Fire Hydrant Issue Unresolved

Lack of fire hydrants at Patricia Island and Lighthouse Springs developments was again a hot topic at this week's Grove Municipal Services Authority meeting, with no action being taken.

A previous plan submitted to the authority was shelved after a Jan. 31 meeting between GMSA Chairman Pete Churchwell, City Manager Bill Galletly, Rural Water District #9 chairman John Gillette, Kent Stewart, developer of Patricia Island Estates, Don VanHouser, developer of Lighthouse Springs, and Debbie Mavity, assistant city manager.
Rural Water District #9 agreed to install at least one additional hydrant; Don VanHouser of Lighthouse Springs agreed to pay for one-half of a hydrant; Kent Stewart again stated he would need to "consult with his partners" and get back to the group.

City Manager Bill Galletly had previously agreed to pay for 10 hydrants, but not for installation, which has now shrunk to one hydrant and the homeowners at Patricia Island would need to pay for two hydrants. Some homes are as far as 2,800 feet from the nearest hydrant, although the city fire code requires 500 feet.

Chairman Pete Churchwell promised the group of homeowners in attendance that "we will work on it and we will get some hydrants out there."