08-25-08 Utilities Committee - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

UTILITIES COMMITTEE The August 25, 2008 meeting of the Utilities Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, AI "Buddy" Kirsits" at 3:40 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Committee Members in attendance included Council Members Ann Puzzello, Thomas LaFountain, Tim Hudak Other Councilmember's Present: David Varner, Derek D. Dieter Others present were: John Murphy, Gary Gilot, Carl Littrell, Catherine Fanello, Jack Dillon, Marty Wolfson, Mayor Luecke, Martha Lewis, Kathy Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney, John Voorde, City Clerk. BILL N0.44-08 -SOLID WASTE RATES In the absence of Oliver Davis, Vice-Chair AI "Buddy" Kirsits conducted the meeting. Kirsits began acknowledging a substitute bill had been filed calling for one increase in solid waste pickup rates rather than 3 increases in 3 years. Director of Public Works Gary Gilot opened the presentation by explaining the amended bill reflected the sentiment of Council feedback to the original version. He explained in as much as labor, gasoline and tipping fees were up the increases were justified. Even so the rates would be lower than surrounding communities relying on public or private services. Gilot then turned to Jack Dillon, Director of Environmental Services and Catherine Fanello, City Controller. Three handouts (attached) illustrate the rationale for the increase. Jack Dillon outlined the pick-up services the department provides in addition to weekly pick-up, namely 1. Free large-item pickup once a month 2. Leaf collection 3. Clean-up calls for NCE and 4. Park clean-up for Park Department. Catherine Fanello then detailed the financial with a power point presentation showing costs outpacing revenues, which drains any reserve account and does not leave funds for capital expenditures. Councilmembers Puzzello and Varner both questioned the long-term ramification of a single rate increase. Dillon responded saying the projections were only good for the coming year. He also described an aging fleet while Fanello explained the consequences of no rate increase. Mayor Luecke spoke in favor of the rate increase. There was no opposition. On Councilmember Puzzello's motion and Tom LaFountains 2nd without dissent the bill went to Council favorably. Councilmember Kirsits then moved on to the other item on the agenda namely, an update on the Notre Dame Sewer Service Agreement. A 16 page color handout explained the compact. (attached.) Essentially the agreement was described as a collaboration helping both the city and N.D. Councilmember Varner maintained the authority to change rates should rest with the Council. Also asking whether any other entity was getting a rate reduction save Notre Dame. Gilot responded that N.D. was only one. Varner closed by saying the new $3 million sewer line from N.D. to the Waste Water connector was benefit enough and rates should not be reduced.