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UTILITIES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 15.2014 4:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Dr. David Varner, Valerie Schey, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White Citizen Members Present: Kathleen Petitjean, Chris Huff Other Council Present: Tim Scott (AB), Henry Davis (AB), Oliver Davis (AB), Gavin Ferlic (AB), Derek Dieter Others Present: Tom Unger, Mike DuPont, American Structurepoint Inc., McCormick Engineering LLC, Kara Boyles, Eric Horvath, John Murphy Agenda: Re- examining of South Bend's Long Term Control Plan for our CSO Plan — Eric Horvath There has been much consternation about the $600+ million dollar estimates cost for the City to comply with the EPA mandated storm /sanitary sewer separation project. The City Council has been particularly adamant about re- examining the costs of the compliance plan given its subsequent effect on city ratepayers. To that end, Dr. David Varner, Chair of the Utilities Committee, called a meeting to give Eric Horvath, BPW Director an opportunity to outline the city's proposals to reduce the bottom line cost estimates. Eric Horvath stated prior to an overhead slide presentation that the city was re- examining the compliance plan hoping to cut the estimated costs by at least $100 million. He went on to say the city had hired MWH, an engineering consulting firm, to identify potential savings. MWH was represented at the meeting by Tom Unger and Mike DuPont. They cited their company's successful track record of cost savings in Indianapolis and Lima, Ohio. Their overhead presentation is attached to these minutes. Also introduced were representatives from McCormick Engineering and American Structurepoint who would also be part of the team re- examining compliance issues. Tom Unger from MWH who was identified as the project manager said the process would be one of integrated planning with emphasis on affordability analysis and stakeholder engagement. He said phase 1 of the process would have two parts, A & B, the first taking 4 -6 months and the latter, 10 —11 months. The presenters then took questions and comment from the Council. Both Dr. Varner and Dr. Ferlic pressed for rate projections along with more specifics regarding cost savings. Citizen members Chris Huff and Kathleen Petitjean emphasized the desirability of "green solutions" heretofore not incorporated into alternative compliance plans. Tom Unger and Eric Horvath in summary comments said every alternative to save money and keep future rates lower would be given due consideration.