06/04/1979 Board of Public Works Minutes

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72 REGULAR MEETING OPENING OF BIDS - SALE OF PLAZA PARK JUNE 4, 1979 This was the date set for receiving bids for the sale of the Plaza Park property. The Clerk tendered proofs of publication of notice in the South Bend Tribune and the Tri- County News which were found to be sufficient. There were no bids received. IMPROVEMENT RESOLUTION NO. 3473 CONFIRMED This being the date set, hearing was held on Improvement Resolution No. 3473 for the construction of sanitary sewers on Phillipa, Hillside, Highland and Delaware Streets. The Clerk tendered proofs of publication of notice in the South Bend Tribune and the Tri - County News which were found to be sufficient. Mr. McMahon noted receipt of a petition signed by property owners remonstrating against the project. Upon motion made by Mr, McMahon, seconded by Mr. Brunner and carried, the petition was ordered filed. Mr. McMahon then pointed out that the Board is not presenting the project to the property owners today for their consideration. The County Health Officer has mandated construction of the sewers. The Board has no jurisdiction when that approach is taken toward sewer construction. The Board has received an order from the Health Officer and that is where the matter stands now. The purpose of this meeting is to advise property owners of the amount to be assessed against their property for the sewer construction. Copies of the preliminary assessment roll were available and he said the Board would answer questions relating to the amounts assessed against each property. He noted that the Board has, in the past, offered sanitary sewers to this area. The majority of the residents remonstrated against the project. At that time, the City had offered to pay one -half the cost of the sewer construction. The preliminary assessment roll filed with the Board lists the cost of the construction at $138,000. The City will pay one -half of the cost and the property owners will be assessed for the other half in the amount of $69,390.40. The cost can be paid over a five -year period. Mrs. Elliott, 2215 Hillside, advised the Board that she is having a sewer problem and cannot get a permit for a new septic systems so she does want the sewers constructed. She submitted to the Board a number of photographs depicting the problem existing on her property. Upon motion made by Mr, McMahon, seconded by Mr. Brunner and carried, the photographs were filed. Property owners who spoke against the sewer construction were Dorothy Cressy, 2214 Delaware Street; Bill Biddinger, 2101 S. Carlisle; Jean Wesszo, 1718 S. Phillipa; Alice Young, 1713 S. Phillipa; Louis Wesszo, 1718 S. Phillipa; a spokesman for the Alice Eckler Lahey Estate, owner of Lots 301, 302 and 303; and Matthew Horvath, 2010 S. Olive; and B. Witczak, 2625 Prairie Avenue. County Councilman Velma Torzewski asked if the Board would delay action on this matter and meet with the Health Department to discuss the property where the problem is occurring. Mr. McMahon noted that the Health Department will not issue a permit for a septic system within the City limits. He said the Board was disappointed that the Health Department did not support it when an attempt was made to put sanitary sewers in this area earlier. It was felt that sewer construction was necessary in the area. The Board concurs with the Health Department in their position. Mr. McMahon then advised those present that state statutes require that a sewer assessment be based on the square footage of the lots. If an owner ownes multiple lots he will be assessed accordingly. Tap charges have been included on the assessment roll but if an owner with several lots wants only one tap installed, that can be arranged. However, the owner must advise the Board in writing if any taps are to be eliminated. Property owners asked if water could be made available at the same time the sewers are put in and they were advised they could petition the Water Works for installation of water which also would be done r-