Council authorizes water-capacity study, budget amendment for Elk Valley Rancheria hotel proposal

City staff told the council the action before them would authorize an Elk Valley Rancheria-funded water-capacity model and Task Order No. 8 with Stover Engineering to analyze whether the Birch Ocean View system has sufficient capacity to serve a proposed hotel on the Martin Ranch site. "What they're looking for is the total effect or demand of the new hotel that they're proposing and what it'll take from the Birch Ocean View system," the city manager said, explaining the wheeling process and options including pump upgrades or an on-site storage tank.

Public commenters from Birch Ocean View reported low water pressure and expressed gratitude the study will address local concerns; resident Dave Garcia also supported the project as an economic opportunity while urging due respect for tribal sovereignty. Council moved to adopt Resolution No. 2026-54 to amend the FY 2026–27 budget (net zero with Elk Valley paying expenses), authorize the city manager to sign the model agreement, and approve Task Order No. 8 with Stover Engineering; the measure passed unanimously.