Gloria Shepherd, City Clerk

Bill Goodwin, Director of Public Works, reviewed the staff report and gave staff’s recommendation while emphasizing the desire to find a beginning to the conclusions of this project, and that the focus be on the fact that that there is a need for the project and that it needs to be done. The solution for the known problem with the septic systems and nitrate problems includes three Phases equal in costs or one single phase to do the whole project and completing it in a timely fashion.

The goal for the end result of the meeting is to choose the Preferred project alternative in order to move forward in looking for grants, research loans, finalize environmental projects, finalize engineering, and coming up with a fair assessment for the properties in the area.

Sam Smith, Pace Civil Engineering Inc., provided a power point presentation of the Wastewater Treatment Alternatives and reviewed the Antelope Sewer study areas.

Alternative number one was building a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) on the east side of the river to serve only the Antelope area and the most costly.  Alternative number two was to connect and expand the City WWTP with connection fees and was the least costly. Alternative number Three and Four included two options that are about the same that included two sites for a land application system and were also more costly than Alternative two.

The total preliminary cost estimates totaled $25,484,000, which included the Collection Sewers at $18,392,000, Conveyance Facilities to City Treatment Plant at $4,454,000, and Wastewater Treatment Connection Fees at $2,638,000.

There are possible grants for the low income for the assessment costs.

It was mentioned that the City and the County had discussed that the City would operate the system.

Preliminary Typical Assessments for a Phased Sewer System approach included 3 total estimates of $13,630 for Phase One, $13,820 for Phase Two, and $14,330 for Phase Three.

Bill Goodwin, Director of Public Works, discussed the informal survey taken after the last meeting, that showed support for the One Single Phase to do the whole project and completing it in a timely fashion over the three Phases equal in costs Project that might take many years to complete. He then turned the meeting back over to Chairman Ross Turner.

Chairman Ross Turner introduced Bill Borror, Ad Hoc Committee member, who made a presentation that included findings in favor of the Single Phase Project. He reviewed the risks in not doing it now that included future higher construction costs and delays that might jeopardize the grants.  The recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee was for the One Full Phase Project.

Chairman Ross Turner introduced Susan Price, City Manager, who spoke on behalf of the Task Force, which was made up of two Board of Supervisor’s and two City Council members’ that included Mayor Forrest Flynn and Councilmember Andy Houghton along with City staff personnel.  Timelines that were to be met mandated by the Regional Water Board and the ability to gender grants and other funding sources were taken into consideration and on behalf of the task force they recommended the One Full Phase Project.

CITIZENS COMMENTS

Chairman Ross Turner opened the meeting to a Question and Answer session to those in attendance. Water Quality Control, Jim Irvine was present to answer any questions.

Citizen, Michael Peters, proposed an alternative to save 10 to 15 million dollars by using an Onsite alternative, which is a mini sewer plant for each property affected. 

Jim Irvine, Water Quality Control, explained that he is not in favor of this idea as there is no realistic oversight of the mini sewer plants.

Mr. Talbert, concerned citizen, explained that water tested in a more developed time would make more sense and doesn’t feel this preferred phase is appropriate or it’s costs. He discussed a water purification unit that each home could be equipped with to gauge the bacteria levels that can control the nitrates.

Rita Ramsey, concerned Citizen questioned whether there is a projected timeline to know when the current system will be at capacity and will it have an impact on Antelope hooking up and potential for 4000 extra households to the current system. 

Sam Smith, PACE Civil Engineer Inc., explained that the current capacity is at 56% and the plan for expansion and connection fees pays for the expansion. There is also the consideration of buying additional land to expand on the treatment plant.

Mr. Confer, Concerned Citizen, discussed the detriment of the water quality as a moral issue and asked about the scientific data supporting the mini sewer plant option.

Ken Clayton, Concerned Citizen, asked why they have to worry about the septic tanks if it’s the leach links that are the problem. 

Sam Smith, Pace Civil Inc., explained that eventually these septic tanks do have to be replaced. This alternative was looked at and logistically it was not cost effective to address only the leach link.

Citizen, Dominique McGraw, asked if the problem has been going on for years why was there construction and building of new homes allowed in the area.

Bill Goodwin, Director of Public Works, explained that the question of why there was not a moratorium on building had been asked before and explained that there was a modified moratorium that only allowed one unit per acre. A particular sub-division referred to had an elaborate treatment system installed that has a high-powered light that kills bacteria and has a tracing system with testing at regular intervals. Once the new system is available they will abandon their system for the new one.

Jim Irvine, Water Quality Control, explained that no oversight is an issue on these independent systems.

Concerned Citizen, supports the full phase, but questioned how it will be paid for and the writing of grants that get turned down and will they continue to submit hoping to get the money. If they end up paying for it will they be reimbursed?

Susan Price, City Manager, responded that no they will not be reimbursed.  She explained that a number of grant programs to fund a portion of the project and some assessment and lateral costs to low income may be available and low interest loans funding sources and other programs may be an option that the City is looking at.

Citizen, Bill Peterson, supported the Single Full Phase Project, and did not support the mini sewage treatment plant as not being cost effective or easily monitored.

J.D. Ellison, Sr. Building Director/Official mentioned that sewer study costs show that the estimates are high on the installation of mini treatment plants to a project to build on to a home.

Concerned Citizen asked what the projected time line for nitrates to be washed out would be.

Jim Irvine, Water Quality Control, explained that they don’t know.

Bill Goodwin, Director of Public Works, explained that there is no study on it yet, but if they don’t stop it that it will continue to filter down

Mrs. Talbert asked how much capacity does the current sewage plant provide.

Chairman Ross Turner responded that it is at only 56% capacity now.

Supervisor Barbara McIver mentioned that growth is subject to infrastructure.

Citizen, Paul Moon, mentioned that this is State mandated to implement a new sewer system and supports the Single Full Phase. In the end the investment into this system will add value back into the homes and make the homes worth the investment and return the assessment costs.

Citizen, Gary Ramsey, is concerned about the drinking water issue and supported the Single Full Phase Project.  He asked if there is any plan or time line after the sewer system is in place when you can drink the water. He also asked if this system changes the restrictions on building on existing properties.

Bill Goodwin, Director of Public Works, explained that this will not change zoning and that he can go to the Planning Department and has them look at his property to determine building on his property.

Chairman Ross Turner asked if there were any further questions and there being none he turned the meeting over to Mayor Flynn.

Mayor Flynn explained that this project is an investment in our future and that we can either sit back and do nothing or move on and expressed support of the Single Full Phase.

Chairman Ross Turner asked the Board Members for their comments on this issue.

Supervisor George Russell commented on the first issue being the health issue and the second issue being costs and hoped that the aide to low-income people would be obtained through grants. He respected the ideas of the mini sewer systems but didn’t feel that this idea was very practical with a problem of this magnitude. He believed that this was an investment and resolving this issue of the nitrates would help the value of the home.

Supervisor Bill Borror expressed the hope that the Community Service governing body would be formed and would carry on the development of the water system project if the community so desires.

Supervisor Barbara McIver expressed support of the Single Full Phase due to the present value of money compared to future value of money in construction costs and for the residents.  She expressed support to construct a community water system rather than individual properties and the oversight of water control and assistance of a water system.

Chairman Ross Turner turned the meeting over to Mayor Forrest Flynn.

Mayor Flynn recognized Mayor Pro Tem Stevens.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevens mentioned that the project needs to move forward and that he supports the Single Full Phase and the need now for pure water.

Councilmember Andy Houghton supports the Single Full Phase Project, and feels like it should move forward and has to be done, as the alternative is severe.

Councilmember Gregg Avilla appreciated all of the comments made earlier and was concerned for the citizens of Red Bluff using up the capacity of the sewer plant and has been assured that this will not be a problem. He supports the Single Full Phase.

Councilmember Russ Frey supports the Single Full Phase.

Mayor Forrest Flynn commented that time is costly if we wait and to get on with the support of the Single Full Phase Project.

ANTELOPE AREA SEWER COLLECTION AND TREATMENT PROJECT

Recommendation that the City Council adopt the complete project in one phase as the preferred alternative.

M/S/C Avilla, Houghton to adopt the complete project in one phase as the preferred alternative.

AYES:            Councilmembers:            Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             None

M/S/C Borror, Russell to adopt the complete project in one phase as the preferred alternative.

AYES:            Supervisors:                 Borror, Russell, McIver and Turner

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             Willard (absent-excused)

Supervisor Borror moved to proceed with Preliminary Sewer Project schedule as outlined to the extent that funding is available.

M/S/C Borror, Russell to proceed with Preliminary Sewer Project schedule as outlined to the extent that funding is available.

AYES:            Supervisors:                 Borror, Russell, McIver and Turner

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             Willard (absent – excused)

M/S/C Avilla, Houghton to proceed with Preliminary Sewer Project schedule as outlined to the extent that funding is available.

AYES:            Councilmembers:            Avilla, Flynn, Frey, Houghton and Stevens

NOES:                                                None               

ABSENT OR NOT VOTING:             None

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business Mayor Flynn adjourned the meeting at 8:00 P.M. to July 20, 2004. 

                   s/b Forrest Flynn

                                                                                            Mayor 

ATTEST:

s/b Gloria Shepherd

City Clerk