HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-11-02 Utilities Committee and Health & Public Safety Committrtt lort:
.f otnt Outing of tie ttzities Committee Emb 3tazh anti *Mir Ott
Committee
The March 11, 2002 joint meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Health and Public Safety
Committee was called to order by Utilities Committee Chairperson Council Member Al "Buddy"
Kirsits at 4:20 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, Varner, Coleman, White,
Kirsits and Kelly; Dr. Janice Carson, St. Joseph County Health Officer; Gary Gilot, Carl Littrell,
Jon Hunt, Citizen Member Isabele Gonzalez, Beth Leonard, Tony Vacuso, Dave Turngate, Terry
Bland of the nth ISiz1 it 'Eribuuz and Kathy Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member Kirsits noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Substitute Bill No.
1402 which would adopt the St. Joseph County Health Department Wellhead Protection
Ordinance,as amended.
Dr. Janice Carson, St. Joseph County Health Officer, made the presentation along with members
of her staff and the City's Water Works Department . Dr. Carson sated that in 1998 the county
passed the ground water ordinance; and later passed regulations addressing water sources,
wellhead protection, well drilling and supplies. Dr. Carson noted that the Water Resources
Advisory Board approved the Wellhead Protection Ordinance, and that it is her goal to have all
governmental entities to approve such regulations which are based on protecting the health and
safety of the residents and their water supplies. As a part of Dr. Carson's presentation a three-page
handout entitled"St. Joseph County Wellhead Protection Program" (copy attached).
Dr. Varner noted that there is some confusion among the public since many members of the public
believe that the proposed ordinance is a result of 9/11. Dr. Carson noted that the ordinance does
not deal with security concerns but rather focuses on protection from contaminants.
Mr. Gary Gilot, Director of Public Works, noted that the City needs to be proactive with regard to
its well fields which service the forty(40) square miles in South Bend. In light of the concerns of
secondary contaminants, such regulations are needed. He noted that such contaminants have a five
year time of travel,and that education and awareness are needed.
A member of the St. Joseph County Health Department noted that the county would go out and
meet informally with businesses and assist them in completing applications. This would take place
in the next four(4) months and there is a two-year compliance period involved.
Dr. Varner requested additional public hearings on the proposal, noting that he does not disagree
with the objectives being addressed in the ordinance.
Mr. Dave Turngate of the South Bend Water Works Department stated that every business was
sent s survey in 2000 and that 500 businesses were contacting by interns.
Council Member Kirsits questioned the attendance at such public meetings.
Council Member Pfeifer thanked Dr. Carson for the information she has provided, but voiced
concern that there may be additional questions before such an ordinance could be implemented in
the city limits. She suggested that perhaps the Bill should be continued to allow this to happen.
Joint Meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee &the Utilities Committee
March 11, 2002
Page 2
Dr. Carson noted that there are fifteen (15) public water suppliers, and that she is not opposed to
making additional presentations. Her department would make available a list of the companies
contacted as well as additional information addressing the Water Resources Advisory Board
requested by the Council Attorney.
Council President Kelly supported having another meeting to address the concerns raised by the
Council.
Council Member Coleman suggested that the Bill be heard at the March 25th meeting.
Following discussion, Citizen Member Isabele Gonzalez made a motion, seconded by Council
Member Pfeifer that Substitute Bill No. 14-02 be continued until March 25th. The motion passed.
There being no further business to come before the joint committees, Utilities Committee
Chairperson Kirsits adjourned the committee meeting at 4:52 p.m.
Respectfully,
Council Member Al `Buddy"Kirsits, Chairperson
Utilities Committee
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Attachment