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Residents press council on Lampson Well delays; staff outlines procurement, loan and construction timetable
Summary
Public commenters said Lampson Well work has not begun nearly a year after approval; Deputy Director Catherine Cho told the council procurement began July 23, vessels are contractor‑procured, and the OCWD loan amendment totals $8,066,792 with tentative construction starting in fall 2026 and completion estimated in fall 2027.
Several residents urged the council to press staff for clearer action on Lampson Well, and city staff provided a schedule and financing update.
"It's been approaching 11 months now since the council meeting that approved the well to be worked on. It has not started," said Charlie Kluger, a College Park East resident, during oral communications, pressing the council to meet with staff and explain delays and cost increases.
City Engineer and Deputy Director of Public Works Catherine Cho told the council the project "kicked off on 06/24/2026" with the project team and that a notice to proceed for procurement was issued on July 23. She said many procurement submittals (about 67 received, 54 processed and closed) have been approved and that the contractor must now place orders for long‑lead items, including granulated activated carbon vessels. Delivery and construction dates will firm when suppliers confirm shipments.
Cho said the city is tentatively anticipating a construction notice to proceed in late September or early October 2026 and estimated project completion in fall 2027, noting the project includes sewer line improvements that will be work in the Lampson corridor. She also confirmed the Orange County Water District loan amendment executed on July 22 reflects a new loan amount of $8,066,792 at a 3.336 percent rate with a 20‑year term.
During questions, staff said the vessels are contractor‑procured and a delivery date is pending supplier confirmation. Councilmembers asked about weather impacts, and staff noted most of the treatment system is above ground, reducing the risk of lengthy weather‑related stoppages even though some foundation work depends on dry conditions. Cho also said the well is capable of operating at 100 percent capacity after construction, although system demands and well sequencing will determine actual operational use; current pumping is roughly 20 percent of rated capacity.
Staff said they will provide another update once construction begins and when equipment delivery dates are confirmed.
