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The June 10, 2002 meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Chairperson,
Council Member Al`Buddy"Kirsits at 5:10 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, Varner, Coleman, King,
White, Ujdak, Kirsits and Kelly; Assistant City Attorney Aladean DeRose, Kathy Cekanski
Farrand, Council Attorney,and Terry Bland of the g lttd) $tflti lErribltUt.
Council Member Kirsits noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 39-02 which
would correct certain omissions in Ordinance No. 9179-00 addressing Utility Services and would
address costs to the recently annexed area located along US 31 South and Main Street in Centre
Township.
Aladean DeRose made the presentation. She noted that the ordinance addresses the water and
sewer main line installation construction charges which applied to the US 31 South-Phase I project
which was passed on November 27, 2000. That ordinance did not include the cap on residential
sewer and water main line installation charges of$2,000 for water line installation and $3,000 for
sewer line installation. The rate caps are part of the cost sharing for municipal utility line
extensions.
Following discussion, Council Member Coleman made a motion, seconded by Council Member
White that Bill No. 39-02 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Under miscellaneous business, Dr. Varner voiced concern about the proposed Bill No. 43-02
which addresses new sewer rates for customers both in and outside of the city.
Dr. Varner stated that many items must be reviewed by the Council, and that much more than just
the report is necessary. He noted that the proposal is unique in that it is proposing a base rate with
the water and sewer charge than added on top of the base rate. South Bend Community Schools
may be one of the customers most affected with a 57% increase. Since the sewer rate does not
need IURC approval, he suggested that as much information be reviewed as possible.
Following discussion, Dr. Varner requested that the following information be provided to the
Council by the time that the Council packets are ready for the next Council meeting(June 19th):
1. A copy of the study for each Council Member, the City Clerk and the Council Attorney.
2. General revenue for the sewage works for the past five(5) years
3. The number of customers and the breakdown by types
4. The top ten (10) industrial and the top ten (10) commercial users, and the top ten (10)
users in each category.
5. A listing of what customers will be most affected with examples of the base rate and the
water and sewer charge compared to the current policies.
Council Member Pfeifer noted that South Bend has an aging population and that the Council needs
to know how the proposed rate increase will affect the residents. She then requested the following
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Utilities Committee
June 10, 2002
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information:
1. How many senior citizens will be affected broken down by age and other categories
addressed by the latest census data.
Council Member Coleman stated that the Council needs adequate lead time to proper weigh all of
the relevant information related to the proposed rate increase.
Aladean DeRose stated that she believes that the University of Notre Dame and INTech are two(2)
of the largest users who will be charged at the 150% rate. Ms. DeRose stated that she would also
make available comparisons to other cities.
Council Member Kirsits suggested that a general informational meeting be held on June 24, 2002
with the public hearing being continued along with the 3rd Reading on the Bill taking place on July
8, 2002.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kirsits adjourned
the meeting at 5:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Al `Buddy"Kirsits, Chairperson
Utilities Committee
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