Water Board Offers City Olive Branch

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Water board offers city olive branch Page 1 of 2 The Pueblo Chieftain Online Select file then print to print this article. Publish Date Saturday July 6th, 2002 Water board offers city olive branch By MARGIE WOOD The Puebla Chieftain The Board of Water Works on Friday offered to drop its lawsuit against Pueblo City Council over a water lease to Pueblo West - if the city will drop its announced efforts to seek charter amendments on the issue. The water board also offered to assume the costs of maintaining fire hydrants within the city beginning next year if the city will drop its claim for repayment of nearly $800,000 for fire hydrant charges during the past 40 years. City Attorney Tom Jagger acknowledged receipt of a settlement offer from the board's attorney, William Mattoon, and said he would advise council to consider it in an executive session during its regular meeting Monday night. Under the board's offer, the lawsuit would be dismissed without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled if the issue arises again. Council President Mike Occhiato said late Friday he hadn't seen the water board's offer, but he sounded a conciliatory note. "I'm hoping we can put this issue aside, and once we get this thing settled that we can sit down with the water board and work together as a team to resolve some other issues," he said. "These are issues for the people of Pueblo, and they're more important than the turf of public officials. We need more open communication between the city and the water board - and the county - so that we can work together for the people of Pueblo." Earlier this week, Jagger notified the water board that council would pursue charter amendments not only on the hydrant issue and to require voter approval of water sales or leases outside the city limits, but also to subject the water board to the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights restrictions on revenue. Both issues stem from the water works' request in November to lease an emergency supply of water to Pueblo West. The water works is an autonomous body under the city charter, but city council is given authority to approve contracts presented by the water board. When the Pueblo West lease was presented, council rejected it, saying it would encourage growth in Pueblo West to the city's detriment. The water board filed suit in district court, contending that the council is obligated to approve contracts submitted by the water utility. http://vvww.chieftain.com/print/sattwdayinews/articles/nil.htm .htm 7/7/2002 ia 82T80926TL IaNsTW '9 PioJeH e9.17=60 20 80 inc