06-23-97 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MINUTES JUNE 23, 1997 Stancati, director of the Water Works, indicated the proposed rate increase is improvement driven for such items as reservoirs, booster stations, main extensions and filtration plants. He indicated that the distribution systems will be improved, and 80% of our water will be filtered for the removal of iron. He reported that these projects are all in the master plan. Melissa Moran, Malcolm Hernley Engineering, indicated they were preparing a master plan which has three parts — pressure, flow and water quality. She reported that the project was on -going and expected to be completed at the end of the year. John Stump, Municipal Consultants, indicated that nine of the projects will be funded through the bond issue, the other 15 projects will be funded out of the revenues generated and will not be tax supported. Tom Brademas, 429 N. Michigan, spoke against the water increase. He questioned what happened to the that were not used from the 1993 bond issue. He indicated it was difficult to be in favor of this increase since the bulk of the money will be spent outside of the City. Barbara Brownell, 1423 Sunnymede, spoke against this bill. She indicated she uses a lot more than 4,000 to 5,000 gallons a month, and with everything included this comes up to $.27 a day. Joyce Boaler, 1606 Hillsdale, indicated she concurred with Ms. Brownell said, as well as Mr. Brademas. She indicated there was no question but what the water needs to be improved and she was very pleased when they said they would flushing the mains every month, but that is not being done. Comments and questions were answered by Mr. Stancati. Council Member Kelly made a motion to recommend Bill No. 49 -97 to the Council favorable, seconded by Council Member Ujdak. The motion carried. Council Member Kelly made a motion to recommend Bill No. 52 -97 to the Council favorable, seconded by Council Member Udjak. The motion carried. BILL NO. 50 -97 A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 17, ARTICLE 6, SECTION 17.56 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE SEWER SERVICE FUND CHARGES This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Council Member Sniadecki reported that the Utilities Committee had met on this bill and recommended it to the Council favorable. Jack Dillon, director of Environmental Services, made the presentation for the bill. He indicated this is an insurance program we offer our residents. He reported that the City sewer line is out in the street and there is a lateral connection which must be maintained by the homeowner, and this fund pay the cost of repair, excluding a $500 deductible. He indicated the increase of $.23 per month is necessary, since this fund has operated with a deficit for the last ten years. Council Member Hosinski made a motion to recommend this bill to the Council favorable, seconded by Council Member Kelly. The motion carried. BILL NO. 51 -97 A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 17, ARTICLE 6, SECTION 17.49 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE WATER SERVICE FUND CHARGES This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Council Member Sniadecki.reported that the Utilities Committee had met on this bill and recommended it to the Council favorable. Jack Dillon, director of Environmental Services, made the presentation for the bill. He indicated the proposed rate increase for the water insurance is $.17 a month and the sewer insurance is $.23. He reported that these increases will allow the funds to be repaid and ensure sufficient operating revenues. Council Member Hosinski made a motion to recommend this bill to the Council favorable, seconded by Council Member Kelly. The motion carried. BILL NO. 53 -97 A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH