By Julie Oliver

PROVIDENCE -- The council unanimously approved the rezoning of 10.68 acres of agricultural land into a single family housing development located generally at 300 East and 850 South.

Rod Blossom, an engineer and Cache Land Co. worker, addressed the council during an open public hearing Tuesday night to discuss the future of the land. The planning commission approved the property previously and the main issue for the evening initially dealt with the rezoning application; however, City Manager Vern Kesslar said deeper issues needed to be discussed.

"This issue is not a concern of rezoning -- tonight the sewer discussion is very relevant," said Kesslar. He recommended discussing the infrastructure of the proposed sewers.

Although no assessment or calculation is submitted, Councilman Randy Eck said his opinion is a "ballpark of $40,000" for the city to implement the proposed sewer system.

"We think these are very nice lots -- I would say this is probably a good use of your funds," said Blossom.

Mayor Alma Leonhardt said in accordance that impact fees and funds need to be used or they are lost.

Dee Barnes, local resident, is very familiar with the sewer system in Providence and Eck called upon him for his opinion of potential problems with the proposed sewer project. Barnes said putting a sewer system into the designated area could disrupt residents and their land because no roads extend to the area that needs a sewer. This causes a problem because some residents' backyards may be torn up in an effort to reach the property.

The proposed sewer system consists of either the horseshoe design to reach the property or straight, up and over the elevation of the land. The council discussed the two sewer options in detail because of the potential a neighboring property has to build in the future. Therefore the sewer project may need to accommodate for future growth.

"You can't guarantee that he won't build," said Councilwoman Stacie Gomm in reference to the neighboring property owner. "That's an agreement that needs to be done."

"Our intention is to get some kind of a decision so we can proceed," said Blossom.

Councilman Vic Saunders moved that the zoning under the conditions discussed and under the condition that the nearby property owner is going to participate with the council.

Gomm amended Saunders' motion. "It would also be good to see a formal plan," said Gomm.

The council unanimously approved the final plat for Cobblestone Phase III located generally at 445 Pinegrove Lane.

Don and John Christopherson showed the plat maps to the council and the audience packed full of 11-year-old Boy Scouts of America.

"Our preliminary plat showed a three story condominium -- we scratched that," said Don Christopherson, because that idea didn't support the original plan.

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