[Vision2020] The GWPZ Hearing--water use differences

[Mark Solomon]

Mike,

Donovan is referring to the proposed county 
groundwater land use management overlay zone for 
the Moscow sub-basin, not the City conservation 
ordinance.

Mark Solomon

At 11:59 AM -0700 8/15/05, Michael Curley wrote:
>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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