At least one Kingfisher city commissioner would like the city’s blanket moratorium on new residential water taps outside city limits to be lifted to allow such requests to be decided on a case-by-case basis.

“Several individuals contacted myself and other commissioners and requested to have city water service in rural developments with existing water lines,” Commissioner Bill Tucker said at Monday’s regular May meeting. “Since we’ve had ample enough rain and an ample enough water supply, that should be possible.

“I just think they should be given the opportunity to present an application and come before the city council for approval or disapproval.”

“Some areas can’t handle any more because the water pressure is so low,” Commissioner Tammy Mueggenborg said. “If rural residents want city water, they could annex in.”

“There’s no benefit to the city for growth and development outside city limits,” City Manager Dave Slezickey said. “If rural residents want city services, then they can petition to annex and we can provide them with all services, not just water.

“Or if the county wants to establish a local water district and then empower rural residents to absorb the costs, then we’d be willing to sell them bulk water.”

Ray Lindsay addressed the commission about providing city water to his daughter’s house constructed adjacent to the existing Lindsay Addition.

Lindsay said that the lot where the house is constructed is one of four owned by Lindsay’s father, Bob Lindsay, that were included in a 1997 agreement with a then-existing Rural Water District serving the addition.

The agreement provided that Lindsay would be allowed water service to his lots upon request in exchange for easements granted the rural water district.

Lindsay said the agreement became binding upon the city as the successor to the water district when the city took over water service for the area.

Harrison said he’d have to look at the agreement to determine whether it is binding on the city.

“I don’t know if something like this is going to pass down to the city when it comes to the city’s management of its water system,” he said.

Mayor Steve Richards said granting new water taps to some rural residents wouldn’t be fair to those who have already been denied under the moratorium.

“But if Jared decides we have an obligation under this agreement, that’s totally different,” he said. “That would have come before the moratorium.”

Commissioners also suggested to Lindsay that he propose the idea of annexation to residents of the rural neighborhood.

Commissioners also met in executive session for Slezickey’s annual performance review as city manager. A vote on renewal of his contract will be scheduled at a future meeting.