Laserfiche WebLink
Mr. Robert Bell, Interim City Manager, provided a brief overview of the purpose and set <br /> up of the Study Session. Mr. Peter Vorametsanti, City Engineer, gave an outline and <br /> background of the presentation (on file). He noted that funding for handling storm <br /> drains comes from general funds, no fees are collected for this, and storm water basins <br /> do not follow any political jurisdiction or boundaries. Ms. Grace Le, Senior Engineer, <br /> continued the presentation (on file) and provided detailed information on the <br /> percentages of various water flows within different basins, waterfront canals, and <br /> drainage from various other jurisdictions. She spoke about the progress to date and <br /> allocated funding. <br /> One Council Member had questions regarding other jurisdictions' contributions towards <br /> funding, how other jurisdictions' residents may have been impacted by flooding, and if <br /> any other jurisdictional representatives were present this evening. <br /> Ms. Le stated that Redwood City provided all the funding for the Fifth Avenue drainage <br /> basin area, there have been meetings with the other jurisdictions, but the City has not <br /> received any funds from others for improvements, and that most of the flooding impacts <br /> Redwood City residents. Mr. Vorametsanti noted that Mr. Duncan Jones, Public Works <br /> Director from Atherton, was here tonight in audience. This Council Member expressed <br /> appreciation for Mr. Jones' presence this evening. <br /> Ms. Marilyn Harang, Public Works Superintendent, provided details of the role of Public <br /> Works in this process, in terms of the types of maintenance they perForm on a regular <br /> basis during the three seasons: pre, during, and post storms. She said they also <br /> monitor what other jurisdictions do that has an impact on Redwood City. <br /> A Council Member asked if there has been any maintenance funding from other <br /> jurisdictions. Ms. Harang confirmed that, since 2005, in regards to the Atherton <br /> Channel, the City of Menlo Park periodically, about every other year, obtains the permits <br /> and then pays our City for maintenance. <br /> Mr. Vorametsanti recapped and expanded on the work that has been done utilizing CIP <br /> (Capital Improvement Project) funds. He spoke about the different phases of work they <br /> have done and plan to do regarding the Fifth Avenue Basin area that is subject to <br /> flooding. Currently, they have been unable to get necessary right-of-way from a <br /> property owner to clear the pump station there. In response to a question by a Council <br /> Member regarding the needed easement and impacts on the mobile home park, Mr. <br /> Vorametsanti explained that building a new pump station is crucial. It was clarified that <br /> the necessary pipes are there but the current pump station cannot handle a larger <br /> capacity. Mr. Vorametsanti continued to review current issues, concerns, and options <br /> for near-term, short-term and long-terms goals. <br /> Vice Mayor Aguirre thanked staff and confirmed with Mr. Vorametsanti that this is a <br /> multi-jurisdictional problem with flooding mostly occurring in Redwood City and <br /> unincorporated Redwood City. He clarified that the low-lying area is along Marsh Road <br /> and that Menlo Park. He said that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) <br /> visits on an annual basis and they do follow FEMA guidelines and recommendations. <br /> JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD November 22, 2010 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 5 <br /> MINUTE BOOK NO. 63 <br /> Page No. 223 <br />