Arnold Arsenal Newsletter, September 26th Edition

Sorry it's late.

City Council Business

Next Meeting

Regular meeting October 3rd 7:00 pm

Work session October 10th 7:00 pm

Last Meeting

Ordinances

None.

I was at my parents’ house the other day picking up some fishing poles when I noticed my dad’s old waders. For a moment I thought, you know, I should wear those to a Council meeting because sometimes it really does get deep.

Now don’t take me too seriously, there’s too much of that around. I just thought I’d add a little jocularity to your day. And mine. J

Resolutions

Resolution #13-49: A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Contract with Fribis Engineering, Inc. to Provide for the Design of the Telegraph Road Sud-District Pressure Sewer System for the City of Arnold. Passed. 7-0

This area previously had a sewer design using gravity sewers, but the price tag ran into the millions. This new system will utilize low pressure mains. There will be connections available for every home, but no one will be required to hook up at this time. The cost for this project using this technology is estimated to run from $350,000 to $400,000, which at this time, the City plans to pay for in its entirety. This is for the main only, not laterals. Sounds great, right?

It sounds wonderful for those being able to take advantage of this project, but what about Arnold residents already on sewers? Not so much. Why?

If you are currently on the City sewer system I’m aware of only two ways of which it may have occurred. If you know of another, please let me know.

Either the builder of your home or developer of your subdivision paid to have the sewer mains run along your streets and the laterals connected from your home to the main and then paid the City to hook up to the City sewer system. That cost was then dispersed into the cost of each home. Basically, you paid for not only your lateral lines, but also your portion of the entire sewer system in your subdivision.

Or you have “hooked on” since and paid a portion of the cost of the main, which has been generally about $8,000 and your own lateral costs.

When I asked how the City was going to handle future sub-districts I was told it would depend on the financial status of the City at that time. So if the City has the money they’ll pay, if they don’t you will.

When I questioned how the recently passed Sewer Initiative affected these sub-districts regarding the costs, the subject was diverted to “if we hadn’t passed the sewer initiative the technology wouldn’t be permissible”. Funny enough, the loosening of the restrictions was the only portion of that resolution I was in favor of, but that wasn’t my question. I asked about the costs. And if anyone recalls, the big push with the initiative was the cost factor. How this was going to be so great for those homeowners still on septic systems.

People would only have to come up with the first $12,500 and the rest would be covered by the “City” through the $10,000 grant. Oh but wait. First of all, the City doesn’t actually make its own money by producing a product or performing a service. Every dime the City uses comes from the taxpayers, therefore the grant would be paid by money obtained from taxes. But not in this case.

As I’ve stated before, there was $75,000 budgeted for the Sewer Initiative in the 2014 budget, but from where is that money coming? That $75,000 is designated to come out of the sewer fund, which only gets money from people currently paying their sewer bill. That means if you’re on City sewers you’ll be supplying the funds to give those $10,000 grants.

Pulling the money from the general revenue is bad enough, but the pot has just gotten significantly smaller.

Try this on for size.

What if:

                The City lay the groundwork and put in the low pressure mains along the right of way in the streets.

What if:

                When a homeowner is ready to hook onto City sewers they pay a portion of the main cost and their own lateral expenses.

Looking at this new sub-district with the numbers I’ve been previously given, it is my understanding there will be about 45 homes affected by this project. With the overall costs being as stated above, if the homeowners would pay their portion of the main it would range from $7,777.00 at $350,000 to $10,000.00 for $450,000.

If this process were applied, not one home in this area would be eligible for the grant in the first place. But the upside would be, there would be no need for these folks to go through the expense of forming an NID because each would “hook up” at their own pace. Also, each homeowner would know up front how much they would need to come up with in order to get on City sewers.

Then if we took this example and continued to apply it to all those on septic systems throughout Arnold, there wouldn’t be conjecture or the unknown as far as costs. And eventually, every home in Arnold would have access to City sewers when they are ready.

My thought is each year before budget time, Public Works takes a look at Arnold as a whole to determine the next sewer project and fit it into their budget. I believe this should be done on a rotating basis of each ward so that not one ward is given preferential treatment. Also, more difficult, therefore more expensive projects should not be moved to the last. They should be incorporated with the easier projects so that everyone is treated fairly.

And that is my bottom line. I believe everyone is equal under the law, therefore everyone should be treated fairly, which isn’t done in this town at times. So how about we adopt a sewer policy that truly addresses the issues of the people without using politics?

Resolution #13-50: A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Two One Ton Truck Beds for the City of Arnold. Passed. 7-0

These are for the Public Works Dept.

Resolution #13-51: A Resolution Authorizing the Release of Utility Easement. Passed. 7-0

This is for the two lots in Maxville Gardens.

Resolution #13-52: A Resolution Creating a Street Lighting Grant Program Within Existing Residential Neighborhoods. This Grant Program Shall be Known and May be Cited as the Amato-Freese . Passed. 7-0

This is simply a “feel good” resolution. The neighborhoods affected by insufficient street lighting are generally in the older sections of town, which are some of our lower income areas. This is a matching grant program, therefore the neighborhoods will need to come up with their portion of the money before the grant is given. They also need to provide proof the neighborhood will be able to supply the ongoing payment of electric bills associated with the lights. There are many of us, who can barely afford to keep the lights on in our own homes. We have neighborhoods unable to collect very small assessments for the maintenance of common ground and private streets. I’m unsure this program will be successful in its purpose.

Resolution #13-53: A Resolution Recognizing Several Fox C-6 School District Students for their Philanthropic Efforts in the Arnold Community. Passed. 7-0

Because of spring flooding, two homes in Arnold were affected, including that of a disabled veteran. The sandbags used to save their homes still remained in their yards.

In the spirit of community, an effort emerged to help our neighbors in need. A group of about six adults and two teenagers came out on a Saturday morning to begin the process of removing the sandbags from their backyards. High temperatures and humidity limited the progress that first day, but a large dent was made.

The following week more teenagers volunteered. For three days after school they worked to remove the remaining sand bags from both yards.

This was a small example of what it means to be a community, but it seems overall, Americans have forgotten what it is to be part of a community. In the past, such efforts were commonplace and it was nothing for neighbors to help one another with a myriad of chores. Today, those participating in such activities are recognized as going above and beyond, but that’s not how it should be.

When I told one of them I wanted to recognize them for their efforts, he commented they didn’t want recognition. They did it because someone needed help. Those kids gave up their Saturday morning when they could’ve slept in or been playing video games. Others gave after school when there were many other more fun activities going on. All of them laboring in the stifling heat with no regard for their own discomfort because it was the right thing to do. They gave out of the goodness of their hearts.

I know these kids didn’t feel the need to be recognized for their work, but I brought this forth as encouragement to others, and myself, that helping your neighbors is not only fulfilling for them, but also for yourself.

I would like to thank everyone, adults and kids alike, who gave of their time in this community effort. But also the businesses, who graciously donated pizza and water for the kids during the week, Café Arnold and Jeffco Liquors. Please patronize these businesses and let them know you appreciate their contributions to our community.

Motions

A: A Motion to Extend the Approval of (2009-20) Lonedell Valley PRD for an additional Year Until October 15, 2014. Failed. 4-2

I voted for this extension. This is an area off Lonedell by Elizabeth Drive. The developer has people willing to invest but because of the economy, are unable to get the loans needed.

B: A Motion to Hold a Closed Session Immediately Following the City Council Meeting for the Purpose of Discussing Litigation Pursuant to REMo Section 610.021 (1). Passed. 5-1

City News

New Store in Arnold

It’s just been released that Gordman’s will be coming to Arnold. They will be occupying the space next to Northern Tool in the old Kmart building. The projected opening is August 2014.

Coffee with Council

Coffee with Council will be at 9 a.m. on October 9th in the Jaycee room of the library.

ALWAYS REMEMBER: BE INVOLVED

THIS IS NOT ONLY WHERE YOU LIVE, THIS IS YOUR HOME

TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD ARNOLD INTO A COMMUNITY OF WHICH WE CAN BE PROUD