Thousand Oaks Sewage Spill

Re “State Rejects Thousand Oaks Appeal of Record Fine for Sewage Spill,” Jan. 5.

This article, although mostly accurate, could leave some doubt in the reader’s mind as to why the sewage pipe was not fixed on the timetable that it should have been.

It correctly stated that to facilitate the staff’s recommendation to repair the aging Hill Canyon sewer line, a four-fifths City Council vote was needed to raise sewage fees. It was incorrect in saying that “at least two of the council members consistently voted against the service fee increase.” Only two council members, Elois Zeanah and Linda Parks, consistently voted against the rate increase.

It also would be worth noting that the council majority, understanding the need to start work on the repair of this sewer line and after listening to expert testimony, sought a compromise with Zeanah and Parks by requesting a fee increase of half of the original request.

Zeanah and Parks still voted against the increase, preventing the repair from being completed.

PETER J. TURPEL

Thousand Oaks