Council & water
by brian McNary
“Stormclouds over Toquerville” by Lori Cole
I had two options on Wednesday evening. I could either attend the Relief Society or the City Council meeting. Even though I own a beautiful full bodied wig with highlights, I was unable to find a size 18 dress in time. Overcoming that obstacle proved near impossible given my last-minute preparations and so it was, that I threw on my favorite hoodie and headed to City Hall.
With the memory of the prior city council meeting still fresh in my mind, I warily glanced over the agenda. I looked at the council members trying to detect signs of fatigue or weariness. There was only one absentee member. I think most of us understand, that like heartbeats, you only get so many words per lifetime.
Water
The first item was an update on the water master plan by Sunrise Engineering. With several slides, the presentation detailed some 18.4 million in future expenditures for water infrastructure.
I must admit that my knowledge of water issues boils down to two things. We apparently have unlimited water supplies when it comes to new development. When it comes to our existing Toquerville homes, you’d think water was as rare as hen’s teeth. With my last bill rising another 10 dollars per month to nearly 130 dollars monthly, I note that my Toquerville utility bill has risen 64% in the last three years. I am sure if I were to inquire why my water bill is approaching the cost of a car lease payment, I would get some explanation that does not have anything to do with my actual water usage.
Here’s an idea. How about cutting rates for homes that use less than 10k gallons per month? My wife and I try to conserve water- but there is no incentive to conserve. Which leads me back to the unlimited supply of water that developers must have access to and which at the very least, must be partially funded by my ever increasing water bill.
The other item on the presentation agenda was given by Stanley Consulting on the parkway project. I noted nothing new except some drilling on the north side of the gap and some more aerial drone footage.
City department reports went quickly. With some sense of empathy, there were even a couple of departments that waved the white flag.
Public Forum
I actually thought about standing up and speaking about incentivizing homeowners by cutting our water bills for those families who conserve water but on second thought- I asked myself, “when had I ever seen any government anywhere do something as progressive as incentivizing citizens to conserve?” Never.
Thus after mulling it over, I came to my senses and chickened out.
Business Agenda
There was more talk about water. The 4.5 million dollar west side water tank was discussed briefly.
There was some discussion about a $113,984 change order bill that was long overdue and owed to Landmark Engineering for materials testing on the parkway.
The grading ordinance, the source of last meeting’s two-hour filibuster, was talked about and sent to staff for some more changes. Discussion only lasted 15 minutes and seemed downright merciful given the March 6 discussion.
Calendar of Events
Easter egg hunt- March 30, 1000 AM, Center Street Park.
Readiness meeting- April 11, 7 PM, at City Hall.
Spring Social- April 24, 6 PM, Center Street Park
4th of July celebration- July 4, 730 PM, Center Street Park
The council then ended the open part of the meeting and had a closed session which involved property and water rights issues and discussion about the character and professional competence of an individual.