Levee, wastewater costs big questions in Live Oak

With a Dec. 17 date to move Live Oak’s general plan update forward, city leadership and annexation stakeholders continue to chip away at issues that have some stakeholders contemplating bailing out.

Tuesday’s meeting focused on stakeholders’ concerns about major infrastructure projects - wastewater treatment and levee repairs - expectations on both sides and what role development will have in paying for improvements.

Kevin Walker, the project manager in the northwest and southwest specific plan areas, said developers need a better idea of what the city’s plans are for infrastructure.

The statements echoed concerns stakeholders have mentioned in recent weeks about clarity in the plan update and its costs, which they have agreed to finance.

Interim City Manager Tom Lando said the general plan update and specific plans for each section of future development will provide a better idea of infrastructure costs.

Both sides agreed some landowners may drop out, something Lando said in a earlier meeting can be tied to a declining housing market in addition to the issues stakeholders are bringing up.

Walker acknowledged that he has pulled out financially of 23 acres that was seeking annexation.

“If landowners pull out, it becomes a matter of what the city can realistically do,” Lando said.

Both sides agreed to meet in the next week to solve specifics about billings for general plan cost. Both sides also said the issues are solvable.

The next public meeting is planned for Nov. 20 and is scheduled to focus on the wastewater treatment plant upgrade. Walker said that was the stakeholders’ top concern.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Robert LaHue can be reached at 749-4713. You may e-mail him at rlahue@appealdemocrat.com