Council hears staff recommendation to buy river‑adjacent property for future well site; staff reports test‑well success

Jim introduced a proposal for the purchase of property on the north side of the Stillaguamish River as a potential future potable well site. He said the city has relied on the Haller Well for about 80% of supply and that an airport well is failing. City staff began looking for an alternate site in 2012 and have narrowed the search to five parcels offered by one owner.

Jim said the city performed a Phase I environmental assessment, tested buildings for lead‑based paint and asbestos, sampled water quality and installed a test well that ‘‘produces high water.’’ He said the aquifer lens being targeted is about 98 feet below surface. The negotiated purchase price was $1,200,000; the owner agreed to donate $200,000 to the city, leaving a $1,000,000 cash purchase price.

Council members asked for clarification on parcel boundaries and occupancy. Jim explained that one adjacent private residence will remain occupied and that the purchase agreement includes a covenant allowing that resident to continue taking water from a shared well on the property. Nathan raised concerns about flood risk: staff confirmed the site lies in Snohomish County and said permitting, flood‑mitigation standards and compensatory storage (approximately 30 acres available) will be addressed in later phases. Jim emphasized this is phase 1 (property procurement) of a multi‑phase project that will include permitting, well‑house design and construction, and noted completion of later phases is contingent on county permits and design work.

Council members did not record a final vote in the transcript excerpt; staff recommended proceeding with the acquisition and will return with any required follow‑up documentation during the formal consent/adoption process.