City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: August 7, 2023
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: SWRCB Construction Applications for Alpine Camp
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to submit a grant application to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to fully fund the construction of certain improvements to extend city water and sewer service to Alpine Camp.
BACKGROUND
Alpine Camp is located at 52 Gonzales River Road (just south of Green Valley Farm Supply) and has 19 dwelling units. Alpine Camp is just outside the Gonzales City limits and has private on-site water and sewer systems. The property is owned by Matias and Rita Villegas. The on-site water system (permitted as River Road Water System #25) has a well that exceeds drinking water standards for nitrates. The onsite sewer septic system failed a number of years ago, so sewerage must be pumped and trucked for disposal.
Several years ago, City staff coordinated with SWRCB staff and with Monterey County Environmental Health Department staff to determine an approach to replace the private on-site water or sewer systems at the Alpine Camp. The outcome from meetings and correspondence with the SWRCB and County staff is they would like the city to provide water and sewer service to the Alpine Camp. The existing River Road W.S. #25 would be consolidated into the City of Gonzales Water System.
At the July 6, 2020 meeting, the Council approved executing a grant application with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) that fully funded the design and related consultant services to extend water and sewer service to Alpine Camp. At that same meeting, a contract with Schaaf & Wheeler was approved to design the water and sewer improvements, complete the CEQA clearance and obtain the Outof-Boundary Service approval from LAFCO.
AGENDA
ITEM
11 REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The design effort was completed in November 2022 and the city has been fully reimbursed for the design phase costs. The water system improvements include construction of a 10-inch water main, three on-site fire hydrants and individual meters at every home and related improvements. The on-site well will be destroyed. The sewer system improvements include construction of a new sewer lateral, sewer lift station and the associated sewer service lines to the on-site dwelling units. The sewer lift station and on-site collection system will be privately owned. The construction cost is estimated to be approximately $1,500,000.
During the design phase, an Out of Service Area Agreement between the city and the property owner was prepared by city staff, reviewed by the City Attorney, and submitted to SWRCB staff for their review.
The Out of Service Area Agreement requires the property owner to:
• Own and be responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of on-site water and sewer distribution system.
• Pay the monthly water and sewer rates and charges per the city’s adopted fee schedule. • Collect payments from the mobile home park residents for water and sewer service. • Not increase the number of water and sewer service connections without the city’s prior authorization.
The property owner will grant easements to the City for the new on-site pipelines.
Upon completion of the design phase for the project, SWRCB staff recommended the project be considered for 100% grant funding and provided the attached grant application forms.
As the city is the best option to provide water and service to Alpine Camp, staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to submit a grant application to the SWRCB to fully fund construction of the water and sewer improvements and all related efforts (ie, consultant support, city staff time) for Alpine Camp.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: The recommended action provides for the design of the extension of City water and sewer service to the Alpine Camp as the on-site systems do not meet health standards.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment, and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community.
Explain: Extending City water and sewer service to the Alpine will replace the on-site systems that do not meet County or State health standards.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: See above Vision statement.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes X No N/A
• Housing X Yes No N/A
• Recreation Yes X No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education Yes No X N/A
Explain: Extending City water and sewer service to the Alpine Camp will replace the on-site systems that do not meet County or State health standards.
ALTERNATIVES
An alternative to the recommended action, is for the Council to direct the City Manager to not submit the grant agreements. Staff does not recommend this alternative, as this grant agreement fully funds construction to extend water and sewer service to Alpine Camp.
BUDGET IMPACT
The grant applications are to fully fund the construction and all support services including city staff time.
So, there is no impact to the city’s Water, Sewer, or other Funds.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to submit a grant application to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to fully fund the construction of certain improvements to extend city water and sewer service to Alpine Camp.
Attachments:
1. General Information Package
2. Technical Application Package