Council denies Bridger Peak water-service request, says applicants may return with clarified water-rights

The Garden City Town Council voted to deny Bridger Peak Estates’ request for Garden City water service at its Aug. 13 meeting but signaled willingness to revisit the request if applicants address specific technical and water-rights requirements.

Applicants Travis Taylor and Joseph Aydelotte proposed replacing a 3-inch line to the Idaho border with a town-accepted line and terminating the extension with a meter. Public Works Director Riley Argyle summarized required steps: install about 1,500 feet of line, no pump station unless required, install a bulk meter, secure an agreement for any change-of-use for canal water rights (Swan Canal shares were discussed), and install a radio-read tower. Council members expressed concern about accepting water service for subdivisions outside town limits without annexation or clear water-right transfers.

Council Member Brad Davis moved to deny the request at this time with the proviso that the applicants return when the water-rights and technical items are clarified; Council Member Kenneth Hansen seconded and the motion carried. Mayor Pat Argyle summed the council’s posture: “I think as far as the water, is concerned, she felt the town would be willing to provide the water; I think we are.” The denial leaves open a process for the applicants to resolve water-rights and county coordination before resubmitting.