LUCAS TIPTON of DOWL, Loyalton’s engineer, gave a presentation on the preliminary FEMA maps issued for Loyalton and Sierra Brooks. He compared the current maps with similar maps from 2021 where much of the town is in the flood plain. Lucas explained how the “current effect is along Smithneck Creek where it starts flooding south of the mill, leaves the bank and floods town.”
He stated they don’t have all the data, no working model but did two dimensional software instead of one dimension. He stressed the maps were preliminary and subject to appeal and there is a “host of problems with modeling, but not enough to change the maps.” He suggested with no flow data on Smithneck Creek that they might get flow data gauges.
Doug Lawler, owner of the former trailer park property, called it “bad news for everybody.” Council member Sue McIlravy told how the city hasn’t flooded except across from the creek and called the maps “not accurate.”
Lucas told an “important point” was to get viable results of the 2017-2018 flood with proof and photos of flooding and get data. Mitigation options would be a retention pond to let water out slowly, taking analysis and construction dollars. He stated they have flood elevations but no data for flood data base. He said the appeal period was not started. Sierra County got the notice issued October 15th and was forwarded to the City. Lucas stated a community coordination meeting was to be held. The City could request it and make a package in the 90-day appeal period if it is non significant on federal regulations which were not yet posted.
Councilman Joe Dines pointed out every structure in blue would have to maintain flood insurance if they have a mortgage.
Lucas outlined six options: to formally make a request; collect evidence of the 2017 & 2018 event and put documents together; add a stream gauge to collect data “would be great;” hire a consultant for focus technical review at $20-$25,000; evaluate mitigation projects and prepare designs and update the flood plain ordinance for insurance program. The Council will request contact with FEMA.
The City had hired DOWL to update its flood plain ordinance and Lucas said it was 50% done. He reminisced how in 2021 they were successful in the maps as Farr West (now DOWL) and stated it as “real robust” work on mapping.
LOYALTON CITY COUCIL thanked Musica Sierra for the donation of 50 chairs for the Social Hall along with ten folding tables.
It also noted Chris Robles had updated the City of Loyalton website.
LOYALTON’S MAIN WATER SYSTEM, SCATA, went down on early Tuesday, January 27th which created low water pressure and cut off some residents’ water.
Due to it affecting all Loyalton schools, there was a 2-hour late start for all Loyalton schools that morning.
Loyalton City crews worked on it and got it fixed later that morning. According to Supervisor Terry LeBlanc no boil notice was issued.
LOYALTON CITY COUCIL thanked Musica Sierra for the donation of 50 chairs for the Social Hall along with ten folding tables.
It also noted Chris Robles had updated the City of Loyalton website.
A NEW WELL FOR LOYALTON has been proposed by Doug Lawler, Managing Partner of 49 Partners, owners of Vinton’s Meadow Edge trailer park and of the former Loyalton trailer park property.
At the October 21st Loyalton City Council meeting, Doug offered to put a well on City property at the former trailer park and donate the well to the city. Vice Mayor Bill Mertton had stated it “a way they have to help us and we help them.” The Council voted in favor of writing a letter to Sierra Valley Water Management District (“District”).
The City has ongoing water line issues. At the December 17th City Council meeting, Mayor Joy Markum asked for input on future water line repairs. She suggested having the City’s engineer, DOWL, inspect the hospital well for repair which had been estimated to cost $50,000 or to work on the “back bone” of the main water line or Church Street which blows the fire hydrant. An ad hoc meeting was to be held on Jan. 8th.
Doug was not alerted to the following District meeting but Council member Sue McIlravy was and she attended. She reported back to the Council that the District was not sure if it had any authority over the City.
Doug attended the January meeting of the District and reported back to the Council on January 20th the District would ask its lawyer if it had jurisdiction over Loyalton.
