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Utilities Committee January 13, 2003 Page 2 a one-page chart addressing "Analysis of Average Annual Billing with Other Second Class Cities I/N Tek Plant"(copy attached), and a one-page handout entitled"Analysis of Revenue from Largest Users" (copy attached). He concluded his remarks by stating that the actual increase would vary depending on usage. Council Member Kirsits then opened the Committee meeting to comments from the public. No one from the public spoke in favor of substitute Bill No. 88-02. Mr. Robert L. Miller, Sr. then addressed the Committee. He stated that he was the attorney for several Class III users and had filed a document earlier the Clerk(copy attached). Mr. Miller stated that he believes it is unfair for the Council to act on a new substitute bill which was just submitted to it by the Administration less than two (2) hours before the Council meeting, noting that he did not know how to respond to any proposed changes. He noted that there have not been good working relations on the proposed rate increase, noting that he could not follow Mr. Skump's remarks. He stated that the proposal is a significant departure since some of the largest uses will experience over an 80% rate increase while others will experience a 14% increase. Mr. Miller stated that he believes the rate increase should be across the board instead of "sticking it to the biggies". He stated that he does not believe that it is fair and that there has not been adequate time to refute it. All should bear the burden equally. He noted that it has been ten (10) days since I/NTek got the last proposal from the Administration. Mr. Miller stated that the Supreme Court has said that ten (10) days may not be enough time to file objections. Mr. Miller noted that the Common Council he believes is working in good faith but more time is needed to process all of the information and all of the alternatives. He voiced concern about rates going up in two (2) years 100 % plus, if this bill would be passed. He suggested that if it was possible that the Bill should be continued since he"cannot answer something that he has not seen". John Montsier, President of I/N Tek and I/N Kote, noted that a meeting was held last Wednesday with limited discussions. He stated that the current plight of the steel industries the rate increase will put "jobs at risk". The proposed rate increase would result in an additional $500,000 in the next two (2) years which he does not believe is justified. Mr. Montsier stated that he cannot support the change. He stated because he must travel to meet with a customer later today that Mr. Nielson would be here this evening in his place. Judith Jones of the Holy Cross Services Corporation spoke against the proposed Bill on behalf of the Sisters of Holy Cross and St. Mary's College. She noted that the average age of a religious sister is 85. They have had to cut their budget by twenty percent(20%) and have made reductions in personnel. Their sewer rates are proposed to go up 81%, before the surcharge amount. Ms. Jones noted that St. Mary's College is ranked # 1 among colleges of its size and are now experiencing decreased enrollment. She stated that the City needs to understand the negative impact, especially on businesses that are not for-profit businesses. Tim Johnson, Director of Operations at Honeywell, then spoke against the Bill. He stated that Honeywell's sewer rates are projected to increase by 54%. He stated that there has been much confusion about the process, noting that there has been a lack of opportunity to see all of the data. He noted that no one except the Committee has seen any of the five (5) documents which Mr. Skump referred to earlier in the meeting. He requested the Committee to defer action to allow further discussions and negotiations. y,,