07-16-80 Utilities Committee - Laserfiche WebLink

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(inmmtttrr 'Wort of the Utilities Committee Uhl the Mamma &mull of t r (gtti t f nuth fiend: The meeting was called to order by its chairman, Councilman Walter M. Szymkowiak at 6: 30 p.m. on July 16, 1980, in the Council meeting room. Persons in attendance included the following: Councilmen McGann, Beck, Szymkowiak, Kopczynski, Dombrowski, and Voorde; Citizen member Al Deranek, Morgan Peck, Marchmont Kovos, Don Zimmerman of E.L. Zimmerman Company, Inc. , Mark Gallagher, of Standard Mechanical Con- tractors, Inc. , Darrell Lo Graf of Ideal Consolidated, Inc. , Robert Braunsdorf of Braunsdorf Plumbing and Heating, Inc. , Bernie White of St. Joseph Valley Assocation of P.H.C.C. , and Robert Frame of Bob Frame Plumbing and Heating, Inc. , and Kathleen Cekanski--• 'arrand, Attorney for the Council, Councilman Szymkowiak explained that the meeting was called to discuss in further detail Bill No. 46-80 which would establish a Sewer Service Fund. Members from the various plumbing companies were also invited to give their comments based on their years of experience and expertise in the area. Following an introduction of all persons present, the meeting was then turned over to Councilman Kopczynski, sponsor of the Bill. Councilman Kopczynski noted that an. amended version of Bill No. 46-80 was sent out in the Council packets. He then verbally highlighted each of his proposed changes, which included: a monthly charge of $0.45 per month, would repair from the main sewer to forty (40' ) feet within the property line or to the foundation wall of the structure which- ever would be less; a deductible of $250.00; and one exemption from replacing any trees, shruberry, sod, etc. . Councilman Kopczynski stressed that the overiding purpose of the Bill was to "make sure that sewage will be removed from households, " and public health reasons. He further stressed that he had been working on this Bill for a long period of time, and that it was not offered in light of a recent sewer incident in Mishawaka. Much discussion followed. Several plumbers stated that the $250. 00 deductible was too low. They suggested that it be raised so that "nuisance calls" and "maintenance calls" would be eliminated. City Engineer, Pat McMahon stated that the Administration sees the water leak insurance program as being totally different from the proposed sewer service program. He further contended that sewer maintenance and repairs were the homeowners responsibilities. Since the City has no control over what goes into the lines; over what's planted; where it' s planted; reaming; and overall maintenance; he believed that at best, the homeowners should be protected from "excessive costs". He suggested that $ .50 per month fee; a $1000 deductible; and no coverage for lines under private property be considered. FREE PRESS 46314s rUSLISNIN6 CO.