On Wed, Oct 20, 2010 at 4:47 PM, Robbie Webber <[email protected]>wrote:
> . . . . there is a federal mandate to replace the lead pipes next year. . > . . . Again, the pipes will definitely be replaced next year, so Willy will > be torn up next year. > Robbie, Wisconsin DNR has gone on record with the City, city residents and district leaders, indicating they are willing to delay lead lateral replacements through 2013 to incorporate green infrastructure elements. That would create a coordinated project minimizing disruption to businesses in a least-cost, dig-once scenario that accomplishes multiple goals. There is nothing in the federal or state rules that prevents the water utility from seeking an additional one year extension to their current consent order, and nothing prevents the City from getting more done at lower cost. The pretense that the City's hands are tied has no merit. It's only a done deal if the City & the Water Utility are unresponsive to constituents -- and that's something staff and officials should take responsibility for, rather than repeating the refrain "I can't" as though it were true. Let's give you the benefit of the doubt -- maybe you're just repeating what you've been told -- but then that clearly means that someone has not been forthright with you. The 'city ethic' increasingly looks to be a marketing label at this point rather than a real way of operating or an end-product for urban form. I don't think officials can run on good governance and then practice it only when it suits 'em, or proceed as though supportive economic development policies are for some but not others, or can afford to accept placemaking as an accident of fate or a matter of convenience. Again, your statement that 2011 lead lateral replacements is a done deal is false. When you say "the pipes will definitely be replaced next year, so Willy will be torn up next year" -- no matter what -- even though that misrepresents our available options, you really do put your finger on the fundamental intransigence preventing a coordinated and more fiscally sound project. All the Water Utility needs to to is send a letter requesting a delay to the DNR -- their refusal to do that is the point of obstruction standing in the way of a better project, and their refusal to own up to their decision / stance indicates a serious failure of responsibility. Evoking the prospect of saddling the business district with extra years of road construction if this goes through isn't just an attempt to discourage and demoralize, or some innocent scare tactic, it's a form of extortion. Best, Rich
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