HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - PLACERITA CANYON SEWER PROJ (2)Agenda Item: 2
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by:
DATE: July 13, 2004
SUBJECT: PLACERTTA CANYON SEWER PROJECT — APPROVAL OF THE
ALIGNMENT AND CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT WITH THE
MASTERS COLLEGE, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE
FOR BIDS
DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Engineering Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council approve the preferred sewer alignment; and authorize staff to advertise the project
for bids once the design plans are complete, proceed with the concept of a user fee for
connections, and enter into an agreement for construction with The Master's College, subject to
City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
On November 3, 2003, the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Placerita Sewer project
was certified by the City Council. During the meeting, Placerita Canyon residents raised several
questions regarding the alignment behind the Alderbrook properties and along Meadview Drive.
The residents also inquired about the cost for each property to connect to the sewer.
City Council received a project update at the July 6, 2004 Study Session. City Council directed
staff to bring the item to the July 13, 2004 City Council meeting.
Proiect Phasing and Alignment
Due to the limited interest from the residents, limited budget, and the immediate need to connect
The Master's College dormitories, the Placerita Canyon Sewer project will be completed in
phases. Phase 1 will serve the most critical portion of the sewer system, allowing the connection
of the dormitories, as well as connecting the existing dry sewer lines on Palomino Road and
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Amelia Lane. Phase 1 will also allow the homes along Alderbrook Road to connect. The
construction of Phase 1 may generate interest for future phases of the sewer. The limits of the
sewer are shown in Exhibit "A," Project Location Map.
The preferred alignment places the sewer along the back of the properties on Alderbrook Road in
an easement on Metropolitan Water District (MWD) property. This alignment fits well with the
existing terrain of the area, which generally drains in a northwest direction to the back of the
properties toward Newhall Creek. In addition, it places the proposed sewer closer to the existing
septic systems, which are located in the back of the properties. This alignment is the most cost
effective option. Staff held a public meeting on June 30, 2004 to discuss the alignment with the
residents. If the sewer was placed in front of the properties, the laterals to tie in would be longer.
In addition, the laterals will be going against the natural grade, requiring deeper trenches. This
option will require additional digging, which will result in extra costs for property owners to
connect.
The preferred alignment also places the sewer on Meadview Drive. Again, this alignment was
chosen because it fits the natural grade of the area and does not result in extra depth trenches of
approximately 25 feet. It generally places the sewer at the low point of the area and is in the
ideal location to provide service to The Master's College dormitories and gym, as well as four
other properties. Both alignments will impact existing oak trees. Cast Street was not chosen due
to existing buildings obstructing the alignment.
Project Budget and Sewer Construction Agreement with The Master's College
The estimated cost to construct the Placerita sewer system is $7,307,200. The estimated cost to
construct Phase 1 is $2,350,000. The City's contribution toward the project is $900,000. This
amount includes approximately $300,000 in developer fees and $600,000 in additional funding.
The City has spent approximately $450,000 on the design and miscellaneous costs, leaving a
balance of $450,000 to contribute toward the construction of the project. As part of the
conditions of approval for the construction of a new dormitory, The Master's College was
required to provide all necessary funding for the future possible construction of the mainline
sewer. Deducting the City's contribution of $450,000, the funding required from The Master's
College to complete Phase 1 is $1,900,000. Staff has been working with The Master's College to
secure funding for the construction. Staff is requesting authorization from the City Council to
enter into a Sewer Construction Agreement with The Master's College.
Staff intends to secure the necessary funding from The Master's College for Phase 1 prior to the
award of the construction contract in early fall of 2004. Construction of Phase 1 is scheduled to
begin in November of 2004.
Connection Fee
Staff met with a consultant specializing in special districts to discuss the cost for property owners
to connect to the sewer. From these discussions, staff has investigated different options and it
appears that the best option is to proceed with the establishment of a user fee. The user fee will
require all canyon residents wishing to connect to share the cost of constructing the sewer at the
time of connection. The user fee is calculated from the proportion of individual use to the overall
use. The fee would be collected at the time of connection and may be tied to the CPI.
A Fee Study Report will be prepared to determine the cost for each property to connect. The
completion of the Fee Study and the establishment of the connection fee are anticipated to be
presented to the City Council for review and approval by project acceptance. Currently, the
estimated connection fee is approximately $10,000.
Environmental Concerns
On May 20, 2002, the City received a letter from the Regional Water Quality Control Board
expressing their concerns regarding the reliance upon septic systems for disposal of large flows
of wastewater in many areas in the region's jurisdiction. In the letter, the Water Board states
"Given the characteristics of the Placerita Canyon area, especially in light of the coarse soils
which provide little, if any, natural filtration and treatment of the sewage before coming into
contact with underlying groundwater, septic system use should be limited and, ideally, replaced
by a central sewer system.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no fiscal impact for the City for ongoing maintenance costs.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit "A" - Project Location Map