The City of Fair Oaks Ranch City Council meeting on July 3, 2025, spotlighted the urgent need for improvements to the Vessel Park culvert, a critical infrastructure component showing signs of significant degradation. Engineering Services Manager Lee Wenise presented three design options to address the deteriorating 48-inch corrugated pipe, which has raised concerns about potential flooding during heavy rainfall.

The first option proposes replacing the existing pipe with two concrete box culverts, significantly reducing the risk of water overtopping the road during a 10-year storm event from 1.21 feet to just 4.8 inches. This solution, while the most effective, comes with an estimated cost of $548,000. The second option involves replacing the pipe with a similar-sized concrete version, which would not alleviate the overtopping issue but would eliminate future maintenance concerns, priced at $371,000. The third option suggests a temporary fix using concrete patches to address the current degradation, which would incur minimal costs and could be executed in-house.

Wenise emphasized the importance of safety, noting that while the area has not experienced overtopping in over 20 years, modeling indicates potential risks during severe weather events. Council members expressed concerns about the necessity of the more expensive options given the historical data, but Wenise reiterated that safety must be prioritized.

The council is expected to finalize the design and budget amendments soon, with the third option being recommended for its cost-effectiveness and immediate implementation. If selected, this option would allow staff to mobilize quickly for repairs without the need for extensive consultations or budget adjustments. The discussion highlighted the balance between immediate needs and long-term infrastructure planning in Fair Oaks Ranch.