Saturday, March 22, 2008

Ordinance passed to conserve water

Jackie Schlotfeldt News-Bulletin Staff Writer; jschlotfeldt@newsb-bulletin.com

Belen An ordinance prohibiting the waste of water in the City of Belen was adopted at the regular council meeting Monday night. The ordinance defines restrictions for watering as well as penalties for violations that range from verbal warnings to monetary fines.

Mayor Ronnie Torres said the council has been looking at adopting the ordinance for quite some time, and it's geared toward educating people how to water their yards so that water is not running down the street.

"Water is such a valuable commodity — we don't want to waste it," Torres said.

Joseph Quintana, regional planning manager of the Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG), said he wrote the ordinance as part of a water conservation plan that's aimed at preserving water for future generations.

"It's really aimed at people that really wastes water," Quintana said. "I don't think anyone's water will be shut off - there's so many chances to fix the problem."

From April 1 through Sept. 30, residents using spray irrigation or sprinklers will be allowed to water their properties only from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.

Shut off nozzles on all hoses will be required when watering by hand or when washing vehicles or equipment to limit the amount of water used and to keep water from leaving personal property and running down streets.

Some exemptions are watering nursery plant stock or plants in containers, repairing or maintaining irrigation systems or applying chemicals for maintenance of new landscape. Water used for dust control and non-profit car washes that use a hand bucket and have shut-off valves on their hoses will also be exempt.

The first violation will result in a verbal warning followed by a written warning for the second violation. A fine of $50 will be assessed for third-time violators and will go up to $100 for a fourth violation. By the fifth time a person is in violation of the ordinance, the water service will be disconnected.

"I can't imagine anyone getting to this point," Torres said. "You'd have to be wasting a lot of water."

Throughout the penalty process, extensions can be requested to correct problems with water issues. Any party can also appeal a written notice of violation within 15 days of receiving it.

A moratorium on penalties will be in effect for one year so residents will have time to get used to the ordinance.

Councilor Wayne Gallegos said he thought the ordinance was a great thing to do for future generations and then asked if the ordinance was set in concrete or is a working document.

Torres explained that any ordinance is a working document that can be looked at as situations change.

Gallegos said it was important that they look at the city's use when cleaning fire hoses and watering parks as well.

"We need to set an example, and if there's a problem, fix it right away," Torres agreed.

A copy of the ordinance can be viewed at the office of the city manager at city hall.

In citizens' petitions, former council candidate Jerah Cordova thanked Sally Garley, Julie Baca and Ida Gallegos for "conducting a professional, efficient and credible election," and then presented the council with a letter outlining some issues, he heard while campaigning for a seat on the city council.

Cordova asked that the council consider looking at some of the issues including economic development, flooding, clean streets, recycling, a water tax, salaries for councilors, making Belen a walkable city and the numerous flea markets within the city.

Torres thanked Cordova for taking the time to outline and bring citizen's concerns before the council.

Gloria Sanchez spoke next, saying that as a citizen, she hopes it will be a fresh start for the council and that they will serve the best interest of Belen and its citizens.

"A lot of decisions you make are tough," Sanchez said. "To me, you should listen to citizens at length, and sometimes decisions have to be made for the quality of life and our children."

Sanchez said she's been frustrated by the personal attacks going on during some city council meetings.

"Even the candidates that didn't win may have great ideas," she said. "It's an opportune time to listen to them. Let's end the cycle of 'you did it wrong and we'll do it better.'"

Sanchez said she thinks the city has done a great job but some people are afraid of repercussions if they speak up about an issue and it shouldn't be that way. "In your position, you have restrictions and you make mistakes, but animosity is not healthy. People need to come back to the city and not start another city hall."

Torres said he remembers going head to head with Sanchez when they first met, but now they have a good working relationship.

"We had to compromise," Torres said. "It's great to hear your opinions. Thank you for continuing to do what you think is right."

In final comments from the council, Torres responded to Councilor Rudy Jaramillo's comments at the previous meeting regarding his business being targeted and city employees allegedly being told not to patronize his establishment.

Torres said he looked into it and from 2003 to the present, the city had spent $4,933 at Jaramillo's restaurant. "It has not been a target; we have used it," Torres said.

Torres also addressed allegations that the city used catering services from persons without a city license, and he said that one service was used without proper licensing, but the city stopped conducting business with it and notified the owner why they couldn't use their services.

The next regular city council meeting will be held on Monday, April 7.

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