Residents and MAC press for review of Medea Creek maintenance agreement before December expiration

Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council members and residents pressed county staff for clarity on Medea Creek maintenance and asked that the council get a formal review opportunity of the Watershed Protection District’s routine maintenance agreement with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife before the agreement expires in December 2024. MAC Chair Brian Trushinski requested the item be included on the October agenda so the board can "evaluate and provide input on the agreement that expires in December 2024 before a new agreement is adopted." Public Works Director Gregg Strakaluse introduced himself and described the Watershed Protection District’s obligation to clear areas of the creek "for fire prevention" and said staff would work to improve public notifications about maintenance and capital projects.

Several residents raised maintenance and safety concerns during public comment. Tom Hansen, who said this was his first meeting, "expressed concerns about Medea Creek maintenance" and volunteered to update Oak Park sign-board letters monthly. A written public comment by Mr. Kozel, included in later meeting materials, also focused on Medea Creek concerns. The MAC did not take a formal policy vote on this item at the Sept. 26 meeting but Chair Trushinski’s request to place the agreement review on the October agenda was recorded for future action.