A water conservation ordinance that would have established odd-even watering days for lawns, trees and landscaping in Huron was defeated at last nights city commission meeting. The ordinance aimed to ensure the city has a sufficient water supply to meet the needs of existing industries and new businesses that may come to town. City engineer Mike Wever said the ordinance would also allow the city to capture data that would demonstrate to prospective businesses that the city could meet it’s water needs.
Commissioners Bryan Smith and Gary Harrington both stated they were having second thoughts about the ordinance. Harrington said he believes the city can deal with possible water shortages as they arise, stating that he didn’t think the ordinance was needed.
Mayor Paul Aylward agreed that it was important to collect the data but believed that could be accomplished without creating a new ordinance….
Commissioner Kludt commended the city engineer for thinking proactively. He doesn’t believe there was a significant public outcry against the measure and voiced his continued support of the ordinance
The ordinance was defeated by a vote of 3-2.
Also last night, commissioners voted to allow Huron Community Campus to send a letter from the HCC board requesting approval for a bachelor of general studies program that would be offered through Northern State University. Both NSU and the Board of Regents have told HCC they will approve the program if the requested by the board.