HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-28-03 Utilities 1y
Committee Zeport
LitWWtttez (Committee
The July 28, 2003 meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Chairperson,
Council Member Al`Buddy"Kirsits at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski,Kelly, Pfeifer,King, Varner,White,
Kirsits and Kuspa; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Director of the
Division of Environmental Services Jack Dillon, Richard Nussbaum, Edward Hardig, many
unidentified members of the public, Terry Bland of the 'ottt i Zributte and Council
Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Kirsits noted that all members of the Utilities Committee were present except for
Council Member Sean Coleman who is absent due to the death of his mother.
Council Member Kirsits then called for a presentation on Bill No. 53-03 which would amend
Chapter 17, Article 2, Section 1721 and Section 17-25 of the South Bend Municipal Code in order
to establish new sewer rates.
Mayor Stephen Luecke made the presentation. He noted that a great deal of time has been spent on
reviewing sewer rates. Unfortunately the ordinance which the Council passed in January of 2003
was challenged in court and was declared void on procedural grounds.
Mayor Luecke stated that it is essential to provide revenues to properly run the waste water
treatment plant. Accordingly since the 2003 rates are no longer valid, the City Administration is
proposing a 24% across the board increase in 2003/2004 over the rates established in 1988, with
these rates being increased across the board by 5%in 2005 over the new 2003/2004 rates.
Mayor Luecke noted that the City has retained its right to appeal however he does not believe that
the courts should be setting such rates and therefore urged the Council to go forward with the
passage of Bill No. 53-03. He noted that it would establish an Advisory Committee and that it
would be 30-45 days before the rates for in place. Users would be credited on their bills except
those who are no longer customers with those having checks paid to them. Mayor Luecke
concluded his remarks by noting that he believes the rates are fair and will keep the treatment plant
competitive for commercial, industrial and residential customers. Mayor Luecke noted that the
Council should also have a copy of the Crowe "Rate and Financing Report" for the South-Bend
Municipal Sewage Works dated July 23,2003 (copy attached) which support the rate increase.
Mr. Gilot stated that he and Mr. Dillon are in favor of Bill No. 53-03.
No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to Bill No. 53-03.
In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Mayor Luecke noted that the rates were invalidated by
the lawsuit. Mayor Luecke also noted that anyone who wishes to see what his or her new sewer
rate would be just has to take their current bill times 1.24.
Following discussion, Council Member Aranowski made a motion, seconded by Council Member
Pfeifer that Bill No. 53-03 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Under unfinished business, discussion took place about"Acts of God". Gary Gilot noted that the
City had receive 83 telephone calls complaining of their basements having backups. Mr. Gilot
Utilities Committee
July 28, 2003
Page 2
noted that check valves or gate valves can address the problems since the system is not designed to
handle rain when it reaches 3.5"to 5"in a 24-hour period. He further noted that if the City had not
done as much preventive maintenance over the years that the situation would have been worse.
Council Member Kirsits inquired if the older neighborhoods have the capability of having check
valves or gates valves installed and asked Mr. Gilot and/or Mr. Dillon for an update.
Jack Dillon noted that 1"of rain results in 1 billion gallons of water city-wide.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kirsits adjourned
the meeting at 4:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Al`Buddy"Kirsits, Chairperson
Utilities Committee
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