04/22/86 Board of Public Works Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 22, 1986 one (1) week to review facts presented today and any other information that may come -in in the meantime and will evaluate this matter based on that information. Mr. Wayne Werts, 1889 Riverside Drive, South Bend, Indiana, was present and addressed the Board. He inquired of Mr. Leszczynski whether his memorandum addressed to the Common Council dated April 19, 1986, would be among the items the Board was going to review. Mr. Leszczynski advised him that it would be considered. Mr. Werts stated on Friday, April 18, 1986, the Common Council received an answer from the County Health Officer in response to their request for an explanation in writing for the project mandate. Mr. Werts further stated that he met with the County Health Officer on April 18, 1986 and was given a copy of the letter. Because of that report, Mr. Werts prepared a Memorandum dated April 19, 1986, which was given to all Common Council members. Mr. Werts began his presentation by making reference to his April 19, 1986, Memorandum to the South Bend City Council. He advised that in his Memorandum he asks that the South Bend City Council urge the Board of Public Works to NOT proceed with the project in the face of information contained herein with planned distribution to appropriate officials and agencies and that action should not be continued on the project in view of information supplied and indicated to be available which applies to this situation. He further cited that NO pollution has ever been proven in the area and is exceedingly unlikely considering the geography and technical information available from government supported programs and studies. The effectiveness of soil recycling of the water supply has been demonstrated and proven repeatedly and has been working properly in our area for thirty (30) to forty (40) years. Data can be supplied to support this contention. Further, failure to acknowledge and consider alternative system possibilities should be grounds for asserting incompetence, irresponsibility and lack of qualifications for the persons in the jobs responsible for continuation of the project which provides increasing pollution, damage to the environment and waste of public funds unnecessarily. Mr. David Canfield, 1891 Riverside Drive, South Bend, Indiana, addressed the Board and stated that he hopes that if it ever reaches a point where the residents think some action has to be taken in their neighborhood, that the feelings of the vast majority of the residents which is that there is no accrued benefit to them because they do not need a sewer and do not want a sewer be considered. It is hoped that if there ever is a problem in the area that other than gravity sewers be considered. He stated that there have been instances experienced with gravity sewers where pollution in its best form has come up into basements. He stated that he hopes the residents of Riverside Drive/Riverside Place would not be subjected to something like this since they are at a great risk being at a very low point in the City. Further, the residents would like to think that if there is a disagreement as to how things really exist in the neighborhood that they be thoroughly researched keeping emotions and personalities out of the situation, and just trying to come up with whatever is the best solution. Mr. Joseph Klebosits, 1905 Riverside Drive, South Bend, Indiana, thanked the Board for taking additional time to review this matter. He stated that when he built in the area thirty (30) years ago he asked for sewers and water but was told the City did not intend to come into the area and the septic systems would stand. He advised that he would like to state that because of one property owner who did not take care and maintain his system the rest of the residents are mandated to put in the sewers. He further stated that the Common Council has been very sympathetic