Grindstaff Moves to Halt San Angelo's Water Reclamation Funding

 

Councilwoman Elizabeth Grindstaff requested that an agenda item be placed on the next regular San Angelo City Council meeting agenda that could withdraw the City’s loan application to finance building the $150 million water reclamation project.

The application process to the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas, or SWIFT, was put into motion three council meetings ago when the council gave the city manager the go-ahead to explore funding options for a $150 million water infrastructure capital expenditure.

Mayor Dwain Morrison said last week that the City of San Angelo was facing deadlines for this year’s Texas Water Development Board’s funding allotments and needed to go ahead with the application in case a decision was made by council in the near future to go ahead with spending $150 million to begin construction.

At the top of the water infrastructure options for the City has been water reclamation.

Morrison maintains that the application and approval process was akin to obtaining pre-approval on a loan. The City is not obligated to accept the loan offered if approved, he said.

Grindstaff held a town hall meeting May 31 where City Water Advisory Board Chairman Mike Boyd and a room of approximately 25 proponents and opponents of the water reclamation project, in addition to the city manager and water utilities staff, held a spirited discussion on the feasibility and need of water reclamation.

Cost was a primary concern raised by former city manager Stephen Brown who asked if the City can afford adding $150 million to its debt structure.

“I would like to see a full discussion (on this) on the next agenda, as it may be my last,” Grindstaff said.

Grindstaff’s request was for the agenda to include discussions on the current lake levels; the current City policy on who decides how much Hickory Aquifer water is “banked” for later use; and a “full discussion including an action item that could involve the withdraw of our SWIFT application.”

“I’m not proposing that; I simply want a discussion,” Grindstaff said.

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Sure would like to see the whole plan to see what we are going to have to pay for. Might have missed it getting posted in the past, but that's a super large amount.

I am so glad to see Liz Grindstaff aim to stop the rush, propose real study and look out for the monetary future of our city. We need her to stay on this council and we need others like her who are willing to ask questions and get real answers before making rash decisions we'll all pay for in the long run. Thank you, Liz! I'm PROUD to have you as our SMD5 Councilwoman!

Canny, Tue, 06/07/2016 - 13:02

What is making her want this now?? Hmmm.. Maybe an upcoming election!! She voted for the application for the loan. Sounds like flip flopping to me!!

Candy, if you read previous stories you'll find out that Liz is the one who put the brakes on the approval of the $150 million water reclamation project and forced staff, against their will, to take project to Water Advisory Committee, to compare it to other sources that might be cheaper. You can't believe what others tell you, you have to get the facts from the council meetings to see that Liz has responsibly and admirably tackled this issue from the beginning. As this article says, exploring the loan doesn't commit the city to anything, but once we got into the nuts and bolts, Liz is requesting answers before spending our money. This is not a change, but typical of her response to such projects.

Canny, Tue, 06/07/2016 - 14:51

It's a political play!! She shouldn't have voted for the loan application in the first place. She's playing both sides.

Sigman, Wed, 06/08/2016 - 15:37

Citizens, below is a re-post from an earlier article that came as a result of an earlier meeting held by Ms. Grindstaff with Mr. Mike Boyd as a guest speaker. "Mr. TR, and Mr. Farris, I do agree with much of what you're saying. However, I don't see a need at this time for "potty" water projects, "direct or indirect." We have a Water Advisory Board that is Chaired by Mike Boyd and other knowledgeable members. Given the knowledge and information that Mr. Boyd and his Board have, I don't quite see why it is necessary to to spend another $315,000 to hire a consultant to develop a master water-planning document. Clearly we have a Water Advisory Board that I believe can work on developing a master water plan and save the money for the end project. They have my full confidence and support. As a priority, I do believe that San Angelo, TX needs to begin working on renovations to our old and dilapidated water treatment facility. Citizens, if the water treatment plant does not function, "WE GET NO WATER SERVICE" so think about that. Expanding our water rate flow is also important but lets fix the infrastructure issues first. The use of water from Red Arroyo is clearly not such a good idea I say let's put that matter to rest... at least for now. Water Reclamation will be something to think about down the road but I don't see it as a priority just right now. Citizens, "WE DON'T NEED NO STINKING WATER," just yet! What Mr. Boyd is saying makes perfectly good sense. I just hope that our current City Council understands and buys into this. Citizens, "WITHOUT WATER, NOTHING FLOATS"

Canny, Wed, 06/08/2016 - 21:33

Kim, like you, I am a tax paying citizen of San Angelo. I have lived here my entire life and I have seen this City Council and past councils spend our money on wasteful projects. It does not matter if I am related to Lane Carter or not, I have a right to my opinion and a duty to express it.

Liz supported the water reclamation project loan application before the May 7th election. Now that she's in a runoff election she wants the issue off the table so it does not become a topic of discussion. I think if she should win the runoff, she will proceed with the loan application.

In the recent City Council meeting, Grindstaff was admonished by Mayor Morrison because she wanted to table the discussion about the Republic bulk pick up for now. She didn't want to make a decision that could cost her the July 2nd election. Like I said before, it's a political play.

If she were to vote to approve the loan application for 150 million her name would be on one of the highest tax hikes in San Angelo's history. That would lose her the election and she knows it.

So you are a relative of the candidate opposing Ms. Grindstaff? No one said you could not have an opinion, of course you can and you have every right to express it. But, inherent to your opinion is the fact that you are accusing Liz of political motivations when your words are also politically motivated. To be clear, applying for the loan DID NOT MEAN it would be used, it was like getting pre-qualified for a mortgage. Regardless, what is more disturbing is that you have the facts entirely wrong on the trash situation. The trash contract was negotiated AFTER Ms. Grindstaff left the City as Assistant Manager and BEFORE she was on council. In fact, the ONLY vote she ever had on the trash contract she voted AGAINST! I have researched to find out the facts on these issues, and I feel confident that my tax dollars are being spent in the most effective manner for or current and future needs by Liz Grindstaff. She is smart, articulate and reasonable. I may not always agree with her, but I can have a discussion with her about it and she has sound reasons for why her decision was made. I can ask no more from a public servant. I think Lane is a nice young man, and he has the best of intentions, but I don't want someone with little life experience and no public service experience making a 150 million dollar decision, or any of a plethora of other decisions made by the council on a regular basis. Liz is currently the strongest voice of reason we have on the council, and in light of the recently elected SMD1 representative we absolutely cannot afford to lose her. I applaud Mr. Carter for his effort. One day after he has run a household and raised his child it will be his time. Please don't pretend that your opinions are not swayed by the fact that you'd like to see your relative succeed. I think that is only natural.

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