Bandy, Merrill, Bastian and Guerber have placed the City of
Mayor Bandy hasn’t learned from the PR mistakes of the Merrill Administration, and has again infuriated the residents with a mailed assessment which was an attempt to meet the letter of the law, but failed far short in reaching out to the people he is supposed to be representing. The creation of the LID and the forced assessment on the residents (approximately $1,000) and businesses (approximately $3,000) within that LID are causing much outrage among those who are expected to pay for this purchase. I know of several businesses in the new
If Mayor Bandy continues down this path, it will most likely result in more lawsuits, more hard feelings, legislative action, and more talk of a recall. I’d rather the City do what’s best for the residents and include them in this monumental decision - it’s their money the city is spending. The solution is within easy reach.
Before the March 18th public hearing, Mayor Bandy should announce that the purchase of Eagle Water Company has been put on hold, pending the outcome of a VOTE by the residents of the LID. Put the entire process on hold until a vote of the people indicates that a majority of those affected by the purchase approve the purchase. Those that are affected by the decision should have a vote in the decision, as this decision is far too onerous to be left up to five people.
And, Mayor Bandy, please take some classes in public relations. You were quoted in the Statesman as saying that people who appeared in protest at City Hall were satisfied once their questions were answered. They definitely were not, as those same people are now writing comments on the Statesman article, organizing their own groups to oppose the LID, and e-mailing and calling me. They are asking me to help them because you are not. The people you were elected to represent are far from satisfied.
5 responses so far ↓
1 James arden // Mar 6, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Saundra you are right on. Eagle City should not be in the water business. It keeps on appearing that they are in the illegal business. My letter of OBJECTION is already in the mail. I am almost ready to sue the city,but that would cost the city more foolish money.
Keep up the good work and if I can help just let me know.
2 Tamara Nagoda // Mar 6, 2008 at 9:58 pm
The mayor and the media keep saying that this plan has been in the works for years. So if they’ve had the intention of buying Eagle Water for all this time, seems like they could have come up with a better, more citizen-friendly plan or worked this purchase into the budget. I’m also wondering how this plan flew under the radar of so many people, including myself. We’ve lived in Eagle for about 18 months and vaguely remember hearing something about this about 6 months ago. But other than that, we were really unaware. Was it their plan to drop this bomb on people only after it was too late to stop it from going through? Now, it looks like the city is saying that all we can do at this point is object to the assessment amount, not our inclusion in the LID or it’s creation. I guess if you don’t read the city’s webpage daily you’re just asking for surprises. We certainly won’t make that mistake again. This is obviously an administration that we need to watch like a hawk. Although, I don’t know if a $1000 bill is a fair punishment for our lack of attention in the past.
3 scaldedeagle // Mar 7, 2008 at 8:56 am
We have received the Notice of Hearing, have read the details on the City’s web site, this is government BS!
We oppose the method the City of Eagle is using to purchase of Eagle Water and to the way the assessment is planned to be carried out.
We believe that IF (and we really do not think they should ) the City of Eagle is going to purchase this business, all residents of Eagle and all businesses in Eagle should pay for the purchase equally, regardless of what water system they use.
Further, we believe developers and contractors of existing developments, lots or unsold properties should pay for these costs as well and pass them along to customers when a property is sold.
I believe that a small government is needed and they should not own businesses of any kind nor hold hostage the homeowners and families.
4 scaldedeagle // Mar 12, 2008 at 11:00 am
My email to the Mayor
Dear Mr. Bandy:
Thank you for your reply.
We have read all the propaganda on the City of Eagle Website, including the analysis. The issue to use isn’t if the City of Eagle should or should not buy Eagle Water, the issue is who gets to decide. We believe this should be via vote by the residents of the LID.
We believe that if the City of Eagle is going to purchase this business, all residents of Eagle and all businesses in Eagle should pay for the purchase equally, regardless of what water system they use.
Further, we believe developers and contractors of existing developments, lots or unsold properties should pay for these costs as well and pass them along to customers when a property is sold.
Regards,
John and Nina Baker
—– Original Message —–
From: Phil Bandy
To: JOHN AND NINA BAKER
Cc: Steve Guerber ; Al Shoushtarian ; Michael Huffaker ; Norm Semanko
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:34 AM
Subject: RE: Put LID and purchase of Eagle Water on Hold
Mr. and Ms. Baker - thank you for your input on this issue. I understand your concerns.
If you have not done so already, I encourage you to review all the LID information provided on the City’s web site, particularly the analysis conducted by the Citizen’s LID Committee. Upon your review, I believe you will find compelling reasons why purchase of Eagle Water Company is the right thing to do, it is the right time to do it, and the purchase price is reasonable.
Since July of last year, City Council has directed this effort through significant due diligence, much public participation, deliberation, and passage of enabling ordinance. As Mayor, one of my responsibilities is to implement policy decisions of the City Council. As such, even if it were my desire to do so, I do not have the unilateral authority to put this process on hold.
Again, thank you for your comments.
Regards,
Phil Bandy
——————————————————————————–
From: JOHN AND NINA BAKER [mailto:johntandninat@msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 7:32 AM
To: Phil Bandy
Subject: Put LID and purchase of Eagle Water on Hold
Dear Mr. Bandy:
We believe that the City of Eagle is making a BIG mistake.
We believe that at the meeting scheduled for March 18th you the Mayor should announce that the purchase of Eagle Water Company has been put on hold, pending the outcome of a VOTE by the residents of the LID.
Please, put the entire process on hold until a vote of the people indicates that a majority of those affected by the purchase approve the purchase.
Regards,
John and Nina Baker
5 scaldedeagle // Mar 14, 2008 at 10:39 am
We have spoken with a local farmer and NOW understand WHY the City of Eagle SHOULD purchase Eagle Water. It is because if another water company buys it the water very well may be diverted to areas outside Eagle.
I still believe that the City should have communicated this better and all the residents of Eagle should pay, not just those in the LID.
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