UPDATE: We have received the formal written OMB ruling , attached as a PDF.
The LWRA and the applicants negotiated a settlement which was confirmed by the OMB at the hearing January 22, 2013. As with any negotiated settlement, neither side got everything they wanted, but both achieved something they could live with.
To: LWRA members
As you may know, the LWRA appeared, last month, at a Huntsville Committee of Adjustment hearing to oppose a plan to redevelop 844 North Waseosa Lake Road (owned by Wright & Jager). The Board had looked very closely at this application and found a number of serious problems with it. The Committee of Adjustment accepted misleading information and erroneous conclusions in approving it.
In the winter of 2012, the former Walsh property was purchased by Don and Mary Wright, formerly of Bracebridge, and their daughter/ son-in-law, Sam and Emily Jager. Many LWRA members will be familiar with this property as the previous owners graciously allowed the LWRA to use it as the site of the AGM for several years. It lies beside the former residence of Ray and June Jones (which was also sold this winter).
Ummm, we didn't reject the original offer, we're just still thinking about it.
Looks like Burton finally took the hint though.
Ok, neon signs are gauche. Instead, he decides to write an innocent little letter to a third party, outlining the course of action he wants Burton to take and includes Burton in the CC list.
Ok, remember the earlier letters where Royston asserts that Burton is in the driver's seat? But that he might want to withdraw? Apparently Burton needs a stronger hint.
What's next, a 10 foot tall neon sign?
Oh wait, we're the District. If we don't like the rules, we can just change them!
All it takes is a $10,000 untendered contract awarded without council's knowledge or approval and voila! The water in Waseosa is magically all better now!
No, really -- Hutcheson made a mistake the first time so we'll pay him another 10 Gs to fix it now.Â
I know -- we'll just call it a "statistical review" and make it all sound so routine. What's another 10 large between friends?
Ok, let's see if we've got this straight:
The LWRA will give up it's claim for costs against the District and in return the District will withdraw from the proceedings -- with the proviso that they can jump back in again at any time for any reason and without penalty.
Ummm. Let me think about that and get back to you... 
In May, 2008 the District chair offered to meet with LWRA Directors. We agreed, subject to certain conditions. First, that the meeting be held "without prejudice" -- in other words, that what was said at the meeting could not be used in later actions. Second, that both sides left their lawyers at home. Certain senior staff members were also invited to sit in.