01-13-03 Utilities - Laserfiche WebLink

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Utilities Committee January 13, 2003 Page 3 Ted Foti, Senior Vice-President of Memorial Hospital, stated that many realize the need for the overall project and that there has been a lot of give and take since the first Bill with a surcharge was filed early this Summer. Mr. Foti stated that part of the problem is that the Committee has now been presented a Bill which no one else has seen. He noted that anyone who has taken Economics 101 knows that the basics of economics is that city governments are vendors to the public and the community. City government is in place to provide services and when increases are made many believe you have been double taxed. He noted that"when the city pass on a fee we pass on a fee to the customers". He noted that no everyone believes the rates are fair and that they are"above the customary and reasonable charge". He noted that increased costs may result in deferred actions which may create a domino effect on many businesses. He stated that he would like to see more data and that a delay would help move the overall process along in the long run. He noted that Memorial Hospital provides services and jobs with over$180 million spent in this community each year. He further noted that Notre Dame brings in over$350 million into this community each year. Jim Robinson of Aramark Uniform Services stated that since he has not seen any plans that it raises problems and he requested a better explanation. He stated that his company wants to be a good partner with the city. He stated that stated that their company would be willing to support some sort of an increase which is fair to all, noting that these are very"tough economic times". He stated that their company has 155 employees and suggested that an open forum be held before final action is taken on the proposed Bill. Fred Dominik, General Manager of the Marriot Hotel, then spoke against the Bill. He asked for more information since there has not been open access. He stated that many are frustrated that they have not had any opportunity to even see what has been given out to the Committee members. He stated that the proposed increase will result in unbudgeted costs which cannot be passed on to customers. He stated that the Marriot employs approximately 150 people. He asked the Council to reconsider this measure,to get the information out to all of the stakeholders of the city. Mark Eagan,President of the Chamber of Commerce,stated that the backbone of the community is a lot of smaller companies who are employers and did not make the "top ten list". For many the economy has required many to reduce costs by reducing salaries and actual employees. He stated that all of these businesses as well as the residents need to be in the "loop of information". He questioned why everyone's bill would not go up by a certain percentage. He stated that there is much confusion over the proposal. Mr. Eagan stated that they foster business and jobs and enhance our community overall. He stated that what action the Council takes tonight will send a "strong message" to the community and to businesses. He suggested that the Bill should not be delayed if it is 24% across the board. He suggested looking at the big picture and proposals that will be made in two(2) years. Mr. Eagan stated that the big issue affects everyone. Tom Lord, a plant manager of a company in New Carlisle, stated that their plant employs 140 employees and have been here for over thirty (30) years. He stated that not enough information has been shared to justify such an increase in 2003. He said it appears that their rates will increase by 82% which will make their company less competitive and could affect their ability to compete in the future. He stated if the rates need to go up that all should be in the loop. He suggested tabling the Bill so that the stakeholders could have input to make sure that the city is doing the right thing. Matthew Cullinan of the University of Notre Dame stated that he is not intending in being in an adversarial position with the city. He questioned the process. He noted that the University is grateful to the Mayor, however the proposed increase has gone from"huge to very substantial".