Postpone water decision until new council seated

Editor, Index-Tribune:

The following letter was sent to the Sonoma City Council Members:

The Oct. 22, 2014 issue of the Sonoma Press Democrat contained an article regarding a proposed measure related to tobacco retailers. The article stated: “David Cook moved to postpone any action until after new council members are elected and sworn in. The motion garnered unanimous support from the rest of the council.”

I respectfully request a similar postponement related to taking any action regarding rates related to water usage under study by the City of Sonoma. My rationale:

A public hearing regarding the Draft Water Rate Study recently completed is not scheduled until Nov. 17, 2014.Through public participation, there could be modifications made to this report necessitating time and further study.

As the election of new Sonoma Council members will be in less than two weeks, I believe the new City Council should have the opportunity for study this information, listen to public input, and pursue possible other options before the City Council takes any action. I view this postponement to be a critical part of a democratic process to which we, as residents of the City of Sonoma, deserve.

3.If a decision to modify water usage rates occurs prior to the swearing in of new City Council members, the public will need specific rationale as to this apparent “rush” to make this decision.

It concerns me that the City of Sonoma and City Council have not yet officially sought input from residents who will be affected by any change in water rates through a public process.

Thank you for considering my request.

Marilyn Kelly

Sonoma

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