Feb. 19, 2003 – The Housing Authority's executive director has canceled a $6 million contract with the company hired a year and a half ago to oversee two major affordable housing developments — revitalization of the Louis E. Brown Villas on St. Croix and the construction of a new Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg community on St. Thomas.
But the developer, Smart Inc., has already been paid almost $1 million, yet did not lay "one block" at either site, VIHA's Ray Fonseca said in a release Wednesday.
Fonseca said he terminated the contract for four reasons:
– Smart Inc. missed major "milestones" laid out in the agreement, such that "the contract could not be completed anytime close to the original completion date." It failed to meet the dates for closing on financing, for 90 percent construction completion, and for issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, he said.
– Final completion costs were being projected at about $5 million more than initially estimated.
– The Housing Authority itself "has the technical capabilities with existing staff to move this project forward."
– VIHA "was taking all the risks involved, and the contractor could not produce the financing needed."
Fonseca said is it his view "that this development consultant was overpaid, and the VIHA shall be seeking reimbursement of all overpayments."
He said the Housing Authority is involved "in several initiatives" to begin demolishing the remaining Louis E. Brown structures and start work at Hoffman/Nullyberg. He said he remains committed to seeing the projects through "even if VIHA has to complete these developments in phases."
The Developer Consultant Agreement entered into effective Aug. 2, 2001, describes Smart Inc. as a corporation licensed to do business in the Virgin Islands with offices in Tillett Gardens. Smart was selected through a competitive bidding process based on a Request for Proposals to assist VIHA in the development, marketing, sale and management of the two redevelopments.
According to the contract-termination notification letter Fonseca sent the company on Jan. 7, 2003, the chief executive officer of Smart Inc. is C. Knox LaSister III.
In that letter, Fonseca stated that "no actual clearing, grubbing, demolition or construction has yet begun."
The contracted administrative/developer fee was $3 million for each of the two housing developments, calculated at 10 percent of the total project costs.
According to documentation from Fonseca, Smart Inc. was paid $435,502.90 between Oct. 15, 2001, and Sept. 6, 2002, toward the Louis E. Brown development and $554,063.87 between Sept. 26, 2001, and Sept. 6, 2002, toward the Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg development.
The agreement provided for 65 percent of the contracted fee for each of the two projects to be paid in monthly drawdowns, and 35 percent to be paid in four equal "success milestone" performance payments at the closing of financing, at 90 percent construction completion, at issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, and at 90 percent occupancy.
Smart stated in documents provided by Fonseca on Wednesday that "we will move our projects on time and on budget to meet the performance milestones, and will accept our compensation accordingly."
Last May, then-acting VIHA executive director Al Simmonds described construction of the mixed-income community in the Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg area south of Weymouth Rhymer Highway to a Senate committee meeting on St. Thomas as "the first major development of this magnitude in more than 30 years." Plans called for construction of 109 multi-family and 67 single-family units of one to four bedrooms, plus a community center. All would be rental units, but there would be a lease-purchase program for the single-family units.
Simmonds said the project, estimated at $35 million, was being financed in part with a portion of a federal Housing and Urban Development grant for housing to replace the Warren E. Brown housing units overlooking Lovers' Lane in downtown Charlotte Amalie that were razed after Hurricane Marilyn destroyed them in 1995. He said construction was to begin in July 2002 and be completed by June 2004.
The day after that, at a similar committee hearing on St. Croix, senators were told about the VIHA venture on that island to revitalize 194 units in the Louis E. Brown Villas. Simmonds said the complex had been ravaged by Hurricanes Hugo (1989), Marilyn (1995), Georges (1998) and Lenny (1999). In 2001, after some buildings had stood as vacant shells for a dozen years, 17 two-story and three-story apartment buildings were demolished. An application was pending to raze two more, Simmonds said.
The senators were told that the goal for the site was to change the overall ambience, fostering a strong sense of community pride, and that the total construction cost was estimated at $29.3 million. Simmonds said the new Louis E. Brown homes would sell for $90,000 to $125,000, with work to start in January 2003 and be completed by December 2005.
For background on the Hoffman/Nullyberg project, see "Affordable housing projects get panel's OK".
For background on the Louis E. Brown Villas project, see the St. Croix Source report "Affordable housing expansion well received".
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
VIHA CHIEF AXES AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONTRACTOR
Feb. 19, 2003 – The Housing Authority's executive director has canceled a $6 million contract with the company hired a year and a half ago to oversee two major affordable housing developments — revitalization of the Louis E. Brown Villas on St. Croix and the construction of a new Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg community on St. Thomas.
But the developer, Smart Inc., has already been paid almost $1 million, yet did not lay "one block" at either site, VIHA's Ray Fonseca said in a release Wednesday.
Fonseca said he terminated the contract for four reasons:
– Smart Inc. missed major "milestones" laid out in the agreement, such that "the contract could not be completed anytime close to the original completion date." It failed to meet the dates for closing on financing, for 90 percent construction completion, and for issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, he said.
– Final completion costs were being projected at about $5 million more than initially estimated.
– The Housing Authority itself "has the technical capabilities with existing staff to move this project forward."
– VIHA "was taking all the risks involved, and the contractor could not produce the financing needed."
Fonseca said is it his view "that this development consultant was overpaid, and the VIHA shall be seeking reimbursement of all overpayments."
He said the Housing Authority is involved "in several initiatives" to begin demolishing the remaining Louis E. Brown structures and start work at Hoffman/Nullyberg. He said he remains committed to seeing the projects through "even if VIHA has to complete these developments in phases."
The Developer Consultant Agreement entered into effective Aug. 2, 2001, describes Smart Inc. as a corporation licensed to do business in the Virgin Islands with offices in Tillett Gardens. Smart was selected through a competitive bidding process based on a Request for Proposals to assist VIHA in the development, marketing, sale and management of the two redevelopments.
According to the contract-termination notification letter Fonseca sent the company on Jan. 7, 2003, the chief executive officer of Smart Inc. is C. Knox LaSister III.
In that letter, Fonseca stated that "no actual clearing, grubbing, demolition or construction has yet begun."
The contracted administrative/developer fee was $3 million for each of the two housing developments, calculated at 10 percent of the total project costs.
According to documentation from Fonseca, Smart Inc. was paid $435,502.90 between Oct. 15, 2001, and Sept. 6, 2002, toward the Louis E. Brown development and $554,063.87 between Sept. 26, 2001, and Sept. 6, 2002, toward the Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg development.
The agreement provided for 65 percent of the contracted fee for each of the two projects to be paid in monthly drawdowns, and 35 percent to be paid in four equal "success milestone" performance payments at the closing of financing, at 90 percent construction completion, at issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, and at 90 percent occupancy.
Smart stated in documents provided by Fonseca on Wednesday that "we will move our projects on time and on budget to meet the performance milestones, and will accept our compensation accordingly."
Last May, then-acting VIHA executive director Al Simmonds described construction of the mixed-income community in the Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg area south of Weymouth Rhymer Highway to a Senate committee meeting on St. Thomas as "the first major development of this magnitude in more than 30 years." Plans called for construction of 109 multi-family and 67 single-family units of one to four bedrooms, plus a community center. All would be rental units, but there would be a lease-purchase program for the single-family units.
Simmonds said the project, estimated at $35 million, was being financed in part with a portion of a federal Housing and Urban Development grant for housing to replace the Warren E. Brown housing units overlooking Lovers' Lane in downtown Charlotte Amalie that were razed after Hurricane Marilyn destroyed them in 1995. He said construction was to begin in July 2002 and be completed by June 2004.
The day after that, at a similar committee hearing on St. Croix, senators were told about the VIHA venture on that island to revitalize 194 units in the Louis E. Brown Villas. Simmonds said the complex had been ravaged by Hurricanes Hugo (1989), Marilyn (1995), Georges (1998) and Lenny (1999). In 2001, after some buildings had stood as vacant shells for a dozen years, 17 two-story and three-story apartment buildings were demolished. An application was pending to raze two more, Simmonds said.
The senators were told that the goal for the site was to change the overall ambience, fostering a strong sense of community pride, and that the total construction cost was estimated at $29.3 million. Simmonds said the new Louis E. Brown homes would sell for $90,000 to $125,000, with work to start in January 2003 and be completed by December 2005.
For background on the Hoffman/Nullyberg project, see "Affordable housing projects get panel's OK".
For background on the Louis E. Brown Villas project, see the St. Croix Source report "Affordable housing expansion well received".
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
But the developer, Smart Inc., has already been paid almost $1 million, yet did not lay "one block" at either site, VIHA's Ray Fonseca said in a release Wednesday.
Fonseca said he terminated the contract for four reasons:
– Smart Inc. missed major "milestones" laid out in the agreement, such that "the contract could not be completed anytime close to the original completion date." It failed to meet the dates for closing on financing, for 90 percent construction completion, and for issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, he said.
– Final completion costs were being projected at about $5 million more than initially estimated.
– The Housing Authority itself "has the technical capabilities with existing staff to move this project forward."
– VIHA "was taking all the risks involved, and the contractor could not produce the financing needed."
Fonseca said is it his view "that this development consultant was overpaid, and the VIHA shall be seeking reimbursement of all overpayments."
He said the Housing Authority is involved "in several initiatives" to begin demolishing the remaining Louis E. Brown structures and start work at Hoffman/Nullyberg. He said he remains committed to seeing the projects through "even if VIHA has to complete these developments in phases."
The Developer Consultant Agreement entered into effective Aug. 2, 2001, describes Smart Inc. as a corporation licensed to do business in the Virgin Islands with offices in Tillett Gardens. Smart was selected through a competitive bidding process based on a Request for Proposals to assist VIHA in the development, marketing, sale and management of the two redevelopments.
According to the contract-termination notification letter Fonseca sent the company on Jan. 7, 2003, the chief executive officer of Smart Inc. is C. Knox LaSister III.
In that letter, Fonseca stated that "no actual clearing, grubbing, demolition or construction has yet begun."
The contracted administrative/developer fee was $3 million for each of the two housing developments, calculated at 10 percent of the total project costs.
According to documentation from Fonseca, Smart Inc. was paid $435,502.90 between Oct. 15, 2001, and Sept. 6, 2002, toward the Louis E. Brown development and $554,063.87 between Sept. 26, 2001, and Sept. 6, 2002, toward the Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg development.
The agreement provided for 65 percent of the contracted fee for each of the two projects to be paid in monthly drawdowns, and 35 percent to be paid in four equal "success milestone" performance payments at the closing of financing, at 90 percent construction completion, at issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, and at 90 percent occupancy.
Smart stated in documents provided by Fonseca on Wednesday that "we will move our projects on time and on budget to meet the performance milestones, and will accept our compensation accordingly."
Last May, then-acting VIHA executive director Al Simmonds described construction of the mixed-income community in the Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg area south of Weymouth Rhymer Highway to a Senate committee meeting on St. Thomas as "the first major development of this magnitude in more than 30 years." Plans called for construction of 109 multi-family and 67 single-family units of one to four bedrooms, plus a community center. All would be rental units, but there would be a lease-purchase program for the single-family units.
Simmonds said the project, estimated at $35 million, was being financed in part with a portion of a federal Housing and Urban Development grant for housing to replace the Warren E. Brown housing units overlooking Lovers' Lane in downtown Charlotte Amalie that were razed after Hurricane Marilyn destroyed them in 1995. He said construction was to begin in July 2002 and be completed by June 2004.
The day after that, at a similar committee hearing on St. Croix, senators were told about the VIHA venture on that island to revitalize 194 units in the Louis E. Brown Villas. Simmonds said the complex had been ravaged by Hurricanes Hugo (1989), Marilyn (1995), Georges (1998) and Lenny (1999). In 2001, after some buildings had stood as vacant shells for a dozen years, 17 two-story and three-story apartment buildings were demolished. An application was pending to raze two more, Simmonds said.
The senators were told that the goal for the site was to change the overall ambience, fostering a strong sense of community pride, and that the total construction cost was estimated at $29.3 million. Simmonds said the new Louis E. Brown homes would sell for $90,000 to $125,000, with work to start in January 2003 and be completed by December 2005.
For background on the Hoffman/Nullyberg project, see "Affordable housing projects get panel's OK".
For background on the Louis E. Brown Villas project, see the St. Croix Source report "Affordable housing expansion well received".
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
VIHA CHIEF AXES AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONTRACTOR
Feb. 19, 2003 – The Housing Authority's executive director has canceled a $6 million contract with the company hired a year and a half ago to oversee two major affordable housing developments — revitalization of the Louis E. Brown Villas on St. Croix and the construction of a new Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg community on St. Thomas.
But the developer, Smart Inc., has already been paid almost $1 million, yet did not lay "one block" at either site, VIHA's Ray Fonseca said in a release Wednesday.
Fonseca said he terminated the contract for four reasons:
– Smart Inc. missed major "milestones" laid out in the agreement, such that "the contract could not be completed anytime close to the original completion date." It failed to meet the dates for closing on financing, for 90 percent construction completion, and for issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, he said.
– Final completion costs were being projected at about $5 million more than initially estimated.
– The Housing Authority itself "has the technical capabilities with existing staff to move this project forward."
– VIHA "was taking all the risks involved, and the contractor could not produce the financing needed."
Fonseca said is it his view "that this development consultant was overpaid, and the VIHA shall be seeking reimbursement of all overpayments."
He said the Housing Authority is involved "in several initiatives" to begin demolishing the remaining Louis E. Brown structures and start work at Hoffman/Nullyberg. He said he remains committed to seeing the projects through "even if VIHA has to complete these developments in phases."
The Developer Consultant Agreement entered into effective Aug. 2, 2001, describes Smart Inc. as a corporation licensed to do business in the Virgin Islands with offices in Tillett Gardens. Smart was selected through a competitive bidding process based on a Request for Proposals to assist VIHA in the development, marketing, sale and management of the two redevelopments.
According to the contract-termination notification letter Fonseca sent the company on Jan. 7, 2003, the chief executive officer of Smart Inc. is C. Knox LaSister III.
In that letter, Fonseca stated that "no actual clearing, grubbing, demolition or construction has yet begun."
The contracted administrative/developer fee was $3 million for each of the two housing developments, calculated at 10 percent of the total project costs.
According to documentation from Fonseca, Smart Inc. was paid $435,502.90 between Oct. 15, 2001, and Sept. 6, 2002, toward the Louis E. Brown development and $554,063.87 between Sept. 26, 2001, and Sept. 6, 2002, toward the Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg development.
The agreement provided for 65 percent of the contracted fee for each of the two projects to be paid in monthly drawdowns, and 35 percent to be paid in four equal "success milestone" performance payments at the closing of financing, at 90 percent construction completion, at issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, and at 90 percent occupancy.
Smart stated in documents provided by Fonseca on Wednesday that "we will move our projects on time and on budget to meet the performance milestones, and will accept our compensation accordingly."
Last May, then-acting VIHA executive director Al Simmonds described construction of the mixed-income community in the Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg area south of Weymouth Rhymer Highway to a Senate committee meeting on St. Thomas as "the first major development of this magnitude in more than 30 years." Plans called for construction of 109 multi-family and 67 single-family units of one to four bedrooms, plus a community center. All would be rental units, but there would be a lease-purchase program for the single-family units.
Simmonds said the project, estimated at $35 million, was being financed in part with a portion of a federal Housing and Urban Development grant for housing to replace the Warren E. Brown housing units overlooking Lovers' Lane in downtown Charlotte Amalie that were razed after Hurricane Marilyn destroyed them in 1995. He said construction was to begin in July 2002 and be completed by June 2004.
The day after that, at a similar committee hearing on St. Croix, senators were told about the VIHA venture on that island to revitalize 194 units in the Louis E. Brown Villas. Simmonds said the complex had been ravaged by Hurricanes Hugo (1989), Marilyn (1995), Georges (1998) and Lenny (1999). In 2001, after some buildings had stood as vacant shells for a dozen years, 17 two-story and three-story apartment buildings were demolished. An application was pending to raze two more, Simmonds said.
The senators were told that the goal for the site was to change the overall ambience, fostering a strong sense of community pride, and that the total construction cost was estimated at $29.3 million. Simmonds said the new Louis E. Brown homes would sell for $90,000 to $125,000, with work to start in January 2003 and be completed by December 2005.
For background on the Hoffman/Nullyberg project, see "Affordable housing projects get panel's OK".
For background on the Louis E. Brown Villas project, see the St. Croix Source report "Affordable housing expansion well received".
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
But the developer, Smart Inc., has already been paid almost $1 million, yet did not lay "one block" at either site, VIHA's Ray Fonseca said in a release Wednesday.
Fonseca said he terminated the contract for four reasons:
– Smart Inc. missed major "milestones" laid out in the agreement, such that "the contract could not be completed anytime close to the original completion date." It failed to meet the dates for closing on financing, for 90 percent construction completion, and for issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, he said.
– Final completion costs were being projected at about $5 million more than initially estimated.
– The Housing Authority itself "has the technical capabilities with existing staff to move this project forward."
– VIHA "was taking all the risks involved, and the contractor could not produce the financing needed."
Fonseca said is it his view "that this development consultant was overpaid, and the VIHA shall be seeking reimbursement of all overpayments."
He said the Housing Authority is involved "in several initiatives" to begin demolishing the remaining Louis E. Brown structures and start work at Hoffman/Nullyberg. He said he remains committed to seeing the projects through "even if VIHA has to complete these developments in phases."
The Developer Consultant Agreement entered into effective Aug. 2, 2001, describes Smart Inc. as a corporation licensed to do business in the Virgin Islands with offices in Tillett Gardens. Smart was selected through a competitive bidding process based on a Request for Proposals to assist VIHA in the development, marketing, sale and management of the two redevelopments.
According to the contract-termination notification letter Fonseca sent the company on Jan. 7, 2003, the chief executive officer of Smart Inc. is C. Knox LaSister III.
In that letter, Fonseca stated that "no actual clearing, grubbing, demolition or construction has yet begun."
The contracted administrative/developer fee was $3 million for each of the two housing developments, calculated at 10 percent of the total project costs.
According to documentation from Fonseca, Smart Inc. was paid $435,502.90 between Oct. 15, 2001, and Sept. 6, 2002, toward the Louis E. Brown development and $554,063.87 between Sept. 26, 2001, and Sept. 6, 2002, toward the Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg development.
The agreement provided for 65 percent of the contracted fee for each of the two projects to be paid in monthly drawdowns, and 35 percent to be paid in four equal "success milestone" performance payments at the closing of financing, at 90 percent construction completion, at issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, and at 90 percent occupancy.
Smart stated in documents provided by Fonseca on Wednesday that "we will move our projects on time and on budget to meet the performance milestones, and will accept our compensation accordingly."
Last May, then-acting VIHA executive director Al Simmonds described construction of the mixed-income community in the Estate Hoffman/Nullyberg area south of Weymouth Rhymer Highway to a Senate committee meeting on St. Thomas as "the first major development of this magnitude in more than 30 years." Plans called for construction of 109 multi-family and 67 single-family units of one to four bedrooms, plus a community center. All would be rental units, but there would be a lease-purchase program for the single-family units.
Simmonds said the project, estimated at $35 million, was being financed in part with a portion of a federal Housing and Urban Development grant for housing to replace the Warren E. Brown housing units overlooking Lovers' Lane in downtown Charlotte Amalie that were razed after Hurricane Marilyn destroyed them in 1995. He said construction was to begin in July 2002 and be completed by June 2004.
The day after that, at a similar committee hearing on St. Croix, senators were told about the VIHA venture on that island to revitalize 194 units in the Louis E. Brown Villas. Simmonds said the complex had been ravaged by Hurricanes Hugo (1989), Marilyn (1995), Georges (1998) and Lenny (1999). In 2001, after some buildings had stood as vacant shells for a dozen years, 17 two-story and three-story apartment buildings were demolished. An application was pending to raze two more, Simmonds said.
The senators were told that the goal for the site was to change the overall ambience, fostering a strong sense of community pride, and that the total construction cost was estimated at $29.3 million. Simmonds said the new Louis E. Brown homes would sell for $90,000 to $125,000, with work to start in January 2003 and be completed by December 2005.
For background on the Hoffman/Nullyberg project, see "Affordable housing projects get panel's OK".
For background on the Louis E. Brown Villas project, see the St. Croix Source report "Affordable housing expansion well received".
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
COMPENSATION FOR LOSS OF FISHING WATERS EYED
Feb. 19, 2003 – Local fishermen got the message Wednesday night that former President Bill Clinton's expansion of the Buck Island Reef National Monument north of St. Croix apparently is a "done deal," and they were not happy about it.
Delegate Donna M. Christensen held a hearing on the issue Wednesday night to fill the public in on what will happen now that the General Accounting Office has officially declared 30,000 acres of submerged lands in the territory federally owned.
"To discuss ownership of the land is not the purpose of this meeting," Christensen said to about 40 people gathered at the Curriculum Center on St. Croix. "And I don't want anyone to feel that Congress is likely to overturn the monument. That has never happened as far as I know."
The National Park Service is charged with managing the lands. NPS Superintendent Joel Tutein said interim management plans were sent on Feb. 13 to the federal Office of Management and Budget for approval. Once approved, he said, the plans will be sent to the federal registry.
Tutein said the public then will have a 30-day period in which to comment before the NPS begins enforcing prohibitions that will apply to the submerged land — including fishing restrictions. The National Park Service has another two years to finalize management plans, he said.
What this means to fishermen is that allowable areas for fishing will be further restricted.
Fisherman Edward Schuster complained that the available fishing waters around St. Croix already are greatly limited by industry on the South Shore and sewage pumped into the harbor at Christiansted.
"Sixty-thousand gallons of sewage will kill a lot of fish," Schuster said of the estimated deposits into the waters around Christiansted. "Instead of doing something about that, you target 250 fishermen." He added: "You're going to have to lock me up, because I'll keep fishing these areas."
Thomas Daley, another fisherman, asked what compensation would be given the fishermen for the loss of the waters previously available to them for fishing. "We're not asking for a handout; we're asking for the correction of a situation the federal government caused," he said.
He suggested that the government relieve those fishermen who are still paying off federal loans from past hurricanes of their obligations.
"Compensation or mitigation should definitely be undertaken," Christensen agreed.
Fishermen also expressed concern about the V.I. government's newly approved East End Marine Park. Plans call for the designation of several no-take areas in the waters of the eastern end of St. Croix.
Daley pointed out on a large map of St. Croix the areas that will still be fishable once the designation is enforced. "It is too much," he said of what's to be taken away. "I'm already struggling."
The only ways to change the national monument expansion at this point would be a successful lawsuit against the federal government or another presidential proclamation changing the boundaries, Christensen said.
When asked for proof that the fisheries had been severely depleted enough to warrant the new federal restrictions, Tutein pointed to a study of the waters around Buck Island.
"There are several depleted fish species — grouper, snapper, hind. All of the commercial market fish are extinct around Buck Island," he said. But he added that by restricting fishing in the reef areas and giving these fish an opportunity to become breeders, they would migrate to the unrestricted fishing waters.
In the last days of his administration, President Clinton created the 12,700-acre V.I. Coral Reef National Monument off St. John and expanded the Buck Island Reef National Monument off St. Croix by 18,000 acres.
At both sites, the result is a ban on fishing, anchoring and other activities in order to conserve and restore reef ecosystems and marine life. Clinton's action raised the ire of local politicians who claim the submerged lands in question belong to the people of the Virgin Islands. The General Accounting Office considered but rejected the territory's arguments.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
Delegate Donna M. Christensen held a hearing on the issue Wednesday night to fill the public in on what will happen now that the General Accounting Office has officially declared 30,000 acres of submerged lands in the territory federally owned.
"To discuss ownership of the land is not the purpose of this meeting," Christensen said to about 40 people gathered at the Curriculum Center on St. Croix. "And I don't want anyone to feel that Congress is likely to overturn the monument. That has never happened as far as I know."
The National Park Service is charged with managing the lands. NPS Superintendent Joel Tutein said interim management plans were sent on Feb. 13 to the federal Office of Management and Budget for approval. Once approved, he said, the plans will be sent to the federal registry.
Tutein said the public then will have a 30-day period in which to comment before the NPS begins enforcing prohibitions that will apply to the submerged land — including fishing restrictions. The National Park Service has another two years to finalize management plans, he said.
What this means to fishermen is that allowable areas for fishing will be further restricted.
Fisherman Edward Schuster complained that the available fishing waters around St. Croix already are greatly limited by industry on the South Shore and sewage pumped into the harbor at Christiansted.
"Sixty-thousand gallons of sewage will kill a lot of fish," Schuster said of the estimated deposits into the waters around Christiansted. "Instead of doing something about that, you target 250 fishermen." He added: "You're going to have to lock me up, because I'll keep fishing these areas."
Thomas Daley, another fisherman, asked what compensation would be given the fishermen for the loss of the waters previously available to them for fishing. "We're not asking for a handout; we're asking for the correction of a situation the federal government caused," he said.
He suggested that the government relieve those fishermen who are still paying off federal loans from past hurricanes of their obligations.
"Compensation or mitigation should definitely be undertaken," Christensen agreed.
Fishermen also expressed concern about the V.I. government's newly approved East End Marine Park. Plans call for the designation of several no-take areas in the waters of the eastern end of St. Croix.
Daley pointed out on a large map of St. Croix the areas that will still be fishable once the designation is enforced. "It is too much," he said of what's to be taken away. "I'm already struggling."
The only ways to change the national monument expansion at this point would be a successful lawsuit against the federal government or another presidential proclamation changing the boundaries, Christensen said.
When asked for proof that the fisheries had been severely depleted enough to warrant the new federal restrictions, Tutein pointed to a study of the waters around Buck Island.
"There are several depleted fish species — grouper, snapper, hind. All of the commercial market fish are extinct around Buck Island," he said. But he added that by restricting fishing in the reef areas and giving these fish an opportunity to become breeders, they would migrate to the unrestricted fishing waters.
In the last days of his administration, President Clinton created the 12,700-acre V.I. Coral Reef National Monument off St. John and expanded the Buck Island Reef National Monument off St. Croix by 18,000 acres.
At both sites, the result is a ban on fishing, anchoring and other activities in order to conserve and restore reef ecosystems and marine life. Clinton's action raised the ire of local politicians who claim the submerged lands in question belong to the people of the Virgin Islands. The General Accounting Office considered but rejected the territory's arguments.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
VISITORS, RESIDENTS REMINDED OF PARK RULES
Feb. 19, 2003 – Despite continued efforts by V.I. National Park rangers to put a stop to nudity at Salomon Beach in St. John, people continue to sunbathe and swim in the buff there, the park's chief ranger, Steve Clark, said Wednesday.
Just on Tuesday, Clark said, an older couple told him they were "appalled" to find nude people on the beach. And last Friday, a couple with two young children made a similar complaint. "They were shocked," he said.
It's an issue that people continually complain about, Clark said. He said that while many residents are aware that Salomon Beach is used by nude sunbathers, despite park efforts to put a halt to the practice, visitors are unaware of it until they see the situation for themselves.
"It's a public beach, folks," Clark said. Public nudity violates local laws as well as the park's rules. If you're caught, it will cost you a $100 fine.
Clark's remarks came as park Superintendent John King issued a list of the park's rules and regulations.
While in years past there were problems with people taking their dogs to the beach, Clark said, that now happens infrequently. "Either the people are new to the island or they didn't realize it was a rule," he said.
A ranger finding a dog on the beach for the first time will advise the owner of the rule. The second time, the ranger issues a ticket, called a citation in park parlance. The third time, the offending human must make an appearance in U.S. District Court on St. Thomas — "because you obviously didn't get the picture," Clark said.
Glass on beaches is another issue that rangers must address. Since the glass poses a safety hazard, rangers usually advise people about the rule. And generally, "The next day we see Joe and Marge from Atlanta with their beer in cans," Clark said.
Personal watercraft, often called Jet Skis, are another problem. Local businesses that rent the watercraft tell their customers they're not allowed to use them in park waters, but boaters often don't know about the rule.
Spearfishing also is prohibited, and offenders will get in big trouble if rangers catch them with a speargun. "Even to possess one is illegal," Clark said, noting that rangers will confiscate any such equipment that they find.
The same goes for underwater metal detectors. While using a metal detector on land is also against park rules, the rangers look closely to see whether the user is just out to get some exercise or is a professional looking for valuable objects. If it's a case of exercise, they'll be a bit more lenient, Clark said.
He also reminded residents and visitors that it's illegal to drive in the park with an open alcoholic beverage in a vehicle.
And both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts.
And the park firearms range is for use of park rangers only.
The complete list of rules and regulations, available in printed form at the Visitor Center in Cruz Bay, is as follows.
Park prohibitions
The following are prohibited within the park:
– Glass containers of any kind on beaches.
– Possession and/or use of spearfishing equipment.
– Dogs on beaches.
– Water skiing within park waters.
– Use of personal watercraft (Jet Skis) within park waters.
– Open containers of alcoholic beverages in vehicles.
– Nudity/exposure of private parts. There are no clothing-optional beaches within park boundaries.
– Possession and/or use of a metal detector.
– Building of fires on beaches. This does not pertain to the grills provided by the park at various beaches.
– Operating a motor vehicle without due care or at a speed greater than that which is reasonable.
– Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
– Engaging in or soliciting any business in any park area.
– Operating a bicycle on any park trail.
Vessel regulations
Following are rules regarding the operating of vessels in the park.
– There is a three-hour maximum stay for anchoring of vessels under 60 feet in the Cruz Bay Creek area near the park boat ramp.
– Vessels using the Cruz Bay finger pier are limited to 15 minutes to load and unload passengers.
– Vessels over 60 feet in overall length are not permitted to use a park mooring.
– Vessels between 60 and 125 feet in overall length may anchor in North Shore bays in sand seaward of the mooring fields.
– Private vessels between 125 and 210 feet may anchor only in sand seaward of park moorings and at depths greater than 50 feet. Such anchoring is limited to Francis Bay shoreward of a line from Mary Point to America Point.
– Vessels with an overall length greater than 210 feet may not anchor within park waters.
– Vessels are not permitted to anchor within 200 feet of any mooring or within 100 feet of any regulatory buoy.
– Vessels less than 26 feet in length may access park beaches where channels have been designated by red and green buoys to drop off or pick up passengers. They many not anchor in the channels.
– Rafting up on park moorings is prohibited.
Clark urged anyone with a complaint or a comment to call him at 776-6201, ext. 254.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
Just on Tuesday, Clark said, an older couple told him they were "appalled" to find nude people on the beach. And last Friday, a couple with two young children made a similar complaint. "They were shocked," he said.
It's an issue that people continually complain about, Clark said. He said that while many residents are aware that Salomon Beach is used by nude sunbathers, despite park efforts to put a halt to the practice, visitors are unaware of it until they see the situation for themselves.
"It's a public beach, folks," Clark said. Public nudity violates local laws as well as the park's rules. If you're caught, it will cost you a $100 fine.
Clark's remarks came as park Superintendent John King issued a list of the park's rules and regulations.
While in years past there were problems with people taking their dogs to the beach, Clark said, that now happens infrequently. "Either the people are new to the island or they didn't realize it was a rule," he said.
A ranger finding a dog on the beach for the first time will advise the owner of the rule. The second time, the ranger issues a ticket, called a citation in park parlance. The third time, the offending human must make an appearance in U.S. District Court on St. Thomas — "because you obviously didn't get the picture," Clark said.
Glass on beaches is another issue that rangers must address. Since the glass poses a safety hazard, rangers usually advise people about the rule. And generally, "The next day we see Joe and Marge from Atlanta with their beer in cans," Clark said.
Personal watercraft, often called Jet Skis, are another problem. Local businesses that rent the watercraft tell their customers they're not allowed to use them in park waters, but boaters often don't know about the rule.
Spearfishing also is prohibited, and offenders will get in big trouble if rangers catch them with a speargun. "Even to possess one is illegal," Clark said, noting that rangers will confiscate any such equipment that they find.
The same goes for underwater metal detectors. While using a metal detector on land is also against park rules, the rangers look closely to see whether the user is just out to get some exercise or is a professional looking for valuable objects. If it's a case of exercise, they'll be a bit more lenient, Clark said.
He also reminded residents and visitors that it's illegal to drive in the park with an open alcoholic beverage in a vehicle.
And both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts.
And the park firearms range is for use of park rangers only.
The complete list of rules and regulations, available in printed form at the Visitor Center in Cruz Bay, is as follows.
Park prohibitions
The following are prohibited within the park:
– Glass containers of any kind on beaches.
– Possession and/or use of spearfishing equipment.
– Dogs on beaches.
– Water skiing within park waters.
– Use of personal watercraft (Jet Skis) within park waters.
– Open containers of alcoholic beverages in vehicles.
– Nudity/exposure of private parts. There are no clothing-optional beaches within park boundaries.
– Possession and/or use of a metal detector.
– Building of fires on beaches. This does not pertain to the grills provided by the park at various beaches.
– Operating a motor vehicle without due care or at a speed greater than that which is reasonable.
– Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
– Engaging in or soliciting any business in any park area.
– Operating a bicycle on any park trail.
Vessel regulations
Following are rules regarding the operating of vessels in the park.
– There is a three-hour maximum stay for anchoring of vessels under 60 feet in the Cruz Bay Creek area near the park boat ramp.
– Vessels using the Cruz Bay finger pier are limited to 15 minutes to load and unload passengers.
– Vessels over 60 feet in overall length are not permitted to use a park mooring.
– Vessels between 60 and 125 feet in overall length may anchor in North Shore bays in sand seaward of the mooring fields.
– Private vessels between 125 and 210 feet may anchor only in sand seaward of park moorings and at depths greater than 50 feet. Such anchoring is limited to Francis Bay shoreward of a line from Mary Point to America Point.
– Vessels with an overall length greater than 210 feet may not anchor within park waters.
– Vessels are not permitted to anchor within 200 feet of any mooring or within 100 feet of any regulatory buoy.
– Vessels less than 26 feet in length may access park beaches where channels have been designated by red and green buoys to drop off or pick up passengers. They many not anchor in the channels.
– Rafting up on park moorings is prohibited.
Clark urged anyone with a complaint or a comment to call him at 776-6201, ext. 254.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
VISITORS, RESIDENTS REMINDED OF PARK RULES
Feb. 19, 2003 – Despite continued efforts by V.I. National Park rangers to put a stop to nudity at Salomon Beach in St. John, people continue to sunbathe and swim in the buff there, the park's chief ranger, Steve Clark, said Wednesday.
Just on Tuesday, Clark said, an older couple told him they were "appalled" to find nude people on the beach. And last Friday, a couple with two young children made a similar complaint. "They were shocked," he said.
It's an issue that people continually complain about, Clark said. He said that while many residents are aware that Salomon Beach is used by nude sunbathers, despite park efforts to put a halt to the practice, visitors are unaware of it until they see the situation for themselves.
"It's a public beach, folks," Clark said. Public nudity violates local laws as well as the park's rules. If you're caught, it will cost you a $100 fine.
Clark's remarks came as park Superintendent John King issued a list of the park's rules and regulations.
While in years past there were problems with people taking their dogs to the beach, Clark said, that now happens infrequently. "Either the people are new to the island or they didn't realize it was a rule," he said.
A ranger finding a dog on the beach for the first time will advise the owner of the rule. The second time, the ranger issues a ticket, called a citation in park parlance. The third time, the offending human must make an appearance in U.S. District Court on St. Thomas — "because you obviously didn't get the picture," Clark said.
Glass on beaches is another issue that rangers must address. Since the glass poses a safety hazard, rangers usually advise people about the rule. And generally, "The next day we see Joe and Marge from Atlanta with their beer in cans," Clark said.
Personal watercraft, often called Jet Skis, are another problem. Local businesses that rent the watercraft tell their customers they're not allowed to use them in park waters, but boaters often don't know about the rule.
Spearfishing also is prohibited, and offenders will get in big trouble if rangers catch them with a speargun. "Even to possess one is illegal," Clark said, noting that rangers will confiscate any such equipment that they find.
The same goes for underwater metal detectors. While using a metal detector on land is also against park rules, the rangers look closely to see whether the user is just out to get some exercise or is a professional looking for valuable objects. If it's a case of exercise, they'll be a bit more lenient, Clark said.
He also reminded residents and visitors that it's illegal to drive in the park with an open alcoholic beverage in a vehicle.
And both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts.
And the park firearms range is for use of park rangers only.
The complete list of rules and regulations, available in printed form at the Visitor Center in Cruz Bay, is as follows.
Park prohibitions
The following are prohibited within the park:
– Glass containers of any kind on beaches.
– Possession and/or use of spearfishing equipment.
– Dogs on beaches.
– Water skiing within park waters.
– Use of personal watercraft (Jet Skis) within park waters.
– Open containers of alcoholic beverages in vehicles.
– Nudity/exposure of private parts. There are no clothing-optional beaches within park boundaries.
– Possession and/or use of a metal detector.
– Building of fires on beaches. This does not pertain to the grills provided by the park at various beaches.
– Operating a motor vehicle without due care or at a speed greater than that which is reasonable.
– Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
– Engaging in or soliciting any business in any park area.
– Operating a bicycle on any park trail.
Vessel regulations
Following are rules regarding the operating of vessels in the park.
– There is a three-hour maximum stay for anchoring of vessels under 60 feet in the Cruz Bay Creek area near the park boat ramp.
– Vessels using the Cruz Bay finger pier are limited to 15 minutes to load and unload passengers.
– Vessels over 60 feet in overall length are not permitted to use a park mooring.
– Vessels between 60 and 125 feet in overall length may anchor in North Shore bays in sand seaward of the mooring fields.
– Private vessels between 125 and 210 feet may anchor only in sand seaward of park moorings and at depths greater than 50 feet. Such anchoring is limited to Francis Bay shoreward of a line from Mary Point to America Point.
– Vessels with an overall length greater than 210 feet may not anchor within park waters.
– Vessels are not permitted to anchor within 200 feet of any mooring or within 100 feet of any regulatory buoy.
– Vessels less than 26 feet in length may access park beaches where channels have been designated by red and green buoys to drop off or pick up passengers. They many not anchor in the channels.
– Rafting up on park moorings is prohibited.
Clark urged anyone with a complaint or a comment to call him at 776-6201, ext. 254.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
Just on Tuesday, Clark said, an older couple told him they were "appalled" to find nude people on the beach. And last Friday, a couple with two young children made a similar complaint. "They were shocked," he said.
It's an issue that people continually complain about, Clark said. He said that while many residents are aware that Salomon Beach is used by nude sunbathers, despite park efforts to put a halt to the practice, visitors are unaware of it until they see the situation for themselves.
"It's a public beach, folks," Clark said. Public nudity violates local laws as well as the park's rules. If you're caught, it will cost you a $100 fine.
Clark's remarks came as park Superintendent John King issued a list of the park's rules and regulations.
While in years past there were problems with people taking their dogs to the beach, Clark said, that now happens infrequently. "Either the people are new to the island or they didn't realize it was a rule," he said.
A ranger finding a dog on the beach for the first time will advise the owner of the rule. The second time, the ranger issues a ticket, called a citation in park parlance. The third time, the offending human must make an appearance in U.S. District Court on St. Thomas — "because you obviously didn't get the picture," Clark said.
Glass on beaches is another issue that rangers must address. Since the glass poses a safety hazard, rangers usually advise people about the rule. And generally, "The next day we see Joe and Marge from Atlanta with their beer in cans," Clark said.
Personal watercraft, often called Jet Skis, are another problem. Local businesses that rent the watercraft tell their customers they're not allowed to use them in park waters, but boaters often don't know about the rule.
Spearfishing also is prohibited, and offenders will get in big trouble if rangers catch them with a speargun. "Even to possess one is illegal," Clark said, noting that rangers will confiscate any such equipment that they find.
The same goes for underwater metal detectors. While using a metal detector on land is also against park rules, the rangers look closely to see whether the user is just out to get some exercise or is a professional looking for valuable objects. If it's a case of exercise, they'll be a bit more lenient, Clark said.
He also reminded residents and visitors that it's illegal to drive in the park with an open alcoholic beverage in a vehicle.
And both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts.
And the park firearms range is for use of park rangers only.
The complete list of rules and regulations, available in printed form at the Visitor Center in Cruz Bay, is as follows.
Park prohibitions
The following are prohibited within the park:
– Glass containers of any kind on beaches.
– Possession and/or use of spearfishing equipment.
– Dogs on beaches.
– Water skiing within park waters.
– Use of personal watercraft (Jet Skis) within park waters.
– Open containers of alcoholic beverages in vehicles.
– Nudity/exposure of private parts. There are no clothing-optional beaches within park boundaries.
– Possession and/or use of a metal detector.
– Building of fires on beaches. This does not pertain to the grills provided by the park at various beaches.
– Operating a motor vehicle without due care or at a speed greater than that which is reasonable.
– Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
– Engaging in or soliciting any business in any park area.
– Operating a bicycle on any park trail.
Vessel regulations
Following are rules regarding the operating of vessels in the park.
– There is a three-hour maximum stay for anchoring of vessels under 60 feet in the Cruz Bay Creek area near the park boat ramp.
– Vessels using the Cruz Bay finger pier are limited to 15 minutes to load and unload passengers.
– Vessels over 60 feet in overall length are not permitted to use a park mooring.
– Vessels between 60 and 125 feet in overall length may anchor in North Shore bays in sand seaward of the mooring fields.
– Private vessels between 125 and 210 feet may anchor only in sand seaward of park moorings and at depths greater than 50 feet. Such anchoring is limited to Francis Bay shoreward of a line from Mary Point to America Point.
– Vessels with an overall length greater than 210 feet may not anchor within park waters.
– Vessels are not permitted to anchor within 200 feet of any mooring or within 100 feet of any regulatory buoy.
– Vessels less than 26 feet in length may access park beaches where channels have been designated by red and green buoys to drop off or pick up passengers. They many not anchor in the channels.
– Rafting up on park moorings is prohibited.
Clark urged anyone with a complaint or a comment to call him at 776-6201, ext. 254.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
ZION ASSEMBLY'S CARLTON WILLIAMS IS DEAD
Feb. 19, 2003 – The Rev. Dr. Carlton Williams, senior pastor of Zion Assembly Church on St. Thomas for more than two decades, has died.
Williams previously served as pastor at the St. Thomas Assembly of God Church.
In extending condolences to loved ones, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull said in a release that the community has lost "one of the most renowned Bible teachers in the region."
Williams held doctor of ministry and doctor of philosophy degrees.
The Government House release stated that Williams was "blessed with an abundance of energy which he used to evangelize in the media and teaching on the college and secondary school levels."
Williams previously served as pastor at the St. Thomas Assembly of God Church.
In extending condolences to loved ones, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull said in a release that the community has lost "one of the most renowned Bible teachers in the region."
Williams held doctor of ministry and doctor of philosophy degrees.
The Government House release stated that Williams was "blessed with an abundance of energy which he used to evangelize in the media and teaching on the college and secondary school levels."
DEATH OF STANLEY FARRELLY REPORTED
Feb. 19, 2003 – Stanley Farrelly, a former St. Croix administrator and brother of the late Gov. Alexander A. Farrelly, has died.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull extended condolences to loved ones in a release stating that Farrelly had also served the territory as commissioner of the old Commerce Department, as executive director of the Port Authority and as a U.S. marshal.
He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Rotary International.
"Stanley Farrelly has served this community with honor and distinction and will be sorely missed," the governor said.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull extended condolences to loved ones in a release stating that Farrelly had also served the territory as commissioner of the old Commerce Department, as executive director of the Port Authority and as a U.S. marshal.
He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Rotary International.
"Stanley Farrelly has served this community with honor and distinction and will be sorely missed," the governor said.
OPINION ON LAND BUY NOT READY FOR WAPA BOARD
Feb. 19, 2003 – Presentation of a legal opinion on the controversial purchase of St. Croix land by the Water and Power Authority from Devcon in 2000 was on the agenda for Wednesday's board meeting but was postponed due to delay in its preparation.
At its Jan. 31 meeting, WAPA's board chair, Carol Burke, had said that because the land transaction was made without board approval, it would not go forward. "The law prohibits WAPA from selling property without board approval," she said then, adding that a letter had been sent to Devcon outlining the board's position. (See "WAPA board looking to lay blame for purchase".)
At that meeting, Burke asked WAPA board counsel Arturo Watlington to prepare an opinion on the issue, making clear the steps to protect the authority that were not taken. Once that opinion was received, she said, the board would explore options for imposing penalties on those found responsible.
At Wednesday's meeting, on St. Thomas, Burke said Watlington had advised her that he was unable to present the opinion at that time but would have it for the board 's March meeting.
Meantime, correspondence from WAPA bond counsel Patricia A. Goins to Burke was read into the record regarding the use of 1998 bond proceeds for the acquisition of the property. Goins said the bond trustees had no record of a transaction whereby bond money was withdrawn from the construction fund for that purpose.
St. John substation projected in 9 months
In other business, WAPA's executive director, Alberto Bruno Vega, had good news for St. John residents. In nine months, he said, a new electrical substation should be completed at Turner Bay, providing residents with a reliable power source and eliminating the potential of long-lasting blackouts.
The board unanimously approved $2.8 million to Siemens Westinghouse to carry out the project. Bruno said the older of the two submarine cables between Cabrita Point on St. Thomas's East End and St. John is not in good shape, and he has asked Cable Technology Laboratory of New Jersey to come to the territory and test the cables.
Bruno said the large resorts on St. John – Caneel Bay and the Westin – have been very cooperative when WAPA experiences low power conditions, by going off line. Anticipating the summer load, however, he said, "We are barely scratching through."
In other business:
– Robert Vodzack, WAPA chief financial officer, presented the authority's final 2003 audit from KPMG, an unqualified audit. This year, he said, along with the individual audits for the Water and Power Divisions, a joint audit was prepared, consisting of a management discussion and analysis which summarizes the other two audits in lay terms.
Bruno said he was pleased to have the audit. He said WAPA had been "tasked" by Government House to submit the audit by mid-February so that the administration can complete its own single audit.
– Bruno commented on plans for the utility's St. Thomas administration building. He suggested locating the customer service center to a central location in downtown Charlotte Amalie so as to relieve overcrowding in the Sub Base building. He said the work environment could be improved by other offices utilize the vacated space.
– The board approved Bruno's request to modify the amount of a proposed bond issue and the related capital improvement projects to be financed, due to the need for additional funds for critical capital projects for system reliability and planned new power generation.
– The board deferred discussion of Unit 22 on St. Thomas to an executive session because of what officials said were possible legal issues that could arise from the discussion.
Attending the meeting were board members Burke, Alphonso Franklin, G. Luz James Sr., Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Andrew Rutnik and Attorney General Iver Stridiron. Claude A. Molloy Sr. left the meeting shortly after it started for another appointment, and Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira M. Hobson and William Lomax were absent.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
At its Jan. 31 meeting, WAPA's board chair, Carol Burke, had said that because the land transaction was made without board approval, it would not go forward. "The law prohibits WAPA from selling property without board approval," she said then, adding that a letter had been sent to Devcon outlining the board's position. (See "WAPA board looking to lay blame for purchase".)
At that meeting, Burke asked WAPA board counsel Arturo Watlington to prepare an opinion on the issue, making clear the steps to protect the authority that were not taken. Once that opinion was received, she said, the board would explore options for imposing penalties on those found responsible.
At Wednesday's meeting, on St. Thomas, Burke said Watlington had advised her that he was unable to present the opinion at that time but would have it for the board 's March meeting.
Meantime, correspondence from WAPA bond counsel Patricia A. Goins to Burke was read into the record regarding the use of 1998 bond proceeds for the acquisition of the property. Goins said the bond trustees had no record of a transaction whereby bond money was withdrawn from the construction fund for that purpose.
St. John substation projected in 9 months
In other business, WAPA's executive director, Alberto Bruno Vega, had good news for St. John residents. In nine months, he said, a new electrical substation should be completed at Turner Bay, providing residents with a reliable power source and eliminating the potential of long-lasting blackouts.
The board unanimously approved $2.8 million to Siemens Westinghouse to carry out the project. Bruno said the older of the two submarine cables between Cabrita Point on St. Thomas's East End and St. John is not in good shape, and he has asked Cable Technology Laboratory of New Jersey to come to the territory and test the cables.
Bruno said the large resorts on St. John – Caneel Bay and the Westin – have been very cooperative when WAPA experiences low power conditions, by going off line. Anticipating the summer load, however, he said, "We are barely scratching through."
In other business:
– Robert Vodzack, WAPA chief financial officer, presented the authority's final 2003 audit from KPMG, an unqualified audit. This year, he said, along with the individual audits for the Water and Power Divisions, a joint audit was prepared, consisting of a management discussion and analysis which summarizes the other two audits in lay terms.
Bruno said he was pleased to have the audit. He said WAPA had been "tasked" by Government House to submit the audit by mid-February so that the administration can complete its own single audit.
– Bruno commented on plans for the utility's St. Thomas administration building. He suggested locating the customer service center to a central location in downtown Charlotte Amalie so as to relieve overcrowding in the Sub Base building. He said the work environment could be improved by other offices utilize the vacated space.
– The board approved Bruno's request to modify the amount of a proposed bond issue and the related capital improvement projects to be financed, due to the need for additional funds for critical capital projects for system reliability and planned new power generation.
– The board deferred discussion of Unit 22 on St. Thomas to an executive session because of what officials said were possible legal issues that could arise from the discussion.
Attending the meeting were board members Burke, Alphonso Franklin, G. Luz James Sr., Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Andrew Rutnik and Attorney General Iver Stridiron. Claude A. Molloy Sr. left the meeting shortly after it started for another appointment, and Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira M. Hobson and William Lomax were absent.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
OPINION ON LAND BUY NOT READY FOR WAPA BOARD
Feb. 19, 2003 – Presentation of a legal opinion on the controversial purchase of St. Croix land by the Water and Power Authority from Devcon in 2000 was on the agenda for Wednesday's board meeting but was postponed due to delay in its preparation.
At its Jan. 31 meeting, WAPA's board chair, Carol Burke, had said that because the land transaction was made without board approval, it would not go forward. "The law prohibits WAPA from selling property without board approval," she said then, adding that a letter had been sent to Devcon outlining the board's position. (See "WAPA board looking to lay blame for purchase".)
At that meeting, Burke asked WAPA board counsel Arturo Watlington to prepare an opinion on the issue, making clear the steps to protect the authority that were not taken. Once that opinion was received, she said, the board would explore options for imposing penalties on those found responsible.
At Wednesday's meeting, on St. Thomas, Burke said Watlington had advised her that he was unable to present the opinion at that time but would have it for the board 's March meeting.
Meantime, correspondence from WAPA bond counsel Patricia A. Goins to Burke was read into the record regarding the use of 1998 bond proceeds for the acquisition of the property. Goins said the bond trustees had no record of a transaction whereby bond money was withdrawn from the construction fund for that purpose.
St. John substation projected in 9 months
In other business, WAPA's executive director, Alberto Bruno Vega, had good news for St. John residents. In nine months, he said, a new electrical substation should be completed at Turner Bay, providing residents with a reliable power source and eliminating the potential of long-lasting blackouts.
The board unanimously approved $2.8 million to Siemens Westinghouse to carry out the project. Bruno said the older of the two submarine cables between Cabrita Point on St. Thomas's East End and St. John is not in good shape, and he has asked Cable Technology Laboratory of New Jersey to come to the territory and test the cables.
Bruno said the large resorts on St. John – Caneel Bay and the Westin – have been very cooperative when WAPA experiences low power conditions, by going off line. Anticipating the summer load, however, he said, "We are barely scratching through."
In other business:
– Robert Vodzack, WAPA chief financial officer, presented the authority's final 2003 audit from KPMG, an unqualified audit. This year, he said, along with the individual audits for the Water and Power Divisions, a joint audit was prepared, consisting of a management discussion and analysis which summarizes the other two audits in lay terms.
Bruno said he was pleased to have the audit. He said WAPA had been "tasked" by Government House to submit the audit by mid-February so that the administration can complete its own single audit.
– Bruno commented on plans for the utility's St. Thomas administration building. He suggested locating the customer service center to a central location in downtown Charlotte Amalie so as to relieve overcrowding in the Sub Base building. He said the work environment could be improved by other offices utilize the vacated space.
– The board approved Bruno's request to modify the amount of a proposed bond issue and the related capital improvement projects to be financed, due to the need for additional funds for critical capital projects for system reliability and planned new power generation.
– The board deferred discussion of Unit 22 on St. Thomas to an executive session because of what officials said were possible legal issues that could arise from the discussion.
Attending the meeting were board members Burke, Alphonso Franklin, G. Luz James Sr., Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Andrew Rutnik and Attorney General Iver Stridiron. Claude A. Molloy Sr. left the meeting shortly after it started for another appointment, and Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira M. Hobson and William Lomax were absent.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
At its Jan. 31 meeting, WAPA's board chair, Carol Burke, had said that because the land transaction was made without board approval, it would not go forward. "The law prohibits WAPA from selling property without board approval," she said then, adding that a letter had been sent to Devcon outlining the board's position. (See "WAPA board looking to lay blame for purchase".)
At that meeting, Burke asked WAPA board counsel Arturo Watlington to prepare an opinion on the issue, making clear the steps to protect the authority that were not taken. Once that opinion was received, she said, the board would explore options for imposing penalties on those found responsible.
At Wednesday's meeting, on St. Thomas, Burke said Watlington had advised her that he was unable to present the opinion at that time but would have it for the board 's March meeting.
Meantime, correspondence from WAPA bond counsel Patricia A. Goins to Burke was read into the record regarding the use of 1998 bond proceeds for the acquisition of the property. Goins said the bond trustees had no record of a transaction whereby bond money was withdrawn from the construction fund for that purpose.
St. John substation projected in 9 months
In other business, WAPA's executive director, Alberto Bruno Vega, had good news for St. John residents. In nine months, he said, a new electrical substation should be completed at Turner Bay, providing residents with a reliable power source and eliminating the potential of long-lasting blackouts.
The board unanimously approved $2.8 million to Siemens Westinghouse to carry out the project. Bruno said the older of the two submarine cables between Cabrita Point on St. Thomas's East End and St. John is not in good shape, and he has asked Cable Technology Laboratory of New Jersey to come to the territory and test the cables.
Bruno said the large resorts on St. John – Caneel Bay and the Westin – have been very cooperative when WAPA experiences low power conditions, by going off line. Anticipating the summer load, however, he said, "We are barely scratching through."
In other business:
– Robert Vodzack, WAPA chief financial officer, presented the authority's final 2003 audit from KPMG, an unqualified audit. This year, he said, along with the individual audits for the Water and Power Divisions, a joint audit was prepared, consisting of a management discussion and analysis which summarizes the other two audits in lay terms.
Bruno said he was pleased to have the audit. He said WAPA had been "tasked" by Government House to submit the audit by mid-February so that the administration can complete its own single audit.
– Bruno commented on plans for the utility's St. Thomas administration building. He suggested locating the customer service center to a central location in downtown Charlotte Amalie so as to relieve overcrowding in the Sub Base building. He said the work environment could be improved by other offices utilize the vacated space.
– The board approved Bruno's request to modify the amount of a proposed bond issue and the related capital improvement projects to be financed, due to the need for additional funds for critical capital projects for system reliability and planned new power generation.
– The board deferred discussion of Unit 22 on St. Thomas to an executive session because of what officials said were possible legal issues that could arise from the discussion.
Attending the meeting were board members Burke, Alphonso Franklin, G. Luz James Sr., Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Andrew Rutnik and Attorney General Iver Stridiron. Claude A. Molloy Sr. left the meeting shortly after it started for another appointment, and Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira M. Hobson and William Lomax were absent.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
