POINT ARENA
HARBOR AND PIER
451 School St. | PO Box 67 | Point Arena, CA 95468
November 13, 2025
Monthly Department Report
Prepared by: John Biglow, Harbor & Pier Technician II + Streets & Parks Maintenance Overview
November has been a positive month at the pier. Visitor activity remains strong, with many residents and tourists enjoying fishing and sightseeing despite ongoing hoist reconstruction. Notably, several days featured significant wave activity in the cove, with waves occasionally reaching over the rocks and into the creek and parking lot.
Pier Operations
The hoist reconstruction project continues. Pressure washing and sanding of the hoist structure have been completed. The main beam has been painted Caterpillar yellow, and the mast has been primed and is prepared for painting to match.
The fabricated bonnet, currently being produced by Kentucky Forge Works, is nearing completion. Once finished, it will be sandblasted and painted. Overall, the project is progressing well, and we anticipate completing the remaining work to fully restore the hoist while awaiting the delivery of the new trolley.
The pier bathroom shower has been repaired. This restoration was costly, requiring electrical upgrades, totaling approximately $3,000. While the shower itself is low-cost for public use ($3 per use), vandalism has resulted in significant unforeseen expenses. We hope that community members understand the challenges these actions create. The City’s funds are limited, and the pier enterprise fund is impacted.
Providing safe and accessible facilities for those in need remains a priority, but damages like these compromise our ability to do so.
A current issue involves visitors allowing dogs to defecate on the pier. While dog waste bags are provided, they are not consistently utilized. Staff continue to remove waste as observed to maintain a clean and safe environment.
Streets and Parks
Routine maintenance activities for streets and parks are ongoing, including trash removal throughout town and the cove parking lot. Regular inspections and trash walks are conducted in the park, along the rock wall, in the cove parking lot, and at Cove Park to maintain cleanliness.
The oil shed project is near completion, with the final oil filters drained and disposed of appropriately.
A replacement toilet paper dispenser is awaited for the downtown restroom, following vandalism, after which the restroom will be reopened for public use.
Jetting of storm drains and the sewer system is scheduled for this month to ensure proper flow and mitigate potential blockages during the rainy season.
POINT ARENA
STREETS & PARKS
451 School St. | PO Box 67 | Point Arena, CA 95468
November 10, 2025
Monthly Department Report
Prepared by: Patrick Hillscan, Operations Lead – Streets and Parks & Wastewater Maintenance Worker II Overview
This month, Streets and Parks staff have been actively maintaining public areas, addressing storm impacts, and preparing infrastructure for seasonal use.
Streets - Completed Work
● Responded to a cement spill on Main Street using the street sweeper, which successfully cleared the area just in time for Halloween and trick-or-treaters. ● Cleared storm drains and gutters to ensure proper water flow. ● Removed downed trees and branches from public streets and pathways. ● Permanently closed the oil recycling drop-off location and removed the building. ● Cleared out the oil recycling center at the county yard for repurposing.
Ongoing/Upcoming Tasks:
● Install new trash and recycling cans throughout town, including two additional recycling bins at the cove and the bench behind the bathrooms.
● Jet storm drains as preventive maintenance.
● Finish clearing out the old oil recycling center and pump tank. ● Scrape plant growth from gutters to maintain drainage efficiency.
Parks
● Cleared trash and debris from homeless encampments and abandoned sites to maintain park safety and cleanliness.
● Spread new woodchips throughout park play areas.
Ongoing/Upcoming Tasks:
● Repair and re-open the downtown bathroom (parts ordered, awaiting arrival). ● Repair the park trail bridge.
● Maintenance to the water tank at the park, replacing a valve and cleaning the lines. ● Replace irrigation lids and install new boxes at Fisherman’s Playground Park. ● Complete play structure repairs (need parts for bendy red wire ladder pieces).
Community Reminder:
Residents are encouraged not to use city trash cans for household waste. Community members should maintain their own trash service. If cost is an issue, consider sharing service with a neighbor for affordability. Also, staff encourages residents and business owners to maintain their plants on sidewalks and near streets for pedestrian use and general visibility.
POINT ARENA WASTEWATER
TREATMENT FACILITY
451 School St. | PO Box 67 | Point Arena, CA 95468
November 10, 2025
Monthly Department Report
Prepared by: Joe Wilson, Chief Plant Operator of Point Arena Wastewater Treatment Facility Operations and Maintenance
This past month, we successfully repaired the east mixer, which had become jammed due to a stick in the propeller. All plugs at the percolation ponds were removed in preparation for winter. The jettier was also repaired and is now fully operational.
Routine operational duties and maintenance were performed on all equipment. The Ford Ranger is scheduled for new tires, which will be installed by L & B, and the front wheel bearing will be replaced due to noise concerns. The big tractor experienced a temporary fuel-related issue but is now running; bucket control is currently being evaluated and repairs are anticipated soon.
Preventive maintenance on the collection system is underway, including jetting to reduce Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) and clear all lines.
Work continues on the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program, including information collection and tracking. Updates to the Operations and Maintenance manual are also in progress.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance
The plant is operating well and continues to meet Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR). There have been no spills in the collection system this month, which reflects consistent performance.
However, the lagoons at the plant are overdue for sludge removal. They are more than five years past the recommended 10-year maintenance interval. Funding constraints have prevented this work from being completed. The plant infrastructure is aging and requires significant rehabilitation. Since the previously planned upgrades will not occur this year, identifying funding for rehabilitation of the plant and collection system is critical to prevent potential failures in the future. This is an issue the City Council should review and prioritize.
Staffing and Seasonal Preparation
From September 30 to October 20, Joe was on vacation. Due to limited staffing, only daily duties and essential maintenance were completed during that period. Preparing the plant for winter and addressing potential storm-related impacts remains a primary focus. Jetting of the collection system is scheduled to begin the second week of November and will continue until completed. Staff will also respond to storms, power outages, downed trees, and other emergencies as needed.
The staff at the Wastewater Treatment Plant wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Have a great Thanksgiving!
"Gobble, Gobble, Gobble"