[Vision2020] The GWPZ Hearing--water use differences

[Michael Curley]

Donovan:
Briefly, and without trying to answer every question you asked or 
that will arise from this comment, there are several factors that 
create the perceived discrepancies you mention.  As I understand it 
from prior posts, golf courses would only be allowed to use "gray" 
water.  That is not available to most housing developments and it is 
probably good policy to keep it "out of the hands of children" (among 
other reasons).  Government (local and otherwise) has some 
restrictions on what it can mandate.  It can, for example, limit the 
number of bedrooms in a certain area (perhaps), but cannot, without 
some true and declared emergency, totally eliminate the possibility 
of building a 5 bedroom house.  

I might also add that your comment seems (although you may truly not 
have intended it) to suggest that a two-bedroom and a three-bedroom 
home would, jointly, be more water conserving than a single 5-bedroom 
home--a proposition that I suspect would not (dare I say) hold water 
if put to a research study (which have no doubt been done and some 
other reader will send us to the data).  Even if true, the city 
probably cannot legally get into discriminating against families that 
need 5 bedrooms and those that need only 3--except when the extras 
are used long-term by non-family members (such as boarders).

I have been out of town for some time, so I'm not aware that the City 
has said we can't water our lawns or gardens.  The water conservation 
ordinance simply restricts the hours during which the watering can 
occur--and by the way, grants an exemption for those who have a gray 
water system.

I will note that the ordinance rather strangely includes "soaker 
hoses" and "drip irrigation systems" in the definition of restricted 
uses and then immediately thereafter says they may be used "at any 
time. . ."  

The ordinance also gives the City Engineer authority to grant 
variances in appropriate circumstances.  If there is good reason for 
you to water your organic garden between 10am and 6pm, you can apply 
for a variance--and, of course, appeal up the line to City Council if 
you are not happy with the answer you get.

Sorry to not have time to be more thorough.  I do have a suggestion 
for you if you will allow.  You are a bright guy who asks really good 
questions from time to time.  If you think the city is messed up on 
this issue, I invite you to research the ordinances that apply and 
consider any inconsistencies from one section to another.  Then, 
suggest a solution--how should the ordinances be changed.  I'll even 
discuss them with you offlist if you'd like and you/we can then offer 
the suggestions to the list before taking them to the city.  Maybe 
you could make a positive change.  I know it happens because a friend 
and client of mine pointed out an error one week and the change was 
on Council's agenda the next.  

Mike Curley


On 12 Aug 2005 at 17:27, Donovan Arnold wrote:

> Diane,
> 
> I thank you for informing us about the working
> conditions of the committee members and that you do
> not play golf.
> 
> However, you did not address any of the content of my
> email.
> 
> What I asked was why we are telling people they cannot
> water their lawns and gardens because we have a
> massive water shortage and yet at the same time allow
> for the construction of large homes and golf courses.
> 
> Having a policy that allows for the construction of
> large homes and new golf courses when we do not have
> the water to support the ones we currently have is
> irresponsible governance because future resource needs
> of Moscow residents will not be meet.
> 
> Assuming we do not have a shortage, or it is not that
> drastic of a shortage, why are we allowing the
> construction of huge homes and golf courses before
> allowing current home owners to be able to water their
> lawns and gardens?
> 
> Golfers are given three golf courses before gardens
> can have one organic garden on their own property?
> That is not a fair and just policy.
> 
> If someone would like to address these policy flaws,
> not the working conditions of the members, their
> personalities, or what they think about golf, please
> do so. 
> 
> Donovan J Arnold 
> 
> 
> 
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