Large potholes on one or two streets have been left untended for years in Sodaville because it was believed an inactive Homeowners Association was responsible for them. A city councilor set out to find the truth.
During the council’s regular meeting on Dec. 18, Councilor Joseph Parsons reported he visited county departments recently and learned the city is responsible for maintenance of all streets, including those in the HOA neighborhood on West View Drive.
“We’ve all been told that everything up on West View is an HOA and we’re not in charge of the streets. That is completely false and wrong. Sodaville is in charge of all the streets within its city limits. HOA is a civil matter.”
Potholes grow along West View Drive, with a couple on its adjoining St. Louis Street, and it has been a topic that’s been brought up in council meetings numerous times, but residents have said no one operates the HOA.
Parsons went to the county because, he said, he was concerned about who was responsible.
“From what I understand, we are in charge of the upkeep of things within the city limits, other than county roads,” he said. “When it comes to repairing our roads and streets, that’s something we talk to ODOT (Oregon Dept. of Transportation) about.”
This does not apply to streets that are labeled “private.”
City Administrator Molly McGuire said the city could try “Band-Aiding” the potholes with some gravel until they figure out the next step.
Mayor Brian Lewis said the topic should be placed on January’s council meeting agenda for further discussion.
Water update
A new pump in Well 3 has been installed and the system was flushed. McGuire expressed excitement for hope that Well 3 could provide a quality sum of water for the residents, but first it must be treated for coliform.
“I’ve got really high hopes for Well 3,” Lewis said. “When these guys started putting the pump down in there, they hit water really quick.”
His hope, he said, is that a faulty pump is the reason why Well 3 stopped producing water some two or three months.
Also, the city has been concerned that past drilling at Well 3 may have gone too deep and created a cavity that is causing lost water to the city. If that’s not the case, “they’re gonna approve Well 6 way easier,” he said.
In other business:
- The council approved a salary and work hours adjustment for McGuire. The matter was discussed in an executive session prior to the regular meeting.
- Resident Peggy Bishop asked if commercial trucks are allowed to drive through the area known as “The Village” on Spring Street, to which Councilor Robert Perry said they are not. Bishop also said log trucks are “whizzing” by at what seems to be 45 mph.
- McGuire reported the city received a $50,000 grant to update its Water Master Conservation Plan and she is getting the process started.
- The city continues to work through steps for Well 6 and all the projects associated with it. McGuire said the city would like to get its reservoir rehabilitated, as well.
- Lewis thanked Councilor Caleb Gay for clearing out clogged storm drains during a heavy rainstorm. Water was running down into the sports court and ditches were overflowing until Gay cleared them out.
- The city is ironing out details for getting The Village another layer of gravel paving.
- The council tabled a discussion about making the water restriction rates year-round to a February’s agenda.