THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SIERRA BROOKS WATER SYSTEM PROPOSED ASSESSMENT was held Thursday, November 15th at the Sierra Brooks Lodge. Sierra County Board of Supervisors led the hearing to the audience of residents. Board Chair Scott Schlefstein told the group that no ballots would be counted after the hearing closed and welcomed questions. Resident, Bob Bayly asked about the amount of pipe. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals said the amount of pipe was to primarily serve the existing lots that are not on the system. Bayly was concerned that the existing pipe is where the breaks have been occurring and wanted to know if that would be replaced. Beals stated the system would use the existing pipe and have two loops that would equalize the pressure, adding the breaks were occurring in the area where the pressure was very high. He said with this new system, residents would get another tank, another well, pump station, independent generators, new fire hydrants, new section of main, loop system, meters, booster system and host of other smaller items. Bayly questioned no improvements on the current system, just a lot of “new stuff.” Beals said it would be a modernization of the system, new facilities to provide increased water storage and supply, provide additional fire protection storage and would comply with regulatory framework, adding it was a great opportunity.
Resident, Sue Camara questioned if the system was approved and there were change orders to the project, where did the money come from if expenses go up. Beals said they should be able to accommodate any change orders through a sizeable contingency available. Other options would be to change the scope of the project, ask USDA for more funding and could ask the Board of Supervisors for a higher portion of tax proceeds to help offset extra costs. Supervisor Paul Roen said they couldn’t change fees without a process. Beals added fees couldn’t be increased or decreased without a vote of the people.
Resident, Katherine Puckett questioned the lots that aren’t connected. Beals stated there are lots that have no access to the system along Smithneck Road. Puckett asked if there were vacant lots on the system. Beals said to his knowledge there were no vacant lots hooked up to the system right now. Before the close of the hearing Beals told the audience to feel free to call him and he would answer any questions they had affecting the water system.
With no additional questions, Schlefstein closed the hearing and adjourned until votes were tallied. He stated they needed 50%+1 to pass.
Clerk Recorder, Heather Foster, and staff Melissa Kinneer and Michelle Burr tallied the votes and reported the proposed assessment passed: 157 votes in favor to 82 votes against. Many audience members applauded the outcome.
Resident, Sue Camara questioned if the system was approved and there were change orders to the project, where did the money come from if expenses go up. Beals said they should be able to accommodate any change orders through a sizeable contingency available. Other options would be to change the scope of the project, ask USDA for more funding and could ask the Board of Supervisors for a higher portion of tax proceeds to help offset extra costs. Supervisor Paul Roen said they couldn’t change fees without a process. Beals added fees couldn’t be increased or decreased without a vote of the people.
Resident, Katherine Puckett questioned the lots that aren’t connected. Beals stated there are lots that have no access to the system along Smithneck Road. Puckett asked if there were vacant lots on the system. Beals said to his knowledge there were no vacant lots hooked up to the system right now. Before the close of the hearing Beals told the audience to feel free to call him and he would answer any questions they had affecting the water system.
With no additional questions, Schlefstein closed the hearing and adjourned until votes were tallied. He stated they needed 50%+1 to pass.
Clerk Recorder, Heather Foster, and staff Melissa Kinneer and Michelle Burr tallied the votes and reported the proposed assessment passed: 157 votes in favor to 82 votes against. Many audience members applauded the outcome.
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