On Friday morning neighbors of Anderson gathered at a special board meeting held at the Anderson Cottonwood Irrigation District (A.C.I.D.) office.
“I don't know if you guys actually understand what you are doing, you are messing with my livelihood,” said one Anderson resident.
With no section on the agenda to discuss the canal, neighbors saw the public comment as an opportunity to express their concerns to the board about the recent flooding in their neighborhoods.
One woman explained how she was not able to sell her home, due to the flooding in and around her property. “I know it's not personal, but to me, it's very personal as far as what I am dealing with.” she added, “I didn't want to come here and complain and be a baby or anything but this is real for us, it's not just water in my yard.”
One man addressed the board and said, “Right now we are flooded, my backyard I can't even use it. I am not a complainer usually but this is bad.”
After the public comment, the board then moved into a closed session. A.C.I.D. did not want to interview at this time. However, in the meeting, they did mention their efforts in creating long-term and short-term solutions to the flooding in neighborhoods.
One board member spoke to those in attendance at the board meeting, “We are not minimizing the problem in any way shape, or form. We aren't minimizing the impacts in any way shape or form. we are right there and we want to help you get through this.”
There is another board meeting that is going to be held Monday at 6pm, at Anderson City Council Chambers.