11-20-02 Utilities Committee - Laserfiche WebLink

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tontaitta Zoort tiiitiez tommitta The November 20, 2002 meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Al`Buddy"Kirsits at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, Pfeifer, Coleman, Kirsits, Aranowski, King, Kelly, Kuspa and White; Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Chief Assistant City Attorney Aladean DeRose, City Controller Rick 011ett, Mr. Patrick McMahon, Mr. Robert L. Miller, Sr., Mr. Terry Miller, Mr. Steven K. Brock, Mr. Ted Foti, Mr. Paul A. Kempf, Mr. John DeLee, Mr. Matthew S. Cullinan, Mr. John Mountsier, Mr. Fred Dominick, Mr. Partick Cummings, Mr. William Hoye, Telly Bland of the gloutb ty tribune, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney,and other members of the public. Council Member Kirsits noted that all members of the Utilities Committee were present, namely Council Members Coleman, Aranowski, Pfeifer and himself. He noted that the Committee meeting was called to continue discussion of Bill No. 88-02 which would establish new sewer rates. Council Member Kirsits then provided copies of a letter dated November 18, 2002 from the Board of Commissioners of St. Joseph County which provided an update on the Water and Sewer District(copy attached). Mr. Gary Gilot, Public Works Director, then provided two (2) handouts to the Committee. He then reviewed the one-page hand-out listing nine (9) items (copy attached), and the multi-page handout entitled "South Bend Wastewater CIP 1998-2002 versus CIP Cost of Service Study for 2002-2005" (copy attached). Mr. Gilot stated that the 2d handout focuses on capital and that the public policy issues is "what type of capital program does the city wish to have?". Mr. Gilot contended that the proposed rates are just and equitable, and that they reflect an adjustment in light of the concerns voiced earlier this summer by the Council. He suggested that the city should get started on the capital programs so that a"good faith effort could be shown to EPA and IDEM". Chief Assistant City Attorney Aladean De Rose then addressed the committee. She showed the contents of one of two small banker boxes and indicated that much information has been provided, especially to the large users. Ms. DeRose stated that "the city has made every effort to be responsive and have provided many documents to the attorney for the large users". She noted that she sent an email to the Council Members which contains several hundreds of pages and has a CD which contains 1,825 pages of documents. Ms. DeRose stated that the Council should be aware that they are"cooperating and will provide as much information as possible". Dr. Varner inquired whether the expansion would be into unincorporated areas. Mr. Gilot stated yes,under the smart growth model. Dr. Varner asked how.that would be affected by the new sewer and water district in the county. Mr. Gilot stated that he has insufficient knowledge in that area and just received the county's letter a few moments ago. Mr. Gilot stated that the city would "defend serving the facility planning area",and that the city will continue"to build the tax base".