I. RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the attached letters to be submitted to rural water users.
II. BACKGROUND:
The City of Coalinga provides water service to “rural” users and has done so for quite a length of time. These Coalinga residents live outside the typical city limits. Section 6-4.12 “Extension of water system”, requires these water users to have a contract with the City of Coalinga that states that they will only use this water for domestic purposes.
III. DISCUSSION:
Rural water users are residents that live outside the typical city limits. These are homes such as those alongside Highway 198/33. Municipal code requires these users to have signed contracts on file in order to use water at their homes. These contracts simply state that the water provided should only be used for domestic purposes, and that in the event of an extreme water shortage the inner city would be prioritized.
As leadership has changed over the years, these contracts (as required in Sec. 6-4.12 “Extension of water system”) have either gone missing or do not exist. Staff has engaged with the City Attorney to draft letters to be sent to these residents. These letters (attached) explain the intended use of the water and request that they submit contracts to the City agreeing to these terms.
To be clear, the contract permits uses such as those required in running a household and bars water use that would be commercial or agricultural in nature. Presumably, nothing would change with their water use. This is simply a housekeeping item.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
Do not approve the attached letters and their submission, and seek alternative language to be sent.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
None |