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The event, billed as a public informational session, was attended by MAWSA board members Robert Ricksgers, Ordon Hierlihy and William Koenig, along with about 25 audience members.

Ricksgers said the recent moves by the MAWSA board, were never discussed by the full board until they were placed on the agenda.

"We have $4 million worth of projects on the floor now and we have no idea who is going to be our administrator,Ó he said. "They are leaving that wide open and they also never talked about moving their offices.Ó

Former MAWSA member Bill Avery commended the three members for the stand they were taking and reminded them, when the resource center was built, they were asked if the MAWSA offices would stay there and it was stated they would do so. A seven year lease was then signed for the space, Avery said, adding six years were still in effect.

"Last week the MAWSA board voted not to renew the CRD contract,Ó Avery said. "And that was done without cause. If you remove CRD and void the contract you are still going to pay the contract.Ó

The sewer issue was approved 2-1 by residents in the village last year during a special referendum, yet opponents of the project continue to protest the costs and other aspects. One opponent, local business owner Cherie Hogan, was present at the meeting, but did not offer any public comment.

Avery said there has not been any malfeasance or misfeasance in office conducted by Knapp, and that the only reason he has been told he is out of a job is that because people "donÕt like him.Ó

"The community needs a sewer,Ó Avery said. "Time is running out in my opinion and this is just a stalling tactic.Ó

CRD member and local bank official Larry Murton explained the CRD board has a contract with Knapp for a certain amount of money.

"He is paid a specific amount of money, no overtime and no percentage of a project fees,Ó Murton said. He also said Knapp has taken serious beatings in public meetings, where they should have been done in closed session.

"We are not happy with the way Gary and the CRD has been treated and we are also interested to see what the cause is and what they think he has done wrong,Ó he said.

Village council members were expected to address the issue further at their Jan 9 meeting, which occurred the Antrim County News. President Pro-tem Robert Wilcox was at the meeting and said he could not remember any time when the council voted to stop the progress of the sewer system.

"We need to put the personal stuff aside and the voters need to go to the water board and tell them they need to go back and start representing us,Ó one resident said.

"This community needs a sewer,Ó resident Joe Omness said. "It is time to move ahead. I think things are working out where the two boards can keep Gary on as a resource person and I know that MAWSA chairman David Tucker and CRD chairman Tom Ross are comfortable with exploring that option.Ó

CRD members were expected to discuss this issue at their Tuesday afternoon meeting, which occurred after the newspaperÕs press deadline.