55A - SAN LORENZO SEWER LIFT STATION

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MEMORANDUM Paul Walters To: Interim City Manager Date: February 13, 2012 Raul Godinez II, P.E. From: Executive Director, Public Works EXHIBIT 4 Subject: Response to Letter from Silvestein Law Group, dated January 13, 2012 BACKGROUND The City has prepared an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which analyzes the proposed construction of a new sewer lift station at the end of San Lorenzo Avenue. This facility would replace the existing lift station located beneath Bristol Street approximately 700 feet west of the proposed site. The existing sewer lift station is ridden with problems, all of which exemplify the need for a new facility, including: • Location is difficult to access beneath Bristol Street • Routine maintenance requires the closure of a travel lane and disruption of traffic on Bristol Street • Mechanical and electrical equipment are old and difficult to maintain in proper operating condition. • Station access is a manhole that floods during rainy conditions. • To perform maintenance crews must enter through the manhole and descend a 15 foot ladder carrying tools and equipment. • Working area in mechanical room (dry pit) is tight and cramped. • Existing computer software is old and obsolete compared to existing technology and support is not readily available. • Electrical panels are outdoors — set on back of sidewalk, and exposed to the elements. The EIR for the San Lorenzo Sewer Lift Station was scheduled for Council consideration on January 17, 2012. On the morning of January 17th the City received a letter from the Silverstein Law Firm citing objections to the EIR. SUMMARY RESPONSE Mr. Silverstein claims the project description is inaccurate, accuses the City of deliberately providing misleading information, questions the need for the project, and states that the project does not meet the stated project objectives. Mr. Silverstein also maintains the alternative sites analysis included in the EIR is inadequate and incomplete. 55A -119