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Trustees approve purchase of irrigation water rights for Agri Nature Center
Summary
After a closed-session review, the Board approved buying irrigation water rights to support the Agri Nature Center's farming and preservation activities. Public commenters urged the purchase, citing the village's limited water holdings for agriculture.
Trustees voted Jan. 21 to authorize the village to purchase irrigation water rights for use at the Agri Nature Center, approving the transaction after a closed-session discussion of terms.
Attorney Chapel explained the transaction had been discussed in closed session because the terms and parties were confidential; trustees then took an open vote. Public commenters David Montoya and John Edwards supported acquiring water, saying the village needs stored irrigation water to sustain agriculture at the Agri Nature Center and to align practice with the village's agricultural goals.
Trustees expressed unanimous support. Trustee remarks emphasized the Agri Nature Center's reliance on water and the strategic value of securing rights for education and farming projects. The board recorded the motion, second and voice vote (trusty Benitas yes; trusty kefir yes; trusty radnovich yes; trusty Ranal yes).
Administrators said the purchase will be used for irrigation at the Agri Nature Center and will be implemented under village administration; the board did not disclose the sale price or contractual parties at the public meeting, citing confidentiality discussed in closed session.
Next steps include completing the closing and recording any necessary changes to the village water-rights records and coordinating operational plans for irrigation and demonstration projects with Agri Nature Center staff.
