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Connell council tables SMIC subdivision water-request pending engineering analysis
Summary
Council tabled a developer request to tap a city water main to serve up to 33 one-acre lots outside city limits, citing unanswered engineering questions about capacity, fire protection and who will pay for needed upgrades.
Connell City council tabled consideration of a water-usage agreement for a proposed SMIC subdivision after members pressed for engineering analysis of water capacity, hydrant/fire protection and the distribution of costs.
The item concerns a request from local landowner Neil Smith to tap an existing airport-area water line to serve as many as 33 one-acre parcels on the east side of Highway 395 near the airport. Council materials include a May 2024 letter from Smith and a prior 1995 agreement with Bernie and Nancy Eskelsen related to the airport water line. Planning Commission had previously agreed to allow city water to feed the subdivision.
Council members and residents raised technical questions: whether the existing 8-inch, dead-end line can provide sufficient flow for 33 lots, whether residents would use irrigation that could increase demand, and whether there is adequate hydrant service for firefighting. A council member noted the line was upgraded a few years ago but also said the original installation appeared to have been done by private parties and lacked complete city inspection records; another council member said the developer should fund engineering work.
Tyson said he had spoken with Anderson & Perry (engineers), who recommended preparing a water model to estimate supply and pressure, including the difference between a dead-end line and one tied into the broader system. Council members agreed the developer should provide engineering and cost information; the council voted to table the item to allow staff to obtain the necessary water-model and cost estimates before any formal approval.
No vote on the water-usage agreement was taken; staff will request engineering analyses, determine who pays for the work, and return the item to council when information is available.
