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Wellsville delays change to water‑scarcity rule that would allow developers to submit applications while hookups remain blocked
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Summary
Staff proposed amending Wellsville city code to let developers submit subdivision applications and install infrastructure while holding building permits that require new water connections until the scarcity is lifted; council continued the item to get a timeline for pumping Well Number 4 to Lindley Reservoir and to receive a black‑line draft of the ordinance.
City staff presented proposed changes to Wellsville city code (referenced as code 8.1.e.18) intended to allow developers to proceed with infrastructure work and application filing while preventing issuance of building permits that require new water connections during an active water‑scarcity proclamation.
Staff explained the change would permit developers to put in roads and infrastructure and to submit applications, but building permits that create new water hookups would remain prohibited until the city formally lifts the scarcity order. The staff attorney drafted the proposed language and advised that the approach would be legally enforceable under the current scarcity proclamation.
Council members raised concerns about developer risk and timing. One councilmember said developers could have “$2 or $3,000,000” invested in infrastructure if the pump house, pipeline or other upgrades are delayed; staff and council discussed the city’s reliance on Well Number 4 to pump to Lindley Reservoir as the key milestone for lifting the scarcity proclamation.
Council asked staff to obtain an updated schedule from engineer Chris Breinholt and to provide a black‑line copy of the proposed ordinance amendments for the next meeting so the public and councilmembers would have clear language in advance. Council voted to continue the item until that information is available rather than adopting the change immediately.
The discussion highlighted two tradeoffs: allowing application processing and infrastructure work could reduce administrative backlog and position developers to build when water becomes available, but it exposes developers to construction‑cost risk if the water system upgrades are delayed. Staff committed to clear public messaging: developers would be notified in writing that the water‑scarcity proclamation remained in effect and that building permits for new water connections would not be issued until the system met the city’s requirements.
Ending: Council continued the item and directed staff to return with a timeline and a formal proposed redline/black‑line ordinance for the next meeting.