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PUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION FEBRUARY 7,2013
<br /> 5:35 P.M.
<br /> Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, Dr. David Varner, Gavin Ferlic
<br /> Other Council Members Present: Tim Scott, Derek Dieter
<br /> Others Present: Diana Hess, Erin Blasko, Kathy Cekanski-Farrand, Mike Schmuhl, Gary Gilot,
<br /> Eric Horvath, Leona Page, Kevin & Michelle Taylor, Joe Schidler, Norman
<br /> Dickens, Doug Carroll, Rafael & Maria Garcilazo, Chris&Peg Tomkiewicz,
<br /> Graciecla Gomez, Susan Lisenko, Delia Cobos, Paula Riley, Tiffeny Pastuszny,
<br /> Darrell Daniel, Ernesto Martinez, Janelle Ruth Kincses, Mark Kidder, Mel
<br /> Wharton, Ernesto Ramirez, Mr. & Mrs. Lennie Gills, Catherine Washington, Linda
<br /> Cole, Kurt Ogorek, Cheryl Taylor, Mirna Hernandez
<br /> Agenda: High water table resulting from New Energy Plant closure
<br /> Oliver Davis, 6th District Councilmember and Chair of the Public Works & Property Vacation Committee
<br /> called this meeting of city officials and Rum Village residents, particularly those near the shuttered
<br /> ethanol plant, to hear the city administration's response to water problems in homes close to the plant.
<br /> This Oliver stated, was the 6th in a series of neighborhood meetings he has called to focus attention on
<br /> the plight of those affected by the rising water table. The city during this time has been collecting data to
<br /> determine the extent of the problem, the probable cause, and development of possible remedies.
<br /> After his opening remarks, Oliver first turned to Mike Schmuhl, the Mayor's administrative assistant for
<br /> any updates. Schmuhl reported that the plant was purchased at a bankruptcy auction by a liquidator firm,
<br /> not one involved in the production of ethanol. Nonetheless, the City was looking for a firm interested in
<br /> reopening the plant. Additionally, the City was able to secure the volunteer services of an attorney from
<br /> Notre Dame who would be willing to work pro bono for residents who have been damaged by the rising
<br /> water table. The presumption here is that the damage should be resolved legally between the
<br /> homeowner and their insurance company. Schmuhl provided contact info for the Notre Dame Attorney.
<br /> Next, Eric Horvath, Director of Public Works, provided an update. Eric stated that so far the city was
<br /> unable to find any state or federal monies available to address the problem. In the meantime the city was
<br /> continuing to monitor fluctuating water levels while napping the affected homes.
<br /> Oliver asked of the city saw any potential solutions to fix the water problems for the residents. Horvath
<br /> said the city sees this as a private matter between the homeowner and their insurance company.
<br /> Oliver Davis suggested the city sink wells to pump out ground water lowering the water table. Horvath
<br /> said a range of approaches from filling basements with concrete to sump pumps might be more cost
<br /> effective.
<br /> Oliver continued to press for viable solutions and a timetable. Both Schmuhl and Horvath said this was a
<br /> complicated issue needing more data before major money is spent. Oliver said he didn't care where the
<br /> money came from, the people need help now. He said if millions of dollars can be spent on vacant and
<br /> abandoned housing, that money could be diverted to help these people. In summary, before taking public
<br /> input, Oliver said the problem was the Mayor's to solve.
<br /> During the public comment portion, 15 residents proceeded to tell their tables of woe—water in their
<br /> basements, mold, mildew, constantly running sumps each pleading for help now.
<br /> Having heard from the city and the residents, and there being no further business to come before the
<br /> committee at this time, Oliver adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
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