septic tanks and feces

Actually, I prefer "Lightning Rod" to little whippersnapper , but I get your drift!

I really appreciate the encouragement on this thread. I am sure that most of you understand I have much to lose by making these public comments. However, there is only one stand to take on this atrocity, and as I mentioned in my first post on the topic: "I'm flying straight into the storm."

I'll let you all know how to help, whether locally or remotely. I can not be there for the septic meeting on this Tues 8/9, but I would appreciate anyone in attendance providing a report on this thread.

Any chance there is a way to attend/listen via teleconference or online or other technology?? Kurt, help...?

There will be a report here. Anything else is a little ahead of its time for Walton County. Although if they had hotspots someone could report live on this forum.

There will be a report here. Anything else is a little ahead of its time for Walton County. Although if they had hotspots someone could report live on this forum.

If they had a hot spot there, I would buy a web cam and you could watch the meeting of poop, maybe from Kurt's SoWal.com

I know of another, more advanced, small town that has a television channel devoted to the City and one to the County. All meetings are broadcasted. With all of the tax base here, I question why we cannot do something as simple as have a streamline broadcast for all County Meetings so that our large numbers of distant property owners can tune in to what is happening.

What time is the meeting on Tuesday?

First, I want to speak in support of Commissioner Meadows, who appears to have an exemplary voting record of brave positions on difficult issues. It is always difficult to be the only woman on an elected body, but I have found that the women usually exercise an independent vote that is based on the merits of the issue, as opposed to based on a position that someone else has lobbied them to. When we had questions about the sand issue (from out of State), she responded to us very quickly and with a comprehensive and persuasive point of view. We were impressed. A person who believes that women have no place in elected office needs to remember than women make up more than 50 percent of the voting population. That homeowners' rep individual's comments are unenlightened and undignified. I am certain they don't reflect the feelings of other owners in Gulf Trace.

Second, I have a question on this septic tank issue. Can someone fill me in? I do not understand how a situation that clearly poses a public health and safety hazard continues to be left in a status quo. In our local government, this kind of thing would go onto the District Attorney's desk so fast and the DA would require an immediate solution. I mean, their instructions in our County (which is far from being the most progressive around) are that the inspector's field notes on public safety conditions do not even go to word processing before they go onto the DA's desk, literally. Am I missing something...that an exposed septic tank can be left on a public beach to pollute multiple bodies of water and and beaches were people with children recreate in large numbers? I'm not being facetious, I really don't understand how this can go unresolved.

Moondance, I applaud your action. It seems you have an uphill battle, especially with Mr. Ray. Here is a quote that I found, to give you an idea of who you are fighting against...
______
Ray said Wednesday that he opposes the ordinance because the county has no business making Gulf Trace property owners connect to sewer. He added that he thinks Meadows just wants to cause trouble for Gulf Trace with the ordinance.

"This is a private subdivision," he said. "The biggest mistake that the county made was electing a female county commissioner. She's all talk and no action."

Meadows laughed when told of Ray's comments.

"To make this a personal and a sexist issue is almost as bad as letting your sewer run down into other people's lakes," she said.

Always nice to know your neighbors, so thanks for the info. Here's a thought, from Jack Johnson (best singer/songwriter in the biz):

"Bet you never knew anyone that could be so bad,
And if you did, you'd be wondering where I'm at..."

;-)

First, I want to speak in support of Commissioner Meadows, who appears to have an exemplary voting record of brave positions on difficult issues. It is always difficult to be the only woman on an elected body, but I have found that the women usually exercise an independent vote that is based on the merits of the issue, as opposed to based on a position that someone else has lobbied them to. When we had questions about the sand issue (from out of State), she responded to us very quickly and with a comprehensive and persuasive point of view. We were impressed. A person who believes that women have no place in elected office needs to remember than women make up more than 50 percent of the voting population. That homeowners' rep individual's comments are unenlightened and undignified. I am certain they don't reflect the feelings of other owners in Gulf Trace.

Second, I have a question on this septic tank issue. Can someone fill me in? I do not understand how a situation that clearly poses a public health and safety hazard continues to be left in a status quo. In our local government, this kind of thing would go onto the District Attorney's desk so fast and the DA would require an immediate solution. I mean, their instructions in our County (which is far from being the most progressive around) are that the inspector's field notes on public safety conditions do not even go to word processing before they go onto the DA's desk, literally. Am I missing something...that an exposed septic tank can be left on a public beach to pollute multiple bodies of water and and beaches were people with children recreate in large numbers? I'm not being facetious, I really don't understand how this can go unresolved.

Donna, I could not agree more that this is utterly inexplicable. That's why I am asking questions and gathering info. Thanks for your thoughts. I have no opinion on Comm. Meadows since I have no experience with her at all.

Importantly, :!: Col. James Earl Ray is no homeowner's representative, as there is NO H.O.A in Gulf Trace :shock: , it is Ray Enterprise's private subdivision (as stated in the article) and it has not and will not, apparently, permit the county to provide sewer.

I agree with you 100%. I don't think it's a matter of a choice, or of the majority vs. minority, or of a vote ("only 19 out of 75," etc.), I think it's a matter of health and public safety, that the common owner is responsible for, both legally and financially. Period.

I can not wait to get there to ask the DA the same questions you raise. Anyone out there (Gulf Trace?) have other thoughts? Is there a credible answer to Donna's question?

Septic tanks on the Beach? Shame on you! The only things that we should see peeking up from the sand are images like this.

It is very interesting how we all have an Out of sight, out of mind mentality. I encourage you to remember those septic tanks on the beach even if they get covered up soon. We have little kids and big kids like me, who enjoy playing in the sand on these beaches. Do you think you guys could move your septic tanks into your bedroom, because I sure don't want to be playing in them? Perhaps you are okay with the idea of smelling your own poop (like farts - your own are okay, but others' stink). What do you say?

Amen, again, Brother Joe. :clap_1:

First, I want to speak in support of Commissioner Meadows, who appears to have an exemplary voting record of brave positions on difficult issues. It is always difficult to be the only woman on an elected body, but I have found that the women usually exercise an independent vote that is based on the merits of the issue, as opposed to based on a position that someone else has lobbied them to.

I voted for Commissioner Cindy Meadows knowing her extensive city planning knowledge and experience, and most importantly, knowing that she is very professional and is genuinely interested in the needs of the community, not the agenda of certain political groups. In other words, she is not part of the established good old boy network - and so she is quite often in the minority when voting. I hope we can vote more like her into office in the very near future or such professionalism will never prevail in south walton. Good old boys still rule, unfortunately.

What district does Comm. Meadows represent? Gulf Trace by any chance? Anyone have contact info for her? Please share if you have it. Thanks.

What district does Comm. Meadows represent? Gulf Trace by any chance? Anyone have contact info for her? Please share if you have it. Thanks.

District 5
Commissioner Cindy Meadows
90 Spires Lane, Unit 7-A
Santa Rosa Beach, FL. 32459
Phone: (850) 622-3059
Fax: (850) 622-3067
e-mail: meacindy@co.walton.fl.us

For what it is worth, here is the County's Website.

You DA man!! :clap_1:

I thought that was her office I saw the other day in Gulf Place. I'm about to have my first conversation with her, I'll let yous know what I learn...

First, I want to speak in support of Commissioner Meadows, who appears to have an exemplary voting record of brave positions on difficult issues. It is always difficult to be the only woman on an elected body, but I have found that the women usually exercise an independent vote that is based on the merits of the issue, as opposed to based on a position that someone else has lobbied them to. When we had questions about the sand issue (from out of State), she responded to us very quickly and with a comprehensive and persuasive point of view. We were impressed. A person who believes that women have no place in elected office needs to remember than women make up more than 50 percent of the voting population. That homeowners' rep individual's comments are unenlightened and undignified. I am certain they don't reflect the feelings of other owners in Gulf Trace.

Second, I have a question on this septic tank issue. Can someone fill me in? I do not understand how a situation that clearly poses a public health and safety hazard continues to be left in a status quo. In our local government, this kind of thing would go onto the District Attorney's desk so fast and the DA would require an immediate solution. I mean, their instructions in our County (which is far from being the most progressive around) are that the inspector's field notes on public safety conditions do not even go to word processing before they go onto the DA's desk, literally. Am I missing something...that an exposed septic tank can be left on a public beach to pollute multiple bodies of water and and beaches were people with children recreate in large numbers? I'm not being facetious, I really don't understand how this can go unresolved.

To this point the majority of county commissioners have claimed because this is a private subdivision they have no authority to force water and sewer on these people, despite the fact that many of them want water and sewer. I'm told commissioner Cuchens has relatives that live in this subdivision.

The health department has claimed that because there are no sewer lines available they have no choice but to allow the beachfront homeowners to hook back up to the septic tanks. State law requires home owners to hook up to sewer within a specified period of time after it becomes available but this is not enforced by the county or the health department. People are required to hook up to sewer when their systems fail IF sewer is available. In this case it is not available.

Of course one could argue the health, safety and welfare of the entire community should be considered over the desires of a few residents in the subdivision.

The septic tank drain field parts - nasty - that had blown into Little Redfish Lake from Gulf Trace were washed into the gulf and onto Blue Mountain Beach over the weekend when Little Redfish Lake opened into the gulf and washed all this material that had been piled on the beach away.

I think the parking signs in front of the rental office in Gulf Trace have much to tell about Mr. Ray.
:shock:

I think the parking signs in front of the rental office in Gulf Trace have much to tell about Mr. Ray.
:shock:

Enlighten me...

Maybe I will take and post a photo for you tomorrow.

I think the parking signs in front of the rental office in Gulf Trace have much to tell about Mr. Ray.
:shock:

Sounds interesting!

Sounds interesting!

Not too crazy, but it will certainly let you know what he thinks about himself, you know, the screw you attitude.

A picture would be worth more than the quote, especially with the added emphasis of the vehicle parked in the slot. See what you can do SJ...

Meanwhile, does anyone have the information on when/where the septic meeting is to be held tomorrow(?). For all interested parties who can make the time, please try to attend in my/our absence and provide additional info on this thread.

It would be much appreciated by all us who are landlocked at the moment, with due respect to Landlocked (except for that picture )

To this point the majority of county commissioners have claimed because this is a private subdivision they have no authority to force water and sewer on these people, despite the fact that many of them want water and sewer. I'm told commissioner Cuchens has relatives that live in this subdivision.

Somehow this doesn't come as a big surprise

It would really stink (pun intended) if the Gulf Trace Homeowner's Association lost a lawsuit and was forced to install sewer in order to protect the health of beach goers. I guess then, we would know who's not the boss.

It would really stink (pun intended) if the Gulf Trace Homeowner's Association lost a lawsuit and was forced to install sewer in order to protect the health of beach goers. I guess then, we would know who's not the boss.

Oh, if it only it could happen. Please repeat after me... "there is no Homeowners' Association at Gulf Trace, there is no Homeowners' Association at Gulf Trace."

But, to your point SJ, the (a) defendant in such a suit or enforcement action, or (b) entity to remediate and cure the issue and/or respond in damages, it seems to me, would be the person or entity in control of the common areas. This would particularly seem to be the case where that person or entity has undertaken (assumed a duty of care) to provide certain utilities and services for a profit, and has actual knowledge of the defective/dangerous condition for 25-30? years.

Wow, starting to sound like an articulable private action and/or basis for public action. Any commissioners out there? Health and safety? Activists? We're making a case for action on this thread. Is anyone prepared to act? :!:

Meanwhile, does anyone have the information on when/where the septic meeting is to be held tomorrow(?). For all interested parties who can make the time, please try to attend in my/our absence and provide additional info on this thread.

It would be much appreciated by all us who are landlocked at the moment, with due respect to Landlocked (except for that picture )

The county commission meeting that will deal with the septic tank issue is at the Walton County courthouse in DeFuniak Springs at 4PM today. Go up highway 331, cross under I-10, until you run out of road. Take a right and the courthouse is several blocks down on the left. It's about a 45 to 50 minute drive.

Moondance...are you in town for this meeting? Put me down for some funding if it comes to that....this issue has broad reaching impact potential for more than this area. Has anyone thought seriously about a Concerned Citizens type group to back issues of this sort? I vaguely remember some alliance from this board...can some one help my mentalpause?

Moondance...are you in town for this meeting? Put me down for some funding if it comes to that....this issue has broad reaching impact potential for more than this area. Has anyone thought seriously about a Concerned Citizens type group to back issues of this sort? I vaguely remember some alliance from this board...can some one help my mentalpause?

Sueshore, I really appreciate it! :clap_1: I'll put you on the growing list. Others send PM to Moondance if you are interested in helping...

I am not in town and won't get to SoWal for a few days. That is why I am hoping someone in attendance will keep us updated on the meeting today (at 4PM at the courthouse in DeFuniak).

I have contacted Comm. Meadows via email to try to apprise her of the discussion here. Will follow up with fax of hard copy of the thread.

I am not aware of a group but, obviously, would support it. And by the way, I'm no crusader nor activist, just concerned over one of the most inexplicable things I've ever run across (in my own backyard, literally).

Moondance...are you in town for this meeting? Put me down for some funding if it comes to that....this issue has broad reaching impact potential for more than this area. Has anyone thought seriously about a Concerned Citizens type group to back issues of this sort? I vaguely remember some alliance from this board...can some one help my mentalpause?

Try BeachtoBay.org