City to set rules for out-of-town water

On hearing that another situation has cropped up involving an out-of-town landowner interested in purchasing water, the Sundance City Council will be convening in the near future to iron out its policy on providing water to people who don’t live within city limits.

Already aware of an enquiry from a landowner who would like to tie in from his 35-acre property on Wild Bunch Trail, the council heard another request on Tuesday involving an existing subdivision.

Ken Rathbun of Engineering Associates, speaking on behalf of subdivision developer Ryan Kaski, explained that the request involves the Kaski Subdivision that was completed in 2019. At that time, he said, five lots were completed and Kaski anticipated this number would eventually grow to 27.

As part of the process, Kaski obtained an agreement from the city to provide water to the lots, which was a necessary part of the permitting process with the Department of Environmental Quality.

However, said Rathbun, he has since changed his approach. He has now split the remaining lots into thirds; two of the three have already been sold.

Kaski is now undergoing a new permitting process and once again needs to seek an agreement with the city to provide water to the new lots.

In response, Brooks explained that the council has decided not to answer water requests until it has agreed on an overall policy regarding when, how and to whom the city should provide water.

His response spoke to the conversation at last month’s meeting, during which the council considered possible issues with providing out-of-town water. For example, to do so could place a burden on the water system or set a precedent, or lead to a situation in which the water system sprawls in every direction and is difficult to maintain.

On the other hand, providing water in some cases could encourage economic development.

Brooks explained that the council wants to have a plan in place in order to manage any expansion of the water system at a time when the town itself is seeing growth.

“Growth is going to happen,” he said. “The question is how we’re going to handle it.”

A concrete policy makes it easier for the city to answer requests, he said, and also makes it easier for developers. Knowing exactly what the city is prepared to provide gives a developer “something to take to the bank,” he said.

A planning session will be scheduled in the near future to discuss the water policy.