During a recent government meeting, city officials discussed several key initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and water management in the area. City Manager Wybrecht highlighted ongoing projects related to sewer rehabilitation and water recharge, emphasizing their importance for future development.

The meeting began with a mention of two open projects from EVAPCO, although details were not yet available. City officials also reported on a meeting with Cureleaf, a medicinal marijuana business, which is considering expansion, though plans remain in the preliminary stages.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on water recharge efforts, which are deemed critical for sustainable development. Officials noted that the city has made substantial progress in addressing sewer capacity issues, previously losing about half of its capacity due to inflow and infiltration during rain events. Recent rehabilitation projects, including those on Robertson Road and Broad Street, have improved the situation, allowing for increased development potential.

However, challenges remain regarding water recharge. The city currently faces a deficit in recharge acreage, which is necessary to support additional water pumping from wells. Officials indicated that acquiring recharge easements will be essential to meet future demands, particularly for large projects like Mountain Brook Farms. The county has offered some assistance by dedicating previously acquired recharge easements, but more acreage is needed to facilitate significant development.

City officials also addressed the issue of water loss within the system, noting that while improvements have been made, the current loss rate is around 11-12%, down from over 20% in previous years. This tightening of the system has allowed for continued development without needing to increase water allocation permits.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and addressing water management challenges, which are vital for accommodating future growth and ensuring sustainable development.