Newton Council unanimously backs letter supporting reclassification of Jacob Fork River water-supply designation

Kenyon Kelly, president of Catawba Valley Heritage, asked the Newton City Council on Feb. 18 to support reclassifying the Jacob Fork Rivers water-supply designation from "WS-111" to "WS-11," saying the change would provide greater protection for the rivers scenic and economic value and benefit residents who get drinking water from the watershed. The council voted unanimously to approve a letter of support.

Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver moved to approve the letter of support; Council Member Ed Sain seconded the motion and it passed without opposition. The minutes record that Kelly framed the request as protective of both water quality and local economic assets tied to the river.

The item was presented during the meetings presentation segment; no ordinance, regulatory change or direct funding was enacted by the council at this meeting. The minutes do not record verbatim quotes from Kelly or council members; they summarize the presentation and the unanimous council action. The approved letter of support is referenced in the city clerks file for follow-up and, if sent to the appropriate state or regional water-quality authority, would be part of the administrative record supporting any reclassification request.

Next steps recorded in the minutes: the councils approval creates an official municipal letter for Catawba Valley Heritage to include with any application or petition seeking the reclassification. The minutes do not specify a timeline for submission to the relevant review body.