Frankfort Utility Service Board Chairman Mike Kelley issued a statement about the Lagoons Thursday night. The following is that statement.
The Frankfort Lagoons were created years ago as the answer to sewage treatment issues created by a local industry. Their purpose was to collect and hold water used by that industry to be disposed of without processing the water through the entire sanitary sewage treatment process. After the industry closed, the infrastructure conveying the water to the Lagoons was incorporated into the storm water drainage system for a section of the city. The storm water and water supplied by electric powered wells are the main water sources for the Lagoons today. The Lagoons continue to be maintained and operated as a part of the utility infrastructure in the City.
In the 1970’s, the Utility Service Board (USB) was created by the Frankfort City Council to oversee the Frankfort Water Works, Frankfort Light and Power, Wastewater Treatment Department, and Sewer Maintenance Department. More recently, the Fiber Optic Network was added to the Board’s responsibility.
There are five members on the Board. Three are appointed by the Mayor and two by the City Council. Per state statute, the Board is responsible for supervising the utilities to ensure that the operation of the utilities is in the best interest and to the benefit of the ratepayers. Policymaking regarding the operation of the utilities, its real estate, and its infrastructure is part of the supervisory powers granted the Board. Since the temporary closing of the Lagoons is a policy made by the Board and since the Lagoons fall under the umbrella of the utility infrastructure, the USB, not the Mayor, not the City Council, and not the Department of Natural Resources will provide the rationale for the decision and will continue to serve as the decision maker with regard to the Lagoons.
In the beginning, Governor’s Executive order declared, among many things, that people should stay at home, limited public gathering, and asked that certain types of places be closed to the public. With this order in mind, the USB felt it was in the best interest of the public and more importantly of its employees, that the Lagoons be closed. A significant factor in the closing was, and continues to be the fact that employees of the utilities are ultimately responsible for the care, maintenance, and trash removal for the Lagoons. The USB also is thankful for and mindful of the many volunteers who have routinely assisted in cleaning up the trash and hazardous items left in the area. Why would the USB want to put any of these employees’ or volunteers’ health in jeopardy? After considering the safety of the employees, the volunteers, and the public, the decision was made to close the Lagoons. Recently some of the Governor’s restrictions were amended to allow more activities, but there was also a provision for local authorities to utilize a slower process to reopen to the public. After considering the increase in the reported cases most recently in Clinton County, the USB decided to keep the Lagoons closed at this time, but to review the current data as it becomes available, and to reopen the Lagoons when employees, volunteers, and the public face minimal health risk. The health and safety of the employees, volunteers, and the public are matters of great importance to the USB. The USB appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation during this time of public health emergency. We will continue to analyze the situation as it arises and will make decisions as appropriate.
Frankfort Utility Service Board
Mike Kelley (Chairman)
Kent Brewer (Vice Chairman)
Joe Root
Mike Reeder
Rick Gunyon