Committee debates emergency declaration to repair failing culverts at Murrieta Equestrian Center

Staff and the district engineer presented photos and engineering plans showing severely corroded and partially collapsed culvert sections at the Murrieta Equestrian Center outfall. Jeff (contractor/owner representative) and the engineer said the embankment has eroded and that, if the culverts fail, the outfall could be blocked and upstream flooding and safety hazards could occur.

"If that goes, then your major outfall for Laguna Joaquin and that entire drainage basin is blocked," the engineer told the committee, arguing that the risk to public safety and downstream property justified expedited permitting and construction. Staff proposed declaring an emergency so the district could pursue environmental exemptions, avoid a lengthy RFP process and complete construction in a narrow July window before expected rains.

Several directors pushed back, saying an "emergency" designation should be used only where exigent circumstances exist; one director observed the problem had been known for months and suggested declaring a high priority but handling procurement as a normal expeditious project. The committee eventually recommended sending final plans and the proposed emergency resolution to the board for a decision; staff also presented a draft scope and an engineering-and‑construction proposal with environmental task costs included.

Procurement and scope: The engineer proposed replacing corroded pipes with thicker‑gauge arch culverts, trimming and protecting banks, and staging material and contractor equipment at the equestrian center; staff recommended sourcing three vetted contractors and showed draft bid documents for an expedited emergency procurement.

Next steps: Committee agreed to move the item to the board with a recommendation for approval as soon as possible; staff will provide the board with permit/exemption analysis, contractor proposals and an engineer’s cost estimate.