Sewer opinions change because facts change
The concept that Councilmembers Barchfeld, Fore & Kelly lied about Aqua Texas (AT) being “off the table” during their campaign is completely false. During the campaign, we were full speed ahead on construction of both the plant and the collection system for the City WWTP and contractors were actively working on both sites. We were assured by the previous council majority and Mayor McCullough that the project was fully vetted, fully funded, fully permitted, on time and on track for completion. There was no feasible AT option at this point in time.
After the election, we found out new information: Way grant funds aren’t in escrow; the plant has to be moved and we pause for revised drawings from the engineer; the EDA grant can’t be used for the collection system because our former majority council failed to follow proper bid procedures; certain properties aren’t on the drawings to be hooked up; we don’t have required permits from TxDoT or necessary easements from needed property owners; the lift station needs to be moved; there are no revised drawings or cost estimates for piping both sides of RR12; and council was unaware of an $110,000 invoice submitted for monitoring the loan.
Wow, that is a lot of new information! Remember, the former council passed a motion to prohibit council members from talking directly to any agencies. That could only be done by the Mayor or City Administrator. Also, Barchfeld was denied access to a construction meeting as Mayor McCullough would not let him attend under the false assertion that a second council member in attendance (Thurber was already present) would constitute a quorum. Fore and Barchfeld were not informed of what actions McCullough and Thurber were taking.
It doesn’t surprise me that an election had to occur for a lot of these issues to come to light. I am very grateful we have Councilmembers and a Mayor that are now looking at EVERY option to manage this project and make the most fiscally and environmentally responsible decision for ALL of Wimberley. That is exactly why the voters elected them.
Casey Craig