A difference of merely inches could be profound.

Monday’s Oskaloosa City Council meeting found the council at odds with the size of water mains to be used in the proposed Anderson subdivision. The five-lot subdivision is to be located at the corner of Suffolk Road and Joiner Avenue on the western edge of Oskaloosa.

The council unanimously approved a preliminary plan for the subdivision on two conditions. First, four-inch in diameter water mains would be needed for the subdivision. Second, all home foundations would need to get the OK from an engineer.

There is a two-inch Mahaska Rural Water line on Suffolk Road that was proposed to be used for the subdivision. However, the city council does not think that will be sufficient.

In a letter submitted to the city council by Oskaloosa Fire Chief Mark Neff, he said four-inch water mains more easily ensure his department will be able to protect the subdivision in the event of a fire.

The Oskaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission also considered the water main issue and recommended to the city that they approve subdivision plans that include four-inch water mains.

Councilman Jimmy Carter voiced his agreement with Neff and the Planning and Zoning Commission Monday evening.

“As we look at future annexation, I think we want to make sure, in regard to fire protection, that we have that,” said Carter. “As our fire chief has adequately pointed out, we wouldn’t have it if we allowed a two-inch water line for it.”

This issue was recently brought before the Mahaska County Supervisors. The supervisors approved the subdivision plan after waving the Oskaloosa city ordinance requiring 4-inch water mains. Instead, the supervisors approved a pressurized 2-inch water main for the subdivision.

At Monday’s meeting, Oskaloosa City Attorney Dave Dixon clarified which entity, the city or the county, would have authority in the matter.

“I believe its a situation where, ultimately, the city council has control over that,” said Dixon before pointing out the council would only be approving a preliminary plan thus far. Approval of a final plan for the subdivision would come at a later date, said Dixon.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a site plan for a building addition to First Christian Reformed Church.

• Approved a resolution to begin the process of complying with House File 243 for the purpose of improving gender balance on all city boards, committees and commissions.

• Approved a sixth pay request from K. Cunningham Construction for the North I Street and M Avenue West project.