Resident urges TCPUD to force contractor fixes after uncovered trenches and protruding pipe left near homes

Robert Millslagle, a full-time Tahoma resident, told the Tahoe City Public Utility District board that crews installing the new district water system left three-to-four-foot-deep excavations uncovered and loose gravel that made walking on neighborhood roads hazardous.

"Please review the attached photographs and take whatever active is necessary to ensure that Granite Construction is maintaining safe conditions throughout the Tahoma neighborhood," Millslagle said, and provided images documenting exposed holes and pipe. He said he nearly fell when he stumbled over pipe left protruding from the ground and that his limited mobility and knee braces make such conditions particularly dangerous.

Board members and staff acknowledged the complaint and described standard contractor patching practices, saying projects typically use temporary aggregate base compaction and return later for permanent hot-mix paving. Engineering staff said the temporary condition is considered stabilized when compacted and meets El Dorado County requirements, and crews will make permanent patches before winter in the neighborhood sections still under construction.

The district said it will follow up with the contractor and confirm schedules for permanent patching and other mitigations; staff advised residents to submit photos and contact the district so crews can address site-specific concerns. The board did not take a separate formal vote on the complaint during the meeting.