Resident warns council that approving new development could strain the Santa Fe Group aquifer

Stephen Van Horn, who said he provided handouts to the council, asked elected leaders whether they recognized language in the city's 2024 consumer confidence (water-quality) report noting that the Santa Fe Group aquifer "is not limitless." Van Horn warned that the city appears to be approving new developments while the injection system for recharging the aquifer is not operating near permitted capacity.

"It seems like in this statement, the solution is primarily one thing, that is refreshing the aquifer," Van Horn said, calling that "putting all the eggs in one basket." He said, based on his review, the injection system is not pumping near the state-permitted volumes and questioned approving new multifamily housing without clearer long-term planning.

Van Horn's remarks preceded the governing body's consideration of the Encore Multifamily site plan (Item D6). Planning staff recommended approval of the 11-acre site plan (about 28 lots and approximately 109 units at full buildout); the council approved the site plan on the consent/vote. Van Horn's comments were advisory in nature; the meeting record shows no new restrictions or study motions were made in response.