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Resident says late notice from Pine View led to flooded basements; council says newsletter timing will be reviewed
Summary
A longtime Washington Terrace resident told the City Council that secondary water was turned on earlier than expected and that the city newsletter did not provide timely notice; council members acknowledged the complaint and directed staff to follow up with the water provider and newsletter publisher.
Natalie Yocum, a Washington Terrace resident, told the City Council on May 6 that secondary (secondary) water was turned on in her area without the usual advance notice published in the city newsletter, and that the late notice led to basement flooding at her home.
Yocum said she has relied on the city newsletter for about 20 years to notify residents when secondary water is turned on or off. She said Pine View Water turned secondary water on earlier than she expected and that the newsletter’s notification appeared to be an "after" notice instead of a forewarning. She added that her homeowners insurance adjuster reported she was not the only resident with flooding.
Mayor Allen and other council members acknowledged the concern. A council member said Pine View has been replacing meters and that the water provider has been “absent in communication,” and noted that Pine View traditionally turns secondary water on around April 15. City staff said they could not identify a specific reason at the meeting for the newsletter omission and advised residents to contact Pine View directly for operational questions.
Council members thanked Yocum for raising the issue and said staff would work with the newsletter publisher (Charter is referenced in the meeting) to improve timing of notices and to follow up with Pine View on its communications. The council did not take a formal vote on the matter at the meeting.
Why it matters: Secondary-water turn-on dates affect irrigation and property risk when residents follow the city’s usual communications. Residents who depend on municipal notices told the council they need predictable, timely alerts about changes that affect basements and yards.
What the council said it will do: Council members and staff said they would (a) follow up with Pine View Water about its communication with residents, (b) work with the newsletter publisher to ensure such operational notices appear earlier, and (c) share guidance to residents about contacting Pine View when localized meter or valve work may affect secondary water supply.
Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the meeting transcript and include the resident who spoke during public comment and council/staff responses.
