07-12-10 Utilities Committee - Laserfiche WebLink

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`°"" `"° Utilities Committee 2010 South Bend Common Council The July 12, 2010 meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, Council Member Al "Buddy" Kirsits at 4:20 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Puzzello, Varner, Henry Davis, Jr., Rouse, Kirsits and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, P. E., Catherine Pittman, Marty Wolfson, Greg Zientara, Rita Kopola,. Jack Dillon, and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Kirsits noted that the Committee consists of Council Members Puzzello, LaFountain, Council Member Oliver Davis who is the Chairperson, and himself. In light of the absence of Council Members LaFountain and Davis a quorum of the Committee is not present, therefore all Bills will be heard and sent without recommendation. Bill No. 34-10 Loss Recovery Fund Appropriation Request: Council Member Kirsits called for a presentation on Bill No. 34-10 to appropriate $75,000 from the Loss Recovery Fund, Fund # 227. Public Works Director Gary Gilot, P.E., made the formal presentation. He noted that arsenic has been found in the groundwater. The proposed appropriation of $75,000 would pay for an engineering study to address the levels of arsenic in backwash water in the water filtration plants. He stressed that the levels are NOT a threat to human life. In response to a question from Dr. Varner. Dr. Dillon stated that the bio-solids are diluted and spread on agriculture fields. EPA requires reviews of the source of such arsenic. He added that revisions to our local ordinance will be forthcoming. In response to a question from Council White, Mr. Gilot stated that this will be the first of its kind study for the city. He stated that six (6) firms qualified to make an offer of their services, with the engineering firm selected being from with Wisconsin or Minnesota. Council Member White requested that a copy of the engineering study be filed so that the Council has the opportunity to review it. In response to a question from Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., Mr. Gilot stated that they did not seek out an academic partnership, since they did not want a theoretical study but rather acost- effective study which was results oriented. Council Member Kirsits stated that the Bill would be sent to the Council without recommendation.