Report Prepared by: Ken F. Elwin, PE, Director of Public Works
Title
SUBJECT: Sewer Master Plan Discussion
REPORT IN BRIEF
Seeks Council direction on finalizing the draft Sewer Master Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on finalization of the draft Sewer Master Plan, provide approval to begin the CEQA environmental process, and direct staff to explore financing options to support the construction of the plan.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items;
2. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Addresses Council priority of infrastructure planning via the Sewer Master Plan, as well as addresses the development of financing options for the Sewer Master Plan components.
HISTORY AND PAST ACTIONS
The Sewer Master Plan is designed to evaluate and help the City plan and expand its wastewater collection sewer system to meet the needs of its growing population in accordance with the 2030 General Plan.
Stantec Consulting was hired in 2013 to update the wastewater collection system model and continue with updates to the 2007 draft Sewer Master Plan. Multiple amendments to the contract were executed to provide additional service options, increased stakeholder outreach, as well as the exploration of financing options for future construction.
Staff has held multiple stakeholder meetings throughout the Sewer Master Plan development process. In addition, Stantec prepared a draft Assessment District Formation document to help assist with investigating financing options to implement the draft Sewer Master Plan. A separate stakeholder meeting was held March 30, 2017, to discuss financing options, including the potential formation of a sewer assessment district. A final stakeholder meeting was held on November 13, 2017; stakeholder input has been received and appropriate changes have been incorporated in the revised draft plan.
DISCUSSION
At the February 5, 2018 City Council meeting, staff sought Council input on the draft plan, investigating financing options, and approval to begin the CEQA environmental process. During the discussion, Council provided direction on the preferred design option. Direction and input from Council is still needed in order finalize the draft Sewer Master Plan so that the CEQA environmental process can begin. Once environmental is complete, the final Sewer Master Plan will be brought back to Council for adoption.
Staff is also seeking approval to begin the process of evaluating financing options, including the possible formation of an assessment district formation. This is an essential component for the establishment of Capital Improvement Project (CIP) elements of the draft Sewer Master Plan. The February 2017 draft memorandum on Assessment District Formation is included in the packet to provide background information on financing options. It has not been updated with the most recent cost estimates.
See attached Draft Sewer Master Plan Executive Summary.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Executive Summary
2. Assessment District Formation