11-23-15 Utilities - Laserfiche WebLink

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Bill 68-15 was next. In essence, this bill, like previously considered bill 69-15,would establish a fee schedule for services provided by the Department of Public Works. Corbett Kerr, City Engineer, explained that in this bill too,the proposed fee schedule was also fair, reasonable and appropriate. The schedule will also help mitigate the heretofore negative charges to the BPW budget. Following brief discussion Gavin Ferlic motioned favorable recommendation followed by a second from Dr. Fred Ferlic and affirmation by all. Bill 25-15,a bill to require residents' use City provided containers for the removal of yard waste,was next. Mike Bronstetter the head of Solid Waste presented the bill. Mike said uniform containers would allow a safer more efficient operation. Residents choosing to use the service would pay$2.00 per month for a weekly pick up. The City bin would have a 96 gallon capacity. One free pick up once a month of 1 cubic yard of waste would also be provided. Total charges would be$16.00 per year. Mike answered several Council questions seemingly adequately. During the public portion Mr.Szabo from Mishawaka Avenue spoke against the bill. Ultimately Gavin Ferlic motioned favorably. Dr. Ferlic followed with a second and all affirmed. Bill 40-15 was the final agenda item. This bill would require residents to disconnect downspouts that drain water into the combined storm/sanitary sewer system. Eric Horvath, director of Public Works, presented the bill. He said the eliminating water runoff into the combined system the incidence and frequency of sewage overflow discharge into the river that promoted the EPA to impose structures in the Clean Water Act. The mandates require a storm/sanitary sewer separation with an estimated price tag of$600+million dollars. Eliminating runoff from downspouts was a move toward addressing the overflow problem. Several Councilmembers asked questions most prominently Henry Davis who asked the disconnect mandate for citizens include a two year grace period (2016-2017)during which the City would pay for the disconnect. Mr. Horvath accepted the grace period idea. Two citizens Jessie Davis and Chris Huff spoke in favor of the bill. Gavin Ferlic moved to send the bill to Council favorably. Dr. Ferlic seconded and all affirmed. Dr.Varner adjourned the meeting at 5:01 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Dr. David Varner, Chairperson Utilities Committee 2