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Council approves $28,500 wastewater‑plant fence allocation, moves forward on sewer and water studies
Summary
Council authorized roughly $28,500 for perimeter fencing at the wastewater treatment plant, discussed a proposed $720,000 capital program for sewer improvements and directed staff to pursue a feasibility study for a redundant well and disinfection facility to improve water system redundancy and grant competitiveness.
Crescent City Council authorized a maintenance allocation for the wastewater treatment plant fence and discussed a multi‑year capital plan to address aging sewer and water infrastructure.
Staff told council that sewer work is a top priority for the coming year, including SCADA upgrades and several capital projects the city’s consultant (Jacobs) identified as priorities. Staff proposed spending up to $720,000 on sewer capital if all projects were completed in the coming year and said the long‑run average need to maintain the treatment plant could be on the order of $1,000,000 per year.
Council questioned the proposed fence cost and staff explained the plant site is roughly two acres and a full perimeter replacement was costlier than a small patch but important for security and long‑term maintenance. One council member proposed authorizing $28,500 for fence work and the council gave voice agreement to that amount while allowing maintenance staff discretion to prioritize the most urgent section or building.
Staff also described state engagement on the city’s new NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit, noting a Time Schedule Order (TSO) may provide a runway for compliance while elevating the city’s priority for SRF (State Revolving Fund) and other state funding. Council members repeatedly emphasized cash‑flow concerns because the city will spend grant‑reimbursable dollars (estimated at about $6 million for Front Street, the Culture Center and other highway improvements) and wait for reimbursements.
On water, staff proposed accelerating a feasibility study for a redundant well and disinfection facility to create redundancy for the city’s rain‑collector and chlorination systems and to make the project more competitive for grant funding. Several council members recommended moving the feasibility study up into the current year’s work program so staff could pursue grants sooner.
A public commenter later suggested the city reassess the relative urgency of fire department administrative hires given the predominance of medical/EMS calls; council thanked speakers and adjourned the meeting.
Staff will return with project prioritization, refined cost estimates and recommendations for funding and timing as part of the budget adoption process and the upcoming rate‑study work on water and sewer.
