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Home My WebLink About10-24-05 Utilities Committee r " Utilities Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The October 24,2005 of the Utilities Committee was called to order its oohairperson, Council Meeting Member Al"Buddy"Kirsits at 4:08 p.m. in the Council Informal g Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter,Pfeifer, P S lio, John B Kuspa, Kirsits, and White and Rouse; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Ann-Carol Nash, City Director of Charles Leone, Citizen Member Martha Lewis, tY Attorney Public Works Gary Gilot, Rita Kopala, Jack Dillon, City Clerk John Voorde, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. Council Member Kirsits noted that Committee Members include Council Members Puzzello, Kuspa,Rouse and himself. Council Member Kirsits stated that this Committee meeting rats alle in order to receive background information on Bill No. 72-05 addressing sewage noted that another solid waste rates and Bill No. 74-05 addressing leaf collection t king place by the Utilities Committee meeting will be held on November 14th with the vote a Common Council on November 28th. He stated that originally th the Counplanned this obeena meeting to receive information from the City Administration with at the November 14th permitted to ask questions, and limit p he public to present this will not take place. committee meeting. In light of limited public being p c The following documents were then provided to the Committee: 8-page "River Frequently" d October 2005 addressing"Clean River--Healthy Neighborhoods"; 2-p age"Clean Cite Asked Questions"; and a 20-page copy « of the powerpoint presentation material addressing Clean River--Healthy Neighborhoods" (copies attached). John J. Dillon, Director of the Division of Environmental Services a in the p p preent of onbl Public Works and Public Works Director Gary Gilot then press power It highlighted among other things that sewer overflows abe began in the 1890's. There e are South communities nationally and 105 communities in Indiana going Bend has 36 sewer overflow locations. St. Joseph River 30% does de tic ude sewer E.coli bateria which is present 30 of the time. Causes for this noncompliance overflows, urban & agricultural stormwater runoff, upstream sewer overflows and failed septic systems. $87 million has been spent in the last 15 years to enlarge the waste treatment plant and reduce overflow volume. In 2004 the city began a free residential downspout disconnect program. Phase I is proposed to be a 10-year plan to reduce raw sewage overflows at a projected cost of $118 million. Phase II is proposed to include integrated overflow control alternatives. The current monthly residential bill for 5,000 gallons is $16.77 and is proposed to increase to: $21.62 in 2006; $24.88 in 2007; $27.63 in 2008 and$30.08 in 2009. The Releaf Program is proposed to increase to$12 per year cost per customer. -page 1- October 24,2005 Utilities Committee of the 2005 South Bend Couunon Council 1` t The Solid Waste rate increase is proposed at $8.80 per month per container (an increase of$.80 per month)with the $5.50 rate for seniors being maintained. Mr. Gilot noted that they will share this information and do the service club circuit, newspaper articles and make information available in the lobby of the County-City Building. In response to a question from Council Member Pi zzello,Mr. Dillon stated that the standard for treated water which is used is that there should be less than 235 colonies for a sample size. Mr. Gilot noted that if all of the proposals take place that the non-compliance would go from 30% of the time to 9% of the time, however the EPA will probably push the city to have more strict compliance than that proposed by the Administration. Dr. Varner noted that the proposals are a result of ongoing discussions with the EPA and IDEM. He voiced concern about new trends in the industry, noting that the rate increase is based on the rate payers for the next 5-6 years. He questioned what the impact would be on the City Administration's proposal if there were conservation measures put into place which reduced the flow for treatment and/or the loss of industrial customers. Dr. Varner noted the nitrates from agricultural areas should be addressed and perhaps the state legislature needs to consider a water front tax. Council Member Dieter inquired about the sewer odors and whether this ongoing problem would be addressed. Mr. Dillon stated that they will try a new chemical on November 8, 2005 and that New Energy is partnering with the city. Mr. Gilot stated that two (2)trucks are dedicated to work near the ethanol plant in order to treat the symptoms in the line. Council Member Dieter questioned whether legal action is being considered, and if so what the time table would be. Mr. Gilot stated that they are at the information gathering stage. Mr. Dillon stated that the pilot program beginning in early November will be monitored and if it does not work they will sit down with the Legal Department. Council Member Kirsits noted that the odor problem is along Riverside, Olive, Leland to Park, Northshore and several other parts of the city. He inquired if the goal of the city is to treat all storm water? Mr. Gilot stated that the city is using a "balanced approach" and use the "best management practices". He noted that the proposed rates are across the board. Council Member Rouse stated that since 2001 there have been more remonstrators in light of the increased property taxes, and suggested that this must be taken into consideration when looking at new utility rates. He noted"that the ballgame has changed since 2001". October 24,2005 Utilities Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2- � T • Mr. Dillon stated that they have been working with an advisory group who is recommending an across the board rate increase. Council Member Rouse stated that a 23% sewer rate increase, along with other utility increase on top of the property tax increases must all be studied. It was suggested that an exhibit giving examples of the rate increase be prepared which address current monthly rates to new monthly rates for all utilities affected. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, it was confirmed that the Administration is requesting across the board increases and no special rates based on volume. Dr. Varner stated that there will be"an enormous shortfall" if industries such as IN Tek try other alternatives. Mayor Luecke stated that IN Tek representatives were at the press conference and that they have had good conversation,however they have not indicated whether they will remonstrate. Mr. Dillon stated that IN Tek was considering other pre-treatment options, however he believes that the risk factor may be too high. Mr. Gilot stated that there would be shortfalls if Dr. Varner's scenario would take place, noting that the"city's rates are cheap". Copies of Releaf fliers(copy attached)were then provided to the Committee. Council Member Kirsits thanked the Administration for the information they shared today. He stated that the next Committee meeting will take place on November 14th and if it is determined at that time that an additional committee meeting is necessary he will then call one before the final vote scheduled for November 28th. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kirsits adjourned the meeting at 4:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted, fje 116, if r Council Member Al `Buddy"Kirsits, Chairp rson Utilities Committee KCF:kmf Attachments October 24,2005 Utilities Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 3-