HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-28-02 Utilities Committee Commttt port:
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The May 28, 2002 meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Chairperson,
Council Member Al"Buddy"Kirsits at 4:03 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Coleman, King, White, Ujdak, Kirsits and
Kelly; Director of Public Works Gary Gilot, City Engineer Carl Littrell, Bureau of Water Works
Director John Stancati, Director of Community Development Jon Hunt, City Controller Rick 011ett,
Ann Kolata,Assistant City Attorney Aladean DeRose, Michael Beitzinger,Michael Urbanski,Alan
B. Feldbaum, Max Ujdak, Kathy Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney and Terry Bland of the
outih Nettb Crtbuttt.
Council Member Kirsits noted that a quorum was not present therefore no formal recommendation
would be made by the Committee. The first item on the agenda was to review Substitute Bill No.
35-02 which would amend various ordinances concerning the extensions, additions and
improvements to the Waterworks and would safeguard the interests of owners of certain revenue
bonds.
City Controller Mr. Rick 011ett made the presentation. He noted that the ordinance addresses three
(3) outstanding and one (1) which will be initiated. Surety bonds are required to place funds in
reserve. This ordinance would permit the city to fund the debt service reserve account with a
surety bond resulting in the $2.2 million held in the three (3) reserve accounts to be used for the
improvement of the Waterworks operation. This would be a one-time access to these funds. A
one-page list of"Capital Improvement Projects"was then presented(copy attached).
Council Member Kirsits thanked everyone for their presentation and noted that no action would be
taken for lack of a quorum.
The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 31-02 which would make technical corrections to
Ordinance No. 9314-02 addressing wellhead protection.
Aladean DeRose, Assistant City Attorney made the presentation. Ms. DeRose noted that the
codification company brought to the city's attention that a scrivener's error was made in Ord. No.
9314-02 and that the proper section should be § 17-48.1.
Council Member Kirsits thanked Ms. DeRose for the information.
Council Member Kirsits then called for a presentation on Substitute Bill No. 34-02 which would
make changes to the Universal Utility Main Line Assessment Ord. No. 9290-01.
Ms. DeRose made the presentation. She noted that in addition to making scrivener error
corrections in the numbering of the ordinance that several substantive changes are being proposed
which include:adding that commercial/industrial water/sewer main line assessments are not subject
to a maximum rate cap, that all charges and rates would have the same effective date, clarification
of residents and adding the word"real"before the word"property".
Council Member Kirsits inquired whether the rates were similar to those in Elkhart. Mr. Gilot
stated that they were and also spoke in favor of the Bill.
Council Member Kirsits thanked the Administration for the information.
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Utilities Committee
May 28, 2002
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Under Miscellaneous Business, Council Member Kirsits noted that he wished that Mr. Stancati
was still present since he would like a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) update on the status
of the fire hydrant user fee, and in particular an update on the proper uses for such funds that
would be raised by the user fee.
Mr. Gilot stated that the IURC has not acted upon the ordinance yet. Council Member Kirsits
stated that he would still like a written update on the proper uses of the funds and would like to be
updated once the IURC takes action so that the proper documentation would be filed by the
Administration with the City Clerk's Office.
An inquiry was made as to why Peerless Well was drilling in the middle of Leeper Park. Mr. Gilot
stated he would look into the matter.
Mr. Littrell then provided updated information on"Areas of Population Without Public Water and
Sewer Mains"(copies attached). He noted that there were some problems with the data base.
Council Member King stated that the City should not have to be on the defensive in this area. He
suggested a written response that could be used since he receives many inquiries in the Wooded
Estates area.
Mr. Gilot stated that he would work on a form letter and would file a copy of it with the City
Clerk's Office.
Council Member Ujdak inquired about service along SR 23 and noted that there are several areas
on Kaley without sewer service.
In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits it was noted that anyone within 300' of a
sewer line would be required to hook-up if their septic tank failed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kirsits adjourned
the meeting at 4:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Al `Buddy"Kirsits, Chairperson
Utilities Committee
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