Pre-meeting coverage

Save the date: Sept. 13 at 6:30 PM

September | 1 of 10

Saturday, September 9, 2023

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-Zack Cinek

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WHAT: Willits City Council Meeting

WHEN: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

WHERE: City Hall, 111 East Commercial Street, Willits

Supporting documents: Meeting agenda, Willits Main Street Corridor Enhancement Plan

Water

Council members will consider a memorandum of understanding to pursue a water connection to Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians property on Mitomki Way. 

But information the city learned from its water attorney could be more interesting and impactful than debating a water connection to a neighboring government. 

The city was told that reservoir water would be in short supply if it released what it should into the creek.

Wednesday marks the third time council members have discussed water for the tribe’s housing located off Eastside Road.

Council members had decided last month that a representative be present to answer questions. 

A written report from the city outlined some of the talking points that the city discussed with a law firm.

What the city learned from lawyer Andrew Ramos could prove inconvenient. 

CITY OF WILLITS: Mr. Ramos also remarked that the City is noncompliant with Outlet Creek release flows the City agreed to with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) at the time of establishing Centennial Reservoir. If the City fulfilled its required release flows, at our existing production capacities, the City would encounter difficulties satisfying current demands and would be unable to consider additional requests. Mr. Ramos advises to seek a revised release requirement from DFW.