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Council discusses urban renewal options and health-district interest in workforce housing; bulk water resolution introduced
Summary
Council reviewed next steps for a possible urban renewal district targeting waterfront and health‑district hill sites and heard that the health district is interested in partnering on workforce housing; staff also introduced Resolution 2024‑19 to set bulk water permitting and rates for hydrant meter use.
The Wheeler City Council on Aug. 20 revisited a prior presentation on an urban renewal district as a tool to target blighted or redevelopment areas for affordable and workforce housing. Councilors debated timing and scope — options included focusing on the health‑district hill and vacant waterfront land — and several members cautioned that the city should not overextend while other major projects (zoning rewrite, nuisance-code update, water-rights issues and a pending lawsuit) remain active.
A representative from the local health district told the council workforce housing has been a district priority for 2–3 years and the district would like to be "at the table" when the city moves forward. The health district said it anticipates being able to talk more concretely late next year after completing clinic renovations and demolishing an existing hospital building to create buildable space.
Separately, staff introduced Resolution 2024‑19 to establish a process and rates for bulk water sales from city fire hydrants for construction, events and other temporary needs. The resolution describes an application process, a $30 administrative application fee, a meter rental of $20 per day, and tiered usage rates (e.g., $9 per 0–4,000 units, $10.80 for 4,001–8,000 units, etc.). Council clarified that a "unit" equals 1,000 gallons and that there is a monthly meter charge; staff also discussed permitting and enforcement procedures.
Council did not take a final action on the urban renewal agenda item at the meeting and directed staff to prioritize and sequence next steps; the bulk‑water resolution was presented and received questions as staff prepares it for formal adoption.
What’s next: Staff will develop timelines and estimates of water usage for workforce‑housing scenarios to help the city evaluate capacity and next steps for an urban renewal approach. The bulk‑water resolution will be refined and scheduled for formal action.
