STORMWATER FEE UPDATE
Our
attorney and I had a very productive meeting with WVSA last week. By way of
background, all the communities that joined the WVSA Regional Stormwater
Program entered into an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement because they
were required to comply with their MS4 permits. As a result, there is no
procedure in the ICA for a community to withdraw. We requested a withdrawal in
light of our Waiver, keeping in mind that the township would have to bear its
portion of the program costs to date WVSA is in the process of
calculating Lehman’s share of the costs to date. We also discussed another
scenario where Lehman would stay in the Program at a reduced rate, paid by the
Township and our residents would be reimbursed for payments they have made.
This mandate is evolving and we are concerned that if we get out of the Program,
we may not be able to get back in and the long-term costs to residents would be
substantial if our Waiver is not renewed after five years or if the requirements
change. This is an evolving concept that will involve further discussion.
WVSA
extended the date to receive the 1st and 2nd quarter payments
to June 5th without penalty. I was hoping that this matter would be
resolved by now, but after listening to both attorneys at our meeting I understand
why it will take a little more time. In order to avoid any penalties please
consider paying for your 1st and 2nd quarters bill. Doug,
Ray and I mailed ours in this week. Everyone at the meeting agreed that we
would work towards a solution to this matter before the 3rd quarter
bills are due. Until, a resolution is achieved we are still in the Program and
still required to pay the fee.
We
thank the WVSA for showing a willingness to try resolve this matter by setting
up our meeting and considering our unique situation created when Lehman
received the waiver for our MS4 permit.
If
one good thing came out of this whole situation, it’s the fact that many of our
residents got involved. Without your input we would never have made the last
successful attempt to apply for the MS4 waiver. I’ll keep everyone updated as
this process evolves. Thank you for your patience.
Dave Sutton,
Chairman
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