The Pacific Board of Aldermen on Aug. 5 advanced an amended ordinance accepting public maintenance of streets in the Brush Creek subdivision while directing staff to withhold escrow tied to an unfinished detention basin.
On first reading the ordinance only accepted maintenance of streets. Aldermen raised concerns after public commentary and staff review that the subdivision’s detention basin and some storm-sewer items remain incomplete and contain standing water and blocked inlets.
Attorney Carr told the board that under state law the developer’s escrow is itemized by categories — streets, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and detention basin — and the city may release funds for completed categories while withholding amounts for categories not acceptably finished. She said, “State law says that you can require an escrow for certain categories, but once those categories are complete then you need to release those categories.”
Alderman Hovind pressed for withholding the portion of escrow specific to the detention basin; Alderman Lesh moved and the council approved an amendment to the bill to add water and sanitary systems to the acceptance language and to withhold any escrow tied to incomplete detention-basin/stormwater categories. Lesh then moved — and the board approved — a direction that Public Works Commissioner Bergman contact McBride about the detention pond and report back before the ordinance’s second reading.
Mayor Filley and aldermen emphasized the board’s interest in protecting residents from bearing costs if developer work remains unfinished. Bergman said he had a list of outstanding items and that some repairs had been done but would re‑inspect the detention basin.
What the action means: the city will accept maintenance responsibility for the public streets (and, by amendment, water and sanitary lines) but will retain escrowed funds for detention-basin/stormwater categories until those elements are brought up to the city’s standards; staff will pursue remediation with the developer and report to the board before any escrow release.