06-21-10 Utilities Committee - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

UTILITIES COMMITTEE JUNE 21, 2010 The June 21, 2010 meeting of the Utilities Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Oliver Davis at 5:30 p.m., in the Informal Meeting Room, 4th Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, Chairperson, Other Council Members Present: Karen White, David Varner (5:40) Others Present: John Skomp, John Dillon, Tom Price; Rita Kopala, Oliver Logan, Mayor Stephen Luecke, Gary Gilot, Aladean DeRose, Doug Chapel Agenda: Bill No. 26-10 Adjust Sewer Rates Through 2013 Chairperson Oliver Davis called a special meeting of his Utilities Committee to allow adequate time for presentation and deliberation of the proposed sewer rate increase through 2013. In that there were only three Council members present it was just as well no action by the Utilities was anticipated until the rate hearings on June 28, 2010. The Mayor began by providing Mr. Davis with spiral bound copies titled "City of South Bend Exhibits for the 2010-2013 Sewer Rate Justification" (Attached.) The Mayor went on to explain the rate increase request was based upon maintaining the quality of life by assuring clean water as well as mandates by the federal government, EPA to separate storm and sanitary sewer systems. The Mayor proceeded to outline the long-term control plan initiated four years earlier. Though the plan was yet to be certified by the feds, continued work on our part, would evidence voluntary compliance and avoid adversarial mandates. He said the federal government considered South Benda "Community of Interest" because of our vital place in the watershed. Councilmember White urged collaboration with the federal government, if we continue to seek a consent decree. Gary Gilot then proceeded to provide historical perspective, recounting past treatment of wastewater and runoff and it's affects on water quality over the years. He maintained that EPA/Clean Water Act mandates could be more easily met if the city was able to proceed with some innovation solutions of its own Evidence of effort to comply would allow us to be in charge of our own destiny. In doing so we would keep rates as affordable as possible. Councilmember Varner agreed in principle; but had issues with the time frame for raising rates to move ahead without an actual mandate. The actual dollar and cents rate rationale was explained by John Skomp of Crow, Horvath, a consultant to the city. This rationale is included in the spiral handout. Chairperson Oliver Davis urged due diligence on all proposed then adjourned at 6:48 p.m.