[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6503541,"mediaKeyId","5548739-9ea98c65db289342db5d7854196bdc5f","parentId",5548739,"title","Santa Rosa BPU hears water supply update: Lake Pillsbury below recent norms; Mendocino and Sonoma show ample storage","audioSeconds",839,"startMs",1362000,"endMs",2201000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5548739-9ea98c65db289342db5d7854196bdc5f&start=1362&end=2201","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5548739-9ea98c65db289342db5d7854196bdc5f/thumbnail_1362000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6503541/Santa-Rosa-City/Sonoma-County/California/Santa-Rosa-BPU-hears-water-supply-update-Lake-Pillsbury-below-recent-norms-Mendocino-and-Sonoma-show-ample-storage","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503541-9103e0a91ba4b1f5258ff0c0b9f78fe5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101383&Signature=osXYZUJkTjs6PoOWwp~zc70vQy4clg0eXRA9urLcPB10B0ESqC38LPQhmNLlDleHVpZgBA3XxukUOf~m2PT1MY7bsUNSbFg89Y-kFJI-MuAbDve1HkC3iu6bWwx-JqNRwodz-w7nPsF1cM6wsRuW3agtUrAHkj04XCGkcpn5lm6eeH8e0diKiDy976OurNr4XMjUoqky9Z8XY-xprI8SGvb6AeTKEp-i-lUjCMYrsUbUORYL9K6AqLKqCje2LaTseg13eQnGOdUBSyye7ef4rWUtxFSkiUdB1OdKLfpt~30fT~IqQTQtQcpMBCml9WL6~hD43ayY61pceypHLqcZNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Santa Rosa, CA","date","2025-08-07T22:48:09.177Z","article","Deputy Director Peter Martin reported to the Board of Public Utilities that Lake Pillsbury storage was about 34,200 acre-feet and lower than recent historical levels for this time of year. Martin said PG&E had requested a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) variance for flows and releases into the East Fork of the Russian River; FERC issued its decision the previous Monday and Martin said he expected that decision to moderate the trend line but noted downstream flow and sediment concerns when Pillsbury storage falls below about 15,000 acre-feet.

Martin reported Lake Mendocino storage at about 88,000 acre-feet and Lake Sonoma at about 244,000 acre-feet, with ample supply headed into the drier months. He explained that the Army Corps of Engineers controls releases when reservoirs are above flood-control pool levels and that control had recently returned for routine operations to Sonoma Water. Martin highlighted regional outreach activities through the Water Smart Partnership and noted events, rebate programs and a joint groundwater workshop, “Beneath the Surface: 10 years of local groundwater basin stewardship,” scheduled for Aug. 21 (registration available through santarosaplaingroundwater.org).

Deputy Director Mike Prins presented a recycled-water update. He said the Geysers system undergoes an annual two-week shutdown for maintenance; during this year’s shutdown staff dewatered wet wells and removed debris from pump intake screens at the East Station wet well and conducted spot corrosion repairs on pumps at the Bear Canyon pump station. Prins described finding substantial debris (visqueen, sample bottles and other items) that likely impeded pump efficiency and said staff would inspect on a semi-regular basis moving forward.

Prins reviewed production trends and storage charts: average daily flows converged around 15 million gallons per day during high months, and city staff estimated annual recycled-water production for the water year to be in the neighborhood of 7.4 billion gallons. Board members had no questions; staff made themselves available for follow-up. There was no public comment on the briefing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Santa Rosa Board of Public Utilities August 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Deputy Directors Peter Martin and Mike Prins updated the board on surface reservoir storage, planned releases and recycled-water operations, including maintenance during a two-week Geysers shutdown that revealed debris and pump corrosion requiring spot repairs.","taxTitle","Santa Rosa City, Sonoma County, California","taxId",3913,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6503546,"Santa Rosa BPU recommends Aug. 19 City Council hearing to place stormwater charges on county tax roll",503,3609000,4112000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5548739-9ea98c65db289342db5d7854196bdc5f&start=3609&end=4112","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5548739-9ea98c65db289342db5d7854196bdc5f/thumbnail_3609000.jpg","/articles/6503546/Santa-Rosa-City/Sonoma-County/California/Santa-Rosa-BPU-recommends-Aug-19-City-Council-hearing-to-place-stormwater-charges-on-county-tax-roll","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503546-bdec8fd98f9144acf3104479c76cfd4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101383&Signature=jaGzAaqGOapbpBvVrZ3L3XjAIddRBuFR3JaLtuYRQXFGxByPgaAyEo5GBQk9iBNLZJ~qkCU8XTkdvCfQ5qrNL2x3jcWy6lPWmSOs~fPg5DsZLjmfgC9CTBX12JDJSrU1IyTVU5oAUQMe-xeCHlNU4q~GsCBuL6rT55cu7sF3PQ3g1pQRMBz-Ls70xXrI1ZZSKtHI1fPYCnC6Zqe0oywdTWekygqA7Uo1XhWt1nJIveNT4UD5KR2JWbx-AavBeCXTZ0EMzGkGSVd1wZwx3l5Lq3JQEuw1A7iNy56LRjqZ1nbuOhqzeCrvuKyDLXLNod4-sO~sf20CcXhdSlWezIqP0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Public Utilities voted unanimously to recommend that City Council hold a public hearing on Aug. 19 to adopt the stormwater enterprise charge report and approve placing the charges on the Sonoma County property tax roll for collection.

Nick Lynn, research and program coordinator, and Claire Myers, Stormwater and Creeks Manager, briefed the board on the calculation and collection of charges. Staff said the stormwater enterprise was established by City Council in 1996 (Title 16 of the City Code) to comply with federal Clean Water Act obligations and to fund stormwater permit implementation, creek restoration, public education, storm drain maintenance and water-quality testing. Staff said the enterprise does not fund major storm-drain infrastructure upgrades.

Charges are calculated using an equivalent residential unit (ERU) methodology from resolution 22,880 and adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index. Staff said the ERU cost for this year is $42.46, a 2.7% increase from last year, and that the stormwater enterprise charge appears on property tax bills and is collected by Sonoma County unless a parcel’s charge is below the county minimum of $10 or parcel contact information is incorrect.

Staff noted the City Council public hearing gives parcel owners an opportunity to protest placement on the tax roll; if a majority of parcel owners in the report protest, the report will not be adopted and charges would be collected separately. The public hearing was announced in the Press Democrat on Aug. 4 and is to be republished Aug. 11; a hard copy of the report is available at the City Manager’s Office and online.

Board members asked about outreach and long-term funding for the storm-drain system. Board Member Bartholow asked about public education reaching property owners who see multiple line items on their tax bill; staff said the city publishes hearing notices and responds to phone inquiries and that Creek Stewardship and stormwater outreach programs provide ongoing education. Vice Chair Arnoni and others pressed staff on whether the enterprise provides sufficient funding for maintenance and infrastructure: staff said the current assessment funds regulatory compliance and some maintenance but not major infrastructure replacement, and that the city is preparing a storm-drain master plan to quantify long-term needs and funding options.

The board voted to recommend the council hearing and placement on the tax roll. The motion was moved by Board Member Mullen, seconded by Vice Chair Arnoni, and passed by roll call with Board Members Wright, Mullen, Bartholow, Vice Chair Arnoni and Chair Galvin voting Aye; Board Members DeWitt and Bavenport were absent.","The Board of Public Utilities voted to recommend the City Council hold a public hearing on Aug. 19 to adopt the annual stormwater enterprise charge report and place the charges on the Sonoma County property tax roll; the average charge per equivalent residential unit is $42.46 this year.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6503551,"Santa Rosa to continue Creek Stewardship program with $615,000 from Sonoma Water through FY 2030-31",305,3342000,3647000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5548739-9ea98c65db289342db5d7854196bdc5f&start=3342&end=3647","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5548739-9ea98c65db289342db5d7854196bdc5f/thumbnail_3342000.jpg","/articles/6503551/Santa-Rosa-City/Sonoma-County/California/Santa-Rosa-to-continue-Creek-Stewardship-program-with-615000-from-Sonoma-Water-through-FY-2030-31","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503551-e2e8c291e4e0dfc52bb68ccc10c9e9b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101383&Signature=EaZVXk0lWgq36fQdWzD~mA-Tuyk36Mgzo9CYuQXFS-Ud-Cuy5jtUN-MUFHdKtmNgc~2k8ufizYX3jdn1Se~fc4vEWSWRGu5UruL539lNlk970wvBGFkIslDNMtuEx8lGzcNHt324xL2Zp0mlB50OPUpXs8L9ZNCdjhWngE8Y2ZkGQYA3D5y0BxVLVfwX6mnvAhqnBAlhErcMYZbyts2BLLWNYAatpoogRDfYf-I17SK4QcisCgtePXsDyPwIID8FXibYwYppigA-KRa~OxAHvOKCUjx6j69jeoA6H5Mb0uciGqYHjO3cGdEneerrk~v61beBMeYtAV-2xoXWsBU9FQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Public Utilities voted unanimously to authorize the director of Santa Rosa Water to execute a funding agreement with Sonoma Water to continue the Creek Stewardship Program through fiscal year 2030-31. The agreement provides $615,000 for the program over the extension period.

Kyle Smallberg, environmental specialist in Santa Rosa’s Stormwater and Creeks team, told the board the Creek Stewardship Program — established in 2002 — coordinates volunteer creek cleanups, educational activities, and volunteer steward work that identifies maintenance, trash and illegal activity along creeks. Since the program began, staff said it has removed more than 19,000 cubic yards of trash, engaged nearly 150,000 people through events, produced over 80,000 community service hours and 100,000 education hours.

Smallberg said the funding helps the city respond quickly to steward reports in coordination with Sonoma Water and supports stormwater permit compliance and pollution-prevention outreach. The agreement would continue a partnership intended to strengthen coordination between Sonoma Water and the City of Santa Rosa while providing grant-funded staffing and outreach capacity to advance creek stewardship and permit-related tasks.

No public comment was offered before the Board approved the resolution authorizing execution of the funding agreement. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with Board Members Wright, Mullen, Bartholow, Vice Chair Arnoni and Chair Galvin voting Aye; Board Members DeWitt and Bavenport were absent.","The Board of Public Utilities authorized the director to execute a multi-year funding agreement with Sonoma Water to continue the Creek Stewardship Program through fiscal year 2030-31, bringing $615,000 to the city for volunteer cleanups, education and permit support.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6503555,"Santa Rosa board authorizes state-funded consolidation of Robin Way water system",1155,2204000,3359000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5548739-9ea98c65db289342db5d7854196bdc5f&start=2204&end=3359","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5548739-9ea98c65db289342db5d7854196bdc5f/thumbnail_2204000.jpg","/articles/6503555/Santa-Rosa-City/Sonoma-County/California/Santa-Rosa-board-authorizes-state-funded-consolidation-of-Robin-Way-water-system","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503555-6debd33d966df60e8f011fe7661cb763/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101383&Signature=dTvtr3vk-Be8CdX9JWaK0Z0vwQB4gRl5Fqg2-8j6AoRAwgIzb8TQFjwTxfZw40pViNbh8g9umA~tnZqrSTdDJjqMJMd3Sv1Q7h18Itdx5dGpAQ5vmg1kre2UpbJkGJQ64DPebYt3zCATCma-c8Zp~16w6q-L7ARTfeZ~xUVBhAo~Oimcik00WHdx08PWCe604qjGBSrOzQ5DhiGzi1-OHMxksdLaPVB6GT-01aWw2HQxLeap4y3cSP0LqeVeUPXpAkdQKTv2bnSl~-unLRVH9e1ysmplpMXAO5GHfnuf98T67GvayolwOENBoVtDVPfT5q2ddMAKfdSHzdYQu2yhLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Public Utilities on a unanimous vote authorized Santa Rosa Water to enter a funding agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board for Assistance Request AR 6092, the Robin Way Water System consolidation project.

The resolution, moved by Vice Chair Arnoni and seconded by Board Member Mullen, directs the director of Santa Rosa Water or a designee to execute the agreement, accept and expend state funds, and sign related documents. The vote was recorded as Aye from Board Members Wright, Mullen, Bartholow, Vice Chair Arnoni and Chair Galvin; Board Members DeWitt and Bavenport were absent.

Board members and Santa Rosa Water staff said the project responds to a State Water Resources Control Board compliance order requiring consolidation after repeated contamination exceedances. Assistant engineer Candace Michael told the board the Robin Way system first flagged elevated nitrates in 2002 and again in 2019, and the State issued orders requiring an alternative drinking-water source. The five parcels directly served by the Robin Way system were mandated to connect; an additional 24 parcels are being offered the option to join the consolidation, for a combined potential of 29 parcels and 118 residential units.

Michael said the project area is outside current City limits and that the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) has recommended annexation of the area into the City of Santa Rosa. She said planning under a Proposition 1 grant is about 90% complete and that Proposition 1 and the State Water Board’s assistance program will cover planning, design, construction and connection costs. The project also includes installation of fire-suppression infrastructure to meet City standards; Michael noted there are currently no hydrants on Robin Way or on the Bellevue Avenue frontage in the annexation area.

Board members asked about the number of similar consolidation projects and the reliability of state funding. Michael and Director Burke said multiple consolidation projects are underway, that some are already in the capital improvement program, and that the State typically funds mandatory consolidations; funding availability depends on state budget allocations. Michael said the State Water Board’s technical assistance program will also provide outreach, engineering support, CEQA assistance and help with reimbursement applications.

No public comment was offered on the item before the board approved the resolution.

The action authorizes Santa Rosa Water to submit the reimbursement funding application to the State Water Resources Control Board and to accept state funds subject to the funding agreement terms; work cannot proceed to construction without the executed funding agreement and negotiated cost estimates.","The Board of Public Utilities voted unanimously to authorize Santa Rosa Water to enter a funding agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board to consolidate the contaminated Robin Way water system into the City of Santa Rosa distribution system under Assistance Request AR 6092.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Santa Rosa BPU hears water supply update: Lake Pillsbury below recent norms; Mendocino and Sonoma show ample storage

Santa Rosa BPU recommends Aug. 19 City Council hearing to place stormwater charges on county tax roll

Santa Rosa to continue Creek Stewardship program with $615,000 from Sonoma Water through FY 2030-31

Santa Rosa board authorizes state-funded consolidation of Robin Way water system