HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 012291 MEETING AGENDA
DATE-z4L2 ai ITEM 0 A.
(* MINUTES APPROVED BY COUNCIL,
AS SUBMITTED, 2/12/91)
ATASCADERO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
JANUARY 22, 1991
Mayor Lilley called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Councilwoman
Borgeson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmembers Borgeson, Shiers, Nimmo, Dexter
and Mayor Lilley
Absent: None
Also Present: Muriel Korba, City Treasurer and Lee Dayka,
City Clerk
Staff Present: Ray Windsor, City Manager; Art Montandon, City
Attorney; Mark Joseph, Administrative Services
Director; Henry Engen, Community Development
Director; Greg Luke, Public Works Director;
Lt. Bill Watton, Police Department and Andy
Takata, Director of Parks, Recreation & Zoo
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilwoman Borgeson reported that on January 25, 1991 she would
be attending a meeting sponsored jointly by Supervisor Ovitt and
Supervisor Peterson of Monterey County regarding Lake Nacimiento
water.
Mayor Lilley announced that there would be a "Support Our Troops"
rally in Sunken Gardens on Sunday, January 27, 1991. He indicated
that it would not be political or partisan, but rather for showing
community support for armed forces in the Persian Gulf.
PROCLAMATION:
Mayor Lilley read the proclamation pledging support to local
families of military personnel assigned to the Persian Gulf and
presented it to Officer John Cole of the Atascadero Police
Department. The mayor explained that Officer Cole, as the
executive officer for the 649th Company of the Military Police, had
volunteered to act as the liaison officer between the City and
CC01/22/91
Page 1
families of those serving overseas.
RECOGNITION:
Mayor Lilley read a memo from Fire Chief, Mike Hicks to Bud McHale,
Police Chief recognizing Melinda Price, City Support Services Aide.
Chief Hicks reported that Ms. Price had given immediate
instructions to the mother of an infant who was choking; an action
done quickly and in a professional manner. The mayor presented Ms.
Price with a City Watch and expressed appreciation on behalf of the
City.
OATHS OF OFFICE:
The City Clerk administered Oaths of Office to Natalie Regoli, Ex-
Officio Youth Member to the Recycling Committee and to Belinda
Wiley, Ex-Officio Youth Member to the Parks & Recreation
Commission.
COMMUNITY FORUM:
Connie Morris, manager for the Century Cinemas at 6905 E1 Camino
Real, announced that the theater would be holding an exclusive
engagement of the film, "Lawrence of Arabia" on March 3, 1991 at
6:OO p.m. Ms. Morris invited all to attend the fundraiser for the
Lake Park Pavilion.
Irene Bishop, President of Atascadero Community Band, extended an
invitation to all to a concert scheduled for Tuesday, January 27,
1991 at 7: 00 p.m.
A. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Lilley read the Consent Calendar.
1. JANUARY 81 1991 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
2. JANUARY 17, 1991 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES (Special Meeting)
3. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - DECEMBER 1990
4. FINANCE DIRECTOR'S REPORT - DECEMBER 1990
5. RESOLUTION NO. 2-91 —AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 33-88, EXPANDING
THE LIST OF CERTIFIED ARBORISTS AUTHORIZED TO PREPARE TREE
PROTECTION PLANS IN THE CITY OF ATASCADERO
CCO1/22/91
Page 2
6. RESOLUTION NO. 3-91 - AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL TO COUNTY RECORDER
OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF PUMP STATION #2 FORCE MAIN
REPLACEMENT
7. AWARD BID #90-19 FOR MODULAR PLAY STRUCTURE ADDITIONS (LAKE
PARR)
S. RENEWAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES
MOTION: By Councilman Dexter and seconded by Councilwoman
Borgeson to approve the Consent Calendar; motion
unanimously carried by roll call vote.
B. HEARINGS/APPEARANCES:
1. SOLID WASTE PROGRAM: RATE INCREASE/MANDATORY PICK-UP/CURBSIDE
RECYCLING/GREEN WASTE RECYCLING (Cont'd from 11/13/90)
The City Manager introduced the matter by explaining that, in an
effort to begin meeting the deadlines set forth in AB939, staff had
been asked to make recommendations regarding a rate increase
related to the existing service, but based upon a volume rate
program and implementation of an integrated waste management
program. Public Works Director Greg Luke, he reported, was the
staff representative to both the Recycling Committee and the Solid
Waste Management Committee.
Mr. Luke presented the staff report with overhead transparencies
highlighting the proposed seven-point integrated waste management
plan. Some of the recommendations, he pointed out, would require
immediate action while others would involve conceptual Council
approval.
Mr. Windsor noted that in June of 1990 Wil-Mar Disposal had asked
for a rate increase based upon the existing service, a two-year
renewal of their contract and, in addition, that mandatory pick-up
be implemented immediately. He reported that the rate increase has
been addressed by staff, but in terms of a volume-based rate
structure so that it may become a component of an integrated waste
management program. He suggested that Council move immediately on
the rate increase and the two-year extension of Wil-Marts contact,
emphasizing the need to give the trash hauler some assurance that
they will be able to amortize equipment purchases necessary to
handle added services.
In looking at mandatory pick-up, the City Manager explained, staff
felt that in order to meet the requirements of AB939, mandatory
CC01/22/91
Page 3
pick-up should be implemented along with programs for curbside and
green waste recycling. He indicated that January 1, 1992 had been
proposed as the date to begin the comprehensive program; which
would also include an educational/informational program for
citizens of the community.
Mr. Windsor noted that the issue of "white waste" has not yet been
addressed.
Council questions followed relating to the proposed rate increases.
Betty Sanders, representing Wil-Mar Disposal, responded and
clarified timelines for review of rates. The City Manager
emphasized that Council will have ultimate authority relating to
increased rates and the contract with Wil-Mar, adding that Council
could go out to bid for the added services.
The City Attorney concurred that the City will have the option to
negotiate with other providers for other waste disposal services
suggested by the integrated waste management plan. He indicated
that if Council does not accept the rate structure as presented to
them in September of 1991, there would appear to be no obligation
to continue with Wil-Mar to give them a contract to provide all the
services. Mr. Montandon added that the existing contract with Wil-
Mar is not assignable and cannot be sublet with Council approval.
The City Manager reiterated that Wil-Mar has been consistent with
their request for an extension of their contract for existing
services and recognized that the contract may need some
modifications.
Public Comments:
Steve Gordon, 4650 Viscano, asked whether the contract with Wil-Mar
was exclusive. The mayor clarified that the contract is a
franchise agreement. Mr. Gordon then commented that he would like
to see Wil-Mar give consideration to those customers who go on
vacation. In addition, he voiced opposition to not being allowed
to recycle his own materials.
Roger Cook, 10600 Colorado Avenue, opposed mandatory pick-up
claiming it to be an unfair and unnecessary tax on senior citizens.
Jerry Bond, E1 Verano Avenue resident, commented that he was
against mandatory pick-up and suggested that the County should
control what goes into the landfill.
CC01/22/91
Page 4
Whitey Thorpe, 8025 Santa Ynez, also objected to mandatory pick-up
and stated that although he was putting no blame on Wil-Mar
Disposal, the community was not being given an alternative to using
them as the waste hauler.
Harold Peterson, a thirty-year resident of Atascadero, asserted
that Wil-Mar has done a good job.
David Duncan, 8885 Marchant Avenue, remarked that he was opposed to
mandatory collection.
Deuranda Smith, 5455 Bajada, asked how the waste management program
would affect renters.
Ted Monnonier, 9301 Barranco Road, spoke in support of Wil-Mar
Disposal and in giving them the opportunity to continue providing
the service as long as they are doing a good job.
Ron Vilarino, 10605 Realito Road, clarified some concerns regarding
curbside recycling, the requirements of AB939 and mandatory pick-
up. He remarked that if residents oppose these measures, they
should take their concerns to the state level. In addition, Mr.
Vilarino reported that the Christmas Tree Recycling program had
been very successful and added that to meet the requirements of
AB939, the entire community must participate.
Yvonne Carlson, 7075 Atascadero Avenue, explained that she was in
support of the staff recommendations and that she would be happy to
pay a small fee for curbside recycling.
Nancy Wood, San Luis Obispo County Recycling Coordinator,
complimented the City Council and staff for the fair program it
proposed and described the volume-based rate structure as
outstanding. She remarked that Atascadero was the first community
in the County who was making recommendations regarding green waste
and citizen educational programs. Ms. Wood attempted to clear some
confusion about AB939 and emphasized the need to act quickly to
meet the mandates.
James Patterson, member of the Recycling Committee, asserted that
he would stand firmly behind the recommendations and urged the
Council to move forward with the integrated waste management plan
as proposed.
Mike McNamara, 8711 Old Santa Rosa Road, indicated that mandatory
pick-up makes sense in order to monitor what goes into the landfill
and to keep the City clean.
CC01/22/91
Page 5
Marj Mackey, 5504-A Tunitas Avenue, urged the Council to put
mandatory collection into effect as soon as possible.
Mayor Lilley called a recess at 8:32 p.m. The meeting reconvened
at 8:50 p.m. Public testimony on the proposed solid waste program
continued.
Ursula Luna, 10060 San Marcos Road commended the staff on the
program and expressed disappointment that curbside recycling would
not be coming sooner.
Larry Easterday, 8700 Arcade, spoke in support of the local trash
hauler and urged Council to consider Wil-Mar to provide the
recycling services.
There were no further public comments. Mayor Lilley brought the
discussion back to the Council.
Councilwoman Borgeson reported that she had received a phone call
just prior to the meeting from a resident, Mrs. Stevenson, who
wanted it put on record that she had received good service from
Wil-Mar Disposal. In addition, Councilwoman Borgeson stated that
she had received letters from Pat Molloy and from Linda and Jeff
Schaff, all Atascadero residents, who wrote that the solution to
the landfill problem is not mandatory collection, but the reduction
of the amount of garbage generated by each household. These
residents, she commented, indicated that they recycle all that they
can and objected to being penalized for doing so.
Councilman Dexter suggested that mitigation measures should be
considered for the elderly, handicapped, and others on minimum
incomes.
Councilman Nimmo commended the staff and the Recycling Committee
and spoke in support of Wil-Mar Disposal. He assured the public
that the Council does not wish to impose unnecessary restrictions
on the citizens, but explained that state legislature has taken
away options and that there is no other choice.
Councilman Shiers acknowledged that some will find mandatory pick-
up burdensome. He stated that he had received many comments from
the public and that it was evident that the community was split on
the issue. Councilman Shiers also expressed concern that mandatory
service be implemented efficiently and at the least possible cost,
adding that it is up to the Council to ensure that this be done.
Councilwoman Borgeson stated that she wanted staff to receive
CC01/22/91
Page 6
Council input and outlined a six-point plan, which included support
for each citizen's choice, modifications for senior citizens and
those on low incomes, the purchase of a shredder, a public
educational program, mandates for the provision of space in all new
buildings to accommodate bins for sorting recyclables and periodic
audit of the waste management program.
Councilwoman Borgeson also indicated that she had received
excellent service from Wil-Mar and was supportive of an extension
of their contract, as well as the rate increase.
The City Manager pointed out that the staff report reflected the
recommendation of an educational program.
The mayor concluded the Council's comments by expressing support
for addressing the problem and accepting the staffs'
recommendations. He emphasized that the program could be monitored
and evaluated on an on-going basis.
Councilwoman Borgeson reiterated the desire to see the City provide
a chipper/shredder service and suggested that the sale of mulch
would bring revenue back to the City.
The City Manager pointed out that the matter had been addressed
during the fiscal budget review and that Chief Hicks had reported
that the initial cost of a shredder would be expensive.
MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo and seconded by Councilman Dexter to
adopt Recommendations #One through Seven, Agenda Item #B-
1.
Discussion of the motion: Councilwoman Borgeson asked that a
roll call vote be taken on each, separate recommendation.
Councilman Nimmo indicated that he was not willing to amend
his motion.
Councilman Shiers referred to Recommendation #5 calling for
staff to work on the details of the proposed rates and asked
that, as they do this, consideration be given to those of low-
income, senior citizens and disabled residents.
The mayor remarked that he did not presume that Council will
not be given the opportunity for further input. He stated
that he would assume staff would consider the comments made to
define the components of the integrated waste management plan.
Councilman Dexter concurred.
CC01/22/91
Page 7
The Public Works Director assured the Council that their
concerns, especially those related to green waste, educational
programs and alternative programs for those in need, had been
noted and would be taken into consideration.
Councilwoman Borgeson emphasized that she also wanted to see
a modification for citizens who generate less than one can per
month.
A roll call vote on the motion to adopt the seven
recommendations of staff was taken; motion carried 5:0.
2. TREE REMOVAL REQUEST, ARDILLA ROAD EXTENSION (Continued from
11/27/90 & 1/8/91)
A. Appeal of Negative Declaration (Joan O'Keefe)
B. Tree removals for road extension
Henry Engen, Community Development Director, requested a
continuance on this matter and reported that the applicants had
requested that the matter be scheduled for March 12, 1991. He
noted that since the agenda had been posted, Council had received
more information on the matter. This correspondence, he explained,
was a packet (dated January 18, 1991) amending the appeal from Joan
O'Keefe and a letter from Elizabeth Scott-Graham (January 16, 1991)
refining the appeal. In addition, Mr. Engen explained that there
had been some work done by Vaughn Engineers on behalf of Mr. Barnes
which would, therefore, require preparing a final map. He added
that ample time would also be required to re-post the map and give
proper notice pursuant to the City Attorney's written opinion.
Councilman Dexter stated that he did not object to continuing the
matter again, but shared concern relating to paper waste and
suggested that the agenda information be saved for the next
meeting. The City Manager noted that if Council and staff would
keep their copies, he would be sure that everyone received any new
materials. Mr. Windsor also assured the Council that a full copy
of all the information would be available in both the library and
in the City Clerk's Office.
Councilwoman Borgeson reported that she had received a call from a
property owner in the vicinity of the Ardilla Road extension who
was experiencing delays because of the continuance. She
acknowledged the necessity of the continuance, but expressed hope
that the matter could be resolved without further postponements.
Councilman Nimmo concurred asserting desire to see the matter
resolved on March 12.
CC01/22/91
Page 8
MOTION: By Councilman Dexter and seconded by Councilman Nimmo to
continue Items B-2 (a) and (b) to March 12, 1991; motion
unanimously carried.
Joan O'Keefe, appellant, stated that if a new Negative Declaration
is posted she may not find it necessary to appeal it and requested
that the $100.00 appeal filing fee be returned to her.
3. ZONE CHANGE 3-90, 7970 SINALOA AVENUE - CONSIDERATION OF
PLANNING COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATION FOR DENIAL OF REQUEST TO
ESTABLISH A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY ZONE (PD7)
(Best/Cuesta Engineering)
Henry Engen presented the staff report and indicated that the
Planning Commission had recommended denial of the rezoning
predicated on not making necessary findings in support of a planned
development. He pointed out that the staff recommendation was to
approve. In addition, Mr. Engen asked that, following judgment on
the rezoning, Council give direction regarding criteria for
approval of future small lot subdivision planned developments.
Council questions followed relating to zoning, appropriate uses and
conditions of approval. Mr. Engen explained that current zoning
would allow three two-bedroom units and clarified that the issue
was the request to split the parcel into three separate lots. He
also confirmed that staff's recommendation to the Planning
Commission had not changed and was consistent with adopted
ordinances.
Prior to considering the specific request, Council exchanged views
regarding policy making, the Planning Commission's role as an
advisory body to the Council and the topic of minimum lot sizes for
PD's.
Public Comments:
The applicant, Russ Best, spoke in support of the request and
highlighted the benefits the proposed development would have to
offer.
Deborah Hollowell, Cuesta Engineering, emphasized that the proposed
project meets the density requirements and presented an overhead
projection comparing lot areas of similar neighboring projects.
Ms. Hollowell asked the Council to recognize the benefits offered
by the proposed rezoning and urged Council to approve the request.
Council comments followed. Councilwoman Borgeson voiced opposition
CC01/22/91
Page 9
to the rezoning on the basis that affordable rental housing would
be lost. Councilman Shiers agreed that he could not support the
request noting that the Planning Commission had gone over the
findings in great detail and had determined that they could not
make the findings to approve.
Councilman Nimmo debated that staff had made findings for approval
consistent with the General Plan. Councilman Dexter concurred that
the request was in keeping with other projects previously approved.
Mayor Lilley reported that he had no difficulty in making the
findings of approval and could support the project.
MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo and seconded by Councilman Dexter to
adopt the Findings for Approval of the zoning change
contained in Exhibit J, Draft PD Overlay Ordinance.
Henry Engen reminded Council of the normal, two step process
of adopting an ordinance on first reading. Councilman Nimmo
amended the motion, as follows:
To waive the reading in full and adopt Ordinance No. 217
amending Map 17 of the Official Zoning Maps by rezoning
certain real property at 7970 Sinaloa Avenue from RMF/16
to RMF/16 by title only; motion carried 3 :2, with
Councilmembers Shiers and Borgeson opposing.
MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo and seconded by Councilman Dexter to
adopt Ordinance No. 217 on first reading; motion carried
3 :2 with Councilmembers Shiers and Borgeson in
opposition.
There was consensus to direct staff to schedule before the
Planning Commission a review of planned development standards
and determine where policy direction is needed. It was also
agreed that following such a discussion, the matter would then
come back to the City Council for further deliberation within
a month or two.
C. REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. ACCEPTANCE OF CERTAIN ROADS IN LAS ENCINAS II AND ATASCADERO
HIGHLANDS
Greg Luke, Public Works Director, gave the staff report and
recommendation to accept, by formal resolution, certain roads and
portions of roads included in agreements between the City of
Atascadero and Gordon T. Davis. He noted that physical
construction and repair of the specified roads as designated in
CC01/22/91
Page 10
Resolution No. 111-90 had been completed and the work inspected and
monitored by both staff and North Coast Engineering. In addition,
Mr. Luke pointed out that Jaquima Road and Sausalito Road would
remain private.
Mayor Lilley commented that he believed the recommended action was
a result of a productive resolution of a problem relating to roads
and indicated support for accepting the roads.
Councilman Shiers, read a portion of the staff report: "Fiscal
Impact. . .The maintenance cost per mile of road is not expected to
exceed that typically required by the rest of the City's maintained
road system." He emphasized that he hoped this expectation would
be borne out.
The mayor thanked Steve Sylvester of North Coast Engineering for
his assistance in resolving the matter.
Public Comments:
Bill Barnes, representing Atascadero Highlands, thanked the
Council, staff, the City Manager and North County Engineering.
Gordon Davis, also extended his appreciation to Mr. Windsor and the
Council. He added that although times had been trying, he was glad
to see the work completed.
MOTION: By Councilwoman Borgeson and seconded by Councilman
Dexter to approve Resolution No. 4-91 accepting certain
roads and portions of certain roads into the City
maintained road system; motion unanimously passed by roll
call vote.
2. WATER STUDY COST SHARE - RESPONSE FROM ATASCADERO MUTUAL WATER
COMPANY (Verbal)
Mayor Lilley reported that the Council was in receipt of a letter
written by Gordon Davis, President, Board of Directors for the
Atascadero Mutual Water Company (see Exhibit A) in response to a
request to share the cost of a water study. Because the Water
Company had declined to participate, Mayor Lilley asked the Council
what action they wished to take.
Councilman Shiers stated he was supportive of moving forward with
the independent study because it would provide information
pertinent to the City's water supply. Councilman Dexter agreed,
adding that the information would provide tools for planning.
CC01/22/91
Page 11
Councilman Nimmo reiterated that the water subject and its' future
availability will be addressed during the environmental impact
study prepared for the General Plan Update. He indicated that he
could not support paying for this information twice.
Councilwoman Borgeson extended appreciation to the Board of
Directors of the Atascadero Mutual Water Company for considering
the City's request and reaffirmed her support for proceeding with
the study.
Mayor Lilley concurred that he, too, was prepared to move forward
with the study. He recognized the Water Company's position and
indicated that he would look forward to working with them on water
conservation efforts.
MOTION: By Councilman Shiers and seconded by Councilman Dexter to
proceed with funding a study to be completed by The Morro
Group in an amount not to exceed $10,000; motion carried
4:1 with Councilman Nimmo voting in opposition.
3. CONSIDERATION OF SELECTION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
(ROUNDTABLE)
The City Manager suggested that the Council give direction to the
staff on the composition by affiliation. He indicated that the
matter would come back to them at a future meeting for further
input regarding policy. At that time, he stated, Council would
consider specific individuals to fill the positions.
Mayor Lilley explained the purpose of the "roundtable" and Council
exchanged ideas about the specific make-up. Councilman Shiers
indicated that he believed that the roundtable should consist of
only one councilmember.
There was consensus among the Council that the mayor should be
the council representative.
Councilwoman Borgeson suggested that three or four financial
institutions be represented, as well as four Chamber of Commerce
members, to sit on the roundtable. She did not support the
appointment of a planning commissioner. Mayor Lilley pointed out
that there are only three banks in Atascadero who loan locally.
Additional discussion followed relating to members-at-large and
Chamber of Commerce representation. The Mayor suggested that a
representative from a utility company might also be appointed.
Prior to taking action on the matter, the following motion to
continue the meeting past 11:00 p.m. was made:
CC01/22/91
Page 12
MOTION: By Councilman Nimmo and seconded by Councilman Dexter to
extend the meeting beyond 11:00 p.m. ; motion carried.
There was consensus to set up an Economic Roundtable
consisting of the following:
Mayor
3 Representatives from Local Financial Institutions
4 Chamber of Commerce Members
2 B.I.A. Members
2 Members-at-Large
The City Manager indicated that he would be coming back with a list
of potential appointees at a future meeting.
4. SET DATE FOR MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW
By common consensus, the Mid-Year Budget Review was scheduled
for 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 26, 1991.
D. INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION AND/OR ACTION:
1. City Council:
A. Committee Reports (The following informative status
reports were given. ):
1. City/School Committee - Councilman Dexter announced that
the next meeting would be Thursday, January 24, 1991.
2. North Coastal Transit/S.L.O. Area Coordinating Council
Councilwoman Borgeson briefly reported and indicated that
additional meetings may be scheduled because of the many
items of business now being addressed by the Coordinating
Council.
3. Traffic Committee - Councilman Dexter reported that the
next meeting would be Wednesday, January 23, 1991.
4. Solid/Hazardous Waste Mgmt. Committee - Councilman Nimmo
reported that Greg Luke had attended the last meeting and
had distributed his comments.
5. Recycling Committee - Councilman Shiers reported that the
results of this committee's efforts had been addressed
earlier in the meeting.. Additionally, he announced the
CC01/22/91
Page 13
next meeting date to be Thursday, January 24, 1991.
6. Economic Opportunity Commission - Councilman Dexter
indicated that he had recently attended, the Board
meeting.
2. City Attorney - No report.
3. City Clerk - No report.
4. City Treasurer
Muriel Korba reported that she was striving for more complete and
meaningful reports.
S. City Manager - No additional report.
Councilman Shiers announced that he would not be present during the
second meeting of March.
MOTION: By Councilman Dexter and seconded by Councilwoman
Borgeson to adjourn the meeting; motion unanimously
passed.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 11:10 P.M. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL WILL BE FEBRUARY 12, 1991 AT 6:00 p.m.
MINUTES R!3CORDED AND PREPARED BY:
LEE DAYKA
City Clerk
Attachment: Exhibit A - Atascadero Mutual Water Company
CC01/22/91
Page 14
CC1/22/91 EXHIBIT "A"
5005 EL CAMINO REAL - P.0.BOX 6075 - ATASCADERO,CA 93423 - (805)466-2428
ATASCADER0 MUTUAL WATER COMPANY
ESTABLISHED 1913
January 17, 1991
JAN 2 2 19Su
Honorable Robert Lilley CrrY A4GR.
Mayor of Atascadero
6500 Palma Avenue
Atascadero, CA 93422
Dear Mayor Lilley.
Thank you for your letter of January 10, 1991, which proposes that
Atascadero Mutual Water Company join with the City of Atascadero in
funding a study of the current underground water situation in Atas-
cadero. As we understand it, the proposed study would essentially
be a compilation of data currently available in various studies and
reports of record.
As you know, the Atascadero Mutual Water Company has as its charter
the furnishing of water on demand to all shareholders; shareholders
being, of course, all persons owning property within the boundary
of Atascadero Colony whether or not the property is improved.
As you also know, almost the entire state of California is under-
going a water shortage of unprecedented proportions due to diminished
seasonal rains over the past five years . Further, it does not now
appear that any significant relief or replenishment of underground
aquifers can be expected during the current season. Accordingly, we
can expect that relatively severe water conservation measures will
have to be taken at least until winter of 1991-92. That does not
mean, however, that Atascadero will be without water. It does mean
that Colony residents will have to change from a level of consumption
that has been the highest in the County to one more consistent with
that of hundreds of other communities up and down the State.
In order to insure that the Water Company can continue to meet the
essential water needs of present and future Colony residents, we
are investing very large sums of money in improvements and expansion
of our water supply system; we are drilling new wells; and we are
adding, at a cost of nearly one-million dollars, a new reservoir
which w .lL vastly increase our storage capacity and provide further
insurance against potentially devastating fires
In sum, while we appreciate the concerns expressed in your letter
and the concerns of many of our citizens, we believe the best way
to allay those concerns is to insure that our financial resources
are used to effectively improve and guarantee water availability
rather than to dissipate those funds ou an additional study; a
t
Mayor Robert Lilley Page 2
study not calculated to either add to existing knowledge or
increase water availability.
Again, I appreciate your letter and want to assure you and the
City Council of our sincere interest in mutual cooperation as all
of us work our way through this junfo ate state-wid roughs.
S1 yours,
GT. Davis , President
BOARD OF DIRECTORS