Developer seeks hookups; council debates written easement and hookups

Developer McKay Kordner asked the council for guidance after he said the Hardcastle family had indicated approval for him to run a new water main across a hollow to serve a proposed subdivision. Kordner and supporting residents asked whether the city could waive hookup fees for up to six future lots in exchange for granting the city an easement or accepting an easement arrangement.

City staff and counsel explained there is a city water line in the area likely installed before 1995; while an implied easement exists because the pipe has been in place for decades, a recorded written easement would clarify width, maintenance responsibilities and notice requirements. The council discussed historical practice — including occasions when hookups were granted in exchange for easements — and financial implications. The city noted six hookups would cost the city about $45,000 at present hookup-fee rates. Council requested staff search 1995-era records and tabled further action pending that research and possible negotiation with the property owners.

No final agreement was made on waiving hookup fees; council members said a written easement could be negotiated and that any hookups should be structured to avoid speculative resale of connections.