Water
restrictions frustrte Trenton residents
By Mikaylie Kartchner
February 24, 2005 | TRENTON -- The
moratorium on water hook-ups is a cause for concern
for some town residents, say Planning and Zoning commissioners.
Since October, there has been a moratorium placed
on Trenton's water which stops the town from activating
any new water hook-ups to its water supply. Town Recorder
Macall Smith said the current moratorium is set to expire
in April, but it could be extended.
"Worst case scenario I've heard is five years," Smith
said. Smith said that because the Bear River Water District
has put the town on water restriction they could issue
the moratorium.
"It basically stops any building in our town," Smith
said.
Commissioners discussed the drilling of a new well
to help supply water to the town. Bruce Sharp, a city
council member, said drilling had started last week
but was unsure if it was successful. He said although
the shortage was frustrating the town was obligated
to protect its current citizens.
"We've got to protect those who are already here,"
Sharp said.
In other business, the commission discussed some new
zoning laws being designed for the town. According to
commissioner Rob Smith, there had been some delay from
the person who was to make suggestions for the new laws,
and that it would be another three months at least,
before the laws could go into effect.
"I don't know a way to hurry this along," Smith said.
The commission discussed sending the issue to the
Utah League of Cities and Towns to get a second opinion
and agreed to do so.
Several commissioners brought up the trouble they
were having with town members building on their property
without permits.
"This is not fair," Sharp said. "We need to stay on
top of this and make sure someone is controlling it."
Commissioners agreed that was partly a problem because
the zoning laws were being changed.
"It will be nice when all of that's approved and we
have it because then we can flip over and page and have
it right there in black and white," Sharp said.
The commission decided to have someone evaluate exactly
what kind of building was going on and to what extent
before taking any legal action. Sharp said the town
was looking for alternatives to getting an attorney.
Other topics discussed were:
-- The approval of the Trenton General Plan to be
sent to the city council for their approval. -- Possible
names for new board members for the Planning and Zoning
Commission and the Board of Adjustment. -- Petitioning
the state to lower the speed limit on a state road coming
into Trenton.
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