[MRSG] June 10th - Waitsfield Water System Vote

Thu Jun 5 13:38:55 EDT 2008

Dear Waitsfield Friends,

Please take the time to read the attached fact sheet and the info below,
assembled by the Waitsfield Select Board regarding the Waitsfield
Municipal Water System.  There seem to be a number of misunderstandings
about the revised water system proposal.  Please give this information
some thought and if you have remaining questions and concerns attend one
of the forums to discuss this proposal:  Thursday, June 5th, 7-9pm at
Waitsfield Elementary School, or Monday, June 9th, 7-9pm at Waitsfield
Elementary School.

Most importantly, please mark your calendar to vote on this important
issue Tuesday, June 10th, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.  You can also vote by absentee
ballot by calling the Town Office (496-2218) to request an absentee ballot
be sent to you, or you can stop by the Town Office to pick one up. 
Absentee ballots can be picked up until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 9th and
need to be either in the ballot box, or received by the Town mail on
Tuesday, June 10th.

* If you have received this info already please forgive this cross
posting!  Then again, it is such an important issue that I feel in this
case it bears repeating.  Thanks for keeping th eissue and the voting day
on your radar.

Dennis Derryberry
dennisd at madriver.com
802 496 7662

# # #

FACT SHEET

On June 10, 2008 residents of Waitsfield will be asked to cast their vote
on a bond article for a municipal water system.  The proposed project is
the result of the work of a Task Force that was convened by the Select
Board.

The proposed project:  The project for which the bond vote is being held
is a public water system, including both drinking water supply and fire
protection for a service area extending from the intersections of Tremblay
and North Roads, to Route 100 at Fiddler's Green.

A public process:  The Task Force sought public input through two public
forums, as well as e-mails, letters, and conversations.  Additionally, the
Task Force reviewed the 2005 Town Plan, 2004 research on public health
risks related to existing well / septic infrastructure, and grant funding
available for project work.  Based on all of these factors, the Task Force
determined that moving forward with a revised water project only at this
time is the right choice for Waitsfield.

A different project:  The proposed project has several key differences
from the water project put before voters in March.

  1.. An additional $1.6 million in grant funding has been allocated to
this project.  These funds were originally assigned to the proposed
wastewater project.
  2.. With a total of $3.6 million in grants now supporting this project,
fire protection costs will now be covered by grant funds.  There will be
no separate protection assessments for all properties near hydrants.
  3.. Connected users will pay the balance of the project costs, which are
costs directly associated with their public water access and usage.
  4.. The service area will explicitly include the Loop Road and Tremblay
Road.  These areas were part of the last proposal, but this was
apparently not clear to voters.

No tax implications:  There are no community taxes associated with this
project.

For the community:  The Task Force and Waitsfield Select Board feel that
this renewed and revised water project proposal is responsive to public
health concerns, community input, and a vision for our town that supports
a vibrant downtown and a thriving agricultural community.  We encourage
you to join one of the many public forums being held in May and June prior
to the vote, so that we can talk together about your questions, concerns,
and hopes.  Alternatively, send an e-mail to townadmin at madriver.com and we
will respond as soon as possible.

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