Flagler Estates Concerned Citizens, Inc.

For some Flagler Estates residents, their faith is lost. It said so on their
signs.

A group waited Thursday afternoon for a meeting they weren't allowed into with
people from the group they said they've lost faith in, known as the Flagler
Estates Road and Water Control District.

Residents' signs showed their disapproval of their district's plans for a storm
water treatment facility.



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Fury in Flagler Estates

New fee, closed meeting have Flagler Estates residents seeing red

By ILEANA MORALES
St. Augustine Record Intern
Publication Date: 06/27/08

For some Flagler Estates residents, their faith is lost. It said so on their signs.

A group waited Thursday afternoon for a meeting they weren't allowed into with people from the group they said they've lost faith in, known as the Flagler Estates Road and Water Control District.

Residents' signs showed their disapproval of their district's plans for a storm water treatment facility.

Kraig McLane, basin program manager for the St. Johns River Water Management District, said one supervisor from the Flagler Estates board presented his proposal for a storm water treatment facility at the meeting, which was closed to the public.

McLane said the district is not officially involved with the project, and Flagler Estates is asking that they consider partnering up.

He added that the meeting, originally set for 2:30 p.m. at the Flagler Estates office, was relocated to the St. Johns River Water Management District's headquarters due to "facility problems."

The sweaty residents, some wearing straw hats, waited with their signs at the Flagler Estates office until a bit after 3 p.m.

They weren't happy.

"It's a good plan, but it doesn't need to be done so quickly," said Susanne Vieson, a resident on Amos Avenue. "Especially in today's economy."

Mike Kelter, an engineer for Flagler Estates who called for Thursday's meeting, said residents pay $199 annual assessments per acre. In May, he said, the district approved a 63 percent increase, or $126, to be added to that fee to fund the storm water facility.

Kelter said the facility, which he hopes to start building in spring, would provide protection against flooding in Flagler Estates, an area prone to high water.

Residents are not picking up the whole bill for the $17 million project, he added.

Providing better culverts to control water is badly needed, Kelter said, because, as is, Flagler Estates is not a safe place to live.

He added that Flagler Estates needs to provide the funds to kickstart the project to attract partners.

But Stephen Collins, a St. Augustine resident who owns property in Flagler Estates, disagrees.

Collins said he doesn't want to pay for a facility that isn't yet backed by other water management districts.

"They hope it will attract others, and they'll help pay for it," Collins said. "Our feeling is that's just a bunch of bull."

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Reader Comments

Posted by: BOBKNOB at Jun. 27, 2008 at 7:34:43 am

I missed that one. I've lived there for 10 years. residents need a voice. Closing meeting to public is not fair
Thanks, Bob

Posted by: mkelter at Jun. 28, 2008 at 7:43:33 am

Bob,
This was not a public meeting. I called the meeting and invited engineers and other individuals who are knowledgable about the drainage system in southwest St. Johns County. Several engineers who attended work for the County. County taxpayers pay them a lot of money. To keep the cost low to the taxpayers, they need to work in an environment where they are not being harassed and interupted by the kind of demonstrations that have occurred in the District Board meetings, which are advertised and where public comment is solicited and appreciated.

Mike Kelter

Posted by: moxymo at Jun. 29, 2008 at 9:26:55 am

Any demonstration undertaken by the taxpayers of Flagler Estates, has been conducted in an appropriate and respectful manner. We are exercising our constitutional rights in a long-honored American tradition.
There was NO intention to interrupt ANY meeting - closed or open. It is deceitful to portray the situation any other way. It is important that all prospective participants in this project be aware that there are many taxpayers that oppose the manner in which the Flager Estates Board and Staff are proceeding and will continue to inform all involved parties.
Speaking of deceit... The landowners, the Board and even some staff were told that partners (SJRWMD) were onboard with the project. According to the above article, that is untrue.