Koehn, Hudson take oath of office with groundwater district

By Lisa Morton

Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo

The regular meeting of the Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District (CCGCD), took shape with the reorganizing of the board after longtime chair Vance Cottrell stepped down from his post opening the spot for Jaime Hudson who is the Water Operator with the city of Van Horn. The hand-off to Hudson and cancellation of the uncontested election earlier this month, also kept Lacey Koehn in her seat. Hudson has been a constant bullhorn with the Town of Van Horn’s water service infrastructure problems.

The board was reorganized, electing Lane Brewster, Chairman, George Strickhausen, Vice Chairman and Lacey Koehn, Secretary for the CCGCD. The meeting was also outgoing GM Summer Webb’s last time at the helm making way for Haley Davis. With the reorganization and new management position, the board approved a resolution for Van Horn Bank to update legal signatories for bank accounts.

A final review of applicants for a new Engineer/Hydrogeolist with the CCGCD resulted in the hiring of Steve Finch who is no stranger to Texas groundwater issues and who’s geological studies continue to be used as a resource with the Texas Water Development Board. The board asked Finch to look at improving conditions with the water drilling application form.

Outgoing GM Webb declared that her research for Van Horn Summit Inn, LLC, to seek approval with the CCGCD for a non-exempt drilling application can move forward. The developer has been searching for other options to build a multi-floor extended stay hotel inside the Van Horn City limits. Once word of the unprecedented application request reached City Officials, a compromise with conditions for city water utility services was offered to developers that have had the permit process on hold after the city council approved a moratorium for water service about two years ago.

In other business:

Approved the minutes of the April 20, 2022 meeting.

Discussed outreach efforts for stakeholder participation regarding the Lobo Aquifer.

Approved the payment of Bills as presented.

Left setting June meeting date open for management to schedule.

Haley Davis contributed to this article.

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