Los Angeles herald., 1910-09-21
To FIX DISPOSAL
OF WATER SUPPLY.
Council Invites Suggestions from
Civic Bodies as to Owens
River Project
PLAN z OPEN SESSIONS WEEK
VIII Settle Question Of Sale of the
Power on Completion of
the AqueduCt
PLAN 2 OPEN SESSIONS WEEK

Disposal of the surplus water of the
Owens river is to be decided by the
mayor, council, the board of public
works and the water commissioners.
Civic bodies are to be given an oppor-
tunity to make suggestions.
The council yesterday adopted res
olution inviting these civic bodies to
take part in the deliberations. It is
the plan to hold open sessions in the
council chamber at least twice week.
The first of these sessions will be held
Thursday night.
The resolution was introduced by w.
j. Washburn, chairman of the finance
committee, and is as follows:
Whereas, We are informed by the
water department and board of
public works that the time has
arrived when the policy of the city
relative to the distribution of the
Owens river water and of the
power incident thereto must be de-
termined;
Whereas, Not only the council but
the citizens Of Los Angeles should
be fully informed as to all matters
in connection with these important
questions that wise decision shall
be rendered; now, therefore, be 1t
Resolved That the mayor and
council be constituted a committee
of the whole to sit in public ses-
sion at frequent intervals until all
necessary information shall have
been obtained.
INVITE SUGGESTIONS
Resolved, That all citizens and
civic organizations of Los Angeles
and adjoining communities who
NAV have suggestions to offer are
hereby invited to present the same
for our consideration.
In presenting this resolution Mr..
Washburn said:
1--WE are informed by the water de-
partment and the board Of public
works that the time has arrived when
the policy of the city relative to the
distribution of the surplus water that
will be available upon the completion
of the aqueduct must be determined.
Tt is stated that all the intervening
time will necessarily be consumed In
carrying out any policy that may be
adopted.
"This question appears to be of as
much Importance as the original aque-
duct proposition. A determination
must be arrived at concerning the ter
ritory to be served and upon what
terms Whether the water will be sup
piled only to the citizens of Los An
relies. or whether 1t will be furnished
to adjoining municipalities or to the
agricultural sections. There are many
legal questions to be solved, such as
the power of the city to furnish water
temporarily to agriculturists and re-
cover 1t when the city needs 1t for
domestic purposes. 1t will be seen
tat there is the possible question of
a combined city and county, and many
others that require the most careful
consideration.
POWER QUESTION
"Closely related with these matters
is that OF the power. Is the city to
construct distributing system, how
soon and how complete? If so, how is
the money for that purpose to be raised,
what is to be the attitude toward the
corporations now in the field7 Is their
property to be purchased, or will their
interests be ignored?
"These questions must all be met
and decided. Upon their correct solu-
tion depends many million dollars and
in. O. great measure the future property
of the city. How will a determination
be reaehed7 Upon the mayor and coun-
ell in the last analysis will rest the
responsibility Every member should
be fully informed upon every question.
It therefore appears that in place of
reference to one Of the standing COM
mittees of the council. the mayor and
council should Sit as committee or
the whole. AS 1t Is a most vital mat
ter to the whole city, we should have
the benefit of the best thought and
advice of the community.
1--WE should sit in open sessions as
would a court OF jury. We should
consider the plans and recommended
tions of the water and aqueduct de-
partments and hear evidence and sug-
gestions from our citizens. We should
hear representatives of adjoining com
munities/and learn their wants. We
should get the very best legal advice
upon the complicated legal questions
involved. We should carefully con-
slider all matters relating to cost, rev.
enues and expenses. When all this is
done we should carefully consider
what will be for the best interests of
the city and its future, and act accord
1ngly."
Two alternatives for disposing Of
this water are presented. One Is to
sell some of 1t outright on the pay
ment of a large bonus and the other
to lease 1t for a term of years at a
cheaper rate.
The question Of disposing of this
water is likely to bring about a gem
eral discussion Of city and county con-
solidation, for some of the small mu-
inequalities in the county want water
from the aqueduct and are willing to
consolidate with Los Angeles to secure
IT, If that is deemed the proper course
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