Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Homeowner tells council she believes a city force main is damaging her house; city refers matter to legal and staff follow‑up
Summary
A Willow Creek area homeowner told council a rhythmic water‑hammer from a city force main has caused cracking and sinking at her 8‑year‑old home; city staff and the law director said the complaint has been escalated to the legal department and promised contact and further investigation, with preliminary updates expected within about 10 days.
Resident Cynthia Schwartz testified in detail that rhythmic shock waves she attributes to a nearby city force main have caused structural damage to her home and yard for years. She said the booms and shocks occur every six to eight minutes and described foundation cracking, sinking yard and damaged concrete. "The city's forced sewer main infrastructure is actively causing structural damage to my home, my yard, my and my neighbor's home," she said, asking the city to deploy temporary hydraulic valves and contract an independent structural engineer at city expense.
City staff confirmed Schwartz's complaint has been escalated to the law department and that staff and legal have been in contact. The law director and staff said it would be premature to detail remedies in open session while legal review proceeds, but they committed to follow up with the resident. Staff indicated preliminary investigative findings could be available within about 10 days and described ongoing options, including less invasive diagnostic techniques and potential engineering responses depending on findings.
The council did not take action during the meeting; staff said the matter will be handled through the city's legal and engineering processes and that the resident would be contacted with next steps.
