12-13-04 Utilities Committee - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Utilities Committee of the South Bend Common Council Minutes from Meeting of December 13, 2004 The December 13,2004 meeting of the Common Council's Utility Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Buddy Kirsits, at 4:15 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Kirsits, Coleman, Dieter, Kelly, Pfeifer, Puzzello, Varner and White; Bureau of Water Works Director, John Stancati; Board of Works Director, Gary Gilot;Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall; Controller Rick 011ett; Gladys Kopola, and Aladean M. DeRose substituting for Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. A full quorum of the Committee existed with all members present,namely Council members Kirsits, Coleman, Pfeifer and Kuspa. Bill No. 84-04-Extension of Deadline for Repayment of Water Leak Insurance Fund (#644) Loan From Water Works General Fund (#620) Water Works Director John Stancati,the presenter of this Bill to the Committee, stated that more water leaks occurred in 2004 "than ever before." He explained that not only were the breaks more frequent; they were more expensive to repair. Consequently, this year (as in the recent past years),the Water Leak Insurance Fund(#644)did not have the ability to pay back its prior loan from the Water Works General Fund (#620). This year the Fund revenue was sufficient to cover all the costs of repair incurred in 2004;however,a surplus had been expected,to be used to repay the prior loan. This did not occur. Member Varner asked about the average cost per residential repair. Mr. Stancati responded that the general range per repair was a low of about$600 to a high of about$1,800,with the average repair being around$1,100. When the leak insurance rate was last established,the anticipated cost per repair was$800. Mr.Stancati hopes that$800 will remain a good average for future repairs. Mr. Stancati also stated that he hopes to address the leak insurance fund shortfall in a more comprehensive manner, and arrive at some options or alternatives within the next year. Committee member Coleman made a motion seconded by Committee member Kuspa to send Bill#84-04 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. The motion passed unanimously. There being no miscellaneous or other business, Committee Chair Kirsits adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m.