Mayor Keeps Information From The CCE and Trustees

 At last Thursday’s Board of Trustees Work Group Meeting, Mayor Sheprow stated that the Village has received the draft of the GEI Drainage Plan and that she was not going to share it with the Trustees or her commission (Citizen Commission on Erosion). She stated that once the Village receives the engineer’s finalized, signed, and stamped version, it will be shared.

For those who may not be too familiar with this plan or process, this may sound insignificant, but in my opinion, this is a very big deal. Here is why:

1. The Drainage Plan is an integral part of the Bluff Restoration Stabilization Project. It appears that improper drainage could have been the major cause of the partial failure of Phase 1 of the bluff restoration. 

2. Transparency and informed decision-making: Sharing the draft report allows the trustees and commission to be aware of the ongoing work and initial findings of the engineer. This can contribute to a more timely and informed decision-making process. 

3. Early identification of concerns: Reviewing the draft allows trustees and the commission to identify any potential issues, ask questions, or provide feedback before the report is finalized, potentially preventing delays or rework later.

4. Facilitating discussion: A draft report can serve as a valuable starting point for discussions and deliberations amongst the trustees and the commission, fostering collaborative governance. 

5. Once the Village receives a signed and sealed document is it is not easy for the Village to raise concerns or ask for changes. It could be costly and time-consuming. 

This is so odd, especially since The Citizens Commission of Erosion has proved to be very helpful by raising legitimate concerns and suggestions over the past year. The Mayor has frequently stated how beneficial this group has been to her. Why is she now shutting them out? Since millions of dollars have been spent and continue to be spent trying to save a failing bluff, the Village should utilize every available resource promptly to ensure the project's success. It seems to me that the Mayor, once again, is engaging in Selective Transparency, where she releases information only on matters favorable to her or when it is too late to influence the outcome.