Fortuna Citizen

Should Water Revenue Bonds be spent on this new tank?

2011-10-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Many of us have home loans, the repayment of that debt is guaranteed by the house. Bonds are debt. To sell the revenue bonds we had to show we had the revenue to make the interest and principle payments. This debt is guaranteed by payment of our water bills. The Council passed Resolution 2006-25 telling us what the bond money would be used for. In general terms, here is how staff explained it--

In one sense the proposed tank is a replacement project, but is it an improvement without consideration to future development? This is a storage project, so the question is, do we need the storage? If the answer is no, then this is not a necessary improvement to the existing system. To answer that question requires a little knowledge of the system.

The water system is divided into pressure zones, shown as different colors on the map. It is also divided into two main sections. The schematic on the right is a cross section of the system showing the wells at the lowest elevation and the storage as gray rectangles at differing elevations. The colored lines match the map colors and show the movement of water to the storage. The turquoise line goes to the Campton Heights water tank, which serves the three zones that until the late 80's was served by a private water system. This is the southern section of the water system.

There are 5 zones in the northern section. This schematic does not show the Holman tank. A new waterline will soon allow Vancil reservoir to replace that tank and provide storage for the Home Ave area. At that point water storage for the northern section will be in two tanks and Vancil reservoir. The new project would replace two tanks now at the Stewart Street site. Do we need a 2 million gallon tank there?

Here is a graph showing the recommended storage and the storage with the new tank. It also shows the storage if Vancil reservoir is used instead of building a new tank, which would be the current storage without the two tanks recommended for replacement in the 2007 Preliminary Design Report. Ironically Vancil has enough storage to meet current and future needs.

At the time the Fortuna City Council decided to move the proposed tank to the Stewart Street site at least three Councilmembers expressed the belief that the Vancil reservoir was built as emergency storage in response to the 1964 flood. It was built in 1963. It was built up the street from the existing tanks serving the downtown and was part of a water development program that also extended waterlines.

At an August 2008 "Workshop" meeting the consulting engineer was asked if Vancil could be used for Zone 1 storage. He explained larger pumps would be needed at the Stewart site and there would be higher pumping costs. When asked if this would effect fire fighting, he said there are 5 million gallons in Vancil. He recommended another waterline be built.

During the fall of 2008 staff and consulting engineers looked at several alternatives to the Rohner Park site. They also looked at the possibility of using Vancil reservoir. Although a May 2008 memo states that the pump station at Stewart street requires some storage to pump to Vancil, the conceptual plan investigated was with both tanks removed. The elimination of storage, using a wet well, created operational problems.

When the Council voted in January 2009 to proceed with a new 2MG tank at Stewart Street it was based on two Staff Reports. The January 12th report stated "it is staff's opinion that the elimination of storage within Pressure Zone #1 would not be prudent at any potential cost savings." The January 19th Staff Report stated the two tanks were failing.

A study in 2000 looked at leakage at Stewart Street and found that the rectangular tank leaked. It suggested that the round tank might leak at times from upper levels not normally in contact with stored water. In 2002 new telemetry, or equipment for a remote control system, was installed somewhere at the Stewart Street site. Does this control the water level and prevent leaking?

A 2003 city document, a Request for Proposal, states "the round tank is still sound."

A power point slide at the August 2008 "Workshop" indicates one tank is leaking.

In May 2009 a consulting engineer wrote, "The circular tank appears to be in relatively good condition. Although we did not conduct a detailed inspection, we understand that previous inspections have revealed little cracking and/or structural distress in the concrete sidewalls."

The alternative of using Vancil with storage at Stewart Street was never presented or considered by the Fortuna City Council. In January 2009 the Council decided to build a new 2 million gallon tank at Stewart Street. Councilmembers Berti, Whitchurch and Glaser stressed the importance of maintaining Vancil as emergency storage and providing fire protection.

The proposed tank was sized to allow 1/2 million gallons of fire reserve storage. At the January 12th meeting the Fire Chief referred to a recent fire in Eureka and said, "It would not be hard to imagine putting a million gallons on a fire downtown."

Vancil currently provides backup storage for Zone 1. In the fall of 2008 staff was discussing a new larger waterline between Vancil reservoir and Stewart Street. And in October, as Vancil was being relined, it was decided to enlarge the Vancil water outlet "in order to provide flexibility for future water system configurations". So the future use of Vancil with storage at Stewart Street is a possibility.

However, the engineer recommended a redundant waterline to downtown via an alternate route. Whether for emergencies or maintenance, two ways to get water from storage is critical. This waterline via Christian Ridge Road would also make Vancil storage directly available to Zone 1, eliminating the need for 2 million gallons of additional storage.

For whatever reason, the alternative of using Vancil was not considered by the Fortuna City Council. That alternative would make distribution improvements to use existing storage, which can provide the current storage need, 1 million gallons of fire reserve storage and 2 million gallons for future development. And it would save bond funds for other needed improvements.

The 2009 decision was based on assumptions that facts now show were incorrect. Before committing us to a contract the Council should know the condition of the round tank at Stewart Street and have an estimate for the distribution improvements needed to use Vancil. Then they can make an informed decision to use the bonds as promised to make improvements to use existing storage. As luck would have it, that decision should meet our needs for years to come.

Video documentary looks at the issues related to the new tank

2011-03-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

38 minute version

Below is the complete one-hour video broken into chapters on the issues

Intro and a look at the the water system

2011-01-01T23:13:00.000-08:00

Does Fortuna need more storage?

2010-11-27T23:13:00.000-08:00

We borrowed money through bond sales to work on the water system. Is this tank project a bond commitment?

2010-11-27T23:12:00.000-08:00

Was Vancil reservoir built in response to the Christmas Flood of 1964 and intended as emergency storage only?

2010-11-27T23:11:00.001-08:00

What about fire protection?

2010-11-27T23:11:00.000-08:00

Is the new tank necessary for system reliability?

2010-11-27T23:10:00.000-08:00

A look at the circular tank that is to be demolished.

2010-11-27T23:09:00.000-08:00

What about the rumor that the new project is for future needs?

2010-11-27T23:08:00.000-08:00

Water rates were raised for urgent projects. How are we doing? Is the new tank a cost effective approach to meeting water storage needs?

2010-11-27T23:05:00.000-08:00

Why is Fortuna planning to build a new tank?

2010-11-27T23:03:00.000-08:00

2010-09-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

"Boondoggle in thrifty Fortuna?"

Look at the facts behind what we were told

"I thought it was important to share the information."

Writer/producer Janelle Egger

Click image to view documentary

Here is summary of the key facts addressed in detail in Boondoggle:

--The 5 million gallon Vancil reservoir has 4 million gallons of unused storage. It is up the street from the proposed tank. In Fortuna’s southeast there is an identified need for storage, but no proposed projects.

--The proposed 2 million gallon tank was sized only to meet current demand. With 4 million gallons of unused storage, Vancil will easily meet current and future growth needs in the north part of town.

--Built before the 1964 Christmas flood, Vancil was part of a water development program for a growing city with 5 wood products manufacturing plants. There is no evidence that it was ever intended as emergency storage.

--The City requested and was told there are no regulatory obstacles to using Vancil.

--The Water Bonds are not a legal obstacle to using Vancil, Fortuna is not required to build the proposed tank. The City Council can and has changed the 2006 bond funded projects.

--We were told the water rate increase was to borrow money (sell bonds) that would fund “urgent projects” required to fulfill the City’s “current operational responsibilities.”

--A pipeline between Vancil and downtown will make 4million gallons available, providing needed fire protection.

--Using Vancil will make bond funds available for other necessary projects, allowing us to avoid an unnecessary rate increase.

--We can safely and reliably use Vancil for 50 years and spend less than the cost of the proposed tank, plus interest.

--The 50-year estimate is based on the January 2009 Staff Report’s estimate of $10,000/year energy cost. Three months earlier, in September 2008, the City requested and received information that the actual cost would be half that, $5,000/year. Based on this, we could expect using Vancil would be significantly less than the proposed tank.

I still do not know the motivation for the tank, but I suspect and hope that this is a simple case of good intentions and faulty assumptions resulting in a misguided project.

comment

Dear Fortuna Citizens,

2010-09-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

I am running for Fortuna City Council. For two years I have attempted to understand why we would spend money building a water tank when we have a reservoir with more than enough storage. I am now convinced we need to look seriously at using Vancil reservoir. I believe that it will serve us more than adequately and at a price we can afford.

I wrote and produced the documentary above to share the information I gathered on this issue. It compares the reasons given for building a new tank with the facts I found in the information.

I am also very concerned that in my search for information on this issue City Hall was the most difficult source. This should not be the case, sometimes city records are the only source of information.

I was forced to file a lawsuit to obtain City records. This cost us money and resources which ought to have been spent on real community discussion about the need for this tank. But even after winning the lawsuit I was denied information. I was told there were no records until I gave them proof there were. In fact, right now the City Manager denies that they have records on the costs for a new tank. I am not anti-government, but I believe that openness and accountability are essential for good government. The best way to ensure this is to run for City Council and take what I have learned into City Hall.

I am a newcomer to Fortuna, at least when compared to those whose roots go back to the 1860’s or to the time when people first walked in this beautiful valley. For 25 years I have happily tended to my children, home, land, continued my education and given in small ways to my community.

Though I have never served as an elected official, I have served on several governing boards. I will serve on the City Council as I served on these boards. I will speak up for what I believe is right, listen to others and look for solutions.

Fortuna is a unique community. As we struggle to maintain our small town in this rapidly changing world we must find solutions for the problems this brings. Careful balances have to be struck. This City Council member will understand that City government benefits from the informed input of the growing diversity of this great town. Whatever the differences of opinions, everyone who lives here has a common appreciation of the City's beauty and small town strengths. Help me to help City government to find and strike the necessary balance.

Sincerely,

Janelle Egger

2010-03-09T12:09:00.000-08:00

It is true that it was a leap of faith to suggest another alternative in January 2009. Public records now provide support. It is not too late to save money and put an under-used reservoir to use.

Here is the alternative and the positions of 4 of the 5 Council members as of New Year's Day 2011--

Will the Council reconsider building the new tank? Contact them and ask.

2010-01-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

With the assistance of Keith Borges, cost estimates were made to compare building a new tank to using the city reservoir.

These are estimates and projections based on unaudited records obtained through California Public Records Act request.

Report and records used can be view on Google.doc.

Slide show presentation in response to Mitigated Negative Declaration is also now on Google.doc.

Bio

2009-10-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

One of five children, I was raised by mother, a single parent. She was fortunate to have a union job with health care and the GI bill provided the loan for our home. It follows that my moral compass came from my mom. She told me to stand tall; everyone has one vote so I was as good as anyone, but no better. Remember to think of others, she said, and I would probably do the right thing and stay on the right side of the law.

I have been a Fortuna citizen for over 20 years, and with Neil Palmer, my husband and Head Pharmacist at Redwood Memorial Hospital, raised two children who are now in college.

I volunteered at the library, South Fortuna Elementary, for the Native Plant Society and Humboldt Botanical Gardens.

I am active in local and city government, having worked on the Clendenen for Supervisor campaign and the effort to stop the water tank in our very unique redwood park. I have just completed a documentary film, Boondoggle in thrifty Fortuna?, that is airing on Access Humboldt channel 12. Please visit my website for more about me and the film: http://FortunaCitizen.com

2009-04-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

The Stewart Street Replacement Project would build a new 2 million gallon water tank at a cost of over $4million. This is not necessary.

A new city reservoir was built to replace the Stewart Street tanks in the 1960's.

The next step in the project was completed last November with the Vancil reservoir relining and modification project ($1/2 million).

City records contain an estimate of $600,000 for the pumping and water main improvements to allow the city reservoir on Vancil to provide the 2 million gallons of storage needed for the largest zone in the city. There will still be 2 million gallons of reserve storage in the city reservoir.

1. Where does Fortuna store it's water?

There are six reservoirs/tanks. One in the southern part of town and five in the north. Two in the north need to be retired before they fail. The remaining four hold 6.75 million gallons. Vancil reservoir alone holds 5 million gallons, of which 4 million gallons are currently unallocated more...

2. Does Fortuna need more water storage?

The 2007 Water System Improvements Preliminary Design Report recommended 4 1/2 million gallons of storage for the city. If the two failing reservoirs were retired today the town would still have more that 6 1/2 million gallons of storage. more ...

3. Is there enough emergency storage?

The recommended storage provides for emergency storage. more...
The delivery of water, in an emergency as well as everyday, also depends on the wells, the pumps, and the water mains. In addition, during an emergency back-up systems such power generation are key. back-up systems... past emergencies... more on the system...
Contrary to popular belief, Vancil was not built after the '64 Flood as emergency storage. It was called the "new city water reservoir" in a 1965 news article.more...
If the recommended storage is not enough emergency storage, will the City Council act to protect the 4 million gallons in Vancil as emergency water? you can ask them

4. Are there alternatives to spending more that 4 million dollars on a new water tank?

Dr. DeBoise, of Oscar, Larson & Associates estimated first costs of about $600,000 to use Vancil instead of building a new tank.

The water bond money was to be use to remedy a backlog of repairs. The new water tank will cost over 4 million dollars. There are 9 million dollars in water projects planned during the next 5 years. CIP water projects...

There is another tank for which replacement storage is needed. more...

If there is money for improvements to the system then investing in solar power is one wise use. more...

5. Didn't City staff conclude that using Vancil was "not prudent at any cost savings?

There is no discussion or evidence in the report supporting their conclusion. read the report (Vancil discussion begins on p. 21)...
Information in the 2007 Water System Improvements PDR and discussions with engineers, an insurance agent and an accountant do not support this conclusion. more...

6. What information did staff use to come to their conclusion?

The preliminary information used to prepare the report does not include supporting information for the operational concerns. take a look...

7. Wouldn't using Vancil risk relying on PRV valves?

The city currently uses PRV valves. more...

The stated concern is that PRV valves fail closed which could be disastrous in an emergency. According to a conversation with a California Department of Health engineer there are PRV valves which fail open and, if used in a series, would safely control the pressure.

8. Do the Water Revenue Bonds require building a new reservoir to replace those at Stewart Street?

It was stated at the January Special Meeting that under the terms of the bonds Fortuna could be sued if we did not build a new reservoir. The bond wording gives the City Council authority over what improvements are to be made. more...

What comes next?

The Council needs to hear from the citizens of Fortuna. We need to use the Vancil city reservoir.
write a letter to the editor

Historical Summary

2009-03-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Written Statement presented at City Council meeting on March 2, 2009:

I would like to very briefly share with you some information I've gathered since the Special Meeting in January on the proposed 2 million gallon tank.

First, there was some discussion at that meeting regarding the need for storage for disasters. The '64 Flood and '92 Earthquake Fire were given as examples. For information on the '64 Flood I found a book, The Killer Eel at the Fortuna Library. It is a photo essay of the damage from the flood: the destroyed power lines, bridges, roads, homes and businesses. There are two photos of Fortuna floodwaters. In the caption is the information that "For several hours all of South Fortuna was threatened and more than 1000 persons were evacuated from their homes." The "Killer Eel" was kind to Fortuna. I also found in a local paper two photos of the Fortuna water department pumping plant. One photo was too dark for the machine to print, but the caption read, "Why you are boiling your water." (Dec. 31, 1964)

The City did receive $122,000 for flood damage. The June 30, 1965 Annual Financial Report, printed in the Humboldt Beacon, listed flood damage expenditures as of June 30th. They were for : water treatment, Wells No. 2 & 3, Water Site, Lift Station and Sewer Line Repairs. (Aug. 12, 1965)

As for the '92 Earthquake fire, the National Geophysical Data Center web site states an earthquake started the fire early Sunday morning and a second earthquake snapped the town's water main. Firefighters had to draw water from a nearby log pond to contain the fire.

In neither disaster was water storage the issue; the flooding of the wells and pumping station, power and piping were.

So why was Vancil built? In recent newspapers and the Staff Report (p. 25) it has been written that Vancil was built in direct response to flooding in 1964. This is not the case. Looking at Humboldt Beacon papers I found that the City Council "Accepted a bid. . .for delivery of laminated beams to roof the Vancil Street reservoir" only six months after the flood. Going backwards through the papers, I found that four months prior to the flood the City Council authorized the CAO and City Engineer "to start on the roofing project for the new city water reservoir."

And why were they building a new reservoir? Annexation was in the news. Two months after the '64 Flood the Humboldt Beacon reported that a petition was circulating "for one of the largest area annexations in the history of the City of Fortuna. . ." and on "continuing reports that many residents in the Kenmar Road and Campton Heights districts are anxious to explore the possibilities of annexation. Here again, the matter involves water,sanitation and lighting. . . " The article concludes "The City of Fortuna is not soliciting these annexations, . . .simply putting out the welcome mat, and preparing through constant utility improvements to make it possible. . ." (Feb. 11, 1965)

A couple weeks before this report the Humboldt Beacon reported that the Fortuna Area was to get a $13,000 planning grant. Perhaps the map in the 1967 Humboldt County - Fortuna General Plan Project was one of the results of that grant. The map shows the plan in 1967, 2 1/2 years after the flood, was for public facilities at the Vancil site, a tank reservoir. There are no public facilities planned for the Stewart Street site on this map.

I hope this information provides you with a clearer historical perspective as you continue planning for the use of our water rate revenues.

Note: As I retyped this here I corrected, and possibly added, a few grammatical and typographical errors. In addition to reading the written report, an apology for going over time and thanks for their patience were given orally.

1992 Scotia Earthquake fire

2009-03-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

From the National Geophysical Data Center website:
"The mall was destroyed by a fire on April 26. It is believed that the fire resulted from an electrical short caused by the earthquake. Before the fire, the mall consisted of five one- to two-story, wood-frame, commercial buildings including a lumber yard, pharmacy, coffee shop, grocery store, and variety store. While local firefighters were attempting to save the mall, the second major shock occurred, snapping the town's water main. Firefighters drew water from a nearby log pond in order to continue fighting the fire. Telephone, gas and electricity services were interrupted. Total damage in Scotia was estimated at between $10 and $15 million."(emphasis added)

This information was confirmed in a phone conversation with the Scotia Fire Department on Mar 16, 2009.

Photo credit:
Lindie Brewer,
U.S. Geological Survey
To see full resolution of these images go to: http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/nndc/struts/results?eq_1=16&t=101634&s=0&d=4&d=44
I found a couple magnificent photos of the fire. They are copyrighted but can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drosscameron/1113634271/in/set-72157601347968210/

Water rates reduced in 1966

2009-03-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

"Council Keeps Faith With Pledge to City"
Humboldt Beacon, November 18, 1965, page 1

Keeping faith with the residents of Fortuna, members of the city council Monday night instructed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance amendment. . . to reduce Fortuna city water rates for 1966 by approximately $12,000 annually. This will give local water users the lowest comparable rates in Humboldt county.

Acting Mayor Herman Bistrin received unanimous support from council members in declaring that the Fortuna water department is now in shape to reduce rates. Several years ago, rates were increased to permit the city to make major improvements without bonding the city, with the understanding that when possible old rates would be restored or improved...
...
The water department has shown a steady operating revenue, with an operating profit of $44,881 during the past year. Both Dinsmore and Lucas reported to the council it would be safe economy to make the reduction, which for this city is the equivalent of another major tax cut. [emphasis added]
full article link

Note: While the above article states that rates were increased to avoid bonding the city, an earlier news account indicated that at some point the city had issued a bond:

. . .The tax rate had been set previously at 50 cents, plus 16 cents for bond interest and redemption. [emphasis added]

From: "May Expand Rohner Park Facilities"
Humboldt Beacon, August 20, 1964, page 1

Using Vancil, staff records

2009-03-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

click to view records on
Scribd
google docs
For a pdf copy, email fortuna.sunshine@yahoo.com

Notes:
1. The records were automatically scanned front and back so there are blank pages.
2. Item #1, the 8/12/'08 Study Session Staff Report is available at friendlyfortuna.com.

This is the cover letter for the preliminary records released as part of settlement of California Public Records Act lawsuit.

The original request, in October '08, was for "consultant or staff reports regarding the investigation of using the existing Vancil Street reservoir for zone1 water storage."

The City was more comfortable responding to a request for "documents held and retained by the City that are related to the information presented in Appendix C of the Staff Report dated January 12, 2009 for the Special Council meeting that was held on that date." In other words, the records used to prepare the section of the Staff Report which discusses the option of using Vancil.

Water Revenue Bonds

2009-03-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

This is the first two pages, or Cover, for the Official Statement. Clicking the image will enlarge. On page 2 it reads:

"...This Official Statement is not to be construed as a contract with the purchasers of the 2006 Bonds.

When used in this Official Statement...the words...'project'... and similar expressions identify 'forward looking statements.' Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements."

The Official Statement contains information on the use of the bonds for water system improvements.

on page 4:

A portion of the proceeds of the 2006 Bonds will be used to finance certain improvements to the Water System, including replacement of water storage facilities and upgrade and repair of three of the system's reservoirs (the "2006 Water Project").

on page A-8:

"Water Project" means any additions, betterments, extensions or improvements to the Water System designated by the City Council... "2006 Water Project" means the capital improvements described...and such additions, substitutions and deletions as shall be specified in a Certificate of the City stating that such additions, substitutions or deletions constitute part of the 2006 Water Project.
. . .
"Water System" means all facilities for the production, storage, treatment and distribution of water... now owned by the City and all other properties, structures or works hereafter acquired and constructed by the City and determined to be a part of the Water System, together with all additions, betterments, extensions or improvements to such facilities...

1967 plan

2009-03-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

This map, copied from the 1967 Humboldt County - Fortuna General Plan Project, shows what was planned for the city's water storage two years after the flood.

The city's Vancil Street and Stewart Street Properties have been highlighted in yellow (click on map to enlarge). The plan in '67 was that Stewart Street would no longer be zoned for public facilities; Vancil reservoir was to be the city's water storage.

Today well pumps and city piping deliver water to the Stewart Street property where a pump station moves the water up to Vancil. Without Stewart Street, pumping directly to Vancil would increase the pressure in the pipes. One option is a new pipe from the wells to Vancil to protect Zone 1 pipes.

Another option is to add a wet well at the Stewart Street pump station, but that would require starting and stopping the pumps which costs more in power and wear & tear on pumps . Perhaps another option is to use the existing round reservoir instead of building a wet well. This would reduce, perhaps eliminate, the starting and stopping of the well pumps and reduce the amount of water pumped to Vancil. If the round Stewart Street reservoir is shown to need replacing, a tank sized to meet average day usage would eliminate the need to pump Zone 1 water to Vancil on many days.

Note: Although Campton Hts. is in the planning area I do not think it had been annexed into Fortuna in '67.

Stewart Street Anticipated Chronolgical Task List

2009-03-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

click on image to enlarge

Christmas Flood of '64

2009-03-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

This came from The Killer Eel, a photo essay of the "Christmas Flood" of December 1964 damage . The flood destroyed power lines, gas lines, roads, bridges, homes and businesses.

These are the photos of the Fortuna floodwaters. In the caption is the information that "For several hours all of South Fortuna was threatened and more that 1000 persons were evacuated from their homes."

Compared to the destruction elsewhere, the "Killer Eel" was kind to Fortuna.

The Killer Eel was published by the Humboldt Beacon [1965]. I found it in the Fortuna Library.

I also found a couple photos in one of the local papers. Could have been the Beacon, or one of the Eureka papers, Dec. 31 edition. Anyway, one photo was dark and the machine would only print a black or white square. Don't ask me. Here's the one that printed:

click images to enlarge

The caption on the other said, "WHY YOU ARE BOILING YOUR WATER -- this is just one photo of the Fortuna water pumping plant and the water which covered it during the flood waters last week. This was taken Tuesday and later the water went over the roof."

Flood Relief Funds

2009-03-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

"Polution Board May Intervene in Flood Area"
Humboldt Beacon, January 28, 1965, page 1

Directors and operating officers of all sanitary districts, water districts, municipalities and other services agencies... affected by the flood are urged to attend a meeting...

The various districts are urged to have their engineers and attorneys also in attendance, due to the urgency of completing Public Law 875 applications for aid.

"City Gains Federal Aid On Sewers"
Humboldt Beacon June 24, 1965, page 1

Alert action by City Administrative Officer George Dinsmore and City Engineer John Winzler has resulted in qualification by the City of Fortuna for more than $70,000 in federal public law funds, enabling construction of a secondary sewage disposal system. This will provide a sewage lagoon, aeration ponds, plus chlorination facilities.
. . .
Earlier this year the City of Fortuna had received $122,000 in federal funds as flood relief, covering the water system, certain sewage plant, drainage and street damage. These application by the council were also direted by Dinsmore and Winzler.

Thus, the city facilities have not only been restored but enhanced through prompt remedial action.

"LEGAL NOTICE"
Humboldt Beacon, August 12, 1965

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT. . .

City of Fortuna

FLOOD DAMAGE -- P.L. 875 FUND
COMBINED STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENSES AND BALANCES
For The Year Ending June 30, 1965

Expenditures as of June 30, 1965:
Water Treatment ($219), Well No.2 ($22), Well No.3 ($325), Water Site ($5,975),
Lift Station ($3,715) and Sewer Line Repairs ($2,370).
Total: $12,627

Vancil reservoir built in response to '64 Flood?

2009-03-03T23:02:00.000-08:00

6 months after the '64 Flood:

The council also:
...
Accepted a bid from the Somerville Glu-Lam Manufacturers of Santa Rosa for delivery of laminated beams to roof the Vancil Street reservoir...

From: "No Increase in Taxes for City Of Fortuna"
Humboldt Beacon, Jun24, 1965, page 1

4 months before the '64 Flood:

Authorization was given Dinsmore and City Engineer John Winzler to start on the roofing project for the new city water reservoir.

From: "May Expand Rohner Park Facilities"
Humboldt Beacon, August 20, 1964, page 1

Emphasis added

Why were they building a new reservoir? Annexation was in the news.

Historical Accounts: Annexation in '64-'65

2009-03-03T22:41:00.000-08:00

"Annexation Proposed"
Humboldt Beacon, Jan. 23, 1964, page 1

Fortuna City Council Monday night accepted a petition for annexation of nearly seven acres known as the Bruce McLeod property on Smith Lane. The proposed annexation is now subject to study by the county boundary commission'

. . . Plans have been announced to build seven four-plexes, a total of 28 residential units on the site.

"May Expand Rohner Park Facilities"
Humboldt Beacon, august 20, 1964, page 1

. . .
An enthusiastic discussion covered a full dress look into Fortuna's future, covering possible expansion by annexation of various areas. City financial advisor Eugene Lucas pointed out this should not remain a passive approach, but instead the city should have the welcome mat out for feasible expansion possibilities.
[emphasis added]

"Annexation Petitions Circulating"
Humboldt Beacon, Feb. 11, 1965, page 1

Petitions are now being circulated for one of the largest area annexations in the history of the City of Fortuna, which, if approved...would add the entire area from Jameson Creek down Rohnerville road to the present city limits, including the Renner Drive addition, Redwood Memorial Hospital, and intervening property.

This would add some 50 homes, various commercial propery and an estimated 320 people to the City of Fortuna.

Residents of the area would actually show a saving in their tax rate, it is pointed out, and receive the value of ultimate hook-up to the city sewers and water systems as well as all other protection.

Meanwhile, there are continuing reports that many residents in the Kenmar Road and Campton Heights districts are anxious to explore the possibilities of annexation. Here again, the matter involves water, sanitation and lighting.

The City of Fortuna is not soliciting these annexations, it is pointed out, simply putting out the welcome mat, and preparing through constant utility improvements to make it possible for annexations to be profitable to those now outside the city limits.
[emphasis added]

"No Increase in Taxes for City Of Fortuna; Will Get New Parking Lot, Many Other Important Developments"
Humboldt Beacon, June 24, 1965, page1

Fortuna city Councilmen were informed Monday night by Fiscal Advisor Eugene Lucas and City Administrative Officer George Dinsmore that a $185,000 budget could be handled for 1965-66, with a major public improvement program, acquisition of a quarter block for public parking, and development of sewer and water services for new additions to the city without a raise in taxes.
. . .
The council also:
. . .
Set a public hearing on the Wright annexation at the South City Limits for July 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Held a public protest hearing at 8 p.m. for the Renner Drive annexation. No protest were received and plans to proceed with the election were given to City Attorney Joe Buzza.

"City Grows By 300 Overnight"
Humboldt Beacon, August 19, 1965

Eligible voters in the proposed Renner annexation to the City of Fortuna went to the polls Tuesday to register their approval to the proposal. . .

It is estimated by city officials that the annexation will add between 275 and 300 new residents to the city at this time, but will enable the area to take advantage of both water and sewer facilities enabling new growth.

Both Rohner Elementary School and the Redwood Memorial Hospital and all the intervening property to the Adventist Church and thence down Newburg Road to the existing city limits are included.

The city is ready to start work immediately on the sewer extensions, with water to follow at a later date.

The Fortuna city council policy is not to campaign for annexations, but to do everything possible to encourage those who desire to join the city to do so. Several other smaller proposals are now in the mill of legal procedure.
[emphasis added]

"City Will Welcome Campton Heights Annexation If Sought By Residents of That District"
Humboldt Beacon, November 18, 1965, page 1

The City of Fortuna will welcome the residents of Campton Heights to enter the corporate limits of Fortuna if they desire to share the many integrated, low-cost service facilities now available to Fortuna residents.
. . .
The statement of receptive policy followed a full financial discussion as to the ability of the city to make further expansions in the years to come without penalizing the existing residents of the city. All departments of the city are in excellent shape now. The sanitary department can handle up to 9500 population as can the water department.

Extra police protection would be necessary in the years to come, but this can be handled by additional revenue from the state per capita allowances. Much street work has already been handled by county government. It is also possible to handle growth needs under the provisions of special districts within the city, such as the drainage and cemetery districts, if necessary and feasible.

The council reviewed the building plans for the proposed civic center and decided to build as scheduled in the half block bounded by Eleventh and K streets, without applying for any federal Civil Defense funds. The city wants to control its own structures and indicated complete satisfaction with the new county court facility at ninth and n streets.

The council also authorized study of a proposed connecting route between Redwood Memorial Hospital and Fortuna Boulevard.
...
Members of the council expressed full satisfaction with the reports by city officials, declaring that "The City of Fortuna is in the best financial and physical condition of its history. We are prepared to expand if desired by our neighbors, but what we do must be orderly, well-planned and financially feasible to all concerned," members declared in accord.
[emphasis added]

Historical account: water system in 1965

2009-03-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

"Council Keeps Faith With Pledge to City"
Humboldt Beacon, November 18, 1965, page 1

Keeping faith with the residents of Fortuna, members of the city council Monday night instructed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance amendment based upon recommendation of the city administrative and fiscal officers, George Dinsmore and Eugene Lucas, to reduce Fortuna city water rates for 1966 by approximately $12,000 annually. This will give local water users the lowest comparable rates in Humboldt county.

Acting Mayor Herman Bistrin received unanimous support from council members in declaring that the Fortuna water department is now in shape to reduce rates. Several years ago, rates were increased to permit the city to make major improvements without bonding the city, with the understanding that when possible old rates would be restored or improved. "We have done better than that," Bistrin declared, "and we can now have summer rates the year around."

The minimum rate will be reduced from $5 to $4 per month up to 1000 cubic feet per month. On use from 1000 to 400 cu. feet[sic], the rate will drop from the regular .0045 cu. ft. to .0026; from 4001 to 7000 cu. ft. from .0035 to .0023 and up to 10,000 down to .0020. For the heaviest users the rate will drop to the lowest point of .0010.

The water department has shown a steady operating revenue, with an operating profit of $44,881 during the past year. Both Dinsmore and Lucas reported to the council it would be safe economy to make the reduction, which for this city is the equivalent of another major tax cut.

Councilman Ray Stewart added, "maybe this is a good time to say Merry Christmas to our citizens."

Note: While the above article states that rates were increased to avoid bonding the city, an earlier news account indicated that at some point the city had issued a bond:

. . .The tax rate had been set previously at 50 cents, plus 16 cents for bond interest and redemption. [emphasis added]

From: "May Expand Rohner Park Facilities"
Humboldt Beacon, August 20, 1964, page 1

Fortuna's Water System Schematic

2009-02-25T14:05:00.000-08:00

This document shows the use of PRV's. It also shows the separation of the system into north (left) and south (right) storage areas.

Note on document:
First of records released to settle Egger v. City of Fortuna, et al., filed January 16, 2009
"Petitioner JANELLE EGGER, acting on her own behalf and on behalf of the public, petitions this court for a writ of mandate ordering Respondents to obey the California Public Records Act (Government Code sections 6250, et seq.)..."

Response to Staff Report's "not prudent at any cost savings" conclusion

2009-02-21T23:03:00.000-08:00

Special Meeting on Tank, 1/12/09.
This is a response to the Staff Report Conclusion, on page 9 or 26, that a new 2 million gallon reservoir is necessary. It very briefly discusses fire flows, regulatory and design recommendations, fire insurance rates, system reliability, storage reduction, and water during a major disaster.
To read comments, click on picture, or use this link to printable / more readable version.

Also available at City Hall. Ask for writings distributed during the Jan. 12th Special Meeting. There was also a letter from the Stewart Street residents. Probably not necessary, but you might need to mention Brown Act, Section 54957.5(b). There may be a fee for copies.

Storing Fortuna's Water

2009-02-19T14:14:00.000-08:00

click on image to view

Oral Comment at City Council meeting, 1/5/09:

I am here tonight asking that you reconsider the need for a new two million gallon tank for Zone One storage based on looking at the city's overall storage:

Dividing the city north/south we see that there are 5 million gallons of storage in the north, but only a recommended need of 3 million gallons. In the south there are only 1 million gallons of storage, not enough to meet the recommended storage of 1 1/2 million gallons.

I have three requests:

that the letter to Council from Friends of Rohner Park dated Aug. 29, 2008 and this information be posted with the Staff Report on the City web page so that they may be made available to the public per the Brown Act,
that reconsideration of the need for a new two million gallon tank for Zone One storage be added to the Jan 12th agenda,
that I be allowed a block of time at the Jan. 12th meeting to present more information on this.

-----------------------------------

Blog readers please note: While I believe that the Brown Act provides that information distributed at public meetings are public records, there is nothing which compels the city to publish on friendlyfortuna.com. On the other hand, there is nothing prohibiting posting. janelle

Enough Emergency Storage?

2009-02-07T12:09:00.001-08:00

Oral Comment at Council Meeting (9/15/08):

At the workshop on the Stewart Street replacement there was some question as to whether using Vancil would infringe on emergency need. To help answer this I give you this graph, which breaks down the recommended storage need for the city.

On the right is the recommended storage, almost 4.5 million gallons. It has been broken down to show that emergency needs are built into the recommendation.

At the top is 1.5 million gallons for emergency fire flow. As this adds fire flows for each zone, some of this could also be available for another type of emergency.
The middle section is what is needed for maximum day usage. In an emergency, this is also available.
The bottom one third is the average usage. In a emergency, usage can be reduced to provide extended water availability.

On the left, in blue, is current storage, over 6 million gallons. This does not include the two leaking reservoirs, one at Stewart St. and Holman. Let's compare this to the recommended need, starting at the bottom of the right column.

Currently on an average day, we use 1.5 million gallons and there are 5 million gallons, or 3 1/3 days of average use, in reserve.
In the middle, an additional 1.5 million gallons needed for peak usage days. Currently on peak days we use 3 million gallons and have 3.5 million in reserve.
At the top of the right column is represented the 1.5 million gallons of emergency water for fire fighting.

With current storage, on a peak usage day, with a fire in every pressure zone, there would be
2 million gallons in reserve.

I ask that you seriously consider whether there is a better use for 4 million dollars than building another 2 million gallon reservoir.

printable version of text

Alternatives to Tank in the Park

2009-02-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

Section of Friends of Rohner Park letter
8/29/08
In response to the information presented at the Study Session a letter was sent to each of the Council members and the City Manager. One of the issues raised was the need to look at alternatives.

To read click on image or email fortuna.sunshine@yahoo.com for printable file

Attachment L is this information on investing in solar prepared by Paul Farnham.

click here to see Attachment K

New tank needed?

2009-02-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

click here for printable / more readable page 2

At the May 2008 public meeting on the tank in the park there were questions and comments about possible alternatives to a new 2 million gallon reservoir.

The Staff Report for the August 12, 2008 Study Session contained only information on site alternatives.

No public comment was allowed at the meeting. This information was handed to the Council members and staff just prior to the start of the meeting.

In response to a question from then Councilman Whitchurch, consulting engineer Dr. DeBoice stated that utilizing the Vancil Str. reservoir to replace Stewart Street storage was feasible.

Mayor Whitchurch and Members of the Fortuna City Council,

2008-06-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

We ask that you use the city reservoir Vancil Street instead of spending 4 million dollars on a new tank. Budgets are tight, the water fund has debt to pay and deferred projects remain undone. The city reservoir can provide the needed 2 million gallons of storage and more.

The Vancil Street reservoir was built to replace the Stewart Street tanks as the city reservoir in the 1960's and was renovated last November. The pumping and piping upgrades to use Vancil can be done at a fraction of the cost of a new tank. The over $3 million dollars in savings can then be used on other deferred projects.

A new tank cannot be completed until after the spring of 2011. Meanwhile, piping upgrades to deliver additional water for fire fighting have been deferred until 2012 and 2013. The elevated Holman tank, leaking and with earthquake damage, will not be replaced this summer as planned. The piping and pumping upgrades to replace it with Vancil reservoir storage have been deferred for two more years.

The recommended storage for all of Fortuna is 4 1/2-million gallons. The current plan puts over 7-million gallons of storage in the north. There is a shortage of storage in the Campton Heights / Rohnerville area.

We respectfully request that you recognize that storage of over 5 million gallons in the north is sufficient to meet the 3 million gallon need and move quickly to make the necessary piping and pumping upgrades to use the storage in the city reservoir on Vancil Street.

Add your name

There is another tank to replace

2008-04-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

According to the 2007 Preliminary Design Report (PDR) the Holman Reservoir, which stores water for the Home Ave. area, "has suffered earthquake damage, has some loose sway bracing and is not quite plumb. There is also evidence of leakage at some riveted joints...this reservoir does not have adequate storage to meet fire flow requirements for this zone." (PDR, p.12)

The second least expensive alternative for this reservoir has been selected. The plan is to connect to Zone 3 and use Vancil for the area's water storage, with no new storage. (PDR, Table 4) At this time this approximately 1.2 million dollar project is not scheduled for completion until after June, 2011. (Five-Year Capital Improvement Program, p. 131 of 4/06/09 Council Packet)