Proposed County Ordinance On Hold
Proponents Seek Community Support
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Posted: April 18, 2015
Jeff Gaastra, a resident of Newberry Springs who spearheaded a
committee that prepared a proposed county ordinance to help protect the local water basin
from increased overdrafting, has announced the withdrawal of the proposal for the present.
Gaastra, and his committee members proposing the water conservation
ordinance, came under community opposition, that raised questions whether the community
supported the ordinance.
Though the general language and outline of the proposed
ordinance was very well done, some community opposition felt that the proposal stymied
needed growth in Newberry; others felt that the proposed ordinance didn't go far
enough; and others wanted it to address current farming pivot practices. Still
others found ambiguity in open-ended wording that could lead to legal wrangling.
In an e-mail communication, Jeff Gaastra wrote, "There has been some
pushback from the community on the proposed County Water Ordinance. After listening to
the concerns I have decided to wait until after the May 29th court proceedings to work on
this issue." The May 29th court matter is presumed to be Superior Court's Judge Gloria
Trask's stance on the Watermaster's recommendations on the Baja Subarea adjudication.
Gaastra further stated, "In the mean time, please continue to discuss
this proposed ordinance with your neighbors and write down any good ideas so we can include
them at a later date." So with some much needed tweeking, the proposed ordinance
may be back.
As suggested by the Stearn's billboard, the Blotter hopes to
provide further information on the proposed ordinance should more become available.
Proposed County Ordinance Currently On Hold
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