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Council holds first reading on Kennewick Irrigation District franchise; no action taken
Summary
Council reviewed a proposed nonexclusive franchise that would let Kennewick Irrigation District install irrigation infrastructure in city rights-of-way. Staff recommended waiving a $100,000 performance bond for the district based on insurance and other assurances; the ordinance returns Sept. 2 for adoption.
The West Richland City Council held a first reading and public hearing on Aug. 19 for a proposed franchise ordinance giving Kennewick Irrigation District (KID) authority to construct and maintain irrigation infrastructure within the city's public rights-of-way.
Roscoe Floyd, the city’s public works director, described the ordinance as the fourth attempt to reach agreement with KID and said KID’s new general manager “understands the city's largest asset is our roadway system and our road right of way.” Floyd said the draft franchise mirrors language used in a 2020 agreement with the Lewis and Clark Irrigation Company and is intended to protect the city’s interests while allowing irrigation facilities where easements do not exist.
The ordinance includes typical requirements for permits, reporting and restoration after work in the right-of-way. KID asked to waive the city’s standard $100,000 performance bond requirement because it is a public agency; Floyd said staff recommends waiving the bond based on the district’s insurance and other contractual protections while reserving the city’s right to require a bond in the future if performance issues arise.
Floyd said there is no formal action on the ordinance at the Aug. 19 meeting; the item will return for adoption on Sept. 2. During the hearing, council members asked clarifying questions about the meaning of “perform” under the agreement and whether the franchise would be exclusive. Floyd replied that “if they don't perform per the language in here, then we can go back and require that,” and said the franchise is nonexclusive and would not preclude other irrigation entities from providing service where their boundaries or lines permit.
The public hearing was opened and no public testimony was offered in person or virtually. The council did not vote on the ordinance at the first reading.
