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SPECIFIC SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS ~~~~5 <br /> <br /> WATER SERVICES <br /> (continued) <br /> The main concern for residents is about overlapping services. Another is the question of fair representa- <br /> <br /> tion in the any future governmental decisions that would affect local control and issues of taxation. <br /> What Works/What Doesn't Work: <br /> The retail revenue received by the water districts is sufficient only for maintenance of their systems but <br /> not for major new endeavors such as the new pipes needed on Irvington. Systems upgrading are <br /> becoming necessary with the rapid growth in the River Road Santa Clara area specifically for fire flow <br /> volume in the smaller and older water mains south of Belt Line, but the money isn't there. Both the ; <br /> water districts are reluctant to invest in their existing systems or in relocating existing water mains due <br /> to road improvements. Non-contiguous annexation makes enforcement of the IGA's between EWEB <br /> and the water districts difficult. Ownership and responsibility for water mains can get complicated when <br /> property is annexed and can result in having to refer to state laws. Most citizens are unaware of the <br /> water districts' role in providing the street lighting in non-annexed areas. The lack of lighting on the <br /> smaller streets in Santa Clara is also a concern. <br /> Goals and Recommendations: <br /> Members of the committee indicated satisfaction with the status quo but some felt that planning an <br /> overall strategy for the dissolution and/or annexation of the water districts should be initiated. The <br /> strategy should preserve the ability for district residents to vote for an elected representative in which- <br /> ever organization provides water service to them. The planning would also need to address future fire <br /> protection transition in the River Road area. <br /> This process needs to provide area residents a voice and fair representation of citizens' wishes. Coordi- <br /> nated management structures by the city and efficient policies to accommodate the River Road Santa <br /> Clara transitions are absolutely imperative. <br /> The city needs to provide much better oversight for preventing public confusion and frustration of River <br /> Road Santa Clara residents in all dealings with city government including water services. <br /> A higher priority is essential in the city's attention and resources in its long range planning for future <br /> support and funding of this high growth area of the Urban Growth Boundary. <br /> 48 <br /> <br />