3 Dear Mr. Harris,
Thank you for reaching out. I wanted to confirm that your email has been received and read in its entirety.
I appreciate your detailed description of the situation. I have cc'd our team to bring your concerns to the forefront of their attention for follow up.
Sincerely,
Lan George
Lan George
Council Member
City Council, City of Arroyo Grande,
Tel: 805-473-5400 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: she/her/hers
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 4:03 PM
To: Caren Ray Russom <[email protected]>; Kristen Barneich <[email protected]>; Lan George <[email protected]>; Jim Guthrie <[email protected]>; Kate Secrest <[email protected]>
Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]>; Timothy Cleath <[email protected]> Subject: A request for assistance
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IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender mike @harris5.com
My name is Mike Harris and I am a property owner in the City. My property (three parcels) is the 55 acres at the corner of Noyes Road and Equestrian Way. I am writing to you today regarding a water well application (PPR23-000001) that was submitted to the City on January 26, 2023. I engaged the services of civil engineer Richard Burde of SLO Civil Design and geologist Timothy Cleath of Cleath-Harris Geologists to help me with this project. The parcel related to this application is parcel number 007-781-055.
My understanding was that after the application was submitted City staff would write a staff report that would make a recommendation to the City Council to either approve or not approve my well application. It has been approximately 6 months since the permit/application was submitted to the City yet no staff report has been provided and it has not been scheduled for any City Council meeting.
The City has not provided any reasonable justification for the delay and lack of progress on my application. I have travelled to Arroyo Grande from my current residence in Granite Bay on three occasions based on the expectation that my application would be on the City Council meeting agenda. I have also had to spend thousands of dollars (in application and consulting fees along with travel expenses) trying to get the City staff to do their job. I have made a good faith effort to work with the City on this matter. I am asking you for your assistance.
The City has been aware of the well application with the County since October 17, 2022. Carrie Zuur-Lopez (from SLO County Health Agency) emailed Shane Taylor and included the well permit application for the City's review. On October 18, 2022 Shane Taylor sent a reply to Carrie Zuur-Lopez indicating that the City Council is required to review and approve the application. Shane Taylor cc'd Andrew Perez, Bill Robeson, and Brian Pedrotti on that email.
On March 9, 2023 Patrick Holub communicated to Richard Burde that his staff report was "95% prepared" and just needed the cost estimate to support his recommendation to approve the well. We provided Patrick with all cost information requested in a very timely manner. The City has never provided us with any cost information on a feasible and practical connection to the City water system.
Shane Taylor presented an alternative to drilling the well with an idea that would have me connect to the city's water system at the tank above my property. This would be a highly unconventional way to provide service to a private property for several reasons and would also add significant construction obstacles as the water line would need to be trenched through established oak groves and rock outcropping visible from the surface.
5 On March 20 Patrick Holub indicated that he had sent the staff report for the "final round of review" and that we would be on the City Council agenda for March 28.
During the time period from March 20 to May 1 communications from the City went dark and when we eventually heard back from Patrick we were surprised and disappointed to learn that he had been instructed to change the staff report from a "Recommendation to Approve" to "Recommendation to Not Approve" position .
Something had changed but the City was not transparent as to what had changed despite numerous requests from myself or Richard Burde.
On May 1, 2023 Patrick Holub notified us "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location. At this point, we will be writing a staff report recommending that the City Council deny the request."
On June 15th Richard Burde and I met at the City offices with Patrick Holub and Brian Pedrotti. I asked specifically what was meant by "best interest of the City" and received no coherent response. I was told that the city was concerned about precedent. (It should be noted that precedent has no effect on whether connecting to the City water system is or is not feasible and practical.) I mentioned that precedent was not an element or part of the City Municipal Code related to water well approvals. When connection obstacles related to Shane's idea were expressed to Brain and Patrick during this meeting it was clear from their reaction that they had not considered the extra costs and impacts Shane's proposed connection would add. This left us with the feeling that City staff was prepared to write the staff report "Not to Recommend Approval" based on the "feasible and practical" argument without considering many of the primary reasons we feel a well should be approved.
I asked, more than once, at this meeting if Brian or Partick had any cost information relating to the cost of connecting to the city water system. Neither Brian or Patrick were aware of the cost of connecting (or how the actual connection would be made) to the city water system. I expressed that it is unreasonable for the City to conclude that it is feasible and practical to connect to the city water system without any information on the cost which I would be required to pay for the connection. I was told by Brian that the City would have a meeting to determine if City "policy" precludes me from having a well on my property. This was the first time I had heard that a City "policy" would be a factor. I was also told that Patrick or Brian would follow up and provide me with the cost information for my potential connection to the City water system.
On June 27, 2023 I sent an email to Brian Pedrotti and Patrick Holub asking for a status update on their "policy" meeting and for the cost information for my proposed connection to the City water system.
As of July 21, 2023 I have received no reply from either Brian Pedrotti or Patrick Holub. This is unacceptable and the lack of accountability and responsibility has gone on too long. As a property owner and taxpayer of the City I would expect, at a minimum, a courtesy reply indicating that my request was received. I
6 have repeatedly either received no response or an unreasonably slow response from the City. The City is not living up to its Organizational Values.
We have made significant effort to engage in a discussion regarding the lack of feasibility and practicality of connecting to the City water system. Staff reports for previous well applications that have been presented to City Council have had the following comments related to "feasible and practical":
(Easy Street - 2021) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Easy Street and nearby Printz Road that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and would be available to serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time. The nearest existing water main is approximately 1000’ from the property and connection to this main would require significant infrastructure improvements and for the City to obtain numerous easements. (Printz Road - 2018) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Printz Road and Easy Street that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time.
(East Cherry Ave - 2017) The City currently serves the property with potable water for domestic and fire protection purposes. The property is connected to the City’s water main on East Cherry Avenue. The City currently does not provide irrigation water to any agriculturally zoned parcels within the City limits. A separate connection to the City’s water system would be required to irrigate the 7-acre parcel. A properly sized meter connection would be a substantial cost to the applicant. The City’s current water supply analysis does not account for this connection in that the City does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes. (Flora Road - 2015) The City currently does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes. The property is connected to the City's water system for domestic use; however, a separate connection to the City water system would be required to irrigate the 9 acres of farmland. A properly sized meter would be a substantial cost to the applicant. For these reasons, it is not practical to supply agricultural water from the City's water system.
Images of the Parcel
The parcel in question is adjacent to Noyes Road which can be seen along the left side of the image. The City is proposing that we trench from an area near Noyes Road up the steep slope through rocks and protected oak trees to the water tank which is shown at the top-middle of the image.
7 The red highlighted areas have over 30% slope (from the SLO County GIS). There is no access to the City water tank area without traversing these significantly sloped areas.
Reasonable access to the City water system requires trenching of over 2,000 feet. Access to City water system via water tank area (2,068 ft)
8 Access to City water system via Equestrian Way (2,340 ft)
I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in getting a copy of the staff report and to have my well application presented to the City Council for consideration.
9 If you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information please feel free to contact myself or Richard Burde or Tim Cleath (they have been CC'd on this email).
Thank you for your time,
Mike Harris
(916) 802-1659 Cell
[email protected]
1 From: Whitney McDonald <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2023 5:07 PM
To: Mike Harris; Brian Pedrotti
Cc: Lan George; Bill Robeson; Patrick Holub; Caren Ray Russom; Kristen Barneich; Jim Guthrie; Kate Secrest; Richard Burde
Subject: RE: A request for assistance
Dear Mr. Harris,
As the City Council will ultimately decide whether to approve or deny the well permit application, they are unable to provide individual assistance or direction regarding the substance of your request. Mr. Pedrotti will continue to reach out to you directly regarding next steps and with a concrete plan to ensure that the matter is presented to Council as soon as possible.
Best regards,
Whitney
Whitney McDonald
City Manager
Administration, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5408 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: she/her/hers
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2023 11:45 AM
To: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Cc: Lan George <[email protected]>; Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Whitney McDonald <[email protected]>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]>; Caren Ray Russom <[email protected]>; Kristen Barneich <[email protected]>; Jim Guthrie <[email protected]>; Kate Secrest <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]> Subject: Re: A request for assistance
To help protect your
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IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender mike @harris5.com
2 Good morning Brian,
Thank you for your reply. I am certain that the "next step" from our meeting was that you were going to have a meeting to discuss "policy". At our meeting, I specifically stated that there was no need for an on-site visit (which I have offered to city staff as far back as March 29) if the City has a policy which precluded a well on my property. Also, if the City has already made the determination that a connection is feasible and practical (which it has) then there is no reason to have an on-site visit. I also referred to this "policy" meeting in my email to you on June 27 to which I received no reply.
We also discussed that you were going to contact Public Works and provide the cost information for a connection to the City water system. I am sure you recall my disbelief that you determined that a connection to the City water system was feasible and practical even though you had no information regarding the cost of such a connection. The primary factor in considering feasibility and practicality will always be cost. A difficult or complex connection will always be reflected in the cost. We requested the cost information as well as the actual method/design of the connection be provided. No cost information has ever been provided (except cost information that we have provided to you).
We have provided our concerns regarding connection feasibility on many occasions. Each of our concerns were dismissed offhand by Shane Taylor at a meeting between Richard Burde, Tim Cleath, Patrick Holub and Shane that took place on February 16. On October 19, 2022 Shane communicated to Emily Willeford (Filipponi & Thompson Drilling Inc) that city water is available to me. There is no City water accessible via a public right of way to my parcel. The connection being proposed by Shane appears to be through City owned property/infrastructure not located within a public right of way but through private property owned by the City. It is my understanding that making a connection would require an easement be granted to me so that my meter and water lateral connection be located on the property legally. This subtle but critical component of Shane's recommended connection plan did not seem to be considered prior to making the determination to not recommend approval of my well application. From the outset, there seems to be a bias that has precluded a serious and open determination of feasibility.
You have already communicated that a connection to the City water system on my parcel is feasible and practical and that a well on my property is not in the best interest of the city (email from Patrick on May 1 - "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location") Again, I respectfully request that you provide the cost and design information for the connection that has already been determined feasible and practical. I am also requesting a copy of the staff report that was distributed for "final review" (email from Patrick dated March 20 - "I sent the staff report for a final round of review last week.") These documents should be made available to me without delay.
If a final decision regarding my well application has not been made by City staff, then I continue to be more than willing to have any discussion or meetings that are needed to help facilitate this process.
Regards,
Mike
On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:38 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thank you for letting us know about your frustrations with this item, and I apologize for our part in the delays associated with getting this processed. Although I would characterize some of our past discussions differently, I agree that we can move forward to reach a conclusion and get it scheduled for a hearing. As I recall from our last meeting, the next step was to schedule a meeting onsite with you and staff from CDD and Public Works to more fully understand the physical constraints of the site and for you to show your concerns with connection feasibility. I will coordinate with
3 Public Works today and pull some dates together to send to you and your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Lan George <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 5:42 PM
To: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Whitney McDonald <[email protected]>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]> Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Dear Mr. Harris,
Thank you for reaching out. I wanted to confirm that your email has been received and read in its entirety.
I appreciate your detailed description of the situation. I have cc'd our team to bring your concerns to the forefront of their attention for follow up.
Sincerely,
4 Lan George
Lan George
Council Member
City Council, City of Arroyo Grande,
Tel: 805-473-5400 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: she/her/hers
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 4:03 PM
To: Caren Ray Russom <[email protected]>; Kristen Barneich <[email protected]>; Lan George <[email protected]>; Jim Guthrie <[email protected]>; Kate Secrest <[email protected]> Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]>; Timothy Cleath <[email protected]> Subject: A request for assistance
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IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender mike @harris5.com
My name is Mike Harris and I am a property owner in the City. My property (three parcels) is the 55 acres at the corner of Noyes Road and Equestrian Way. I am writing to you today regarding a water well application (PPR23-000001) that was submitted to the City on January 26, 2023. I engaged the services of civil engineer Richard Burde of SLO Civil Design and geologist Timothy Cleath of Cleath-Harris Geologists to help me with this project. The parcel related to this application is parcel number 007-781-055.
My understanding was that after the application was submitted City staff would write a staff report that would make a recommendation to the City Council to either approve or not approve my well application. It has been approximately 6 months since the permit/application was submitted to the City yet no staff report has been provided and it has not been scheduled for any City Council meeting.
5 The City has not provided any reasonable justification for the delay and lack of progress on my application. I have travelled to Arroyo Grande from my current residence in Granite Bay on three occasions based on the expectation that my application would be on the City Council meeting agenda. I have also had to spend thousands of dollars (in application and consulting fees along with travel expenses) trying to get the City staff to do their job. I have made a good faith effort to work with the City on this matter. I am asking you for your assistance.
The City has been aware of the well application with the County since October 17, 2022. Carrie Zuur-Lopez (from SLO County Health Agency) emailed Shane Taylor and included the well permit application for the City's review. On October 18, 2022 Shane Taylor sent a reply to Carrie Zuur-Lopez indicating that the City Council is required to review and approve the application. Shane Taylor cc'd Andrew Perez, Bill Robeson, and Brian Pedrotti on that email.
On March 9, 2023 Patrick Holub communicated to Richard Burde that his staff report was "95% prepared" and just needed the cost estimate to support his recommendation to approve the well. We provided Patrick with all cost information requested in a very timely manner. The City has never provided us with any cost information on a feasible and practical connection to the City water system.
Shane Taylor presented an alternative to drilling the well with an idea that would have me connect to the city's water system at the tank above my property. This would be a highly unconventional way to provide service to a private property for several reasons and would also add significant construction obstacles as the water line would need to be trenched through established oak groves and rock outcropping visible from the surface.
On March 20 Patrick Holub indicated that he had sent the staff report for the "final round of review" and that we would be on the City Council agenda for March 28.
During the time period from March 20 to May 1 communications from the City went dark and when we eventually heard back from Patrick we were surprised and disappointed to learn that he had been instructed to change the staff report from a "Recommendation to Approve" to "Recommendation to Not Approve" position . Something had changed but the City was not transparent as to what had changed despite numerous requests from myself or Richard Burde.
On May 1, 2023 Patrick Holub notified us "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location. At this point, we will be writing a staff report recommending that the City Council deny the request."
On June 15th Richard Burde and I met at the City offices with Patrick Holub and Brian Pedrotti. I asked specifically what was meant by "best interest of the City" and received no coherent response. I was told that the city was concerned about precedent. (It should be noted that precedent has no effect on whether connecting to the City water system is or
6 is not feasible and practical.) I mentioned that precedent was not an element or part of the City Municipal Code related to water well approvals. When connection obstacles related to Shane's idea were expressed to Brain and Patrick during this meeting it was clear from their reaction that they had not considered the extra costs and impacts Shane's proposed connection would add. This left us with the feeling that City staff was prepared to write the staff report "Not to Recommend Approval" based on the "feasible and practical" argument without considering many of the primary reasons we feel a well should be approved.
I asked, more than once, at this meeting if Brian or Partick had any cost information relating to the cost of connecting to the city water system. Neither Brian or Patrick were aware of the cost of connecting (or how the actual connection would be made) to the city water system. I expressed that it is unreasonable for the City to conclude that it is feasible and practical to connect to the city water system without any information on the cost which I would be required to pay for the connection. I was told by Brian that the City would have a meeting to determine if City "policy" precludes me from having a well on my property. This was the first time I had heard that a City "policy" would be a factor. I was also told that Patrick or Brian would follow up and provide me with the cost information for my potential connection to the City water system.
On June 27, 2023 I sent an email to Brian Pedrotti and Patrick Holub asking for a status update on their "policy" meeting and for the cost information for my proposed connection to the City water system.
As of July 21, 2023 I have received no reply from either Brian Pedrotti or Patrick Holub. This is unacceptable and the lack of accountability and responsibility has gone on too long. As a property owner and taxpayer of the City I would expect, at a minimum, a courtesy reply indicating that my request was received. I have repeatedly either received no response or an unreasonably slow response from the City. The City is not living up to its Organizational Values.
We have made significant effort to engage in a discussion regarding the lack of feasibility and practicality of connecting to the City water system. Staff reports for previous well applications that have been presented to City Council have had the following comments related to "feasible and practical":
(Easy Street - 2021) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Easy Street and nearby Printz Road that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and would be available to serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time. The nearest existing water main is approximately 1000’ from the property and connection to this main would require significant infrastructure improvements and for the City to obtain numerous easements.
(Printz Road - 2018) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Printz Road and Easy Street that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time.
7 (East Cherry Ave - 2017) The City currently serves the property with potable water for domestic and fire protection purposes. The property is connected to the City’s water main on East Cherry Avenue. The City currently does not provide irrigation water to any agriculturally zoned parcels within the City limits. A separate connection to the City’s water system would be required to irrigate the 7-acre parcel. A properly sized meter connection would be a substantial cost to the applicant. The City’s current water supply analysis does not account for this connection in that the City does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes.
(Flora Road - 2015) The City currently does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes. The property is connected to the City's water system for domestic use; however, a separate connection to the City water system would be required to irrigate the 9 acres of farmland. A properly sized meter would be a substantial cost to the applicant. For these reasons, it is not practical to supply agricultural water from the City's water system.
Images of the Parcel
The parcel in question is adjacent to Noyes Road which can be seen along the left side of the image. The City is proposing that we trench from an area near Noyes Road up the steep slope through rocks and protected oak trees to the water tank which is shown at the top-middle of the image.
The red highlighted areas have over 30% slope (from the SLO County GIS). There is no access to the City water tank area without traversing these significantly sloped areas.
8 Reasonable access to the City water system requires trenching of over 2,000 feet. Access to City water system via water tank area (2,068 ft)
9 Access to City water system via Equestrian Way (2,340 ft)
I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in getting a copy of the staff report and to have my well application presented to the City Council for consideration.
If you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information please feel free to contact myself or Richard Burde or Tim Cleath (they have been CC'd on this email).
Thank you for your time,
Mike Harris
(916) 802-1659 Cell
[email protected]
1 From: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 10:05 AM
To: Mike Harris
Cc: Patrick Holub; Bill Robeson
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for the additional information. Staff will be meeting next week to discuss, and I think it would be good to get a meeting with you on the books later the following week so we can make sure we keep moving forward. Can you let Patrick know your availability starting on August 10th and for the next few days following? Thanks
Brian
Sent from my iPhone
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development
Tel: 805-473-5422| www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Closed Fridays The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
> On Jul 24, 2023, at 11:45 AM, Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
> Good morning Brian,
>
> Thank you for your reply. I am certain that the "next step" from our meeting was that you were going to have a meeting to discuss "policy". At our meeting, I specifically stated that there was no need for an on-site visit (which I have offered to city staff as far back as March 29) if the City has a policy which precluded a well on my property. Also, if the City has already made the determination that a connection is feasible and practical (which it has) then there is no reason to have an on-site visit. I also referred to this "policy" meeting in my email to you on June 27 to which I received no reply. >
> We also discussed that you were going to contact Public Works and provide the cost information for a connection to the City water system. I am sure you recall my disbelief that you determined that a connection to the City water system was feasible and practical even though you had no information regarding the cost of such a connection. The primary factor in considering feasibility and practicality will always be cost. A difficult or complex connection will always be reflected in the cost. We requested the cost information as well as the actual method/design of the connection be provided. No cost information has ever been provided (except cost information that we have provided to you).
>
> We have provided our concerns regarding connection feasibility on many occasions. Each of our concerns were dismissed offhand by Shane Taylor at a meeting between Richard Burde, Tim Cleath, Patrick Holub and Shane that took place on February 16. On October 19, 2022 Shane communicated to Emily Willeford (Filipponi & Thompson Drilling Inc) that city water is available to me.
2 There is no City water accessible via a public right of way to my parcel. The connection being proposed by Shane appears to be through City owned property/infrastructure not located within a public right of way but through private property owned by the City. It is my understanding that making a connection would require an easement be granted to me so that my meter and water lateral connection be located on the property legally. This subtle but critical component of Shane's recommended connection plan did not seem to be considered prior to making the determination to not recommend approval of my well application. From the outset, there seems to be a bias that has precluded a serious and open determination of feasibility. >
> You have already communicated that a connection to the City water system on my parcel is feasible and practical and that a well on my property is not in the best interest of the city (email from Patrick on May 1 - "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location") >
> Again, I respectfully request that you provide the cost and design information for the connection that has already been determined feasible and practical. I am also requesting a copy of the staff report that was distributed for "final review" (email from Patrick dated March 20 - "I sent the staff report for a final round of review last week.") These documents should be made available to me without delay.
>
> If a final decision regarding my well application has not been made by City staff, then I continue to be more than willing to have any discussion or meetings that are needed to help facilitate this process. >
> Regards,
> Mike
>
> On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:38 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
> Good morning Mike,
>
> Thank you for letting us know about your frustrations with this item, and I apologize for our part in the delays associated with getting this processed. Although I would characterize some of our past discussions differently, I agree that we can move forward to reach a conclusion and get it scheduled for a hearing. As I recall from our last meeting, the next step was to schedule a meeting onsite with you and staff from CDD and Public Works to more fully understand the physical constraints of the site and for you to show your concerns with connection feasibility. I will coordinate with Public Works today and pull some dates together to send to you and your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. >
> Sincerely,
>
>
> [cid:189892fbab9c8984d8d6]<http://www.arroyogrande.org> >
> Brian Pedrotti, AICP
> Community Development Director
> Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
> Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: he/him/his
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. >
> From: Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 5:42 PM
> To: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Whitney McDonald <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: Re: A request for assistance
3 >
> Dear Mr. Harris,
>
> Thank you for reaching out. I wanted to confirm that your email has been received and read in its entirety. >
> I appreciate your detailed description of the situation. I have cc'd our team to bring your concerns to the forefront of their attention for follow up.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Lan George
>
> [cid:189892fbab94cff311]<http://www.arroyogrande.org/> >
> Lan George
> Council Member
> City Council, City of Arroyo Grande,
> Tel: 805-473-5400 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: she/her/hers
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. >
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 4:03 PM
> To: Caren Ray Russom <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kristen Barneich <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Jim Guthrie <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kate Secrest <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Timothy Cleath <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: A request for assistance
>
> [https://members.ironscales.com/static/webapp/images/iron_icon_color_7_2021.png] > IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender mike @ harris5.com<http://harris5.com>
>
> My name is Mike Harris and I am a property owner in the City. My property (three parcels) is the 55 acres at the corner of Noyes Road and Equestrian Way. I am writing to you today regarding a water well application (PPR23-000001) that was submitted to the City on January 26, 2023. I engaged the services of civil engineer Richard Burde of SLO Civil Design and geologist Timothy Cleath of Cleath-Harris Geologists to help me with this project. The parcel related to this application is parcel number 007-781-055. >
> My understanding was that after the application was submitted City staff would write a staff report that would make a recommendation to the City Council to either approve or not approve my well application. It has been approximately 6 months since the permit/application was submitted to the City yet no staff report has been provided and it has not been scheduled for any City Council meeting.
>
> The City has not provided any reasonable justification for the delay and lack of progress on my application. I have travelled to Arroyo Grande from my current residence in Granite Bay on three occasions based on the expectation that my application would be on the City Council meeting agenda. I have also had to spend thousands of dollars (in application and consulting fees along with travel
4 expenses) trying to get the City staff to do their job. I have made a good faith effort to work with the City on this matter. I am asking you for your assistance.
>
> The City has been aware of the well application with the County since October 17, 2022. Carrie Zuur-Lopez (from SLO County Health Agency) emailed Shane Taylor and included the well permit application for the City's review. On October 18, 2022 Shane Taylor sent a reply to Carrie Zuur-Lopez indicating that the City Council is required to review and approve the application. Shane Taylor cc'd Andrew Perez, Bill Robeson, and Brian Pedrotti on that email. >
> On March 9, 2023 Patrick Holub communicated to Richard Burde that his staff report was "95% prepared" and just needed the cost estimate to support his recommendation to approve the well. We provided Patrick with all cost information requested in a very timely manner. The City has never provided us with any cost information on a feasible and practical connection to the City water system. >
> Shane Taylor presented an alternative to drilling the well with an idea that would have me connect to the city's water system at the tank above my property. This would be a highly unconventional way to provide service to a private property for several reasons and would also add significant construction obstacles as the water line would need to be trenched through established oak groves and rock outcropping visible from the surface.
>
> On March 20 Patrick Holub indicated that he had sent the staff report for the "final round of review" and that we would be on the City Council agenda for March 28.
>
> During the time period from March 20 to May 1 communications from the City went dark and when we eventually heard back from Patrick we were surprised and disappointed to learn that he had been instructed to change the staff report from a "Recommendation to Approve" to "Recommendation to Not Approve" position . Something had changed but the City was not transparent as to what had changed despite numerous requests from myself or Richard Burde. >
> On May 1, 2023 Patrick Holub notified us "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location. At this point, we will be writing a staff report recommending that the City Council deny the request."
>
> On June 15th Richard Burde and I met at the City offices with Patrick Holub and Brian Pedrotti. I asked specifically what was meant by "best interest of the City" and received no coherent response. I was told that the city was concerned about precedent. (It should be noted that precedent has no effect on whether connecting to the City water system is or is not feasible and practical.) I mentioned that precedent was not an element or part of the City Municipal Code related to water well approvals. When connection obstacles related to Shane's idea were expressed to Brain and Patrick during this meeting it was clear from their reaction that they had not considered the extra costs and impacts Shane's proposed connection would add. This left us with the feeling that City staff was prepared to write the staff report "Not to Recommend Approval" based on the "feasible and practical" argument without considering many of the primary reasons we feel a well should be approved. >
> I asked, more than once, at this meeting if Brian or Partick had any cost information relating to the cost of connecting to the city water system. Neither Brian or Patrick were aware of the cost of connecting (or how the actual connection would be made) to the city water system. I expressed that it is unreasonable for the City to conclude that it is feasible and practical to connect to the city water system without any information on the cost which I would be required to pay for the connection. I was told by Brian that the City would have a meeting to determine if City "policy" precludes me from having a well on my property. This was the first time I had heard that a City "policy" would be a factor. I was also told that Patrick or Brian would follow up and provide me with the cost information for my potential connection to the City water system. >
> On June 27, 2023 I sent an email to Brian Pedrotti and Patrick Holub asking for a status update on their "policy" meeting and for the cost information for my proposed connection to the City water system. >
> As of July 21, 2023 I have received no reply from either Brian Pedrotti or Patrick Holub. This is unacceptable and the lack of accountability and responsibility has gone on too long. As a property owner and taxpayer of the City I would expect, at a minimum, a courtesy reply indicating that my request was received. I have repeatedly either received no response or an unreasonably slow response from the City. The City is not living up to its Organizational Values. >
> We have made significant effort to engage in a discussion regarding the lack of feasibility and practicality of connecting to the City water system. Staff reports for previous well applications that have been presented to City Council have had the following comments related to "feasible and practical":
> • (Easy Street - 2021) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Easy Street and nearby Printz Road that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and would be available to serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor
5 feasible at this time. The nearest existing water main is approximately 1000’ from the property and connection to this main would require significant infrastructure improvements and for the City to obtain numerous easements. > • (Printz Road - 2018) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Printz Road and Easy Street that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time. > • (East Cherry Ave - 2017) The City currently serves the property with potable water for domestic and fire protection purposes.
The property is connected to the City’s water main on East Cherry Avenue. The City currently does not provide irrigation water to any agriculturally zoned parcels within the City limits. A separate connection to the City’s water system would be required to irrigate the 7-acre parcel. A properly sized meter connection would be a substantial cost to the applicant. The City’s current water supply analysis does not account for this connection in that the City does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes.
> • (Flora Road - 2015) The City currently does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes. The property is connected to the City's water system for domestic use; however, a separate connection to the City water system would be required to irrigate the 9 acres of farmland. A properly sized meter would be a substantial cost to the applicant. For these reasons, it is not practical to supply agricultural water from the City's water system. > Images of the Parcel
>
> The parcel in question is adjacent to Noyes Road which can be seen along the left side of the image. The City is proposing that we trench from an area near Noyes Road up the steep slope through rocks and protected oak trees to the water tank which is shown at the top-middle of the image.
> [cid:189892fbab95b16b22]
>
> The red highlighted areas have over 30% slope (from the SLO County GIS). There is no access to the City water tank area without traversing these significantly sloped areas.
> [cid:189892fbab9692e333]
>
> Reasonable access to the City water system requires trenching of over 2,000 feet. Access to City water system via water tank area (2,068 ft)
> [cid:189892fbab97745b44]
>
> Access to City water system via Equestrian Way (2,340 ft) > [cid:189892fbab9855d355]
>
> I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in getting a copy of the staff report and to have my well application presented to the City Council for consideration.
>
> If you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information please feel free to contact myself or Richard Burde or Tim Cleath (they have been CC'd on this email).
>
> Thank you for your time,
> Mike Harris
> (916) 802-1659 Cell
> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
>
1 From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 1:55 PM
To: Brian Pedrotti
Cc: Patrick Holub; Bill Robeson
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Brian,
That sounds good!
Patrick, I cannot get to AG on the week of the 10th but I can be there on Aug 15-17. The best day for me would be the 16th but we can make the 15th 1pm or later or 17th work as well.
Just let me know what date and time works for you. If those dates don't work then we can try for the following week.
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 10:05 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for the additional information. Staff will be meeting next week to discuss, and I think it would be good to get a meeting with you on the books later the following week so we can make sure we keep moving forward. Can you let Patrick know your availability starting on August 10th and for the next few days following? Thanks
Brian
Sent from my iPhone
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development
Tel: 805-473-5422| www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Closed Fridays The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
2 > On Jul 24, 2023, at 11:45 AM, Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
> Good morning Brian,
>
> Thank you for your reply. I am certain that the "next step" from our meeting was that you were going to have a meeting to discuss "policy". At our meeting, I specifically stated that there was no need for an on-site visit (which I have offered to city staff as far back as March 29) if the City has a policy which precluded a well on my property. Also, if the City has already made the determination that a connection is feasible and practical (which it has) then there is no reason to have an on-site visit. I also referred to this "policy" meeting in my email to you on June 27 to which I received no reply. >
> We also discussed that you were going to contact Public Works and provide the cost information for a connection to the City water system. I am sure you recall my disbelief that you determined that a connection to the City water system was feasible and practical even though you had no information regarding the cost of such a connection. The primary factor in considering feasibility and practicality will always be cost. A difficult or complex connection will always be reflected in the cost. We requested the cost information as well as the actual method/design of the connection be provided. No cost information has ever been provided (except cost information that we have provided to you).
>
> We have provided our concerns regarding connection feasibility on many occasions. Each of our concerns were dismissed offhand by Shane Taylor at a meeting between Richard Burde, Tim Cleath, Patrick Holub and Shane that took place on February 16. On October 19, 2022 Shane communicated to Emily Willeford (Filipponi & Thompson Drilling Inc) that city water is available to me.
There is no City water accessible via a public right of way to my parcel. The connection being proposed by Shane appears to be through City owned property/infrastructure not located within a public right of way but through private property owned by the City.
It is my understanding that making a connection would require an easement be granted to me so that my meter and water lateral connection be located on the property legally. This subtle but critical component of Shane's recommended connection plan did not seem to be considered prior to making the determination to not recommend approval of my well application. From the outset, there seems to be a bias that has precluded a serious and open determination of feasibility. >
> You have already communicated that a connection to the City water system on my parcel is feasible and practical and that a well on my property is not in the best interest of the city (email from Patrick on May 1 - "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location") >
> Again, I respectfully request that you provide the cost and design information for the connection that has already been determined feasible and practical. I am also requesting a copy of the staff report that was distributed for "final review" (email from Patrick dated March 20 - "I sent the staff report for a final round of review last week.") These documents should be made available to me without delay.
>
> If a final decision regarding my well application has not been made by City staff, then I continue to be more than willing to have any discussion or meetings that are needed to help facilitate this process. >
> Regards,
> Mike
>
> On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:38 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
> Good morning Mike,
>
> Thank you for letting us know about your frustrations with this item, and I apologize for our part in the delays associated with getting this processed. Although I would characterize some of our past discussions differently, I agree that we can move forward to reach a conclusion and get it scheduled for a hearing. As I recall from our last meeting, the next step was to schedule a meeting onsite with you and staff from CDD and Public Works to more fully understand the physical constraints of the site and for you to show your concerns with connection feasibility. I will coordinate with Public Works today and pull some dates together to send to you and your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. >
> Sincerely,
>
>
> [cid:189892fbab9c8984d8d6]<http://www.arroyogrande.org> >
> Brian Pedrotti, AICP
> Community Development Director
> Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
> Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
3 > Pronouns: he/him/his
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. >
> From: Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 5:42 PM
> To: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Whitney McDonald <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: Re: A request for assistance
>
> Dear Mr. Harris,
>
> Thank you for reaching out. I wanted to confirm that your email has been received and read in its entirety. >
> I appreciate your detailed description of the situation. I have cc'd our team to bring your concerns to the forefront of their attention for follow up.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Lan George
>
> [cid:189892fbab94cff311]<http://www.arroyogrande.org/> >
> Lan George
> Council Member
> City Council, City of Arroyo Grande,
> Tel: 805-473-5400 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: she/her/hers
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. >
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 4:03 PM
> To: Caren Ray Russom <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kristen Barneich <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Jim Guthrie <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kate Secrest <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Timothy Cleath <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>
4 > Subject: A request for assistance
>
> [https://members.ironscales.com/static/webapp/images/iron_icon_color_7_2021.png] > IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender mike @ harris5.com<http://harris5.com>
>
> My name is Mike Harris and I am a property owner in the City. My property (three parcels) is the 55 acres at the corner of Noyes Road and Equestrian Way. I am writing to you today regarding a water well application (PPR23-000001) that was submitted to the City on January 26, 2023. I engaged the services of civil engineer Richard Burde of SLO Civil Design and geologist Timothy Cleath of Cleath-Harris Geologists to help me with this project. The parcel related to this application is parcel number 007-781-055. >
> My understanding was that after the application was submitted City staff would write a staff report that would make a recommendation to the City Council to either approve or not approve my well application. It has been approximately 6 months since the permit/application was submitted to the City yet no staff report has been provided and it has not been scheduled for any City Council meeting.
>
> The City has not provided any reasonable justification for the delay and lack of progress on my application. I have travelled to Arroyo Grande from my current residence in Granite Bay on three occasions based on the expectation that my application would be on the City Council meeting agenda. I have also had to spend thousands of dollars (in application and consulting fees along with travel expenses) trying to get the City staff to do their job. I have made a good faith effort to work with the City on this matter. I am asking you for your assistance.
>
> The City has been aware of the well application with the County since October 17, 2022. Carrie Zuur-Lopez (from SLO County Health Agency) emailed Shane Taylor and included the well permit application for the City's review. On October 18, 2022 Shane Taylor sent a reply to Carrie Zuur-Lopez indicating that the City Council is required to review and approve the application. Shane Taylor cc'd Andrew Perez, Bill Robeson, and Brian Pedrotti on that email. >
> On March 9, 2023 Patrick Holub communicated to Richard Burde that his staff report was "95% prepared" and just needed the cost estimate to support his recommendation to approve the well. We provided Patrick with all cost information requested in a very timely manner. The City has never provided us with any cost information on a feasible and practical connection to the City water system. >
> Shane Taylor presented an alternative to drilling the well with an idea that would have me connect to the city's water system at the tank above my property. This would be a highly unconventional way to provide service to a private property for several reasons and would also add significant construction obstacles as the water line would need to be trenched through established oak groves and rock outcropping visible from the surface.
>
> On March 20 Patrick Holub indicated that he had sent the staff report for the "final round of review" and that we would be on the City Council agenda for March 28.
>
> During the time period from March 20 to May 1 communications from the City went dark and when we eventually heard back from Patrick we were surprised and disappointed to learn that he had been instructed to change the staff report from a "Recommendation to Approve" to "Recommendation to Not Approve" position . Something had changed but the City was not transparent as to what had changed despite numerous requests from myself or Richard Burde. >
> On May 1, 2023 Patrick Holub notified us "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location. At this point, we will be writing a staff report recommending that the City Council deny the request."
>
> On June 15th Richard Burde and I met at the City offices with Patrick Holub and Brian Pedrotti. I asked specifically what was meant by "best interest of the City" and received no coherent response. I was told that the city was concerned about precedent. (It should be noted that precedent has no effect on whether connecting to the City water system is or is not feasible and practical.) I mentioned that precedent was not an element or part of the City Municipal Code related to water well approvals. When connection obstacles related to Shane's idea were expressed to Brain and Patrick during this meeting it was clear from their reaction that they had not considered the extra costs and impacts Shane's proposed connection would add. This left us with the feeling that City staff was prepared to write the staff report "Not to Recommend Approval" based on the "feasible and practical" argument without considering many of the primary reasons we feel a well should be approved. >
> I asked, more than once, at this meeting if Brian or Partick had any cost information relating to the cost of connecting to the city water system. Neither Brian or Patrick were aware of the cost of connecting (or how the actual connection would be made) to the city water system. I expressed that it is unreasonable for the City to conclude that it is feasible and practical to connect to the city water system without any information on the cost which I would be required to pay for the connection. I was told by Brian that the City
5 would have a meeting to determine if City "policy" precludes me from having a well on my property. This was the first time I had heard that a City "policy" would be a factor. I was also told that Patrick or Brian would follow up and provide me with the cost information for my potential connection to the City water system. >
> On June 27, 2023 I sent an email to Brian Pedrotti and Patrick Holub asking for a status update on their "policy" meeting and for the cost information for my proposed connection to the City water system. >
> As of July 21, 2023 I have received no reply from either Brian Pedrotti or Patrick Holub. This is unacceptable and the lack of accountability and responsibility has gone on too long. As a property owner and taxpayer of the City I would expect, at a minimum, a courtesy reply indicating that my request was received. I have repeatedly either received no response or an unreasonably slow response from the City. The City is not living up to its Organizational Values. >
> We have made significant effort to engage in a discussion regarding the lack of feasibility and practicality of connecting to the City water system. Staff reports for previous well applications that have been presented to City Council have had the following comments related to "feasible and practical":
> • (Easy Street - 2021) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Easy Street and nearby Printz Road that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and would be available to serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time. The nearest existing water main is approximately 1000’ from the property and connection to this main would require significant infrastructure improvements and for the City to obtain numerous easements. > • (Printz Road - 2018) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Printz Road and Easy Street that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time. > • (East Cherry Ave - 2017) The City currently serves the property with potable water for domestic and fire protection purposes.
The property is connected to the City’s water main on East Cherry Avenue. The City currently does not provide irrigation water to any agriculturally zoned parcels within the City limits. A separate connection to the City’s water system would be required to irrigate the 7-acre parcel. A properly sized meter connection would be a substantial cost to the applicant. The City’s current water supply analysis does not account for this connection in that the City does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes.
> • (Flora Road - 2015) The City currently does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes. The property is connected to the City's water system for domestic use; however, a separate connection to the City water system would be required to irrigate the 9 acres of farmland. A properly sized meter would be a substantial cost to the applicant. For these reasons, it is not practical to supply agricultural water from the City's water system. > Images of the Parcel
>
> The parcel in question is adjacent to Noyes Road which can be seen along the left side of the image. The City is proposing that we trench from an area near Noyes Road up the steep slope through rocks and protected oak trees to the water tank which is shown at the top-middle of the image.
> [cid:189892fbab95b16b22]
>
> The red highlighted areas have over 30% slope (from the SLO County GIS). There is no access to the City water tank area without traversing these significantly sloped areas.
> [cid:189892fbab9692e333]
>
> Reasonable access to the City water system requires trenching of over 2,000 feet. Access to City water system via water tank area (2,068 ft)
> [cid:189892fbab97745b44]
>
> Access to City water system via Equestrian Way (2,340 ft) > [cid:189892fbab9855d355]
>
> I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in getting a copy of the staff report and to have my well application presented to the City Council for consideration.
>
> If you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information please feel free to contact myself or Richard Burde or Tim Cleath (they have been CC'd on this email).
>
> Thank you for your time,
> Mike Harris
6 > (916) 802-1659 Cell
> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
>
1 From: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 1:55 PM
To: Mike Harris
Subject: Automatic reply: A request for assistance
I am currently out of the office and will return on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. If you have an immediate question, please contact our main office at 805- 473-5400.
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
1 From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 3:59 PM
To: Patrick Holub
Cc: Bill Robeson; Brian Pedrotti; Richard Burde
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Any feedback on the dates I mentioned in the email?
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 1:54 PM Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Brian,
That sounds good!
Patrick, I cannot get to AG on the week of the 10th but I can be there on Aug 15-17. The best day for me would be the 16th but we can make the 15th 1pm or later or 17th work as well.
Just let me know what date and time works for you. If those dates don't work then we can try for the following week.
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 10:05 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for the additional information. Staff will be meeting next week to discuss, and I think it would be good to get a meeting with you on the books later the following week so we can make sure we keep moving forward. Can you let Patrick know your availability starting on August 10th and for the next few days following? Thanks
Brian
Sent from my iPhone
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development
Tel: 805-473-5422| www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Closed Fridays
2 The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. > On Jul 24, 2023, at 11:45 AM, Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
> Good morning Brian,
>
> Thank you for your reply. I am certain that the "next step" from our meeting was that you were going to have a meeting to discuss "policy". At our meeting, I specifically stated that there was no need for an on-site visit (which I have offered to city staff as far back as March 29) if the City has a policy which precluded a well on my property. Also, if the City has already made the determination that a connection is feasible and practical (which it has) then there is no reason to have an on-site visit. I also referred to this "policy" meeting in my email to you on June 27 to which I received no reply. >
> We also discussed that you were going to contact Public Works and provide the cost information for a connection to the City water system. I am sure you recall my disbelief that you determined that a connection to the City water system was feasible and practical even though you had no information regarding the cost of such a connection. The primary factor in considering feasibility and practicality will always be cost. A difficult or complex connection will always be reflected in the cost. We requested the cost information as well as the actual method/design of the connection be provided. No cost information has ever been provided (except cost information that we have provided to you).
>
> We have provided our concerns regarding connection feasibility on many occasions. Each of our concerns were dismissed offhand by Shane Taylor at a meeting between Richard Burde, Tim Cleath, Patrick Holub and Shane that took place on February
16. On October 19, 2022 Shane communicated to Emily Willeford (Filipponi & Thompson Drilling Inc) that city water is available to me. There is no City water accessible via a public right of way to my parcel. The connection being proposed by Shane appears to be through City owned property/infrastructure not located within a public right of way but through private property owned by the City. It is my understanding that making a connection would require an easement be granted to me so that my meter and water lateral connection be located on the property legally. This subtle but critical component of Shane's recommended connection plan did not seem to be considered prior to making the determination to not recommend approval of my well application. From the outset, there seems to be a bias that has precluded a serious and open determination of feasibility. >
> You have already communicated that a connection to the City water system on my parcel is feasible and practical and that a well on my property is not in the best interest of the city (email from Patrick on May 1 - "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location") >
> Again, I respectfully request that you provide the cost and design information for the connection that has already been determined feasible and practical. I am also requesting a copy of the staff report that was distributed for "final review" (email from Patrick dated March 20 - "I sent the staff report for a final round of review last week.") These documents should be made available to me without delay.
>
> If a final decision regarding my well application has not been made by City staff, then I continue to be more than willing to have any discussion or meetings that are needed to help facilitate this process. >
> Regards,
> Mike
>
> On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:38 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
> Good morning Mike,
>
> Thank you for letting us know about your frustrations with this item, and I apologize for our part in the delays associated with getting this processed. Although I would characterize some of our past discussions differently, I agree that we can move forward to reach a conclusion and get it scheduled for a hearing. As I recall from our last meeting, the next step was to schedule a meeting onsite with you and staff from CDD and Public Works to more fully understand the physical constraints of the site and for you to show your concerns with connection feasibility. I will coordinate with Public Works today and pull some dates together to send to you and your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. >
> Sincerely,
3 >
>
> [cid:189892fbab9c8984d8d6]<http://www.arroyogrande.org> >
> Brian Pedrotti, AICP
> Community Development Director
> Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
> Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: he/him/his
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. >
> From: Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 5:42 PM
> To: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Whitney McDonald <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: Re: A request for assistance
>
> Dear Mr. Harris,
>
> Thank you for reaching out. I wanted to confirm that your email has been received and read in its entirety. >
> I appreciate your detailed description of the situation. I have cc'd our team to bring your concerns to the forefront of their attention for follow up.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Lan George
>
> [cid:189892fbab94cff311]<http://www.arroyogrande.org/> >
> Lan George
> Council Member
> City Council, City of Arroyo Grande,
> Tel: 805-473-5400 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: she/her/hers
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. >
>
>
> ________________________________
4 > From: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 4:03 PM
> To: Caren Ray Russom <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kristen Barneich <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Jim Guthrie <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kate Secrest <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Timothy Cleath <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: A request for assistance
>
> [https://members.ironscales.com/static/webapp/images/iron_icon_color_7_2021.png] > IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender mike @ harris5.com<http://harris5.com>
>
> My name is Mike Harris and I am a property owner in the City. My property (three parcels) is the 55 acres at the corner of Noyes Road and Equestrian Way. I am writing to you today regarding a water well application (PPR23-000001) that was submitted to the City on January 26, 2023. I engaged the services of civil engineer Richard Burde of SLO Civil Design and geologist Timothy Cleath of Cleath-Harris Geologists to help me with this project. The parcel related to this application is parcel number 007-781-055. >
> My understanding was that after the application was submitted City staff would write a staff report that would make a recommendation to the City Council to either approve or not approve my well application. It has been approximately 6 months since the permit/application was submitted to the City yet no staff report has been provided and it has not been scheduled for any City Council meeting.
>
> The City has not provided any reasonable justification for the delay and lack of progress on my application. I have travelled to Arroyo Grande from my current residence in Granite Bay on three occasions based on the expectation that my application would be on the City Council meeting agenda. I have also had to spend thousands of dollars (in application and consulting fees along with travel expenses) trying to get the City staff to do their job. I have made a good faith effort to work with the City on this matter. I am asking you for your assistance.
>
> The City has been aware of the well application with the County since October 17, 2022. Carrie Zuur-Lopez (from SLO County Health Agency) emailed Shane Taylor and included the well permit application for the City's review. On October 18, 2022 Shane Taylor sent a reply to Carrie Zuur-Lopez indicating that the City Council is required to review and approve the application. Shane Taylor cc'd Andrew Perez, Bill Robeson, and Brian Pedrotti on that email. >
> On March 9, 2023 Patrick Holub communicated to Richard Burde that his staff report was "95% prepared" and just needed the cost estimate to support his recommendation to approve the well. We provided Patrick with all cost information requested in a very timely manner. The City has never provided us with any cost information on a feasible and practical connection to the City water system.
>
> Shane Taylor presented an alternative to drilling the well with an idea that would have me connect to the city's water system at the tank above my property. This would be a highly unconventional way to provide service to a private property for several reasons and would also add significant construction obstacles as the water line would need to be trenched through established oak groves and rock outcropping visible from the surface.
>
> On March 20 Patrick Holub indicated that he had sent the staff report for the "final round of review" and that we would be on the City Council agenda for March 28.
>
> During the time period from March 20 to May 1 communications from the City went dark and when we eventually heard back from Patrick we were surprised and disappointed to learn that he had been instructed to change the staff report from a "Recommendation to Approve" to "Recommendation to Not Approve" position . Something had changed but the City was not transparent as to what had changed despite numerous requests from myself or Richard Burde. >
> On May 1, 2023 Patrick Holub notified us "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location. At this point, we will be writing a staff report recommending that the City Council deny the request."
>
> On June 15th Richard Burde and I met at the City offices with Patrick Holub and Brian Pedrotti. I asked specifically what was meant by "best interest of the City" and received no coherent response. I was told that the city was concerned about precedent. (It should be noted that precedent has no effect on whether connecting to the City water system is or is not feasible and practical.) I
5 mentioned that precedent was not an element or part of the City Municipal Code related to water well approvals. When connection obstacles related to Shane's idea were expressed to Brain and Patrick during this meeting it was clear from their reaction that they had not considered the extra costs and impacts Shane's proposed connection would add. This left us with the feeling that City staff was prepared to write the staff report "Not to Recommend Approval" based on the "feasible and practical" argument without considering many of the primary reasons we feel a well should be approved. >
> I asked, more than once, at this meeting if Brian or Partick had any cost information relating to the cost of connecting to the city water system. Neither Brian or Patrick were aware of the cost of connecting (or how the actual connection would be made) to the city water system. I expressed that it is unreasonable for the City to conclude that it is feasible and practical to connect to the city water system without any information on the cost which I would be required to pay for the connection. I was told by Brian that the City would have a meeting to determine if City "policy" precludes me from having a well on my property. This was the first time I had heard that a City "policy" would be a factor. I was also told that Patrick or Brian would follow up and provide me with the cost information for my potential connection to the City water system. >
> On June 27, 2023 I sent an email to Brian Pedrotti and Patrick Holub asking for a status update on their "policy" meeting and for the cost information for my proposed connection to the City water system. >
> As of July 21, 2023 I have received no reply from either Brian Pedrotti or Patrick Holub. This is unacceptable and the lack of accountability and responsibility has gone on too long. As a property owner and taxpayer of the City I would expect, at a minimum, a courtesy reply indicating that my request was received. I have repeatedly either received no response or an unreasonably slow response from the City. The City is not living up to its Organizational Values. >
> We have made significant effort to engage in a discussion regarding the lack of feasibility and practicality of connecting to the City water system. Staff reports for previous well applications that have been presented to City Council have had the following comments related to "feasible and practical":
> • (Easy Street - 2021) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Easy Street and nearby Printz Road that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and would be available to serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time. The nearest existing water main is approximately 1000’ from the property and connection to this main would require significant infrastructure improvements and for the City to obtain numerous easements. > • (Printz Road - 2018) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Printz Road and Easy Street that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time.
> • (East Cherry Ave - 2017) The City currently serves the property with potable water for domestic and fire protection purposes.
The property is connected to the City’s water main on East Cherry Avenue. The City currently does not provide irrigation water to any agriculturally zoned parcels within the City limits. A separate connection to the City’s water system would be required to irrigate the 7-acre parcel. A properly sized meter connection would be a substantial cost to the applicant. The City’s current water supply analysis does not account for this connection in that the City does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes.
> • (Flora Road - 2015) The City currently does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes. The property is connected to the City's water system for domestic use; however, a separate connection to the City water system would be required to irrigate the 9 acres of farmland. A properly sized meter would be a substantial cost to the applicant. For these reasons, it is not practical to supply agricultural water from the City's water system. > Images of the Parcel
>
> The parcel in question is adjacent to Noyes Road which can be seen along the left side of the image. The City is proposing that we trench from an area near Noyes Road up the steep slope through rocks and protected oak trees to the water tank which is shown at the top-middle of the image.
> [cid:189892fbab95b16b22]
>
> The red highlighted areas have over 30% slope (from the SLO County GIS). There is no access to the City water tank area without traversing these significantly sloped areas.
> [cid:189892fbab9692e333]
>
> Reasonable access to the City water system requires trenching of over 2,000 feet. Access to City water system via water tank area (2,068 ft)
> [cid:189892fbab97745b44]
>
6 > Access to City water system via Equestrian Way (2,340 ft) > [cid:189892fbab9855d355]
>
> I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in getting a copy of the staff report and to have my well application presented to the City Council for consideration.
>
> If you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information please feel free to contact myself or Richard Burde or Tim Cleath (they have been CC'd on this email).
>
> Thank you for your time,
> Mike Harris
> (916) 802-1659 Cell
> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
>
1 From: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 2, 2023 7:12 AM
To: 'Mike Harris'
Subject: RE: A request for assistance
Good morning, Mike. I’m trying to confirm a time. It looks like the 15th will work best for us, but I will be sure to follow up with a time once I have it confirmed. Thanks.
Patrick Holub
Associate Planner
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5426 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 3:59 PM
To: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Any feedback on the dates I mentioned in the email?
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 1:54 PM Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Brian,
That sounds good!
Patrick, I cannot get to AG on the week of the 10th but I can be there on Aug 15-17. The best day for me would be the 16th but we can make the 15th 1pm or later or 17th work as well.
Just let me know what date and time works for you. If those dates don't work then we can try for the following week.
2 Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 10:05 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for the additional information. Staff will be meeting next week to discuss, and I think it would be good to get a meeting with you on the books later the following week so we can make sure we keep moving forward. Can you let Patrick know your availability starting on August 10th and for the next few days following? Thanks
Brian
Sent from my iPhone
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development
Tel: 805-473-5422| www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Closed Fridays The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. > On Jul 24, 2023, at 11:45 AM, Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
> Good morning Brian,
>
> Thank you for your reply. I am certain that the "next step" from our meeting was that you were going to have a meeting to discuss "policy". At our meeting, I specifically stated that there was no need for an on-site visit (which I have offered to city staff as far back as March 29) if the City has a policy which precluded a well on my property. Also, if the City has already made the determination that a connection is feasible and practical (which it has) then there is no reason to have an on-site visit. I also referred to this "policy" meeting in my email to you on June 27 to which I received no reply. >
> We also discussed that you were going to contact Public Works and provide the cost information for a connection to the City water system. I am sure you recall my disbelief that you determined that a connection to the City water system was feasible and practical even though you had no information regarding the cost of such a connection. The primary factor in considering feasibility and practicality will always be cost. A difficult or complex connection will always be reflected in the cost. We requested the cost information as well as the actual method/design of the connection be provided. No cost information has ever been provided (except cost information that we have provided to you). >
> We have provided our concerns regarding connection feasibility on many occasions. Each of our concerns were dismissed offhand by Shane Taylor at a meeting between Richard Burde, Tim Cleath, Patrick Holub and Shane that took place on February
16. On October 19, 2022 Shane communicated to Emily Willeford (Filipponi & Thompson Drilling Inc) that city water is available to me. There is no City water accessible via a public right of way to my parcel. The connection being proposed by Shane appears to be through City owned property/infrastructure not located within a public right of way but through private property owned by the
3 City. It is my understanding that making a connection would require an easement be granted to me so that my meter and water lateral connection be located on the property legally. This subtle but critical component of Shane's recommended connection plan did not seem to be considered prior to making the determination to not recommend approval of my well application. From the outset, there seems to be a bias that has precluded a serious and open determination of feasibility. >
> You have already communicated that a connection to the City water system on my parcel is feasible and practical and that a well on my property is not in the best interest of the city (email from Patrick on May 1 - "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location") >
> Again, I respectfully request that you provide the cost and design information for the connection that has already been determined feasible and practical. I am also requesting a copy of the staff report that was distributed for "final review" (email from Patrick dated March 20 - "I sent the staff report for a final round of review last week.") These documents should be made available to me without delay.
>
> If a final decision regarding my well application has not been made by City staff, then I continue to be more than willing to have any discussion or meetings that are needed to help facilitate this process. >
> Regards,
> Mike
>
> On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:38 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
> Good morning Mike,
>
> Thank you for letting us know about your frustrations with this item, and I apologize for our part in the delays associated with getting this processed. Although I would characterize some of our past discussions differently, I agree that we can move forward to reach a conclusion and get it scheduled for a hearing. As I recall from our last meeting, the next step was to schedule a meeting onsite with you and staff from CDD and Public Works to more fully understand the physical constraints of the site and for you to show your concerns with connection feasibility. I will coordinate with Public Works today and pull some dates together to send to you and your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. >
> Sincerely,
>
>
> [cid:189892fbab9c8984d8d6]<http://www.arroyogrande.org> >
> Brian Pedrotti, AICP
> Community Development Director
> Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
> Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: he/him/his
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
>
> From: Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 5:42 PM
> To: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Whitney McDonald <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Patrick Holub
4 <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: Re: A request for assistance
>
> Dear Mr. Harris,
>
> Thank you for reaching out. I wanted to confirm that your email has been received and read in its entirety. >
> I appreciate your detailed description of the situation. I have cc'd our team to bring your concerns to the forefront of their attention for follow up.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Lan George
>
> [cid:189892fbab94cff311]<http://www.arroyogrande.org/> >
> Lan George
> Council Member
> City Council, City of Arroyo Grande,
> Tel: 805-473-5400 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: she/her/hers
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 4:03 PM
> To: Caren Ray Russom <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kristen Barneich <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Jim Guthrie <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kate Secrest <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Timothy Cleath <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: A request for assistance
>
> [https://members.ironscales.com/static/webapp/images/iron_icon_color_7_2021.png] > IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender mike @ harris5.com<http://harris5.com>
>
> My name is Mike Harris and I am a property owner in the City. My property (three parcels) is the 55 acres at the corner of Noyes Road and Equestrian Way. I am writing to you today regarding a water well application (PPR23-000001) that was submitted to the City on January 26, 2023. I engaged the services of civil engineer Richard Burde of SLO Civil Design and geologist Timothy Cleath of Cleath-Harris Geologists to help me with this project. The parcel related to this application is parcel number 007-781-055. >
> My understanding was that after the application was submitted City staff would write a staff report that would make a recommendation to the City Council to either approve or not approve my well application. It has been approximately 6 months
5 since the permit/application was submitted to the City yet no staff report has been provided and it has not been scheduled for any City Council meeting.
>
> The City has not provided any reasonable justification for the delay and lack of progress on my application. I have travelled to Arroyo Grande from my current residence in Granite Bay on three occasions based on the expectation that my application would be on the City Council meeting agenda. I have also had to spend thousands of dollars (in application and consulting fees along with travel expenses) trying to get the City staff to do their job. I have made a good faith effort to work with the City on this matter. I am asking you for your assistance.
>
> The City has been aware of the well application with the County since October 17, 2022. Carrie Zuur-Lopez (from SLO County Health Agency) emailed Shane Taylor and included the well permit application for the City's review. On October 18, 2022 Shane Taylor sent a reply to Carrie Zuur-Lopez indicating that the City Council is required to review and approve the application. Shane Taylor cc'd Andrew Perez, Bill Robeson, and Brian Pedrotti on that email. >
> On March 9, 2023 Patrick Holub communicated to Richard Burde that his staff report was "95% prepared" and just needed the cost estimate to support his recommendation to approve the well. We provided Patrick with all cost information requested in a very timely manner. The City has never provided us with any cost information on a feasible and practical connection to the City water system.
>
> Shane Taylor presented an alternative to drilling the well with an idea that would have me connect to the city's water system at the tank above my property. This would be a highly unconventional way to provide service to a private property for several reasons and would also add significant construction obstacles as the water line would need to be trenched through established oak groves and rock outcropping visible from the surface. >
> On March 20 Patrick Holub indicated that he had sent the staff report for the "final round of review" and that we would be on the City Council agenda for March 28.
>
> During the time period from March 20 to May 1 communications from the City went dark and when we eventually heard back from Patrick we were surprised and disappointed to learn that he had been instructed to change the staff report from a "Recommendation to Approve" to "Recommendation to Not Approve" position . Something had changed but the City was not transparent as to what had changed despite numerous requests from myself or Richard Burde. >
> On May 1, 2023 Patrick Holub notified us "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location. At this point, we will be writing a staff report recommending that the City Council deny the request."
>
> On June 15th Richard Burde and I met at the City offices with Patrick Holub and Brian Pedrotti. I asked specifically what was meant by "best interest of the City" and received no coherent response. I was told that the city was concerned about precedent. (It should be noted that precedent has no effect on whether connecting to the City water system is or is not feasible and practical.) I mentioned that precedent was not an element or part of the City Municipal Code related to water well approvals.
When connection obstacles related to Shane's idea were expressed to Brain and Patrick during this meeting it was clear from their reaction that they had not considered the extra costs and impacts Shane's proposed connection would add. This left us with the feeling that City staff was prepared to write the staff report "Not to Recommend Approval" based on the "feasible and practical" argument without considering many of the primary reasons we feel a well should be approved. >
> I asked, more than once, at this meeting if Brian or Partick had any cost information relating to the cost of connecting to the city water system. Neither Brian or Patrick were aware of the cost of connecting (or how the actual connection would be made) to the city water system. I expressed that it is unreasonable for the City to conclude that it is feasible and practical to connect to the city water system without any information on the cost which I would be required to pay for the connection. I was told by Brian that the City would have a meeting to determine if City "policy" precludes me from having a well on my property. This was the first time I had heard that a City "policy" would be a factor. I was also told that Patrick or Brian would follow up and provide me with the cost information for my potential connection to the City water system. >
> On June 27, 2023 I sent an email to Brian Pedrotti and Patrick Holub asking for a status update on their "policy" meeting and for the cost information for my proposed connection to the City water system. >
> As of July 21, 2023 I have received no reply from either Brian Pedrotti or Patrick Holub. This is unacceptable and the lack of accountability and responsibility has gone on too long. As a property owner and taxpayer of the City I would expect, at a
6 minimum, a courtesy reply indicating that my request was received. I have repeatedly either received no response or an unreasonably slow response from the City. The City is not living up to its Organizational Values. >
> We have made significant effort to engage in a discussion regarding the lack of feasibility and practicality of connecting to the City water system. Staff reports for previous well applications that have been presented to City Council have had the following comments related to "feasible and practical":
> • (Easy Street - 2021) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Easy Street and nearby Printz Road that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and would be available to serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time. The nearest existing water main is approximately 1000’ from the property and connection to this main would require significant infrastructure improvements and for the City to obtain numerous easements. > • (Printz Road - 2018) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Printz Road and Easy Street that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time.
> • (East Cherry Ave - 2017) The City currently serves the property with potable water for domestic and fire protection purposes.
The property is connected to the City’s water main on East Cherry Avenue. The City currently does not provide irrigation water to any agriculturally zoned parcels within the City limits. A separate connection to the City’s water system would be required to irrigate the 7-acre parcel. A properly sized meter connection would be a substantial cost to the applicant. The City’s current water supply analysis does not account for this connection in that the City does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes.
> • (Flora Road - 2015) The City currently does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes. The property is connected to the City's water system for domestic use; however, a separate connection to the City water system would be required to irrigate the 9 acres of farmland. A properly sized meter would be a substantial cost to the applicant. For these reasons, it is not practical to supply agricultural water from the City's water system. > Images of the Parcel
>
> The parcel in question is adjacent to Noyes Road which can be seen along the left side of the image. The City is proposing that we trench from an area near Noyes Road up the steep slope through rocks and protected oak trees to the water tank which is shown at the top-middle of the image.
> [cid:189892fbab95b16b22]
>
> The red highlighted areas have over 30% slope (from the SLO County GIS). There is no access to the City water tank area without traversing these significantly sloped areas.
> [cid:189892fbab9692e333]
>
> Reasonable access to the City water system requires trenching of over 2,000 feet. Access to City water system via water tank area (2,068 ft)
> [cid:189892fbab97745b44]
>
> Access to City water system via Equestrian Way (2,340 ft) > [cid:189892fbab9855d355]
>
> I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in getting a copy of the staff report and to have my well application presented to the City Council for consideration.
>
> If you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information please feel free to contact myself or Richard Burde or Tim Cleath (they have been CC'd on this email).
>
> Thank you for your time,
> Mike Harris
> (916) 802-1659 Cell
> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
>
1 From: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 8, 2023 7:52 AM
To: 'Mike Harris'
Cc: Bill Robeson; Brian Pedrotti; Richard Burde
Subject: RE: A request for assistance
Mike, thank you for your patience while we searched for a date that works for our staff.
The best date and time for a meeting with all of those involved will be 3:00pm next Tuesday, August 15th. We have a space reserved here at City Hall for us to meet but we can also include a Zoom/Teams link if that works better.
Thank you.
Patrick Holub
Associate Planner
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5426 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 3:59 PM
To: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Any feedback on the dates I mentioned in the email?
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 1:54 PM Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Brian,
That sounds good!
2 Patrick, I cannot get to AG on the week of the 10th but I can be there on Aug 15-17. The best day for me would be the 16th but we can make the 15th 1pm or later or 17th work as well.
Just let me know what date and time works for you. If those dates don't work then we can try for the following week.
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 10:05 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for the additional information. Staff will be meeting next week to discuss, and I think it would be good to get a meeting with you on the books later the following week so we can make sure we keep moving forward. Can you let Patrick know your availability starting on August 10th and for the next few days following? Thanks
Brian
Sent from my iPhone
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development
Tel: 805-473-5422| www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Closed Fridays The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. > On Jul 24, 2023, at 11:45 AM, Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
> Good morning Brian,
>
> Thank you for your reply. I am certain that the "next step" from our meeting was that you were going to have a meeting to discuss "policy". At our meeting, I specifically stated that there was no need for an on-site visit (which I have offered to city staff as far back as March 29) if the City has a policy which precluded a well on my property. Also, if the City has already made the determination that a connection is feasible and practical (which it has) then there is no reason to have an on-site visit. I also referred to this "policy" meeting in my email to you on June 27 to which I received no reply. >
> We also discussed that you were going to contact Public Works and provide the cost information for a connection to the City water system. I am sure you recall my disbelief that you determined that a connection to the City water system was feasible and practical even though you had no information regarding the cost of such a connection. The primary factor in considering feasibility and practicality will always be cost. A difficult or complex connection will always be reflected in the cost. We requested the cost information as well as the actual method/design of the connection be provided. No cost information has ever been provided (except cost information that we have provided to you).
3 >
> We have provided our concerns regarding connection feasibility on many occasions. Each of our concerns were dismissed offhand by Shane Taylor at a meeting between Richard Burde, Tim Cleath, Patrick Holub and Shane that took place on February
16. On October 19, 2022 Shane communicated to Emily Willeford (Filipponi & Thompson Drilling Inc) that city water is available to me. There is no City water accessible via a public right of way to my parcel. The connection being proposed by Shane appears to be through City owned property/infrastructure not located within a public right of way but through private property owned by the City. It is my understanding that making a connection would require an easement be granted to me so that my meter and water lateral connection be located on the property legally. This subtle but critical component of Shane's recommended connection plan did not seem to be considered prior to making the determination to not recommend approval of my well application. From the outset, there seems to be a bias that has precluded a serious and open determination of feasibility. >
> You have already communicated that a connection to the City water system on my parcel is feasible and practical and that a well on my property is not in the best interest of the city (email from Patrick on May 1 - "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location") >
> Again, I respectfully request that you provide the cost and design information for the connection that has already been determined feasible and practical. I am also requesting a copy of the staff report that was distributed for "final review" (email from Patrick dated March 20 - "I sent the staff report for a final round of review last week.") These documents should be made available to me without delay.
>
> If a final decision regarding my well application has not been made by City staff, then I continue to be more than willing to have any discussion or meetings that are needed to help facilitate this process. >
> Regards,
> Mike
>
> On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:38 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
> Good morning Mike,
>
> Thank you for letting us know about your frustrations with this item, and I apologize for our part in the delays associated with getting this processed. Although I would characterize some of our past discussions differently, I agree that we can move forward to reach a conclusion and get it scheduled for a hearing. As I recall from our last meeting, the next step was to schedule a meeting onsite with you and staff from CDD and Public Works to more fully understand the physical constraints of the site and for you to show your concerns with connection feasibility. I will coordinate with Public Works today and pull some dates together to send to you and your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. >
> Sincerely,
>
>
> [cid:189892fbab9c8984d8d6]<http://www.arroyogrande.org> >
> Brian Pedrotti, AICP
> Community Development Director
> Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
> Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: he/him/his
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
>
4 > From: Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 5:42 PM
> To: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Whitney McDonald <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: Re: A request for assistance
>
> Dear Mr. Harris,
>
> Thank you for reaching out. I wanted to confirm that your email has been received and read in its entirety. >
> I appreciate your detailed description of the situation. I have cc'd our team to bring your concerns to the forefront of their attention for follow up.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Lan George
>
> [cid:189892fbab94cff311]<http://www.arroyogrande.org/> >
> Lan George
> Council Member
> City Council, City of Arroyo Grande,
> Tel: 805-473-5400 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: she/her/hers
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 4:03 PM
> To: Caren Ray Russom <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kristen Barneich <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Jim Guthrie <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kate Secrest <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Timothy Cleath <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: A request for assistance
>
> [https://members.ironscales.com/static/webapp/images/iron_icon_color_7_2021.png] > IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender mike @ harris5.com<http://harris5.com>
>
> My name is Mike Harris and I am a property owner in the City. My property (three parcels) is the 55 acres at the corner of Noyes
5 Road and Equestrian Way. I am writing to you today regarding a water well application (PPR23-000001) that was submitted to the City on January 26, 2023. I engaged the services of civil engineer Richard Burde of SLO Civil Design and geologist Timothy Cleath of Cleath-Harris Geologists to help me with this project. The parcel related to this application is parcel number 007-781-055. >
> My understanding was that after the application was submitted City staff would write a staff report that would make a recommendation to the City Council to either approve or not approve my well application. It has been approximately 6 months since the permit/application was submitted to the City yet no staff report has been provided and it has not been scheduled for any City Council meeting.
>
> The City has not provided any reasonable justification for the delay and lack of progress on my application. I have travelled to Arroyo Grande from my current residence in Granite Bay on three occasions based on the expectation that my application would be on the City Council meeting agenda. I have also had to spend thousands of dollars (in application and consulting fees along with travel expenses) trying to get the City staff to do their job. I have made a good faith effort to work with the City on this matter. I am asking you for your assistance.
>
> The City has been aware of the well application with the County since October 17, 2022. Carrie Zuur-Lopez (from SLO County Health Agency) emailed Shane Taylor and included the well permit application for the City's review. On October 18, 2022 Shane Taylor sent a reply to Carrie Zuur-Lopez indicating that the City Council is required to review and approve the application. Shane Taylor cc'd Andrew Perez, Bill Robeson, and Brian Pedrotti on that email. >
> On March 9, 2023 Patrick Holub communicated to Richard Burde that his staff report was "95% prepared" and just needed the cost estimate to support his recommendation to approve the well. We provided Patrick with all cost information requested in a very timely manner. The City has never provided us with any cost information on a feasible and practical connection to the City water system.
>
> Shane Taylor presented an alternative to drilling the well with an idea that would have me connect to the city's water system at the tank above my property. This would be a highly unconventional way to provide service to a private property for several reasons and would also add significant construction obstacles as the water line would need to be trenched through established oak groves and rock outcropping visible from the surface. >
> On March 20 Patrick Holub indicated that he had sent the staff report for the "final round of review" and that we would be on the City Council agenda for March 28.
>
> During the time period from March 20 to May 1 communications from the City went dark and when we eventually heard back from Patrick we were surprised and disappointed to learn that he had been instructed to change the staff report from a "Recommendation to Approve" to "Recommendation to Not Approve" position . Something had changed but the City was not transparent as to what had changed despite numerous requests from myself or Richard Burde. >
> On May 1, 2023 Patrick Holub notified us "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location. At this point, we will be writing a staff report recommending that the City Council deny the request."
>
> On June 15th Richard Burde and I met at the City offices with Patrick Holub and Brian Pedrotti. I asked specifically what was meant by "best interest of the City" and received no coherent response. I was told that the city was concerned about precedent. (It should be noted that precedent has no effect on whether connecting to the City water system is or is not feasible and practical.) I mentioned that precedent was not an element or part of the City Municipal Code related to water well approvals.
When connection obstacles related to Shane's idea were expressed to Brain and Patrick during this meeting it was clear from their reaction that they had not considered the extra costs and impacts Shane's proposed connection would add. This left us with the feeling that City staff was prepared to write the staff report "Not to Recommend Approval" based on the "feasible and practical" argument without considering many of the primary reasons we feel a well should be approved. >
> I asked, more than once, at this meeting if Brian or Partick had any cost information relating to the cost of connecting to the city water system. Neither Brian or Patrick were aware of the cost of connecting (or how the actual connection would be made) to the city water system. I expressed that it is unreasonable for the City to conclude that it is feasible and practical to connect to the city water system without any information on the cost which I would be required to pay for the connection. I was told by Brian that the City would have a meeting to determine if City "policy" precludes me from having a well on my property. This was the first time I had heard that a City "policy" would be a factor. I was also told that Patrick or Brian would follow up and provide me with the cost information for my potential connection to the City water system.
6 >
> On June 27, 2023 I sent an email to Brian Pedrotti and Patrick Holub asking for a status update on their "policy" meeting and for the cost information for my proposed connection to the City water system. >
> As of July 21, 2023 I have received no reply from either Brian Pedrotti or Patrick Holub. This is unacceptable and the lack of accountability and responsibility has gone on too long. As a property owner and taxpayer of the City I would expect, at a minimum, a courtesy reply indicating that my request was received. I have repeatedly either received no response or an unreasonably slow response from the City. The City is not living up to its Organizational Values. >
> We have made significant effort to engage in a discussion regarding the lack of feasibility and practicality of connecting to the City water system. Staff reports for previous well applications that have been presented to City Council have had the following comments related to "feasible and practical":
> • (Easy Street - 2021) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Easy Street and nearby Printz Road that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and would be available to serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time. The nearest existing water main is approximately 1000’ from the property and connection to this main would require significant infrastructure improvements and for the City to obtain numerous easements. > • (Printz Road - 2018) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Printz Road and Easy Street that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time.
> • (East Cherry Ave - 2017) The City currently serves the property with potable water for domestic and fire protection purposes.
The property is connected to the City’s water main on East Cherry Avenue. The City currently does not provide irrigation water to any agriculturally zoned parcels within the City limits. A separate connection to the City’s water system would be required to irrigate the 7-acre parcel. A properly sized meter connection would be a substantial cost to the applicant. The City’s current water supply analysis does not account for this connection in that the City does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes.
> • (Flora Road - 2015) The City currently does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes. The property is connected to the City's water system for domestic use; however, a separate connection to the City water system would be required to irrigate the 9 acres of farmland. A properly sized meter would be a substantial cost to the applicant. For these reasons, it is not practical to supply agricultural water from the City's water system. > Images of the Parcel
>
> The parcel in question is adjacent to Noyes Road which can be seen along the left side of the image. The City is proposing that we trench from an area near Noyes Road up the steep slope through rocks and protected oak trees to the water tank which is shown at the top-middle of the image.
> [cid:189892fbab95b16b22]
>
> The red highlighted areas have over 30% slope (from the SLO County GIS). There is no access to the City water tank area without traversing these significantly sloped areas.
> [cid:189892fbab9692e333]
>
> Reasonable access to the City water system requires trenching of over 2,000 feet. Access to City water system via water tank area (2,068 ft)
> [cid:189892fbab97745b44]
>
> Access to City water system via Equestrian Way (2,340 ft) > [cid:189892fbab9855d355]
>
> I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in getting a copy of the staff report and to have my well application presented to the City Council for consideration.
>
> If you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information please feel free to contact myself or Richard Burde or Tim Cleath (they have been CC'd on this email).
>
> Thank you for your time,
7 > Mike Harris
> (916) 802-1659 Cell
> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
>
1 From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 8, 2023 9:04 AM
To: Patrick Holub
Cc: Bill Robeson; Brian Pedrotti; Richard Burde
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Sounds good for the 15th at 3:00 PM. No need for zoom as I will make the trip to AG.
Is there an agenda for the meeting? I would hope so and, if so, please provide.
Can you also let us know who will be attending the meeting? Thanks,
Mike
On Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 7:52 AM Patrick Holub <[email protected]> wrote:
Mike, thank you for your patience while we searched for a date that works for our staff.
The best date and time for a meeting with all of those involved will be 3:00pm next Tuesday, August 15th. We have a space reserved here at City Hall for us to meet but we can also include a Zoom/Teams link if that works better.
Thank you.
Patrick Holub
Associate Planner
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5426 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
2 From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 3:59 PM
To: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Any feedback on the dates I mentioned in the email?
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 1:54 PM Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Brian,
That sounds good!
Patrick, I cannot get to AG on the week of the 10th but I can be there on Aug 15-17. The best day for me would be the 16th but we can make the 15th 1pm or later or 17th work as well.
Just let me know what date and time works for you. If those dates don't work then we can try for the following week.
Thanks,
Mike
3 On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 10:05 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for the additional information. Staff will be meeting next week to discuss, and I think it would be good to get a meeting with you on the books later the following week so we can make sure we keep moving forward. Can you let Patrick know your availability starting on August 10th and for the next few days following? Thanks
Brian
Sent from my iPhone
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development
Tel: 805-473-5422| www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Closed Fridays The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. > On Jul 24, 2023, at 11:45 AM, Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
> Good morning Brian,
>
> Thank you for your reply. I am certain that the "next step" from our meeting was that you were going to have a meeting to discuss "policy". At our meeting, I specifically stated that there was no need for an on-site visit (which I have offered to city staff as far back as March 29) if the City has a policy which precluded a well on my property. Also, if the City has already made the determination that a connection is feasible and practical (which it has) then there is no reason to have an on-site visit. I also referred to this "policy" meeting in my email to you on June 27 to which I received no reply. >
> We also discussed that you were going to contact Public Works and provide the cost information for a connection to the City water system. I am sure you recall my disbelief that you determined that a connection to the City water system was feasible and practical even though you had no information regarding the cost of such a connection. The primary factor in considering feasibility and practicality will always be cost. A difficult or complex connection will always be reflected in the cost. We requested the cost information as well as the actual method/design of the connection be provided. No cost information has ever been provided (except cost information that we have provided to you). >
> We have provided our concerns regarding connection feasibility on many occasions. Each of our concerns were dismissed offhand by Shane Taylor at a meeting between Richard Burde, Tim Cleath, Patrick Holub and Shane that took place on February
16. On October 19, 2022 Shane communicated to Emily Willeford (Filipponi & Thompson Drilling Inc) that city water is available to me. There is no City water accessible via a public right of way to my parcel. The connection being proposed by Shane appears to be through City owned property/infrastructure not located within a public right of way but through private property owned by the City. It is my understanding that making a connection would require an easement be granted to me so that my meter and water
4 lateral connection be located on the property legally. This subtle but critical component of Shane's recommended connection plan did not seem to be considered prior to making the determination to not recommend approval of my well application. From the outset, there seems to be a bias that has precluded a serious and open determination of feasibility. >
> You have already communicated that a connection to the City water system on my parcel is feasible and practical and that a well on my property is not in the best interest of the city (email from Patrick on May 1 - "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location") >
> Again, I respectfully request that you provide the cost and design information for the connection that has already been determined feasible and practical. I am also requesting a copy of the staff report that was distributed for "final review" (email from Patrick dated March 20 - "I sent the staff report for a final round of review last week.") These documents should be made available to me without delay.
>
> If a final decision regarding my well application has not been made by City staff, then I continue to be more than willing to have any discussion or meetings that are needed to help facilitate this process. >
> Regards,
> Mike
>
> On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:38 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
> Good morning Mike,
>
> Thank you for letting us know about your frustrations with this item, and I apologize for our part in the delays associated with getting this processed. Although I would characterize some of our past discussions differently, I agree that we can move forward to reach a conclusion and get it scheduled for a hearing. As I recall from our last meeting, the next step was to schedule a meeting onsite with you and staff from CDD and Public Works to more fully understand the physical constraints of the site and for you to show your concerns with connection feasibility. I will coordinate with Public Works today and pull some dates together to send to you and your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. >
> Sincerely,
>
>
> [cid:189892fbab9c8984d8d6]<http://www.arroyogrande.org> >
> Brian Pedrotti, AICP
> Community Development Director
> Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
> Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: he/him/his
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. >
> From: Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 5:42 PM
> To: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Whitney McDonald <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: Re: A request for assistance
>
> Dear Mr. Harris,
>
5 > Thank you for reaching out. I wanted to confirm that your email has been received and read in its entirety. >
> I appreciate your detailed description of the situation. I have cc'd our team to bring your concerns to the forefront of their attention for follow up.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Lan George
>
> [cid:189892fbab94cff311]<http://www.arroyogrande.org/> >
> Lan George
> Council Member
> City Council, City of Arroyo Grande,
> Tel: 805-473-5400 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: she/her/hers
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. >
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 4:03 PM
> To: Caren Ray Russom <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kristen Barneich <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Jim Guthrie <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kate Secrest <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Timothy Cleath <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: A request for assistance
>
> [https://members.ironscales.com/static/webapp/images/iron_icon_color_7_2021.png] > IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender mike @ harris5.com<http://harris5.com>
>
> My name is Mike Harris and I am a property owner in the City. My property (three parcels) is the 55 acres at the corner of Noyes Road and Equestrian Way. I am writing to you today regarding a water well application (PPR23-000001) that was submitted to the City on January 26, 2023. I engaged the services of civil engineer Richard Burde of SLO Civil Design and geologist Timothy Cleath of Cleath-Harris Geologists to help me with this project. The parcel related to this application is parcel number 007-781- 055.
>
> My understanding was that after the application was submitted City staff would write a staff report that would make a recommendation to the City Council to either approve or not approve my well application. It has been approximately 6 months since the permit/application was submitted to the City yet no staff report has been provided and it has not been scheduled for any City Council meeting.
>
> The City has not provided any reasonable justification for the delay and lack of progress on my application. I have travelled to Arroyo Grande from my current residence in Granite Bay on three occasions based on the expectation that my application would be on the City Council meeting agenda. I have also had to spend thousands of dollars (in application and consulting fees along with travel expenses) trying to get the City staff to do their job. I have made a good faith effort to work with the City on this matter. I am asking you for your assistance.
6 >
> The City has been aware of the well application with the County since October 17, 2022. Carrie Zuur-Lopez (from SLO County Health Agency) emailed Shane Taylor and included the well permit application for the City's review. On October 18, 2022 Shane Taylor sent a reply to Carrie Zuur-Lopez indicating that the City Council is required to review and approve the application. Shane Taylor cc'd Andrew Perez, Bill Robeson, and Brian Pedrotti on that email. >
> On March 9, 2023 Patrick Holub communicated to Richard Burde that his staff report was "95% prepared" and just needed the cost estimate to support his recommendation to approve the well. We provided Patrick with all cost information requested in a very timely manner. The City has never provided us with any cost information on a feasible and practical connection to the City water system.
>
> Shane Taylor presented an alternative to drilling the well with an idea that would have me connect to the city's water system at the tank above my property. This would be a highly unconventional way to provide service to a private property for several reasons and would also add significant construction obstacles as the water line would need to be trenched through established oak groves and rock outcropping visible from the surface.
>
> On March 20 Patrick Holub indicated that he had sent the staff report for the "final round of review" and that we would be on the City Council agenda for March 28.
>
> During the time period from March 20 to May 1 communications from the City went dark and when we eventually heard back from Patrick we were surprised and disappointed to learn that he had been instructed to change the staff report from a "Recommendation to Approve" to "Recommendation to Not Approve" position . Something had changed but the City was not transparent as to what had changed despite numerous requests from myself or Richard Burde. >
> On May 1, 2023 Patrick Holub notified us "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location. At this point, we will be writing a staff report recommending that the City Council deny the request."
>
> On June 15th Richard Burde and I met at the City offices with Patrick Holub and Brian Pedrotti. I asked specifically what was meant by "best interest of the City" and received no coherent response. I was told that the city was concerned about precedent. (It should be noted that precedent has no effect on whether connecting to the City water system is or is not feasible and practical.) I mentioned that precedent was not an element or part of the City Municipal Code related to water well approvals. When connection obstacles related to Shane's idea were expressed to Brain and Patrick during this meeting it was clear from their reaction that they had not considered the extra costs and impacts Shane's proposed connection would add. This left us with the feeling that City staff was prepared to write the staff report "Not to Recommend Approval" based on the "feasible and practical" argument without considering many of the primary reasons we feel a well should be approved. >
> I asked, more than once, at this meeting if Brian or Partick had any cost information relating to the cost of connecting to the city water system. Neither Brian or Patrick were aware of the cost of connecting (or how the actual connection would be made) to the city water system. I expressed that it is unreasonable for the City to conclude that it is feasible and practical to connect to the city water system without any information on the cost which I would be required to pay for the connection. I was told by Brian that the City would have a meeting to determine if City "policy" precludes me from having a well on my property. This was the first time I had heard that a City "policy" would be a factor. I was also told that Patrick or Brian would follow up and provide me with the cost information for my potential connection to the City water system. >
> On June 27, 2023 I sent an email to Brian Pedrotti and Patrick Holub asking for a status update on their "policy" meeting and for the cost information for my proposed connection to the City water system. >
> As of July 21, 2023 I have received no reply from either Brian Pedrotti or Patrick Holub. This is unacceptable and the lack of accountability and responsibility has gone on too long. As a property owner and taxpayer of the City I would expect, at a minimum, a courtesy reply indicating that my request was received. I have repeatedly either received no response or an unreasonably slow response from the City. The City is not living up to its Organizational Values. >
> We have made significant effort to engage in a discussion regarding the lack of feasibility and practicality of connecting to the City water system. Staff reports for previous well applications that have been presented to City Council have had the following comments related to "feasible and practical":
> • (Easy Street - 2021) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Easy Street and nearby Printz Road that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and would be available to serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time. The nearest existing water main is approximately 1000’ from the property and connection to this main
7 would require significant infrastructure improvements and for the City to obtain numerous easements. > • (Printz Road - 2018) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Printz Road and Easy Street that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time.
> • (East Cherry Ave - 2017) The City currently serves the property with potable water for domestic and fire protection purposes.
The property is connected to the City’s water main on East Cherry Avenue. The City currently does not provide irrigation water to any agriculturally zoned parcels within the City limits. A separate connection to the City’s water system would be required to irrigate the 7-acre parcel. A properly sized meter connection would be a substantial cost to the applicant. The City’s current water supply analysis does not account for this connection in that the City does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes.
> • (Flora Road - 2015) The City currently does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes. The property is connected to the City's water system for domestic use; however, a separate connection to the City water system would be required to irrigate the 9 acres of farmland. A properly sized meter would be a substantial cost to the applicant. For these reasons, it is not practical to supply agricultural water from the City's water system. > Images of the Parcel
>
> The parcel in question is adjacent to Noyes Road which can be seen along the left side of the image. The City is proposing that we trench from an area near Noyes Road up the steep slope through rocks and protected oak trees to the water tank which is shown at the top-middle of the image.
> [cid:189892fbab95b16b22]
>
> The red highlighted areas have over 30% slope (from the SLO County GIS). There is no access to the City water tank area without traversing these significantly sloped areas.
> [cid:189892fbab9692e333]
>
> Reasonable access to the City water system requires trenching of over 2,000 feet. Access to City water system via water tank area (2,068 ft)
> [cid:189892fbab97745b44]
>
> Access to City water system via Equestrian Way (2,340 ft) > [cid:189892fbab9855d355]
>
> I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in getting a copy of the staff report and to have my well application presented to the City Council for consideration.
>
> If you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information please feel free to contact myself or Richard Burde or Tim Cleath (they have been CC'd on this email).
>
> Thank you for your time,
> Mike Harris
> (916) 802-1659 Cell
> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
>
1 From: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 8, 2023 9:43 AM
To: 'Mike Harris'
Cc: Bill Robeson; Brian Pedrotti; Richard Burde
Subject: RE: A request for assistance
Mike, our agenda will be to discuss information you asked us to share with you regarding connection details, connection points and connection fees. We can then discuss any questions you have and then discuss next steps.
In attendance will be me, Brian Pedrotti (Community Development Director), Shane Taylor (Utilities Manager) and Shannon Sweeney (City Engineer).
Let us know if you have any questions. Thank you,
Patrick Holub
Associate Planner
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5426 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 8, 2023 9:04 AM
To: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Sounds good for the 15th at 3:00 PM. No need for zoom as I will make the trip to AG.
Is there an agenda for the meeting? I would hope so and, if so, please provide.
Can you also let us know who will be attending the meeting? Thanks,
Mike
2 On Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 7:52 AM Patrick Holub <[email protected]> wrote:
Mike, thank you for your patience while we searched for a date that works for our staff.
The best date and time for a meeting with all of those involved will be 3:00pm next Tuesday, August 15th. We have a space reserved here at City Hall for us to meet but we can also include a Zoom/Teams link if that works better.
Thank you.
Patrick Holub
Associate Planner
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5426 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 3:59 PM
To: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Any feedback on the dates I mentioned in the email?
Thanks,
Mike
3 On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 1:54 PM Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Brian,
That sounds good!
Patrick, I cannot get to AG on the week of the 10th but I can be there on Aug 15-17. The best day for me would be the 16th but we can make the 15th 1pm or later or 17th work as well.
Just let me know what date and time works for you. If those dates don't work then we can try for the following week.
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 10:05 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for the additional information. Staff will be meeting next week to discuss, and I think it would be good to get a meeting with you on the books later the following week so we can make sure we keep moving forward. Can you let Patrick know your availability starting on August 10th and for the next few days following? Thanks
Brian
Sent from my iPhone
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development
Tel: 805-473-5422| www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Closed Fridays
4 The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. > On Jul 24, 2023, at 11:45 AM, Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
> Good morning Brian,
>
> Thank you for your reply. I am certain that the "next step" from our meeting was that you were going to have a meeting to discuss "policy". At our meeting, I specifically stated that there was no need for an on-site visit (which I have offered to city staff as far back as March 29) if the City has a policy which precluded a well on my property. Also, if the City has already made the determination that a connection is feasible and practical (which it has) then there is no reason to have an on-site visit. I also referred to this "policy" meeting in my email to you on June 27 to which I received no reply. >
> We also discussed that you were going to contact Public Works and provide the cost information for a connection to the City water system. I am sure you recall my disbelief that you determined that a connection to the City water system was feasible and practical even though you had no information regarding the cost of such a connection. The primary factor in considering feasibility and practicality will always be cost. A difficult or complex connection will always be reflected in the cost. We requested the cost information as well as the actual method/design of the connection be provided. No cost information has ever been provided (except cost information that we have provided to you). >
> We have provided our concerns regarding connection feasibility on many occasions. Each of our concerns were dismissed offhand by Shane Taylor at a meeting between Richard Burde, Tim Cleath, Patrick Holub and Shane that took place on February
16. On October 19, 2022 Shane communicated to Emily Willeford (Filipponi & Thompson Drilling Inc) that city water is available to me. There is no City water accessible via a public right of way to my parcel. The connection being proposed by Shane appears to be through City owned property/infrastructure not located within a public right of way but through private property owned by the City. It is my understanding that making a connection would require an easement be granted to me so that my meter and water lateral connection be located on the property legally. This subtle but critical component of Shane's recommended connection plan did not seem to be considered prior to making the determination to not recommend approval of my well application. From the outset, there seems to be a bias that has precluded a serious and open determination of feasibility. >
> You have already communicated that a connection to the City water system on my parcel is feasible and practical and that a well on my property is not in the best interest of the city (email from Patrick on May 1 - "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location") >
> Again, I respectfully request that you provide the cost and design information for the connection that has already been determined feasible and practical. I am also requesting a copy of the staff report that was distributed for "final review" (email from Patrick dated March 20 - "I sent the staff report for a final round of review last week.") These documents should be made available to me without delay.
>
> If a final decision regarding my well application has not been made by City staff, then I continue to be more than willing to have any discussion or meetings that are needed to help facilitate this process. >
> Regards,
> Mike
>
> On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:38 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
> Good morning Mike,
>
> Thank you for letting us know about your frustrations with this item, and I apologize for our part in the delays associated with getting this processed. Although I would characterize some of our past discussions differently, I agree that we can move forward to reach a conclusion and get it scheduled for a hearing. As I recall from our last meeting, the next step was to schedule a meeting onsite with you and staff from CDD and Public Works to more fully understand the physical constraints of the site and for you to show your concerns with connection feasibility. I will coordinate with Public Works today and pull some dates
5 together to send to you and your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. >
> Sincerely,
>
>
> [cid:189892fbab9c8984d8d6]<http://www.arroyogrande.org> >
> Brian Pedrotti, AICP
> Community Development Director
> Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
> Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: he/him/his
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
>
> From: Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 5:42 PM
> To: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Whitney McDonald <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: Re: A request for assistance
>
> Dear Mr. Harris,
>
> Thank you for reaching out. I wanted to confirm that your email has been received and read in its entirety. >
> I appreciate your detailed description of the situation. I have cc'd our team to bring your concerns to the forefront of their attention for follow up.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Lan George
>
> [cid:189892fbab94cff311]<http://www.arroyogrande.org/> >
> Lan George
> Council Member
> City Council, City of Arroyo Grande,
> Tel: 805-473-5400 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: she/her/hers
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for
6 delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 4:03 PM
> To: Caren Ray Russom <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kristen Barneich <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Jim Guthrie <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kate Secrest <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Timothy Cleath <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: A request for assistance
>
> [https://members.ironscales.com/static/webapp/images/iron_icon_color_7_2021.png] > IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender mike @ harris5.com<http://harris5.com>
>
> My name is Mike Harris and I am a property owner in the City. My property (three parcels) is the 55 acres at the corner of Noyes Road and Equestrian Way. I am writing to you today regarding a water well application (PPR23-000001) that was submitted to the City on January 26, 2023. I engaged the services of civil engineer Richard Burde of SLO Civil Design and geologist Timothy Cleath of Cleath-Harris Geologists to help me with this project. The parcel related to this application is parcel number 007-781-055.
>
> My understanding was that after the application was submitted City staff would write a staff report that would make a recommendation to the City Council to either approve or not approve my well application. It has been approximately 6 months since the permit/application was submitted to the City yet no staff report has been provided and it has not been scheduled for any City Council meeting.
>
> The City has not provided any reasonable justification for the delay and lack of progress on my application. I have travelled to Arroyo Grande from my current residence in Granite Bay on three occasions based on the expectation that my application would be on the City Council meeting agenda. I have also had to spend thousands of dollars (in application and consulting fees along with travel expenses) trying to get the City staff to do their job. I have made a good faith effort to work with the City on this matter. I am asking you for your assistance.
>
> The City has been aware of the well application with the County since October 17, 2022. Carrie Zuur-Lopez (from SLO County Health Agency) emailed Shane Taylor and included the well permit application for the City's review. On October 18, 2022 Shane Taylor sent a reply to Carrie Zuur-Lopez indicating that the City Council is required to review and approve the application. Shane Taylor cc'd Andrew Perez, Bill Robeson, and Brian Pedrotti on that email. >
> On March 9, 2023 Patrick Holub communicated to Richard Burde that his staff report was "95% prepared" and just needed the cost estimate to support his recommendation to approve the well. We provided Patrick with all cost information requested in a very timely manner. The City has never provided us with any cost information on a feasible and practical connection to the City water system.
>
> Shane Taylor presented an alternative to drilling the well with an idea that would have me connect to the city's water system at the tank above my property. This would be a highly unconventional way to provide service to a private property for several reasons and would also add significant construction obstacles as the water line would need to be trenched through established oak groves and rock outcropping visible from the surface. >
> On March 20 Patrick Holub indicated that he had sent the staff report for the "final round of review" and that we would be on the City Council agenda for March 28.
>
7 > During the time period from March 20 to May 1 communications from the City went dark and when we eventually heard back from Patrick we were surprised and disappointed to learn that he had been instructed to change the staff report from a "Recommendation to Approve" to "Recommendation to Not Approve" position . Something had changed but the City was not transparent as to what had changed despite numerous requests from myself or Richard Burde. >
> On May 1, 2023 Patrick Holub notified us "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location. At this point, we will be writing a staff report recommending that the City Council deny the request."
>
> On June 15th Richard Burde and I met at the City offices with Patrick Holub and Brian Pedrotti. I asked specifically what was meant by "best interest of the City" and received no coherent response. I was told that the city was concerned about precedent. (It should be noted that precedent has no effect on whether connecting to the City water system is or is not feasible and practical.) I mentioned that precedent was not an element or part of the City Municipal Code related to water well approvals.
When connection obstacles related to Shane's idea were expressed to Brain and Patrick during this meeting it was clear from their reaction that they had not considered the extra costs and impacts Shane's proposed connection would add. This left us with the feeling that City staff was prepared to write the staff report "Not to Recommend Approval" based on the "feasible and practical" argument without considering many of the primary reasons we feel a well should be approved. >
> I asked, more than once, at this meeting if Brian or Partick had any cost information relating to the cost of connecting to the city water system. Neither Brian or Patrick were aware of the cost of connecting (or how the actual connection would be made) to the city water system. I expressed that it is unreasonable for the City to conclude that it is feasible and practical to connect to the city water system without any information on the cost which I would be required to pay for the connection. I was told by Brian that the City would have a meeting to determine if City "policy" precludes me from having a well on my property. This was the first time I had heard that a City "policy" would be a factor. I was also told that Patrick or Brian would follow up and provide me with the cost information for my potential connection to the City water system. >
> On June 27, 2023 I sent an email to Brian Pedrotti and Patrick Holub asking for a status update on their "policy" meeting and for the cost information for my proposed connection to the City water system. >
> As of July 21, 2023 I have received no reply from either Brian Pedrotti or Patrick Holub. This is unacceptable and the lack of accountability and responsibility has gone on too long. As a property owner and taxpayer of the City I would expect, at a minimum, a courtesy reply indicating that my request was received. I have repeatedly either received no response or an unreasonably slow response from the City. The City is not living up to its Organizational Values. >
> We have made significant effort to engage in a discussion regarding the lack of feasibility and practicality of connecting to the City water system. Staff reports for previous well applications that have been presented to City Council have had the following comments related to "feasible and practical":
> • (Easy Street - 2021) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Easy Street and nearby Printz Road that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and would be available to serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time. The nearest existing water main is approximately 1000’ from the property and connection to this main would require significant infrastructure improvements and for the City to obtain numerous easements. > • (Printz Road - 2018) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Printz Road and Easy Street that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time.
> • (East Cherry Ave - 2017) The City currently serves the property with potable water for domestic and fire protection purposes.
The property is connected to the City’s water main on East Cherry Avenue. The City currently does not provide irrigation water to any agriculturally zoned parcels within the City limits. A separate connection to the City’s water system would be required to irrigate the 7-acre parcel. A properly sized meter connection would be a substantial cost to the applicant. The City’s current water supply analysis does not account for this connection in that the City does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes.
> • (Flora Road - 2015) The City currently does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes. The property is connected to the City's water system for domestic use; however, a separate connection to the City water system would be required to irrigate the 9 acres of farmland. A properly sized meter would be a substantial cost to the applicant. For these reasons, it is not practical to supply agricultural water from the City's water system.
8 > Images of the Parcel
>
> The parcel in question is adjacent to Noyes Road which can be seen along the left side of the image. The City is proposing that we trench from an area near Noyes Road up the steep slope through rocks and protected oak trees to the water tank which is shown at the top-middle of the image.
> [cid:189892fbab95b16b22]
>
> The red highlighted areas have over 30% slope (from the SLO County GIS). There is no access to the City water tank area without traversing these significantly sloped areas.
> [cid:189892fbab9692e333]
>
> Reasonable access to the City water system requires trenching of over 2,000 feet. Access to City water system via water tank area (2,068 ft)
> [cid:189892fbab97745b44]
>
> Access to City water system via Equestrian Way (2,340 ft) > [cid:189892fbab9855d355]
>
> I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in getting a copy of the staff report and to have my well application presented to the City Council for consideration.
>
> If you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information please feel free to contact myself or Richard Burde or Tim Cleath (they have been CC'd on this email).
>
> Thank you for your time,
> Mike Harris
> (916) 802-1659 Cell
> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
>
1 From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 6:52 AM
To: Patrick Holub
Cc: Bill Robeson; Brian Pedrotti; Richard Burde
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Can you also provide a zoom link for today's meeting (or whatever you use)? My wife, Anne, would like to attend but she cannot make the trip to AG with me.
About to get on the road, so see you soon...
Thanks,
Mike
On Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 9:43 AM Patrick Holub <[email protected]> wrote:
Mike, our agenda will be to discuss information you asked us to share with you regarding connection details, connection points and connection fees. We can then discuss any questions you have and then discuss next steps.
In attendance will be me, Brian Pedrotti (Community Development Director), Shane Taylor (Utilities Manager) and Shannon Sweeney (City Engineer).
Let us know if you have any questions. Thank you,
Patrick Holub
Associate Planner
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5426 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
2 From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 8, 2023 9:04 AM
To: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Sounds good for the 15th at 3:00 PM. No need for zoom as I will make the trip to AG.
Is there an agenda for the meeting? I would hope so and, if so, please provide.
Can you also let us know who will be attending the meeting?
Thanks,
Mike
On Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 7:52 AM Patrick Holub <[email protected]> wrote:
Mike, thank you for your patience while we searched for a date that works for our staff.
The best date and time for a meeting with all of those involved will be 3:00pm next Tuesday, August 15th. We have a space reserved here at City Hall for us to meet but we can also include a Zoom/Teams link if that works better.
Thank you.
3 Patrick Holub
Associate Planner
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5426 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 3:59 PM
To: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Any feedback on the dates I mentioned in the email?
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 1:54 PM Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Brian,
That sounds good!
4 Patrick, I cannot get to AG on the week of the 10th but I can be there on Aug 15-17. The best day for me would be the 16th but we can make the 15th 1pm or later or 17th work as well.
Just let me know what date and time works for you. If those dates don't work then we can try for the following week.
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 10:05 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for the additional information. Staff will be meeting next week to discuss, and I think it would be good to get a meeting with you on the books later the following week so we can make sure we keep moving forward. Can you let Patrick know your availability starting on August 10th and for the next few days following? Thanks
Brian
Sent from my iPhone
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development
Tel: 805-473-5422| www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Closed Fridays The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. > On Jul 24, 2023, at 11:45 AM, Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
> Good morning Brian,
>
5 > Thank you for your reply. I am certain that the "next step" from our meeting was that you were going to have a meeting to discuss "policy". At our meeting, I specifically stated that there was no need for an on-site visit (which I have offered to city staff as far back as March 29) if the City has a policy which precluded a well on my property. Also, if the City has already made the determination that a connection is feasible and practical (which it has) then there is no reason to have an on-site visit. I also referred to this "policy" meeting in my email to you on June 27 to which I received no reply. >
> We also discussed that you were going to contact Public Works and provide the cost information for a connection to the City water system. I am sure you recall my disbelief that you determined that a connection to the City water system was feasible and practical even though you had no information regarding the cost of such a connection. The primary factor in considering feasibility and practicality will always be cost. A difficult or complex connection will always be reflected in the cost. We requested the cost information as well as the actual method/design of the connection be provided. No cost information has ever been provided (except cost information that we have provided to you). >
> We have provided our concerns regarding connection feasibility on many occasions. Each of our concerns were dismissed offhand by Shane Taylor at a meeting between Richard Burde, Tim Cleath, Patrick Holub and Shane that took place on February
16. On October 19, 2022 Shane communicated to Emily Willeford (Filipponi & Thompson Drilling Inc) that city water is available to me. There is no City water accessible via a public right of way to my parcel. The connection being proposed by Shane appears to be through City owned property/infrastructure not located within a public right of way but through private property owned by the City. It is my understanding that making a connection would require an easement be granted to me so that my meter and water lateral connection be located on the property legally. This subtle but critical component of Shane's recommended connection plan did not seem to be considered prior to making the determination to not recommend approval of my well application. From the outset, there seems to be a bias that has precluded a serious and open determination of feasibility. >
> You have already communicated that a connection to the City water system on my parcel is feasible and practical and that a well on my property is not in the best interest of the city (email from Patrick on May 1 - "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location") >
> Again, I respectfully request that you provide the cost and design information for the connection that has already been determined feasible and practical. I am also requesting a copy of the staff report that was distributed for "final review" (email from Patrick dated March 20 - "I sent the staff report for a final round of review last week.") These documents should be made available to me without delay.
>
> If a final decision regarding my well application has not been made by City staff, then I continue to be more than willing to have any discussion or meetings that are needed to help facilitate this process. >
> Regards,
> Mike
>
> On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:38 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
> Good morning Mike,
>
> Thank you for letting us know about your frustrations with this item, and I apologize for our part in the delays associated with getting this processed. Although I would characterize some of our past discussions differently, I agree that we can move forward to reach a conclusion and get it scheduled for a hearing. As I recall from our last meeting, the next step was to schedule a meeting onsite with you and staff from CDD and Public Works to more fully understand the physical constraints of the site and for you to show your concerns with connection feasibility. I will coordinate with Public Works today and pull some dates together to send to you and your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. >
> Sincerely,
>
>
> [cid:189892fbab9c8984d8d6]<http://www.arroyogrande.org> >
> Brian Pedrotti, AICP
> Community Development Director
> Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
> Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: he/him/his
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
6 >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
>
> From: Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 5:42 PM
> To: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Whitney McDonald <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: Re: A request for assistance
>
> Dear Mr. Harris,
>
> Thank you for reaching out. I wanted to confirm that your email has been received and read in its entirety. >
> I appreciate your detailed description of the situation. I have cc'd our team to bring your concerns to the forefront of their attention for follow up.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Lan George
>
> [cid:189892fbab94cff311]<http://www.arroyogrande.org/> >
> Lan George
> Council Member
> City Council, City of Arroyo Grande,
> Tel: 805-473-5400 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: she/her/hers
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 4:03 PM
> To: Caren Ray Russom <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kristen Barneich <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Jim Guthrie <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kate Secrest <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Timothy Cleath <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: A request for assistance
7 >
> [https://members.ironscales.com/static/webapp/images/iron_icon_color_7_2021.png] > IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender mike @ harris5.com<http://harris5.com>
>
> My name is Mike Harris and I am a property owner in the City. My property (three parcels) is the 55 acres at the corner of Noyes Road and Equestrian Way. I am writing to you today regarding a water well application (PPR23-000001) that was submitted to the City on January 26, 2023. I engaged the services of civil engineer Richard Burde of SLO Civil Design and geologist Timothy Cleath of Cleath-Harris Geologists to help me with this project. The parcel related to this application is parcel number 007-781-055.
>
> My understanding was that after the application was submitted City staff would write a staff report that would make a recommendation to the City Council to either approve or not approve my well application. It has been approximately 6 months since the permit/application was submitted to the City yet no staff report has been provided and it has not been scheduled for any City Council meeting.
>
> The City has not provided any reasonable justification for the delay and lack of progress on my application. I have travelled to Arroyo Grande from my current residence in Granite Bay on three occasions based on the expectation that my application would be on the City Council meeting agenda. I have also had to spend thousands of dollars (in application and consulting fees along with travel expenses) trying to get the City staff to do their job. I have made a good faith effort to work with the City on this matter. I am asking you for your assistance.
>
> The City has been aware of the well application with the County since October 17, 2022. Carrie Zuur-Lopez (from SLO County Health Agency) emailed Shane Taylor and included the well permit application for the City's review. On October 18, 2022 Shane Taylor sent a reply to Carrie Zuur-Lopez indicating that the City Council is required to review and approve the application. Shane Taylor cc'd Andrew Perez, Bill Robeson, and Brian Pedrotti on that email. >
> On March 9, 2023 Patrick Holub communicated to Richard Burde that his staff report was "95% prepared" and just needed the cost estimate to support his recommendation to approve the well. We provided Patrick with all cost information requested in a very timely manner. The City has never provided us with any cost information on a feasible and practical connection to the City water system.
>
> Shane Taylor presented an alternative to drilling the well with an idea that would have me connect to the city's water system at the tank above my property. This would be a highly unconventional way to provide service to a private property for several reasons and would also add significant construction obstacles as the water line would need to be trenched through established oak groves and rock outcropping visible from the surface.
>
> On March 20 Patrick Holub indicated that he had sent the staff report for the "final round of review" and that we would be on the City Council agenda for March 28.
>
> During the time period from March 20 to May 1 communications from the City went dark and when we eventually heard back from Patrick we were surprised and disappointed to learn that he had been instructed to change the staff report from a "Recommendation to Approve" to "Recommendation to Not Approve" position . Something had changed but the City was not transparent as to what had changed despite numerous requests from myself or Richard Burde. >
> On May 1, 2023 Patrick Holub notified us "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location. At this point, we will be writing a staff report recommending that the City Council deny the request."
>
> On June 15th Richard Burde and I met at the City offices with Patrick Holub and Brian Pedrotti. I asked specifically what was meant by "best interest of the City" and received no coherent response. I was told that the city was concerned about precedent. (It should be noted that precedent has no effect on whether connecting to the City water system is or is not feasible and practical.) I mentioned that precedent was not an element or part of the City Municipal Code related to water well approvals. When connection obstacles related to Shane's idea were expressed to Brain and Patrick during this meeting it was clear from their reaction that they had not considered the extra costs and impacts Shane's proposed connection would add. This left us with the feeling that City staff was prepared to write the staff report "Not to Recommend Approval" based on the "feasible and practical" argument without considering many of the primary reasons we feel a well should be approved. >
> I asked, more than once, at this meeting if Brian or Partick had any cost information relating to the cost of connecting to the city water system. Neither Brian or Patrick were aware of the cost of connecting (or how the actual connection would be made) to the city water system. I expressed that it is unreasonable for the City to conclude that it is feasible and practical to connect to the city
8 water system without any information on the cost which I would be required to pay for the connection. I was told by Brian that the City would have a meeting to determine if City "policy" precludes me from having a well on my property. This was the first time I had heard that a City "policy" would be a factor. I was also told that Patrick or Brian would follow up and provide me with the cost information for my potential connection to the City water system. >
> On June 27, 2023 I sent an email to Brian Pedrotti and Patrick Holub asking for a status update on their "policy" meeting and for the cost information for my proposed connection to the City water system. >
> As of July 21, 2023 I have received no reply from either Brian Pedrotti or Patrick Holub. This is unacceptable and the lack of accountability and responsibility has gone on too long. As a property owner and taxpayer of the City I would expect, at a minimum, a courtesy reply indicating that my request was received. I have repeatedly either received no response or an unreasonably slow response from the City. The City is not living up to its Organizational Values. >
> We have made significant effort to engage in a discussion regarding the lack of feasibility and practicality of connecting to the City water system. Staff reports for previous well applications that have been presented to City Council have had the following comments related to "feasible and practical":
> • (Easy Street - 2021) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Easy Street and nearby Printz Road that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and would be available to serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time. The nearest existing water main is approximately 1000’ from the property and connection to this main would require significant infrastructure improvements and for the City to obtain numerous easements. > • (Printz Road - 2018) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Printz Road and Easy Street that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time.
> • (East Cherry Ave - 2017) The City currently serves the property with potable water for domestic and fire protection purposes.
The property is connected to the City’s water main on East Cherry Avenue. The City currently does not provide irrigation water to any agriculturally zoned parcels within the City limits. A separate connection to the City’s water system would be required to irrigate the 7-acre parcel. A properly sized meter connection would be a substantial cost to the applicant. The City’s current water supply analysis does not account for this connection in that the City does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes.
> • (Flora Road - 2015) The City currently does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes. The property is connected to the City's water system for domestic use; however, a separate connection to the City water system would be required to irrigate the 9 acres of farmland. A properly sized meter would be a substantial cost to the applicant. For these reasons, it is not practical to supply agricultural water from the City's water system. > Images of the Parcel
>
> The parcel in question is adjacent to Noyes Road which can be seen along the left side of the image. The City is proposing that we trench from an area near Noyes Road up the steep slope through rocks and protected oak trees to the water tank which is shown at the top-middle of the image.
> [cid:189892fbab95b16b22]
>
> The red highlighted areas have over 30% slope (from the SLO County GIS). There is no access to the City water tank area without traversing these significantly sloped areas.
> [cid:189892fbab9692e333]
>
> Reasonable access to the City water system requires trenching of over 2,000 feet. Access to City water system via water tank area (2,068 ft)
> [cid:189892fbab97745b44]
>
> Access to City water system via Equestrian Way (2,340 ft) > [cid:189892fbab9855d355]
>
> I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in getting a copy of the staff report and to have my well application presented to the City Council for consideration.
>
> If you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information please feel free to contact myself or Richard Burde or Tim Cleath (they have been CC'd on this email).
>
9 > Thank you for your time,
> Mike Harris
> (916) 802-1659 Cell
> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
>
1 From: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 6:56 AM
To: Mike Harris
Cc: Bill Robeson; Brian Pedrotti; Richard Burde
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Mike, please see the Teams link below. Thank you.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 224 290 211 231
Passcode: aS23oz
Download Teams | Join on the web
Patrick Holub
Associate Planner
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5426 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 6:52 AM
To: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Can you also provide a zoom link for today's meeting (or whatever you use)? My wife, Anne, would like to attend but she cannot make the trip to AG with me.
2 About to get on the road, so see you soon...
Thanks,
Mike
On Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 9:43 AM Patrick Holub <[email protected]> wrote:
Mike, our agenda will be to discuss information you asked us to share with you regarding connection details, connection points and connection fees. We can then discuss any questions you have and then discuss next steps.
In attendance will be me, Brian Pedrotti (Community Development Director), Shane Taylor (Utilities Manager) and Shannon Sweeney (City Engineer).
Let us know if you have any questions. Thank you,
Patrick Holub
Associate Planner
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5426 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 8, 2023 9:04 AM
To: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Sounds good for the 15th at 3:00 PM. No need for zoom as I will make the trip to AG.
Is there an agenda for the meeting? I would hope so and, if so, please provide.
Can you also let us know who will be attending the meeting?
Thanks,
Mike
On Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 7:52 AM Patrick Holub <[email protected]> wrote:
Mike, thank you for your patience while we searched for a date that works for our staff.
3 The best date and time for a meeting with all of those involved will be 3:00pm next Tuesday, August 15th. We have a space reserved here at City Hall for us to meet but we can also include a Zoom/Teams link if that works better.
Thank you.
Patrick Holub
Associate Planner
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5426 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 3:59 PM
To: Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: A request for assistance
Hi Patrick,
Any feedback on the dates I mentioned in the email?
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 1:54 PM Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Brian,
That sounds good!
Patrick, I cannot get to AG on the week of the 10th but I can be there on Aug 15-17. The best day for me would be the 16th but we can make the 15th 1pm or later or 17th work as well.
Just let me know what date and time works for you. If those dates don't work then we can try for the following week.
Thanks,
Mike
4 On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 10:05 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for the additional information. Staff will be meeting next week to discuss, and I think it would be good to get a meeting with you on the books later the following week so we can make sure we keep moving forward. Can you let Patrick know your availability starting on August 10th and for the next few days following? Thanks
Brian
Sent from my iPhone
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development
Tel: 805-473-5422| www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Closed Fridays The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. > On Jul 24, 2023, at 11:45 AM, Mike Harris <[email protected]> wrote:
> Good morning Brian,
>
> Thank you for your reply. I am certain that the "next step" from our meeting was that you were going to have a meeting to discuss "policy". At our meeting, I specifically stated that there was no need for an on-site visit (which I have offered to city staff as far back as March 29) if the City has a policy which precluded a well on my property. Also, if the City has already made the determination that a connection is feasible and practical (which it has) then there is no reason to have an on-site visit. I also referred to this "policy" meeting in my email to you on June 27 to which I received no reply. >
> We also discussed that you were going to contact Public Works and provide the cost information for a connection to the City water system. I am sure you recall my disbelief that you determined that a connection to the City water system was feasible and practical even though you had no information regarding the cost of such a connection. The primary factor in considering feasibility and practicality will always be cost. A difficult or complex connection will always be reflected in the cost. We requested the cost information as well as the actual method/design of the connection be provided. No cost information has ever been provided (except cost information that we have provided to you). >
> We have provided our concerns regarding connection feasibility on many occasions. Each of our concerns were dismissed offhand by Shane Taylor at a meeting between Richard Burde, Tim Cleath, Patrick Holub and Shane that took place on February
16. On October 19, 2022 Shane communicated to Emily Willeford (Filipponi & Thompson Drilling Inc) that city water is available to me. There is no City water accessible via a public right of way to my parcel. The connection being proposed by Shane appears to be through City owned property/infrastructure not located within a public right of way but through private property owned by the City. It is my understanding that making a connection would require an easement be granted to me so that my meter and water lateral connection be located on the property legally. This subtle but critical component of Shane's recommended connection plan did not seem to be considered prior to making the determination to not recommend approval of my well application. From the outset, there seems to be a bias that has precluded a serious and open determination of feasibility. >
> You have already communicated that a connection to the City water system on my parcel is feasible and practical and that a well on my property is not in the best interest of the city (email from Patrick on May 1 - "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location") >
5 > Again, I respectfully request that you provide the cost and design information for the connection that has already been determined feasible and practical. I am also requesting a copy of the staff report that was distributed for "final review" (email from Patrick dated March 20 - "I sent the staff report for a final round of review last week.") These documents should be made available to me without delay.
>
> If a final decision regarding my well application has not been made by City staff, then I continue to be more than willing to have any discussion or meetings that are needed to help facilitate this process. >
> Regards,
> Mike
>
> On Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 9:38 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
> Good morning Mike,
>
> Thank you for letting us know about your frustrations with this item, and I apologize for our part in the delays associated with getting this processed. Although I would characterize some of our past discussions differently, I agree that we can move forward to reach a conclusion and get it scheduled for a hearing. As I recall from our last meeting, the next step was to schedule a meeting onsite with you and staff from CDD and Public Works to more fully understand the physical constraints of the site and for you to show your concerns with connection feasibility. I will coordinate with Public Works today and pull some dates together to send to you and your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. >
> Sincerely,
>
>
> [cid:189892fbab9c8984d8d6]<http://www.arroyogrande.org> >
> Brian Pedrotti, AICP
> Community Development Director
> Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
> Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: he/him/his
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
>
> From: Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 5:42 PM
> To: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Whitney McDonald <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: Re: A request for assistance
>
> Dear Mr. Harris,
>
> Thank you for reaching out. I wanted to confirm that your email has been received and read in its entirety. >
> I appreciate your detailed description of the situation. I have cc'd our team to bring your concerns to the forefront of their attention for follow up.
>
> Sincerely,
>
6 > Lan George
>
> [cid:189892fbab94cff311]<http://www.arroyogrande.org/> >
> Lan George
> Council Member
> City Council, City of Arroyo Grande,
> Tel: 805-473-5400 |www.arroyogrande.org<http://www.arroyogrande.org> > 300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
> Pronouns: she/her/hers
>
> City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm >
>
> The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Mike Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 4:03 PM
> To: Caren Ray Russom <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kristen Barneich <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Lan George <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Jim Guthrie <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Kate Secrest <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Timothy Cleath <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> > Subject: A request for assistance
>
> [https://members.ironscales.com/static/webapp/images/iron_icon_color_7_2021.png] > IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender mike @ harris5.com<http://harris5.com>
>
> My name is Mike Harris and I am a property owner in the City. My property (three parcels) is the 55 acres at the corner of Noyes Road and Equestrian Way. I am writing to you today regarding a water well application (PPR23-000001) that was submitted to the City on January 26, 2023. I engaged the services of civil engineer Richard Burde of SLO Civil Design and geologist Timothy Cleath of Cleath-Harris Geologists to help me with this project. The parcel related to this application is parcel number 007-781-055.
>
> My understanding was that after the application was submitted City staff would write a staff report that would make a recommendation to the City Council to either approve or not approve my well application. It has been approximately 6 months since the permit/application was submitted to the City yet no staff report has been provided and it has not been scheduled for any City Council meeting.
>
> The City has not provided any reasonable justification for the delay and lack of progress on my application. I have travelled to Arroyo Grande from my current residence in Granite Bay on three occasions based on the expectation that my application would be on the City Council meeting agenda. I have also had to spend thousands of dollars (in application and consulting fees along with travel expenses) trying to get the City staff to do their job. I have made a good faith effort to work with the City on this matter. I am asking you for your assistance.
>
> The City has been aware of the well application with the County since October 17, 2022. Carrie Zuur-Lopez (from SLO County Health Agency) emailed Shane Taylor and included the well permit application for the City's review. On October 18, 2022 Shane Taylor sent a reply to Carrie Zuur-Lopez indicating that the City Council is required to review and approve the application. Shane Taylor cc'd Andrew Perez, Bill Robeson, and Brian Pedrotti on that email. >
7 > On March 9, 2023 Patrick Holub communicated to Richard Burde that his staff report was "95% prepared" and just needed the cost estimate to support his recommendation to approve the well. We provided Patrick with all cost information requested in a very timely manner. The City has never provided us with any cost information on a feasible and practical connection to the City water system.
>
> Shane Taylor presented an alternative to drilling the well with an idea that would have me connect to the city's water system at the tank above my property. This would be a highly unconventional way to provide service to a private property for several reasons and would also add significant construction obstacles as the water line would need to be trenched through established oak groves and rock outcropping visible from the surface.
>
> On March 20 Patrick Holub indicated that he had sent the staff report for the "final round of review" and that we would be on the City Council agenda for March 28.
>
> During the time period from March 20 to May 1 communications from the City went dark and when we eventually heard back from Patrick we were surprised and disappointed to learn that he had been instructed to change the staff report from a "Recommendation to Approve" to "Recommendation to Not Approve" position . Something had changed but the City was not transparent as to what had changed despite numerous requests from myself or Richard Burde. >
> On May 1, 2023 Patrick Holub notified us "After several discussions with our staff, we do not feel that it is in the best interest of the City to allow a domestic well at this location. At this point, we will be writing a staff report recommending that the City Council deny the request."
>
> On June 15th Richard Burde and I met at the City offices with Patrick Holub and Brian Pedrotti. I asked specifically what was meant by "best interest of the City" and received no coherent response. I was told that the city was concerned about precedent. (It should be noted that precedent has no effect on whether connecting to the City water system is or is not feasible and practical.) I mentioned that precedent was not an element or part of the City Municipal Code related to water well approvals. When connection obstacles related to Shane's idea were expressed to Brain and Patrick during this meeting it was clear from their reaction that they had not considered the extra costs and impacts Shane's proposed connection would add. This left us with the feeling that City staff was prepared to write the staff report "Not to Recommend Approval" based on the "feasible and practical" argument without considering many of the primary reasons we feel a well should be approved. >
> I asked, more than once, at this meeting if Brian or Partick had any cost information relating to the cost of connecting to the city water system. Neither Brian or Patrick were aware of the cost of connecting (or how the actual connection would be made) to the city water system. I expressed that it is unreasonable for the City to conclude that it is feasible and practical to connect to the city water system without any information on the cost which I would be required to pay for the connection. I was told by Brian that the City would have a meeting to determine if City "policy" precludes me from having a well on my property. This was the first time I had heard that a City "policy" would be a factor. I was also told that Patrick or Brian would follow up and provide me with the cost information for my potential connection to the City water system. >
> On June 27, 2023 I sent an email to Brian Pedrotti and Patrick Holub asking for a status update on their "policy" meeting and for the cost information for my proposed connection to the City water system. >
> As of July 21, 2023 I have received no reply from either Brian Pedrotti or Patrick Holub. This is unacceptable and the lack of accountability and responsibility has gone on too long. As a property owner and taxpayer of the City I would expect, at a minimum, a courtesy reply indicating that my request was received. I have repeatedly either received no response or an unreasonably slow response from the City. The City is not living up to its Organizational Values. >
> We have made significant effort to engage in a discussion regarding the lack of feasibility and practicality of connecting to the City water system. Staff reports for previous well applications that have been presented to City Council have had the following comments related to "feasible and practical":
> • (Easy Street - 2021) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Easy Street and nearby Printz Road that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and would be available to serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time. The nearest existing water main is approximately 1000’ from the property and connection to this main would require significant infrastructure improvements and for the City to obtain numerous easements. > • (Printz Road - 2018) The neighborhood that includes the subject parcel also includes several other properties off of Printz Road and Easy Street that use domestic wells for water supply. If utilities were to be extended to serve the property, it would likely be from La Canada and serve all the properties in the neighborhood. The City does not have any plans to extend water utility infrastructure to or near the property and service from the City’s water system is considered neither practical nor feasible at this time.
8 > • (East Cherry Ave - 2017) The City currently serves the property with potable water for domestic and fire protection purposes.
The property is connected to the City’s water main on East Cherry Avenue. The City currently does not provide irrigation water to any agriculturally zoned parcels within the City limits. A separate connection to the City’s water system would be required to irrigate the 7-acre parcel. A properly sized meter connection would be a substantial cost to the applicant. The City’s current water supply analysis does not account for this connection in that the City does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes.
> • (Flora Road - 2015) The City currently does not serve agricultural lands with potable water for irrigation purposes. The property is connected to the City's water system for domestic use; however, a separate connection to the City water system would be required to irrigate the 9 acres of farmland. A properly sized meter would be a substantial cost to the applicant. For these reasons, it is not practical to supply agricultural water from the City's water system. > Images of the Parcel
>
> The parcel in question is adjacent to Noyes Road which can be seen along the left side of the image. The City is proposing that we trench from an area near Noyes Road up the steep slope through rocks and protected oak trees to the water tank which is shown at the top-middle of the image.
> [cid:189892fbab95b16b22]
>
> The red highlighted areas have over 30% slope (from the SLO County GIS). There is no access to the City water tank area without traversing these significantly sloped areas.
> [cid:189892fbab9692e333]
>
> Reasonable access to the City water system requires trenching of over 2,000 feet. Access to City water system via water tank area (2,068 ft)
> [cid:189892fbab97745b44]
>
> Access to City water system via Equestrian Way (2,340 ft) > [cid:189892fbab9855d355]
>
> I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in getting a copy of the staff report and to have my well application presented to the City Council for consideration.
>
> If you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information please feel free to contact myself or Richard Burde or Tim Cleath (they have been CC'd on this email).
>
> Thank you for your time,
> Mike Harris
> (916) 802-1659 Cell
> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
>
1 From: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2023 4:06 PM
To: 'Mike Harris'
Cc: Bill Robeson; Shannon Sweeney; Shane Taylor; 'Richard Burde' Subject: RE: Water service installation estimate
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for coming in to meet with staff this week to talk about our recommendaƟon and next steps for your applicaƟon. Per our discussion, we can commit to Ɵmely scheduling of the applicaƟon on the City Council in September, and you iniƟally indicated that September 26th could potenƟally work for you. Please confirm as soon as you can if this sƟll works, and we can work toward that meeƟng.
I have provided the cost esƟmate below that Shane provided at the meeƟng for installaƟon of city water serving your parcel with a 1” water meter service. There would also be an addiƟonal approximately $225 for a construcƟon permit (plan review and inspecƟon) for the eventual water lateral.
InstallaƟon esƟmate for serving APN-007-781-055 with a 1” water meter service.
Labor and Equipment
(16) Manhour @ $74.41hr. $1,190.56
(1) Service truck 8hr @ $42.00hr 336.00
(1) mini excavator 8hr@ $60.00hr 480.00
Materials
Service saddle, pipe fiƫngs, pipe, sand, meter box $500.00 Total esƟmate $2,506.56
The connecƟon fee for a 1” water meter is $4,897.00.
Total estimate $7,403.56
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
2 City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
1 From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2023 8:21 AM
To: Brian Pedrotti
Cc: Bill Robeson; Shannon Sweeney; Shane Taylor; Richard Burde; Patrick Holub Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Hi Brian,
1. I will get back to you shortly to confirm the September 26th date. I have some travel and meetings in September so I need to confirm availability.
2. When will we be provided the staff report that will be presented to the council? Can you provide it sooner rather than later to us?
3. In our meeting I asked about recent and/or similar water meter installs on other parcels. I was wondering if there is a way the City can easily search the recent water meter installations for me. Does each meter install require a certain type of permit or application? Is there a way I can search the public permit portal (not sure what it is called) for this type of information? Or, do I have to make a public records request? If I need to make a record request, what would I need to request?
Thanks,
Mike
On Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 4:06 PM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for coming in to meet with staff this week to talk about our recommendation and next steps for your application. Per our discussion, we can commit to timely scheduling of the application on the City Council in September, and you initially indicated that September 26th could potentially work for you. Please confirm as soon as you can if this still works, and we can work toward that meeting.
I have provided the cost estimate below that Shane provided at the meeting for installation of city water serving your parcel with a 1” water meter service. There would also be an additional approximately $225 for a construction permit (plan review and inspection) for the eventual water lateral.
Installation estimate for serving APN-007-781-055 with a 1” water meter service.
2 Labor and Equipment
(16) Manhour @ $74.41hr. $1,190.56
(1) Service truck 8hr @ $42.00hr 336.00
(1) mini excavator 8hr@ $60.00hr 480.00
Materials
Service saddle, pipe fittings, pipe, sand, meter box $500.00
Total estimate $2,506.56
The connection fee for a 1” water meter is $4,897.00.
Total estimate $7,403.56
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City
3 of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
1 From: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2023 2:56 PM
To: Mike Harris
Cc: Bill Robeson; Shannon Sweeney; Shane Taylor; Richard Burde; Patrick Holub Subject: RE: Water service installation estimate
Good morning Mike,
Ok sounds good on the meeting date – I’ll wait to hear from you. If we stick with that date, the staff report will be available later the previous week, most likely on September 22nd. We would not be able to provide it sooner, as it is released to the Council and public at the same time.
I can forward your question about the water meter to our Building Division to see if we have an easily available compilation of water meter installations.
Brian
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2023 8:21 AM
To: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Shannon Sweeney <[email protected]>; Shane Taylor <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Hi Brian,
1. I will get back to you shortly to confirm the September 26th date. I have some travel and meetings in September so I need to confirm availability.
2. When will we be provided the staff report that will be presented to the council? Can you provide it sooner rather than later to us?
2 3. In our meeting I asked about recent and/or similar water meter installs on other parcels. I was wondering if there is a way the City can easily search the recent water meter installations for me. Does each meter install require a certain type of permit or application? Is there a way I can search the public permit portal (not sure what it is called) for this type of information? Or, do I have to make a public records request? If I need to make a record request, what would I need to request?
Thanks,
Mike
On Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 4:06 PM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for coming in to meet with staff this week to talk about our recommendation and next steps for your application. Per our discussion, we can commit to timely scheduling of the application on the City Council in September, and you initially indicated that September 26th could potentially work for you. Please confirm as soon as you can if this still works, and we can work toward that meeting.
I have provided the cost estimate below that Shane provided at the meeting for installation of city water serving your parcel with a 1” water meter service. There would also be an additional approximately $225 for a construction permit (plan review and inspection) for the eventual water lateral.
Installation estimate for serving APN-007-781-055 with a 1” water meter service.
Labor and Equipment
(16) Manhour @ $74.41hr. $1,190.56
(1) Service truck 8hr @ $42.00hr 336.00
(1) mini excavator 8hr@ $60.00hr 480.00
Materials
Service saddle, pipe fittings, pipe, sand, meter box $500.00
3 Total estimate $2,506.56
The connection fee for a 1” water meter is $4,897.00.
Total estimate $7,403.56
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
1 From: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 9:10 AM
To: Mike Harris
Cc: Richard Burde; Patrick Holub; Bill Robeson
Subject: RE: Water service installation estimate
Good morning Mike,
I wanted to follow up on item #1 below regarding confirmation of your availability on September 26th – does this City Council meeting work for your and Richard’s schedules?
Thanks
Brian
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2023 8:21 AM
To: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Shannon Sweeney <[email protected]>; Shane Taylor <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Hi Brian,
1. I will get back to you shortly to confirm the September 26th date. I have some travel and meetings in September so I need to confirm availability.
2. When will we be provided the staff report that will be presented to the council? Can you provide it sooner rather than later to us?
3. In our meeting I asked about recent and/or similar water meter installs on other parcels. I was wondering if there is a way the City can easily search the recent water meter installations for me. Does each meter install require a certain type
2 of permit or application? Is there a way I can search the public permit portal (not sure what it is called) for this type of information? Or, do I have to make a public records request? If I need to make a record request, what would I need to request?
Thanks,
Mike
On Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 4:06 PM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for coming in to meet with staff this week to talk about our recommendation and next steps for your application. Per our discussion, we can commit to timely scheduling of the application on the City Council in September, and you initially indicated that September 26th could potentially work for you. Please confirm as soon as you can if this still works, and we can work toward that meeting.
I have provided the cost estimate below that Shane provided at the meeting for installation of city water serving your parcel with a 1” water meter service. There would also be an additional approximately $225 for a construction permit (plan review and inspection) for the eventual water lateral.
Installation estimate for serving APN-007-781-055 with a 1” water meter service.
Labor and Equipment
(16) Manhour @ $74.41hr. $1,190.56
(1) Service truck 8hr @ $42.00hr 336.00
(1) mini excavator 8hr@ $60.00hr 480.00
Materials
Service saddle, pipe fittings, pipe, sand, meter box $500.00
3 Total estimate $2,506.56
The connection fee for a 1” water meter is $4,897.00.
Total estimate $7,403.56
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
1 From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 11:17 AM
To: Brian Pedrotti
Cc: Richard Burde; Patrick Holub; Bill Robeson
Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Attachments: image001.png; emaillogo_190eb98f-3dbf-4ac8- a0d6-5f778ed0ba4d1111111111111111111111111111111111111.png; image001.png Hi Brian,
Sorry... I thought I already confirmed. Yes, the 26th works for us. Please send us a copy of the staff report when available. Previously we were told we would receive it well ahead of the meeting and now it sounds like we are going to get it just a day or two before the meeting which does not give us much time to review and understand the report. Whatever you can do is appreciated.
Regards,
Mike
On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 9:10 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
I wanted to follow up on item #1 below regarding confirmation of your availability on September 26th – does this City Council meeting work for your and Richard’s schedules?
Thanks
Brian
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City
2 of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2023 8:21 AM
To: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Shannon Sweeney <[email protected]>; Shane Taylor <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Hi Brian,
1. I will get back to you shortly to confirm the September 26th date. I have some travel and meetings in September so I need to confirm availability.
2. When will we be provided the staff report that will be presented to the council? Can you provide it sooner rather than later to us?
3. In our meeting I asked about recent and/or similar water meter installs on other parcels. I was wondering if there is a way the City can easily search the recent water meter installations for me. Does each meter install require a certain type of permit or application? Is there a way I can search the public permit portal (not sure what it is called) for this type of information? Or, do I have to make a public records request? If I need to make a record request, what would I need to request?
Thanks,
Mike
On Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 4:06 PM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
3 Thanks for coming in to meet with staff this week to talk about our recommendation and next steps for your application. Per our discussion, we can commit to timely scheduling of the application on the City Council in September, and you initially indicated that September 26th could potentially work for you. Please confirm as soon as you can if this still works, and we can work toward that meeting.
I have provided the cost estimate below that Shane provided at the meeting for installation of city water serving your parcel with a 1” water meter service. There would also be an additional approximately $225 for a construction permit (plan review and inspection) for the eventual water lateral.
Installation estimate for serving APN-007-781-055 with a 1” water meter service.
Labor and Equipment
(16) Manhour @ $74.41hr. $1,190.56
(1) Service truck 8hr @ $42.00hr 336.00
(1) mini excavator 8hr@ $60.00hr 480.00
Materials
Service saddle, pipe fittings, pipe, sand, meter box $500.00
Total estimate $2,506.56
The connection fee for a 1” water meter is $4,897.00.
Total estimate $7,403.56
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
4 Sincerely,
The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location. Brian Pedrotti, AICP Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
1 From: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 1:29 PM
To: Mike Harris
Cc: Richard Burde; Patrick Holub; Bill Robeson
Subject: RE: Water service installation estimate
Hi Mike,
Thanks for confirming the 26th. We will definitely send you a copy of the staff report when it is ready. Per my e-mail on 8/18/23, the staff report should be available on Friday, September 22nd.
Brian
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 11:17 AM
To: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]>; Bill Robeson <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Hi Brian,
Sorry... I thought I already confirmed. Yes, the 26th works for us. Please send us a copy of the staff report when available. Previously we were told we would receive it well ahead of the meeting and now it sounds like we are going to get it just a day or two before the meeting which does not give us much time to review and understand the report.
Whatever you can do is appreciated.
Regards,
Mike
2 On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 9:10 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
I wanted to follow up on item #1 below regarding confirmation of your availability on September 26th – does this City Council meeting work for your and Richard’s schedules?
Thanks
Brian
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2023 8:21 AM
To: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Shannon Sweeney <[email protected]>; Shane Taylor <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Hi Brian,
1. I will get back to you shortly to confirm the September 26th date. I have some travel and meetings in September so I need to confirm availability.
3 2. When will we be provided the staff report that will be presented to the council? Can you provide it sooner rather than later to us?
3. In our meeting I asked about recent and/or similar water meter installs on other parcels. I was wondering if there is a way the City can easily search the recent water meter installations for me. Does each meter install require a certain type of permit or application? Is there a way I can search the public permit portal (not sure what it is called) for this type of information? Or, do I have to make a public records request? If I need to make a record request, what would I need to request?
Thanks,
Mike
On Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 4:06 PM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for coming in to meet with staff this week to talk about our recommendation and next steps for your application. Per our discussion, we can commit to timely scheduling of the application on the City Council in September, and you initially indicated that September 26th could potentially work for you. Please confirm as soon as you can if this still works, and we can work toward that meeting.
I have provided the cost estimate below that Shane provided at the meeting for installation of city water serving your parcel with a 1” water meter service. There would also be an additional approximately $225 for a construction permit (plan review and inspection) for the eventual water lateral.
Installation estimate for serving APN-007-781-055 with a 1” water meter service.
Labor and Equipment
(16) Manhour @ $74.41hr. $1,190.56
4 (1) Service truck 8hr @ $42.00hr 336.00
(1) mini excavator 8hr@ $60.00hr 480.00
Materials
Service saddle, pipe fittings, pipe, sand, meter box $500.00
Total estimate $2,506.56
The connection fee for a 1” water meter is $4,897.00.
Total estimate $7,403.56
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location. Brian Pedrotti, AICP Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
1 From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 8, 2023 12:07 PM
To: Brian Pedrotti
Cc: Richard Burde; Patrick Holub; Bill Robeson
Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Attachments: image001.png; image001.png; emaillogo_190eb98f-3dbf-4ac8- a0d6-5f778ed0ba4d1111111111111111111111111111111111111.png Hi Brian,
Sorry for premature confirmation... I am in Texas with my 85 year old mother. We had to make the trip because my 88 year old uncle is in the hospital and has terminal cancer and has no family in Texas. Unfortunately, the prognosis is not good and we are trying to get him back to California where he can be near family and we can get him into hospice care. I am going to need to come back to Texas after we get him to California because he has a house that must be cleared out and sold. I also have a pre planned trip the week of September 18th and the week of October 9.
So, if possible we would like to have our application scheduled for October 24. If that is not possible for some reason then we can schedule for November.
Please confirm receipt and let me know which council meeting we can be scheduled for.
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 1:28 PM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Mike,
Thanks for confirming the 26th. We will definitely send you a copy of the staff report when it is ready. Per my e-mail on 8/18/23, the staff report should be available on Friday, September 22nd.
Brian
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
2 City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 11:17 AM
To: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]>; Bill Robeson <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Hi Brian,
Sorry... I thought I already confirmed. Yes, the 26th works for us. Please send us a copy of the staff report when available. Previously we were told we would receive it well ahead of the meeting and now it sounds like we are going to get it just a day or two before the meeting which does not give us much time to review and understand the report. Whatever you can do is appreciated.
Regards,
Mike
On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 9:10 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
I wanted to follow up on item #1 below regarding confirmation of your availability on September 26th – does this City Council meeting work for your and Richard’s schedules?
Thanks
3 Brian
The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location. Brian Pedrotti, AICP Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2023 8:21 AM
To: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Shannon Sweeney <[email protected]>; Shane Taylor <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Hi Brian,
1. I will get back to you shortly to confirm the September 26th date. I have some travel and meetings in September so I need to confirm availability.
2. When will we be provided the staff report that will be presented to the council? Can you provide it sooner rather than later to us?
3. In our meeting I asked about recent and/or similar water meter installs on other parcels. I was wondering if there is a way the City can easily search the recent water meter installations for me. Does each meter install require a certain type of permit or application? Is there a way I can search the public permit portal (not sure
4 what it is called) for this type of information? Or, do I have to make a public records request? If I need to make a record request, what would I need to request?
Thanks,
Mike
On Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 4:06 PM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for coming in to meet with staff this week to talk about our recommendation and next steps for your application. Per our discussion, we can commit to timely scheduling of the application on the City Council in September, and you initially indicated that September 26th could potentially work for you. Please confirm as soon as you can if this still works, and we can work toward that meeting.
I have provided the cost estimate below that Shane provided at the meeting for installation of city water serving your parcel with a 1” water meter service. There would also be an additional approximately $225 for a construction permit (plan review and inspection) for the eventual water lateral.
Installation estimate for serving APN-007-781-055 with a 1” water meter service.
Labor and Equipment
(16) Manhour @ $74.41hr. $1,190.56
(1) Service truck 8hr @ $42.00hr 336.00
(1) mini excavator 8hr@ $60.00hr 480.00
Materials
5 Service saddle, pipe fittings, pipe, sand, meter box $500.00
Total estimate $2,506.56
The connection fee for a 1” water meter is $4,897.00.
Total estimate $7,403.56
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
1 From: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 8, 2023 1:15 PM
To: Mike Harris
Cc: Richard Burde; Patrick Holub; Bill Robeson
Subject: RE: Water service installation estimate
Good afternoon Mike,
Sorry to hear about your uncle – I totally understand and no problem. I don’t think there are any barriers to putting the application on October 24th, so we will save room for it on that agenda. Safe travels and we’ll be in touch.
Brian
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 8, 2023 12:07 PM
To: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]>; Bill Robeson <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Hi Brian,
Sorry for premature confirmation... I am in Texas with my 85 year old mother. We had to make the trip because my 88 year old uncle is in the hospital and has terminal cancer and has no family in Texas. Unfortunately, the prognosis is not good and we are trying to get him back to California where he can be near family and we can get him into hospice care. I am going to need to come back to Texas after we get him to California because he has a house that must be cleared out and sold. I also have a pre planned trip the week of September 18th and the week of October 9.
So, if possible we would like to have our application scheduled for October 24. If that is not possible for some reason then we can schedule for November.
2 Please confirm receipt and let me know which council meeting we can be scheduled for.
Thanks,
Mike
On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 1:28 PM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Mike,
Thanks for confirming the 26th. We will definitely send you a copy of the staff report when it is ready. Per my e-mail on 8/18/23, the staff report should be available on Friday, September 22nd.
Brian
Brian Pedrotti, AICP
Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 11:17 AM
To: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Cc: Richard Burde <[email protected]>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]>; Bill Robeson <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Hi Brian,
3 Sorry... I thought I already confirmed. Yes, the 26th works for us. Please send us a copy of the staff report when available. Previously we were told we would receive it well ahead of the meeting and now it sounds like we are going to get it just a day or two before the meeting which does not give us much time to review and understand the report.
Whatever you can do is appreciated.
Regards,
Mike
On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 9:10 AM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
I wanted to follow up on item #1 below regarding confirmation of your availability on September 26th – does this City Council meeting work for your and Richard’s schedules?
Thanks
Brian
The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location. Brian Pedrotti, AICP Community Development Director
Community Development, City of Arroyo Grande
Tel: 805-473-5422 |www.arroyogrande.org
300 E Branch Street | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420
Pronouns: he/him/his
City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law.
4 From: Mike Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2023 8:21 AM
To: Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]>
Cc: Bill Robeson <[email protected]>; Shannon Sweeney <[email protected]>; Shane Taylor <[email protected]>; Richard Burde <[email protected]>; Patrick Holub <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Water service installation estimate
Hi Brian,
1. I will get back to you shortly to confirm the September 26th date. I have some travel and meetings in September so I need to confirm availability.
2. When will we be provided the staff report that will be presented to the council? Can you provide it sooner rather than later to us?
3. In our meeting I asked about recent and/or similar water meter installs on other parcels. I was wondering if there is a way the City can easily search the recent water meter installations for me. Does each meter install require a certain type of permit or application? Is there a way I can search the public permit portal (not sure what it is called) for this type of information? Or, do I have to make a public records request? If I need to make a record request, what would I need to request?
Thanks,
Mike
On Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 4:06 PM Brian Pedrotti <[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Mike,
Thanks for coming in to meet with staff this week to talk about our recommendation and next steps for your application. Per our discussion, we can commit to timely scheduling of the application on the City Council in September, and you initially indicated that September 26th could potentially work for you. Please confirm as soon as you can if this still works, and we can work toward that meeting.