10-24-05 Utilities Committee - Laserfiche WebLink

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1` t The Solid Waste rate increase is proposed at $8.80 per month per container (an increase of$.80 per month)with the $5.50 rate for seniors being maintained. Mr. Gilot noted that they will share this information and do the service club circuit, newspaper articles and make information available in the lobby of the County-City Building. In response to a question from Council Member Pi zzello,Mr. Dillon stated that the standard for treated water which is used is that there should be less than 235 colonies for a sample size. Mr. Gilot noted that if all of the proposals take place that the non-compliance would go from 30% of the time to 9% of the time, however the EPA will probably push the city to have more strict compliance than that proposed by the Administration. Dr. Varner noted that the proposals are a result of ongoing discussions with the EPA and IDEM. He voiced concern about new trends in the industry, noting that the rate increase is based on the rate payers for the next 5-6 years. He questioned what the impact would be on the City Administration's proposal if there were conservation measures put into place which reduced the flow for treatment and/or the loss of industrial customers. Dr. Varner noted the nitrates from agricultural areas should be addressed and perhaps the state legislature needs to consider a water front tax. Council Member Dieter inquired about the sewer odors and whether this ongoing problem would be addressed. Mr. Dillon stated that they will try a new chemical on November 8, 2005 and that New Energy is partnering with the city. Mr. Gilot stated that two (2)trucks are dedicated to work near the ethanol plant in order to treat the symptoms in the line. Council Member Dieter questioned whether legal action is being considered, and if so what the time table would be. Mr. Gilot stated that they are at the information gathering stage. Mr. Dillon stated that the pilot program beginning in early November will be monitored and if it does not work they will sit down with the Legal Department. Council Member Kirsits noted that the odor problem is along Riverside, Olive, Leland to Park, Northshore and several other parts of the city. He inquired if the goal of the city is to treat all storm water? Mr. Gilot stated that the city is using a "balanced approach" and use the "best management practices". He noted that the proposed rates are across the board. Council Member Rouse stated that since 2001 there have been more remonstrators in light of the increased property taxes, and suggested that this must be taken into consideration when looking at new utility rates. He noted"that the ballgame has changed since 2001". October 24,2005 Utilities Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2-