North County Water District board member Terry Niebel had every right to question a recent proposal by the city of Dunkirk. Earlier this month, officials proposed — without district approval — a plan to provide water from Dunkirk to the village of Fredonia.

Niebel, R-Sheridan, had several questions about the city’s proposal. For example, he wanted to know how much Dunkirk, the sole water supplier to the district, gives the district each day. Additionally, he wanted to know why the water district did not know about this plan for the village.

“This is a friendly type of dialogue,” Dunkirk Department of Public Works Director Randy Woodbury said about the Fredonia plan. “If we can help them, we want to be there to help.”

Fredonia has been reluctant for nearly 15 years to be at the table when it comes to the water district. If the city — with reduced rates — can get their attention, then it may be a worthwhile attempt.

For now, the village is still weighing its future plans with the system. Knowing the tradition for lack of action by Fredonia with water, this issue may not come to a boil for decades to come.