Dear Council members,

        I am writing to appeal to you in consideration of the proposed project to build a water reservoir at Seminary Oaks Park. I ask that the council re-open the process, while I support the goals the council has of providing emergency potable water I feel the process had/has flaws. The prject for the site selection and the program for construction will result in the closure (for 18 months) of our small neighborhood park including the killing of over 100 mature trees, and significant expense to supply a required emergency water facility that may not have followed the best available selection choices.

The problems I see with the process that resulted in the selection of the Seminary Oaks Park include;

Both consultants’ recommendations varied widely.  

A lack of consensus about the best size for the reservoir.

Environmental concerns weren't properly addressed.

There was no opportunity for public comment on a topic and agenda that started in 2005.

 I'm hoping the process can be reopened and that the city can consider the full range of requirements for this reservoir and find the most suitable site for it.

Could the city coordinate/partner with construction projects already planned or struggling for funding? Either with the Parks and Recreation Commission or with the County, or with the Menlo or Ravenswood School districts, such as the award-winning partnership in Mountain View, where a reservoir was built below a school sports complex, thereby saving the council money while still encompassing the total project goals.

 In conclusion, I would urge the city to re-open the proposal, go about setting comprehensive goals for providing more adequate (larger capacity) emergency water storage for local residents, use these goals to create some inclusive criteria for the location of the reservoir/s, and look at partnering with other agencies, incorporating these requirements into other projects within our city, and lastly to engage the community in the success of the  process.

Yours sincerely,

David Taylor

186 Seminary Drive

 Menlo Park 94025

  Received on Sun Jun 29 21:54:15 2008