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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend October 6, 2005 Westwood vote, tie to Measure 37 considered By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune With Oct. 19 set for a vote on supplying water to the Westwood subdivision, the Medford Water Commission turned its attention Wednesday to future Measure 37 claims. "I believe that we should make sure we understand Measure 37," said Jack Day, commission board member. He said given that the commission changed its charter several years ago to limit its service area to municipal areas only, and not to rural water districts, he was concerned someone could file a claim. Day asked whether, through a Measure 37 claim, a property owner could build a 100-home subdivision in the county and then put in a claim for water service. But City Attorney John Huttl said property owners could not file a Measure 37 claim against the commission. Advertisement "My understanding of Measure 37 is that it applies to local jurisdictions that enact a land development code," he said. Medford City Councilman Jim Key agreed. He said at the time of the passage of the measure, Medford attorney and former Medford City Councilman Bill Mansfield researched the bill to see if county residents could demand city services, including water services, and determined that services were not included. Westwood subdivision, on Ross Lane between Medford, Central Point and Jacksonville, relies on well systems which have been dwindling. During hot months, the wells’ yield is low, and many residents are forced to bring in expensive hauled water. Most of the residents want to pay for distribution lines that would connect them to the Medford Water Commission’s municipal supply. State Rep. Dennis Richardson, R-Central Point, whose district includes Westwood, introduced a bill in May to require the commission to provide water to the subdivision. The bill was withdrawn after Medford Mayor Gary Wheeler sent Richardson a letter suggesting a "good faith" meeting between the commission and Westwood residents. That meeting took place in September. Only four of the five board members were present Wednesday, and all five plan to attend Oct. 19. The meeting will be held at noon, Room 151 Lausmann Annex, 200 S. Ivy St., Medford. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail Westwood vote, tie to Measure 37 considered ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Student Loans Online Pharmacy tcg student loan consolidation Online Casino Reviews Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Discount Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Casino Gambling Sites Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Salvia Divinorum Advertisement s