HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-11-28 - AGENDA REPORTS - FOUR OAKS HIGH GROUNDWATER (2)AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval
Item to be presented by:
Robert Newman
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
DATE: November 28, 1995
SUBJECT: FOUR OAKS HIGH GROUNDWATER
DEPARTMENT: Building and Engineering Services
A prolonged and intensive rainy season, which we have experienced two times in the past three
winters, resulted in ground saturation throughout the Southern California area. Historical data
indicates that high rainfall intensity over a long period of time causes the water table to rise
significantly due to the "re -charge" of groundwater supplies. "Recharge" can be affected by rain
falling at considerable distances from a point where high water may manifest itself. The result
can be seen in springs, artesian wells, and as in the case of the Four Oaks area, shown on the
attached vicinity map, a water table higher than the ground surface.
According to available information, the area was developed between 1965 and 1966. Since then,
high groundwater problems in this area have occurred following heavy rains during certain
years in the 1970's and the 1980's, and most recently, in 1993 and 1995.
During the winter of `92293, the issue of high groundwater was first brought to the attention
of the City Council. In response, City staff initiated frequent sweeping of the affected area to
control algae and load limits on the streets to prevent heavy vehicles from damaging the
roadway.. In addition, a geological consultant specializing in groundwater was retained to
evaluate the problem. Recommendations were made by the consultant to install a pump system
to lower the water table in the area during high water occurrences.
In an effort to resolve the reoccurring issue, staff submitted a grant to FEMA to fund the
improvements recommended by the consultant in order to eliminate the problem. The grant
was approved in April 1994, almost one year after the problem was first identified by staff.
However, the grant was limited to construction only, and therefore staff initiated discussions
with area residents to discuss long-term maintenance.
On August 31, 1994, and February 15, 1995, staff met with area residents to discuss the process
for testing and cost of permanent installation and maintenance of a well and pump system. At
each of the meetings, the matter of establishing a method of collecting maintenance costs was
discussed. At those meetings, there were some support for establishing an assessment district
for this purpose.
Agenda item: /y
FOUR OAKS HIGH GROUNDWATER
November 28, 1995 - Page 2
On May 3, 1995, staff met with area residents again to discuss the testing results, formation of
a district and the estimated annual assessment. Approximately 90 people attended, with a
majority showing support for the formation of a district to address ongoing operations of the well
and pump system. On May 9, 1995, Council authorized staff to circulate the petition for
formation of a Geologic Hazard Abatement District.
On June 9, 1995, the petitions to form the Geologic Hazards Abatement District and a letter
outlining the conditions of the District, were mailed to the residents of the Four Oaks area. The
response to the petition was low, as 30 signed petitions out of a total of 174 mailed were
returned, or approximately 17%. This did not meet Council's requirement of 55% set at the City
Council meeting of May 9.
Consequently, another letter was mailed to area residents on August 19, 1995. The letter
presented the latest status on the efforts to form the Abatement District and proposed three
possible options at this point. The first option is to abandon all formation proceedings, return
the approved funding for the well and pump system to FEMA, and proceed with repairs of area
streets. So far, the City has spent approximately $5,600 for the preparation of the petition and
other technical services related to the formation of the Abatement District. These efforts would
not be reimbursable if the approved project is not completed.
On September 6, 1995, staff held a public meeting at Cedar Creek Elementary School with the
residents of the Four Oaks area to cover options and discuss the residents' concerns.
Approximately 20 residents attended. The consensus of the residents at the meeting opposed
the formation of the Abatement District, largely due to concerns of potential liabilities to the
District. The Geologic Hazards Abatement District Act states that an Abatement District can
sue and be sued. The residents suggested a Benefit Assessment District administered by the
City be formed instead. Under this type of district, the City would be responsible for the
collection of the annual assessment cost to finance the maintenance of the well and pump
system, monitor the pumping operation, and all liabilities that may arise as a result of the
pumping operations. The residents also requested that the Council hold a public meeting in the
Four Oaks area to discuss their concerns further.
Pursuant to the September 6th public meeting with area residents, staff has revised its previous
recommendation to form a Geologic Hazards Abatement District. Based upon residents'
concerns and after a review by the City Attorney, the revised recommendation is to form a
Benefit Assessment District. The other options are to continue with the formation of the
Geologic Hazards Abatement District or to abandon all formation proceedings and return the
approved funding to FEMA.
Authorize the preparation of an Engineer's report for formation of the Assessment District. Set
public hearing for January 9, 1995.
ATTACHMENTS
Vicinity Map
Time Line of Events
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FOUR OAKS AREA HIGH GROUNDWATER
TIME LINE OF EVENTS
Winter of `92-'93
Issue of high groundwater problem in the
Four Oaks area brought to the attention of
City Council.
April 1994
FEMA funds approved for installation of
well and pump system.
August 31, 1994
Staff met with area residents to discuss the
cost of permanent installation and
maintenance of a well and pump system
and the formation of an Abatement District.
February 15, 1995
Staff met with area residents to discuss the
installation of observation wells and testing
as well as the formation of an Abatement
District,
May 3, 1995
Staff met with area residents to discuss the
testing results, formation of a district and
the estimated annual assessment.
May 9, 1995
Council approved staff to circulate a
petition to form Abatement District.
June 9, 1995
Petitions were mailed out to area residents.
August 19, 1995
Follow-up letter was mailed out to area
residents. The letter contained the current
status of the Abatement District and
proposed 3 possible options.
September 6, 1995
Staff met with area residents to cover
options and discuss any concerns.
Options as of October 30, 1995