Citizens Guide
"On behalf of the City Council, welcome to the Tracy community. Although Tracy has grown considerably, it continues to be a family oriented community, emphasizing education, recreation, and a high quality of life.
"This guide has been prepared to help you get acquainted with our fair City. In it you will find a description of many City and community services. It also has a handy listing of phone numbers for various City departments and services.
"I invite you to take a look at the section dealing with Tracy's history as well as it's future. We are proud of the significant planning efforts designed to ensure that our community will continue to be a most desirable place in which to live.
"Tracy's future is bright. We are glad you are here and we extend to you and your family a special invitation to become an active participant in our community."
Sincerely,
Dan Bilbrey, Mayor
Check Us Out!
For more information about the Tracy Community visit the Tracy Chamber of Commerce website.
City Council and Elected Officials
Terms of Office
The Mayor is elected for two years. City Council Members are elected for four years. The City Treasurer and City Clerk are elected for four years. There are no term limits for any elected position.
Meetings
Regular City Council meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Special meetings are scheduled on an as-needed basis by the City Council. Meetings are held at the Tracy Community Center, 300 East 10th Street.
Council Agendas
Regular meeting agendas are published at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Special meeting agendas are published 24 hours in advance. Current agendas are available. Agendas for all Council meetings are also available for public viewing at:
* Tracy Public Library, 20 East Eaton Avenue
* City Hall, 325 East 10th Street
* City Hall Annex, 520 South Tracy Boulevard
Council Members
The City Council is comprised of the Mayor and four Council Members.
* Mayor, Brent H. Ives
* Council Member and Mayor Pro-Tem, Suzanne Tucker
* Council Member, Irene Sundberg
* Council Member, Evelyn Tolbert
Contacting the City Council
City Hall
325 East 10th Street
Tracy, CA 95376
Phone: (209) 831-4103
Email: council@ci.tracy.ca.us
Please note that all e-mail correspondence addressed to or copied to City Council is a public record.
City Manager
Under Tracy's form of government, the City Council appoints the City Manager and the City Attorney. The City Manager is the chief administrative officer for the City and is accountable to the City Council. The City Manager appoints the Deputy City Manager and the department heads of the six operating departments. The City Manager is also responsible for assuring City services are performed in accordance with the City Council's policies and within the City's resources.
The City Manager advises the City Council on policy options concerning the organization and activities of the departments. The City Manager is also responsible for the submission of the City's budget and Capital Improvement Plan and for their administration after Council adoption. The City Manager keeps Council advised of the City's financial condition and the future needs of the City. Tracy's City Manager is Mr. Daniel Hobbs.
Contacting the City Manager
City Hall
325 East 10th Street
Tracy, CA 95376
Phone: (209) 831-4103
Email: cm@ci.tracy.ca.us
City Department Structure
The City of Tracy has eight operating departments each managed by a department head. The City Departments are as follows:
* Fire – Chief, Chris Bosch
* Police – Chief, David Krauss
* Finance and Administrative Services – Director, Zane Johnston
* Public Works – Director, Pat Wiemiller
* Parks and Community Services – Director, Maria Hurtado
* Development and Engineering Services – Director, Bill Reeds
* Human Resources – Director, Maria Villasenor Olvera
* Economic Development – Director, Andrew Malik
In addition to the eight departments, the City's management team also includes the Assistant City Manager, Julie Yuan-Miu, and the City Attorney, Debra Corbett.
Fire Department
The Tracy Fire Department is a full service fire agency serving the entire Tracy community. The Fire Department's jurisdiction includes the incorporated city, unincorporated rural Tracy and the new community of Mountain Hours. The Department protects approximately 100,000 citizens inhabiting over 200 square miles.
Fire Administration offices are located at 400 East 11th Street. Our public is served from 7 fire stations located throughout the service area.
The Fire Department may be contacted for business and non-emergencies at (209) 831 - 4700.
For Emergencies please call 911.
Fire Prevention in the Home
Every year, 5,000 Americans die in home fires. Don't be a casualty in your own home, here are some fire prevention tips. Start in your sleeping areas because more than half of all fatal fires occur while sleeping. Install and maintain fire detectors in every sleeping bedroom. If you smoke, don't smoke in bed, it's one of the highest causes of fatal bedroom fires.
Attention should also be give to the kitchen. Never leave cooking unattended. Check to make sure your stove is free of grease, keep flammables away from heat sources including pot holders, towels and curtains. When cooking, keep pot handles turned in, this will help reduce the chances of a child being burned. Get a multi-purpose fire extinguisher for grease fires. Never use water to fight grease fires.
In the living room, check TVs, VCRs and stereos to make sure they have space around them to prevent overheating. Feel all electrical cords to ensure they are not hot. Inspect cords to make sure they are not frayed. Don't plug in too many appliances into an outlet, buy a power strip instead.
If you keep gasoline on hand, store it outside your home or in a detached garage. Keep only small quantities, and use only approved gasoline cans. Store paint and other flammable liquids in their original labeled containers with tight fitting lids. Store flammables well away from heat sources such as heaters and pilot lights. Don't store anything near heaters. Dispose of trash and sawdust or wood shavings around the work bench.
Have a household emergency plan and discuss it with your family, not only for fires, but also power outages, earthquakes and medical emergencies.
Police Department
The Police Department is responsible for maintaining and providing effective and efficient public safety services. The mission of the Department is to improve the quality of life through Community Partnerships which promote safety and security.The Department motto, “Service, Integrity, Excellence”, represents the commitment of the Department's men and women to the community.
1000 Civic Center
Tracy, CA 95376
Phone: (209) 831-4550
Email: policedept@ci.tracy.ca.us
The Department is organized into two bureaus, Bureau of Patrol Operations and the Bureau of Support Operations. Patrol Operations maintains the peace and provides response to calls for service. It includes the Patrol Division, Traffic Unit, the K-9 Unit, Street Crimes Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) team, and the Crisis Negotiations Team. Support Operations includes the General Investigations Division, the Street Crimes Unit (SCU), the Records Division, the Communications Division, the Crime Scene Investigation and Property Unit and the Animal Services Division.
Crime prevention means a partnership between citizens of Tracy and the Police Department working together as a team to fight crime. The following is a list of crime prevention programs available to citizens:
* Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program in each neighborhood using the participation of residents. The program encourages neighbors to get to know each other and to protect themselves from criminal activity.
* Business Watch is designed to educate business on how to deter and detect business crimes. Businesses learn how to protect employees from violent crimes, how to detect shoplifters, fraud and other security topics.
* Traffic Education and Monitoring (TEAM) is a group of citizens who attend a brief course on the operation of a radar device and may then use radar to record the speed of vehicles in their neighborhood. The Police Department sends follow up letters to violators . There is no citizen/violator contact.
Finance and Administrative Services Department
The mission of the Finance Department is to ensure the fiscal foundation and information systems necessary to deliver community services. Finance is responsible for City budget preparation and compliance, accounting and financial reporting, debt issuance and management, accounts payable, City employee payroll, utility billing, business licensing, accounts receivable, and cashiering. The Finance Department & Administrative Services also includes the elected office of City Treasurer who oversees the investment of funds. The City Treasurer is Ray McCray.
Information Systems Division
Information Systems is a Division of the Finance and Administrative Services Department and provides all services relating to the development and maintenance of the City's information systems including computers, networks, and phone systems. For more information, email the Information Systems Manager at ismanager@ci.tracy.ca.us.
City Attorney
The City Attorney is the chief legal officer of the City and is appointed by, and responsible to, the City Council. It is the responsibility of the City Attorney's office to advise the City Council and all boards, commissions, officers and employees of the City regarding their official duties and represent them in legal proceedings in which the City is concerned or is a party. The City Attorney's office prepares and approves ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other legal documents and prosecutes violations of the Tracy Municipal Code.
Human Resources Department
Human Resources Departmenr provides services in the areas of recruitment, classification, compensation, employee benefits, training, risk management and labor relations.
The City does not keep resumes on file but interested parties can complete a job interest card which is maintained on file. You will then be sent a job announcement and application when the designated position becomes open. Jobs are also posted on the City's webpage and on the City's jobline at (209) 831-4151.
Economic Development
The Economic Development Department has a number of functions and roles within the City, including working to diversify the local economy through business retention and attraction, supporting and developing key economic centers, as well as preparing a competitive workforce. The Department works in conjunction with other City departments such as Planning and Community Development, as well as with the community's Economic Development Committee and the countywide San Joaquin Partnership.
Parks and Community Services
The Parks and Community Services Department is responsible for a number of important programs in the City including: recreation, recycling and solid waste, operation of the airport and transit services, median and park landscape services, senior, and youth programs.
The Department is located in the Civic Center at 400 East 10th Street. Registration for recreation programs and classes can be done at this location. The Department may also be contacted by phone at (209) 831-4200 or by email at parks@ci.tracy.ca.us. Recreation program activity listings are available online.
The Department coordinates use and rental of parks, picnic areas, fields, and facilities such as the Tracy Community Center and the Tracy Sports Complex.
There are three commissions(listed below)comprised of citizens appointed by the City Council to guide policy for the Parks and Community Services programs. Call 831- 4200 for meeting schedules and information.
* Parks and Community Services Commission – Establishes rules and regulations regarding recreation programs, activities and facilities usage. Reviews master plans for parks and recreation facilities and development.
* Youth Advisory Commission (YAC) – To provide youth with an opportunity Commission, City Council and other groups on matters related to the welfare of youth in Tracy.
* Airport Advisory Committee – Serve as liaison between the airport users and City government and to advise the City regarding rules and regulations regarding airport use, capital improvement projects, and airport fees.
Public Works
The Public Works Department is the largest department within the City of Tracy. Public Works provides operations, maintenance and repair services for streets, sidewalks, street trees, traffic systems, parks, public buildings, and City vehicles. Public Works also operates the City's water treatment plant, wells, the water distribution system, sewer system and wastewater treatment plant. The department also provides street sweeping and graffiti removal services.
Development and Engineering Services
The Department of Development and Engineering Services (DES) is comprised of five divisions: Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, Housing and Redevelopment, and Engineering. The efforts of DES ultimately are exhibited through the development of a community that is enjoyable and sustainable for both current and future generations. DES strives to balance historic community values with the evolving trends of change.
The Development and Engineering Services Department occupies the City Hall Annex located at 520 South Tracy Blvd. The Annex building is the southern-most building of the City's Boyd Service Center complex. Building permits and other construction related permits may be obtained at this location. The Department's phone number is (209) 831-4600.
City Services
Graffiti Removal Program
The City of Tracy is proud to have a Graffiti Removal Program. If you see graffiti around the City on public or private property, please report it immediately to the Graffiti Hot Line at (209) 831-4583. This hot line is available 24 hours a day. Just leave a message. You are not required to leave your name or phone number.
Tracer Bus Service
The City of Tracy offers a Fixed Route and Paratransit bus service called Tracer. The Tracer Fixed Route bus service minimizes the need to make transportation plans ahead of time. Frequent (hourly) bus service makes it easy to get around Tracy. Bus stops are located near many schools, offices, shopping, Greyhound and County Transit stops. The Fixed Route service operates from approximately 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Monday-Friday and from approximately 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays. All buses are lift-equipped to provide access by wheelchair and for others who cannot use the steps for boarding. See our schedule for fares, routes, specials, and bus stops near you.
The Paratransit service offers door-to-door service for Seniors (60+), passengers with a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); passengers with a medical disability that prevents them from driving or using the fixed route transit service. Additionally, any passenger can ride the Paratransit if their trip begins or ends outside the Tracy city limits within the defined Transit service area of Tracy. This service is available at the same times as the fixed Route and requires a certification card issued by the City of Tracy that is easily obtainable. Please contact (209) 831-4BUS (4287) for additional information.
Library
The Tracy Library is a member of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library system. The library is located at Eaton Avenue and Holly Drive. It is open 52 hours each week and has over 134,000 pieces in the in-house materials collection. Internet access is available at the library and many more materials are available through an extensive inter-library loan system. The Tracy Library also has an active Friends of the Library organization. For hours and other information, visit the library website.
Senior Center
The Lolly Hansen Senior Center is located at 375 East 9th Street in the Civic Center area. A wide variety of recreational activities and social services are offered to individuals 50 years of age or older. The Center's hours are weekdays,8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Activities focus on healthy senior lifestyles and include Zest for Life fitness programs, Healthy Habits nutrition classes, yoga, Hawaiian Hula dancing and Chi Kung exercise. Other social programs include computer literacy, sewing classes, various card games and The Red Hat Society. These programs are only a partial listing of services. Please call (209)-831-4230 for more information.
Other Local Services
Altamont Commuter Express (ACE)
The Altamont Commuter Express provides easy access to Silicon Valley and the Livermore Valley with three trains daily between Stockton and San Jose. Three trains depart from Stockton in the morning, and Three from San Jose return in the evening. The ACE stops in Lathrop, Tracy, Livermore, Pleasanton, Fremont, and Santa Clara and terminates at the San Jose Diridon Station, where connection can be made to Caltrain, Amtrak, and Santa Clara Transit. The Tracy ACE station is located at Tracy Boulevard and Linne Road. For more information on fares, schedules and locations of stations, visit the ACE websiteor call ACE customer service at (800) 411-RAIL.
SMART (San Joaquin Regional Transit) (209) 943-1111
Route and schedule information is available in the lobby of City Hall at 325 E. 10th Street. Additional information can be found at the SMART website or by calling (800) 469-8674.
Comcast Cable Services
http://www.comcast.com/
3115 North Tracy Boulevard
Phone: (800) 824-2000
Sutter Tracy Community Hospital
http://www.suttertracy.org/
1420 Tracy Boulevard
Phone: (209) 835-1500
Courthouse
http://www.stocktoncourt.org/
475 East 10th Street
Phone: (209 831-5909
Tracy Unified School District
http://www.tracy.k12.ca.us/
1875 West Lowell Avenue
Phone: (209) 831-5000
Jefferson Elementary School District
http://www.sjcoe.k12.ca.us/Jefferson/
7500 West Linne Road
Phone: (209 836-3388
County Health Services
http://www.phs.hs.co.san-joaquin.ca.us/
209 West 9th Street
Phone: (209) 831-5930
Post Office
http://www.usps.com/
125 West 9th Street
Phone:
Toll Free: (800) 275-8777
Local: (209) 835-9795
TTY Service: (877) 877-7833
Highway Patrol
http://www.chp.ca.gov/
385 West Grant Line Road
Phone: (209) 835-8920
Department of Motor Vehicles
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/
324 East 11th Street, #C
Phone: (209) 835-7764
Chamber of Commerce
http://www.tracychamber.org/
223 East 10th Street
Phone: (209) 835-2131
Utilities
PG&E
http://www.pge.com/
55 East 10th Street
Phone: (800) 743-5000
SBC
http://www.sbc.com/
Phone: (800) 310-2355
Tracy Disposal
Recycling and Waste Removal
60 East 11th Street
Phone: (209) 835-0601
More Services
Animal Control
The Tracy Animal Shelter is located at 370 East Arbor Avenue and is open to the public from noon to 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. The shelter is a full service facility offering such services as animal licensing and redemption of unwanted pets. The staff and volunteers work diligently at promoting the adoption of animals from the shelter as family pets. Mobile adoption clinics are also held periodically. For more information, please call (209) 831-4364.
MRF And Transfer Station
A Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and transfer station is located at 30703 South MacArthur Drive (one mile south of Linne Road). It is open to the public Monday through Saturday 8 am to 4 pm (3:30 on Saturday). The MRF portion of the facility is for recovery, recycling and composting of yard waste to reduce the amount of city waste going to landfills.The Transfer Station takes the place of our landfill, which closed in 1995. For more information, please call 832- 2355.
Hours of Operation
City Hall, the City Hall Annex (including the Boyd Service Center), and Fire Administration are open to the public Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 6 pm. These offices are open 8 am to 5 pm every other Friday and closed every other Friday. A calendar of closed Fridays and City holidays, is available at City Hall. Call ahead if unsure, before coming to these offices on a Friday.
Emergency services such as police and fire are staffed 24 hours a day. You should call 911 if there is an emergency. However, for non-emergencies, please call each department at their regular business phone number. Contacting each department for non-emergency matters either by phone or in person is best handled during normal City business hours (see above).
Public Works crews also work Monday through Thursday, and every other Friday, however, crews begin work earlier in the morning and conclude earlier in the afternoon. Public Works Administration, however, is open during the City's normal business hours. A public works stand by employee is available 24 hours per day in the case of an emergency.
Tracy's History
In 1869 the Central Pacific Railroad (now Southern Pacific) completed a rail line through the area which is now Tracy. The rail line ran from Sacramento through Stockton then over the Altamont Pass and then by ferry service to San Francisco. Shortly after the line was built, a new town sprung up nine miles from Stockton and became known as Lathrop Junction. Lathrop consisted of a roundhouse, railroad shop, yards and hotels for feeding railroad employees. The community became the center of railroad business and the headquarters for the Central Pacific Railroad in the San Joaquin Valley.
The railroad found it necessary to build a coaling station at the base of the Altamont Pass, just fourteen miles to the west of Lathrop. The new station was called Ellis and by 1870 it had about 45 buildings serving the needs of the railroad and its employees and their families.
In 1878 construction of a new rail line was started from Oakland around the shores of San Francisco Bay, through Martinez to connect to the Central Pacific at a point three miles to the east of Ellis. The line had been built to make possible greater efficiency by avoiding hills and to eliminate the expense of helper engines. The result of the new rail line was the founding of Tracy on September 8, 1878. It is generally agreed by pioneer residents that an official of the railroad by the name of Lathrop J. Tracy was given the distinction of having the town named for him.
Soon after the establishment of the new line connecting in Tracy, the railroad discontinued the coaling station at Ellis and employees and their families were moved to Lathrop and to the new Tracy station. The town of Ellis moved bag and baggage to Tracy including moving two hotels.
Tracy continued to grow as a railroad center. A new line through Los Banos was the fastest and least expensive to Los Angeles. In March of 1894 railroad headquarters at Lathrop were moved to Tracy. All of the railroad equipment including engines and buildings were moved. Thus, Tracy's beginning is in fact the story of a railroad.
Tracy was incorporated in 1910 and it grew rapidly after the first irrigation district was established in 1915. Although railroad operations began to decline in the 1950's, Tracy continued to prosper as an agricultural area. Today, the City seal reflects this history of railroads and agriculture.
Tracy's Future
In the 1980s Tracy experienced a growth spurt as people moved to Tracy to seek a more affordable alternative to Bay Area home prices and to enjoy a less hectic pace of life. This was the beginning of a steady period of growth for the community. Tracy began to develop as a commercial center for the west side. New retail establishments were put in place and the Tracy economy became more diverse from its historical roots in agriculture.
In the 1990s Tracy was discovered as an attractive location for the distribution facilities of many companies. Tracy's ideal location and proximity to 3 major freeways allows for quick and efficient movement of products to a variety of markets. Tracy is now home to the distribution facilities for Safeway, Costco, Orchard Supply and United Grocers. In addition, Yellow Freight located its new Western Regional hub in Tracy. The Tracy economy once again diversified and new employment opportunities were added.
The population of Tracy as of January 2005 was 78,307 and has seen steady increase. The City's population is expected to grow to 94,000 by the year 2020. While residential development will be the major growth factor, office park, commercial and light industrial is also expected to increase.
Residential growth will occur primarily in a westerly direction, with building occurring in the "Plan C" and related residential subdivisions. Light industrial and office park development, which will create additional job centers in Tracy, will be concentrated along the Freeways (I-580 and I-205). These job centers will be geared toward the "hi-tech" companies expanding from their Silicon Valley bases and will include a "mixed use" development concept, including high density residential, service retail and recreational uses all in close proximity to work.
Tracy has a bright future. The continued diversification of the local economy is a priority as manifested in the strategy to recruit business parks and "hi-tech" companies and make additional jobs available in Tracy. Other employment opportunities will continue in the Bay Area and to this end, emphasis will also be placed on transportation enhancements. At the center of Tracy's future will be its retention of small town charm, excellent schools, abundance of parks, and a desirable quality of life.
Special Districts
Since the late 1980s, thousands of new homes have been built in Tracy. The City has used planning areas to guide the development of this growth. Each planning area has unique financing arrangements to cover the cost of building necessary public infrastructure. In all planning areas, homeowners pay special assessments, or Mello-Roos special taxes, or a combination of the two. These special taxes and assessments are used to pay bonds which were issued to provide funds for infrastructure construction such as roads, schools, drainage systems, water and wastewater systems.
An assessment district and Mello-Roos District (also known as a Community Facilities District) are similar in that bonds were issued and property owners pay an extra assessment or tax each year in order to pay debt service on the bonds. The extra amount appears as a separate line item on the property tax bill and is in addition to normal taxes. "No Mello-Roos" advertised on new homes does not mean no extra taxes. The property is most likely in an assessment district with an annual special assessment amount similar to the amount of a Mello-Roos tax.
Special assessments and Mello-Roos taxes can be prepaid which will remove the lien from a property and no further annual taxes or assessments would be due.
Specific Plan areas with special taxes and/or assessments:
* The Residential Specific Plan (RSP)
* The I-205 Specific Plan
* Plan "C" (except the first 300 homes of Hidden Lake)
* Presidio (Lourence Ranch)
* South MacArthur
Specific information for each of these areas is available from the City Finance Department at 325 East 10th Street (831-4120).
Lighting and Landscaping Districts
Most homes built since 1985 are also in a lighting and landscaping maintenance district. An annual charge is levied on the property tax bill for the maintenance of landscaped areas and some parks. There is no charge for street lighting.
Storm Water Management
Urban Runoff
On December 5, 2003, the City of Tracy was designated as “under permit” for the Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program. The program was developed under the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Clean Water Act. The City must now administer and enforce water pollution regulations as set forth under the USEPA Clean Water Act for both point and non-point sources. This administration and enforcement is done pursuant to the Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Ordinance in the Tracy Municipal Code. Residents, as well as, business and construction are non-point sources of storm water pollution. The pollutants that each contributes are materials such as grass clippings, animal waste, leaves, soil, debris, garbage, paint, used motor oil, fertilizers and pesticides. All of these pollutants (know as “Urban Runoff”) are carried into the storm drain system through the catch basins in the gutters on your streets and in parking lots. These pollutants do not go to a wastewater treatment plant to be cleaned by are instead carried out to our local waterways untreated. This untreated storm water pollution is harmful to our aquatic life (fish, turtles, birds, microorganisms), as well as our children and pets. Swimming pool discharges are also regulated and can be a violation of the Clean Water Act under EPA guidelines if allowed to discharge into the storm drain system
.
The City recommends that you read the instructions on all outdoor products and use them sparingly. Also, that you sweep and pick up your leaves and grass clippings. Always recycle your used motor oil and filters as well as all water- based paints. Lastly, if you own pets, please clean up the pet waste frequently by bagging and depositing it into the trash can. By following these simple measures, you can help to make our waterways a much healthier environment for yourselves, your children an all aquatic life. Thank you for your assistance!
Get Involved!
There are many opportunities to get involved in your community. You might consider serving on one of the following committees, boards or commissions:
* Airport Advisory Committee — Advisory to the City Manager on all matters pertaining to the Tracy Municipal Airport.
* Building Board of Appeals — Hears appeals of administrative decisions regarding the Uniform Building Code and other construction codes.
* Cultural Arts Commission — Encourages and promotes cultural arts programs and solicits funding from a variety of sources.
* Downtown Parking District Advisory Board — Advisory to the City Council on all matters pertaining to the Downtown Parking District.
* Local Library Advisory Board — Provides a mechanism for the exchange of information to make the local library more responsive to community needs.
* Parks and Community Services Commission — Advises the City Council on recreation programs, facility master planning and usage.
* Planning Commission — Recommends amendments to the City's General Plan, holds hearings on planning and zoning matters.
* Tracy Tomorrow and Beyond — Advises the City regarding their implementation of recommendations of the Tracy Tomorrow 2000 citizens visionary process.
* Youth Advisory Commission — Provides an opportunity for community youth to make recommendations to staff, the Parks and Community Services Commission and City Council on matters related to the welfare of youth in Tracy.
All of these committees have community members, who are appointed by the City Council. Terms of appointment are usually four years. The City advertises openings on these boards and commissions in the Tracy Press and posts openings at the Library, at 20 East Eaton Avenue. For more information contact the City Clerk at (209) 831-4113.
Recycling
The City of Tracy, in coordination with Tracy Disposal Service, provides curbside recycling to residents. The blue plastic container ("blue box") is provided to store recyclable materials. Place the Blue Box in front of your residence for weekly collection on the same day as your normal garbage collection. Please note that recyclable materials will be collected by a different crew than your garbage and therefore will be picked up at a different time on your collection day.
Items to Recycle
* Aluminum, steel and tin cans.
* Glass bottles and jars.
* Plastic soda and food containers.
* Clear milk and water jugs.
* Newspapers Paper grocery bags.
* Cardboard boxes (must be flattened).
* Junk mail and magazines.
Items Which Cannot be Accepted
* Telephone books.
* Light bulbs.
* Aerosol cans.
* Ceramic dishes, cups, etc.
* Paper or boxes with plastic or foil linings.
* Plastic detergent, bleach or motor oil containers.
* Window panes, mirrors, Pyrex glass, drinking glasses.
Saving Your Recyclable Items
All bottles, cans, jars and plastic containers should be rinsed clean. Cans and plastic containers should be crushed to provide more room. All container caps must be removed and discarded in your regular garbage. Newspapers may be placed in your Blue Box, tied in a bundle, or placed in a paper bag.
Recycling bins belong to the Curbside Recycling Program. If you move leave the bin at your current address or call (209 835-3639 for pick up.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Household hazardous waste is collected twice each year in Tracy, usually the last week of April and October. Collection is at the City Hall Annex at 520 Tracy Boulevard. Collection times are usually 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on the Friday and Saturday of the collection dates. Call (209 831-4331 to find out the actual date of the next collection event.
Water Conservation
Conserve Water
Typically when families move into their new homes they discover the landscape contractor set the irrigation timer (controller) for a much longer time than necessary. Moreover, the landscape contractor may have left the controller set to run at various periods of the day. The irrigation schedule was set up this way to prevent new sod from drying until the root system became established. Now that the root system has been established there is no longer the need to continue to over irrigate in this manner.
Tracy has an adobe type soil, which does not absorb water well. Thus, excess water runoff from landscaped areas can be a problem. Experience has shown that excessive water runoff can be avoided by setting the irrigation timer to run several short cycles of 3 to 5 minutes.
The Water Conservation Office recommends the homeowner reset their irrigation controller to conform to the water conservation measures prescribed in the Water Management Ordinance as follows:
The following water conservation measures are in effect
* October 1 to April 30 — Lawn or landscape watering may be done on any day, but not between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm unless a person is outdoors and maintaining control and is in full view of the landscape being irrigated.
* May 1 to September 30 — Lawn or landscape watering may be done on any day, but not between the hours of 9:00 am and 7:00 pm unless a person is outdoors maintaining control and is in full view of the landscape being irrigated.
With the implementation of water conservation practices, all gardens and landscaped areas are able to flourish.
City Utilities Billing Information
General Information
The City of Tracy provides water, sewer, and storm drain services and contracts with Tracy Disposal Service for garbage, garden refuse and recycling services. Accounts must be opened in person at the Finance Department located at City Hall, or a utility sign-up card may be obtained on the City's website at www.ci.tracy.ca.us
Deposits
A $40 deposit is required for all residents who rent or lease. The deposit will be applied to the closing bill upon moving or purchase of the property.
Statement
Each customer is billed monthly for services used in the prior month. All bills are due upon receipt. Any charges not paid by the delinquent date specified on the bill will be subject to a 10% penalty or $6 whichever is greater. A five (5) day notice is mailed if an account becomes delinquent and water may be disconnected without further notice if the bill is not paid.
Fees
* Termination of service for delinquency is subject to a $35 service fee.
* Cut lock fee if lock is damaged or cut $25.
* Fee to pull meter due to delinquency $20.
* NSF Check fee $15.
Closing Accounts
It is your responsibility to notify the City when you move or wish any changes made to your account. The meter will be read on the date you specify as the closing date and the closing bill will be for the prior month's service and will be prorated.
Low Income Assistance
Reduced rates for qualified low income customers are available. Inquire at the Finance Department at City Hall or call (209) 831-4120.
Remit Payment
By mail to the City of Tracy, 325 East 10th Street, Tracy, CA 95376.
You may also pay in person at the Finance Department located in City Hall. Night depository outside City Hall for payment by check or money order. (Sorry, no cash payments accepted in night depository).
On-line billing service: https://ecare.ci.tracy.ca.us
Inquiries
Water, sewer, and storm drain service questions/problems (209) 831-4420.
Garbage, garden, and recycling service questions/problems (209) 835-0601.
All billing inquiries direct to the Finance Department at (209) 831-4120.
Conservation
Your Garbage Day is East / West
Tracy Disposal has a franchise agreement with the City of Tracy to provide garbage service including curbside recycling and yard waste. Collection begins at 4:00 am so toters and bins must be taken out to the curb the night prior to pickup. Special handling is provided to disabled households who are unable to wheel toters. Call (209) 835-0601 for more information. Once emptied, you are required to remove toters from curbside as soon as possible, but not later than 24 hours after pickup.
Garbage is picked up once a week in the green toter. Recyclables are picked up each week in the blue bin. Yard waste is picked up every other week in the brown toter according to your East/West designation. Pick up of extra garbage must be prearranged by calling (209) 835-0601.
All toters have serial numbers and will be replaced at no charge if damage was not due to customer negligence or misuse. Don't put chemicals or hot ashes in toters—that's misuse—so is running over your toter or bin.
The annual Spring Clean-Up (usually held in April)and Fall clean-up (usually held in October), street sweeping, leaf pick-up and Christmas tree pick-up are provided without additional costs. Household hazardous waste is collected at two special events in Tracy each year. There is no fee for this service.
Rates
* Garbage: $19.95 (for all 3 toters)
* Storm Drain: $1.20 per month
* Sewer: $31.00 per month single family, $26.55 per month attached units
* Water: Base fee of $9.85 per month ($17.15 for 1" meters) plus consumption:
o Consumption 1 meter unit = 100 Cubic Feet Summer (May to October)
+ 0-18 units – $.85 per unit
+ 19-29 units – $1.20 per unit
+ 29-287 units – $1.40 per unit
+ over 287 units – $1.50 per unit
o Winter (November to April)
+ 0-12 units – $.85 per unit
+ 13-19 units – $1.20 per unit
+ 20-191 units – $1.40 per unit
City Department Phone Listing
Police and Fire Emergencies 911
–or– (209) 831-4553
Nights, weekends and holidays 831-4550
Airport 835-4266
Animal Shelter 831-4364
Building Inspection Request 831-4621
City Attorney 831-4050
City Clerk 831-4113
City Manager 831-4100
General Information 831-4100
Finance 831-4120
Garbage Service Complaints 835-0601
Business Licenses 831-4120
Water, Sewer, Garbage, Billing 831-4120
Human Resources (209) 831-4150
Job Hotline 831-4151
Development and Engineering
Building Division 831-4600
Engineering Division 831-4600
Planning Division 831-4600
Redevelopment 831-4600
Zoning and Code Enforcement 831-4600
Economic Development 831-4104
Fire Department, Non-Emergency 831-4700
Library 831-4250
Parks and Community Services
Tracy Ball Park 831-4222
Community Center Lobby 835-9982
Community Center Reservations 831-4204
Senior Center 831-4230
Park Maintenance 831-4420
Public Facilities Reservations 831-4204
Recycling and Solid Waste 831-4331
Swimming Pool 831-4220
Transportation (209) 831-4330
Police Department
Non-Emergency calls 831-4550
Chief's Office 831-4575
Crime Prevention 831-4581
Crime Stoppers 831-4545
Hearing Impaired 835-1199
Investigations 831-4544
Graffiti Hotline 831-4583
Probation Officer 831-4542
Street Crimes 831-4584
Captain 831-4578
Watch Commander 831-4592
Property 831-4594
Records Information 831-4560
Services Division Manager 831-4577
Outlet Mall Substation 831-4531
West Valley Mall Substation 831-4533
Public Works Department
Administration and Director (209) 831-4420
Maintenance and Operations 831-4420
Parks Maintenance 831-4420
Sewer and Water Maintenance 831-4420
Wastewater Treatment Plant 831-4480
Water Conservation 831-4333
Water Treatment Plant 831-4494
Tracy Transit 831-4287
"This guide has been prepared to help you get acquainted with our fair City. In it you will find a description of many City and community services. It also has a handy listing of phone numbers for various City departments and services.
"I invite you to take a look at the section dealing with Tracy's history as well as it's future. We are proud of the significant planning efforts designed to ensure that our community will continue to be a most desirable place in which to live.
"Tracy's future is bright. We are glad you are here and we extend to you and your family a special invitation to become an active participant in our community."
Sincerely,
Dan Bilbrey, Mayor
Check Us Out!
For more information about the Tracy Community visit the Tracy Chamber of Commerce website.
City Council and Elected Officials
Terms of Office
The Mayor is elected for two years. City Council Members are elected for four years. The City Treasurer and City Clerk are elected for four years. There are no term limits for any elected position.
Meetings
Regular City Council meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Special meetings are scheduled on an as-needed basis by the City Council. Meetings are held at the Tracy Community Center, 300 East 10th Street.
Council Agendas
Regular meeting agendas are published at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Special meeting agendas are published 24 hours in advance. Current agendas are available. Agendas for all Council meetings are also available for public viewing at:
* Tracy Public Library, 20 East Eaton Avenue
* City Hall, 325 East 10th Street
* City Hall Annex, 520 South Tracy Boulevard
Council Members
The City Council is comprised of the Mayor and four Council Members.
* Mayor, Brent H. Ives
* Council Member and Mayor Pro-Tem, Suzanne Tucker
* Council Member, Irene Sundberg
* Council Member, Evelyn Tolbert
Contacting the City Council
City Hall
325 East 10th Street
Tracy, CA 95376
Phone: (209) 831-4103
Email: council@ci.tracy.ca.us
Please note that all e-mail correspondence addressed to or copied to City Council is a public record.
City Manager
Under Tracy's form of government, the City Council appoints the City Manager and the City Attorney. The City Manager is the chief administrative officer for the City and is accountable to the City Council. The City Manager appoints the Deputy City Manager and the department heads of the six operating departments. The City Manager is also responsible for assuring City services are performed in accordance with the City Council's policies and within the City's resources.
The City Manager advises the City Council on policy options concerning the organization and activities of the departments. The City Manager is also responsible for the submission of the City's budget and Capital Improvement Plan and for their administration after Council adoption. The City Manager keeps Council advised of the City's financial condition and the future needs of the City. Tracy's City Manager is Mr. Daniel Hobbs.
Contacting the City Manager
City Hall
325 East 10th Street
Tracy, CA 95376
Phone: (209) 831-4103
Email: cm@ci.tracy.ca.us
City Department Structure
The City of Tracy has eight operating departments each managed by a department head. The City Departments are as follows:
* Fire – Chief, Chris Bosch
* Police – Chief, David Krauss
* Finance and Administrative Services – Director, Zane Johnston
* Public Works – Director, Pat Wiemiller
* Parks and Community Services – Director, Maria Hurtado
* Development and Engineering Services – Director, Bill Reeds
* Human Resources – Director, Maria Villasenor Olvera
* Economic Development – Director, Andrew Malik
In addition to the eight departments, the City's management team also includes the Assistant City Manager, Julie Yuan-Miu, and the City Attorney, Debra Corbett.
Fire Department
The Tracy Fire Department is a full service fire agency serving the entire Tracy community. The Fire Department's jurisdiction includes the incorporated city, unincorporated rural Tracy and the new community of Mountain Hours. The Department protects approximately 100,000 citizens inhabiting over 200 square miles.
Fire Administration offices are located at 400 East 11th Street. Our public is served from 7 fire stations located throughout the service area.
The Fire Department may be contacted for business and non-emergencies at (209) 831 - 4700.
For Emergencies please call 911.
Fire Prevention in the Home
Every year, 5,000 Americans die in home fires. Don't be a casualty in your own home, here are some fire prevention tips. Start in your sleeping areas because more than half of all fatal fires occur while sleeping. Install and maintain fire detectors in every sleeping bedroom. If you smoke, don't smoke in bed, it's one of the highest causes of fatal bedroom fires.
Attention should also be give to the kitchen. Never leave cooking unattended. Check to make sure your stove is free of grease, keep flammables away from heat sources including pot holders, towels and curtains. When cooking, keep pot handles turned in, this will help reduce the chances of a child being burned. Get a multi-purpose fire extinguisher for grease fires. Never use water to fight grease fires.
In the living room, check TVs, VCRs and stereos to make sure they have space around them to prevent overheating. Feel all electrical cords to ensure they are not hot. Inspect cords to make sure they are not frayed. Don't plug in too many appliances into an outlet, buy a power strip instead.
If you keep gasoline on hand, store it outside your home or in a detached garage. Keep only small quantities, and use only approved gasoline cans. Store paint and other flammable liquids in their original labeled containers with tight fitting lids. Store flammables well away from heat sources such as heaters and pilot lights. Don't store anything near heaters. Dispose of trash and sawdust or wood shavings around the work bench.
Have a household emergency plan and discuss it with your family, not only for fires, but also power outages, earthquakes and medical emergencies.
Police Department
The Police Department is responsible for maintaining and providing effective and efficient public safety services. The mission of the Department is to improve the quality of life through Community Partnerships which promote safety and security.The Department motto, “Service, Integrity, Excellence”, represents the commitment of the Department's men and women to the community.
1000 Civic Center
Tracy, CA 95376
Phone: (209) 831-4550
Email: policedept@ci.tracy.ca.us
The Department is organized into two bureaus, Bureau of Patrol Operations and the Bureau of Support Operations. Patrol Operations maintains the peace and provides response to calls for service. It includes the Patrol Division, Traffic Unit, the K-9 Unit, Street Crimes Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) team, and the Crisis Negotiations Team. Support Operations includes the General Investigations Division, the Street Crimes Unit (SCU), the Records Division, the Communications Division, the Crime Scene Investigation and Property Unit and the Animal Services Division.
Crime prevention means a partnership between citizens of Tracy and the Police Department working together as a team to fight crime. The following is a list of crime prevention programs available to citizens:
* Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program in each neighborhood using the participation of residents. The program encourages neighbors to get to know each other and to protect themselves from criminal activity.
* Business Watch is designed to educate business on how to deter and detect business crimes. Businesses learn how to protect employees from violent crimes, how to detect shoplifters, fraud and other security topics.
* Traffic Education and Monitoring (TEAM) is a group of citizens who attend a brief course on the operation of a radar device and may then use radar to record the speed of vehicles in their neighborhood. The Police Department sends follow up letters to violators . There is no citizen/violator contact.
Finance and Administrative Services Department
The mission of the Finance Department is to ensure the fiscal foundation and information systems necessary to deliver community services. Finance is responsible for City budget preparation and compliance, accounting and financial reporting, debt issuance and management, accounts payable, City employee payroll, utility billing, business licensing, accounts receivable, and cashiering. The Finance Department & Administrative Services also includes the elected office of City Treasurer who oversees the investment of funds. The City Treasurer is Ray McCray.
Information Systems Division
Information Systems is a Division of the Finance and Administrative Services Department and provides all services relating to the development and maintenance of the City's information systems including computers, networks, and phone systems. For more information, email the Information Systems Manager at ismanager@ci.tracy.ca.us.
City Attorney
The City Attorney is the chief legal officer of the City and is appointed by, and responsible to, the City Council. It is the responsibility of the City Attorney's office to advise the City Council and all boards, commissions, officers and employees of the City regarding their official duties and represent them in legal proceedings in which the City is concerned or is a party. The City Attorney's office prepares and approves ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other legal documents and prosecutes violations of the Tracy Municipal Code.
Human Resources Department
Human Resources Departmenr provides services in the areas of recruitment, classification, compensation, employee benefits, training, risk management and labor relations.
The City does not keep resumes on file but interested parties can complete a job interest card which is maintained on file. You will then be sent a job announcement and application when the designated position becomes open. Jobs are also posted on the City's webpage and on the City's jobline at (209) 831-4151.
Economic Development
The Economic Development Department has a number of functions and roles within the City, including working to diversify the local economy through business retention and attraction, supporting and developing key economic centers, as well as preparing a competitive workforce. The Department works in conjunction with other City departments such as Planning and Community Development, as well as with the community's Economic Development Committee and the countywide San Joaquin Partnership.
Parks and Community Services
The Parks and Community Services Department is responsible for a number of important programs in the City including: recreation, recycling and solid waste, operation of the airport and transit services, median and park landscape services, senior, and youth programs.
The Department is located in the Civic Center at 400 East 10th Street. Registration for recreation programs and classes can be done at this location. The Department may also be contacted by phone at (209) 831-4200 or by email at parks@ci.tracy.ca.us. Recreation program activity listings are available online.
The Department coordinates use and rental of parks, picnic areas, fields, and facilities such as the Tracy Community Center and the Tracy Sports Complex.
There are three commissions(listed below)comprised of citizens appointed by the City Council to guide policy for the Parks and Community Services programs. Call 831- 4200 for meeting schedules and information.
* Parks and Community Services Commission – Establishes rules and regulations regarding recreation programs, activities and facilities usage. Reviews master plans for parks and recreation facilities and development.
* Youth Advisory Commission (YAC) – To provide youth with an opportunity Commission, City Council and other groups on matters related to the welfare of youth in Tracy.
* Airport Advisory Committee – Serve as liaison between the airport users and City government and to advise the City regarding rules and regulations regarding airport use, capital improvement projects, and airport fees.
Public Works
The Public Works Department is the largest department within the City of Tracy. Public Works provides operations, maintenance and repair services for streets, sidewalks, street trees, traffic systems, parks, public buildings, and City vehicles. Public Works also operates the City's water treatment plant, wells, the water distribution system, sewer system and wastewater treatment plant. The department also provides street sweeping and graffiti removal services.
Development and Engineering Services
The Department of Development and Engineering Services (DES) is comprised of five divisions: Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, Housing and Redevelopment, and Engineering. The efforts of DES ultimately are exhibited through the development of a community that is enjoyable and sustainable for both current and future generations. DES strives to balance historic community values with the evolving trends of change.
The Development and Engineering Services Department occupies the City Hall Annex located at 520 South Tracy Blvd. The Annex building is the southern-most building of the City's Boyd Service Center complex. Building permits and other construction related permits may be obtained at this location. The Department's phone number is (209) 831-4600.
City Services
Graffiti Removal Program
The City of Tracy is proud to have a Graffiti Removal Program. If you see graffiti around the City on public or private property, please report it immediately to the Graffiti Hot Line at (209) 831-4583. This hot line is available 24 hours a day. Just leave a message. You are not required to leave your name or phone number.
Tracer Bus Service
The City of Tracy offers a Fixed Route and Paratransit bus service called Tracer. The Tracer Fixed Route bus service minimizes the need to make transportation plans ahead of time. Frequent (hourly) bus service makes it easy to get around Tracy. Bus stops are located near many schools, offices, shopping, Greyhound and County Transit stops. The Fixed Route service operates from approximately 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Monday-Friday and from approximately 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays. All buses are lift-equipped to provide access by wheelchair and for others who cannot use the steps for boarding. See our schedule for fares, routes, specials, and bus stops near you.
The Paratransit service offers door-to-door service for Seniors (60+), passengers with a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); passengers with a medical disability that prevents them from driving or using the fixed route transit service. Additionally, any passenger can ride the Paratransit if their trip begins or ends outside the Tracy city limits within the defined Transit service area of Tracy. This service is available at the same times as the fixed Route and requires a certification card issued by the City of Tracy that is easily obtainable. Please contact (209) 831-4BUS (4287) for additional information.
Library
The Tracy Library is a member of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library system. The library is located at Eaton Avenue and Holly Drive. It is open 52 hours each week and has over 134,000 pieces in the in-house materials collection. Internet access is available at the library and many more materials are available through an extensive inter-library loan system. The Tracy Library also has an active Friends of the Library organization. For hours and other information, visit the library website.
Senior Center
The Lolly Hansen Senior Center is located at 375 East 9th Street in the Civic Center area. A wide variety of recreational activities and social services are offered to individuals 50 years of age or older. The Center's hours are weekdays,8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Activities focus on healthy senior lifestyles and include Zest for Life fitness programs, Healthy Habits nutrition classes, yoga, Hawaiian Hula dancing and Chi Kung exercise. Other social programs include computer literacy, sewing classes, various card games and The Red Hat Society. These programs are only a partial listing of services. Please call (209)-831-4230 for more information.
Other Local Services
Altamont Commuter Express (ACE)
The Altamont Commuter Express provides easy access to Silicon Valley and the Livermore Valley with three trains daily between Stockton and San Jose. Three trains depart from Stockton in the morning, and Three from San Jose return in the evening. The ACE stops in Lathrop, Tracy, Livermore, Pleasanton, Fremont, and Santa Clara and terminates at the San Jose Diridon Station, where connection can be made to Caltrain, Amtrak, and Santa Clara Transit. The Tracy ACE station is located at Tracy Boulevard and Linne Road. For more information on fares, schedules and locations of stations, visit the ACE websiteor call ACE customer service at (800) 411-RAIL.
SMART (San Joaquin Regional Transit) (209) 943-1111
Route and schedule information is available in the lobby of City Hall at 325 E. 10th Street. Additional information can be found at the SMART website or by calling (800) 469-8674.
Comcast Cable Services
http://www.comcast.com/
3115 North Tracy Boulevard
Phone: (800) 824-2000
Sutter Tracy Community Hospital
http://www.suttertracy.org/
1420 Tracy Boulevard
Phone: (209) 835-1500
Courthouse
http://www.stocktoncourt.org/
475 East 10th Street
Phone: (209 831-5909
Tracy Unified School District
http://www.tracy.k12.ca.us/
1875 West Lowell Avenue
Phone: (209) 831-5000
Jefferson Elementary School District
http://www.sjcoe.k12.ca.us/Jefferson/
7500 West Linne Road
Phone: (209 836-3388
County Health Services
http://www.phs.hs.co.san-joaquin.ca.us/
209 West 9th Street
Phone: (209) 831-5930
Post Office
http://www.usps.com/
125 West 9th Street
Phone:
Toll Free: (800) 275-8777
Local: (209) 835-9795
TTY Service: (877) 877-7833
Highway Patrol
http://www.chp.ca.gov/
385 West Grant Line Road
Phone: (209) 835-8920
Department of Motor Vehicles
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/
324 East 11th Street, #C
Phone: (209) 835-7764
Chamber of Commerce
http://www.tracychamber.org/
223 East 10th Street
Phone: (209) 835-2131
Utilities
PG&E
http://www.pge.com/
55 East 10th Street
Phone: (800) 743-5000
SBC
http://www.sbc.com/
Phone: (800) 310-2355
Tracy Disposal
Recycling and Waste Removal
60 East 11th Street
Phone: (209) 835-0601
More Services
Animal Control
The Tracy Animal Shelter is located at 370 East Arbor Avenue and is open to the public from noon to 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. The shelter is a full service facility offering such services as animal licensing and redemption of unwanted pets. The staff and volunteers work diligently at promoting the adoption of animals from the shelter as family pets. Mobile adoption clinics are also held periodically. For more information, please call (209) 831-4364.
MRF And Transfer Station
A Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and transfer station is located at 30703 South MacArthur Drive (one mile south of Linne Road). It is open to the public Monday through Saturday 8 am to 4 pm (3:30 on Saturday). The MRF portion of the facility is for recovery, recycling and composting of yard waste to reduce the amount of city waste going to landfills.The Transfer Station takes the place of our landfill, which closed in 1995. For more information, please call 832- 2355.
Hours of Operation
City Hall, the City Hall Annex (including the Boyd Service Center), and Fire Administration are open to the public Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 6 pm. These offices are open 8 am to 5 pm every other Friday and closed every other Friday. A calendar of closed Fridays and City holidays, is available at City Hall. Call ahead if unsure, before coming to these offices on a Friday.
Emergency services such as police and fire are staffed 24 hours a day. You should call 911 if there is an emergency. However, for non-emergencies, please call each department at their regular business phone number. Contacting each department for non-emergency matters either by phone or in person is best handled during normal City business hours (see above).
Public Works crews also work Monday through Thursday, and every other Friday, however, crews begin work earlier in the morning and conclude earlier in the afternoon. Public Works Administration, however, is open during the City's normal business hours. A public works stand by employee is available 24 hours per day in the case of an emergency.
Tracy's History
In 1869 the Central Pacific Railroad (now Southern Pacific) completed a rail line through the area which is now Tracy. The rail line ran from Sacramento through Stockton then over the Altamont Pass and then by ferry service to San Francisco. Shortly after the line was built, a new town sprung up nine miles from Stockton and became known as Lathrop Junction. Lathrop consisted of a roundhouse, railroad shop, yards and hotels for feeding railroad employees. The community became the center of railroad business and the headquarters for the Central Pacific Railroad in the San Joaquin Valley.
The railroad found it necessary to build a coaling station at the base of the Altamont Pass, just fourteen miles to the west of Lathrop. The new station was called Ellis and by 1870 it had about 45 buildings serving the needs of the railroad and its employees and their families.
In 1878 construction of a new rail line was started from Oakland around the shores of San Francisco Bay, through Martinez to connect to the Central Pacific at a point three miles to the east of Ellis. The line had been built to make possible greater efficiency by avoiding hills and to eliminate the expense of helper engines. The result of the new rail line was the founding of Tracy on September 8, 1878. It is generally agreed by pioneer residents that an official of the railroad by the name of Lathrop J. Tracy was given the distinction of having the town named for him.
Soon after the establishment of the new line connecting in Tracy, the railroad discontinued the coaling station at Ellis and employees and their families were moved to Lathrop and to the new Tracy station. The town of Ellis moved bag and baggage to Tracy including moving two hotels.
Tracy continued to grow as a railroad center. A new line through Los Banos was the fastest and least expensive to Los Angeles. In March of 1894 railroad headquarters at Lathrop were moved to Tracy. All of the railroad equipment including engines and buildings were moved. Thus, Tracy's beginning is in fact the story of a railroad.
Tracy was incorporated in 1910 and it grew rapidly after the first irrigation district was established in 1915. Although railroad operations began to decline in the 1950's, Tracy continued to prosper as an agricultural area. Today, the City seal reflects this history of railroads and agriculture.
Tracy's Future
In the 1980s Tracy experienced a growth spurt as people moved to Tracy to seek a more affordable alternative to Bay Area home prices and to enjoy a less hectic pace of life. This was the beginning of a steady period of growth for the community. Tracy began to develop as a commercial center for the west side. New retail establishments were put in place and the Tracy economy became more diverse from its historical roots in agriculture.
In the 1990s Tracy was discovered as an attractive location for the distribution facilities of many companies. Tracy's ideal location and proximity to 3 major freeways allows for quick and efficient movement of products to a variety of markets. Tracy is now home to the distribution facilities for Safeway, Costco, Orchard Supply and United Grocers. In addition, Yellow Freight located its new Western Regional hub in Tracy. The Tracy economy once again diversified and new employment opportunities were added.
The population of Tracy as of January 2005 was 78,307 and has seen steady increase. The City's population is expected to grow to 94,000 by the year 2020. While residential development will be the major growth factor, office park, commercial and light industrial is also expected to increase.
Residential growth will occur primarily in a westerly direction, with building occurring in the "Plan C" and related residential subdivisions. Light industrial and office park development, which will create additional job centers in Tracy, will be concentrated along the Freeways (I-580 and I-205). These job centers will be geared toward the "hi-tech" companies expanding from their Silicon Valley bases and will include a "mixed use" development concept, including high density residential, service retail and recreational uses all in close proximity to work.
Tracy has a bright future. The continued diversification of the local economy is a priority as manifested in the strategy to recruit business parks and "hi-tech" companies and make additional jobs available in Tracy. Other employment opportunities will continue in the Bay Area and to this end, emphasis will also be placed on transportation enhancements. At the center of Tracy's future will be its retention of small town charm, excellent schools, abundance of parks, and a desirable quality of life.
Special Districts
Since the late 1980s, thousands of new homes have been built in Tracy. The City has used planning areas to guide the development of this growth. Each planning area has unique financing arrangements to cover the cost of building necessary public infrastructure. In all planning areas, homeowners pay special assessments, or Mello-Roos special taxes, or a combination of the two. These special taxes and assessments are used to pay bonds which were issued to provide funds for infrastructure construction such as roads, schools, drainage systems, water and wastewater systems.
An assessment district and Mello-Roos District (also known as a Community Facilities District) are similar in that bonds were issued and property owners pay an extra assessment or tax each year in order to pay debt service on the bonds. The extra amount appears as a separate line item on the property tax bill and is in addition to normal taxes. "No Mello-Roos" advertised on new homes does not mean no extra taxes. The property is most likely in an assessment district with an annual special assessment amount similar to the amount of a Mello-Roos tax.
Special assessments and Mello-Roos taxes can be prepaid which will remove the lien from a property and no further annual taxes or assessments would be due.
Specific Plan areas with special taxes and/or assessments:
* The Residential Specific Plan (RSP)
* The I-205 Specific Plan
* Plan "C" (except the first 300 homes of Hidden Lake)
* Presidio (Lourence Ranch)
* South MacArthur
Specific information for each of these areas is available from the City Finance Department at 325 East 10th Street (831-4120).
Lighting and Landscaping Districts
Most homes built since 1985 are also in a lighting and landscaping maintenance district. An annual charge is levied on the property tax bill for the maintenance of landscaped areas and some parks. There is no charge for street lighting.
Storm Water Management
Urban Runoff
On December 5, 2003, the City of Tracy was designated as “under permit” for the Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program. The program was developed under the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Clean Water Act. The City must now administer and enforce water pollution regulations as set forth under the USEPA Clean Water Act for both point and non-point sources. This administration and enforcement is done pursuant to the Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Ordinance in the Tracy Municipal Code. Residents, as well as, business and construction are non-point sources of storm water pollution. The pollutants that each contributes are materials such as grass clippings, animal waste, leaves, soil, debris, garbage, paint, used motor oil, fertilizers and pesticides. All of these pollutants (know as “Urban Runoff”) are carried into the storm drain system through the catch basins in the gutters on your streets and in parking lots. These pollutants do not go to a wastewater treatment plant to be cleaned by are instead carried out to our local waterways untreated. This untreated storm water pollution is harmful to our aquatic life (fish, turtles, birds, microorganisms), as well as our children and pets. Swimming pool discharges are also regulated and can be a violation of the Clean Water Act under EPA guidelines if allowed to discharge into the storm drain system
.
The City recommends that you read the instructions on all outdoor products and use them sparingly. Also, that you sweep and pick up your leaves and grass clippings. Always recycle your used motor oil and filters as well as all water- based paints. Lastly, if you own pets, please clean up the pet waste frequently by bagging and depositing it into the trash can. By following these simple measures, you can help to make our waterways a much healthier environment for yourselves, your children an all aquatic life. Thank you for your assistance!
Get Involved!
There are many opportunities to get involved in your community. You might consider serving on one of the following committees, boards or commissions:
* Airport Advisory Committee — Advisory to the City Manager on all matters pertaining to the Tracy Municipal Airport.
* Building Board of Appeals — Hears appeals of administrative decisions regarding the Uniform Building Code and other construction codes.
* Cultural Arts Commission — Encourages and promotes cultural arts programs and solicits funding from a variety of sources.
* Downtown Parking District Advisory Board — Advisory to the City Council on all matters pertaining to the Downtown Parking District.
* Local Library Advisory Board — Provides a mechanism for the exchange of information to make the local library more responsive to community needs.
* Parks and Community Services Commission — Advises the City Council on recreation programs, facility master planning and usage.
* Planning Commission — Recommends amendments to the City's General Plan, holds hearings on planning and zoning matters.
* Tracy Tomorrow and Beyond — Advises the City regarding their implementation of recommendations of the Tracy Tomorrow 2000 citizens visionary process.
* Youth Advisory Commission — Provides an opportunity for community youth to make recommendations to staff, the Parks and Community Services Commission and City Council on matters related to the welfare of youth in Tracy.
All of these committees have community members, who are appointed by the City Council. Terms of appointment are usually four years. The City advertises openings on these boards and commissions in the Tracy Press and posts openings at the Library, at 20 East Eaton Avenue. For more information contact the City Clerk at (209) 831-4113.
Recycling
The City of Tracy, in coordination with Tracy Disposal Service, provides curbside recycling to residents. The blue plastic container ("blue box") is provided to store recyclable materials. Place the Blue Box in front of your residence for weekly collection on the same day as your normal garbage collection. Please note that recyclable materials will be collected by a different crew than your garbage and therefore will be picked up at a different time on your collection day.
Items to Recycle
* Aluminum, steel and tin cans.
* Glass bottles and jars.
* Plastic soda and food containers.
* Clear milk and water jugs.
* Newspapers Paper grocery bags.
* Cardboard boxes (must be flattened).
* Junk mail and magazines.
Items Which Cannot be Accepted
* Telephone books.
* Light bulbs.
* Aerosol cans.
* Ceramic dishes, cups, etc.
* Paper or boxes with plastic or foil linings.
* Plastic detergent, bleach or motor oil containers.
* Window panes, mirrors, Pyrex glass, drinking glasses.
Saving Your Recyclable Items
All bottles, cans, jars and plastic containers should be rinsed clean. Cans and plastic containers should be crushed to provide more room. All container caps must be removed and discarded in your regular garbage. Newspapers may be placed in your Blue Box, tied in a bundle, or placed in a paper bag.
Recycling bins belong to the Curbside Recycling Program. If you move leave the bin at your current address or call (209 835-3639 for pick up.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Household hazardous waste is collected twice each year in Tracy, usually the last week of April and October. Collection is at the City Hall Annex at 520 Tracy Boulevard. Collection times are usually 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on the Friday and Saturday of the collection dates. Call (209 831-4331 to find out the actual date of the next collection event.
Water Conservation
Conserve Water
Typically when families move into their new homes they discover the landscape contractor set the irrigation timer (controller) for a much longer time than necessary. Moreover, the landscape contractor may have left the controller set to run at various periods of the day. The irrigation schedule was set up this way to prevent new sod from drying until the root system became established. Now that the root system has been established there is no longer the need to continue to over irrigate in this manner.
Tracy has an adobe type soil, which does not absorb water well. Thus, excess water runoff from landscaped areas can be a problem. Experience has shown that excessive water runoff can be avoided by setting the irrigation timer to run several short cycles of 3 to 5 minutes.
The Water Conservation Office recommends the homeowner reset their irrigation controller to conform to the water conservation measures prescribed in the Water Management Ordinance as follows:
The following water conservation measures are in effect
* October 1 to April 30 — Lawn or landscape watering may be done on any day, but not between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm unless a person is outdoors and maintaining control and is in full view of the landscape being irrigated.
* May 1 to September 30 — Lawn or landscape watering may be done on any day, but not between the hours of 9:00 am and 7:00 pm unless a person is outdoors maintaining control and is in full view of the landscape being irrigated.
With the implementation of water conservation practices, all gardens and landscaped areas are able to flourish.
City Utilities Billing Information
General Information
The City of Tracy provides water, sewer, and storm drain services and contracts with Tracy Disposal Service for garbage, garden refuse and recycling services. Accounts must be opened in person at the Finance Department located at City Hall, or a utility sign-up card may be obtained on the City's website at www.ci.tracy.ca.us
Deposits
A $40 deposit is required for all residents who rent or lease. The deposit will be applied to the closing bill upon moving or purchase of the property.
Statement
Each customer is billed monthly for services used in the prior month. All bills are due upon receipt. Any charges not paid by the delinquent date specified on the bill will be subject to a 10% penalty or $6 whichever is greater. A five (5) day notice is mailed if an account becomes delinquent and water may be disconnected without further notice if the bill is not paid.
Fees
* Termination of service for delinquency is subject to a $35 service fee.
* Cut lock fee if lock is damaged or cut $25.
* Fee to pull meter due to delinquency $20.
* NSF Check fee $15.
Closing Accounts
It is your responsibility to notify the City when you move or wish any changes made to your account. The meter will be read on the date you specify as the closing date and the closing bill will be for the prior month's service and will be prorated.
Low Income Assistance
Reduced rates for qualified low income customers are available. Inquire at the Finance Department at City Hall or call (209) 831-4120.
Remit Payment
By mail to the City of Tracy, 325 East 10th Street, Tracy, CA 95376.
You may also pay in person at the Finance Department located in City Hall. Night depository outside City Hall for payment by check or money order. (Sorry, no cash payments accepted in night depository).
On-line billing service: https://ecare.ci.tracy.ca.us
Inquiries
Water, sewer, and storm drain service questions/problems (209) 831-4420.
Garbage, garden, and recycling service questions/problems (209) 835-0601.
All billing inquiries direct to the Finance Department at (209) 831-4120.
Conservation
Your Garbage Day is East / West
Tracy Disposal has a franchise agreement with the City of Tracy to provide garbage service including curbside recycling and yard waste. Collection begins at 4:00 am so toters and bins must be taken out to the curb the night prior to pickup. Special handling is provided to disabled households who are unable to wheel toters. Call (209) 835-0601 for more information. Once emptied, you are required to remove toters from curbside as soon as possible, but not later than 24 hours after pickup.
Garbage is picked up once a week in the green toter. Recyclables are picked up each week in the blue bin. Yard waste is picked up every other week in the brown toter according to your East/West designation. Pick up of extra garbage must be prearranged by calling (209) 835-0601.
All toters have serial numbers and will be replaced at no charge if damage was not due to customer negligence or misuse. Don't put chemicals or hot ashes in toters—that's misuse—so is running over your toter or bin.
The annual Spring Clean-Up (usually held in April)and Fall clean-up (usually held in October), street sweeping, leaf pick-up and Christmas tree pick-up are provided without additional costs. Household hazardous waste is collected at two special events in Tracy each year. There is no fee for this service.
Rates
* Garbage: $19.95 (for all 3 toters)
* Storm Drain: $1.20 per month
* Sewer: $31.00 per month single family, $26.55 per month attached units
* Water: Base fee of $9.85 per month ($17.15 for 1" meters) plus consumption:
o Consumption 1 meter unit = 100 Cubic Feet Summer (May to October)
+ 0-18 units – $.85 per unit
+ 19-29 units – $1.20 per unit
+ 29-287 units – $1.40 per unit
+ over 287 units – $1.50 per unit
o Winter (November to April)
+ 0-12 units – $.85 per unit
+ 13-19 units – $1.20 per unit
+ 20-191 units – $1.40 per unit
City Department Phone Listing
Police and Fire Emergencies 911
–or– (209) 831-4553
Nights, weekends and holidays 831-4550
Airport 835-4266
Animal Shelter 831-4364
Building Inspection Request 831-4621
City Attorney 831-4050
City Clerk 831-4113
City Manager 831-4100
General Information 831-4100
Finance 831-4120
Garbage Service Complaints 835-0601
Business Licenses 831-4120
Water, Sewer, Garbage, Billing 831-4120
Human Resources (209) 831-4150
Job Hotline 831-4151
Development and Engineering
Building Division 831-4600
Engineering Division 831-4600
Planning Division 831-4600
Redevelopment 831-4600
Zoning and Code Enforcement 831-4600
Economic Development 831-4104
Fire Department, Non-Emergency 831-4700
Library 831-4250
Parks and Community Services
Tracy Ball Park 831-4222
Community Center Lobby 835-9982
Community Center Reservations 831-4204
Senior Center 831-4230
Park Maintenance 831-4420
Public Facilities Reservations 831-4204
Recycling and Solid Waste 831-4331
Swimming Pool 831-4220
Transportation (209) 831-4330
Police Department
Non-Emergency calls 831-4550
Chief's Office 831-4575
Crime Prevention 831-4581
Crime Stoppers 831-4545
Hearing Impaired 835-1199
Investigations 831-4544
Graffiti Hotline 831-4583
Probation Officer 831-4542
Street Crimes 831-4584
Captain 831-4578
Watch Commander 831-4592
Property 831-4594
Records Information 831-4560
Services Division Manager 831-4577
Outlet Mall Substation 831-4531
West Valley Mall Substation 831-4533
Public Works Department
Administration and Director (209) 831-4420
Maintenance and Operations 831-4420
Parks Maintenance 831-4420
Sewer and Water Maintenance 831-4420
Wastewater Treatment Plant 831-4480
Water Conservation 831-4333
Water Treatment Plant 831-4494
Tracy Transit 831-4287
