TAC members respond to Weed statement

As members of the majority view during the TAC, we feel it is only warranted to refute the inaccuracies state by Councilor Weed in her letter titled "Water Final Comments."

"Misinformation was continually presented by staff to Council as well as to the TAC."

During the TAC meetings staff were very open and presented information clearly. When staff did not have immediate answers to some of our questions, they sought to find the needed information and to present it openly. More than once, staff stepped out of the room to retrieve information or to locate the persons who had the information. We did not see any deliberate misleading.

"Yes, there are a few projects that will need attention...but the safety and security of the system is no longer in doubt."

There are parts of the system that have old copper piping and asbestos concrete and show signs of erosion, and are concerns to take note of. There are still continued concerns over well #2 and the vibration detected.

"The city manager continually stated that water rates have not been increased... Water rates had increased in 2009."

Water rates did increase but were offset by the lowering of the sewer rates. Therefore most people did not see a rate increase in their utility bill. Moreover, the lack of rate increases was not something that the city manager or staff stated "continually" during the TAC meetings.

"Projects on the initial CIP were based on growth projections that were incorrect."

No one predicted the recession-a point that has been made many times over.

"In relation to the previous bullet, staff told council that state law allowing for transfers had recently changed, but the change had occurred in 2009."

The changes to the law did occur in 2009, but were not widely known. Many local governments were operating without knowing about the changes. When our staff did find out about the change it was made known to council and those of us serving on the budget committee.

"Staff said that chlorine gas was unsafe... this was vetted and debunked by the TAC."

Chlorine gas is dangerous. But can also be used safely with proper handling. Larger districts have more highly trained personnel and are comfortable with gas; smaller districts often choose to use a safer form of chlorine.

"Well #1 was out of compliance... this was vetted and debunked by the

TAC."

Well #1 is out of compliance with current standards in many ways. However, due to the fact that we do not have to pull a building permit to replace the pump and motor, there is no immediate requirement to come into compliance, but it is an unfunded requirement that will eventually have to be met.

"Fire flows are inadequate... this was vetted and debunked by the TAC."

Fire flows are inadequate in several crucial locations.

"Now, council leadership is continuing to push for a significant increase even after hundreds of hours of TAC vetting had revealed an increase was unnecessary."

The TAC was not charged with presenting increases to the water rates, but to look at the water system as a whole (from a technical perspective) and determine what projects could be put on hold and what projects needed to be done.

We agree with Councilor Weed that we do need a community where the following are done:

•â¯Staff provides unbiased information and solid options.

•â¯Staff and council embrace councilor and citizen questions as gifts that will help us make the best decisions possible.

•â¯Council listens to one another and the community and works with its sleeves rolled up... toward the best solution.

•â¯While we may not always see eye to eye, there is common ground that is shared and that is that we all truly want what is best for Sisters.