3:00 PM

Members present:  Corny Smit, Rick Clark, John McClure, Dean McDaniel, LeRoy Biren, Harold Graphenteen, Delores Sell, Dave Van Meveran.

Others present:  Chris Hansen, Karen Onken, and Chuck Schwartz.

Chairman Smit arrived at 3:15 PM and a quorum was then present.

  → Motion (02-10-08a) A motion by Clark, second by Sell to approve the minutes of the last meeting as printed.  All members voted in support of the motion.

  → Motion (02-10-08b) A motion by Sell, second by Clark, to approve the bills as presented by Chris Hansen was made.  All members voted in support of the motion.

The raw score results of the survey were tabulated by the Rural Development Commission (RDC) and the results are as follows:

666 surveys were mailed

512 surveys were completed and returned

154 surveys were not returned and not tallied or considered

195 surveys reported yes – support for the $500,000 research and planning

317 surveys reported no – no support for the $500,000 research and planning

The results reported in percentages are as follows:

666 surveys                                          = 100%

512 surveys returned                            = 76.876 %

154 not returned and not counted          = 23.124%

195 reported yes                                  = 38%

512 returned                                         =100% surveys accounted for

The comments that were made by the survey respondents were recorded and handed out to the commission members and the public in attendance.

The committee reviewed a discussion/information item.  The RDC has tabulated and maintains the surveys according to the guidelines established by the committee.  The committee established this guideline in order to quell several citizens concern for potential hard feelings. 

The committee discussed the question What now!”  The committee agreed that the original goal statement of 51 percent of the people needed to support the project to go ahead.  The results of this survey clearly indicates the residents of the Water and Sewer district did not wish to continue with the project under the current circumstances.

Chuck Schwartz indicated that his view is that the commission needs to assist those people or groups that wish to receive assistance.

Some discussion was held on the ‘options” that might be considered for areas of the lakes that have obvious problems.  The committee members believe that the committee is required to remain intact and the goal will be to utilize the staff and status to continue to check for grants and low interest loans.  The committee also discussed the future of the considerations and the poll of opinions is that the project should not be resurrected until the financial circumstances become more favorable such as the WHIF funds or other grant supports”. 

Chuck Schwartz stated that the Commission should send a letter to the RDC and inform them the results of the lake area residents income survey no longer qualifies the Shetek and Sara Lakes for RDC low interest considerations. 

  → Motion (02-10-08c) A motion by McClure, second by Sell to instruct Hansen to draft a letter for the chairman signature.  All members voted in support of the motion.

Discussion was held on the procedures and protocol that must be implemented now that the project is no longer under consideration.  All members of the Shetek Sewer and Water District will be required to comply with the laws, rules and regulations that are in place and in effect.  Hansen and Onken informed the commission members and those in attendance that the timeline for inspection would need to be understood.  That the limited number of inspectors and the large number of inspections required would backlog the system.  Those in attendance understood and instructed the Environmental Services personnel to do the best they can.

  → Motion (02-10-08d) A motion by Clark, second by McDaniel to have the county legal representative construct a resolution to the county commissioners. 

Discussion –

• The resolution is to provide the results of the survey,
• The resolution is to provide a clear statement of the Water and Sewer boards’ recommendation to discontinue the ‘big pipe’ until such time as the county or the S&W district becomes eligible and receives substantial fiscal support for a ‘big pipe’ project
• The resolution is to provide the membership willingness to continue in its capacity as a representative group for the members of the sewer and water district.
• The resolution is to provide the Water and Sewer boards’ backing of the continuation of inspections and the continued enforcement the Chapter 7080 rules.

A voice vote indicated a 4-1 vote so the motion prevailed.  The dissenting vote was cast because he felt the report could be verbal. 

Hansen informed the commission members and public present that the Shetek Clean Water Partnership Grant was due to expire in May of 2003.  There is approximately $300,000 of low interest loans available to those persons that qualify.  To qualify the septic system must be improved.  No New housing construction is eligible.  To find out the specific details the Environmental Services Office will answer all questions concerning this issue.

Next meeting is set for Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at 3:00 in government building office B

The chairman will attend the Murray County Commission meeting on Tuesday, October 15 at 9:00 am to present the resolution that will be prepared.

The chair adjourned meeting at 4:05 PM

Submitted by,

Rick Clark