Agenda Item No. 8
Correspondence for Wastewater Utility Rate Study
Report
(CC Mtg 3/24/2025)
Supplemental Item –
Correspondence for Item 8. Wastewater Utility Rate Study Report
From: l
To: Wendi Sims
Subject: Comments for CC Item #8 - 3/24/2025
Date: Monday, March 24, 2025 2:10:28 PM
Good afternoon,
Please forward to the City Council,
March 24, 2025
Grover Beach City Council
Mayor Dee
Mayor Pro Tem Robert
Council Member McCorry-Driscoll
Council Member Tuggle
Council Member Weirick
RE: 3/24/25 City Council Meeting – Agenda Item #8 (Wastewater Utility Rate Study Report) Mayor and Council Members,
My name is Steve Lieberman, a long-time and engaged Grover Beach resident. I apologize for being unable to attend this evening’s meeting in person but am hopeful you will receive this email prior to the meeting.
As you consider the findings of the wastewater study, I would like to add several comments:
1. Master planning for wastewater needs is designed with a 10-year outlook, factoring in elements such as undeveloped parcels and zoning/density changes. It should come as no surprise that a rate review takes new development into account.
2. The City has been preparing for increased housing/density/building heights for years (when the state mandated housing capacity).
3. Developers are responsible for covering the costs of sewer infrastructure improvements related to their projects through impact fees. These fees ensure that new developments contribute to necessary upgrades rather than relying on taxpayers.
4. Some individuals associated with Grover H2O—Peterson, Auer, and Storton—are criticizing an established developer for simply following city codes in acquiring and developing parcels. It is worth noting that all three have made their living in real estate speculation, which raises questions about their motivation behind their opposition.
5. Grover H2O’s actions have directly contributed to delays in repairing taxpayer-funded streets through K-14 funding due to a lack of wastewater fund revenues. The facts were clearly laid out before the election, yet they chose to misrepresent information to voters. Grover H2O is responsible for this situation.
6. I am grateful the recommended rate is actually less than $2.50/month and isn’t much to pay for a flushing toilet.
Lastly, I want to share this conversation with you. I recently met a couple who are newer residents of the Grover Beach. When the new construction at 4th/Grand came up, they said their decision to buy a home in our town was because of the new buildings. They saw an opportunity to invest in a city that is evolving with a more active downtown.
Thank you for your service to our community.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Lieberman