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City Council wrangles with Woodrail sewer bills
, Richmond News Staff
07-15-2010
Two Woodrail subdivision residents Tuesday evening once more confronted the Richmond City Council about curtailing rising sewer bills.
In this instance, city officials reminded them they can’t solve this problem alone.
“My neighbors and I were here last month. We were told that we were going to have a meeting, and we’re just waiting for updates and (to find out) what’s our next move,” said 11699 Woodrail Ave. resident Kimberly Todd to the council, clearly concerned about her most recent $196 sewer bill.
Interim City Administrator Ed Lee Swafford told Todd that the city has conducted all the background work it can until officials can directly negotiate with Woodrail subdivision residents and ownership. Thus far, discussions have included Mid-America Regional Council representative and grant-writer Molly McGovern, Swafford said.
Swafford said the first solution – establishing a benefit district for the subdivision lying outside the Richmond city limits – would require coordinated efforts among Ray County officials, Richmond city officials and subdivision residents and ownership.
He added that he has contacted concerned citizen Virginia Whelchel – a frequent representative and contact-point between the subdivision residents and the city – and brought her up to speed. Swafford also clarified that this issue has the potential to generate legal action.
Swafford recently said at a Public Works Committee that the problem would require closed-session talks for just that reason.
Full story is in the Thursday, July 15, 2010 edition of the Richmond News
