Follow Up from Greg Davis

Editor: I was remiss in publishing the timely responses from our representatives. Here is Greg Davis' follow-up:

Thank you all for your patience. Mary Brockman addressed most of the outstanding questions already. I just want to add a few things. Everyone is distressed that this issue took so long to get moving. Mary called it "uncharted waters" and it certainly is.

As to the easements that many area residents have signed - none have expired yet. Some of them will expire before construction is completed. Those residents will simply be asked to sign a new one. Most of the early signers were big supporters of the sewer idea and most also were temporary easements for construction only. Compared to the other issues, this one could be minor.

Like Commissioner Brockman, I feel this will pass on 3-9-09. First it will go to the Property committee on 2-25-09 at 5:00 PM at the Administrative Center. Then the Budget Committee will hear it on 3-2-09 at 3:30 PM. The Water and Wastewater Committe will also hear it. All of these are public meetings. Still the important one is the 3-9-09 meeting (7:00 PM) where all Commissioners will be present. Jack has suggestted that one person speak for all others interested in the project. Numbers are still important though. The speaker could ask that all present that support the resolution stand for example. As Jack pointed out this is not a public hearng and there is a 15 minute time limit or up to 5 speakers. At some point after the passage of this resolution and Inter-Local Agreement, there is likely a strong need for another public meeting for the neighborhood. This would only be explain the what now? and how much? questions rather than to gather support.

The Grassland sewer project is closer to fruition than at any time over the many years it has been proposed. I know it seems like forever, but it would not have happened without many people supporting it. The County Mayor's office has championed this along with Kristi Earwood the attorney working with the County on this for years. Assuming this passes in March, it still must be bid out and then built. It will still take time.

You and your neighbors kept this idea alive and sold it to others in the area. This was a true grassroots effort that is close to success. Thanks to all.

Greg Davis