HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-07-12 Utilities CommitteeUTILITIES COMMITTEE
MARCH 7, 2012
Committee Members Present:
Tim Scott, Valerie Schey, Karen White
Citizen Members:
Chris Sopzcynski, Dawn Pontius
Other Council Present:
Derek Dieter
Others Present:
Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, Kevin Allen
Agenda: 1. Intro of Citizen Members
2. Goals for 2012
3. Miscellaneous
Committee Chairperson Tim Scott opened the meeting saying his intent was to introduce
the newly appointed citizen members and then generally "kick- around" ideas that the
committee might address in 2012.
Citizen Member Chris Sopczynski was first with her self - intro. Chris described herself as
a native city resident now working in the theatre /arts programs in DeBartolo at Notre
Dame.
Dawn Pontius said she had worked for the Dowagiac Utilities prior to moving to South
Bend nearly 2 %2 years ago.
Moving to the "issues" part of the agenda, Tim noted the biggest issue facing the Utilities
Committee was the ramifications of the consent decree between the EPA and South Bend
mandating the separation of storm and sanitary sewers which carried an estimated price
tag of over $500 million. Tim added he would like to get an update for the Committee
from acting Director Public Works Gary Gilot.
Valerie Schey said the City should provide the Council with a careful historical rate study
to share with the public.
As second and third items, Tim said he would like the Committee to meet with the
management staff of the utilities and would also like to schedule a tour of the utility
facilities.
Valerie suggested a report from Jon Burke, the City's energy "czar" on his environmental
initiatives. Valerie also volunteered to sit on the Board of Solid Waste.
Councilmember White said the meeting and requests for updates would prove to be
valuable.
There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time, Chairperson
Scott adjourned the meeting at 5:50 p.m.
Submitted,
Tim'Skott, Chairperson
Utilities Committee