Muddy Waters

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
14 Sept

After addressing the continuing fluff issue of noise abatement from aircraft at MCI, the BOA was blistered during public comments regarding the lack of enforcement of erosion control in the City. Bob Campbell, Jim and Carol Getty, made comments about a property on Westside Drive.  The house being built is directly across from the Getty's at 7709 Westside Drive.  If you have driven on Westside Drive at all this past year you are well familiar with the house, modern appearing, relatively steep slope and a mess when it comes to runoff.  The mud from the property has flown across the street on to the Getty property as well as into the access area...and according to the Getty's, siltation into the lake.  Additionally Mr Campbell made remarks in regards to the lack of siltation control measure in WestRidge as well.  (He had made similar remarks earlier this year at a BOA meeting).  Campbell asked the Police Chief how many citations had been issued this year, his first response was "2".

The conversation bounced from the Board, to the Chief, to Dept of Public Works and back to Campbell and the Getty's.  The frustration of the citizens has was apparent.  Add to this the concerns voiced by the City Attorney of what a "nuisance" is, based on recent decisions by the State Legislature, inserted another element for indecision (this came up regarding the overgrown weeds on the Duncan property).

Some perspective.  I have attended many BOA meetings since the development of Sonoma/WestRidge began.  There has been over time commentary to the Board, and by the Board on siltation issues, lack of portapotties, construction equipment blocking roads, etc.  Mr Campbell's question, how many citations/tickets have been issued is a good one.  My guess is, not many, until now.  I understand this has picked up this past week after the BOA meeting...interesting, huh?

Some questions.  Who has the responsibility to insure City Codes are enforced?  The supervisor of Public Works and Public safety and chief administrative officer of the City is the Mayor.  Why has he not made Code enforcement a priority?  Where does WLIC leadership stand regarding protecting the lake from siltation?  We know they are active on the E coli problems,  If they are supportive of the "Getty" situation, it is has not been made public.

Another point of interest...the uptick of enforcement has begun as the Mayor is AWOL from City Hall.  Subject of the next post.