Annexation of islands of unincorporated parcels left floating

August 17, 2005
Santa Paula City Council

A plan to bring several unincorporated islands of property into city limits was left floating when some residents objected to aspects of the shift at the August 1 City Council meeting.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA plan to bring several unincorporated islands of property into city limits was left floating when some residents objected to aspects of the shift at the August 1 City Council meeting. City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz noted that the hearing would be continued until the September 5 council meeting, but that public speakers could put their comments on the record.Areas targeted for incorporation are areas of or near Felkins Road, Lindsay Lane, Telegraph Road and April Lane. All are within a stone’s throw of city limits, and some already utilize city sewer services.The annexation would include 46 parcels with a like number of dwelling units. Most of the annexation would be in the city’s west borderline area; April Lane is off of Ojai Road/Highway 150. Planning Commissioners approved the proposed annexation at the June 28 meeting.At the August 1 council meeting, Jerry Marquez said that aspects of the proposal are troubling, including the cost for future sewer hookups and whether or not the annexation would change the elementary school district area students are enrolled in. “It’s giving us something we don’t want,” he noted.
“Let me put one of your questions to rest,” said Councilman Gabino Aguirre. “We don’t have anything to do with changing school district boundaries.”Michael Johnson, like Marquez also a resident of Felkins Road, noted that annexing the property “prevents people from improving their homes,” as costs for sewer hookup would have to paid. The city should pay for any required hookup, he said.Johnson noted that Felkins Road residents own the street, and although they were told at the commission meeting that the status would not change, residents still have doubts and believe the road might be required to be widened at their own expense. “If we have to pay for something that we do not want or need and be held hostage to” such a situation, residents would rather the annexation not take place, said Johnson.According to the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting, several members expressed concerns about residents’ cost for sewer hookup fees. Commissioners were told by staff that properties currently on septic systems would not be required to connect to the city’s sewer system unless their septic system fails or needs repairs, or if the property owner launched a remodeling project or home additions that would require a building permit.The annexation would also provide other city services, such as police and fire. The report also notes that, of the 29 total parcels not already utilizing city sewer service, the system tie-in fee would be $2,321 per parcel.



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