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City sewer under fire

By Nathan Bruttell
Today's News-Herald
Published Tuesday, November 10, 2009 10:35 PM MST

A woman claimed she was terminated from AMEC after “finding errors,” — one of several accusations she made concerning the city sewer project during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Stacy Ford-Kelly, who also said she held a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Boise State University, made the statements during a public comments portion of the City Council regular meeting. Ford-Kelly said her comments were “disregarded” by her superiors at AMEC when she worked as an engineer in training in 2008.

“I found several errors in drawings,” Ford-Kelly said. “When I brought the errors to the attention of my superiors, who are all registered professional engineers, some of (whom) have stamps on drawings, they disregarded my concerns. The more I found, worse things got for me there.”

Interim City Manager Charlie Cassens said he could not substantiate any claims made because city staff did not have proper time to investigate the matter.

“It’s certainly something we would look into as this is the first I’ve heard of it,” Cassens said, adding he hadn’t “had the chance to investigate the facts.”

Ford-Kelly also made several claims regarding former City Manager Richard Kaffenberger.

“I was contacted by Richard Kaffenberger,” Ford-Kelly said during the meeting. “He is behind blackballing me out of a position with PBS&J.” PBS&J is a design management firm that has an office in Lake Havasu City.

Called by the News-Herald Tuesday night, Kaffenberger said he did contact “a woman claiming she had issues with AMEC” but could not confirm if he talked to Ford-Kelly.

“I contacted her and asked her what she was talking about. She went off on me and I said, ‘Fine goodbye,’” Kaffenberger said, adding that he was “not sure how he could blackball her out of a position.”

“I’m not sure how I would do that since I’ve never talked to PBS&J about their hiring practices,” he said. “I’ve never talked to PBS&J about any practices other than when … I asked their project manager if he would be there for the duration of the (sewer) project. After hired he was hired by the city, he left AMEC. That was the only time I talked to anyone at PBS&J.”

Ford-Kelly also claimed her residence was illegally searched in July 2008.

“I believe (Kaffenberger) was also a part of the search warrant,” she said, “which was looking for the documentation that would prove illicit activities.”

But Kaffenberger said, “I don’t have a clue what she’s talking about with that.”

Calls to AMEC’s Lake Havasu City office following Tuesday’s meeting were not answered.

You can contact the reporter at nbruttell@havasunews.com.

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Comments (28 comment(s))

arizona 5150 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 6:05 PM:

" This little city is still ran by the good old republican boys, it's always been about money and they will do any thing for it. "

tomgarven wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:30 PM:

" Where have all the journalist gone?

Remember not so long ago that major stories of corruption, greed and deceit were brought to the attention of the public by newspaper journalists. You know those newspapers and individuals who belonged to organizations like the American Society of Journalists. The people educated and trained to hunt for the facts, the truth and then report what they found to the public.

Alas how things have changed. Today we don't even seem to be able to keep 1 or 2 journalist employed but rather we just copy the news from some major network, who gets their news from the government or the internet, which probably got the story from some special interest group. Sad state of affairs.

And it's not the fault of our local paper either. I believe they do a very good job of reporting local news and events but yes they are DIFFERENT than our government. They can't just go print more money to pay salaries when they need it like our State and Federal governments do. Today most papers in the U.S. are barely holding on financially.

I sure wished our local News-Herald had the money to hire about 2 or 3 journalists to investigate some of the allegations I read in these public forms. It would sure make some interesting reading I'll bet. Any wealthy resident out there ready to donate some money to preserve truth and justice for all? Sure would be nice wouldn't it.

Maybe then we could become more focused on what I think is one of the real problem facing our community which is a lack of JOBS. If we don't get our citizens back to work soon even more stores will be closing and even more or our citizens will be leaving town.

Today it was reported that Kingman was successful in bring about a 1,000 new jobs to their community in the form of two new solar energy power plants. New jobs, new tax revenue, more stores, more payroll, and more of everything. I sure wished we had some of those 1,000 jobs.

I am rarely sarcastic but for a moment will be and say this. We [the City of Havasu] must be only a week or two away from announcing the arrival of some new company or corporation who is going to bring us about 1,000 new jobs right? Strange, but I haven't read one little hint of this major announcement here on these open forms. Surly we have plans in place to rebuild and diversify our economy don't we?

As a community, I believe we have far more pressing problems than pointing finger at people and criticizing and condemning others. If some of the allegations made here in the public forms have already been reported to the State Attorney General and are under investigation, then can't we please turn our attention to some of the more pressing problems of our community like job creation.

For a change let's try some creative thinking about how to get some jobs for our citizens and post those ideas. That certainly must be more important than rehashing the same old stories over and over again.

That's my opinion, what's yours.
tomgarven@hotmail.com "

havasuvian wrote on Nov 16, 2009 8:20 AM:

" To Done with Havasu: HUSH! In your misguided zeal to defend your friend or perhaps to just brag about being 'in the know', you have not only violated her trust and confidence but also jeopardized the investigation by spouting off with reckless abandon. Enough said already. Be still!! "

surfinhavasu wrote on Nov 15, 2009 9:11 PM:

" to longtimeinhavasu, really i did not now where to ask i just put it out there thanks for that information. was the rust free or did that add to the price? as to the cobblestone i was being sarcastic... know you do not seal it. seems to me that would be cheaper to keep up than asphalt. of course i do not know if that is true just a wacky comment to drive people crazy. and you are right conspiracy theroies are soooo much more fun.... did you see the aliens land on cupcake mountain on halloween? by the way think the cobblestone looks pretty hot. "

Beyond Today wrote on Nov 15, 2009 4:46 PM:

" To "Done with LHC corruption", Take a break and come back to reality, preferably here on earth. "

BonHomme Richard wrote on Nov 15, 2009 12:10 PM:

" Now you want to give Kaffenberger a $200,000 bounes for his firing? WHY? "

billsmith wrote on Nov 15, 2009 9:56 AM:

" I want to know about the Federal Stimulus. I read somewhere on the web last week that we were to get $5 Million from this to cover the sewer in Havasu. I think it was on the projects for Mohave County being funded by stimulus money.
Anyone know about this?

Why are we paying all this if the funding is picking up the tab? "

MN wrote on Nov 15, 2009 5:14 AM:

" It shouldn't be hard to find out if these allegations are true or not. "She is going to sue the city and is already entitled to $5 million??" Does she really care about our city or does she just want to line her own pockets?? hmm?? If she really cared, she would tell her story for free! Get ready to pay more taxes..it is like throwing good money after bad! "

Roco wrote on Nov 14, 2009 10:04 PM:

" To "Done With LHC Corruption": I hope this is true and all parties involved spend many years in jail and get fined out of the rear-end. Something similar happened in the town I grown up in and most of the culprits spent over ten years in jail and are still paying restitution. Good luck Stacy and stay safe. "

Done With LHC Corruption wrote on Nov 14, 2009 6:45 PM:

" To Roco, and anyone reading this, from the day after the search warrant, which was in July 2008, the feds have been involved...she didn't call a lawyer, she notified DOJ, FBI, IRS, ATF and EPA just to name a few and contunially kept them informed including secret meetings out of town and has handed over nearly 300 pages of documents already. The proof is all over the country and the big fish in this little pond are in for a big surprise when this little pond is engulfed by the federal ocean and the sharks within, not to mention Senators and Representatives both state and federal levels on her side. All the threats and attempts on her and her husband's lives have been acknolewdged and at times the feds tipped them off about conspiracies in advance, for quite a while she and her family had a littany of plain clothes protection from unnamed state and federal agencies and offered FWPP. Remeber now...federal law entitles her to 10% of what she has proven and her take at this point is about $5,000,000 and she hasn't even began lawsuits yet. "

asltrfl wrote on Nov 14, 2009 6:25 PM:

" I warned everyone here seven years ago about this. I told everyone that our septic tanks do not and could not leech into the groundwater and into the lake/river. I told everyone that the cost would double, triple, and quadruple as time went on. What I did not count on was the corruption that would come with multi-million dollar construction contracts. But it was to be expected, I saw years ago how the city Council, Mayor, Judges, and yes, even the Police were all operating for their own benefit, not for the welfare of the Citizens that they are supposed to serve. Mark my words again...nothing will come out of these accusations, they all watch each others back. "

longtimeinhavasu wrote on Nov 14, 2009 7:41 AM:

" To Surfinginhavasu: The manhole lids have the bridge on them as a design. Its typical when you have a large system. Check the web. Also, because the contractors are ordering so many it doesn't cost any more. This has been answered umpteen times over the years. Also, the reason the concrete (not cobblestone) at the intersections down on Lake Havasu Avenue doesn't need sealing is you don't seal concrete with oil. Those were done in 1991 as decorations. To most of you on the blogs, its easier to complain here than ask real questions from someone who might know. Conspiracies are more fun. Reality is much to booring. "

Roco wrote on Nov 13, 2009 1:52 PM:

" To "Done With LHC Corruption": Do you think it was smart to advertise proof being sent to the feds? If Kaffenberger had her home searched, what makes you think he will not go further to keep Stacy's mouth shut? "

Done With LHC Corruption wrote on Nov 12, 2009 8:04 PM:

" I know Stacy personally and she does have all the proof...they will try to discredit this highly intelligent woman, like everyone else that dare stand up to the city. Kaffenberger is as crooked as they come and the city is in for a big surprise because everything has gone to the feds already. "

FORMER JUDGE wrote on Nov 12, 2009 3:48 PM:

" Where is the outrage ?? This whole sewer project has been MISMANAGED from start, Time for our city council to get out there and take a good hard look at the thing,,,Suspend the whole project til federal funds arrive,,And you can get a hold of it,,Where are all the people that call themselfs engineers??They work for the city and draw pay checks, What do they do all day ? I think they are home with the (city) truck hiding in their garage while they take a nap! "

FORD FAIRLANE wrote on Nov 12, 2009 2:37 PM:

" YES the whole sewer fiasco has been a con job from the inception,,First the ADEQ blackmailed us by saying we put nitrates in the lake(not true) Then the city tryed to shove this small diamiter system on us,(the present city engineer designed that system) Now they are putting in a sewer that is costing twice what it should and not replacing water lines nor installing grey water lines while they have the holes dug (thinking the existing water lines are asbestous) The city council just ok things instead of actually doing their home work and checking on the project. They hire engineering firms when we have a whole engineering dept, Times are HARD Im sure you could hire some real talent for cheap,, WAKE UP LAKE HAVASU THIS SEWER IS GONNA BANKRUPT THE CITY "

U Can't Fix Stupid wrote on Nov 12, 2009 12:26 PM:

" I believe that this woman has been through alot and it about time someone stood up that is an insider with direct knowledge. If you watch the video she was offered a payoff to keep her mouth shut and didn't take it!!! Way to go!!!

Question for r2sweet99...who should leave town and not look back or they will turn to stone? You must be one of them getting your pockets lined....not for much longer though. "

Desertrat wrote on Nov 12, 2009 10:49 AM:

" 1972 - don't you know? There is corruption for 20 years-everyone is lining their pockets. Their grandchildren are receiving 'kickbacks.' It is a conspiracy I tell ya, overthrow the government. Let Cal and Oreally run the town. They are the only ones who know what our 'h*** hole' needs! lol lol lol. I agree with you. Funny pages all the way! "

1972 wrote on Nov 12, 2009 8:30 AM:

" We should call this the funny pages; all this talk about corruption, sewer rip-off, etc., and now comparing Havasu with Chicago. You people are funny. The faces of Havasu government have changed many, many times since the voters approved the sewer project. None of the faces are the same. The city has gone through 4 city managers, 4 mayors, even the sewer project management firm, the Public Works director and Police and Fire chiefs have all changed hands and yet there has to be some kind of conspiracy going on. With who, who is profiting from this “big corruption”, where’s the motivation? Bottom line is sewer should have been part of the original design of the town back 30+ years, now we are paying to catch up. Could you imagine Chicago without a sewer system? Now that would be a stinky town. Thanks for the laughs. "

r2sweet99 wrote on Nov 12, 2009 3:15 AM:

" Leave this town and don't look back, or you will turn to stone..... "

surfinhavasu wrote on Nov 11, 2009 10:37 PM:

" In regards to the sewer project, why are all the new manhole covers rusted??? why do they all have the bridge on them?? did the city have to pay extra to have them specially made?? how much extra do they pay for the rust?? the manhole covers on the streets that were done first are not rusted. Also, I noticed that a the intersections that have cobblestone on it down lake havasu ave. does not get seal coated. why is that?? by the way if you want mcculloch"main street" to look real cool make it all cobblestone. apparently, cobblestone would even save on seal coating? "

cal/hav wrote on Nov 11, 2009 3:15 PM:

" Come on people. I have been hearing for years that there is NO CORRUPTION in this City. That I am full of BS cause I am an anonymous person. It goes much further than this. O'Really and others know of what I speak. Can I just say it. I told you so. "

Hidija wrote on Nov 11, 2009 2:38 PM:

" Here you go everyone. Copy and paste this link and you can file your complaints with the State Attorney's office. I did it a few weeks ago! If enough of us do it, maybe they will take a look at our City Council's actions! Just go to the Arizona State Attorney's website and go to the complaint form. You can file on line! "

Roco wrote on Nov 11, 2009 8:51 AM:

" It real funny how after living in LHC for just one year, I noticed and mentioned to friends the similiarities of corruption that existed here to the corruption in bigger cities. They said that I was wrong. With the current atmosphere of corruption, I feel that I was right on the mark. This sewer rip-off is just the tip of the iceberg. I have questioned officials about procedures and all I got was the run-around. I feel it is time for a letter write-in campaign to the state attorney and to the feds. This project could have been done without the drama and the huge cost. Someone is lining the pockets at our expense. How many times have a street or area has been ripped up again and again. Inferior pipes? The wrong pipes? The list goes on and on. How many others have found errors and turned a deaf ear because fear of losing their job or worse? "

Voice of the People wrote on Nov 11, 2009 7:37 AM:

" It's time to call in the Federal government and their investigators to get to the bottom of this mess. The guilty should pay with their freedom and not just get paid to leave town.

Something stinks in this town and it's not just the sewer, there's a rotten smell coming from city hall, this corruption must be stopped.

Prosecute the criminals, Power to "The People" "

Had it with Havasu wrote on Nov 11, 2009 7:15 AM:

" Why was Kaffenberger canned?

Why was Kaffenberger paid $200K?

Answer those two questions and you won't question these allegations.

Havasu, politically and as a municipality, has become as vile as Chicago.

Folks, we're into this thing to the tune of a half billion dollars and when an issue comes up all the then city manager could come up with was "Fine, goodbye". There are issues with the design, construction and operation of this system in it's entirety. The sooner things get out in the open the more chance we have of nailing contractors bonds for the money versus paying for the patches, retrofits and repairs ourselves. "

Nightfalls wrote on Nov 11, 2009 6:28 AM:

" Ah just pay her $250,000 like the city did the drunk driver and she will go away. "

Dusan wrote on Nov 11, 2009 12:12 AM:

" I believe it all,,,under handed backroom deals are common practice for LHC, Our news paper seems reluctant to investigate/report stuff like this,,Certainly the police have record of a search warrent being served,,See what was told to the judge by who to obtain the warrant,, Also the kaff statement he called her,,,but didnt know who he called? "

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