ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER

Water issues were before the Selma City Council again at its regular meeting on Sept. 7.

City staff presented a report asking for discussion and necessary action on a resolution of necessity to acquire property by eminent domain.

It was explained that this item follows up on the previous actions of the city council regarding the purchase of Selma's water system facilities owned by the California Water Service Company (Cal Water).

A memorandum from the city attorney's office was submitted outlining the fact that staff has conducted an appraisal and has made an offer to purchase the water system from Cal Water.

It was noted that the cost of such a purchase is unknown at this time. It is anticipated that there will be no direct impact on the budget.

Staff requested authorization to issue a notice of hearing, as required by law, setting a hearing for 7 p.m. on Oct. 4, 2004. At that time, the council will hear testimony regarding a resolution of necessity to acquire the water system.

Although this was not a public hearing item, Jim Smith, District Manager of Cal Water for the Selma District, asked for permission to speak to the council and was granted such. Smith asked for a two-week continuance on this item.

Smith did not want the council to issue the notice of hearing date for hearing testimony regarding the resolution of necessity. He said that he, on behalf of Cal Water, was working on a plan he hopes to bring to council at their next meeting which will bring this matter to a peaceful resolution.

Smith said that Cal Water provides Selma with good and reasonable water service, and that giving him a chance to bring back a viable solution to the city's concerns will work in the public's best interest. It is his intention to open the lines of communication between the city and the Cal Water company, he said.

The council granted Smith the two weeks he asked for and moved the hearing date from Oct. 4 to Oct. 18. The council made it clear that the city has not changed its position, and will go forward with its efforts to acquire the water system.

This reporter can be reached at cwright@pulitzer.net