COSCA approves $32,500 repair to Autumn Ridge Road after sinkhole formed in heavy rains

The Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency voted Jan. 24 to appropriate $32,500 from the Woolsey Fire Recovery Fund for design and construction services to repair a failed drainage structure on Autumn Ridge Road in Lang Ranch open space.

Staff described a sinkhole that formed after several days of heavy rain, which caused water to bypass the installed pipe and erode the slope below it. The recommended remedy—bid at $32,500—includes a concrete apron across the road, lowering the inlet pipe, slope repairs, reseeding and erosion control; staff said they would use the original contractor or engineer who designed and built the site because they have the project background.

Director Nichols questioned sole‑source justification and asked why the same firm was selected after the earlier failure. Stark said the original design functioned for a year and that the failure was limited to an unanticipated gopher channeling under the pipe during an extreme rain event; he described the original contractor and engineers as best placed to implement an efficient repair. Stark also said staff has a remaining contingency of about $5,500 in grant funds associated with the prior project and that agency operating allocations could cover additional needs if post‑rain damage increases.

The board found the repair exempt from CEQA (minor alteration exemptions cited) and approved the appropriation and contract recommendation by roll call; the record shows “motion carries 5 0.” Staff said they would inspect site conditions after the storms subside to confirm whether scope or cost must be adjusted.

The repair is intended to restore stable drainage function and reduce future washouts and service disruptions for the trail network.