03/12/74 Board of Public Works Special Meeting Minutes

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SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 12, 1974 A special meeting of the Board of Public Works was convened at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 1974 at Lafayette,School with all members present.. David A. Wells, Division of Engineering, was also present. The Clerk tendered proofs of publication.of notice of this Public Hearing in the South Bend Tribune and the Tri-County News which were found to be sufficient. Mr. Wells introduced the members of the Board of Public Works. He then explained to those present that the purpose of this hearing was to expl.a.in Barrett Law procedures and to present preliminary assessments for the installation of sewers in the Portage Gardens Subdivision, authorized under Improvement Resolution No. 3392, 1974, adopted on February 4, 1974. Mr. Wells further explained that the City was offering the property owners the installation of these sewers with the City to pay 50% of thecost-and the property owners 50%.. This policy was established by this administration in 1972 in, an attempt to offer sewers to those areas which do not have them without the residents having to pay the full cost as was the case previously.- Mr. Wells explained that the construction cost was for the trunk sewer installation to the property line. The property owner would pay for the cost of the sewer line on their property. Cost of the tap is included in the assessment. - A sheet showing preliminary assessments was passed out to those present. Mr. Wells noted that the assessments presented tonight cannot be raised. He said it is not known how long the City will be able to offer the 50% participation in costs. He said it was his opinion that the property owners are being offered sewers at one-half the cost tonight and the offer might not be made again. A question and answer period followed Mr. Wells' presentation. Those who spoke were George Bare, 5125 W. Colfax, Mrs. George Bare, 5125 W. Colfax, Mrs. Lamb, 23350 Olds Avenue, Mrs. Clayborn, Reo Avenue, Mr. Kosinski, 23327 Roger Street and Mrs. Edwards, 5313 W. Packard. Questions asked were regarding water being brought into the area, how corner lots and unused lots were assessed and why property owners were being assessed for the trunk sewer. Mr. Wells explained that the City is planning to propose installation of water mains in the area. He said that sewers are not a tax - supported service. He then explained that, if the sewers are installed,,the property will have the option of paying their assessment in cash or paying in five equal yearly installments, at 6% interest. After sewers are installed, the property owners would be charged a sewage charge each month. Mr. Farrand then stressed the fact that sewers are not tax -supported, but are revenue supported. Mr. Wells said the Board would set a period of time for theproperty owners to file written comments for or against the project. If 51% of the - property owners remonstrate against the project, the sewers will not be constructed. Mr. Barcome then summarized by saying that the City was making this offer to pay 50% of the cost of the sewers. He said it was uncertain how long the City would be able to continue making this kind of offer. He said if residents of the area are interested in getting water now, they could petition the Board to install water mains. He then made a motion that the Board would receive written comments on the project until 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 1974, in the Board of Works Office. At the regular meeting of the Board held on that date, the Board would take action to confirm or rescind the resolution. The motion was seconded and carried. Those present were advised that preliminary plans for the con- struction were available for, study after the meeting. Upon motion made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 a.m. oll n E. Farrar /l.mc& 11 Knrr•hmc ATTEST: , ;L - x CLERK P_