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 and approval to begin the CEQA environmental process as well as the assessment district process.
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.
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 servicing options, additional stakeholder meetings, as well as preparation of future Sewer Assessment District formation and financing options.
DISCUSSION
Staff has held multiple stakeholder meetings throughout the Sewer Master Plan development process. A separate stakeholder meeting was held March 30, 2017, to discuss financing options, including the 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.
The draft Sewer Master Plan is now ready to be finalized so that the environmental process can begin. Staff is seeking Council input on the draft plan, as well as approval to begin the CEQA environmental process. 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 assessment district formation. This is an essential component for the establishment of Capital Improvement Project (CIP) elements of the draft Sewer Master Plan.
See attached Draft Sewer Master Plan Executive Summary.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Executive Summary