SUPER still has council support

“Non-point sources mean we don’t know where it’s coming from,” Pearson said. “There are a lot of animals pooping out there and that is what is ending up in Dennis Morrin’s backyard.”

Aliso Creek neighbor Armando Baez said everyone agrees on the need to clean up the creek, but would have preferred further study before backing the project.

“Let’s vet this proposal before the city’s environmental committee,” Baez said. “We have significant expert resident resources. Let’s use them. Let’s build a consensual approach to this project. More discussion and review is needed. Let’s be guided by this question: In a time of financial stresses, is this the best and most effective alternative?

“We need more study and discussion to be sure we get the most environmentally and financially sound solution. Then we can all join in requesting federal appropriations to complete the funding.”

Laguna Taxpayers Assn. President Martha Lydick said take the money and run, and businessman Billy Fried agreed.

“A bird in hand,” Fried said. “If we have the funding, go ahead. There is no perfect plan. Take everything into consideration, but move ahead. Inertia is the enemy.”

But Village Laguna founder Arnold Hano urged caution. “Inertia can defeat wrong doing,” he said.

Realtor and arts philanthropist Bobbi Cox said the council should seize the moment.

“We can be leaders in a private/public partnership,” Cox said. “To turn away money at this time would be a great mistake.”

Rollinger commended the public for its decorum.

“I can’t imagine anywhere else where so many knowledgeable people would come together to discuss an important issue with such dignity.”

While efforts to obtain funding continue, technical studies are being completed.

Once the reports are finalized, the next steps will be a public meeting to start the National Environmental Quality Act process, to be followed by the California Environmental Quality Act process.