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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-08-10 Utilities~. ,` ~~~~ `°~R •~ Utilities Committee 2010 South Bend Common Council The March 8, 2010 meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Oliver J. Davis at 4:33 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Puzzello, Varner, Oliver J. Davis, Rouse, Kirsits and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Rita Kopola,Tom Price, Dr. Jack Dillon, Dave Tungate, Jeff Parrott of the South Bend Tribune and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Oliver J. Davis noted that the Committee consists of Council Members Kirsits, Puzzello, LaFountain and himself. Public Works Director Gary Gilot requested that the Utility Committee hear the presentation from Mr. Tungate first. Bureau of Water Works Update: Council Member Oliver J. Davis called for a presentation from Dave Tungate, Director of the Bureau of Water Works with offices loated at 209 North Main Street, Suite 207 in downtown South Bend. Mr. Tungate displayed old and new water meters to the Committee members. He noted that the 1960's technology is being replaced with new technology which enables the Bureau of Water Works to take readings via radio signals. The new devices will also indicate if it has been tampered with, whether there are leaks, flows, etc. There are a total of 42,000 water meters. 14,000 are currently in the process of being replaced and an additional 14,000 are scheduled to be replaced. Some one at least 18 years of age must be home to let the Water Works employee into the basement to make the replace. The process takes about ten (10) minutes. Water meter exchanges can begin as early as 7:30 am. He offered to show the Council Members how the exchange is done. He added that appointments can also be made for this to take place on Saturday mornings beginning at 8 am. Mr. Tungate stated that they are starting in the farthest portions in the northern and southern parts of the city. About 45 meter exchanges are being done daily with that anticipated to be increased to 60 meter exchanges per day. 600 were completed in February 2010, and 1,000 are projected to be completed this month. Each new water meter is equipment with a battery which has a life of seventeen (17) years. Mr. Tungate also stated that the Bureau of Water Works is implementing a new telephone system which will enable customers to make payments over the phone, etc. Council Member Oliver J. Davis thanked Mr. Tungate for his report and asked that he continue to share information with his Committee on activities of the Bureau of Water Works. Utilities Committee March 8, 2010 Page 2 Proposed Sewer Rate Increase -Part 2 of 3: Public Works Director Gary Gilot noted that a 27-slide handout was provided to the Council on March 4th (copy attached). That power point presentation was then given highlighting: • 20 year investment in the Wastewater Utility Operations • Today's Utility Committee meeting is the 2°d of three scheduled meetings which will forcus on the needs for 2011 -2014 • Summarized and described In Progress CSO LTCP • Summarized and described Separation Projects in progress in the Kennedy Park area, Twyckenham, Pleasant Street Phase 2, Diamond Avenue & north of Lincoln Way West near Bendix • Summarized and described CSO LTCP Operations Improvements Report and Status Report • Summarized and described Phase lA and 1B Projects • Described Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades which aze needed • Highlighted some of the public education and outreach proposed on green solutions • Purpose of the 3ra planned Utility Meeting which will be scheduled once the rate study is completed on costs and rates During the power-point presentation, Mr. Gilot noted that penalties of $27,5000 per day could be imposed by the EPA for violations. He noted that Lawson-Fisher prepared the overall Master Plan for the project and helped develop the various phases. Council Member Oliver J. Davis requested summaries on other Indiana cities and how they are addresses these same concerns mandated by the federal government. Dr. Varner inquired whether the Green Ribbon Panel was being used. lvir. Gilot stated that they are being used for suggestions, however they are using their consultants primarily. Dr. Varner stated that he believes that the University of Notre Dame will result in receiving a compounded benefit with across the board rate increases. Mr. Gilot stated that he sees it as a balancing of various component parts. Mayor Luecke noted that all of this is the result of the passed by Congress of the Clean Water Act. Mr. Gilot stated that the Mayor did not want adouble-digit increase in any one year. He is looking at a 9% increase each yeaz for four (4) years. This would result in the 1St year of a $.30 increase per day and would generate about $17 million over the 4-year period. Dr. Varner stated that the Common Council must have choices and suggested that the City Administration provide data to the Council for more than just a 9% increase. He would like to see what a 6.5% 7% 8% increase would generate in light of shifting priorities. Utilities Committee March 8, 2010 Page 3 In response to a question from Council Member Oliver J. Davis, Mr. Gilot stated that the rates and priorities should be established on a cost/benefit analysis. Council Member Kirists noted that it is his understanding that the streets may have to be swept better in light of some of the proposals being made. Mr. Gilot stated that "Best Management Practices" will be utilize rit is evident in the Spring on the city streets. "Smart Valves" will helf In response to a question from Council Member Rouse, .ewer infrastructures are being built outside of the city for the past 2-3 ; CSO Advisory Committee in existence. He added that once the Def omes involved that individual Congressman are limited. -------_____ ___ __ __ Dr. Varner disagreed by stating that communities need to push back. Congress mandated requirements through enabling legislation and authorized the EPA to develop the specifics. The EPA then developed regulations. If Congress received updates from cities and towns on these EPA regulations and the costs Congress would get involved, but without these updates they have limited information on what the EPA is doing. Council Member Oliver J. Davis asked that if any Council Member has further inquiries before the 3`d formal meeting is scheduled that they should send them to him. He thanked Mr. Gilot for his update. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Davis adjourned the Committee meeting at 5:42 p.m. Attachments