Paradise seeks legal solution for water license woes

By Jon Cox

February 4, 2005 | PARADISE -- The City Council prepared for the worst Wednesday night, as a court battle seems imminent over several city water licenses.

Veer and Andy Johnson of Paradise had attended the previous council meeting to complain about the city's proposed licensing of water rights on their property. Because of a failure to receive a license according to city ordinances, their water line along with four others in town had been temporarily disconnected.

"They want free water, free pressure, forever," Mayor Leroy Atwood said.

The Johnsons disagreed with the city's action, saying the water hookup belonged to them, and therefore the city has no right to distribute licenses of water it does not own.

The council rejected the complaint and is currently in the process of seeking legal mediation. The council expects the mediation will not take place until sometime this summer due to scheduling conflicts with the 1st District Court.

In other council action, a plan was presented by Eric and Cindy Allen to rezone their existing property along with a neighboring lot. The Allens presented the division to town Planning and Zoning Committee previously but had failed to gain approval.

The council did not approve the division, but recommended they return to the planning and zoning committee to present again the proposal.

In other town business:

-- The newly elected officers of the fire department were approved, with Troy Fredrickson remaining as chief.

-- A dog licensing clinic is scheduled to be held March 5. Those participating in the clinic can receive a dog tag for half the usual $10 price.

-- Two Eagle Scout projects were approved by the board to help renovate the town hall and replace damaged canal poles and reflectors.

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