One council member, Poston, lives in HOA, recuses self from vote
Metro Creative
The Chandler City Council recently approved a 0.92-acre land purchase near the southern edge of the city for a well site that’s next to a city water facility. One council member, who lives within the HOA, recused herself from voting on the sale.
A city of Chandler purchase approved by the City Council last month had one recusal.
Council member Jane Poston recused herself from what ended up as a 6-0 vote to approve the purchase of 0.92 acres of vacant land for a well site.
The property is located east of the northeast corner of Cooper Road and Hunt Highway. Poston and her family live with the homeowners association that’s selling the land to the city.
After determining fair market value, closing costs and escrow fees — all of which the city has agreed to pay — the city made an offer to the Cooper Commons Community Association to pay about $352,000, which was accepted by the association’s board of directors.
A staff report explained the reason for the purchase, which was approved as part of a consent agenda without discussion.
“The city requires additional well sites to provide adequate water for future growth,” the report states. “(CCCA) owns a parcel that is adjacent to the city owned Hunt Highway Water Production Facility, which includes a water storage tank and booster pump facility. This site is appropriately located for an additional well that will supply the existing facility."
City staff attended, via online, a CCCA board meeting in September, 2024, made a presentation describing the project and answered questions from the board and residents in attendance. The board had a positive response to the presentation and sale of its property to the city, the report states.
There is no mention of water rights or state water-supply or groundwater restrictions or requirements mentioned in the report.
The report states money for the purchase is approved under the city’s multi-year capital improvement plan. The money is coming from the city’s “Water-operating” fund and from its well construction/rehabilitation program.
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Jason W. Brooks News Editor | Chandler Independent
Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.
Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.
Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.
Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.
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