Hazard plan foggy

Moses Lake reverses decision on plan

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake city council is unclear on the Grant County All Hazards Mitigation Plan.

In July, council approved the plan without a full understanding of what it is. At the Tuesday meeting, the council chose to rescind their action.

"Right now it's like trying to catch a handful of fog," Councilmember Dick Deane said. "We know it's there, but we don't know what it is."

Council rethought their decision after finding the plan affects their urban growth area. According to the plan there is a buffer zone around the Wheeler Road Corridor. The buffer zone does not allow property to be added to the urban growth area designation for future development. The plan attempts to prevent dense population in areas of high risk.

Some hazards identified in the plan include, earthquake, transportation hazards, wind, fire, flood, drought and utility shortage or failure. The plan attempts to restrict loss to the city in case a hazard occurs. It also identifies resources and policies in place to deal with hazards.

Councilmember Jon Lane and Mayor Ron Covey felt they bound themselves to something they did not understand.

"None of us have an understanding of what we're in support of," Covey said.

"I guess that's what happens when you don't study the facts," Councilmember James Liebrecht said.

Councilmember Richard Pearce took a different stance on the resolution.

He was worried about rescinding the decision right away since property owners were not being affected at the time. He wanted to leave it in place and study the matter to learn more about the plan and the effects it has on the urban growth area and if it is necessary to have it in place. He suggested the city take the lead to study the plan.

Pearce was the lone vote against rescinding the resolution.

Council expects more discussion on the issue at the next council meeting set for Jan. 9 at 7 p.m.