(Video) County Announces Agreement for My Mountain Water

On Wednesday, the Fannin County Water Authority announced an agreement to distribute water to the My Mountain Phase Two Community.
Reading from a prepared statement, Water Authority Chairman Mike Queen said the authority has resolved

“any pending issues with Gary Schraut and the Home Owners’ Association of My Mountain Phase Two.”

The statement specified the parties involved will allow the authority to distribute water to My Mountain Phase Two without being included in Gary Schraut’s lawsuit against the Quintrell Estate, which was previously a possibility.

“The authority will be receiving an agreement signed by Mr. Schraut and the Homeowners Association,”

Queen said, which, he added, should be received in the next few days. Continuing he said,

“The family of the late Roy Quintrell (the My Mountain developers) has restated today to our attorney their objective of full cooperation in brining county water to My Mountain Phase One and Phase Two.”

County Attorney Lynn Doss received calls from Mary Beth Priest and Michelle Vaughn that day, on behalf of their clients (Mr. Schraut and the My Mountain HOA), indicating there will not be any attempt to bring the authority into the pending litigation

“and thus clearing the path for the Fannin County Water Authority to move forward with its objective of bringing the opportunity to participate in the public water system to My Mountain Phases one and two.”

Queen’s announcement was received by high applause from residents in attendance.

Following the statement, the board passed a motion giving Queen the authority to sign the agreement upon return to the authority with the signatures of the other parties. The motion was passed unanimously.

Carter and Sloope Engineering Consultants are currently heading up the project. As such, engineers Tom Sloope and Matt Smith from the firm were present at this week’s meeting to explain the process, schedule and answer questions from residents. Sloope and Smith fielded a series of questions prepared previously by residents of both phases of My Mountain. Questions ranged from ensuring the quality of water to monthly cost of water bills.

Additionally, Sloope outlined the time-frame for the project, one of the more significant concerns for residents. He admitted he could not give specific dates, but said he could give an estimate of how long it will take before workers would “break ground” and begin the project.

“I can only control how long it takes us to design the plans,”

he said,

“but I can’t control how long it takes others (to fulfill their obligations).”

Here, he identified the other parties involved in gaining approval for the project before it begins. Some of these other parties include, the EPD (Environmental Protection Department), the Rules Development Department, the authority’s attorney, and private individuals required to sign easements for use of land.

Sloope said his firm expects to submit plans to the EPD by August. The review process, he said typically takes 60 days. The plans will then be submitted to the Rules Development Department, which also must approve the plans.

“All that has to be done before we are authorized to advertise for bids,”

Sloope said. B ids for the work will then be advertised for three to four weeks, after which the county will open bids and select a company to complete the work. Also, the county will collect easements from residents required to use the land for the project. If all of these components fall into the expected time-frame, Sloope said the project should begin in early 2013 and will take approximately six to nine months to complete.

After reading the announcement, Queen showed relief, saying,

“I think it’s a great day for the people of My Mountain.”

He also thanked many residents for their assistance, Mr. Schraut, and the officers of the POA for working with the water authority to make the announcement possible. Queen, though, gave special mention to County Attorney Lynn Doss for all of her hard work. Adding to that, resident Anne Seay thanked Mr. Schraut for his willingness to work with the county for a resolution. Mr. Schraut, however, was not present to accept the gratitude.