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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00. BOARD AGENDA 5-23-1945PROCEEDINGS OF MEETING OF THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY TRUNK LINE SEWER COMMITTEE Held at 320 Hall of Records, Wednesday, May 23, 1945, at 7:30 P...M. SONAR 00011 IMMO =0111. Members of the original Committee present: C. B. Kouns, San Ramon Chamber of Commerce, CHAIRMAN H. L. Cummings, Supervisorial District #2 Ray Taylor, Supervisorial District #3 Col. H. M. Smitten, Lafayette Improvement Club W. H. Eddy, Councilman, Concord, J. P. Connors, County Plannin Commission Thomas C. Heaton, Planning Technician, County Planning Commission owe wawa sm. Members of the original Committee absent: E. J. Farina, President, County Development Association C. E. Fleager, President, County Taxpayers' Association John L. Garaventa, Deputy District Attorney W. A. Powell, M. D., County Health Officer D. M. Teeter, County Auditor Sidney A. Smith, Councilman, Walnut Creek Members of the subcommittee present: Charles L. Quintin, Concord R. Narberes, Concord, Also present: Joseph F. DeRosa, Concord Bruno H. Gelbke, Concord Ervin L. Lehmer, Concord Dr. Henry D. Neufeld, Concord Frank R. Rose, Concord Paul Bayard, Walnut Creek G. S. Cutler, Walnut Creek Edward R. Rowland, Walnut Creek W. U. Barnes, Moraga Louis Borghesani, Lafayette C. R. Turner, Lafayette William A. DeVore, Martinez, J. Dlgardi, Martinez Joe Tavan, Martinez Thomas McMorrow, Martinez F. W. Draeger, Orinda Melvin Jacobus, Orinda Alden Macomber, Orinda Milton L. Selby, ()Anda alum 401,10 amln. MOM +sop L. Cedric Macabee, Fn -ineer Chairman Kouns called the meeting to order and called the roll. He stated the first topic of discussion would be reports on the various meetings held in the communities since the last monthly meeting of this committee. Col. Smitten reported that the Lafayette meeting was held on the 11th of May and that there were between 150 and 160 people present. He said it was a very enthusiastic meeting, and that no ane was against the project. Mr. Heaton stated that he had attended all these meet- ings; that one was recently held in Pacheco which was pretty well attended, there being about 20 or more there, and that no objections were voiced. He also stated that a meeting was held in Concord just previous to that and that the attend- ance ttend- anca was very meager. Another meeting was held in ori n da which was well attended, by about 60 people, and at which a number of points were brought out. He stated also that Walnut Creek and Daville had previously held their meetings and that now the most major communities of the sewer district have been covered. Mr. Mcl orrow reported that another meeting had been held in Walnut Creek by the Presbyterian Club which was attended by about 70 people. He stated a few questions were asked by large property holders on what procedure they would have to go through to come in some years after the district was formed. Mr. Eddy of Concord was asked to make a report and he stated that they were up against it in Concord because they had to do about $7,000 worth of work right away. He stated the Council is not going to do very much until they know what the district is going to cost Concord. Chairman Kouns asked if they would like a separate s e t of figures for Concord. Mr. Eddy made a statement that he didn't ty;ink they would get far on elections unless it was made known what it would cost the people of Concord for a district. Mr. Heaton stated that he had talked to Mr. Garaventa earlier in the day and that he would not be able to be here as he was ill. He stated that gr. Garaventa had told him that Concord does not want a petition signed at this ti ,e, but want to wait one month hence, in order to find out whether they want to come into the district or not. This is something for the Committee to discuss tonight. He stated if Concord co , _ldn' t see their way clear to forming their own district, they would undoubtedly join this district. T.ley wish to hold things up for thirty days in order to find out what the costs will be. Mr. Cutler stated that the engineer should determine what would be the cost to the district by the elimination of Cc cord, because we wouldn't want to jeopardize the sewer district for those who need it by havin. Concord stop the formation of the district. A certain percent miL.ht stop the formation of the district. A question from the floor was asked as to whether it couldn't be told how much Concord's assessment is. Mr. Macabee answered stating that the City of Concord has approximately $2,000,000 assessed valuation within the city limits, which was .approximately 10 of the total valuation of the district. He also said that regardless if Concord wanted to be l of t out of the district, the people ouiside the city limits of Concord must have a district. He said that no com- munity of that size could afford to build a system for the en- tire area. Concord has had figures available for some sixty days. Mr. Mcorrow gave the figures. to Concord verbally. He stated that when a meeting was held at Concord he gave the figures on Concord verbally and that he also had them in writing. He stated Mr. Bates had made an estimate on what it would cost Concord to form a district alone, which figures between 128,000 and X1.58, 000. Pyr. Macabee stated he took the figure of 41,000 as the cost for the City of Concord, and, taking into consideration the maintenance, that was quite a difference. He stated that amortization of both interest and redemption of bond of;p150, 000 to Concord i s only a minor cost. He stated that the cost of maintaining such a plant does not afford quite as complete treatment as would be required if Concord formed 4 district alone'. Costs run around $7500 for treatment plant only for one city. That would cost the City of Concord for maintenance 34 on 6100. The interest and bond redemption itself would take another 20i or 25f1, so cost of operating alone is from 54 to 55¢x. As to the comparative cost, Concord's share of assessed valuation to date would involve something be- tween 6% and 8% of the total bond issue required of the district, because the assessed valuation of the larger dis- trict will increase in greater proportion. It would approxi- mate $100,000 for both interest and redemption, not in con- sideration of federal grant. The maintenance is where the joker lies. If the Federal overnment could give the whole amount to the City of Concord it would cost more in mainten- ance ainten- ance than to join the larger district. If Concord went alone it would have to have complete treatment where, on 2. the other hand, we have a larger district where we have pro- vided only primary treatment by disposal into the bay, which would neutralize the sewage so that it would be of no harm to any life in the bay. The costs for the two plants are almost identical. He declared that he would Five a written report for. the City of Concord if they so wi sbed. It could not cost the City of Concord more to join the larger district because Concord has to spend 67,000, or maybe even $70,000, for a district. Their large assessed valuation will help to take care of the cost. From a standpoint of comparative values it is conservative to say that it would cost Concord less to join the larger district from the point of mainten- ance. ainten-ance. The difference in tne maintenance of a treatment plant wo5-1d be on a ratio of 10 to 1. We must provide and have available equipment and personnel to repair the sewer system throughout the whole district. More personnel would be re- quired to operate a system such as would be needed if Concord formed their own district. The success of this thing is by group cooperation and group sharing of cost. Chairman Kouns stated that one point was that the City of Concord can put in a plant to take care of Concord, but not the outlying territory, whereas the large district will take in the entire area. Yr. Macab e e stated that at the present time Concord has a population of 4,000 within the city limits. If we add another 4,000 for the outlying territory, which is 100; in- crease, it wouldn't affect the treatment plant for the large district. Chairman Kouns stated that the request of the City of Concord that we delay action thirty days is actually before this committee. He said they have good reason to believe that they can j;t iv a us an answer within thirty days. Of course they have known as Ing as we have that this propo- sition is before us. Chairman Kouns announced that he would like to.hear expressions from other members of the committee if it is advisable at this time to grant an addi- tional dditional thirty days with the understanding that they let us know how they stand definitely on this, and if we should attempt to proceed without the City of Concord. Col. Smitten asked if it would jeopardize the City of Concord's interest in the main sewer district if this com- mittee acted tonight to put the petition through and then allowed Concord to come in like anyone else and annex if they found that their own individual operation costs were more than the cost of joining the district. 3. Mr. Macabee answered that according to procedure, there would have to be a hearing before the Board of Supervisors as to the worthiness of this project, and that it would be at least a month before it reaches the Board of Supervisors. He stated the petition will first have to be circulated, Wa i ch will take time, and the Board would have as I: any ad- journed d- journed meetings as necessary tc hear the whole picture. We should put it up to Concord to determine whether they want to be in or out of the district, the same as other properties in the district. That will _I've Concord two months to make the study and satisfy themselves. Mr. Barnes asked if the City of Concord had 4,000 people and they visited with people over all the district, how many votes will they kill throughout the district? They will undoubtedly spread the news over the district. It would be better to work in unison all the way through. Mr. Cutler stated that we should proceed as if Concord were to be included, and then after Concord has had time to compare, they could appear before the Board of Supervisors and ask to not be included in the district, so whether they say "yes" or "no" in thirty days, It will not delay us. It was mentioned that that wouldn't be possible because the boundaries of the district would ha v e to be outlined in the announcement of the public hearing. j acabee stated that we only wanted to go along as fast as was possible, and that if at a meeting a month from now Concord wants to be left out, all that will have to be done will be to exclude them. We have another meeting before the Board could possibly have a meeting. This comm .t - tee will be able to £rant Concord the full request. Supervisor Cummings stated if Concord wasn't granted the requested thirty day delay, t= Bey x i ht be opposed to the whole thing. Mr. Keaton said that if this petition was circulated and Concord was included, there will be a certain amount of antagonism and if they are ' iv en a month there won't be the antagonism created. A question was asked from the floor when the public would vote on this. Mr. Macabee answered it would le sometime in August at the earliest. 4. Mr. Cutler asked if the petition designated the 0ound- ary of the district. Mr. Macabee said that it will. Chairman Kouns asked if Concord c ald -ive a definite answer by next meeting. Mr. Narberes asked if the City Council asked for this postponement. Mr. Heaton stated that as he understood it, Mr. Garav en to ran into a member of the City Council who stated there would be a delegation from the City of Concord here toni ht to re quest the delay. Mr. Turner said that the general committee who started this and the engineer hacl done a considerable amount of work and during the past he didn't think that they had to back down and change their dates due to some unknown question coming up and he felt if we could get 98% of the committee here tonight to ask for this petition, to go ahead and at the same time rive Concord consideration, and follow through. You will save time and save turmoil. He stated he felt we should go ahead with this petition tonight. Supervisor Taylor stated that since the City Council- man in Concord said he would like to have a thirty -day ex- tension, apparently he must have been to a meeting. He said he lilt they would know definitely whether they would want to go in in thirty days, and that personally, he would like to see it worked out in harmony. He said he couldn't see why a thirty -day delay would mean a whole lot at this par- ticular time. He said. If it would be harmonious to wait thiry days, it would be his wishes to wait thirty day s . He said he thought this was pretty serious, and since it was in his district, it meant a lot ,to him. He said that Concord was all mixed up on this thing; that there was a cross-section of about twenty people at the first meeting and he believed that group would like to know the figures and facts from the other side of the story. As there are several men here tonight we might get an expression of what this group from "oncord would like. If they feel we should wait thirty days, Mr. Taylor .thought it would be a good idea. Yr. Narberes asked if it would be in order to have a five minute recess and have the "oncord delegation step out into the hall. Mr. DeRo sa stated that he had attended both meetings in Concord. He stated the Chamber of Commerce was discussing it and felt that time was the essence of the whole business. There was a meeting last night and three councilmen were there and discussed the sewer problem at length. Realizing the position they are in he stated he tholOit it would be well-advised to go ahead and consider Concord one way or the other. Chairman Kouns: "To lend official sanction to the action of this committee, how would it be if you took five minutes as representatives of Concord in this committee to discuss it, and then make a formal request." Mr. Barnes: "would it not be wise for you tb pick a committee of three from the general committee to interview the Concord trustees of the City Council and see if it would not be possible if they could 7ive a definite answer before the next meeting comes up. After all, Concord is quite a locality," Chairman Kouns stated that if these men wanted to make sl formal request of the large committee to give them thirty days, then the committee could consider the request. Mr. Cutler asked if the City Co lnci 1 of Concord endorsed this project was it to be considered that the rank and file of Concord are also in favor? He stated that there may be other dissenters in Concord. Chairman oun s stated all we wanted was an official request. The Concord delegation left the room, and recess was called. The Concord group reentered the room and Chairman Youns called the meeting to order. Mr. Jacobus moved that they be granted an extension until the next meeting to decide whether they wished to join in the district or not. Mr. Macomber seconded the motion. It was stated that the date of the next meeting should be established, so that there would be some definite time for this extension. It was agreed by Mr. boacabee and the committee as a whole that the ext monthly meeting should be on Wednesday, June 20th. The motion wls unanimously carried that Concord be granted an extension until June 20th. Mr. Kouns stated that at that time Concord should be in a position to give a definite statement whether they want to be included or excluded, and they are to under- stand that if their answer at that time Is that they sant to be excluded, the rest of the district probably feels they want to go right ahead without prejudice to Concord. Col. smitten stated that the Concord people will pro- bably have some hot sessions on their own problem. In order to help them along on their thinking, it might be advisable for Mr. McMorrow to read some statements made by th a State Health Department. Mr. hcMorrow stated that when the Navy decided to build houses outside of Concord and then serve them with sewers, the FPHA engineer got the State En :ineer, who in turn got him, and they all went out and picked up Mr. Eddy to see if Concord could handle adds. ti--• nal sewage from these houses. They found the situation was in a bad shape. They thought it would be advisable for Concord to make a few minor changes so that they could be sure that they wouldn't be letting the whole load into the creek. Mr. M cMorrow read portions of a letter which was sent to the City Council. He stated that the State Department of Sanitary Engineering feels that Concord should tie on to the trunk line sewer. You must realize that the State Department of 2ublic Health is the one who grants permits for the sewage disposal plant. If you do not have a permit you will have a time getting money to build a disposal plant. Mr. Eddy stated that the Board of Health will accept the plan they have now for the temporary disposal plant. The cost is about $7,000. Mr. DeRosa stated that the City of Concord was cognizant of the hazards, but the Navy came along and said they were going to build 217 units. Concord had already stated they couldn't take care of any more sewage, and the Navy said they would pay half if they would make some changes and build a temporary system. That is how the City of Concord is going to get a temporary system for $3,000. Mr. Eddy stated that the Navy had agreed to pay 6500 to 7. hook on, but to date the Navy hadn't let them know anything. Mr. Borghesani stated that perhaps Macabee or soreor e should get in touch wi th .the .�overnmen t and let them know about this project. The houses are probably only a half mile from this trunk lire. Money could be spent for some- thing permanent. r. Macabee asked Mr. Eddy if there was any way to prevent the ITavy from hooking into Concord's sewer system. Jnr. Eddy answered that he didn't ?snow. Yr. Macabee stated that he would be glad to talk to the man in charge over at Mare Island. He stated that we should take advantage of Mr. Gillespie's office. He sug- gested that Concord should ask Mr. Gillespie to come to a meeting at Concord. Mr, Macabee also said he would he clad to attend any meeting if he vas Ei v en a f e iY days' notice. He thought it would be advantageous to invite both Mr. Gillespie and Mr. Reinke to that meeting. He said he would like to make the suggestion to the whole eammi ttee to ask Lhe State Board of Health tc make a study cf thi s question. "You may get a good factual report from an un- biased party. Just write them a letter. Mr. Narberes asked if i t would be advisable to have Mr. Macabee send someone in Concord the figures in black and white so that they may know what is going on. Mr. Macabee explained that he would be glad to do so. Chairman Kouns: "There is your proposition. Kr. Macabee has offered to co.- e to any mee tine. I would like to touch on this thing of boundaries tonight. We have in this county a Boundary Commission. They attempt to bring all the dis- tricts is- tricis into some sort 'f alignment v•i th existing districts. The Boundary Commission has reviewed the proposed boundaries of this district. Mr. ITeaton stated that the new District Attorney has been anxious to see the Boundary Commission func titin. 9e said they had a meeting of the Boundary Commission in the County Assessor's office regarding this particular district. Certain changes hove been mage, namely, that in Orinda the DeLav eaga y rope r ty of about 170 acres was left out and put in another code district. Another change was on the EBMDD property around the Lafayette Reservoir, and some changes that were more or less technical. The Boundary Commission considered the district to be all right. In the Alamo and Danville section, there are no code boundaries whatsoever 8. so this fo1lory s a new boundax y to be established. The hardest job is to get it to coincide with other districts. Mr. Heaton stated that Mr.� Collins, the District Attorney, had asked him to direct a letter to the Board of Supervisors to say that the Boundary Commission has approved this dis- trict, istrict, to be signed by all members of the Boundary Commis- sion. Mr. Barnes asked where Moraga stood in the proposition atthe present time. Mr.acabee stated that Moraga had been divided into two areas. The one draining into St. Mary's has been omit- ted and the area draining into Orinda Corners has been in- cluded. He stated that in his opinion, it was a question for the Board of Fupervi so1:. s to decide Mr. Barnes stated that they had declared from the be- ginn„.ng that they wanted to be Included, and mentioned the fact that half of Orinda and Lafayette were made by the Moraga Company; that they had given 100 acres of land to put St. Mary's in the county, and cited several other in- stances wLere they had benefitted the county In various ways. Be urged that the Moraga district was one part that should be included and that they did not wish to be left out and have to work their way into the district. If the district could be modified so as to include Moraga, he stated he wanted consideration for Moraga, as he felt the Board of Supervisors would want them to be included. Supervisor Cummings said that it had always been his thought that Moraga was included in the sewer district, and never thought it was going to be excluded. Be said that it wo ald eventually have some of the highest assessed valuation in the district. If there was any possible way to i n cl ude Moraga he suggested that they be included. Mr. Macabee stated that the reason Moraga was excluded was that the boundaries were based on the fact that every part of the district would add to the benefit of the dis- trict as to valuation. Because of the fact that the first cost to serve that area was disproportionate he left it up to the Loard of Supervisors to include the area. He did not believe it incumbent upon the engineer to guess what the ultimate would be for that area. When the matter comes before the Board of Supervisors he stated he would recommend that they include Moraga because it has a future. What portion should be included? He said he had to take an over -an view, and did not know any owners in the dis- trict. is-trict. That was the basis of writing the report. It is a simple matter to amend the report and he said he was will- ing to do that, as this is only a preliminary report. It is not to be considered as a final engineering report. He has the final report ready to put together now, but if this com- mittee om-rrittoa so desires he will include Moraga. Mr. Cutler moved that Moraga be included in the district. Mr, Barnes explained that some land in the Moraga dis- trict is- trict was very rough and that they would want that excluded. He stated they wanted to include the area that drains into the upper San Leandro Creek at the present time, their reason being that the EBS will not give. them water unless they have sewage disposal. He stated they would like to include it all now and leave it up to the discretion of the Board of Super- visors in the event they wanted to withdraw part of it. Mr. Barnes said he wished everything on the watershed included. Mr. Cutler amended the motion to the effect that Moraga be in ci uded and that the engineer should approximate the dis- trict, is- trict, leaving It up to the discretion of the Board of Super- visors. Mr. Turner seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Heaton explained that with these changes the Boundary Commission was out of line and that a new description will have to be drawn, and that therefore the Boundary Commission will meet again. Supervisor Cummings suggested that it be held up until the Concord situation is settled and Moraga was included. The Boundary Commission should review it after the next meeting. He stated that he did not think it would be neces- sary for this committee to meet again after the 2) th of June, and that the Boundary Commission could turn it over to the Board of Supervisors. Chairman Kouns stated that at the next meeting we should have a fairly accurate map. Mr. gacabee stated that there will be a co' tiLi ty map at- tached to each petition. Supervisor Cummings: "Mr. Macabee made a statement concerning the water company. The trunk line will go along near Lafayette. If in years to come they decide to sell someland off as a subdivision, does that mean they get the trunk line gratis?" Mr. Macabee answered that you cannot tax the EBMTJD, but as soon as they transfer the land from the purpose of serving water, the property can be assessed if that property benefits by the sewer construction. Mr. Connors stated that at the last meetin: Mr. 'Teeter mentioned something about the polling places, and asked if there was anything to report on teat matter. Supervisor Taylor stated that he had talked to Senator DeLap who said he would take care of it. Mr. ieaton is go- ing o .ing to Sacrsnen to tomorrow and will check up on it. It looks favorable and Senator DeLap felt it wouldn't have any difficulty. Mr. cMorrow stated that there was no publIci ty oam- mittee, and that when we know the date of election and where the po _1s will be we should get more publicity- into the field. Re also asked who should pay for this publicity. Chairman Koun s said this was a very worth while sugges- tion, ugges-tion, saying that each Improvement Club could put up signs in their respective district. Chairman Kouns announced the meeting adjourned at 10:00 P. M. 11.