06-28-10 Utilities Committee - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

R R~~~ ~I' hrx7~w~ M - ~ . _ ~ ~.7r ~ UTILITIES COMMITTEE JUNE 28, 2010 The June 28, 2010 meeting of the Utilities Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Oliver Davis at 4:24 p.m., in the Informal Meeting Room, 4~h Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, Chairperson, Ann Puzzello, Tom LaFountain, AI "Buddy" Kirsits Other Council Members Present: Derek D. Dieter, Henry Davis, David Varner, Timothy Rouse, Karen White Others Present: Mikki Dobski, Dennis Andres, Don Inks, Beth Leonard, Tom Price, Jack Dillon, Gary Gilot, Mayor Luecke, Jeff Parrott, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Aladean DeRose, Rita Kopala, Marty Wolfson. Agenda: Bill No. 26-10 -Sewer Rates Chairperson Oliver Davis chairing a full Utilities Committee began by asking an approval from the committee to hear the substitute version of Bill No. 26-10, Councilmember Kirsits so moved. Councilmember Puzzello seconded. All approved. The bill to raise sewer rates through year 2013 was presented by Gary Gilot. With the help of several handouts (attached) Gary explained the rationale for the increases. The bill was to continue funding the work to separate storm and sanitary sewers as required by the EPA. The three factors compelling an increase were concerns for public health, river water quality and evidence of a consistent commitment to a work plan scrutinized by the EPA. Gary said it was in the city's best interests to invest in solutions and not get into an adversarial posture with the EPA. The Mayor then explained that 3 rate approaches were considered with the once that balances progress with the pain of an increase as the one put forward. To lessen the increase he pledged $10 million dollars of EDIT funds to help keep rates affordable. Councilmember Varner asked if the city had an actual mandate from EPA to move ahead or not? Jack Dillon, Superintendent of the Waste Water Treatment Plant said the city had an "effective mandate" just short of actual language from a consent decree. Gary Gilot said the mandate was the Clean Water Act of 1970. Councilmember Varner countered saying he wanted to see a mandate in writing. He wondered if there were compliance choices? Different acceptable timelines? He also felt the Council was kept out of the rate formulation process. The Mayor responded saying the city was merely proposing a continuation of the work started 4 years ago. The rate increase was a reasonable pragmatic approach to the required task. On a motion by Councilmember Puzzello to move the bill ahead favorably, seconded by Councilmember Kirsits and fully supported by the committee the substitute bill was sent on. There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Oliver Davis adjourned the Committee at 5:00 p.m.