HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-27-05 Utilities Committee Utilities Committee
2005 South Bend Common Council
The June 27, 2005 of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council
Member Al"Buddy"Kirsits at 4:47 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner,
Kuspa,Kirsits, and White and Rouse;Martha Lewis, ,Director of Public Works Gary Gilot,Rita
Kopala, City Clerk John Voorde,Director of Environmental Services Jack Dillon,Phil St. Clair,
Bill Carleton, Don Inks John Stancati Beth Leonard, Alan B.Aeldbaum and Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney.
Council Member Kirsits noted that Committee Members include Council Members Puzzello,
Kuspa,Rouse and himself.
Council Member Kirstis then called for a presentation on Bill No. 32-05 which would amend
Chapter 16, Article 2, Sections 16-6 and 16-8 of the South Bend Municipal Code to provide for
the lease of refuse containers from the city, adjustment of rates and procedures for the use of
refuse containers (copy attached).
Director of Environmental Services Jack Dillon noted that since June 1st, 15,600 containers have
been given out, and that an additional 10,000 to 12,000 containers will be given out in July. as a
result the proposed ordinance calls for an effective date of August 1, 2005. Mr. Dillon then
highlight key provisions which included:
1. That the ordinance calls for all trash to be placed inside the containers.
2. That there will be enhanced services including those for persons with disabilities.
3. That the program should promote increased efficiency and cost effectiveness
4. That there should be enhanced neighborhood appearances.
5. That the program should result in enhanced safety.
The fees would be $8.00 for the first container and$5.00 for the second container. Multi-family •
units would be charged$8.00 for the first container and$5.00 for each additional unit if they are
under the same meter. There will be a one-time charge of $10.00 when new accounts are
opened.
In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello,Mr. Dillon stated that the City plans to
pick up old containers for free.
Council Member Kuspa noted that there are many alleys which trucks cannot get through
because of bushes, etc. Mr. Dillon stated that he has three (3)types of vehicles and would look
at alleys on a case by case basis.
Council Member Puzzello noted that senior citizens are getting the large containers, and voiced
concern about containers which were delivered to vacant lots. Mr. Dillon stated that those
would be picked up, adding that there are approximately 33,000 customers.
June 27,2005 Utilities Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1-
Dr. Varner inquired whether the new start up fee would be charged if a container is stolen. He
also voiced concern that multi-family units should be charged$8.00 for each.
Mr. Dillon noted that each is marked with a number and if one disappears there would be no
charge but thereafter it would be looked into.
Council Member Kirsits inquired about a bike frame being stuffed into a new container and
whether it would have to close to be picked up. Mr. Dillon stated that periodically extra debris
would be picked up which cannot be fit into a container.
Council Member Kuspa made a motion, seconded by Council Member Puzzello that Bill No.
32-05 be recommended favorably to Council.
Council Member Kirsits then called for a presentation on Bill No. 39-05 which addresses
revenue bonds for the South Bend Water Works.
John F. Stancati, Director of South Bend Water Works stated that they are out of compliance.
He noted that shortly before the Committee meetings began,the Council Attorney pointed out to
him that information set forth under the project description in the ordinance which addresses
cost estimates, plans and specifications have not been properly filed with the Office of the City
Clerk. He also noted that some of the detail required is confidential in light of Homeland
Security concerns.
The Council Attorney stated that she would work with the Legal Department, Mr. Stancati and
Alan B. Feldbaum, Bond Counsel to work out a procedure which balances the Council's due
diligence and right to know and confidentiality concerns.
Council Member Kirsits suggested that the Bill be continued until July 25th.
Council Member Puzzello made a motion, seconded by Council Member Rouse that Bill No.
39-05 be continued until July 25th and referred back to the Utilities Committee. The motion
passed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kirsits
adjourned the meeting at 5:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Al`Buddy"Kir 'ts,Chairperson
Utilities Committee
KCF:kmf
Attachments
June 27,2005 Utilities Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2-