Jim Martin
Last year, the town commissioned an aquifer study to determine the future of Dover’s water supply. Phelps Engineering, of Middlebury, was hired to conduct the study and found that out of 1,200 wells, 14% had low yields of less than a gallon per minute, and over 50% had low yields of less than five gallons per minute. They also found numerous recorded health and reporting violations and well interference. The Phelps Engineering teams suggested the town pursue a $22 million communal water system and up to $4.2 million in Recovery Zone Economic Development bonds. Up to 50 residents and North Branch users attended the meeting and expressed concern about the project’s impact on taxpayers’ wallets.
On Tuesday, Lance Phelps, of Phelps Engineering, addressed residents’ concerns. He acknowledged that the proposed time line for obtaining federal funds was too fast but advocated the town continue with the project. He also gave suggestions on how the town could reduce overall costs. Phelps said the town can identify which portions of the existing infrastructure can be reused. He advised them to seek lower bidding project costs and more Recovery Zone Economic Development funds, which may be introduced in the 112th legislative session.
Lastly, Phelps explained that the proposed operating costs for the project were on the high end and can be adjusted as the project is ironed out by the town. “We gave you the worst case scenario and I think time will tell how all of these factors will play into the final equation,” said Phelps. “The next step is to update the cost estimates, get the number of users and commitments, have another meeting and present information, and then hold a bond vote. This will all take time.”
Ann Wierchiszewski, a second-home owner, attended the selectboard meeting. She lives in the North Branch Fire District and her home has a private well system. Wierchiszewski asked if nonusers would be responsible for picking up the tab, but Phelps assured her that only users connected to the system would pay for it. “How do I know that? I almost cannot afford my second home as it is,” said Wierchiszewski.
Selectboard chair Linda Holland said users in the vicinity of a water line may pay an impact fee, but nothing has been finalized. But she also added that the water project is in the preliminary phase and the selectboard is only trying to recognize if there is a need.
Robert Fagge, of East Dover, does not live in the proposed water system area, but he was concerned how it would affect East Dover residents and second-home owners. “People have to live and vote in this district (to have a say) and if I own a condo and live across the line, I don’t count,” said Fagge. “A majority of homeowners don’t live here. So from a social standpoint, I’m thinking the fairness is lacking and some answers need to go forth. I don’t think you can do this in this short period of time.”
Don Albano advised to conduct more studies. He thought it was a “mistake” to ask Phelps Engineering to come up with financial numbers and the town should refer to financial advisors for information. Albano suggested the town find out from constituents what they want, how much they can afford, and incorporate it into an economic plan. “I saw well levels drop in 1978 when we began developing real estate. The more development there is in the next 10-20 years, we need a water system but we need it planned, not thrown together as we have right now,” said Albano.
The selectboard voted unanimously to conduct more studies on a communal water system and will consider a leadership team to determine the next steps.
Samantha Snow was angry at the selectboard for its past conduct and the hiring of a town employee. Although her father, Tim Snow, was not selected, Samantha Snow represented herself as a concerned citizen “not as a daughter complaining because her father was not hired.” She read from her statement and said the selectboard’s job of governing could be made easier with the support of the town. Snow said she could not offer her support.
“I cannot in good faith support a board that promotes economic development for Dover and then refuses to hire someone within the town for a job opening. I cannot support a selectboard who in the name of fiscal responsibility does not award a roadside mowing contract to someone who has done an excellent job for years, just to save a few dollars, when the same board hired someone else at a higher pay rate than other applicants are willing to work for.”
Snow continued, “I cannot support a board who feels that back room agreements, side deals, and sneaky political tactics are acceptable practices. This town is simply too small for secrets. Many people ask me if I will return to Dover to practice. As it stands, I will not. I ask you why would anyone want to live in a town governed by people whose words count for nothing and are happy to say one thing and do another.”
Snow’s comments were met with applause.
Former selectboard member Jim Martin also took aim at the selectboard. He called them “hypocrites” and singled out Holland and selectboard member Colby Dix. Martin said Holland’s husband works for Mount Snow and Dix’s wife is a ski instructor “and they have no problem giving money away to Mount Snow and sit (on the board) with a smile.”
Holland banged on the table to end the discussion. Martin responded “I hit a nerve, didn’t I?”
In other news, economic development specialist Patrick Moreland continues to work with the Vermont Telecommunications Authority and Fairpoint Communications to provide high-speed Internet access to East Dover. Moreland said VTA funding is available and applicants showing a financial commitment “will be favored over those that do not.” The selectboard will write a letter of intent to invest $200,000 for the purpose of obtaining funding.
Construction for the Valley Trail has begun and a groundbreaking ceremony will take place behind the Andirons on Friday, August 20, at 10 am.
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