Providence tables Checketts' annexation request again

By Megan Maughan Roe

November 29, 2004 | PROVIDENCE -- After nearly six months of argument over Stan Checketts' request to annex 220 acres of land into Providence, the City Council decided to postpone the issue once more, until January 11, 2005.

The council has tabled this issue again, because they want to annex the property but they don't want to do it without documented proof the developers will have outside water sources for the land, Councilwoman Stacie Gomm said.

"If we were back in the 1800' and a gentlemen's agreement stood up, we would not be having this lengthy conversation," Gomm said. "I don't feel comfortable passing this ordinance right now, but I don't want to deny it either."

Developer Jason Christiansen said the land would have water on it before any development continued, but he was unable to show written proof that the water shares had been purchased. He said the water would come from Richmond and be transported into a Providence well.

"We understand you require water, so we've found sources," Christiansen said. "What are we waiting for?"

"If you show up with documentation of water, and I know that requires money on your part, but if we have that documentation, we won't be talking at all, we'll vote," Gomm told Christensen.

Providence resident Clinton Thompson said he is worried that if the city keeps annexing land there won't be enough water for the long-time residents. He said the city needs to make sure the 220 acres of land have enough water from outside sources that it won't need to use Providence's water. Thompson said he is afraid there won't be enough water to go around.

"I'm still concerned that we have two scorpions dancing around," Thompson said. "If we're not careful, we may get stung."

In meetings in October the council talked about proposing an ordinance that would forbid the sale of water shares from the city. The city's legal counsel said such an ordinance would probably be found unconstitutional. Without this ordinance, members of the council said they were concerned that landowners could take advantage of the city by telling Providence they have outside sources of water, then turning around and buying water from the city, once they are annexed in.

In other business, the council voted unanimously to approve a contract with Utility Cost Management Consultants, a firm that finds the city's overcharged utility bills, obtains the extra money and gives half of it back to the city.

The council also unanimously voted to approve to change the makeup of the Countywide Planning Governing Board, to approve a rezone of property from Agricultural to Single Family Traditional, to allow for 20-foot street-side yard setbacks for homes, and to approve an interlocal agreement with River Heights City for road salt.

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