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Resident asks town for engineering records after irrigation pipe installed 4 feet lower
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Summary
At the town council work session, resident Tom Salaya said the town-installed replacement irrigation line was placed about 4 feet lower than the original and requested engineering drawings, specs and inspection reports to determine whether the system will function and to guard against clogging and maintenance problems.
Tom Salaya, a Florence resident and former council member, used the public‑comment period to raise a technical complaint about a town infrastructure project tied to the Western Crossing and Centennial Park area. Salaya said the town purchased a strip of land adjacent to his property and installed a replacement irrigation line; he said the new pipe "was placed approximately 4 feet lower than the original elevation and it remains buried that depth today," which he said could allow silt to enter the pipe and cause clogging or long‑term failure.
"This immediately raised serious concerns," Salaya said, asking the council to provide "engineer drawings for the project including the mag specifications, inspection reports, any available photos, or documentation related to the installation, specifically for the 2 lateral distribution lines affecting our property." He said the town's response letter led him to conclude the town considers its obligation fulfilled upon installation and that the town had not confirmed the installed system would function as intended.
Mayor Eaton directed staff to follow up. After Salaya finished, the mayor thanked him and asked staff (Bruce and others) to continue follow‑up and update council on next steps. Council discussion at the meeting did not include a commitment to a specific remedial action; rather, the mayor asked staff to investigate and report back.
Why it matters: if Salaya's concern is correct, a buried pipe placed at a significantly lower elevation could be at higher risk of siltation and require more frequent maintenance or redesign. Salaya asked for documentation that would let him and his advisors determine whether the system meets engineering standards and the town's obligations.
What happens next: Council directed staff to follow up with the resident and return with information. Salaya specifically requested the engineering drawings, specifications, inspection reports and any photos; staff will either provide those documents or explain what records are available and next steps for resolution.
