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Ceres council keeps fishing ban at River Bluff retention pond, cites liner lifespan and cost
Summary
City staff told council the pond’s synthetic liner — installed in 2006 — is near its guaranteed 20‑year life and that removing or replacing it could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and trigger wildlife permits; after public comment the council agreed not to lift the 2023 fishing prohibition.
City staff told the Ceres City Council on Jan. 13 that a synthetic liner installed in the River Bluff Regional Park lower‑terrace retention pond in 2006 is approaching the manufacturer’s 20‑year guarantee and that removing or replacing it would be costly and complex. "Our options are leave the ordinance as is or spend half million dollars to remove the liner," staff said during the presentation.
Sam, a city staff member handling the item, explained the liner’s role: it ensures year‑round water retention, prevents seepage, and supports wildlife habitat. He described four major tasks to replace the liner — handling habitat transfer with fish and wildlife agencies, draining the pond, removing vegetation and re‑lining — and told the council a previously installed liner cost the city about $166,000 in 2006 and that a current replacement estimate was on the order of $542,000 (staff‑reported estimates).
Residents urged caution. John Warren said the liner’s life "is coming to an end" and pressed the council on whether the city will eventually need to replace it; another resident suggested cement lining but staff warned cement can crack and has its own maintenance demands. The council also heard concerns that allowing fishing could puncture the liner and jeopardize the pond’s retention function.
After back‑and‑forth on cost, habitat and practical alternatives — including repair patches and different lining materials — councilmembers signaled consensus to leave the April 10, 2023 ordinance that prohibits recreational fishing in the retention pond in place for now and to consider long‑term planning or design changes later. Councilmember Serena Otero suggested updating the city’s strategic plan to address park improvements for future funding consideration.
Next steps: staff said the council’s referrals and recommendations will be agendized and that any liner replacement would require coordination with resource agencies and additional engineering and budget analysis.
