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Works system. He noted that if this increase is passed by <br /> the Common Council that the City of South Bend would still <br /> have the lowest water rates in Indiana. <br /> Mr. T. Brooks Brademas then spoke in opposition to Bill No. <br /> 79-92 . He noted that several years ago he had brought suit <br /> against the City involving a Utility Rate increase and was <br /> awarded $65, 000. 00. He stated that he believes the City <br /> action is premature and that he opposes the proposed bond <br /> issue projected to be approximately Five Million Dollars. <br /> Council Member Coleman questioned the cost to remodel the <br /> Robertson's building and was advised that the entire <br /> building would cost approximately Four Million Dollars. Mr. <br /> Brademas noted that the University of Notre Dame will be <br /> providing sesquicentennial memorabilia which will be housed <br /> as a tourist center in part of the facility. <br /> Council Member Slavinskas questioned where the monies are <br /> deposited with regard to Bill No. 78-92 . Mr. Stancoti noted <br /> that the deposits are consistent with State Law and also <br /> noted that if Bill Nos. 77-92 and 78-92 are passed by the <br /> Common Council that they do not need State approval. <br /> Council Member Slavinskas questioned whether the 49 per cent <br /> increase in postage reflects the City changing from a post <br /> card to a letter billing system. He was advised that it was <br /> and that this change was done since this was the number one <br /> complaint voiced by its customers. Mr. Slavinskas noted <br /> that the overall increase is not a 27 per cent increase to <br /> the smallest user but rather a 91 percent increase. He <br /> noted that this percentage increase is important since many <br /> individuals living in his district are retired. It was <br /> noted that the Commission believes that a "life-line rate" <br /> should be addressed in this rate adjustment as noted by Mr. <br /> John Stompf of Municipal Consultants. Mr. Stancoti noted <br /> that they inquired about a rate adjustment for those <br /> individuals on fixed incomes and was advised that they could <br /> not do this. <br /> Mr. Leszczynski noted that it has been over 11 years since a <br /> rate increase was approved and that the City would still be <br /> the lowest. In response to questions raised by the <br /> Committee, Mr. Dillon noted that Bendix would be paying a 35 <br /> per cent increase which would be approximately $100, 000. 00 <br /> new dollars to them. <br /> Following further discussion Council Member Slavinskas made <br /> a motion, seconded by Council Member Ladewski, that Bill <br /> Nos. 77-92, 78-92 and Substitute Bill 79-92 be recommended <br /> favorably to Council. The motion passed. <br /> There being no further business to come before the <br /> Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 5: 35 p.m. <br />