Holtville Council approves Resolution 24-27 to extend city water service to six properties; Hoyt Engineering recommended

The Holtville City Council voted to adopt Resolution 24-27 authorizing expenditure of water enterprise funds to extend city water utility service to six properties near the intersection of Hollow Avenue and Underwood Road.

City staff said the work is a consequence of an electrical undergrounding project along Ninth Street that will eliminate existing surface (canal) water service to the affected properties. Staff reported the city had long promised to provide water service to those properties and to waive connection fees for the owners. After soliciting contractor bids, staff recommended proceeding with Hoyt Engineering because one bid was significantly lower than the other.

"We have made the decision to promise them that we would take care of the infrastructure, and waive the connection fees," staff said. The staff presentation noted that the cost estimate had grown over time "from about $60 to about $90," without specifying units in the meeting record.

Council members asked whether the properties were already on seawater service; staff said many were already on seawater and this action fills service gaps. A motion to adopt Resolution 24-27 was made and seconded (the mover was not specified in the transcript). Roll call recorded the following votes: Mike Pacheco — yes; John Munger — yes; Mike Goodsell — yes; Richard Layton — yes; Marie Anderson — yes. The motion passed.

Staff also said they are coordinating necessary encroachment permits and may need assistance from the Imperial Irrigation District if scheduling conflicts arise between utility work and water deliveries. No amendments to the resolution were made at the meeting.

The council proceeded to other reports and announcements after the vote. Staff said they would continue coordination with contractors and the IID and would notify council if additional assistance or scheduling changes are required.