HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-12-10 Utilities Committee`°"" `"° Utilities Committee
2010 South Bend Common Council
The July 12, 2010 meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson,
Council Member Al "Buddy" Kirsits at 4:20 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Puzzello, Varner, Henry Davis, Jr., Rouse,
Kirsits and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, P. E., Catherine
Pittman, Marty Wolfson, Greg Zientara, Rita Kopola,. Jack Dillon, and Council Attorney Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Kirsits noted that the Committee consists of Council Members Puzzello,
LaFountain, Council Member Oliver Davis who is the Chairperson, and himself. In light of the
absence of Council Members LaFountain and Davis a quorum of the Committee is not present,
therefore all Bills will be heard and sent without recommendation.
Bill No. 34-10 Loss Recovery Fund Appropriation Request:
Council Member Kirsits called for a presentation on Bill No. 34-10 to appropriate $75,000 from the
Loss Recovery Fund, Fund # 227.
Public Works Director Gary Gilot, P.E., made the formal presentation. He noted that arsenic has
been found in the groundwater. The proposed appropriation of $75,000 would pay for an
engineering study to address the levels of arsenic in backwash water in the water filtration plants.
He stressed that the levels are NOT a threat to human life.
In response to a question from Dr. Varner. Dr. Dillon stated that the bio-solids are diluted and
spread on agriculture fields. EPA requires reviews of the source of such arsenic. He added that
revisions to our local ordinance will be forthcoming.
In response to a question from Council White, Mr. Gilot stated that this will be the first of its kind
study for the city. He stated that six (6) firms qualified to make an offer of their services, with the
engineering firm selected being from with Wisconsin or Minnesota.
Council Member White requested that a copy of the engineering study be filed so that the Council
has the opportunity to review it.
In response to a question from Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., Mr. Gilot stated that they did not
seek out an academic partnership, since they did not want a theoretical study but rather acost-
effective study which was results oriented.
Council Member Kirsits stated that the Bill would be sent to the Council without recommendation.
Utilities Committee
July 12, 2010
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Bill No. 36-10 Raw Sewage Pump Rehabilitation Apuropriation Request:
Council Member Kirsits called for a presentation on Bill No. 36-10 to appropriate $300,000 from
the Sewage Works Capital Fund, Fund # 642.
Dr. Jack Dillon, of Environmental Services with offices at 3113 Riverside Drive made the formal
presentation. He stated that about 40 million gallons are treated each day on a dry day which utilize
three (3) pump lifts. The City is required by permit to handle 40 million gallons, with the 3rd pump
being redundant, but it is showing signs of failure. Each of the City's pumps is capable of handling
50 million gallons daily; however when the it rains the average is 77 million gallons and
redundancy is required.
In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Dr. Dillon stated that hundreds of
thousands of dollars will be saved by the City by this appropriation.
In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, Dr. Dillon stated that the project will take
between 3-4 months, and the three (3) pumps will basically be like brand new when the project is
completed.
There was no one from the public to speak in favor or in opposition to the Bill.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kirsits adjourned
the meeting at 4:32 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted, ; ~ .
Council Member Al "Buddy" Kirsits, Vice- airperson
Utilities Committee
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