07/16/1980 Special Mtg Board of Public Works Minutes

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EMERGENCY MEETING JULY 16 -. 1980 An emergency meeting of the Board of Public Works was convened at 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday, July 16, 1980, by President Patrick M. McMahon, with Mr. McMahon, Mr. Richard L. Hill and Mr. Joseph E. Kernan present. Mr. McMahon explained that the meeting had been called at the request of Mr. John Leszczynski, Director of Utilities, concerning the heavy water usage by residents and the problem of contaminants which had been previously detected at the Olive Street Pumping Station and which had necessitated the closing of Well No. 4. Mr. Leszczynski explained that the city has experienced excessive water usage during the last several weeks because of the hot and dry weather and, on July 15, 1980, the highest usage was.recorded at 43 million gallons. He requested that the Board put into effect mandatory sprinkling restrictions such as an "odd- even" sprinkling procedure, which would provide sufficient water in the case of a potential fire or other public safety hazard. Mayor Roger 0. Parent stated that by using his emergency powers, he was recommending that the Board adopt a resolution restricting the use of water throughout the city. Mr. McMahon stated that he concurred with Mr. Leszczynski's recommendation concerning the "odd- even" sprinkling method which would provide that, on even- numbered days, the house numbers ending in an even number would sprinkle and so forth. Mr. McMahon explained that the city did not have I a supply problem at present, but there could be a potential problem if a major fire occurred. Mr..Hill explained that the Board of Public Works has enforcement powers and any action taken by the Board would be provided to the violators. If there was a continued violation, the Legal Department would take action and the Municipal Code provided a fine for violations. Mr. Hill stated that he hoped this would not happen; however, he stressed that there certainly would be mandatory enforcement. He suggested that there may be a possibility to attach a special assessment to the water bills as an alternative; however, he felt the method of assessing fines to the violators would be followed. Mr. McMahon explained that, in the case of automatic sprinkler systems, a separate meter was utilized and could be shut off to prevent sprinkling. He further stated that, when the weather conditions improved, the limits would be lifted. Upon a motion made by Mr. McMahon, seconded by Mr. Kernan and carried, the Board adopted the following resolution: RESOLUTION NO. 12, 1980 WHEREAS, because of the excessive usage of water in the last few weeks, the Board of Public Works has determined that, for the best interests of the citizens of the City of South Bend, a system of mandatory sprinkling be established in order to provide sufficient water in the event of a fire or any other health and safety related matter. BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Public Works of the City of South Bend, Indiana, that the following mandatory sprink- ling restrictions be placed in effect until such time as the Board determines the need no longer exists: On even numbered days, the house numbers ending in an even number be allowed to sprinkle. On odd numbered days, the house numbers ending in an odd number be allowed to sprinkle. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any violation of the above mandatory sprinkling method will result in a' penalty consistent with those penalties currently existing in the Municipal Code relating to emergency powers of the Mayor and the Board of Public Works. NOTE: MANDATORY SPRINKLING RESTRICTIONS WERE LIFTED BY THE BOARD OF WATER WORKS COMMISSIONERS ON AUGUST 4, 1980. 1 1 1