The city had answers.
The City Council voted unanimously in favor of the potential annexation of about 25 acres, including three commercial and 23 residential properties in the area of Foothills Drive and Highway 92. This was the next step in finalizing a possible annexation of the property.
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Two property owners on South Yucca Drive asked questions during the public hearing about the annexation and what the city would do if their properties were annexed.
Patrick Bryan said most of the residents have septic systems. He asked if they would be required to hook up to the city’s sewer system if it was brought to the area.
Assistant City Manager Mary Jacobs said that if the city decided to bring sewer to the area, property owners could hook up to it at their own cost, but they would not have to. For now, the city doesn’t plant to extend sewer to the residential properties.
Bryan also was concerned about the fire hydrant serving their homes was too far away and asked if that was something the city could im- prove.
John Gucciardo was concerned about junk and hazards at a neighbor’s property and whether the city could provide assistance to get it cleaned up.
What the city would do after annexation also was a concern to about six other affected property owners as they spoke with city staff following the meeting.
Lawful land uses under county code will be grandfathered in, so not much will change in the area.
Jacobs said that if Yucca Drive is a public street, the city would provide maintenance, but further improvements such as sidewalks are not a part of the city’s plan.
If a majority of the property owners wanted other improvements, the city could help residents create an improvement district, Jacobs said.
That sounded all right to Victor and Sherry Hurt, who had been city residents for 16 years before moving into their home on Yucca Drive.
Victor Hurt said he went into the meeting without being for or against the idea, but didn’t hear anything to make him oppose the annexation.
“I feel positive about it,” he said.
Sherry Hurt said she is looking forward to be able to vote in the city elections if their property is annexed.
Jacobs added that as city residents, they also might see a $400 to $500 property tax savings, depending on their property values, as well as get city transportation services and improved fire and police response.
The council’s approval on Thursday night paved the way for the city to have a year beginning next week to receive approval from at least a 51 percent majority of the property owners who have more than half of the property value in the area, said Jim Herrewig, Community Development director.
If that is gained, the council will vote on annexing the property into the city limits.
Jacobs said the potential annexation has been about an eight-month process since property owners first contacted the city about the potential annexation.
During its meeting on Thursday, the Sierra Vista City Council also:
• Accepted the Coyote Wash Sewer Inceptor, which will serve the Oakmont subdivision, Holiday Inn and Candlewood Suites.
• Approved $150,000 city contribution toward county and city drainageway improvements in Fry Townsite, where some homes have been flooded by storm water runoff.
• Approved a development code amendment on water adequacy for new subdivisions. The county- and state-passed regulation requires new subdivisions to have a 100-year water availability.
• Approved an agreement to provide financial administrative services to Huachuca City for the Huachuca City Effluent Project for $6,000 from the town of Huachuca City. The project would provide Huachuca City effluent to Fort Huachuca for treatment and recharge.
• Approved the reappointment of Julia McCaa and appointment of Dan Abrams to the West End Commission.
• Approved the reappointments of Cassandra Moyers and Ty Holland to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
• Approved the appointment of Barbara Hays to the Sister Cities Commission.
The next regular meeting will be at 5 p.m. on Nov. 25 in council chambers at City Hall.
Herald/Review reporter Laura Ory can be reached at 515-4683 or by e-mail at laura.ory@svherald.com.
