Letters, letters, letters

To the Editor:

Sisters residents would be wise to learn from the experience of the folks in Turner, a small Oregon town near Salem. Recently the residents of Turner voted for a sewer but now they are having second thoughts. It seems voters were misled about actual costs.

After the election, rate schedules for the sewer changed and hook-up charges skyrocketed. Hook-ups increased $3,500 and up - some folks received bills for over $10,000 - along with increased monthly rates for the next 40 years. This was far more than the voters had been led to believe by the Turner City Council.

Verbal promises to assist low-income Turner residents on fixed incomes fell through. And a major interest that promoted the sewer and stood to benefit from it did not deliver on its commitment of financial support. Some expected funding grants didn't materialize.

City hall and the Chamber of Commerce pushed the sewer in Turner for the sake of "progress," but it's the residents who will have to shoulder most of the financial burden. Most of those residents have septic systems that are working just fine.

It also turns out that certain sewer boosters were investing in real estate right outside of Turner's city limits, just waiting for the sewer to pass so they could develop and annex their property at a big profit. Sound familiar?

Now let's look at Sisters. Claims of only $1,000 hook-up and $39 monthly rates are just estimated "recommendations" by the engineering firm. The Sisters City Council has not actually set any kind of maximum cap on monthly rates or hook-up charges. Grant funding isn't known for sure. Verbal promises don't pay the bills.

As costs go up for the sewer, so will our monthly sewer bills go up. I don't know about you, but I just can't afford it.

Sincerely,

Asher Yaffee

To the Editor:

I'm Scott Teeny. For five years I owned Teeny's Excavating, Inc. We almost exclusively installed sewers in East Portland and Gresham, Oregon, where I also lived.

When I moved to Sisters five years ago, (taking a job at Questar) I sold the business to a friend who continues to operate it, doing business as Teeny's Excavating.

This is how the "East County" project developed. In the 1970s the project (50,000 homes and businesses which made it by far the largest area in the U.S. to not be on a sewer system) was considered, but the cost of around $2,000-$3,000 per property was thought to be too high and not necessary.

In the early 1980s, DEQ did a study that resulted in a mandate that the project be done to protect the Columbia River from contamination which would result without a sewer system. The cost went from $2,000-$3,000 in the late '70s to $4,000-6,000 in the mid-'80s.

At the time I sold my business, having hooked up hundreds of customers myself, the average cost was $4,800 for the main line down the street, $1,010 ($2,010 for a business) to pay "your share" of the treatment plant expansion and the cost of connecting (what I did for homeowners) which averaged $1,650 per home for a total average residential cost of $7,460.

I am told the cost would be around

$l,000 if the current measure passes. That is a bargain in my opinion and it seems to me waiting could be very expensive.

For anyone who is thinking "he just wants to get in on the money" let me tell you I have no interest in going back into the excavating business and the only work I would possibly do on this project would be free work to help out personal friends.

Scott Teeny

To the Editor:

Those of us who live in Sisters in old trailers and small houses need to know what this sewer fight is really about.

Here is the bottom line: The developers want to take Sisters away from us and sell it to the highest bidder. As soon as the sewer is in they will buy up lots as they come on the market, and build condos and large houses in the $200,000-and-up range.

This is the game they play everywhere. It's called gentrification. For many years Sisters has been unique - a place where people of modest means could live in a beautiful setting. But now the developers have noticed Sisters. All they have to do is get rid of the folks living on Social Security and hourly wages, and bring in wealthier professionals and businessmen from the Valley.

From people like these they can make money.

But there is a problem: As long as on-site septic systems are necessary, the DEQ will not allow the density that maximizes a developer's profit. This is why developers (such as PMR) want a full-scale big-city sewer system.

There is no public health or groundwater threat in Sisters. For those who need better septic systems, such as some of the downtown businesses, modern cost-effective STEP systems are available. The real issue here is not public health, but growth.

City Hall, which is in bed with the developers, doesn't want you to know this.

Usually, gentrification proceeds unhindered. Ordinary people are squeezed out and sent off to whatever undesirable area they can afford. A wealthier class comes in and enjoys what used to belong to someone else. But in Sisters we have the power to say no at the ballot box. We can preserve the unique character of our town by voting down the sewer.

Joseph Bottero

To the Editor:

Does Sisters want to continue to pollute the soil with our basically untreated sewer water?

If so, then Sisters is no better than a gas station with leaky tanks. Sewage in soil, water or above ground can be a life-threatening hazard and more costly to cleanup than a gas tank clean-up.

All government agencies involved have been up front with the fact we do not have a health hazard at present time. Do we have to have a health hazard? Let's be proactive instead of reactive.

How many repairs is too many? Minor repair, major repair (sand filters, pump tanks) and some boot-legging repairs.

Since when is the full 260 acres going to be logged? It is only proposed to log enough to put in the lagoons and treatment area.

When is the Save Sisters Committee going to present facts and figures on their proposed systems? All I have heard is it would be cheaper. Where's the facts? Can they get the same grant money? Where do they propose to put in the many small sites? Pumping these systems every two years costs at least $235/pumping.

The city did hire another firm to do a sewer system. They proposed the very same system as HGE.

The merchants did reject a sewer proposal. It was very costly since no grant money was available for the LID. It also included the Forest Service. The city had to pull the LID since the Forest Service cannot vote on such matters.

Yes! I am in need of some major system repairs. Costs range from $2,500 to $4,800 for regular system repair or $8,000 to $10,000 for a sand filter. This does not include and pumping or repair of the system. It might be good for another 10 years. This could range from $20 to $83 per month plus pumping and cleaning. Charges of $39 per month sound good to me.

Thanks to the city, HGE, DEQ, Deschutes County Sanitarian, and the Sewer Focus Group.

A sewer system would be dollars well spent.

Dave Moyer

To the Editor:

Sewer charges of $44/month are a distinct possibility if the $7 million bond measure passes next Tuesday, May 19.

Mayor Steve Wilson has finally acknowledged that there has been no official action by the Sisters City Council limiting monthly sewer payments to his "wish" of $39 per month maximum payment. Such an official action would guarantee an increase in bond interest rates as the mayor himself said at a Sewer Focus Group meeting.

Even an "unofficial" backing of the mayor's "wish" of a $39 cap by the other members of the city council could trigger higher bond interest rates because such action would be recorded in the minutes of the city council meeting. It would show "intent," which the bond issuers would not like.

There can be no validity or credibility behind the mayor's personal commitment of a $39 cap since his term of office will be up at the end of this year. Likewise, any council backing at this time means little, as there could be three new councilors in January, 1999.

Various people and media such as the Sewer Focus Group Newsletter, The Nugget, HGE, Inc. (sewer consultant) have referred to a "$39 per month cap." None have had any "official" blessing.

If the revenue bond measure passes, the city council will have authority to spend up to $7 million on the project, which could result in payments of $44/month or higher, depending on interest rates. When HGE was asked why a $7 million measure was proposed when they expect the public cost to be only $6 million, the reluctant response was that the extra million would be a source of funding if they aren't able to secure all the grants they expect.

Since there has never been any "proven health need for a sewer system," if voters do not like the possibility of paying $44/month sewer charges for 40 years, or have not had all their questions answered satisfactorily, they should vote "no" on Sewer Measure 9-57.

Respectfully submitted,

Gordon Petrie, President

Sisters City Council

To the Editor:

Yes, I am a "new" resident in Sisters. I was, however, born just west of here in Eugene and have spent a good part of the last 20 years recreating in and around the Sisters area. I'm proud that I can finally call this area home. I chose the Buck Run subdivision because of its close proximity to downtown and its beautiful forest next door.

When I found out last year that this forest was to become the site of the municipal sewer plant and drain field, I went ballistic! I immediately began researching the options, going to the meetings and talking with the mayor.

The two most important things that changed my opinion form anti-sewer to pro-sewer were:

1. This is going to happen sooner or later; however, if we do it now with the available grant money, we will be able to afford to design the project to minimize the effect on the forest and perhaps even enhance it with planned wetlands for migrating birds.

2. The PMR development is going to happen. If our sewer is voted down, they will build their own plant, complete with open sewage ponds. Their plant and lagoons will go right next to Three Creeks Road, just outside the city limits.

Take a walk along this road and imagine their plant with open lagoons there instead of the pine trees. Also imagine the hot summer and fall weather when the winds come from the west and southwest, across the plant and into the residential areas of Sisters. I thing you get my drift!

If Measure 9-57 passes, PMR will not build their own plant but will join the Sisters plant and help to finance it.

I'm not wealthy, but I'll gladly give up my new $9,000 sand filter system to avoid these guaranteed future problems.

Respectfully,

Robert J. Curry

To the Editor:

The proposed sewer system for our town has been carefully developed over the past 20 years. It is based on sound, tried and true, proven engineering principals. The system takes into account our own particular soils and water table. It is designed to operate efficiently for many years into the future with anticipated and planned upgrades and extensions.

The proposed sewer system will be paid for by grants, loans, user fees and systems development charges on new development. It is a very good investment. To delay will only make the inevitable more expensive.

Let's vote "yes" for the sewer. Let's get it started and then get on with our lives in a healthy, thriving and less contentious community.

Terry Whatley

To the Editor:

Locking in rates does not lock out spending. In the last five years the sheriff's tax levy has gone from $2.5 million per year to $7.14 million. Why has the levy increased 185 percent when inflation for that period was only 15 percent?

I got a copy of the sheriff's budget from the County Administration Office. It shows that spending is out of control - with more people, more vehicles and more of everything.

Personnel costs have increased $2.1 million in the last three years and the phone budget has ballooned to over $100,000. But most disturbing is a $1.1 million expenditure for radios. This surely looks like "empire building!"

Taxpayers should cut off the money supply - just say no to this extravagant $41.34 million sheriff's levy.

Howard Paine

To the Editor:

The ad on page 18 of the May 6 edition of The Nugget announced a new "Sisters Yard" for rock.

Calling it a "yard" is an effort to legitamize a gravel mine, and it's not at Sisters, but 5-1/2 miles out in the forest.

Better to call it the McKenzie Scenic Highway Gravel Mine, Cold Springs Campground Gravel Mine, Trout Creek Gravel Mine, or perhaps the Metolius-Windigo National Recreation Trail Gravel Mine.

Was a commercial retail sale site included in the approved land use plan for the gravel mine? What is coming next - an asphalt or concrete production plant?

With them selling fill dirt, top soil and sand, as well as crushed rock, what will they use to restore the site when the mining is done 30 years from now?

Perhaps, a new landfill will be proposed that should quickly be approved by the planning commission and county commissioners. That way, there will be full trucks running west and east through Sisters, past the high school and up the scenic McKenzie Highway.

Jim Fisher

To the Editor:

Are we going the way of California? They have libraries but do not have adequate funding and some are only open a few days a week.

Last year the Deschutes County Commissioners cut the library budget which caused reduction in staff and days of operation and also did not provide for a book budget. Things will only get worse.

It's time we create an independent county library district. Please vote for Measure 9-55 on May 19.

Sincerely,

Bill and Gretchen Dakin

Friends of the Sisters Library

To the Editor:

We support the library system because libraries provide: Learning; information; biography; reading; archives reference; inspiration; education; specialized knowledge.

Please join us in voting "yes" on Measure No. 9-55 on May 19.

Marsha and Cal Allen

To the Editor:

What could be better than a library \that continues to enhance and enrich our Sisters community - and beyond that, one that can serve us better with increased hours and services? You can make it happen.

As a volunteer at the Sisters Library I have seen the whole spectrum of our community using the library, from youngsters crouched on the floor making a leisurely selection from the wonderful children's books, to the seniors seated in the comfortable chairs enjoying the up-to-date periodicals and newspapers.

Please vote "yes" on ballot measure 9-55 to prove we value knowledge and a well informed citizenry in the Sisters community.

Sincerely,

Ruth Peterson

To the Editor:

It's high time that we recognize we've been pretty lucky to avoid a recent catastrophic collision with an asteroid or comet. Hollywood sure has, with blockbuster movies. Unfortunately they do not support the handful of amateur astronomers like myself who presently represent most of the early warning system.

We are still dealing with the economics of Armageddon, and the absurd problems of growing light pollution.

I recently requested that the city

council reconsider the installation of 36 more street lights because they are not a necessity and because it will substantially increase light pollution miles from the city, which becomes worse each year as it is.

They did not bother to reply.

Hardly has the old western theme of Sisters been enforced when it comes to lights, which were only invented 110 years ago.

We all have a responsibility to stop this destruction of the night skies, but it may have to take the form of lawsuits by those of us who resent this form of pollution before some control within city jurisdictions takes place.

I would like to continue living

here near Sisters and looking for earth-crossing asteroids, as I have a very large observatory which I am unable to recreate elsewhere. Also, I enjoy simply looking at the night sky like so many other people around here, with nothing more than a lawn chair. A few years ago I observed a meteor explode directly overhead. It illuminated the area much brighter than the sun can. I also saw all of the impacts upon Jupiter, each of which could have destroyed life on earth.

I guess the lack of response from the city council means if the rural citizens don't like it they can move elsewhere. Really council, it's time to start thinking differently about our how we treat our night sky as it is our window into the future.

Buz Hanson

To the Editor:

I can't sit by and be quiet any longer about the race for county commissioner between Nancy Schlangen and (Tom) DeWolf.

Nancy has been gracious to DeWolf in not pointing out some realities about her opponent. In my four years as county commissioner we have worked with several city councilors for the City of Bend. Most were a joy to work with, except Tom DeWolf. We found him contentious, less than informed on the issues and quick with his knee-jerk comments similar to what we have witnessed in recent days.

DeWolf has mounted a devious campaign suggesting that this county government has been less than honest with its constituents, which can't be further from the truth.

We invite any resident to come in and peruse the county budget with a commissioner and you will find what the independent auditor did, that Deschutes County government is effective and efficient with your tax dollars.

This commission can be thanked for far more community involvement in land use planning, policing and children and families issues. The budget is smaller for fiscal year 1998-99, which is less then the previous year, contrary to what DeWolf would have you believe.

Nancy Schlangen is a consensus builder. She has been an excellent commissioner respected by state and local officials. I want to know the county will be left in good hands. Nancy is who I am voting for.

Bob Nipper

Deschutes County Commissioner

To the Editor:

I would like to congratulate the Ladies High School Softball team - Libby Canja, Shannon Davis, Kendle Deaderick, Sarah Easter, Lindsey Garrison, Molly Johnson, Sloane Kellstrom, Cystal Lee, Noelle MacKey, Sara McMeekin, Jamie Melton, Brandi Rowat, Jennifer Schumacher and Susie Shupp.

I thought you ladies had a great season. You had very little recognition, which was sad as there was so many great plays made and games won. A few home runs, lots of doubles and some outstanding catches not to mention the awesome jobs Sara did at pitching and Shannon at being catcher.

I think the only time you ladies made the paper was when you had a doubleheader home game and lost both. You ladies came back strong and even won almost half of your games. Pretty darn good for a first year team.

Even opening day ceremony you ladies had another doubleheader and won both of them and still nothing in the paper.

Anyway, once again, great job done ladies. I hope in the years to come there will be more support as some these ladies are very outstanding in softball.

Dianna Posey

To the Editor:

I would like to acknowledge and thank SOAR for the recent Rim Rattlers program made available to local children. SOAR made it not only very affordable, but convenient and fun, too.

A special thank you to the coaches, assistants and volunteers!

Sincerely,

Shelley Cristiano