City engineering outlines Balboa stormwater work and retention‑pond progress

Eduardo, a city staff member, reported July 28 that work on Balboa-area stormwater projects is advancing and that several elements are intended to improve automatic drainage and storage capacity. Staff described a Balboa ditch project to modernize five sluice gates with automated opening and backflow prevention and said riprap and bank stabilization work is part of the scope; the project is scheduled to finish in November. Eduardo also described rehabilitation work at an existing pump station (near 20th and Third streets), explaining the structure will be modernized with pumps to move water when gates are closed during high‑water events. On the Balboa detention/retention pond adjacent to the southwest wastewater treatment plant, staff said the facility is already being used during rain events. Eduardo told the commission the pond took water during a March rain event, that it had filled to a significant portion of capacity during that event, and that the current construction work has brought the pond to roughly 70%–75% of its planned capacity. He said the city expects substantial completion in about four to six weeks and that remaining grading and fill work is concentrated on the property’s backside toward 20th Third Street. Commissioners asked for clarification on location and schedule; staff said additional capital work to clean and complete a second phase is planned in a future fiscal year. Staff noted coordination with MPU for a planned settlement pond on a small western area of the property. All items were presented as informational workshop updates; no formal votes were taken.