07-28-03 Utilities - Laserfiche WebLink

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1y Committee Zeport LitWWtttez (Committee The July 28, 2003 meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Al`Buddy"Kirsits at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski,Kelly, Pfeifer,King, Varner,White, Kirsits and Kuspa; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Director of the Division of Environmental Services Jack Dillon, Richard Nussbaum, Edward Hardig, many unidentified members of the public, Terry Bland of the 'ottt i Zributte and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Kirsits noted that all members of the Utilities Committee were present except for Council Member Sean Coleman who is absent due to the death of his mother. Council Member Kirsits then called for a presentation on Bill No. 53-03 which would amend Chapter 17, Article 2, Section 1721 and Section 17-25 of the South Bend Municipal Code in order to establish new sewer rates. Mayor Stephen Luecke made the presentation. He noted that a great deal of time has been spent on reviewing sewer rates. Unfortunately the ordinance which the Council passed in January of 2003 was challenged in court and was declared void on procedural grounds. Mayor Luecke stated that it is essential to provide revenues to properly run the waste water treatment plant. Accordingly since the 2003 rates are no longer valid, the City Administration is proposing a 24% across the board increase in 2003/2004 over the rates established in 1988, with these rates being increased across the board by 5%in 2005 over the new 2003/2004 rates. Mayor Luecke noted that the City has retained its right to appeal however he does not believe that the courts should be setting such rates and therefore urged the Council to go forward with the passage of Bill No. 53-03. He noted that it would establish an Advisory Committee and that it would be 30-45 days before the rates for in place. Users would be credited on their bills except those who are no longer customers with those having checks paid to them. Mayor Luecke concluded his remarks by noting that he believes the rates are fair and will keep the treatment plant competitive for commercial, industrial and residential customers. Mayor Luecke noted that the Council should also have a copy of the Crowe "Rate and Financing Report" for the South-Bend Municipal Sewage Works dated July 23,2003 (copy attached) which support the rate increase. Mr. Gilot stated that he and Mr. Dillon are in favor of Bill No. 53-03. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to Bill No. 53-03. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Mayor Luecke noted that the rates were invalidated by the lawsuit. Mayor Luecke also noted that anyone who wishes to see what his or her new sewer rate would be just has to take their current bill times 1.24. Following discussion, Council Member Aranowski made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pfeifer that Bill No. 53-03 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Under unfinished business, discussion took place about"Acts of God". Gary Gilot noted that the City had receive 83 telephone calls complaining of their basements having backups. Mr. Gilot