11-26-01 Utilities - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• 'ommttt fort: ttlitt ommittue The November 26,2001 meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Al `Buddy"Kirsits at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Coleman, Varner, King, Aranowski, Pfeifer, White, Ujdak, Varner and Kelly; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Director of Public Works Gary Gilot, City Engineer Carl Littrell,Bureau of Water Works Director John Stancati, Larry Magliozzi,Kathy Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney and Terry Bland of the $ outh WW1 Crtbuu. . Council Member Kirsits noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 112-01 which would amend Chapter 17 of the South Bend Municipal Code by adding new Article 9 entitled "Water and Sewer Installation Construction Fees". Gary Gilot, Director of Public Works, made the presentation. It would establish "universal rates" for the connection to water and sewer which are based on a review of recent prices for extensions of modest depth and sizes in residential developments. He noted that costs for the deepest or largest trunk sewers or transmission lines have not been included. Water connection fees would be established on a per lineal foot and sewer connection fees would be based on a per square foot, based on the lot sizes. The ordinance continues the 10 % discount for lump sum payments with a new below market interest rate for time payments. The rate would be 2 % below the City's prime rate of borrowing as established on December 1st of the previous calendar year. Payments can be paid over sixty(60) months. The program is designed to break even in costs. Council Member Kirsits inquired about unstable soil. It was noted that the City currently demucks and dewaters and does not use the soil involved in such procedures. Following discussion, Council Member Aranowski made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kelly that Bill No. 112-01 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 113-01 which would dissolve the Water Works Board of Directors and transfer such board's authority to the Board of Public Works. Mr. Gilot made the presentation. He stated that the proposal would provide for a more unified approach, which would included management oversight. He stressed that it is not a reflection of current or past Water Works Board members. He noted that there have been varying practices in the past and a consolidated board would eliminate that. Mr. Gilot noted that he had received a letter via facsimile today from Council Member Ujdak (copy attached) which requested that Bill No. 113-01 be continued until the Council meeting in December. Mr. Gilot noted that he would not oppose such a request. Council Member Coleman inquired the most important projects which the Board has reviewed in recent years. He noted that such things as water quality comes to mind which warrant citizen input on such topics. Council Member Coleman noted that the Mayor's Traffic Commission for example has benefitted greatly from citizen input. In response to further inquires made by Council Member Coleman, Mr. Gilot stated that advisory board members on an ad hoc basis is currently being considered. Mayor Luecke stated that the ad hoc notion would not be formalized and Mr. Gilot added that there is a two-hour long agenda meeting held in conjunction with the Board of Public Works meetings.