Mayor's Message, August 2023

Hello Neighbors!

As I write this message I am filled with gratitude. I am in awe of our community coming together the past week to locate one of our own. This community rises to meet every challenge and faces difficult situations with an unwavering resolve to succeed. Our collective efforts resulted in a positive outcome.  I am so proud to be a part of this community and witnessed first-hand the love of the community. Thank you for caring for your neighbors.

The Board of Trustees has been working on several challenging issues this year.  We have worked diligently to solidify two tenants for the Elephant Rock property, including the Willan family in the development of plans for an Eco Spa positioned over the existing pool and accompanied by the small amphitheater and community center on the property; and additionally, Mr. Franco Pisani in developing plans for a wedding/event venue in the previous Living Word Chapel and guest cottage. Protecting this gift for generations to come is of the utmost importance to this Board of Trustees. Coupled with this, we aspire to keep open space on the Elephant Rock property for trail walking and park use. There is also the possibility for future development of a public safety facility. Currently, the above-mentioned are the two planned tenants to utilize the existing structures on the property. Upon completion of the lease agreements, detailed plans will be required to amend the existing PUD on the property for the modified uses. Overwhelmingly, community members do not want to see future residential development on this beautiful space and, as such, steps will be taken to ensure the preservation of this land for future generations.

The Board of Trustees has participated in a water rate and capital planning study to provide a comprehensive five-year plan for the future of the Town Water Enterprise Fund. This was a necessary step for the health and future of the water enterprise fund. The Board of Trustees approved restructuring the water usage tiers and increasing the total base fee and usage rates to support a five-year plan for the water fund.  While raising water rates is not something we want to do, it is a positive step toward a healthy water fund and the monetary ability to improve the infrastructure for water service in our community. Customers will be notified in the next couple billings about the new rates which will be effective with the 9/15/2023—10/15/2023 cycle.

As the summer winds down and children are soon headed back to school, my wish for you all is to savor these last days of the season. Find joy in simple pleasures, enjoy the late sunsets, keep family close, and reach out to a neighbor who can use a kind word or a helping hand.

I look forward to meeting with you during office hours on Wednesdays from 2-4pm and Fridays from 9-11am. Thank you for being a positive part of this community and displaying how we continually move mountains!

Glant