WILSONVILLE CITIZENS FOR SAFE WATER
Phone: 694-6367
On Sept. 21, 1999 Wilsonville voters approved a
measure which changed the City Charter to require a vote of the people before
Willamette River water can be used as a drinking water source. The city
refuses to allow this vote, claiming that a revenue bond funding measure which
was also approved on the same date satisfies the required future vote of the
people. Wilsonville CFSW filed a lawsuit to force the city to comply with
the Charter amendment, and allow a vote of the citizens. The Wilsonville
city attorney filed a motion with the court to throw the lawsuit out. On
May 1st, 2000, CFSW's legal council filed a response to the city attorney's
action. To view the response, click on: Response.
On May 22nd. 2000 arguments were heard by Judge Eve
Miller, who ruled against the City of Wilsonville with her decision that the
lawsuit had validity. The case was then heard on September 18,
2000 by Clackamas County Circuit Court judge Robert Herndon. On Oct. 27,
2000 Herndon ruled in favor of the City of Wilsonville. Citizens for Safe
Water appealed the case, and the appeal arguments were heard April 30,
2002. The three-judge panel, headed by Associate Judge Walt Edmonds, along
with judges Kissler and Armstrong, is expected to rule within 60 days.
In
July 2001 Wilsonville CFSW filed a second initiative petition with
the city, which, if passed, would change the city charter to require a future
majority vote of the people before treated Willamette River water could be used as
a drinking water source. Unlike their previous petition which changed
their city charter, this one required that the vote take place after
the effective date of the city charter amendment, and also stated the specific
question which would be depicted on the ballot. The City of Wilsonville
refused to approve the petition, and a lawsuit was filed by CFSW. The
Wilsonville city attorney filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which was thrown
out by the judge. On April 30 oral arguments were given by Citizens for Safe Water attorney Dan Meek and
Wilsonville City Attorney Michael Kohlhoff to Clackamas
County Circuit Court judge John Lowe.
The treatment plant which was
built in Wilsonville on the Willamette river, began operation April 29,
2002.
