06-24-02 Utilities Committee - Laserfiche WebLink

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Utilities Committee June 24, 2002 Page 4 contacted. Council Member King called the proposed ordinance "half-cooked". He stressed the need for dialogue which should have taken place before filing the proposed Bill. Significant changes are being requested with limited information being provided. Council Member King stated that at this point he preferred that the Administration withdraw the proposed Bill rather than just request a delay until July 22nd. There should be no winners or losers, but it is very evident that there will be many losers if the Council goes forward on the proposed Bill. It will take months to exchange ideas and information. Millage rates are often turned down because people feel uncomfortable. Much work needs to be done before action can be taken. The City should meet with the top fifty (50) customers and a process of working with them on an ongoing basis should be developed. Separate meetings are necessary where one meeting is devoted to the opportunity to have Mr. Skomp of Crow Chizek review the entire process as well as the cost of service study in "lay man terms". A positive solution is needed for the entire community. Dr. Varner stated that the "whys" behind proposing going from flow to fixed rates, must take place. He inquired "what's wrong with a comparison?" He noted that he worries about economic development. If two (2) major players like ND and I/N Tech decide not to remain major players, how will that impact our operations. The City cannot afford to loose its competitive edge, but is cannot afford to force current customers to go elsewhere. The City must look at all ways of funding and look at the pros and cons of each alternative. Council Member Coleman stated that he cannot support the concept of a separate and independent study being undertaken by the Council. The Council's role is one of proving proper oversight. The Council has always used due diligence in reviewing matters pending before it. We must extend the process so that the users of our services are educated and look at options. Council participation is necessary, and he suggested that Council President Kelly and Utilities Committee Chairperson be included in such discussions. If discussions need to go beyond July 22nd, then they should to place if determined to be necessary. The Council will determine what rates are "good and fair" and how they will be balanced. Many users have been getting an "awfully good deal". The City ran two(2) lines to I/N Tech and I/N Kote at a substantial cost to the City. In the 1960's the University of Notre Dame choice not to be within the City of South Bend. Council Member Coleman concluded his remarks be stating that he hopes that we can move forward in the "spirit of cooperation". Council Member Kirsits noted that "there is no free lunch". Because of being out of town on a family vacation, he has not had the opportunity to review all of the material. The Council must figure out the"fair share"when developing a proper rate structure. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that perhaps there is a compromise. There should be consideration of what the Common Council would like to have, which does not happen very often. Most of the time it does not happen at all,and then we end up in situations like this. Council President Kelly noted that much of the information provided is technical information. He would favor an extension until July 22nd as requested by the Mayor, and would further support going beyond that date if necessary in order to"get it done right". "If we hurt the major customers that would be ridiculous", rather we must decide what is"fair and reasonable". Mayor Luecke then requested to withdraw Bill No. 43-02 from further consideration by the Council. He stated that there would be a number of work sessions with the Council in the future, and that there would be meetings scheduled with major users. Discussions will also take place on