Showing posts with label water system. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water system. Show all posts
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.
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/
Using Vancil, staff records
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.
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.
more on lawsuit...
Water Revenue Bonds
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
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."
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
"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:
From: "May Expand Rohner Park Facilities"
. . .The tax rate had been set previously at 50 cents, plus 16 cents for bond interest and redemption. [emphasis added]
Humboldt Beacon, August 20, 1964, page 1
Fortuna's Water System Schematic
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
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
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:
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
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?
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.
- 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.
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
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?
click here for printable / more readable page 2At 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,
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
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)
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)
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