11-08-99 Public Works & Property Vacation

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Qtommtttu **port: • Public Works and Property Vacation Committee to t jt Common Qtouttttl of the City of 6outh Ott O: The November 8, 1999 of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 4:17 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, King, Varner, Ujdak, Hosinski and Sniadecki; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Terry Bland, Don Fozo, Jon Hunt,Larry Magliozzi,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Varner noted that the first item on the agenda was to receive an update on the utilities extension policy. Mayor Luecke noted that the City Administration has been working on this project for approximately one year. Three(3)basic objectives have been established namely: 1). to complete service to areas within the city; 2). to establish policies for areas outside of the city; and 3). to establish a plan which would recoup additional dollars. Mayor Luecke stated that a map exists which has located the areas without service and it his the Administration's hope to extent services to these areas within a 3 to 5 year period. The list would be prioritize by those who desire services first. He noted that state law permits the city to require hook up if the property owner is within 300 feet of a service line. For persons outside of the city limits, the Mayor noted that requirements would include the signing of a waiver of a right to remonstrate, a surcharge or payment in lieu of taxes. Larry Magliozzi then reviewed the map where services are needed. In response to a questionnaire there are approximately 500 houses on wells and approximately 600 houses on septic systems. He noted that in undeveloped residential areas, developers are interested in providing water and sewer services. The city is considering a program where the city would finance the cost and then the developer would reimburse the city as lots are sold. This program would permit developers to get thru the financing gap which they are currently facing. Currently the city has a 20% surcharge on water lines. All such developments would have to comply with city standards and a waiver of the right to remonstrate would have to be signed. The program would also be interest-free and noted that Barrett Law requires interest. Mr.Magliozzi then reviewed the 4-page handouts entitled "Utility Service Equity Program- Policy on Extension of Public Utilities" (Copy attached). Council Member Hosinski inquired about those individuals who wished to opt in or opt out of such a program. He noted a person who lives in the Corpus Christi area who has paid for city sewer service for over 20 years yet has a septic tank. Council Member Varner suggested that the handout be rewritten so that it is more consumer-friendly. He suggested that final documents be sent to the Council prior to being dissemination. Council Member Ujdak requested a copy of the map indicating the areas needing services from Mr. Magliozzi in a format which could be used by the Council Members. He noted that he anticipates some resistance from property owners.