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City announces Oak Avenue rehab, backflow notices and Harvest Festival survey results
Summary
City staff announced an Oak Avenue utility rehabilitation project starting Dec. 8, 23 customers were asked to install backflow devices by January after meters recorded reverse flow, and staff presented Harvest Festival survey results (156 respondents) and a Hunt Avenue tree lighting event.
City staff told the council on Nov. 25 that a major Oak Avenue utility rehabilitation project will start Monday, Dec. 8, and that the city will notify affected property owners and businesses about temporary block closures and schedule updates.
Assistant City Manager Joe Leach said construction will begin with storm‑drain infrastructure and will require closures of segments of Oak Avenue between Mitchell and Madrona. Staff said crews and the contractor will do door‑to‑door notifications when closures are scheduled.
Leach also reported a separate water system concern: while preparing billing data, staff found 23 customers whose ultrasonic meters were recording water flow in the reverse direction, which can indicate cross‑connections that pose a public‑health risk. "We found that there were 23 customers that had their meters actually going backwards," Leach said. Property owners received letters and were given until January to install a city‑approved backflow device; staff said they will return on Dec. 9 to seek a budget appropriation to help customers with extenuating circumstances and to consider payment plans through utility billing.
Staff briefed the council on Harvest Festival 'flash vote' survey results. Acting Director of Community Services Ashley Sylvester said the survey, shared in the city newsletter and via social media Oct. 30 through November, received 156 total participants. Sylvester reported 59% of respondents said they attended this year and in prior years; overall satisfaction tallied 40% "excellent" and 38% "good." On location, 43% preferred the new Library & Adams location while 25% preferred the previous Oak Avenue site. Respondents prioritized shade and seating, a diverse vendor/food mix, and music/entertainment.
Sylvester also reminded the council about a Hunt Avenue tree lighting event the next evening from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring live music, vendors and a special guest from Saint Helena; the tree will remain on display through Jan. 5.
Council members emphasized continued, repeated outreach about the Oak Avenue project and thanked staff for flexibility on backflow communications; staff agreed to additional notifications and to follow up on funding assistance.
