REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 28, 2021
FROM: MICHAEL CARBAJAL, Director
Department of Public Utilities
THROUGH: BROCK D. BUCHE, PE, PLS, Assistant Director - UP&E
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
BY: PETER MARACCINI, PhD, Professional Engineer
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - Authorizing and directing the preparation and submission of a financial assistance application to the State Water Resources Control Board for a water connection between the City of Fresno and the Three Palms Mobile Home Park (Council District 3) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution authorizing and directing the preparation and submittal of financial assistance applications to the State Water Resources Control Board (Board), for a water connection between the City of Fresno (City) and the Three Palms Mobile Home Park (MHP) (Project); and authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to execute all application documents on behalf of the City.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Three Palms MHP was issued a compliance order by the Board for exceeding the 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1-2-3 TCP) maximum contaminant level (MCL), in its private groundwater well. To come into compliance, Three Palms MHP desires to connect to the City’s distribution system. The community has been found eligible for grant or principal forgiveness funding under the Board’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program for a water connection between the City and the Three Palms MHP. The DWSRF program will also provide funds for a contractor to perform any necessary onsite work at the Three Palms MHP and destroy the existing non-compliant private groundwater well. As onsite work is outside the purview of the City’s responsibilities, the contractor’s work will not be managed or supervised by the City. The first step to applying for such programs is adoption of this resolution that will allow the City, on behalf of the Three Palms MHP, to submit financial assistance applications to the Board.
BACKGROUND
The Board administers the DWSRF program, which finances infrastructure improvements to mitigate drinking water risks and support the human right to water. The Board’s Intended Use Plan identifies DWSRF financing programs that prioritize and assist disadvantaged communities (DACs) solve their drinking water problems.
The Three Palms MHP community, located within Council District 3, qualifies as a DAC per Board Division of Financial Assistance criteria. The community of approximately 300 residents is located between North Golden State Boulevard and the State Route 99, north of West McKinley Avenue and south of West Clinton Avenue. The community is currently served by a single, private well and is not connected to the City’s distribution system.
In March 2018, Three Palms MHP was issued a compliance order by the Board for exceedance of the 1,2,3-TCP-MCL in the domestic well water. Concentrations of 1,2,3-TCP in domestic well water samples collected between February 2018 and November 2020 have been 9 to 24 times greater than the MCL allowed in drinking water, representing a persistent health risk to Three Palms MHP residents. Connection to the City’s water supply would mitigate the health risk to Three Palms MHP residents. A City main is located adjacent to the Three Palms MHP.
The Project will be funded by the Board’s DWSRF program. To apply for DWSRF program funding, an Authorizing Resolution is required to be adopted by the City’s governing body to allow the City, on behalf of the Three Palms MHP community, to submit a financial assistance application to the Board. Adoption by Council will initiate efforts necessary for the planning, design, construction, and connection of water infrastructure for the Three Palms MHP.
This resolution has been approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Authorization to submit an application for financial assistance is not a “project” for the purposes of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as it is a funding mechanism or other government fiscal activity and does not involve commitment to any specific project that may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment as contemplated by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b).
LOCAL PREFERENCE
The local preference was not implemented because this is not a competitive bid award.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund or other City debt service obligations. Submission of these financial assistance applications is merely a mechanism to identify and initiate future planning, design and construction needs in the form of grants. Upon application review and approval by the Board, any potential future financial funding impacts will be brought before Council for consideration and approval.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Resolution
Attachment 2 - Vicinity Map