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Show tUi Hi Water wells may have saved Monticello this summer by Anna Thayn Well water production may have been the saving grace to Monticello during the 2002 drought, but it did not come without a price. Electrical costs associated with pumping are at $23,364 through September 30 for the eight wells in production. The wells produced more than 100 acre feet for the five months of operation. There are no totals on the amount of water used by citizens at the I i ! : t industrial park well. Electrical costs are only part of the picture. A price tag of $54,640 has been attached to work done on the wells by outside vendors to bring them into operation. This does not include costs associated with numerous hours of work by the city crew, city supplies and the purchase of property. No matter the cost, the City Council is sure that upgrades to the water system, both in wells and collection from the mountain, not only helped citizens make it through this summer, but will better prepare the city for future water problems . They consider it money well spent. ! Monticello City Manager Schafer reports that the secondary water has been turned off and three wells are currently refilling the secondary water pond, which could be full Councilby man Evan Lowry suggested that the city look into ways to route well water and secondmid-Novemb- er. ary water into the culinary system should the drought continue. Members of the San Juan Water Conservancy District met with the council to discuss the use of water from the Conservation Pool at Loyds Lake. The city reports having used 200 acre feet of the Districts water share and still need 15 acre feet in order to completely fill the culinary ponds. Schafer reports that the city has been filling the ponds from the lake so they will have enough water to get through the winter. It is estimated that they would have the ponds full by the middle of this week. Once the ponds are full, they will begin pumping water from four city wells back into Lloyds Lake to begin replacing some of the water used. Schafer estimates that they will be able to replace 20 acre feet per month, and plan to pump all winter unless a significant amount of snow falls. The city accepted all responsibility for replacing the 215 f I I f THE SAN JUAN RECORD Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - Page 3 acre feet they borrowed from the Conservancy District. Members of the District voted to approve the use of 215 acre feet by the City of Monticello at no cost, on the agreement that the City will replace the used water. The Conservation District also reports that they have been forgiven $48,000 in interest by the State Water Resource Board and will give the city $10,000 for water projects. They stipulate that the funds be matched by the City. In other business, Council- man Pete Steele urged the council to look into your hearts, and consider holding a special election to allow the citizens to determine the outcome of the electrical system purchase before it costs the people any more money. The council listened quietly as Steele discussed his feeling that the situation could be over in a matter of weeks with an election or a matter of years in the courts. Steele pointed out that the council has worked well together and accomplished some great things in the past year. I know that everyone here wants what is best for the citizens, he said and urged the council to think about the possibility. In other business, the council formally approved their designation of the site for a new airport. Their choice is on the east side of Highway 191 across from the existing facility. They will move forward with plans for surveys and land acquisition. Airport Committee member Don Kilgrow estimates that a new facility will take five to seven years to complete. The council also approved the purchase of a DIGIWIX weather system for the airport, with a price up to $18,000. Employee merit increases were approved for the Monticello Police Department. Councilmen Steve Young and Pete Steele opposed the increase, but the votes of Kim Burtenshaw, Doug Allen and Evan Lowry carried the motion. In recreation businesses, the council determined that the restroom facility at the baseball complex should be open for public use during events both at the complex and at the high school football field. The facility will remain open unless vandalism or misuse causes it to close. The Recreation Committee requested that the city allow them to seek bids to construct batting cages at the baseball complex. The council agreed to let them seek bids to determine the cost before a decision on the construction is made. i I I i A I Write-i- n JJnmra i I I Dear Voters of District 2. ANNUJRfCIINE r Campaign for SDnmimway We, the Citizens for Civil County Government, asked Jim Shumway to file as write-i- n candidate for District 2 County Commissioner and are running campaign for him. i i i f l San Juan County is facing difficult issues County Commissioner who is: Willing to listen Fair and determined In difficult times. Jim Shumway will a a be a to research the Issues and make informed decisions Innovative and ready to solve tough problems enough to treat others with respect Self-empower- ed Honest and committed to doing what I is As Blanding citizens legal, unprejudiced and right we simpiy feel Jim Shumway will accomplish the most for Biandina with his personal strength, positive attitude, respect for others, and dedication. If there is any hope of while still protecting Blanding's interests. co-operati- on, Jim is the man who can accomplish If it. you want the best for San Juan County, Write-i- n and Color in the dot for: Jim Slnumway County Commissioner If you wish to help with the campaign, you may donate to the: Citizens for Civil Countv Government fund at Zions Bank, When Jim Shuinway ran in the Republican primary, I heard several rumors around town that were so ridiculous I had to laugh them off. 1 figured people knew Jim Shumway and wouldn't possibly believe them. I was shocked to discover I was wrong. After many phone calls and hours of talks with concerned citizens, Jim Shumway has agreed to run again. I have decided that this time I better at least correct the biggest misconception. I wish I had space to correct them all, but I don't. It was rumored that Jim Shumway is too nice of a guy and will be walked all over in County Commission. Nothing could be further from the truth. Crowing up, my father taught us to treat everyone with respect and always consider others feelings. But he also emphatically taught us the concept of always standing up for what is right and never giving in to peer pressure. Jim has never been afraid to stand alone for what he knows is right. His strong sense of integrity will not allow him to bend or compromise if he knows his stand is Just. But Jim also possesses another quality. He has the ability to persuade like no one 1 have ever seen. A former city council member said It best. This is not exact, so 1 won't quote it. but this is what he described: Jim has the ability to take a crowd full of contention and with a single sentence, turn them into a crowd full of laughter. He then takes over and, ever so gently and ever so carefully, leads them down the path he wants them on. In the end. they solution that eveiyone is usually walk out with a win-wi- n I too with. have similar scenes time witnessed pleased after time. It is those powers of persuasion, coupled with a willingness to stand firm, that we need on the county commission if Blanding is ever going to have a say. If you need proof, review Jim's eight years as mayor. Jim has always taken a strong, aggressive stand in doing what is best for the citizens of Blanding. One of Jim Shumway 's main reasons for running was to make the county Jlscally responsible, especially concerning health care and he will do it. I believe we should hold our elected officials to a higher standard. They should represent the best of us. Put that standard out there and Jim will not only meet the bar. he will rise above it. You will not find someone with stronger integrity and a greater love of his countiy and this county than Jim Shumway. His Integrity and commitment to do the best for the citizens of Blanding and San Juan County are unshakable. Given the chance, he will prove what a difference he can make. ' mam Paid tor by: CWzeni tor CM County Government PA Hoping for a better San Juan County Laura Fenlaw POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT |