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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Flint emergency manager Michael Brown in talks with state on water pipeline project
Published: Monday, February 13, 2012, 7:06 PM Updated: Monday, February 13, 2012, 7:06 PM
By Kristin Longley | klongley1@mlive.com
FLINT, Michigan --
Flint emergency manager Michael Brown said he met with the state treasurer today about a plan to build a drinking water pipeline to Genesee County from Lake Huron.
Brown told the Flint City Council at its meeting tonight that if the city of Flint decides to become a partner in the water pipeline project, it would require approval from the state.
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I think we’re in a position right now where we can support the pipeline but I think there are some outstanding questions," Brown said. "This is a major commitment on our part."
Brown said any expense more than $50,000 requires approval of the state treasurer.
He said he met with Treasurer Andy Dillon today and asked him to review the project.
City leaders have said they are seriously considering a plan that would allow the city to pull off of the Detroit water system, which has raised its rates to the city for years, and use Flint River water until the water pipeline is built.
Brown said tonight the city is still reviewing that possibility.
Last edited by untanglingwebs on Mon Feb 13, 2012 9:07 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Mon Feb 13, 2012 8:11 pm |
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00SL2
F L I N T O I D
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| That still won't make our water rates go down. There's too much to be made up for all the lawsuit settlements. |
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Mon Feb 13, 2012 8:26 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Brown said the karegondi water Pipelaine was a great project and he priased Howard Croft for an excellent job in reading the technical studies and reports and providing the City with excellent "due diligence" in making a decision for the future of Flint's water choices.
Brown believes the Pipelaine is a "great project" and wants to be a part of it.
Brown stated the possibility of selling the Flint water and sewer plants was blown out of proportion and blamed the Flint Journal. He then said it would have been irresponsible to review all options. Right now there is way too much overtime in the plants.
Bernard lawler, 5th Ward, stated he wanted a more comprehensive discussion on Karegondi and Brown said he would arrange to have Croft give him a full briefing.
Lawler said he had only one meeting with Brown and that was the week of Brown's appointment. He recently found out that Brown was meeting with council leadership, Kincaid, Freeman and Weighill and that the sharing of information was problematic.
Sheldon Neeley requested a detailed audit of the water rates and Croft said one was being completed and would be available within 30 days.
Brown pointed out that much of the system was over 100 years old and 30% of the water was being lost to leaks.
Neeley referred to the City previously paying salaries out of the water and sewer fund to individuals that did not work in these funds and asked if a repayment would be made. Brown replied the city was completing a fact finding review and adjustments would be made based on the review. |
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Mon Feb 13, 2012 8:27 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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| Per Brown, there are reviews with the DEQ and the state on upgrading the water plant to use for a water source for Flint. Detroit has sent notice of a new water rate increase and the current rates are not covering the cost of the system. Part of the problem is the 30% water loss and the need to repair the infrastructure. |
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Mon Feb 13, 2012 8:29 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Note: Two attempts were made by a citizen to have the North Flint Revitalization group sponsor, in part or whole, a meeting where the Genesee County Drain Commissioner and head of Genesee County water and Waste Services, Jeff Wright could explain in detail the Karegondi water Pipline Project. Two members of the group objected as they did not support the pipeline and were not willing to let the public hear the details.
If your group wants to have a presentation, Jeff Wright has stated he is willing to meet with any group. Call him at the Drain Commission 732, 1590.
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Tue Feb 14, 2012 7:50 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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13 554/Z
EM SUBMISSION NO.: EM 108 2013
PRESENTED: 7 /1-/13
ADOPTED: 9/ II /13
RESOLUTION APPROVING CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF FLINT,
GENESEE COUNTY AN]) THE KAREGNONDI WATER AUTHORITY
AN]) AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF NOTICE
BY THE EMERGENCY MANAGER:
It is necessary to acquire and construct a new water supply system consisting of the
acquisition, construction and installation of various water main and related facilities, together with all necessary appurtenances and attachments thereto as described in the Contract (the “System”), to serve the City and the County of Genesee (the “County”); and
A Contract has been prepared between the City, County and the Karegnondi Water
Authority (the “Authority”) whereby the Authority will issue its bonds, in one or more series (the “Bonds”) on behalf of the City and the County to provide for the financing of the cost of the acquisition, construction and installation of the System; and
The City has careffilly reviewed the Contract and fmds that it provides the best means for accomplishing the acquisition, construction and installation of the System and for providing the needed services.
IT IS RESOLVED, THAT:
1. Approval of Contract; Effectiveness. The Contract is hereby approved and the
Emergency Manager and the City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver the Contract for and on behalf of the City; provided, however, that Contract shall not become effective until the expiration of forty-five (45) days after the date of the publication of the notice attached hereto as Exhibit A as a display advertisement of at least one-quarter (1/4) page size in one or more newspapers of general circulation within the territory encompassed by
the Authority, which manner of publication is deemed by the City to be the most effective manner of informing the taxpayers and electors of the City of the details of the proposed Contract and the rights of referendum thereunder.
2. Publication of Notice. The City Clerk is hereby directed to publish the attached
notice as soon as possible after the adoption hereof in substantially the form attached, with such changes as shall be approved by the City Clerk, upon the advice of bond counsel, so as to permit the Bonds to be issued as contemplated herein. The City Clerk may agree to publish the attached notice pursuant to this Section jointly with the Clerk of the County provided that the attached
notice shall appear in a newspaper having a general circulation in the City.
3. Application to Michigan Department of Treasury. The Emergency Manager, City
Clerk and Treasurer are each authorized and directed to take such further steps and actions as are necessary or desirable to enable the Authority to issue the Bonds for and on behalf of the City and the County as contemplated herein and in the Contract, including making an application to the Michigan Department of Treasury for prior approval with respect to the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority, if such prior approval is required, and the payment of any fees required by the Michigan Department of Treasury in connection with such application. The Emergency
Manager, City Clerk and Treasurer are each further authorized to apply for any waivers or other orders from the Michigan Department of Treasury as may be necessary or advisable to issue, sell and deliver the Bonds as contemplated herein and to pay any filing fees related thereto.
4. Bond Counsel. The City has been advised that the Authority has retained Miller,
Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. (“Miller Canfield”) as its bond counsel in connection with the Bonds and the City hereby consents to the representation of the Authority by Miller Canfield.
5. Rescission. All resolutions and parts of resolutions in conflict with this resolution
be, and the same hereby are repealed.
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO FINANCE:
DISPOSITION:
ENACT I REFER TO COUNCIL FAIL
Michael K Brown, Emergency Manager
SAP. Bade\EM2013\Rcsolutions\KWA-Reso Approving ContracL and Authorizing Notice.9-04-13.DOC |
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Sun Oct 13, 2013 4:23 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Flint group wants public vote on using tax money to pay for water pipeline
Dominic Adams | dadams5@mlive.com By Dominic Adams | dadams5@mlive.com
Follow on Twitter
on October 11, 2013 at 3:00 PM, updated October 11, 2013 at 3:05 PM
FLINT, MI – A group of Flint residents wants voters to decide if city officials can use tax money to pay for a new water pipeline.
The group of about 20 people met on Friday, Oct. 11, in front of Flint City Hall during a news conference that served as a kickoff in hopes of collecting 8,000 signatures in the next 45 days.
Bill Alexander is a co-chair with the “water pipeline ballot question committee” and said two public notices about the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline project put him on high alert.
The KWA project will pipe raw water from Lake Huron to Flint, Genesee, Lapeer and Sanilac counties. Flint and Genesee County currently pay to have Detroit for water.
“With these notices coming so close leaves us to believe that this was a well-focused strategy to get tax support,” Alexander said. “We think the people should have a voice.”
Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright, who was not at the news conference, said the potential vote would have devastating consequence, placing the project on indefinite hold and costing construction jobs.
“KWA is paid for by the water bills we currently pay, and is not a tax,” Wright said in a statement.
Wright said those signing the petitions should think about all the potential layoffs and long term damages to the project.
“We have two options, and two options only: build our own pipeline through the KWA or sign another 30 year contract with the bankrupt city of Detroit,” Wright wrote. “The second option is frightening, and anyone who signs this petition makes this a realistic possibility.”
The move could put a question to voters about if they want Flint to be able to levy taxes to pay Flint’s $102 million portion of the pipeline.
The city would pay about $6.8 million per year and if there isn’t adequate money in the water and sewer fund than officials could increase taxes to pay the difference, Alexander said.
“This also determines what type of legacy do we want to leave to our children,” said committee volunteer Nayyirah Shariff. “Do we want to leave a legacy of debt?”
City council candidate Eric Mays organized the committee and said he doesn’t care if people are a no vote or a yes vote, but he’d like to see residents get it on the ballot.
“We’re going to flush out the truth,” Mays said. “We thought this was going to (use) no tax money. Whether you’re a yes or no vote – all we’re saying is we got the right to ask the question.”
Mays said the signatures need to be collected in 45 days because that is when a public hearing about the KWA will take place.
Those interested in volunteering with the effort or for more information can call 406-1480.
Dominic Adams is a reporter for MLive-Flint Journal. Contact him at dadams5@mlive.com or 810-241-8803. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+. |
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Sun Oct 13, 2013 4:33 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Flint council says yes to pipeline - WNEM TV 5
www.wnem.com/story/21791557/flint-council-says-yes-to-pipeline
In a 7-to-1 vote, Flint city council said yes, to move forward with plans to join a regional pipeline. It took more than two weeks, countless arguments and several ...
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Flint city council postpone vote on water pipeline proposal : News ...
www.minbcnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=873787
Oct 08, 2013 · FLINT -- After delaying a decision last week, Flint City Council members again decided to postpone a vote on how to get the city’s water supply. Council ...
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The Flint Journal - MLive.com - Flint City Council delays decision ...
www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2013/03/flint_city_council...
FLINT, MI -- The Flint City Council declined to take action on whether the city should participate in the construction of a multi-county pipeline that would bring ...
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News about Flint Council Vote On Karegondi Pipeline
bing.com/news
Flint group wants public vote on using tax money to pay for water pipeline
MLive.com · 1 day ago
FLINT, MI – A group of Flint residents wants voters to decide ... is a co-chair with the “water pipeline ballot question committee” and said two public notices…
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Flint City Council modifies water pipeline proposal, sends …
www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2013/03/flint_city_council...
Flint City Council altered a proposal to purchase water from Lake Huron as part of the Karegnondi Water Authority rather than continue to buy it from Detroit. Council ...
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Flint council says yes to pipeline - WNEM TV 5
wnem.membercenter.worldnow.com/.../flint-council-says-yes-to-pipeline
In a 7-to-1 vote, Flint city council said yes, to move forward with plans to join a regional pipeline.
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Flint council to vote on water pipeline - YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFpx6fpwnRE
By connectmidmichigan ·
1 min ·
26 views ·
Added Mar 25, 2013
Flint city council members are expected to vote on whether to join the Karegnondi Water Authority instead of continuing to purchase water from the city of ...
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Flint to join KWA, get water from Lake Huron : News : …
www.minbcnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=876598
Oct 06, 2013 · After weeks of delay, Flint City Council members voted to join Genesee, Lapeer and Sanilac counties to get water from Lake Huron through a new pipeline.
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Flint council says yes to pipeline - WFSB 3 Connecticut
www.wfsb.com/story/21791557/flint-council-says-yes-to-pipeline
In a 7-to-1 vote, Flint city council said yes, to move forward with plans to join a regional pipeline. It took more than two weeks, countless arguments and several ...
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Sun Oct 13, 2013 4:43 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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fedupinflint commented on the petition story about the willingness of Eric Mays and his supporters to say anything that will generate a controversy for his council race.
I noticed Michael Harris running in the second ward was also on the front lines in the Journal photo. |
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Sun Oct 13, 2013 4:47 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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50 years later: Ghosts of corruption still linger along old path of failed Flint water pipeline
Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com By Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com
on November 12, 2012 at 7:00 AM, updated November 12, 2012 at 7:03 AM
Beneath the surface
Genesee County approves borrowing $35 million to build Lake Huron water pipeline intake
Beneath the surface: What's involved in tapping into Lake Huron for $300 million pipeline
History repeating: Genesee County isn't the first to undertake water pipeline construction
GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Fifty years ago, the last time grandiose plans for building a water pipeline to Lake Huron were taking shape, a one-man grand jury and a profiteering scandal knocked them all down.
That failed venture to pipe fresh water to Flint serves as a lesson to those who plan a pipeline today bringing water from Lake Huron to Genesee County.
"We know the history and want to be sure everything is transparent" this time, said county Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright. "The best way to do that is not to buy the land" where the pipeline will be buried, he said.
In that long-ago scheme, Flint businessman Samuel M. Catsman, a millionaire who owned real estate, coal, fuel oil and concrete companies, was indicted for fraud. He was charged with cheating the city of Flint using inside information about the planned pipeline route to buy and then sell land at a huge markup.
The scandal that peaked with the arrest of former Flint City Manager Robert A. Carter and the indictment of Catsman ended with the charges dismissed, a fat profit repaid, and the legacy of suspected corruption tied to the pipeline plans.
Within six months of the Catsman-Carter indictments, the city of Flint abandoned its pipeline project and on June 6, 1964, signed a contract to buy water from the city of Detroit for the next 30 years.
Unlike the city of Flint's approach to building a pipeline a half-century ago, which involved hiring a confidential land agent to buy up needed real estate for the construction, Wright plans to build in the public rights of way and to purchase very limited easements -- not real property -- only when absolutely necessary.
In October, the county Board of Commissioners authorized borrowing up to $35 million to start construction on a new water pipeline to Lake Huron. Engineers at Wade Trim are in the process of finalizing the design, including the precise route of the new line.
"The biggest ... critical thing is the property (for the intake and pumping station) has already been purchased through a public auction," the drain commissioner said.
In 2002, the county Board of Commissioners paid $2.73 million for 236 acres of Sanilac County property, including beachfront on Lake Huron.
The property is in Worth Township -- the same township where Flint purchased a much smaller parcel -- about 3 acres -- for its planned pumping station in January 1962.
In that decades-ago plan, a confidential land agent for the city -- Claude O. Darby Sr. -- had recommended the purchase, according to Flint Journal files. Just three months earlier, Darby, through his private real estate company, had purchased the same property for Catsman, using another man's name, for $33,000 less than he sold it to the city.
Darby was named as a co-conspirator in the Catsman case, but was granted immunity and testified before the grand jury after he was initially charged with obtaining $33,000 under false pretenses.
Carter was charged with conspiracy to cheat and defraud the city, but the charges against he and Catsman were eventually dismissed. A judge characterized the purchase and sale of land as little more than a "shrewd business deal."
Former county Prosecutor Robert Leonard remains convinced that power and influence brought about the dismissing of the criminal cases and said suspicions of profiteering caused the collapse of the pipeline.
Leonard said Catsman in particular was a power broker in the city, active in politics, and was in a position to win contracts for every phase of the pipeline had the project gone forward.
"You take him on, you take on a guy who was running the city," Leonard said. "He wanted control, and he was a powerful guy."
"I was shocked. I was stunned" at the verdicts, the former prosecutor said. "We showed the fix and they just dismissed it. Everybody in the city and the public was outraged ... We would have (a pipeline) by now if they hadn't committed that fraud."
Wright said his office purchased easements when it oversaw a large sewer expansion in the northwest part of the county, paying about 10 cents per square foot, making it a much less expensive approach than making purchases.
The drain commissioner said he knows generally where the pipeline would be built along public rights of way, but is not discussing that route to avoid even the appearance of tainted real estate deals.
"Any easements necessary will be a matter of public record," Wright said.
Property the county already owns and uses -- on Henderson Road in Richfield Township -- is targeted as the location of a water treatment plant for the county. One additional purchase may be required for a pumping station
"Our goal is not to purchase any property on this," Wright said. |
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Sun Oct 13, 2013 4:59 pm |
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