Residents speak out on acquisition of AVRWC (May 26, 2015)
APPLE VALLEY — Residents packed the 170-seat Town Council chambers on Tuesday night, and at least a dozen spoke against the town’s possible acquisition of Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company.
At Tuesday’s regular meeting, the council was set to discuss authorizing the town attorney to contract with an environmental and planning firm to study the necessary documents for the potential acquisition and operation of the water system, which serves most of Apple Valley and some customers outside it borders.
The town is still in the exploratory stages of its proposed purchase of AVR, while the company insists it is not for sale. The town will likely have to pursue an eminent domain case if it wishes to control the water system.
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Thirteen people spoke about the issue during the public comment period, and all but one opposed the takeover.
One man, who said he was an employee of AV Ranchos, said the town was taking shots
at AVR and that it affected everyone in the organization, not just those at the top.
Another dozen people were scheduled to speak during the agenda item regarding the possible acquisition. Well after 10 p.m. Tuesday, that item had still not been discussed.
Town officials have touted the benefits of local, public control of the water system, while AVR says it’s a partner of the community and wants to continue to do business here.
An extra San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy was on hand for the meeting, but the crowd was well-behaved.
Source: Daily Press