03/14/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Discussion was held concerning the possibility of encouraging de- velopment outside the urban service boundary, if the existing water policy were not changed. Mr. Williams commented he felt that the issue had not been addressed, that he did not want to encourage Lane County to form its own water district to serve the areas outside the Eugene service boundary. . Mayor Keller wondered whether, if the City does not have the responsibility for serving both water and sewer to areas outside the urban service boundary, by encouraging Lane County to form such a district, it would be bringing in competition. He felt that control over the extension of services was necessary for the City to maintain, but cautioned Council to be aware of ramifica- tions and responsibilities that go with such control. Mr. Chenkin indicated the City has to provide water within the urban service boundary area, but the extension beyond the urban service boundary would include looking at a whole new philosophy which would be contrary to the 1990 Plan and the urban service boundary policy. Mr. Porter added that the fringe area around Eugene had not been planned. He said if definite plans were available then the City could plan now as to how to extend ser- vices, and referred to the River Road, Santa Clara, and Shade Oaks development areas as problems areas. Mr. Long of the City Attorney's office explained to Council that after April 1, control of water extension will be vested in the Council and not in EWEB. He noted there is a bill in the legislature which would require the City, if it provided water outside the city, to provide that water at the same rate as it does within the city. He noted that the staff in preparing the proposed resolution felt that the water problem in the County would be the County's problem, but if development is allowed in the County and a health hazard comes up, then, without the proposed revision the City will find itself servicing everyone in the County. e Mr. Johnson, of EWEB, said that the County is now working on such a policy, whereby the property owner will have to provide proof of an adequate water supply before he could obtain a building permit. Diane Nechak of the Boundary Commission explained that there was a requirement for clarification as to who would initiate the water extension request, and that if it did not first go through the Planning Department and the City of Eugene, it would not come before the Boundary Commission. She indicated the Boundary Commission policy is more restrictive in regard to water extensions and encouraged passage of the revised water policy. . 3/14/77 - 36 U~