The Boulder City Council discussed a proposal May 21 to install a six-inch water line up the new cemetery road.
Dennis Wortman, public works director, said the existing water line crosses private property owned by Buster Bullock and the city has no easement for the line. It is only about two feet deep and leaks frequently, he said. Getting a line into an easement the city now has along the new cemetery road would clarify legality for the future, Wortman said.
Bullock said he did not start out wanting to do a subdivision in the area. Having the shallow line across the middle of his property makes the land less useful, he said. “I just wanted the easement straightened out,” he said.
Mayor Rusty Giulio said it was his idea that Bullock should do a subdivision to increase the city’s stock of buildable lots. Bullock then offered to install water and sewer service to engineering standards if the city would buy the materials for a large enough line.
Alan Erickson of Morrison-Maierle consulting engineers said the proposed agreement would cost the city about $15,000. Without the cooperation of Bullock, it would cost the city nearly three times that to install a four-inch line and get the services back into the city easement, he said.
Former city council member Ray Cordeiro spoke against the proposal, saying, “You’re asking the ratepayers to subsidize the development.”
Giulio and Wortman said a new subdivision would add revenue through rates paid by the new homeowners. Moving the line would also clear up easement issues from past city decisions that were not properly done, they said.
Bullock also noted that once the subdivision is annexed into the city, the city would be getting property taxes on the property which is now outside city limits.
Bruce Giulio joined Cordeiro in opposing the idea. “I don’t agree with subsidizing private enterprise,” he said, adding it sets a precedent.
Bullock said he has proven in the past that he contributes to the community.
“If you do it with the right pipe, I will dig it for you. If not, just please remove your line,” he said.
Council member Drew Dawson said the council was getting “bits and pieces” and needed a written proposal spelling out costs, the timeframe and other details such as the cost of annexing the property.
“I don’t think we can do this by the seat of our pants,” he said.
The mayor said he would pursue a written plan “so 35 years from now we’re not having the same discussions.”
In other business May 21, the council:
- heard an offer from the Chamber of Commerce to assist with improvements, including work on park restrooms, electricity in the parks, overflowing garbage cans, and more. “Just let us know where we can help,” said Pat Lewis.
- heard an announcement of a planned tour of downtown and the historic buildings on the MDC campus with Department of Commerce representatives about the availability of renovation funds.
- approved budget adjustments to allow for the expenditure of funds received after the approval of the current budget.
- approved the use of Veteran’s Park for the weekly Farmer’s Market.
- approved the sale of fireworks by the Kiwanis and the Fourth of July display.
- noted the receipt of multiple proposals for city attorney services that were under review.
- approved payment of the monthly bills.
- and heard a letter from a youngster advocating allowing bicycles in the skatepark, an issue which will be put on a future agenda.
