Tres Pinos Water District candidates differ on how they see
future development
One of the most heated races this election day may be that of
the tiny Tres Pinos water district.
Tres Pinos Water District candidates differ on how they see future development
One of the most heated races this election day may be that of the tiny Tres Pinos water district.
Though the district only has 113 customers and an annual budget of $121,433 for the 2005-2006 fiscal year, the little district has raised quite a few collars in the recent years.
Audra Bourdet, a candidate running for one of two open seats on the water district, says water supply is the top issue.
“This district needs to locate a new supply of water and proper storage for the district,” Bourdet said. “It’s important that the district works for all of Tres Pinos, not just a handful of people. They need to find out everyone’s concerns.”
Another issue facing the district is the purchase of a new water tank and backup pump.
“Last summer, when it was 115 and the pump broke, there was no backup. Without the extra storage if we had a fire and had to open up the hydrant it would be empty in 30 minutes. If we ran both hydrants in the city, the water would be gone in 15 minutes,” said Laura Naccarato, a parent and store manager who is running for the water district for the first time.
Securing the land for a new tank and a new well may not be easily accomplished, according to incumbent Janie Lausten.
“[The district] is going to and working with a consulting company to determine where to get the money for the improvements,” Lausten said. “The role of the water district is to make sure that adequate water and adequate sewer capacity is supplied to all the residences and businesses in the district.”
Some people in the district believe that the largest problem facing the water district in Tres Pinos is pressure being applied to the district by the development community.
For the past 15 years there has been a moratorium on growth due to lack of water capacity from the water district, but developers wanting to pursue new projects are pressuring the district to loosen standards and allow some growth within the town, said Robert Frusetta, a rancher and the third candidate for the district.
“Developers have disregarded, disobeyed and disrespected the intent of the Tres Pinos Water District’s ordinances. It’s forcing the district to hire costly lawyers and engineers,” Frusetta said. “The water district isn’t about the tanks or the pumps or the meters or the pipes, it’s about the people. I want to represent them as best as possible. It is the obligation of the district to provide water to the best of the their ability, but the way they are doing it now, there will be problems.”
As Ed Schmidt, the final candidate for the water district, sees it, getting more storage capacity for the district is vital to the economic viability of the future of Tres Pinos.
“I worry that in the future there will not be enough economic viability. They’re allowing people to have their own wells and that’s losing customers for the district. I don’t want to see those situations. It’s vital for us to bring things up to code and get more storage support,” Schmidt said.
Patrick O’Donnell can be reached at [email protected]
