Water Wasting Amendment Approved

Last night the Gillette City Council had its second of three readings for a water-wasting ordinance. Before the second vote was taken, councilman Forrest Rothleutner proposed an amendment. The amendment to the ordinance was that it would sunset on July 1^st, 2016.  Rothleutner noted that the effective date was fixed to reflect the estimated time of the second Madison Pipeline to be completed.

 “I’m suggesting that when we need to take action as a city council and we need to preserve the livelihoods of everyone in the community by doing the best with our water we do so, but we don’t unnecessarily flex our muscles when we have ample water supplies for everyone.”---Rothleutner

The proposed amendment to have the water wasting ordinance sunset on July 1^st 2016 received "no" votes from council members Louise Carter-King and Ted Jerred, as well as Gillette Mayor Tom Murphy, but was still able to pass by a tally of 4 to 3.  The council members voting "no" to the amendment voiced concern about unintentionally sending a message that there would no longer be any need to conserve water after July 1st, 2016.

“We don’t people to ever waste water, I think that would be slapping the other people in the state in the face after we've got money from the state for this water. We do not want to waste it. We have got to keep it for our futures.”---LCK

The ordinance itself (allowing the City of Gillette to fine residents for water wasting) passed on its second of three readings by a vote of 5 to 2, with council members Robin Kuntz and Kevin McGrath voting "no".

Previousa Information: http://www.basinsradio.com/index.php/news/local/510-water-wasting-on-mondays-biggest-concern-for-council