Mr. Bob Shelstrom appears to be the only Fountain Hills resident that is dead-set against the Sanitary District’s well vault replacement/public bathroom project that is moving forward for the Fountain Park.

He has stated his dislike for the project to both the Sanitary District Board and the Town Council. He even implied in his last letter that the Board is financially benefitting with respect to this project. His current complaint is that he believes the Sanitary District has not performed its due diligence in engineering to conclude that the well vaults need to be replaced. All he has to do is look at the pictures in last week’s Times to see the problems we are addressing.

It seems that everyone except Bob can see the physical deterioration and the hazards associated with working in a confined space underground, adjacent to high voltage electrical equipment. The safety of our employees and the surrounding park visitors is paramount for this project and is not taken lightly.

The 18-year-old well vaults have deteriorated beyond repair due to the continual exposure to the park’s sprinkler system. The solution is the underground electrical equipment that controls the wells will be moved into safer, above ground buildings, meeting current electrical and safety codes. Bringing the electrical control panels above ground improves safety for all: District workers and park visitors alike. No longer will District workers have to stand 10 feet underground in wet conditions when opening an electrical panel to perform necessary maintenance.

Adding much-needed public bathrooms to critical Sanitary District well facilities show how the public benefits when two governmental entities work together to achieve common goals.