Lathrop Weekly News - 04-06-2012 - City of Lathrop

MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/6/2012
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council Members
City Staff Members
Members of the Public
Cary Keaten, City Manager
With thanks to Teresa Vargas, Juliana Burns and Tessie Monjes for assisting with
this report.
Lathrop Weekly News
General & Featured Updates
LOUISE AVENUE WATER TREATMENT FACILITY, CORPORATION YARD AND EMERGENCY
COMMAND CENTER- The City of Lathrop held it’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the newly
constructed Louise Avenue Water Treatment Facility, Corporation Yard and Emergency
Command Center onsite March 27, 2012. The City hosted a brief ceremony and tour of the new
plant and facility. In attendance were several Lathrop residents, San Joaquin Partnership,
members of the Lathrop City Council and Planning Commission, representatives from the San
Joaquin Board of Supervisors, and a representative from the offices of Assemblymember
Cathleen Galgiani and Senator Lois Wolk. The event was a great opportunity to bring the
community together and a time for staff to celebrate the countless hours of hard work and
dedication put into the almost 5 year project.
Our Mission is to Provide a Safe, Friendly Community for Our Residents,
Visitors and Businesses Through Economic Growth Along Interstate 5

PROP 84 GRANT AWARD - The City of Lathrop has been notified that it has been selected to
receive a grant for $5 million through the Proposition 84 Statewide Park Program for the City’s
Community Complex Project. The City received formal written notification from the State of
California on Friday, March 30, 2012. The Community Complex Project includes a youth & teen
center and other indoor/outdoor amenities.
The State of California awarded $368 million in Statewide Park Program grants for the creation
of new parks and recreation facilities in critically underserved communities throughout
California. The $368 million was split into two separate competitive grant rounds and the
creation of new parks in neighborhoods was given priority. In fact, in Round Two of the
Statewide Park Program, Lathrop’s project was one of 64 project selected for funding from a
pool of over 400 applications.
The Lathrop community has been diligently working on the master plan, concept and design of
this project with Lathrop’s Youth Advisory Commission and City staff since 2007. Over thirty-five
public meetings have taken place to ensure that the public’s ideas and concepts for the project
had a direct impact on not only the amenities to be designed but the actual relation of how the
amenities would be integrated into the facility.
(Youth Advisory Commission Sub-Committee being notified of the grant award on 3/27/12)
SPRING FUN DAY & GIANT CANDY EGG HUNT - The Spring Fun Day & Giant Candy Egg Hunt will
take place on Saturday, April 7th from 10am – 12pm at Manuel Valverde Park (15557 Fifth
Street, Lathrop). Games will take place during the first hour including: parachute play, sack
races, egg toss, tug of war and triangle tag. The Candy Egg Hunt will take place during the
second hour and is intended for toddlers through 4th graders only. Jamba Juice smoothies will
be for sale and face painting will be available for a fee. Event sponsors include: Ghirardelli and
Jamba Juice. For more information, please contact the Lathrop Community Center at (209) 941-
7370.
SPRING BUNNY BREAKFAST - The Spring Bunny Breakfast will take place on Saturday, April 7th
from 8:30am - 11am at the Lathrop Senior Center (15707 Fifth Street, Lathrop). Menu includes
pancakes, scrambled eggs, juice, coffee, sausage and bacon! Cost is $5 for adults and $4 for
children. The Spring Bunny will visit the children during breakfast and have small treats. Photos
are welcomed. Please contact the Lathrop Senior Center at (209) 941-7380 for tickets or more
information.

VALVERDE SLIDE – Staff was notified of a crack in the slide at Valverde Park this week. Park
Maintenance has boarded up the slide and it is expected to re-open for use in approximately
one month.
Legislative Updates
Detailed Departmental Updates
Lathrop Police Services:
IMPORTANT LINKS
o http://www.ci.lathrop.ca.us/lpd/
o
o
http://www.sjgov.org/sheriff/
http://www.sjgov.org/sheriff/releases.htm
SPECIAL EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
• HANDHELD CELL TICKET - $159 – IT’S NOT WORTH IT -- April is “Distracted Driving
Awareness” Month - Lathrop Police Services, along with many other Law Enforcement
Agencies across the State, will participate in the “It’s Not Worth It” Public Awareness
Campaign against Distracted Drivers talking or texting on cell phones.
In April 2011, the Office of Traffic Safety, using federal funds, conducted the nation’s
first statewide cell phone observational survey that showed nine percent of drivers were
talking or texting while driving, representing hundreds of thousands of drivers at any
given time. Research has shown that drivers who use hand-held devices are four times
as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.
An awareness tip for parents from the California Office of Traffic Safety, “A good step
for parents is to never call or text your kids if you think they might be driving.”
• BICYCLE HELMET DRIVE AND BICYCLE RODEO!! -- Lathrop Police annual Bicycle Helmet
Drive kicked-off on March 5th. Donations of new Bicycle Helmets (all sizes) from
community members and the business community are being collected through May 4,
2012. Drop-off locations are at all City offices, including City Hall, the Community
Center, and Lathrop Police Services. Monetary donations will also be accepted at the
City Hall location only.
The donated helmets will be distributed to participants of the Bicycle Rodeo which is
scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 12, 2012 in the Target Store parking lot from
10am – 1pm. The Bicycle Rodeo will be open to all Lathrop elementary school age
children and will emphasize the importance of wearing helmets, compliance with the
California Vehicle Code, bicycling safety tips and proper bike maintenance. Participants
will practice safety techniques for exiting driveways, crossing intersections, blind-spot
awareness, and much more. Please look for more information and the release waiver
for your child on the City website.
MONTHLY STATS

o
http://www.ci.lathrop.ca.us/lpd/spotlight/default.aspx
Planning:
WEEKLY ACTIVITY
o http://www.sjsheriff.org/activitylog.htm
DWR/FEMA COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE VISIT –As part of their review DWR staff determined that
some minor updates of our Floodplain Management Regulations are necessary. Staff has
prepared required code amendments to the Floodplain Management Regulations and has
scheduled them to be considered by the Planning Commission on April 11 th and tentatively by
the City Council in May.
LATHROP GATEWAY BUSINESS PARK SPECIFIC PLAN – On January 23, 2012 the City Council
approved the partial 213.5 acre project annexation and pre-annexation agreement. Staff and
the project development team have completed the application submittal requirements for SJ
LAFCO processing. The item is scheduled to be considered by LAFCO at their April 20 th meeting.
RELAY FOR LIFE – a temporary use permit has been submitted to conduct a fund raiser event in
association with the American Cancer Society at Valverde Park on August 11 th & 12 th . This item
is tentatively scheduled to be considered by the City Council on April 16 th .
SURVIVOR MUD RUN – a temporary use permit has been submitted for a 2-day “Survivor Mud
Run” event at Dell’Osso Family Farms on April 21 st & 22 nd . Staff is currently reviewing the
application.
NATIONWIDE FLEET SALES – a pre-application proposal to occupy the former “Delta Power
Sports” building at 17605 Manthey Rd. An internet sales business specializing in selling use
motorcycles, watercraft, ATV’s, RV’s, classic cars, commercial trucks and equipment. Staff is
currently reviewing the application.
CALIFORNIA NATURAL PRODUCTS – CNP has submitted applications for a General Plan Map
Amendment, a Zoning Map and Text amendment and Site Plan Review associated with new
automated warehouse expansion project. This item was approved by the City Council on March
19 th .
RIVER ISLANDS – PHASE II Tract 3765- Master Developer, Califia, has submitted an application
for a proposed Phase II large lot Vesting Tentative Map to subdivide 3,400 acres into 53 lots.
This item was approved by the City Council on March 19 th .
MODESTO STREET RODS – a temporary use permit has been submitted to conduct an
appreciation day event at Sangalang Park on April 14 th . This item was approved by the City
Council on March 19 th .
KSC TRAVEL CENTER – On the December 19 th City Council approved General Plan Map and
Zoning Map amendments and the Annexation of the project site. The applicant requested that
staff hold off on filing the annexation application with SJ LAFCO processing due to pending
litigation.
SIMPLOT - a Conditional Use Permit application proposal by JR Simplot Co. to construct a new
Fusion Ammonium Sulfate/Nitrate (FASN) production system to provide additional production

Building:
Code:
capability from the existing fertilizer granulation plant was reviewed by staff. Staff is currently
reviewing the application.
RFP for DIGITAL BILLBOARD SIGN – Based on several request by advertising companies, staff
sent out follow-up time extension letter on November 16, 2011, to solicit Request for Proposals
for Digital Outdoor Advertising/Billboard Sign Public/Private Partnership. Due to legal questions
that were raised at the pre-proposal/informational meeting on Jan. 11, 2012, the RFP response
deadline was postponed to a date uncertain.
UPRR INTERMODAL EXPANSION – Representatives of Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) held a
conference call with City staff on March 28 th to discuss the upcoming Final Environmental
Impact Report (DEIR) for the UPRR Intermodal Expansion project expected to be released this
coming May 2012.
CENTRAL LATHROP SPECIFIC PLAN (CLSP) - Staff continues to work with our development
community to help implement construction and development in CLSP.
Staff provided 67 various types of building inspections this week.
Staff is processing 21 Building Permit Applications from William Lyon Homes and Legacy Homes.
Staff issued a total of 6 Permits for:
• 6 minor building permit (HVAC, Replace Electrical, Etc)
Staff is currently providing plan check for the following projects:
• 517,600 square foot warehouse for LBA Realty located 18350 Harlan Road in Crossroads
Industrial Park. Finished first round of plan check.
• Code Updates and Revisions for Master Model Plan Checks for Tract 3468 for William
Lyon Homes.
• Four (4) New Master Model Home plan checks for Legacy Homes, River Park subdivision
in Mossdale Landing area
• Addition of new propane tank and five radiant heaters for the John Deere Facility
located at 17400 Shideler
Weed Abatement Program
• Notices will now begin to be issued on all property owners who have failed to comply
with the weed abatement notices.
Central Lathrop (Former Richland Properties)
• Roughly 1,500 sheep were brought in to help control the vegetation problem in this
area. The sheep will not eat the mature tumbleweeds, but will control new growth.
• Sheep will be moved to the south/east corner of Golden Valley Parkway and River
Islands Parkway.
North Harlan Road, near Roth Road
• Code has placed all non-life/safety enforcement efforts on HOLD in this area due to the
future Harlan Road realignment that will affect many property owners. This
realignment may impact the marketability of the area for commercial uses, and needs to
be considered by the property owners before they submit applications for rezoning to

industrial uses in an effort to retain truck parking business. The HOLD is expected to last
at least 6 months.
Engineering:
Park Street Area
Code will continue its efforts on the enforcement on illegal trucking companies in the
Park Street area who are conducting business without a business license and without site
improvements.
I-5/LOUISE AVENUE INTERCHANGE INTERIM IMPROVEMENTS – Installation of new signal poles
will be complete next week. Staff anticipates Caltrans will approve modifications to the
improvements to improve pedestrian safety and ADA access through the interchange this week.
Project completion is anticipated for May, pending weather.
YOSEMITE SEWER FORCE MAIN – Field construction is underway. Construction is estimated to
be completed by late Spring pending weather.
CITYWIDE PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE – Staff is working with Pavement Engineering Inc to
prepare the plans and specifications for this year’s pavement maintenance project. Bidding and
construction are anticipated for late spring/early summer.
RD-17 LEVEE WORK THROUGH MOSSDALE – Construction is underway. Parks are anticipated to
be completed early summer and open to the public in late August.
I-5/ LATHROP ROAD INTERCHANGE INTERIM IMPROVEMENTS – The City has received its
conditional Encroachment permit and the project is anticipated to bid in 1-2 months, pending
Federal funding authorization. Construction is anticipated to commence upon completion of the
Louise Avenue Interchange Improvements.
LATHROP ROAD/UPRR WESTERLY GRADE SEPARATION – Staff is working with Mark Thomas &
Company Inc. to design a grade separated railroad crossing at Lathrop Road near 7th Street
similar to the one further east on Lathrop Road.
ARENIC REDUCTION FACILITY STEEL TANKS – Final walk through has been completed and tanks
are ready for acceptance pending coordination with disinfection process of the entire LAWTF
facility.
THE ARSENIC TREATMENT PLANT – Construction is ongoing with functional testing of the facility
underway. Initial start up is anticipated for next week.
CITY WELL MODIFICATIONS – Well #7, 8, and 9 Modifications will be completed in mid 2012.
GOLDEN VALLEY PARKWAY/TOWNE CENTRE DRIVE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS – Crews are
finalizing signal installation. The signals will be energized next week.
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN & WATER MASTER PLAN – West Yost is working on initial
information compilation for the UWMP and WMP.
GIS/ASSET MANAGEMENT – Staff is finalizing the implementation of the new systems.

SCADA IMPROVEMENTS – Staff is working with MCC Control Systems to update the SCADA
software and programming for storm water and sewer pump and lift stations.
HARLAN ROAD – A CIP addressing the frontage improvements, storm drain and sewer between
Lathrop Road and Roth Road will be brought to City Council in April for consideration.
CROSSROADS STREET LIGHT IMPROVEMENTS – A CIP to address streetlight repairs and upgrades
in Crossroads will be brought to City Council in April for consideration.
ADA Transition Plan – A CIP was authorized by Council April 2. Staff will prepare an RFQ to be
advertised late spring for a consultant to assist with the preparation of this plan.
Parks & Recreation General:
PARK RESERVATIONS (APRIL 1 - 14):
Sangalang Baseball Field: 1 rental – Modesto Area Street Rod
Sangalang Open Space: 4 rentals – Soccer; Modesto Area Street Rod
Sangalang Picnic Shelter: 1 rental – Private Party
Mossdale Baseball Fields: 36 rentals – Lathrop Little League
Mossdale Open Space: 2 rentals – Soccer
Valverde Open Space: 2 rentals – Private Party and Spring Fun Day
Valverde Baseball Fields: 23 rentals – Lathrop Little League; Spring Fun Day
Valverde Picnic Shelter #1: 2 rentals – Private Party; Spring Fun Day
Valverde Picnic Shelter #2: 4 rentals – Private Parties; Spring Fun Day
WE WANT YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS! – The Parks & Recreation Department is sending out a
monthly e-mail update with information on upcoming events, activities, etc. on the 1st of each
month. If you would like to receive this email, please contact that Lathrop Community Center at
209-941-7370.
19 th ANNUAL MAYOR’S ART SHOW & SALE – The 19 th Annual Mayor’s Art Show & Sale will
accept entries at the Lathrop City Hall Council Chambers on Friday, April 27, 2012 from 9am –
4pm and Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 9am – 12noon. Artwork will be displayed in the Lathrop
City Hall Council Chambers from Monday, April 30th – Friday, May 11 th , Monday – Friday, 9am –
4pm. Entry fee is $10 per entry and each participant may submit up to three entries. For more
information, please contact Moe Iorio at 209-941-7383.
LATHROP BEAUTIFICATION DAY / LOVE LATHROP - The 2012 Love Lathrop event will take place
on Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 8:00am – noon at the Lathrop Community Center. Join local
residents, community service groups and our teen volunteers in our Beautification Day/Love
Lathrop Program. We will be working on several city beautification projects. You may sign-up
for projects through the Love Lathrop website at: www.lovelathrop.com. For more information
or to volunteer please contact Gabriel Goulart at (209) 941-7373.
Community Center:
TEEN LEADERSHIP RETREAT – The Lathrop Youth Advisory Commission sponsored the Teen
Leadership Retreat on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the Lathrop Senior Center. Thirty Lathrop
teens attended the retreat from the following schools: Lathrop High School Leadership
Program, Joseph Widmer School Leadership Program, Lathrop School AVID Program and the
Lathrop Youth Advisory Commission. The teens worked together on leadership and team

uilding activities and ended the day by drafting an action plan to take back to their campus.
The action plans is an event that the teens want to bring to their school or community.
YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING – The next Youth Advisory Commission Meeting will
be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 6pm at the Lathrop Senior Center (15707 Fifth Street,
Lathrop).
BRITISH SOCCER CAMPS - The City of Lathrop will be hosting youth British Soccer Camps through
Challenger Sports at Mossdale Landing Community Park from June 11-15, 2012. Challenger has
developed one of the most innovative methods of coaching in the U.S. While they focus on
teaching key techniques and technical components of soccer, they are also committed to
developing the whole child. They coach soccer skills within a framework of character
development based on respect, responsibility, integrity, leadership and sportsmanship.
All campers receive a Soccer Ball, T-Shirt and hand written evaluation PLUS an incredible FREE
soccer jersey for all registrations taken 45 days prior to camp at www.challengersports.com.
What do players need to bring to camp? Always remember to bring a soccer ball, shin guards,
sunscreen and plenty of water each day. All camp registrations must be made online through
Challenger Sports.
HOST A BRITISH COACH! – A fantastic cultural experience, plus receive an $80 rebate! (Call 866-
528-9688 for details)
Available Camps (all camps held June 11 th – 15 th at Mossdale Landing Community Park)
First Kicks • Ages 3 to 4
Young players are introduced to game basics through fundamental activities, games and fun
soccer challenges. One hour a day for five days. Parents are encouraged to join in and help guide
their child through this fun learning experience.
Time: 9 am – 10 am
Fee: $103
Mini-Soccer • Ages 4 to 6
Fun games, competitions and skill-building activities are designed to enlighten and develop
budding players. One-and-a-half hours a day for five days.
Time: 10 am – 11:30 am
Fee: $127
Half-Day Player Development Camps • Ages 6 to 16
Emphasis is placed upon skill development and mastery of core techniques through individual
and small group practices and coached games. This camp is our most popular program. Three
hours a day for five days.
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Fee: $169
Senior Center:
COUNTRY BREAKFAST - Every first Friday of the month, the Senior Center offers a delicious
country breakfast for seniors age 50 and over. Come join us on Friday, April 6, 2012 from 9-11
AM for coffee, orange juice and a country breakfast for only $3. Menu changes every month.

Where can you get a better deal than that? For more information, please contact the Senior
Center at (209) 941-7380.
BROWN BAG - Brown Bag will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at the Lathrop Senior Center
from 9-11 AM. Brown Bag is a food distribution program for seniors 60 years and older. There
are some income restrictions and participants may sign up at the Senior Center the day of the
distribution. The cost is $12 per year. For more information, please contact the Senior Center
at (209) 941-7380.
SENIOR ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING – The next Senior Advisory Commission Meeting will
be held on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 9:30am at the Lathrop Senior Center (15707 Fifth Street,
Lathrop).
BOUNTY BAND – Jerry Houston and his band “Bounty” will perform gospel and country music on
Friday, April 13, 2012 at 12 noon. Finger foods will be served. For more information, please
contact the Senior Center at (209) 941-7380.
Animal Services:
Staff participated in the Lathrop Police Citizen’s Academy on March 28 th and gave a power point
presentation to academy participants regarding services offered to the community.
SHEEP - Central Lathrop (Former Richland Properties) – Approximately 1500 sheep were brought
in to help control vegetation in this area. Please respect their presence, report any suspicious
activity or call in any problems/concerns to Animal Services at 209-941-7240.
ADOPTIONS – We have many kittens/cats in our adoption program waiting to go to a new,
loving, permanent home. Consider adopting a new pet - please visit the City’s website:
www.ci.lathrop.ca.us to view animals currently available. Or, call us to find out our next
rotation in PetSmart: 941-7241.
FOSTER PROGRAM – The City of Lathrop Animal Services Division is seeking Volunteers for its
Foster Pals Program. Are you at least 18 years old? Do you enjoy working with animals? Are
you able to open up your home to an animal needing love and special care? If so, then please
help us save more animals by becoming a foster volunteer. Interested citizens can contact us at
(209) 941-7240 for more information.
DONATE YOUR SPARE BEDDING TO SHELTER DOGS AND CATS – The animals awaiting adoption
at the shelter could sure use your spare towels, blankets and comforters. Lathrop Animal
Services welcomes all donations of clean bedding (please make sure it's free of buttons, zippers
or other small decorations), which will go to good use in cozying up the cages. Donations will be
accepted at our office located in City Hall, 390 Towne Centre Drive. The dogs and cats in your

City are counting on you and appreciate your thoughtfulness. For more information, give us a
call at 209-941-7240.
Finance Department:
At the April 2, 2012 Council approved the refinancing of the Installment Purchase
Certificates of Participation, 2000 Series A (2000 COP’s). The refunding reduced the
debt maturity term by 1 year and reduced the debt interest rate by nearly 2.4%, which
results in an annual savings of approximately $107,000 and a gross savings of nearly
$1.9 million. These savings will reduce the expenditures in the water fund and assist
with the goal of keeping water rates stable for rate payers.
The City of Lathrop was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting for the 15 th consecutive year. The Certificate of Achievement is the
highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial
reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government
and its management.