Finance and Administration Committee Final Report - Weaverville Sanitary District Annexation of Pioneer Heights

The Planning Department files on Pioneer Heights are complete and well organized. The LAFCO meeting minutes provide excellent detailed documentation of LAFCO meetings.

The WSD files are complete, but they do contain unnecessary duplication and are not particularly well organized. The meeting minutes are adequate but would benefit by the inclusion of more details of the proceedings. WSD does not directly employ a full time clerk or secretary, relying instead on contracting for part time secretarial help which is available on a limited basis. WSD has a minimum number of employees, thus controlling labor expense and the cost of service to WSD customers.

Obtaining sewer service for Pioneer Heights was delayed because neither the property owners, WSD nor LAFCO had a full and complete understanding of their responsibilities and the proper procedures for annexing and providing service beyond the existing boundaries of the sewer district. The staff of the Planning Department, which provides technical and administrative support to LAFCO, did not initially provide prompt assistance and guidance. As the annexation of Pioneer Heights by WSD progressed the property owners, WSD and LAFCO developed a much better understanding of the legal requirements and annexation proceeded in a smoother and more expeditious manner.

Some of the property owners in Pioneer Heights have been frustrated and angry about the delays in their efforts to improve their properties and build residences. The Grand Jury finds a perception by a portion of the general public, not limited to the Pioneer Heights property owners, that the Planning Department unnecessarily impedes the development and use of private property. This perception may arise among property owners who are not familiar with the applicable government regulations, codes, restrictions and procedures which the Planning Department must uphold and comply -60- with. The Grand Jury finds no evidence that the Planning Department intentionally or improperly obstructed any applications. Rather, the Grand Jury finds that the Planning Department is performing its duties in a professional manner. The Grand Jury does find that the Planning Department, though not required to do so, could be of more assistance to applicants needing help and guidance.