Editorial 10 by Frank McKay of Creedmoor
Welcome to New SGWASA Executive Director - August 2019
Welcome Mr. Scott Schroyer. I wanted to discuss the need for Mr. Schroyer to focus on the ACCOUNTABILITY of SGWASA to its Customers. Here is the definition of Accountability:
The fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility:
Synonyms: responsibility, liability, answerability:
Example of the word in a sentence: "Their lack of accountability has corroded public respect"
To be successful at SGWASA you will need to apply the concept of accountability In your three problem areas of (1) Finance and Fees; (2)Water Quality;(3) Planning and Management
High level communication will be the key for you and the SGWASA Board to be Accountable to its customers. You will need a modern web site that is better organized and has pages to cover the topics below and other messaging systems to be accountable and show us how you are proactive in planning. You will need to keep us up to date on the state of the infrastructure of the water and sewer plants as well as the condition of the distribution and sewage collection systems.
EXAMPLES:
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What are your plans for your financial problems: how are you going to raise money for future needs? I have seen your last audit and know you do have some "cash" on hand but that will disappear rapidly. Particularly when you pay off the million you owe Hazen and Sawyer and after you have the Hazen and Sawyer work done on the water plant (cost 12 to 15 million). Can you obtain government grants? Can you be proactive and work with local state and federal institutions which are SGWASA customers and promote the infusion of cash into SGWASA from those governmental agencies. Thousands of prisoners have complained of the water! Do you see my point? Will you be pro-active with our state and federal reps for funding? You need to consider financial rate options for customers who are only one individual in a home and who have low water use. They need cheaper rates.
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Why do customers by bottled water? Because it often smells and tastes bad. You need to analyze this problem and give us scientific answers, not guess work and not just flushing of pipes. If these unpleasant smells and tastes are strictly due to dead water at cul-de-sac locations, you need to compensate these customers! Give them filters perhaps? Solutions are needed! The Board Members are sworn to uphold their duties and you are also! That means clean, healthy water, in both the Primary and Secondary categories. You need to test this bad tasting/smelling water in labs and tell us what is causing those problems. You need to develop a plan to access this problem and to keep and publish records on this inferior water. Chlorine, methane, sulfur gases? Or something more dangerous? I believe in your previous job you had serious problems of sewage water getting into clean waterways where it did not belong! Sewage gases are not rocket science! There are solutions! Educate your customers!
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What are the engineer reports telling you about SGWASA problems? These reports must be available to customers for reading and understanding. Customers need an assessment of the problems and the cost estimates by the engineer studies. Get them online and translated from engineering language to common language! In the July 2019 meeting there were three engineering companies which present reports and those should go up on your website first in common language!
Mr. Schroyer: SGWASA is NOT COMMUNICATING VERY WELL! — ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIRES ACTION AND COMMUNICATION!
SEVEN BOARD MEMBERS AND AN EXEC DIRECTOR? YOU CAN’T CREATE A GOOD COMMUNICATION SYSTEM?
Mr. Schroyer: OBVIOUS PROBLEMS TO DEAL WITH:
Below is a short list of some major problems that worry SGWASA Customers: We wonder regularly how these problems will affect our home values and the perception of our area by home buyers!!! Mr. Schroyer: Please focus on the ideas above and the list below.
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One of the highest customer rates in the state;
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50 million debt; (4 million payoff a year); 12-15 million coming up for a water plant project;
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Engineer reports on old sewer pipes and plants; engineer report of 47 million if area decided they wanted thousands of new homes.
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77 year old systems; Infrastructure disintegration is upon us and will be upon us continuously for decades. Where is that money coming from? People will move out of the area when rates reach a certain point. The word will spread of the high rates and real estate values will fall!
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Problems of people buying bottled water because the water smells bad or tastes bad. Or turns colors regularly. Entropy is a term physicists use to describe decay and things "falling apart." That word could be used to describe SGWASA!
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Editorial 9 by John Mayo of Butner
Welcome to New SGWASA Executive Director - August, 2019
My comments here are directed primarily towards our new ED, Mr, Schroyer. I welcome you to your new position, and in an attempt to assist your being fully aware of the situation in which you just signed on to oversee, I wanted to make sure you heard the other side of the story, for as I'm sure you are aware, every situation has two sides, and I want you to know, what I share tonight, along with some others here, reflects the side your customers are experiencing. Also, to prevent you from making the same error in judgement that others on the Board have made in thinking, only a small group of individuals have issues and concerns. The issues are actually widespread, but many have become frustrated and disgusted, and have just 'tuned out', which accounts for the consistent low turnout at Board meeting's, tonight being an exception.
.......Approximately three years ago, I made my first appearance before this Board attempting to voice my concerns and complaints about the quality of water being dispensed by SGWASA. .My home has constant ugly, black manganese residue from the water, and I have some concerns regarding exposure to excessive manganese. I was met with flippant, almost condescending remarks, advising you all drink and have been drinking the water for years, and have or see no problem, While that may have been true, it did not address the personal concerns I shared, so I came back for a second time, and was greeted in a similar manner. This occurred before some of the current Board members had come on board, although the new members have embraced the same responses.
I consequently decided to launch a PR campaign aimed towards SGWASA to demonstrate the seriousness of my concerns. I began with Op-eds printed in both our local newspapers, which led me to others in the community who were experiencing all types of water quality issues. Issues that had been long standing and had not been properly addressed, so I increased the articles and so far there have been numerous articles in both local newspapers, 5 television segments mentioning SGWASA from three different networks, and a radio broadcast on NPR, which was aired nationally. Those segments are now posted on the internet for public access, where they will remain for posterity.
I also have spent nearly three years observing, researching, and learning about the structure, and operation of SGWASA, and this Board, and discovered numerous residents have been having multiple quality issues even when SGWASA was operating in compliance, and we are being serviced by an organization in need of multiple improvements and changes. The recent reviews and reports from outside Engineers and Consultants, validated those suspicions. I have audio CD's or files from the past 3 years of meetings.
Myself, along with Frank McKay, who holds a PhD in Biology, have been deemed by some on this Board as troublemakers' who spread inaccurate information regarding SGWASA and our water quality, however, let me assure you neither of us has ever stated anything but facts, and when noted, educated opinions, which turns out, others in the community, happen to agree with. Not because they know and like us, rather, because they are all experiencing issues of their own, ranging from rotten egg or vomit like odors, to discolored water that leaves residue, and thus, share our lack of confidence and trust in SGWASA's ability to deliver a decent product.
SGWASA was established 13 years ago, and since that time, it has received 27 violations for exceeding safe DBP levels. That is a group of chemicals formed while disinfecting water. For over 13 years, SGWASA customers have had to tolerate poor quality water, coupled with higher than normal water bills, while being provided water that many feel is unsafe, or undesirable to consume. Some even attribute their heath issues, or those of their precious pets to the consumption of SGWASA water. Others have either moved from the area, or plan to, and some even having to sell their homes for a lower price due to the poor water quality being discovered by the buyer. Still others, feel betrayed that no one told them about the poor water quality and high water bills before purchasing their home here, and some personal physcian's have advised them to stop drinking the water. In short, both the product and the credibility of SGWASA is in need of 'repair', and I end with two suggestions to aid in that effort,
1. Create a website that allows customers to register complaints and offers response in a 'real time' frame, as well as provide more information to the public, such as posting agendas and minutes of your public meetings for all to review. Streaming meetings would be ideal and cost effective. And hopefully it doesn't occur again, however if so, create a system that will notify customers when the system falls out of compliance, immediately, not days after the event. Just as a small amount of peanut dust could be harmful to some individuals, there may be some SGWASA customers who could be harmed by exposure to the excessive contaminants.
2. Finally, Conduct a customer satisfaction survey, then provide each customer that desires, with some type of point of use filtration system. One that will be maintained by the customer, but supplied by SGWASA. This will allow customers to finally be able to obtain consistent quality water each day for everything required to adequately and safely maintain a healthy lifestyle, and maintain peace of mind for themselves and their children and family. A State Water Official advised there is nothing preventing SGWASA from doing so, except perhaps money, and I have been personally lobbying our State Senators for funds for such, and the prospect looks promising,
I am not looking for an immediate response because I'm one who favors :"action speaking louder than words". I have already made contact with some high profile national figures and organizations, and they stand ready to assist this community driven effort, if required. And if needed, the next level of media coverage will take this to a whole new level.. Thank you and good evening...........I'll be watching..............and yes we know the water has been in compliance for the past year or so for the DBP type contaminant, however, the issues mentioned, are still present, and the concerns, just as great.
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Editorial 8 by John Mayo of Butner
SGWASA and Voting
"And the truth shall set them free.."
It is no longer a secret that the issue of SGWASA and poor water qualilty has placed area residents in an unsavory position. One not likely to ever change unless some of the current 'players' are changed. My wife and I recently accompanied Professor LaHoma Romocki, Associate Professor at NCCU, Public Health, to Greensboro to hear Rev. Dr. William Barber, and Vice President Al Gore speak about ecological issues, including dirty water. It was a standing room only crowd loaded with enthusiasm and a fighting spirit.
As the crowd listened to the speakers, the common call for what the masses needed to do to influence their local issues was, 'register and vote'. Voting individuals out of office who have not worked for the good of the people, replacing them with competent, caring individuals who will operate with integrity and transparency.
When it comes to SGWASA, I can't think of any two individuals who deserve more to be 'voted out' than Tim Karan and Edgar Smoak. They were both signers of the original agreement that formed SGWASA; the one where no vision or thought was put into the future. The 'future' that has now become our 'present'. Karan has even stated publicy that he feels water that smells or leaves a ring should be acceptable.
November is nearly here. If you have not been satisfied with SGWASA, Vote. Send a powerful message! (see the recommendations on the home page for the specific individuals we recommend for this upcoming election.)
Editors note: All of the above paragraphs were sent to both the Oxford Ledger and the Butner Creedmoor News by Mr. Mayo as a "Letter to the Editor." The Oxford Ledger printed it all, the Butner Creedmoor News omitted the highlighted three sentences without asking Mr. Mayo for permission to do that or telling him about the censorship before printing. We think this is a horrid form of censorship. It is his opinion and we thought, in America, local newspapers allowed people to express their opinion with Letters to the Editor. Now we will all have to wonder, how often, how much and what, is being modified, censored and hidden from us in the Butner Creedmoor News!
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Editorial 7 by John Mayo of Butner
SGWASA In a Nutshell - In Way Over Their Heads
Much has been discussed and printed about SGWASA in recent months, and I could take another few months to tell you more, and Tom Jackson shared some info regarding our pending rate hikes last week, but, in my opinion, what it all comes down to is this..........SGWASA is in way over their heads, and no matter how well meaning and good intentions rest with the current Board and the Executive Director, Lindsey Mize, the challenges and obstacles that lay ahead will require an 'A-Team". Professionals like the engineering firm, Hazen and Sawyer, brought in by SGWASA and which is why SGWASA is now likely in compliance, and will probably remain, until Hazen and Sawyer departs. Remember, it took Hazen and Sawyer to come in and tell SGWASA just how much was needed to upgrade and repair what they had been working with. Mize had just stated 4 months earlier, SGWASA was not in need of any new structure or repairs, something Hazen and Sawyer blew out of the water! From it's inception, the concept of SGWASA was an ill conceived venture that lacked vision and proper planning.
Recent communications with Board members, highlight another question I've also put forth....why the need of 7 Board members who basically just 'rubber stamp' whatever Mize brings to them? It would be more efficient to just have Mize do what he has to do, and would save the money spent on Board salaries.,especially when they also appear to be in 'need of assistance', as evidenced by two 'requests' I recently received from two different Board members.
First Archer Wilkins asked me and Frank McKay, to consider becoming a laison between the Board and it's customers to better handle complaints. Isn't what they get paid to do? And if they give it a little thought, they might figure out why they have to ask us, instead of already having a bond and connection with the public..........the public they have been serving for 13 years. I started my crusade only 2 years ago., and most of those who support me, don't even know me. They just support what I'm doing.
A bit later, new Board member, Jimmy Gooch, proposed, he would give up his salary if I volunteered to do some free grant writing for SGWASA. Again, isn't that what somebody at SGWASA gets paid for? And although I do write grants, if he had done just a little research, he would have discovered, the type of grants I write are for 501c non-profit organizations, like my church, not for a- 'for- profit' public entity operating with a Board. Sounds to me like 'grasping for straws'. Gooch even later expressed his disappointment at my not accepting Wilkins proposal. Does this sound just a little bit weird? An organization comprised of seven elected Board members, an Attorney and Executive Director, asking a lone resident for assistance?
I hope you see my point. If they are asking a civilian for help, doesn't that suggest, they are in need of help? They have not, and will not ever admit it, but SGWASA needs a much bigger and better tool box to get up to date and operate a 'modern, safe system'. A tool box not found in local elected officials, so it's time to come clean, and ask for help from the State. Or would SGWASA prefer to wait unti the State intervenes, and takes over?
Time to face the facts, you tried, and did the best you could, but the task is overwhelming for the amount of resources available to work with. "Seek and ye shall find."
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Editorial 6: by John Mayo of Butner, NC
Message to SGWASA----"You've Got to Be Kidding!"
SGWASA's latest offering demonstrates just how 'out of touch' they are from their customer base, and if 'lack of interest' is any indicator, hopefully they "learned something." In case you missed, SGWASA, latest effort at imparting information, was aimed at more of their normal pattern--"Defend SGWASA, at any cost."
With the recent revelations from lthe engineering study, regarding the awful condition of the WTP, one would think SGWASA would have its hands full of preparing for implementing that long awaited, laundry list of 'recommendations'. Especially when you consider, customers have already been 'waiting' for 20 years or more for some improvement. Yet, rather than place all energy and resources towards that goal, they offered, first, a chronological history of themselves, followed by bringing in two PhD's, in an obvious attempt to regain the confidence most have lost in them.
News flash SGWASA--- most customers don't care how we got to where we are now, (evidenced by the small number of people, (less than10), who showed up for the 'information retreat', and to listen to your PhD's ), they just want better quality water, now. And as for those 'recruited PhD experts', most regard them the same as RJ Reynolds bringing in 'experts' to tell us 'smoking cigarettes is not all that bad for you. In short, another wasted endeavor, and bordering on "insulting" to the intelligence of customers.
I think most would agree when I say, "I don't need a PhD or FDA official with me, if I open a container of milk, and it smells bad, to make a decision not to drink it, and throw it out. Likewise, no PhD, is needed to tell me whether or not I should feel comfortable drinking water SGWASA provides. Fortunately, God gave everyone 'basic instincts.' In March 2016, over 85 customers showed up at a Board meeting, all to voice complaints and concerns. February 2018, less than10 people show up to hear your information presentation. What does that tell you? The reason people don't attend Board meetings is, they have learned, it does no good, and ends up being a waste of good and valuable time. All they receive are 'excuses and explanations.', neither of which requires attending a meeting to receive.
Ever since I began this crusade for better quality water, one thing has stood out consistently about SGWASA, no matter who the individuals are, and that is, they are 'hell-bent' on defending their actions, or lack of actions, and they appear more concerned about their reputation than finding a way to resolve and remove the numerous customer complaints ranging from rotten egg smelly water, to water that turns yellow, green, or has an ugly black residue. None of these have anything to do with 'being in compliance', yet that is the same song SGWASA keeps singing, as if we should feel 'grateful and relieved'. Another news flash...we don't! That, literally, is the least you can do, and if that is 'the best you can do', as Board member Tim Karan once suggested, then next election cycle will likely see more 'changes'.
SGWASA needs to park its collective ego, and start listening to its customers, not the other way around. It's continued efforts at trying to convince everyone, "it's not as bad as you think", only pours fuel on a fire that is already burning hot. Seven individual's opinion should not outweigh those of 19K+ customers. You are only serving SGWASA, and not the people. So if you think these latest attempts at regaining credibility will work, all I can say is ......."you've got to be kidding!"
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Editorial 5 by John Mayo of Butner
"Was SGWASA Thorough Enough?"
Many, including myself, felt the recent WTP review done by Hazen and Sawyer, should have been done years ago when the system was turned over to Butner; SGWASA began with an 'old beat up system', that only got worse with time, however, after years of operating that antique water system, SGWASA finally brought in a professional engineering firm that provided needed recommendations for upgrades and improvements. Great move, finally!
However, and with SGWASA, there always seems to be a 'however', they did not include a review of its distribution system, i.e. old pipes. Customers have been, and still complain about issues ranging from water that smells bad, or has a brown, green or yellowish tint. Mine has that constant ugly black residue. Some even report no issues. Different parts of the area, experience different issues.
So if only one type of water comes out of the WTP, and customers in different areas get different qualities of water, sounds like the distribution system might also be in need of some attention. What good will it do to pump 'good' water from the WTP, through corrupt pipes, which will then contaminate the water before it reaches our homes? That amounts to a 'band-aid' fix.
I also haven't heard any discussion regarding the ongoing need for additional employees, which Executive Director, Mize, has voiced on more than one occasion. If the current employees are already burdened working double shifts, and overtime with what is currently there, how are the same number of employees going to perform the additional duties brought about by additional equipment and the upgrades?
One must suppose, no one currently at SGWASA was aware of just how bad the condition of the WTP was in, until Hazen and Saywer did their review. Otherwise, why were they were hired? So would those same SGWASA individuals realize or know the actual condition of the distribution system?
Reason I ask,......."was SGWASA thorough enough?"
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Editorial 4 by Frank McKay, Creedmoor
Merchants of Doubt -- Manufacturing Uncertainty
(scientists visit SGWASA and manufacture false uncertainty on EPA data and present propaganda)
On February 13, 2018, the SGWASA meeting included a presentation by two research scientists. These individuals were hired by the SGWASA lawyer to (1) be expert witnesses in penalty appeals or potential class action suite (2) provide a report to the SGWASA Board on the health effects of disinfectant byproducts at the February 13th public meeting and (3) and provide a written report on these topics. Disinfectant byproducts are the major water contaminant SGWASA has been dealing with for some years. These two researchers received over $25,000 total, for their work for SGWASA. Your $25,000 and my $25,000. There is plenty of confusion and doubt as to why this money was spent and why it was necessary. Any informed person could tear apart their false arguments which were designed to "manufacture uncertainty" and doubt.
First, I present an abstract relevant to the subject of "paid scientific experts." This abstract material is in bold text immediately below.
Manufactured uncertainty: protecting public health in the age of contested science and product defense
American Journal of Public Health, July 2005
David Michaels PhD, MPH, Celeste Monfortonis, MPH
David Michaels and Celeste Monfortonis are with the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC.
Abstract
The strategy of "manufacturing uncertainty" has been used with great success by polluters and manufacturers of dangerous products to oppose public health and environmental regulation. This strategy entails questioning the validity of scientific evidence on which the regulation is based. While this approach is most identified with the tobacco industry, it has been used by producers of asbestos, benzene, beryllium, chromium, diesel exhaust, lead, plastics, and other hazardous products to avoid environmental and occupational health regulation. It is also central to the debate on global warming. The approach is now so common that it is unusual for the science not to be challenged by an industry facing regulation. Manufacturing uncertainty has become a business in itself; numerous technical consulting firms provide a service often called "product defense" or "litigation support." As these names imply, the usual objective of these activities is not to generate knowledge to protect public health but to protect a corporation whose products are alleged to have toxic properties. Evidence in the scientific literature of the funding effect--the close correlation between the results of a study desired by a study's funder and the reported results of that study--suggests that the financial interest of a study's sponsors should be taken into account when considering the study's findings. Similarly, the interpretation of data by scientists with financial conflicts should be seen in this light. Manufacturing uncertainty is antithetical to the public health principle that decisions be made using the best evidence currently available.
The scientists who came to speak at SGWASA in February 2018 came, in my opinion, to manufacture uncertainty. They spoke in practically an empty room although the public was invited. And they used every contortion they could manage to try to play down the dangers of disinfectant byproducts, DBPs. One of them said that "they would not hesitate to drink SGWASA treated water, a very unscientific, emotional statement without any meaning whatsoever. I emailed with one of the scientists (Dr. Richardson) after she spoke and referred to her "light and fluffy" discussion of her talk. Her first sentence in an email back to me was this in quotes and red text:
"DBPs show definitely associations of treated drinking water with bladder cancer, miscarriage, and birth defects. This was on one of the early slides in my presentation. And, it is the main reason that DBPs have been a major focus of my research for about 27 years."
The other scientist, Dr. Plewa in a recent scientific paper where he is an author, makes this statement in quotes and red text.
" Haloacetic acids (HAAs), generated as byproducts of water disinfection, are cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic."
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Cytotoxic means toxic to your cells (cell dies or stops growing, etc.)
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Genotoxic means toxic to your DNA,the genetic material. This means the DNA is destroyed or made inactive (genotoxicity is often confused with mutagenicity, all mutagens are genotoxic, whereas not all genotoxic substances are mutagenic.)
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Mutagenic means the capacity to change your genetic material, DNA, and thus increase the frequency of mutations above the natural background level.
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Carcinogenic means causes cancer.
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Teratogenic means the capacity to cause birth defects in humans and other mammals.
Most of their presentation was what the SGWASA administration wanted to hear and paid for: weak attempts at downplaying the dangers of DBPs and making unscientific statements in relationship to the problems at SGWASA. If you want to see the full story on DBPs, see this page on this website.
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Editorial 3 by John Mayo of Butner
SGWASA, and those 'Closed Session Meetings"
Have you ever wondered why an agency that supplies a product to the public, and uses public money for their operation, has the need to have 'secret talks' that the public cannot be involved in? That's exactly what SGWASA does with their 'closed session' meetings, and based on the results of one of their recent 'closed sessions', it begs to question...."just what do they do in those sessions'? (I'm not speaking of 'personnel issues' which I do know have to be discussed in closed sessions)
I speak of the recent decision, Board Attorney, Jim Wrenn, made after coming out of one of those closed sessions, for SGWASA to pay the most recent fines, totalling $33K+ because, in his own words...."it would be more cost effective." The reason for that decison is puzzling to say the least , especially when Wrenn had already submitted a motion to have the hearing continued, which would give SGWASA more time to 'achieve compliance', thus eliminating the need for a hearing, and the fines to be levied. A motion that was granted...............sound more 'cost effective' to you?
One would think, with all the debt SGWASA has, and the expensive price tag on what they now need to do, they would be looking for ways to save some of our money, yet, the decision to pay does not make any logical sense, and don't forget, they also paid over $25K for two PhD's who supposedly would offer testimony to help alleviate the fines The only reason that comes to mind is, they did not want to be faced with the possibility of having customers show up at that appeals hearing, and providing another side of the SGWASA water issue. That makes 'sense' for SGWASA, but not for paying customers, but since it's not their money, I guess they can be as cavalier as they desire. Of course, not one single Board member questioned or challenged "why it would be more cost effective to pay". (maybe that's what they discussed in 'closed sessions'?). Maybe someone should make a request to see the minutes of that 'closed session'?
Something tells me SGWASA is going to experience some 'drastic changes', and they won't be the type they enjoy, but then we usually reap what we sow, and SGWASA has been sowing 'bad seeds' for years, and that is no longer an issue for 'closed session'.
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Editorial 2 by John Mayo of Butner
An Inquiry from SGWASA Board Members
(Editors note: This is a response to an inquiry from a SGWASA Board Member as to whether Mr. Mayo could help bridge what the Board Member perceived as a communications gap in southern Granville between SGWASA and the community. This note below also sent to local mayors.)
Your proposal is intriguing, and to be quite honest, if not for the fact that when I made my last visit to a Board meeting, and Tim Karan proceeded to verbally 'attack' me, I might even agree to 'sign on', however, since not one single Board member said anything that evening, I had to presume, everyone agreed with his tirade, and that's when I decided to forgo any further attempts at dialogue with the Board. If you recall, you even dubbed me an 'evil force, spreading terror and fear in the community.", and even issued Frank McKay, PhD, a veiled threat on Nextdoor saying , "you'd meet him anytime, any place".
The fact that the SGWASA Board members have been, and are being paid to do precisely what you are proposing civilians to do, is also a factor. As I stated previously, those at SGWASA need to ask one question... "how did one individual, (two when Frank joined), manage to gain more credibility from the community than 7 elected and appointed officials? We could not be that influential without having something concrete to build upon. SGWASA provides all the 'ammunition' we need.
You are correct in your 'disconnect' theory, and the reasons for that are also multiple, but can be found in the fact that everyone on the Board seems to think ,"there is really nothing to be concerned about", even as residents have aired complaints consistently, and constantly, over the past years.
You had not joined the Board, back when I showed up with over 100 people, all airing complaints, yet there was still no sense of urgency coming from the Board, so others, including myself, reached the conclusion that 'airing complaints' to a Board that was not responsive, was just a 'waste of time'. I even suggested someone perform a customer satisfaction survey, so the Board could see for themselves, just how many customers have issues...... it fell on deaf ears.
Even now, new members like Gooch, continue to try and persuade and convince me and others, that it's not really that bad, and basically, we should 'stay quiet' and give SGWASA "more time". I've been in the area for some 20+ years, and the water quality was poor before SGWASA, and has been poor after SGWASA, so giving more time does not resonate with most.
That only strengthens the feeling that no one can expect any substantial changes from SGWASA, and that underlines the reason for my dealing with the issue as I proceeded to do.
Finally, perhaps the most telling reason lies in the fact that although you, as well as other Board members, and even Lindsey Mize, really want to bring about improvements, the truth of the matter is, you all can ask questions, debate issues, and appear to be 'on track', but the real challenges lie in the field where the actual work is done. So irregardless of how good meetings turn out 'verbally', none of you go into the field to do what has been discussed in those meetings, which is why I reached the conclusion that the whole idea of SGWASA was a bad idea from the very beginning. Some of you were not involved in that, however, it is now 'what it is'.
No one put any thought into the 'future', and all the numerous challenges and obstacles that lie ahead. Now, as all those challenges are staring everyone in the face, it leaves SGWASA in this vulnerable position.
Add to that the fact that after attending and/or listening to all the Board meeting minutes for the past year or so, it's clear to me, Wrenn and Mize actually 'do the driving', and the Board 'rides along.' I can think of only one instance when Mize was denied what he asked for, (Envirolink), and even that scenario popped up again recently with the sewer bid. (only one bid), and this time he was granted what he requested. Now while this is perfectly 'legal', it has raised some eyebrows, even among some elected officials, So if Mize is the principal 'driver', why have seven other paid individuals to essentially become just a 'rubber stamp' for him?
In conclusion, I still fail to understand what would be so bad about spending $2 million or so for providing each customer a RO filter, which would stop complaints dead in their tracks, and restore confidence in resident's water, immediately. Frank McKay and a few others have already installed 'filters' and are completely satisfied with the results. You stated your goal was for every customer to have 'clean water'. I can think of no better way to accomplish.
It would not have to be looked at as a 'failure of SGWASA', rather a proactive, and caring response to a situation that is presenting a multitude of challenges to overcome. Even when that $8 million + is spent on the WTP, the distribution system has still not been evaluated, and is just as old as the other parts of the system, and let's not forget the ongoing need for 'more certified workers.' Also, the sewer issue recently brought up adds yet one more hill to climb. You're talking 'years'!
Best I can do is wish you all 'good luck'........... you will need it.
John
PS Want to make it perfectly clear I hold no animosity or ill feelings towards any of the Board members, Lindsey, even Tim Karan. I anticipated push back and some degree of 'attack', however, I was prepared for such and I have 'thick skin'. It would not matter if your names were "Tom, Dick and Harry', this is not 'personal' in that sense. Also, I my efforts are supported throughout the communities, as evidenced by Nextdoor posts, I will send to you. This is the first time ever, this long standing issue has finally received the attention it needs.
Also, I also think it's safe to say Frank and I already have a 'public platform', which is no doubt why now, we have your attention.
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Editorial 1 by Frank McKay of Creedmoor
An Inquiry from SGWASA Board Members
(Editors note:This is a response to an inquiry from a SGWASA Board Member as to whether Mr. McKay could help bridge what the Board Member perceived as a communications gap in southern Granville between SGWASA and the community. This note below was also sent to local mayors)
Dear Mr. Board Member:
I believe SGWASA is “in over its head” in term of providing a mature, efficient and professional Water Authority function to southern Granville. Some problems are historic, and some contemporary. Many problems deal with poor management and poor communication with customers. Years of neglect of the physical plant and poor interaction with other elected officials and government bodies leaves us now with few options for a physically and financially sound water and sewer system.
It also seems that if we had all shiny and new parts in the entire water and sewer plants, the distribution system and even new management and highly trained workers, that the general capacity of the plants is inadequate for “growth” in the area. The plants are too small to serve the entire south Granville area.
Perhaps if we could now bring in all the mayors and managers of local towns served by SGWASA, and the County Board government and the county manager and put all their heads together and examine all the problems John Mayo and I describe, we might be able to start serious long-term planning to solve the SGWASA crisis.
But I’m not sure that is doable. You might try to work on that broad solution.
So, I have no solution to your massive problems. It may be too late, and we may need State or Federal intervention. SGWASA may have to be “dismantled” as it now exists. Southern Granville may need to eventually (or very soon) start to think about becoming part of the Kerr Lake Regional Water System. Oxford belongs to that system and there are two water main pipes for drinking water which run out of Oxford and halfway toward Creedmoor.
I do wish you good luck; I have no personal animosity toward any SGWASA staff, management or Board Members. If the members of the SGWASA Board start asking heavy questions and having hard discussions and include the customers and all the government entities I mention above, maybe something can be done. But I ask you why hasn’t the Board been more aggressive on this? Why do you let the ED and lawyer do all the talking? Note I say “talking.” Any Board I have been on in my life has active members that are on sub-committees and busy solving problems BETWEEN MEETINGS.
I can only give you one piece of advice and this is a quote from a famous man. I think it fits somehow. You decide.
"I think it makes sense to seek out and identify structures of authority, hierarchy and domination in every aspect of life and to challenge them; unless a justification for them can be given, they are illegitimate and should be dismantled to increase the scope of human freedom." Noam Chomsky