Present
Lisa-Ann Oliver, Flaura’s Acres
Tom Noonan, Flaura’s Acres
Travis Porter, Commerce, Small Communities Initiative Program
Cynthia Fuller, Commerce, Small Communities Initiative Program
Angi Klahn, Clallam County
Mark Ozias, Clallam County
Joe Donisi, Clallam County
Ron Garcelon, City of Sequim
Sewer Project
- City and county discussions about ULID formation will resume in January after Ecology’s draft offer list is published (mid-January).
- Tom has been talking with residents about consolidation water and sewer into the City’s systems and the feedback has been positive so far.
- ULID for repayment of potential loan debt – important that residents participate in voting. At least 50% positive participation is required (about 13 of the 54 homes are rental units with out of area owners).
- Education is a very important component of a successful formation. City and County staff will meet to discuss communication strategy for sewer project and how to include water project benefits. A fact/focus sheet with the benefits and pictures for the HOA to distribute to customers will be drafted by SCI staff and sent out for input from group.
- A community survey will be included to get input on community participation. Cynthia and Angie will work together to create.
Benefits:
• Currently no fire hydrants in community. Having hydrants can result in lower
insurance premiums
• Reliable power – no power outages/water loss.
• Professionally run water and sewer system helps increase value of
property/home.
• Current sewer system is in danger of imminent failure. Failure of the system
would result in human health hazards from sewer backups into homes. No ability
to flush toilets, shower, cook, laundry. Temporary toilets would need to be
brought in. - A community meeting is being planned for February 2025 (not February 6-14). Will be scheduled after the February 11 Board meeting. A week-day, evening meeting would be preferred for county and city staff. Representative Tharinger has offered to attend. City and County staff would also attend to discuss project benefits and answer questions.
- When sewer is connected to the City’s system, the drainfield will no longer be needed. The HOA should explore what process is necessary to decommission the existing drainfield and what happens to the property (sell, repurpose, etc.). Getting an estimate for potential value of the land can help the HOA make decisions later about repaying some of the potential loan costs.
Drinking Water
- City and County have started discussions about the potential projects. It is the consensus of the group that the sewer and water projects be constructed as one to maximize resources.
- United Engineering has survey information for the water system that was completed during survey for the sewer replacement project. The information can be shared with the City, but the request must come from the HOA since the work was paid for with their funds.
- Would CDBG participate in a water consolidation? Cynthia will pursue.
- DOH consolidation feasibility funding can pay for preliminary engineering costs. City is willing to apply for the funding on behalf of the HOA. Cynthia will follow up with Paul.
Next Steps
- Still waiting for Capital budget forms to be published.
- Lisa Ann has reached out to Rep. Tharinger and he will support an appropriation.
- County commissioners will help advocate for this as well.
Next Meeting
January 22, 2025 at 8:30 am