Local residents attended the town council meeting held Feb. 20. Two sets of photographs provided a stunning difference between the historical and present state of the EPCOR water tank site. A petition of 60 signatures was included to support the concern. Issues presented were:

*Apparent lack of communication between the town planners and EPCOR about who approved what and little communication with the residents.

*Concern over the glaring white, exposed tank, the interior walls of the enlarged hole around the tank covered in a gray cement product, and a gray wall around the tank that does little to camouflage the eyesore. Apparently EPCOR turned off the water that was maintaining the previous tall trees around the tank, so eventually they became unhealthy and consequently EPCOR had reason to remove them.

*Complaints about the increased noise of equipment.

*Trees of any useful size are being installed only on the west side and only small plants that provide no camouflage are planned for the arroyo side, where most of the residents are affected

*These decisions negatively affect the unique native environment of the area including the Botanical Garden and dramatically reduce the residents’ view of the area with a probable outcome of reduced property values.

An informal group met after the meeting with Jeffrey Stuck, EPCOR Director of Operations, Eastern Division. Painting structures to blend in was briefly discussed. He discouraged the possibility of replacing the tall trees on the Arroyo side in spite of both their camouflage and noise reduction usefulness. He suggested that water rates might need to be increased if this were done. He said he will work toward resolution on the issue.

A list of resident recommendations will be presented to the city and EPCOR encouraging both to be good corporate citizens for an harmonious outcome.