l- solid waste removed from a GRD. Waste from a GRID shall be waste hauled
periodically as part of the operation and maintenance requirements. A
licensed waste hauler or an approved recycling facility shall be used to
dispose of FOG, including waste cooking oils.
• Operation of a GRD with FOG and solids accumulation exceeding twenty -five
percent (25 %) of the design hydraulic depth.
SECTION 3: FOG PRETREATMENT REQUIREMENTS
Ordinance No. 191 Page 3
All FSEs are required to install, operate and maintain an approved type and
adequately sized GRID necessary to maintain compliance with the objectives of this
section.
The GRID must be capable of separating and removing FOG contained in
wastewater discharges from any FSEs prior to discharge to the sewer system
consistent with the requirements of this section.
Property owners of commercial properties or their official designee(s) shall be
responsible for the installation and maintenance of the GRID serving multiple FSEs that
are located on a single parcel.
SECTION 4: NEW CONSTRUCTION
All new construction, remodeling or change in operations shall require the
installation of an approved gravity GRID. If the City /County Building Department
determines that it is impossible or impracticable to install or operate a gravity GIRD for
the subject facility under the provisions of this section, properly -sized hydromechanical
GIRD can be installed in -lieu of a gravity GRID.
SECTION 5: NOTIFICATION OF PLANNED CHANGES
All FSEs shall notify the District in writing at least sixty (60) days in advance of
any change of ownership, facility expansion /remodeling, or process modifications that
may result in new or substantially increased FOG discharges or a change in the nature
of discharges. The notification shall include the extent of the proposed
expansion /remodeling and all information requested by the District for evaluation of the
effect of such expansion on the FOG discharge to the sewer system.
SECTION 6: GRID INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
GRDs for FSEs sizing and installation shall conform to the current edition of the
California Plumbing Code and shall be constructed in accordance with the design
approved by the City /County Building Department. GRDs shall be installed at a location
where it shall be at all times easily accessible for inspection, cleaning, and removal of
accumulated grease and solids.
SECTION 7: GRID MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
GRDs shall be maintained in an efficient manner consistent with the maintenance
frequency approved by the District allowing periodic removal of the full content which
includes wastewater, accumulated FOG, floating materials, sludge and solids. This is to
ensure that the minimum hydraulic retention time and required available volume is
maintained to effectively intercept and prevent FOG from being discharged to the sewer
system. No FOG that has accumulated in a GRID shall be allowed to pass into any
sewer lateral, sewer system, storm drain, or public right of way during maintenance
activities.
Ordinance No. 191 Page 4
Section 7.1: Minimum Cleaning Frequency. Gravity GRDs shall be
fully pumped out and cleaned at a minimum of once every three (3) months or at
a frequency such that the combined FOG and solids accumulation does not
exceed twenty -five percent (25 %) of the total designed hydraulic depth of the
GRID.
Hydromechanical GRDs shall be fully pumped out and cleaned at a
minimum of once a month or at a frequency such that the combined FOG and
solids accumulation does not exceed twenty -five percent (25 %) of the total
designed hydraulic depth of the GRID.
The maintenance frequency may be adjusted by the District when
sufficient data has been collected to establish a revised frequency based on
actual operating conditions and generation of FOG from the FSE. The
maintenance frequency may be increased or decreased.
The owner /operator of a FSE may submit a request to the District
requesting a change in the maintenance frequency. The FSE has the
responsibility to submit data and information necessary to demonstrate that the
requested change in frequency_ reflects actual operating conditions_ based on the
average FOG accumulation over time and meets the requirements described in
this section.
If the GRID, at any time, contains FOG and solids accumulation that
does not meet the requirements described in this section, the FSE shall be
required to have the GRID serviced immediately such that all fats, oils, grease,
sludge, and other materials are completely removed.
SECTION 8: MONITORING FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS
The District may require FSEs to construct and maintain in proper operating
condition, at the establishment's sole expense, flow monitoring, constituent monitoring
and /or sampling facilities. The location of the monitoring or metering facilities shall be at
the sole discretion of the District. FSEs may be required to submit waste analysis
plans, contingency plans, and meet other necessary requirements to ensure proper
operation and maintenance of the GRID and compliance with this section.
FSEs shall not increase the use of water, or in any other manner attempt to dilute
a discharge, as a partial or complete substitute for treatment to achieve compliance with
this section.
SECTION 9: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
All FSEs shall establish and implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to
minimize the discharge of FOG to the sewer system and shall include, at a minimum,
the following BMPs:
Ordinance No. 191 Pape 5
• Drain screens shall be installed on all sanitary sewer drainage pipes in food
preparation and kitchen areas.
• Kitchen Best Management Practices and No Grease signage shall be posted
conspicuously in the food preparation and dishwashing areas at all times.
• All waste cooking oil shall be collected and stored properly in recycling
receptacles such as drums and barrels. Recycling receptacles shall be
maintained properly to ensure that they do not leak. Licensed waste haulers
and /or approved recycling facilities must be used to dispose of the waste
cooking oil.
• All food waste shall be disposed of directly into the trash or garbage, and not
in sinks or toilets.
• All wastewater flowing into a GRD shall not exceed a temperature of 140° F.
• Kitchen exhaust filters shall be cleaned as frequently as necessary to be
maintained in good operating condition. The wastewater generated from
cleaning the exhaust- filter - shall -be- disposed -of properly. -
Training shall be documented and employee signatures retained indicating each
employee's attendance and understanding of the practices reviewed. Training records
shall be available for review at any reasonable time by the District. Employees of the
FSE shall be trained once every six (6) months and all new -hires must be trained within
two (2) weeks of employment on the following subjects:
• How to "dry wipe /scrape" pots, pans, dishware and work areas to remove
food waste, fats, oils and grease prior to dishwashing.
• How to properly dispose of food waste and solids prior to disposal in trash
bins or containers to prevent leaking and odors.
• The location and use of absorption products to clean under fryer baskets and
other locations where grease may be spilled or dripped.
• How to properly dispose of grease or oils from cooking equipment into a
grease receptacle such as a barrel or drum without spilling.
SECTION 10: MONITORING AND REPORTING CONDITIONS
The District may require periodic reporting of FSEs' implementation of Best
Management Practices.
The District may require visual monitoring (video camera inspection), at the sole
expense of FSEs, to observe the actual conditions of the sewer lateral and sewer lines
downstream.
Ordinance No. 191 Page 6
The District may require written reports from a certified laboratory for self -
monitoring of wastewater constituents and FOG characteristics of FSEs needed for
determining compliance with this section. Failure by FSEs to perform any required
monitoring, or to submit monitoring reports required by the District, constitutes a
violation of this section and shall be cause for the District to initiate all necessary tasks
and analyses to determine the wastewater constituents and FOG characteristics for
compliance with any conditions and requirements specified in this section. FSEs shall
be responsible for any and all expenses of the District in undertaking such monitoring
analyses and preparation of reports.
Other reports may be required such as compliance schedule progress reports,
FOG control monitoring reports, and any other reports deemed reasonably appropriate
by the District to ensure compliance with this section.
SECTION 11: RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS
FSEs shall keep all manifests, receipts and invoices of all cleaning, maintenance
of the GRD, disposal carrier and disposal site location for no less than three (3) years.
FSEs shall, upon request, make the manifests, receipts and invoices available to the
District. These records may include:
• A logbook of GRID cleaning and maintenance practices.
• A record of BMPs being implemented including employee training.
• Copies of records and manifests of waste hauling interceptor contents and /or
waste cooking oil disposal.
• Records of sampling data and sludge height monitoring for FOG and solids
accumulation in the GRD.
• Any other information deemed appropriate by the District to ensure
compliance with this section.
SECTION 12: INSPECTION AND SAMPLING CONDITIONS
District may inspect or order the inspection and sample the wastewater
discharges of FSEs subject to this section to ascertain whether the intent of the FOG
program is being met and the FSEs are complying with conditions of this Ordinance.
E
FSEs shall allow District access to the premises during normal business hours
for purposes of inspecting GRDs, BMPs and record keeping requirements.
District shall have the right to place or order the placement on FSEs' property or
other locations, as determined by District, such devices as are necessary to conduct
sampling or metering operations. Where FSEs have security measures in force, FSEs
Ordinance No. 191 Page 7
shall make necessary arrangements for representatives of District to be permitted to
enter without delay for the purpose of performing their specific responsibilities.
SECTION 13: RIGHT OF ENTRY
Persons or occupants of premises where wastewater is created or discharged
shall allow District reasonable access to all parts of the wastewater generating and
i disposal facilities for the purposes of inspection and sampling during all times the
discharger's facility is open, operating, or any other reasonable time. No person shall
interfere with, delay, resist or refuse entrance to District personnel attempting to inspect
any facility involved directly or indirectly with a discharge of wastewater to District's
sewer system. In the event of an emergency involving actual or imminent sanitary
sewer overflow (SSO), District may access adjoining businesses or properties that
share a sewer system with FSEs in order to prevent or remediate an actual or imminent
SSO.
SECTION 14: INSPECTION /ADMINISTRATION FEES
All account holders associated with FSEs shall pay a monthly fee of Twenty -One
Dollars ($21). The fee shall be adjusted automatically on J;
increase in the San Diego All -Urban Consumer Price Index.
A re- inspection fee of One Hundred Dollars ($100) may be collected for
additional inspections required to determine whether specified corrected actions for
noted violations of this ordinance have been implemented and if additional
improvements are required.
SECTION 15: NUISANCE DECLARATION
Sewer system overflows may cause threat and injury to public health, safety, and
welfare of life and property and are hereby declared public nuisances. Discharge of
wastewater in any manner in violation of this ordinance is hereby declared a public
nuisance and shall be corrected or abated as directed by District.
SECTION 16: NOTIFICATION OF SPILL
In the event any FSE is unable to comply with any provision of this section as a
result of a breakdown of equipment, accidents, or human error or the FSE has
reasonable opportunity to know that the discharge will exceed the discharge provisions
i of this ordinance or has the potential to result in sewer blockages or SSOs, the
discharger shall immediately notify District by telephone.
Such notification shall not relieve FSEs of any expense, loss, damage or other
liability which may be incurred as a result of damage or loss to District or any other
damage or loss to person or property; nor shall such notification relieve FSEs of any
fees or other liability which may be imposed by this section or other applicable law.
Ordinance No. 191 Page 8
SECTION 17: SEWER SYSTEM OVERFLOWS AND CLEANUP COSTS
FSEs found to have contributed to a sewer blockage, SSO, or any sewer system
interferences resulting from the discharge of wastewater or waste containing FOG, may
be ordered to install and maintain GRDs and may be subject to a plan to abate the
nuisance and prevent any future health hazards created by sewer line failures and
blockages, SSOs or any other sewer system interferences.
If District must act to contain and /or clean up a SSO caused by blockage of a
private or public sewer system, because of an unauthorized discharge of FOG, District's
costs for such abatement will be borne by the property owner or operator of the FSE,
and said costs will become due and payable upon District's request for reimbursement.
FSEs that experience two (2) or more SSOs within a one (1) year period, or three
(3) within a five (5) year period, may be required by the District to install FOG
pretreatment units if the FSEs do not have one, or upgrade to a larger unit, to prevent
future SSOs. FSEs may also be required to inspect and /or repair their private lateral on
a frequency approved by District.
All sewer laterals must be cleaned periodically by the property owner at a
frequency that prevents blockages or SSOs from occurring.
SECTION 18: ENFORCEMENT, PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Board of Directors finds that in order for District to comply with the laws,
regulations, and rules imposed upon it by regulatory agencies, and to ensure that
District's sewer facilities are protected and are able to operate with the highest degree
of efficiency, and to protect the public health and environment, specific enforcement
provisions must be adopted to govern the discharges to District's system by FSEs.
To ensure that all interested parties are afforded due process of law and that
violations are resolved as soon as possible, the general policy of District is that:
• Any determination relating to a notice of violation and Compliance Schedule
Agreement (CSA) will be made by the District, with a right of appeal by FSEs
to the General Manager pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 25.
• FSEs may request District's Board of Directors to hear an appeal of the
General Manager's decision pursuant to Section 26. Such request may be
granted or denied by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 19: COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE AGREEMENT
Upon determination that a FSE is in noncompliance with the terms and
conditions specified in any provision of this ordinance, or needs to construct and /or
acquire and install GRDs, District may require FSEs to enter into a Compliance
Schedule Agreement (CSA).
Ordinance No. 191 Page 9
The issuance of a CSA may contain terms and conditions including but not
limited to requirements for installation of GRDs and facilities, submittal of drawings or
reports, audit of waste hauling records, BMPs and waste minimization practices,
payment of fees, or other provisions to ensure compliance with this ordinance.
District shall not enter into a CSA until such time as all amounts owed to District,
including user fees, noncompliance sampling fees or other amounts due are paid in full,
or an agreement for deferred payment secured by collateral or a third party, is approved
by the District.
If compliance is not achieved in accordance with the terms and conditions of a
CSA during its term, the General Manager may terminate FSEs' sewer service.
All costs for physical termination shall be paid by the owner or operator of FSEs
as well as all costs for reinstating service.
FSEs determined to be in noncompliance with the terms and conditions specified
in any provision of this ordinance shall pay a noncompliance fee. The purpose of the
noncompliance fee is to compensate District for costs of additional inspection and
follow -up, sampling, monitoring, laboratory analysis, treatment, disposal, and
administrative processing incurred as a result of the noncompliance, and shall be in
addition to and not in lieu of any penalties as may be assessed pursuant to Sections 22,
23 and 24. Noncompliance fees shall be in the amount adopted by ordinance or
resolution of District's Board of Directors.
SECTION 20: DAMAGE TO FACILITIES OR INTERRUPTION OF
NORMAL OPERATIONS
Any person who discharges any waste which causes or contributes to any sewer
blockage, SSO, obstruction, interference, damage, or any other impairment to District's
sewer facilities or to the operation of those facilities shall be liable for all costs required
to clean or repair the facilities together with expenses incurred by District to resume
normal operations. A Board - adopted overhead charge shall be added to the costs and
charges to reimburse District for miscellaneous overhead, including administrative
personnel and record keeping. The total amount shall be payable within forty -five (45)
days of invoicing by District.
Any person who discharges a waste which causes or contributes to District's
violation of discharge requirements established by any regulatory agency incurring
additional expenses or suffering losses or damage to the facilities, shall be liable for any
costs or expenses incurred by the District, including regulatory fines, penalties, and
assessments made by other agencies or a court.
SECTION 21: EMERGENCY SUSPENSION ORDER
District may, by order of the General Manager, suspend sewer service when the
General Manager determines that such suspension is necessary in order to stop an
actual or impending discharge which presents or may present an imminent or
Ordinance No. 191 Page 10
substantial endangerment to the health and welfare of persons, or to the environment,
or may cause SSOs, sewer blockages, interference to District's sewer facilities, or may
cause District to violate any state or federal law or regulation. Any discharger notified of
and subject to an Emergency Suspension Order shall immediately stop the discharge of
all wastewater containing FOG to the sewer system.
As soon as reasonably practicable following the issuance of an Emergency
Suspension Order, but in no event more than five (5) business days following the
issuance of such order, the General Manager shall hold a hearing to provide the FSE
the opportunity to present information in opposition to the issuance of the Emergency
Suspension Order. Such hearing shall not stay the effect of the Emergency Suspension
Order. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with procedures established by
the General Manager and approved by District's General Counsel. The General
Manager shall issue a written decision and order within two (2) business days following
the hearing, which decision shall be sent by certified mail to the FSE or its legal
counsel /representative at the FSE's business address. The decision of the General
Manager following the hearing shall be final and not appealable to District's Board, but
may be subject to judicial review pursuant to Section 29.
SECTION 22: CIVIL PENALTIES
All users of District's system and facilities are subject to enforcement actions
administratively or judicially by District, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and
State of California Regional Water Quality Control Board. Said actions may be taken
pursuant to the authority and provisions of several laws, including but not limited to:
(1) Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly known as the Clean Water Act
(33 U.S.C.A. § 1251, et seq.); (2) California Porter - Cologne Water Quality Control Act
(California Water Code, § 13000, et seq.); (3) California Hazardous Waste Control Law
(California Health & Safety Code §§ 25100 to 25250); (4) Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C.A § 6901, et seq.); and (5) California Government
Code, §§ 54739 - 54740.
In the event District is subject to the payment of fines or penalties pursuant to the
legal authority and actions of other regulatory or enforcement agencies based on a
violation of law or regulation or its permits, and said violation can be established by
District as caused by the discharge of any user of District's system in violation of any
provision of this ordinance, then District shall be entitled to recover from the user all
costs and expenses, including but not limited to the full amount of said fines or penalties
to which it has been subjected.
Pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Sections 54739 - 54740,
any person who violates any provision of this ordinance, any permit condition,
prohibition or effluent limit, or any suspension or revocation order shall be liable civilly
for a sum not to exceed $25,000 per violation for each day in which such violation
occurs. Pursuant to the authority of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251, et seq.),
any person who violates any provision of this ordinance, or any permit condition,
prohibition, or effluent limit shall be liable civilly for a sum not to exceed $25,000 per
violation for each day in which such violation occurs. District's General Counsel, upon
request of the General Manager, shall petition the Superior Court to impose, assess,
Ordinance No. 191 Page 11
and recover such penalties, or such other penalties as District may impose, assess, and
recover pursuant to federal and /or state legislative authorization.
SECTION 23: ADMINISTRATIVE CIVIL PENALTIES
(1) Pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Sections
54740.5 and 54740.6, District may issue an administrative complaint to any
person who violates:
(a) any provision of this ordinance;
(b) any permit condition, prohibition, or effluent limit; or
(c) any suspension or revocation order.
(2) The administrative complaint shall be served by personal delivery
or certified mail on the person and shall inform the person that a hearing will be
conducted, and shall specify a hearing date within sixty (60) days following
service. The administrative complaint will allege the act or failure to act that
constitutes the violation of District's regulations, the provisions of law authorizing
civil liability to be imposed, and the proposed civil penalty. The matter shall be
heard by the General Manager or his /her designee. The person to whom an
administrative complaint has been issued may waive the right to a hearing, in
which case a hearing will not be conducted.
(3) At the hearing, the person shall have an opportunity to respond to
the allegations set forth in the administrative complaint by presenting written or
oral evidence. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the
procedures established by the General Manager and approved by the District's
General Counsel.
(4) If the General Manager designated a hearing officer, after the
conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall submit a written report to the
General Manager setting forth a brief statement of the facts found to be true, a
determination of the issues presented, conclusions, and a recommendation.
(5) Upon receipt of the written report by the hearing officer, or
conclusion of the hearing if the General Manager conducted the hearing, the
General Manager shall make a determination and if grounds exist for
assessment of a civil penalty against the person, shall issue a decision and order
in writing within thirty (30) calendar days after the conclusion of the hearing.
(6) If it is found after the hearing or appeal, that the person has violated
reporting or discharge requirements, the General Manager or Board of Directors
may assess a civil penalty against that person. In determining the amount of the
civil penalty, the General Manager or Board of Directors may take into
consideration all relevant circumstances, including but not limited to the extent of
harm caused by the violation, the economic benefit derived through any non-
compliance, the nature and persistence of the violation, the length of time over
which the violation occurs, and corrective action, if any, attempted or taken by
the person involved.
(7) Civil penalties may be assessed as follows:
Ordinance No. 191 Page 12
(a) In an amount which shall not exceed Two Thousand Dollars
($2,000) for each day for failing or refusing to furnish required reports;
(b) In an amount which shall not exceed Three Thousand
Dollars ($3,000) for each day for failing or refusing to timely comply with
any compliance schedules established by the District;
(c) In an amount which shall not exceed Five Thousand Dollars
($5,000) per violation for each day of discharge in violation of any waste
discharge limit, permit condition, or requirement issued, reissued, or
adopted by the District;
(d) In any amount which does not exceed Ten Dollars ($10) per
gallon for discharges in violation of any suspension, revocation, cease and
desist order or other orders, or prohibition issued, reissued, or adopted by
the District.
(8) An order assessing administrative civil penalties issued by the
General Manager shall be final in all respects on the thirty -first (31st) day after it
is served on the person unless an appeal and request for hearing is filed with the
Board of Directors pursuant to Section 26 no later than the thirtieth (30th) day
following such mailing. An order assessing administrative civil penalties issued
by the Board of Directors shall be final upon issuance.
(9) Copies of the administrative order shall be served on the party
served with the administrative complaint, either by personal service or by
registered mail to the person at the business or residence address, and upon
other persons who appeared at the hearing and requested a copy of the order.
(10) Any person aggrieved by a final order issued by the Board of
Directors, after granting review of the order of the General Manager, may obtain
review of the order of the Board of. Directors pursuant to Government Code
Section 54740.6, by filing in the superior court a petition for writ of mandate
within thirty (30) days following the service of a copy of the decision or order
issued by the Board of Directors.
(11) Payment of any order setting administrative civil penalties shall be
made within thirty (30) days of the date the order becomes final. The amount of
any administrative civil penalties imposed shall constitute a debt to District.
(12) No administrative civil penalties shall be recoverable for any
violation for which District has recovered civil penalties through a judicial
proceeding filed pursuant to Government Code Section 54740.
SECTION 24: CRIMINAL PENALTIES
Any person who violates any provision of this Ordinance is guilty of a
misdemeanor, which upon conviction is punishable by a fine not to exceed One
Thousand Dollars ($1,000), or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both.
Each violation and each day in which a violation occurs may constitute a new and
separate violation of this ordinance and shall be subject to the penalties contained
herein.
Ordinance No. 191 Page 13
SECTION 25: APPEALS TO GENERAL MANAGER
FSEs affected by any decision, action or determination made by District or notice
of violation given during an inspection, may file with the General Manager a written
request for an appeal hearing. The request must be received by District within fifteen
(15) days of mailing of notice of the decision, action, or determination of the General
Manager to the appellant. The request for hearing shall set forth in detail all facts
supporting the appellant's request.
The General Manager shall, within fifteen (15) days of receiving the request for
appeal, designate a department head or other person to hear the appeal and provide
written notice to the appellant of the hearing date, time and place. The hearing date
shall not be more than thirty (30) days from the mailing of such notice by certified mail to
the appellant unless a later date is agreed to by the appellant. If the hearing is not held
within said time due to actions or inactions of the appellant, then the staff decision shall
be deemed final.
At the hearing, the appellant shall have the opportunity to present information
supporting its position concerning the General Manager's decision, action or
determination. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with procedures
established by the General Manager and approved by District's General Counsel.
After conclusion of the hearing, the department head (or other designee) shall
submit a written report to the General Manager setting forth a brief statement of facts
found to be true, a determination of the issues presented, conclusions, and a
recommendation whether to uphold, modify or reverse the original decision, action or
determination. Upon receipt of the written report, the General Manager shall make a
determination and shall issue the decision and order within thirty (30) calendar days of
the hearing by the designee. The written decision and order of the General Manager
shall be sent by certified mail to the appellant or its legal counsel /representative at the
appellant's business address.
The order of the General Manager shall be final in all respects on the sixteenth
(16th) day after it is mailed to the appellant unless a request for hearing is filed with the
Board of Directors pursuant to Section 26, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the fifteenth (15th)
day following such mailing.
SECTION 26: APPEALS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FSEs adversely affected by a decision, action, or determination made by the
General Manager may, prior to the date that the General Manager's order becomes
i final, file a written request for hearing before the Board of Directors accompanied by an
k - appeal fee in the amount established by a separate resolution of District's Board of
Directors. The request for hearing shall set forth in detail all the issues in dispute for
which the appellant seeks determination and all facts supporting appellant's request.
No later than sixty (60) days after receipt of the request for hearing, the Board of
Directors shall either set the matter for a hearing, or deny the request for a hearing. A
hearing shall be held by the Board of Directors within sixty -five (65) days from the date
Ordinance No. 191 Page 14
of determination granting a hearing, unless a later date is agreed to by the appellant
and the Board of Directors. If the matter is not heard within the required time, due to
actions or inactions of the appellant, the General Manager's order shall be deemed
final.
The appeal fee shall be refunded if the Board of Directors denies a hearing or
[ reverses or modifies, in favor of the appellant, the order of the General Manager. The
fee shall not be refunded if the Board of Directors denies the appeal.
t
After the hearing, the Board of Directors shall make a determination whether to
uphold, modify, or reverse the decision, action, or determination made by the General
Manager. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be set forth in writing within sixty -
five (65) days after the close of the hearing and shall contain a finding of the facts found
to be true, the determination of issues presented, and the conclusions. The written
decision and order of the Board of Directors shall be sent by certified mail to the
appellant or its legal counsel /representative at the appellant's business address.
The order of the Board of Directors shall be final upon its adoption. In the event
the Board of Directors fails to reverse or modify the General Manager's order, it shall be
SECTION 27: PAYMENT OF CHARGES
Except as otherwise provided, all fees, charges and penalties established by this
ordinance are due and payable upon receipt of notice thereof. All such amounts are
delinquent if unpaid twenty (20) days after date of invoice. Any charge that becomes
delinquent shall have added to it a penalty in accordance with the following: (1) twenty -
one (21) days after date of invoice, a basic penalty of ten percent (10 %) of the base
invoice amount, not to exceed a maximum of Seventy -Eight Dollars ($78); and (2) a ten -
dollar ($10) charge per letter of notification regarding payment delinquency or continued
noncompliance with this Ordinance.
Penalties charged under this section shall not accrue to those invoices
successfully appealed, provided the District receives written notification of said appeal
prior to the payment due date.
Payment of disputed charges is still required by the due date during District
review of any appeal submitted by FSEs.
SECTION 28: COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS
Collection of delinquent accounts shall be in accordance with District's policy
resolution establishing procedures for collection of delinquent obligations owed to
District, as amended from time to time by the Board of Directors. Any such action for
collection may include an application for an injunction to prevent repeated and recurring
violations of this ordinance.
Ordinance No. 191 Page 15
SECTION 29: JUDICIAL REVIEW
Pursuant to Section 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, District
hereby enacts this part to limit the time within which an action can be brought, for review
of such decisions by means of administrative mandamus, to ninety (90) days following
final decisions in adjudicatory administrative hearings.
Section 29.1: Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms and
words shall have the following meanings:
(1) "Decision" shall mean and include adjudicatory administrative
decisions that are made after hearing.
(2) "Complete record" shall mean and include the transcript, if any
exists, of the proceedings, all pleadings, all notices and orders, any proposed
decision by District's officers, agents, or employees, the final decision, all
admitted exhibits, all rejected exhibits in the possession of District or its officers,
agents or employees, all written evidence, and any other papers in the case.
Section 29.2: Time Limit for Judicial Review. Judicial review of any
decision of District or its officer or agent may be made pursuant to Section
1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure only if the petition for writ of mandate is
filed not later than the ninetieth (90th) day following the date on which the
decision becomes final. If there is no provision for reconsideration in the
procedures governing the proceedings or if the date is not otherwise specified,
the decision is final on the date it is made. If there is provision for
reconsideration, the decision is final upon the expiration of the period during
which such reconsideration can be sought; provided that if reconsideration is
sought pursuant to such provision the decision is final for the purposes of this
section on the date that reconsideration is rejected.
The complete record of the proceedings shall be prepared by District's
officer or agent who made the decision and shall be delivered to the petitioner
within ninety (90) days after filing the written request. District may recover from
the petitioner the actual costs for transcribing or otherwise preparing the record.
If the petitioner files a request for the record within ten (10) days after the
date the decision becomes final, the time within which a petition, pursuant to
Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, may be filed shall be extended to
not later than the thirtieth (30th) day following the date on which the record is
either personally delivered or mailed to the petitioner or the petitioner's attorney of
record, if appropriate.
In making a final decision, District shall provide notice to the party that
Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure governs the time within which
judicial review must be sought.
Ordinance No. 191 Page 16
Notwithstanding the foregoing in this section, and pursuant to Government
Code Section 54740.6, judicial review of an order of the Board of Directors
imposing administrative civil penalties pursuant to this ordinance may be made
only if the petition for writ of mandate is filed not later than the thirtieth (30th) day
following the day on which the order of the Board of Directors becomes final.
SECTION 30: SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause or phrase of this
ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such
invalidity shall not affect the validity of this entire ordinance or any of the remaining
portions hereof. The Board of Directors hereby declares that it would have passed this
ordinance, and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause or phrase
hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions,
sees, clauses or phrases be declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the
Vallecitos Water District at a regular meeting this 10th day of December, 2013, by the
following roll call vote:
AYES: EVANS, HERNANDEZ, POLTL, MARTIN
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
xv� �
Haly rtin, Preside
Board of Directors
Vallecitos Water District
ATTEST:
Dennis O. Lamb, Secretary
Board of Directors
Vallecitos Water District