10-21-81 Utilities Committee - Laserfiche WebLink

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r Tumuli/Ur Erpur2 On tilt Common Qiouttril of#lir UIU#tg of Onn#ll limb: UTILITIES COMMITTEE The October 21, 1981, meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Chairman, Councilman Raymond C. Zielinski at 4 : 00 in the Council meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen: Szymkowiak, McGann, Crone, Voorde, Beck, and Zielinski; Citizen members: Orvis Hart and Alex Duranek; John Leszczynski; Michael Vance and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Bills No. 107 and 108 dealing with new rates for water works and wastewater treatment services. . Michael Vance, Director of Utilities, explained that the State Board of Accounts informed the City that it was not charging the correct amount for late charges. It should be a straight ten percent (10%) on water and sewage arrearage. Councilman Crone recommended that thisehange be incorporated into the two new bills which are to be substituted for the present bills due to their drafting flaws. Mr. Vance further explained that any overdue amount, whether it is for leak insurance, sewer, trash, etc. would all be included when calculating the 10% figure. Essentially it would be assessed on everything but tax. He noted that presently there is a 30 day period followed by a 15 day period before a late charge would be assessed. Under the new system, you would have 25 days followed by 5 days before a late charge would be added. Councilman Zielinski pointed out that the billing cycle for both water and sewage would go to a monthly basis. Councilman Voorde asked for the procedure the City has established before water is turned off because of arrearage. Mr. Vance stated that a second notice is sent out after 25 days; 10 days are then added for when a "shut-off notice" is .sent. The customer then has an option of paying in full or signing a promissory note. Mr. Vance indicated that Jim Masters is the Deputy Attorney for the Utilities, and. that Eugenia Schwartz works on billings. Councilman Voorde questioned the possible solid waste problems. Mr. Vance stated that South Bend could handle two transfer stations. Councilman Szymkowiak expressed his concern over payment. Councilman Zielinski had several questions on rusty water problems; and Councilman McGann had questions on the cleaning of the eight cells at the Edison Station. The Committee did not take formal action on Bill 107 and 108, pending the new substitute bills which will be presented at the Caucus meeting on October 26 , 1981. PR Et ►RU$ .Sez. rVRI.IIHIM6 CO.