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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStormwater Minutes 02-26-2025 City of Seal Beach – Regular Meeting of the Stormwater Ad-Hoc Committee December 05, 2024 Chairperson Biery called the Stormwater Ad-Hoc Committee meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. Chairperson Biery led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Committee Members: Biery, Crafton, Mayor Pro Tem Landau, Murphee, Stewart, and Mayor Sustarsic Absent: Committee Member Senecal Staff Present: Sergeant Brian Gray, Emergency Services Coordinator David Spitz, Associate Engineer ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Chairperson Biery opened oral communications. Speakers: None. Chairperson Biery closed oral communications. Chairperson Biery announced that no additional comments were received after the posting of the agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR: None CONTINUED ITEM(S): None COMMITTEE ITEMS: A. Approval of the Stormwater Advisory Ad-Hoc committee agenda. Motion by Member Crafton, second by Mayor Pro Tem Landau to approve the December 5, 2024, Stormwater Advisory Ad-Hoc Committee agenda. AYES: Biery, Crafton, Landau, Murphee, Stewart, Sustarsic NOES: None ABSENT: Committee Member Senecal ABSTAIN: None Motion Carried. B. Approval of the September 18, 2024 Stormwater Advisory Committee meeting minutes. Motion by Vice Chairperson Murphee, second by Mayor Sustarsic to approve the September 18, 2024, Stormwater Advisory Ad-Hoc Committee minutes. AYES: Biery, Crafton, Landau, Murphee, Stewart, Sustarsic NOES: None ABSENT: Committee member Senecal ABSTAIN: None Motion Carried. C. Presentation Storm Drain System Overview Updates Associate Engineer David Spitz introduced himself and provided an overview of the focus priorities set during the discussion of the storm drain presentation at the September 18, 2024, Stormwater Ad-Hoc Committee meeting. Associate Engineer Spitz further discussed what actions (items) have been taken since the last Committee meeting to address the focus priorities. Some of these actions include Associate Engineer Spitz and Deputy Public Works Director of Utilities and Maintenance Sean Low met with then Old Ranch Country Club Superintendent and investigated the four (4) storm drain inlet systems. And spoke about how the Club operates when it is raining, whether it is light or heavy. Associate Engineer Spitz also brought up the catch basin cleaning and stated that NPDES requires one cleaning a year; however, the City routinely completes it twice a year. The City will additionally make sure that manholes are secured and watertight so that sewage does not seep out into flooding areas during rainstorms. Included in this cleaning and plugging of the City’s sanitary sewer manholes so that water does not seep into the manholes. Associate Engineer Spitz moved to coordination with JFTB when it comes to channel cleaning and stated that the JFTB cleans its storm drains when possible and they are generally available for storm water conveyance. Additionally, the West End Pump Station is maintained on a regular basis, including the upgrades to the electrical equipment and control drives. A grant submitted by Public Works Director Iris Lee, has been submitted to OCTA for environmental cleanup and, if awarded, will be utilized to obtain some storm trash and debris capture devices. Mayor Pro Tem Landau asked the ETA on an OCTA decision. Associate Engineer Spitz stated that OCTA has not provided exact decision dates. Associate Engineer Spitz discussed the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plans that Emergency Services Coordinator Sergeant Brian Gray’s discussed at the prior Stormwater Ad-Hoc meeting. He elaborated by stating that there have been a couple of all-departmental meetings prior to the highly anticipated rainy season. Associate Engineer Spitz brought up the last item that was discussed at the prior meeting, funding in the budget. He further stated that while the Stormwater Ad-Hoc community was formed to review the storm drain issues, and form recommendations, it does not have a budget attached to it, at this time. He emphasized that staff will continue interagency coordination, especially with outside agencies, and continue looking for grant funding opportunities. Associate Engineer Spitz concluded by stating that the City will continue to perform outreach, as necessary. Chairperson Biery discussed the cleaning of the drain inlet systems prior to and after Staff had discussions with the Old Ranch Country Club superintendent and general manager. Chairperson Biery also discussed the difference in drawings of the original main drains that the City had for College Park East. Locations include Guava Avenue, Elder Avenue, Candleberry Avenue, and Basswood Street, and the City went back and installed bigger lines near Candleberry Avenue. Chairperson Biery expressed how he would like to see these lines cleaned. Committee Member Stewart questioned where the water was coming from that is standing in the inlets at Old Ranch Country Club, especially since it hasn’t rained in a while. Associate Engineer Spitz stated that it could be a combination of over irrigation from Central Park East residents and over irrigation from the country club. Chairperson Biery requested that the City be involved in future discussions with Old Ranch Country Club after learning of the Club's intention to further develop the property, which could potentially impact the inlet system, particularly if they lack a proper drainage plan. Associate Engineer Spitz discussed what is needed to impose a requirement on the developer if Old Ranch Country Club moves forward with developing the property, including placing conditions alike to those that are currently in place. Committee member Crafton asked Staff what the process would be to add an expenditure to the budget in order to get the CPE pipes cleaned. Associate Engineer Spitz stated that since this type of requested work is not included in the current budget, staff would have to submit a budget amendment that would have to be passed by the City Council, and money would have to be found to be able to complete the project. Associate Engineer Spitz mentioned that he will be reaching out to the general manager of the country club to arrange an opportunity for Staff to observe how the inlets drain during rainfall. This will provide staff with a clearer understanding of the process, enabling them to better address and mitigate any related issues. Committee Member Crafton asked Staff if there is regular maintenance to the other storm drain areas that are under full control of by the City. Associate Engineer Spitz stated that there is not a regular maintenance program for the storm drains lines themselves. However, there is one for the catch basins Mayor Pro Tem Landau asked if the development agreement between the City and Old Ranch Country Club specifies if there is a cost-sharing section between the two entities when it comes to cleaning out the inlets. Associate Engineer Spitz stated that he has an open dialogue with the general manager and can speak to him regarding Mayor Pro Tem Landau’s inquiry. Committee Member Crafton asked Staff if there is an update to the drainage part of the Master Plan. Associate Engineer Spitz stated that the City is still operating under the previous updated Master Plan, and that any new studies have not been proposed, to date because there have not been any significant changes. F. Next Meeting Date A discussion ensued regarding the date of the next meeting. The next meeting will be scheduled according to the availability of the committee. STAFF CONCERNS - None BOARD CONCERNS – None ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Biery adjourned the Stormwater Ad-Hoc Committee meeting at 6:50 p.m. ___________________________ Iris Lee, Director of Public Works Approved: _______________________ James Biery, Chair Attest: ____________________________ Iris Lee, Director of Public Works