Name:
Email:
Date: 6-27-2015
Comments: This is what happens when there is total apathy from the start for this project and a sewer board who wants this sewer at any cost. Now it is too late for anyone to stop it.
Email:
Date:
Comments: WHAT IS SPECIAL BENEFIT The "special benefit" a property gains from a Capital Improvement ( road or sewer ) is the difference between fair market value of the Property before and immediately after the project is completed. "Fair Market Value" is the amount of money a purchaser willing, but Not obligated, would pay an owner willing,but not obligated, to sell. Fair Market Value also takes into consideration the current and future land uses that might reasonably be applied to the property. An assessment to a property cannot exceed the special benefit to that parcel. It must be proportionate to the special benefit received in relation to other properties in the LID and include general or public benefits of the project.
Name:
Email:
Date: May 8 2015
Comments: I just can't believe that everyone at Sacheen lake is ok with sewer costs that are over 31,000 dollars!!! Sacheen lake will have the highest sewer rates in the state of Washington. Funny Thing is this was financed with the Pend Oreille County low income status. Remember 16,900 estimate !! At least we have a no interest rate loan from ecology. But just wait,,,there's more. It's called a Revenue Bond and this bond will replace our 0% loan and yes you guess it...:sewer rates will increase substantially MORE. It's ok don't pay attention now----you'll pay later.......
Name: Very Concerned Sacheen Property Owner
Email:
Date: April 8, 2015
Comments: SOMETHING's WRONG! If our Sewer Board can't do something as simple as post the correct date and time for their monthly meeting on their own website, how can we believe any other info on their site, much less trust them to oversee $20M in government agency loans for a sewer project???
Name:
Email:
Date: 4-8-2015
Comments: Help- You are correct the board does not want you to know what is going on. Come to the meetings and bring a friend. They are a junior taxing district and they have no one to answer to. As a group the only thing left to do is Special Assessments as the cost per house hold has gotten so high.
Name:
Email:
Date: 4-8-2015
Comments: Under send in your comments click on contact your sewer commissioners and all the names, addresses and ph#'s will come up. Hope this helps!
Name:
Email:
Date: 4-8-2015
Comments: The meetings are suppose to be the 1st Weds. of every month. They have changed the time to 3:00pm. instead of 7:00pm. The time and place is posted in the Newport Miner every month.
Name: HELP!
Email:
Date: 4-7-15
Comments: Where can I get accurate info? I've been told to go to the monthly meetings but it's even confusing to figure out when the meetings are scheduled. I found there were no meetings held in March at all. I've been directed to the Sacheen Sewer website for info and it showed that April 1st was the next meeting date. I showed up only to realize the Sewer District did not feel it important enough to post the change in both time and day on their website! I was told about your website. I see you posted the change but I also sense a bit of frustration from reading other comments about getting the right information about the project and its costs. Where can I contact sewer commissioners with my concerns? I notice there is no place on their official website that even gives their names or contact info but again you have it listed! Why all the secrecy???? Makes me think they don't want people to know what's going on. Thanks for your help!!!
Name:
Email:
Date: 4-1-2015
Comments: No, most people don't care what happens! Maybe everyone could voice their concerns to the State Auditor and the State Attorney's office, Mike Ormsby. At least the knowledge of what is happening would be out there. How can this bill be paid if the amount is so astronomical. Looking in my crystal ball I see non payers in the future. Then who picks up their tab?
Name: IMPORTANT!
Email: NOTICE OF SEWER MEETING DAY & TIME CHANGE to APRIL 8TH @ 3PM
Date: COME & MAKE YOUR CONCERNS & THOUGHTS KNOWN
Comments: THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED APRIL 1ST MEETING OF THE SACHEEN LAKE WATER & SEWER DISTRICT BOARD IS NOW SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 8TH AT 3PM.....Make note of the new time. Your input is important. You will have the opportunity to have your questions and your concerns regarding your individual situation and the project answered by Sewell Engineering. Public Comment to the Board is always welcomed.
Name: Danica Patrick
Email:
Date: March 30, 2015
Comments: I read the State Auditors report and the response by Shelia Pearman. She responded that at the time of her response, the amount to be repaid was $7,200,000. Since that time, DOE has loaned the District another $1,300,000. Each owner in LID#3 is on the hook for $31,135.00. This is a far cry from $16,900. Even if they are successful in forcing in another 40 families,that were taken out of LID#3 because they were NO votes, that only drops each cost to $27,156.00. How high will this go and we're is the study documents to prove this can be repaid by all the owners or don't they even care
Name: Richard Prange
Email: r46j45@gmail.com
Date: March 28, 2015
Comments: State Auditor---Now that this has come up, I remember the Dept. of Ecology representative, Cynthia Wall, at one of the local sewer meetings making a statement about how the loan money could/couldn't be spent. She was very clear that the money could only be spent within the LID #3 boundaries and only in direct payment on the system to serve the properties that would benefit. So the district has spent thousands to help find property owners' lines (this was supposed to be the responsibility of each property owner). The district has spent money to add extra sprinkler heads not called for in the plan to serve "future" expansion. The district is spending money to drill under the road at the bridge to serve properties outside the LID #3 boundary. They spent thousands to find the PUD lines over in Granite Bay. Seems like just a few examples might be good reason for a real state auditor to take a good look at the books on this project. I ! am sure others could add to this list of questionable expenditures. Now we are getting more money to do an extension into the Mountain View additions and stating they would be getting (according to Ecology) another 40 payers. Please, would somebody get a count that will hold up under scrutiny. Yes, I would think an auditor could find the books good reading. When a project starts at $87/ mo.+ an M&O of $10-$15 and is up to $130-$140 with or without the M&O???... maybe its worth taking a really good hard look at it.
Name: RE: Question about WA State Auditor's Report on Sacheen Sewer District dated June 16, 2014
Email:
Date: 3-24-15
Comments: Go back to SLCPO's Home Page. CLICK on LINK just above picture of Einstein. There's your answer how the State Auditor, who is tasked with rooting out fraud and misuse of public funds, is connected to Sacheen Sewer District. Obviously, he smelled "fish" about how the District expected to meet its financial obligations.
Name:
Email:
Date: 3-23-2015
Comments: Re comment dated 3-20-2015 concerning state auditors involvement in Sacheen Sewer District. Great comments but where did you get your information and since when did the state auditors office get involved in little old Sacheen Lake?
Name:
Email:
Date: 3-20-15
Comments: And on the subject of the Sewer District and Ecology being reported for being FISCALLY IR-RESPONSIBLE with our dollars......you have to wonder why the new WA State Auditor is being harassed for trying to do his job as a watchdog over spending of our tax dollars. (See an example of his work in the link for Auditor's report on Sacheen Sewer District). Kinda like some of the harassment SLCPO members have endured for taking a stand on the stupidity of this sewer project!
Name: Richard Prange
Email: r46j45@gmail.com
Date: 3/20/2015
Comments: An article in the paper regarding a Dept. of Ecology report states that the data on Washington lakes shows 148 lakes that don't meet water quality standards. Sacheen Lake is not on the list, yet Ecology has decided to spend $14,000,000 of your tax money on it to do what? It appears that, given those facts, Ecology is an agency is search of a justification to spend money--no more, no less. If you can't prioritize your budget any better than that, why should the state give you the power to use tax dollars in such a wasteful manner? Absolutely amazing!
Name:
Email:
Date: 3-20-2015
Comments: We did read these articles re: FLDS very disturbing. Thank the board for picking the low cost leader!
Name:
Email:
Date: March 18, 2015
Comments: HEY EVERYONE HAS ANYONE STOPPED AND READ THE SPOKESMAN REVIEW ARTICLE ON S&L CONSTRUCTION AND THEIR OWNER SHEM?? THIS GUY AND HIS FAMILY ARE POLYGAMISTS. HE IS NOT PAYING HIS FAMILY ( the whole crew) PREVAILING WAGE. ITS NO WONDER THAT THERE ISN'T ONE LOCAL HIRE FROM THE GREAT STATE OF WASHINGTON PLEASE READ ABOVE. THE STATE AND OUR SEWER DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS MUST BE SO proud.
Sincerely,
- Tripod
Name:
Email:
Date:
Comments: This isn't for comment on July's fiscal budget. It is for public comment on the additional ECY funds requested to sewer PHASE II that includes Mt. View and Mt. View Estates Addition. Most people in that area thought they were scott-free! Now we will all be on tap for millions and millions and share in the debt!!!
Name:
Email:
Date: 3-13-15
Comments: If people would like their voice heard . Please write daniel.thompson@ecy.wa.gov They are taking comments to be considered for the July fiscal budget. The deadline is March 15, 2015. Since there is an outstanding balance of $8,500,000 and going up he should be aware.
Name: The Shadow
Email:
Date: 3-12-15
Comments: In response to the question from Tripod dated today,3-12-2015. The "NEW" number is the result of apathy by far to many property owners. Had the core SLCPO "members"received more support in their efforts to reign in the boards unbridled dash to have the most expensive system on the largest property available etc. etc. etc. we would not be up to our you know what in debt now! Had the board tried to include rather than exclude properties most of this would be moot. Get involved, put your money to good use, the "members" have done this all along. Our money and effort resulted in the current board being convicted of being "arbitrary and capricious". That had no effect on that unbridled dash previously mentioned. if you don't know just what to do, ask one of the "members".
Name: Richard Prange
Email: r46j45@gmail.com
Date: 3/12/2015
Comments: So the Dept. of Ecology has proven to be just another governmental agency that when originally established for good reason has simply become another agency from which your tax money and mine is handed out. Not one thought to whether the money is being used on projects that, based on a strict set of criteria, can better the environment to the highest degree. Sacheen has been proven to be a lake with clean water, and now we will have spent what...$14-$15 million or more so that Sacheen Lake has clean water?? What is that all about? Do we have money in search of a project? Well, not anymore. We aren't done, and its all gone....."Boston Tunnel/Seattle's Big Bertha" here we come. Disgruntled would be putting it mildly.....sick and tired of waste is a lot closer to the truth. When the local population wakes up, they will see that they have been fleeced by the best. The sewer board will throw another party in celebration of a job well done, and all we will be left to do is pay for this mess they created.
Name:
Email:
Date: 3/12/15
Comments: Dept of Ecology says "unforseen circumstances" and gives the Sewer District more money!
Name:
Email:
Date:
Comments: Can anyone from the Board or those in favor of this sewer project explain to me and many others how the beginning cost quoted by the Board to sell this project has now doubled? Since when does $16,900 = $31,000?
Sincerely,
- Tripod
Name:
Email:
Date:
Comments: Correction Sewer Board next meeting is APRIL 1st at 7pm
Name:
Email:
Date: March 3, 2015
Comments: Glad this site is up and running again. Getting factual money information from the Board is extremely difficult, but recently, they admitted to owing $8,400,000.00. This number does not include the $5,000,000.00 grant that is already spent. There are 273 hookups to repay this. Do the math. That's $30,769.00 plus 2% interest each. What happened to $16,900.00 that was the selling tool? Remember, this project is not half finished yet! How high the cost will go is anyone''s guess!
Name:
Email:
Date: March 2, 2015
Comments: The Sacheen Lake Sewer Project is way over budget. At this Time the costs per full hookup Is 30,000 dollars.... Every month since this project started there has been costs overruns referred to as " "Change Orders" Thirty thousand dollars is "NOT YOUR FINAL COSTS" This project is only 50-60% completed... Next Sewer Board Meeting is APRIL 1st at 3pm at the fire station.
Name: Richard Prange
Email: r46j45@gmail.com
Date: 12/9/2013
Comments: For those of you that might be selling your property at this point, you should be aware that the sewer district has already filed the construction easements with the county. They are now on record, and any potential buyer should be made aware of the potential for that easement to be used.
Name: Richard Prange
Email: r46j45@gmail.com
Date: Nov. 8, 2013
Comments: Quick update on the "sewer project" that is on hold until substantial "grant" money has been given to the sewer district. At this point, it is my understanding that the District is asking for a $5 million grant. If they get the full amount, and if the new bids that will be requested come in at the same amount as they did this past year, your monthly sewer bill will be about $139. If they don't get the full amount or the new bids come out above the old bids, you will need to expect to be paying in excess of $139/mo. How much more is anyone's guess. My opinion, at this point, would be that your payment will be in excess of $139 if the project is to go ahead. Brace yourself for it, and begin budgeting.
Name: Larry Rolstad
Email: lrolstad@centurylink.net
Date: Dec 1 2013
Comments: Looking at the comments there haven't been many lately. There was one about how we should do everything to ensure we can enjoy the lake in the future. The problem with that is that the "plan" does not necessarily address anything about lake quality. As I have mentioned earlier there is no study showing any level of pollution in the lake. There are many sources that should be considered: water fowl (how many feed the critters and where do they crap?); fertilizers and weed killers (how many have those nice green lawns?); the farms to the north and southeast; Diamond Lake itself and the swampy area it drains through. A passing remark some time ago was about the turbidity of the water. The increasing size of boats and what they drag accounts for most of that. If you observe the lake you will note that the "turnover" in the spring as well as the pine pollen have a lot to do with the water quality. It is as clear as I remember from the 40's in the fall. Another contributing factor is the erosion of the banks. I have lost 2 to 5 feet over the past 20 years. I agree that we should revoke the easements. Have a nice winter!
Name:
Email:
Date: 9-13-2013
Comments: In response to Median Household Income. To quote the answer the board gave PWTF for the construction loan went like this. The median household income in the Water\Sewer District is over $60,000 per household. Even with a loan for the total construction cost, the cost per household is estimated to be about $1,000/year/household. With the desire of the community for a waste water system that will protect the Lake, this is, in the resident's estimation, a reasonable price to pay for the benefit of assuring the ability of the community and visitors to enjoy the Lake for years to come. For the board to say the don't have info concerning the MHI is a blatant falsification which of course undermines their request loan. Currently properties will be assessed to repay the loan, O&M fees will be paid monthly.
Email: Oh, I'm sorry....you can't FIND any of the back-up documents.....
Date: 9/5/13
Comments: Neither RCAC, Sheila Pearman or Sewell Engineering were able to find the documentation on the $60,000 MHI (median household income) for Sacheen Lake. To get the Public Works Trust Fund loan, both Andrew K. S. Tom of Sewell and Sheila G. Pearman signed an affidavit attesting to the information they submitted on their application to be true and correct. Twice on the the application, the $60,000 MHI was used to show capacity to repay the PWTF loan and feasibility/affordability of the project cost. Now they want to claim hardship status.........so now neither one can FIND anything to support that income number. If you or I went to get a loan and the information we gave on our sources of repayment were not true, WHAT WOULD HAPPEN?!! And... are we to believe all the other information they attested to was true or did it just fill the need to get the loan thru? I hope DOE questions and verifies information better than the Public Works Board did!!
Email:
Date: 9-5-13
Comments: Response to voting comments. If a property owner wants to vote in that county that is legal. The problem comes when some owners whether they are full time residents or not add more people to the voting list, children, other relatives and friends etc, without legal status in that county. You can't include anyone to a list of registered voters if they have no legal status in a county. Stuffing the ballet box to achieve your desired result but its morally indefensible. Another grave mistake is having the board members we have. Another is we should have 5 on the board with divergent opinions rather than 3 with one mind set. If enough residents would again recall the current board members we could stop this economic fiasco. We did try once although the attempt failed due to apathy on the part of our deluded neighbors.
Name: SHOW A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE SEWER BOARD AND ITS ACTIONS
Email: WITHDRAW YOUR EASEMENT AGREEMENT
Date: 8/27/13
Comments: The project can't ever go forward without our easement agreements. The Board can threaten to go around us but so what? 21 property owners never signed....let's join them. Let's give the Board Commissioners our vote of no confidence. It will send a message to our State lawmakers and agencies, what really is going on here.
Email:
Date: 8/27/2013
Comments: I feel it is time to say "Enough Already". The math from the Board just does not add up and they are not forthcoming in an open and honest manner. Rather than stop when the cost became extreme, they continue to try to find more monies to burden us with. Their selling point to the Depart of Ecology is that they are "shovel ready". To protest this, and to let the Board and hopefully the Department of Ecology know that there needs to be a better solution, I have withdrawn my construction easement. I encourage others to consider this as a notice of protest.
Name:
Email:
Date: 8/27/13
Comments: The Board asks Sewell Engineering for advice as to options to proceed. Why WOULD Sewell advise them to look for ways to cut costs? The engineers have their bottom line to look out for....less costs, less money for them. If they help find more funding, Sewell profits from it. Do our self-proclaimed Professionals have a brain to think for themselves? Common sense tells you to cut corners on a project when your budget comes up short.....BASIC ECONOMICS, isn't it?!!
Email: WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE????
Date: 8/26/13
Comments: This is not good stewardship, Peggy Johnsen! Sewer Board Commissioners have told residents again and again to wait for the bids to come in and not worry or speculate what the cost was going to be until then. Now, they don't want to recognize what the numbers are saying. I never heard the option brought up or even discussed with Sewell Engineering at the last meeting, as to what could be cut to make the Project fit the funds available. Wouldn't that be one of the first options you'd consider????? But instead of making cuts to the project to make it affordable, they want to look for more funds, in the form of grants. They say we now can show 'hardship status' just because we want to build a sewer system that is beyond our means. We can't afford to pay for it, so now we should ask other taxpayers to contribute to this?? A reminder: 'Free Money' still comes from the taxpayers, not the sky! What will i! t take for our Sewer Board to realize that this project is not affordable in its present form and changes need to be made? Not create more of a hardship to its citizens and take on more indebtnes because they think our Lake deserves a "Cadillac" sewer system...........
Email:
Date:
Comments: The recent math reported in the letter from the Sewer Board really confused me. I think I finally see the math calculations they used to get to their most recent monthly figure. The $8,500,000 PWTF loan divided among 316 parcels divided over 240 months (20 years) would actually be $112.00 per month and add the $25 for op & maint of the sewer system would be the magic $137.00 figure. May I point out a few figures they may have forgotten: 1: The PWTF loan requires a match of $454,000. That has to be repaid so add that to the cost. 2: The PWTF loan is not interest free. The interest is 2% and only reduced if finished in a reduced amount of time. 3: While we wait for the Department of Ecology application for grant or funds with low interest or reduced repayments plans, the interest reduction for the PWTF loan is slipping away. 4: An "additional 4,5, or 6 millions we may need to finish this project" as reported by Gary Garrett at the Special Sewer Board Meeting to discuss costs vs. hardship. 5: Of course Sewell Engineering is happy to try to help us find more money. They get paid based on project total cost. What do they care how or how much is put on our backs to repay? 6: If the $4, $5, or $' million money from Department of Ecology is FREE, highly unlikely, we are still on the hook for the PWTF loan of $26,900 per parcel. DOESN'T IT SEEM FISHY THAT A RETIRED BANKER WOULD ALLOW A LETTER TO MISLEAD US ABOUT COST OF LOAN REPAYMENT MINUS THE MATCHING FUNDS, MINUS THE INTEREST. What about the usage fee? Nothing said about that anymore. WHY WON'T THIS BOARD BE OPEN AND HONEST WITH US AND LET US HAVE A VOICE IN WHAT IS A HARDSHIP? ONLY EACH OWNER KNOWS IF THE MINIMUM OF $26,900 CREATE A HARDSHIP FOR THEM. SADLY, I DON'T THINK THE BOARD CARES IF IT CREATES A HARDSHIP FOR US. SEWER AT ANY COST