The Turlock City Council will consider at its next meeting on Tuesday accepting a grant from the Stanislaus Council of Governments to create a comprehensive master plan for seven county islands to eventually become annexed into the city of Turlock.

Through the California Department of Housing and Community Development Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program of 2021 (REAP 2.0), the Stanislaus Council of Governments received $7.1 million in REAP 2.0 funds, with $3.1 million allocated to member agencies. The REAP 2.0 Transformative Funding Suballocation Program supports projects that advance housing and equity goals, reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and implement the region’s Sustainable Communities Strategy. Through the grant program, Turlock is eligible for up to $454,769 to support projects aligned with REAP 2.0. Eligible uses include planning for infill housing, infrastructure upgrades, affordable housing development, and multimodal transportation improvements.

There are seven unincorporated county islands located south of East Avenue in Turlock, all  entirely surrounded by land within the city. The islands range in size from 1.69 acres to 69.90 acres and have a total area of 125.78 acres. Existing uses within the islands are predominantly single-family homes, with some vacant parcels, multifamily homes, industrial uses and utilities. Some of the islands currently receive water and sewer service from the City of Turlock. All seven islands are classified by the State as Disadvantaged Communities, or lower income areas that are disproportionately affected by pollution and negative health outcomes.

The Stanislaus County Local Formation Commission (LAFCo) encourages annexation of unincorporated County islands in order to promote logical and orderly agency boundaries and the efficient provision of municipal services. State law and LAFCo policy also provide a streamlined process for annexation of existing unincorporated County islands for areas that meet established criteria, including that the island substantially developed and that it does not exceed 150 acres in size, contain prime agricultural land, or include a gated community.

The purpose of the proposed project will be to evaluate the feasibility and prepare a master plan to guide the future annexation of these unincorporated county islands. The master plan will establish criteria and phasing for annexation of the areas.

If the Council accepts the grant, it will also consider awarding to Dyett & Bhatia Urban and Regional Planners for the preparation of the master plan and to prepare the necessary documents and rezone amendments.

The City Council is also set to consider increasing the Turlock Partnership Incentive Program grant from $1,000 to $3,500. The program was established in the 2011-2012 fiscal year and provides qualifying businesses that open in vacant spaces within the City of Turlock with a grant. The program is designed to revitalize vacant storefronts, stimulate new business growth and generate additional jobs within the Turlock community. Eligibility requirements include: Must occupy an existing vacant building in an appropriately zoned commercial location within the City of Turlock; provide a business plan (no-cost assistance available through the Valley Sierra Small Business Development Center); participate in a Pre-Development Meeting (no-cost service provided by the City of Turlock); agree to participate in minor record-keeping and provide quarterly feedback for at least one year to help improve the program; not be part of a franchise, non-profit, or corporate chain.

Over the years, participation in the program has been sporadic, with 10 businesses participating in the inaugural year, followed by 21 businesses in 2012-13, but then only three businesses participating in 2013-14. More recently, one business participated in 2023-24, no businesses applied in 2024-25 and four businesses participated this year.

City staff recognized that costs to open businesses have risen significantly since its inception in the 2011-2012 fiscal year. To increase interest and participation, city staff is recommending the grant amount increase from $1,000 to $3,500. In the past, the program has been funded from the Transient Occupancy Tax (hotel tax).

Also on Tuesday, the Council is expected to:

·         Hear a presentation on roadwork being done on Geer Road;

·         Consider appropriating $299,399 in ARPA funds and approving an agreement with QWAKE Technologies for helmet camera equipment, software and training for the fire department;

·         Accept the City of Turlock’s audited financial statements and related reports for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2024; and

·         Consider approving an agreement with Solid Networks Inc. for the purchase of co-managed project support and professional services for Microsoft 365 for an initial three-year term of $186,000.

The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Yosemite Room at City Hall, 156 N. Broadway. Meetings are open to the public and will include a time for public participation.