Council divided over $90k study to evaluate seismic risk at East tank; staff says study enables grant funding

Staff presented a proposal to fund an engineering scoping/design study of the East Tank (behind Job Corps), estimated at approximately $90,000, to determine whether seismic or slope risks warrant mitigation or replacement. Supporters said the 30% design would position the city to apply for federal design grants; skeptics questioned whether the study cost was justified given low immediate probability of failure and preferred phased review.

Council asked staff to clarify the study scope and provide estimates broken down by task so members can evaluate grant eligibility and relative priority within the capital plan. Staff agreed to review the estimate with the consultant and return with a clearer scope of work and cost justification.