Fortuna Citizen: historical perspective

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

Historical Summary

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

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

"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

1967 plan

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.

Christmas Flood of '64

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

"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?

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

"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