COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

December 28, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

January 10, 2006

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Executive Summary - Design, Construction and Financing of Drainage Improvements at Three Locations in the MidCoast Area

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution:

a)

determining that the construction of drainage improvements at Etheldore Street and Sunshine Valley Road; Cypress Avenue from Etheldore Street to Highway 1; and Cedar Street between George Street and Montara Creek is allowed by the MidCoast Community Plan; and

b)

authorizing the Director of Public Works to utilize Mitigation Fees to finance any necessary studies, environmental documents, regulatory and Coastal Development permits, and the construction of said improvements if the design of said improvements are approved by your Board.

Vision Alignment

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors.

The proposed drainage improvements will help alleviate both street and property flooding which will benefit the public using the roads in these areas as well as the adjoining property owners.

Background

Previous Board Action

Your Board, in 1990, established Mitigation Fees that are paid by property owners at the time a building permit is issued, and which can be used to construct road or drainage improvements only in the subarea where they are collected. Your Board also adopted amendments to the MidCoast Community Plan in 1994, that included drainage improvements as part of the road standards, but allowed for exceptions to the standards for specified reasons.

History

The Department, over the past few years, has evaluated and discussed with the MidCoast Community Council (MCC), various options to construct storm drain and road improvements as provided for in the MidCoast Community Plan.

However, none of the options resulted in drainage improvements being constructed as not all of the property owners in an area were willing to fund their share of the costs.

We recently met with MCC and they approved of constructing storm drain conveyance facilities in the three described areas without requiring associated road improvements. The MCC also supported drainage improvements being financed with Mitigation Fees that have been collected in the MidCoast area.

Discussion

The construction of the proposed conveyance facilities will help alleviate flooding in these areas without exacerbating down stream flooding. However, the cumulative impact due to incremental construction has been raised as an issue, and this will need to be addressed through both the environmental and Coastal Development Permit process, if these projects are to move forward.

We also believe the work is in keeping with the Community Plan, as construction of conveyance facilities will help preserve the visual quality of these areas by minimizing the damage that happens each time flooding occurs; and preserving and enhancing the visual qualities of the coastal community is a goal of the Community Plan.

We have reported to the MCC that there are not sufficient Mitigation Fee funds to finance the construction of complete storm drain systems in all the subareas of the MidCoast. The MCC understands this, but is recommending that these projects be funded due to the recurring flooding in these three areas.

Fiscal Impact

The order of magnitude cost of all three projects is $600,000 to $700,000 and is proposed to be financed with Mitigation Fees. Specific costs will be determined as the necessary studies are identified and completed, and as construction plans are developed.

There is no impact to the General Fund.