F Flint Water Crisis Public Archive

Gary Ridley

News Leader, The Flint Journal-MLive Media Group

18

Emails

Oct 2015–Feb 2016

Archive range

18 emails found.

RE: Comment sought on email release - Flint THM

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Gary— In reading the full e-mail string you reference, it indicates that the issues raised by Mr. Busch were discussed on a call between DEQ staff and Treasurer Dillon. In the final e-mail of the string, DEQ Director Wyant notes that “all indications are that we (DEQ) are supportive of KWA and its cost benefits...” | would also clarify that the “approval” signed by Treasurer Dillon in April of 2013 dealt only with the eventual transition to KWA, from DWSD (see page 209 of 338 in documents posted today). Terry

Comment sought on email release - Flint TTHM

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Terry, As |’m sure you're aware, there was a massive email release today regarding Flint water. One email (attached) contains an email chain between the DEQ and Dept. of Treasury. One of the emails, a March 26, 2013, message from Stephen Busch shows that using the Flint River for an extended period of time could lead to possible microbial and disinfection by-product concerns. The city, under an apparent order from the emergency manager, switched to the river for its drinking water source while awaiting the KWA. Subsequently, the city’s drinking water, following the switch to the river, was found to contain TTHM and suffer from multiple microbial problems (and an alleged connection to Legionella), as warned by Busch. | wanted to see if treasury would comment on if Mr. Busch’s concerns in 2013 were taken seriously (or discussed at all) when the city’s switch occurred and if Treasury took these concerns into consideration when signing off on the EM’s orders that allowed the city’s switch to the river? 1am hoping for a response ASAP for my story. Thanks. Gary Ridley | The Flint Journal-MLive Media Group | 810-280-9516 | gridley@mlive.com xxxEND_PAGE:treasury01_b39_6977_7316_063 Lamphier, Wendy (Treasury)

RE: Help finding EM orders on water investigator

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The year-long extension ended up costing the city more than $80,000 for the two of them. So, even if we separate them and they individually don’t hit the $50,000 threshold, was there any requirement for Earley to sign a resolution or order to make this extension? He did so for the original 9 month contract, but not for the 1-year extension. It just seems odd that city money could be spent without any record on the city’s end. Gary Ridley | The Flint Journal-MLive Media Group | 810-280-9516 | gridley@mlive.com

RE: Help finding EM orders on water investigator

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Gary... It is my understanding that this issue wouldn’t have come to Treasury for approval. Under PA 436, only requested purchases/contracts of over $50,000 need approval by Treasury, if they were not competitively bid. The statutory provision is below: 141.1552 Additional actions by emergency manager; suspension of power of administrative officer and governing body; contracts subject to competitive bidding; sale or transfer of public utility; limitation. Sec. 12. (3) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any contract involving a cumulative value of $50,000.00 or more is subject to competitive bidding by an emergency manager. However, if a potential contract involves a cumulative value of $50,000.00 or more, the emergency manager may submit the potential contract to the state treasurer for review and the state treasurer may authorize that the potential contract is not subject to competitive bidding. xxxEND_PAGE:treasury01_b38_6783_6976_190

Help finding EM orders on water investigator

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Terry, \'m working on a story over here and I’m hoping you could help me out. Flint Emergency Manager Darnell Earley apparently gave two Flint water investigators a contract extension, but | have been unable to find any actions by him approving the expenditure on the city side. Below, is an email | sent to city attorney Tony Chubb on the issue for your reference. [have a copy of the initial order appointing them for 9 months, copies of the county's motions to extend the contract and the eventual approval. However, | cannot find anything involving Earley approving these extensions (although | found multiple other resolutions/orders from the same time frame extending and/or modifying extensions for other contracts.) So, I’m trying to figure out if there is anything with the state approving this extension? Also, could you clarify the rules for me that Mr. Earley was required to follow in terms of approving such extensions? Thanks. Gary Ridley | The Flint Journal-MLive Media Group | 810-280-9516 | gridley@mlive.com

Help finding EM orders on water investigator

From
Gary Ridley
To
Unknown recipient
Tony, Per our conversation, | am seeking the EM order/resolution authorizing the extension of the contract with the county employing Marcus Mahan and Daniel Mata as special water investigators. What | have: 1) EM Earley’s resolutions allowing the entrance of the contract (EM submission nos: EME3262014 and eMES992014) 2) Requests to the county’s gov. operations board on March and May 2014, asking for an extension until Jan. 2016 on the contract. commissioners 1/docs/GOC_032315.pdf of commissioners 1/docs/GOC 051115.pdf 3) Documents showing the county approved the extensions (attached) What [ need: The EM’s order/resolution authorizing the city to enter into the extension proposed in item no. 2 above. | couldn’t find it on the resolution/order list on the city’s website. Also, if you could provide the running list you referenced of their investigations it would be much appreciated. Thanks. xxxEND_PAGE:treasury01_b38_6783_6976_191 Doyle, Maureen (Ti reasury)

RE: Comment sought on Flint Water ASAP

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Hello Gary, The acininistration has not been contacted by the U.S. Attorney's Office on this matter at this time. Gov. Snydar has appointed an indenendent panel that is reviewing all state, local and federal actions related to Flint’s water challenges, and we are committed to working with Mayor Karen Weaver and county leaders as we focus on protecting the health of Flint residents and aif Michigandars. Dave Murray Press Secretary | Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder 517-335-6397, office 3 mobile Twitter:@michigandmurray

Re: FLint water issue on Rachel Maddow show

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Gov. Snyder is committed to working with Mayor Weaver and city leaders to do what is necessary to protect the health of Flint residents. We're working to build upon the work that already in progress as part of the Governor's action plan and the $10 million provided for the reconnection to Detroit water, filters for residents and efforts to improve the city's water infrastructure. Sent from my iPhone On Dec 24, 2015, at 8:36 AM, Gary Ridley <i3! Dave, US Rep. Dan Kildee was on the Rachel Maddow show last night discussing the Flint water issue. He said of the state: “We need more than an apology and an acknowledgment that they failed. We need them to make it right.” | wanted to check in and see if your office had any response. | am putting together a post on this ASAP. Thanks. Gary Ridley | The Flint Journal-MLive Media Group | 810-280-9516 | gridiey@miivecom xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails20_b1284_3311_3311_1

RE: Stabenow comment on Flint water

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Hi Gary, Looking back, 'm not sure bwas clear in my response about ane point. We are committed to protecting the health of children in Fnt now and into the future, and helping anyone who has been affected by the water challenges in Flint. We're already taking the stens called for in Gov. Snyder's action plan, and are working with the Flint Water Task Force to see what additional actions it recornmends to help children and adults and acidress any issues that were created by this situation. is that more clear? Let me know. Dave Dave Murray Press Secretary | Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder 517-335-6397, office inobile Twitter:@michigandmurray

RE: Stabenow comment on Flint water

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Hello Gary, Gov. Snyder has been proactive, and we’re working with the bipartisan Flint Water Task Force that he appointed. While the task force is charged with reviewing all of the city, state and federal government actions, we also expect that members are working on recommendations that could apply to Flint moving forward, or potentially other areas that could face health and water infrastructure challenges. The task force was appointed in late October, and members at the time said they expect their work could take about three months. It’s an impressive group, and we respect the work it is doing. Here’s a link to the release: Hite: /www michigan govfenvder/O.ASG8 7-277 Dave Dave Murray Press Secretary | Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder MurrayDL@ mictigs

RE: Stabenow comment on Flint water

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Dave, Pappreciate the quick resmanse. But, [need to follow up since sorne things have changed since my previous email, i just sat dean with U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee who fs calling for e locally- managed, state-funded health fund that would helm identify and track health issues for those kids potentially impacted by the lead situation. Re: Stabenow comment on Flint water xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails20_b1273_3274_3276_1 Would the governor be on board with this idea? Has he had discussions on creating this sort of fund? Thanks again, Gary Ridley | The Flint dournal-Miive Bdedia Group | 840-280-9516 | eridleydimlive com

RE: Stabenow comment on Flint water

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Hib Gunichigan goy> Hello, Gary, Flint residents need to have access to safe, clean water. Gov. Snyder and administration members continue to work closely with Mayor Weaver and other city leaders to focus on health issues affecting children and other city residents, and address water infrastructure challenges. The state so far has offered more than $10 million in grants and other financial assistance to cover part of the payment for the temporary switch to the Great Lakes Water Authority until Flint’s new water source is ready to go online as well as efforts to improve existing city water infrastructure and purchase water filters for residents. The governor also appointed a bipartisan task force charged with reviewing all of the city, state and federal government actions and recommending changes looking forward that can address potential challenges in Flint and other cities. Dave Dave Murray Press Secretary | Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder L@michivas voy Twitter:@michigandmurray

Stabenow comment on Flint water

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Dave, | was covering an event with Sen. Stabenow and the Flint water issue came up briefly. She made this statement: “The state of Michigan, where the negligence rose, has to step up in a much bigger way to help Flint.” 2 xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails20_b1273_3274_3276_2 | wanted to check in with you and see if your office had any response to her comment. | will likely be putting something together by 3-4 p.m. Thanks. Gary Ridley | The Flint Journal-MLive Media Group | 810-280-9516 | aridieydimive com xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails20_b1273_3274_3276_3

RE: Snyder plan for Flint water

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4i there Gary — What I'd say is that .. in combination with the other shart term, intermediate term ariui long-term steps outlined fast week, this murve represents a hig steo forward and demunstrates the Governor and Acvninistration’s deep commitment o protecting public health and ensuring safe, accessible water. We're focused on helping address this challenging issiue or the residanis of Flint, partnering with the city anc collaborating across local, state and federal levels te bring all resources arut ideas to bear, 2g ope that helps. Thanks and best, SV GRIDLEY @mlive.com Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2015 3:20 PM