District, neighbors settle over well water dispute

PHOENIXVILLE>> The Phoenixville Area School District has agreed to pay $2,800 to settle a dispute concerning the construction of the Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center and Manavon Elementary School and a neighbor’s well water.

Details of the settlement were obtained through a Right-To-Know request filed by Digital First Media.

William J. and Marian E. Menkins, of 103 Hallowell Ave., claimed construction activities on school property caused problems with their well water. Specifically that the installation of the school’s geothermal heating system turned the well water brown and made them sick.

District consultants tested the water and ad- vised the district the claims were incorrect. The district then disputed the claim. However, according to the agreement, in order to achieve an ami- cable and final resolution, the district agreed to settle the claim by paying the Menkins $2,800 without admitting to any responsibility or liability regard- ing the well water issue.

The school board then approved the agreement at its Nov. 17 meeting.

“In a perfect world this would not have happened,” said Lynn Lindsay, the Menkins’ daughter, during the Nov. 10 boardmeeting. “Unfortunately situations occur outside the perimeters and out of our control.”

Lindsay praised and thanked Superintendent Alan Fegley for his handling of the situation call- ing him “a true gentleman” and saying his primary concern was for her parents. She further thanked community relations coordinator Sandra Claus and the board members for helping to resolve the issue.

“Sandra Claus made a comment during the whole procedure about the school having a good neighbor policy,” Lindsay said. “Well you certainly held up to that policy and then some.”

“Sandra Claus made a comment during the whole procedure about the school having a good neighbor policy. Well you certainly held up to that policy and then some.” — Lynn Lindsay, on behalf of her parents William and Marian Menkins