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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-81 Utilities & Personnell & Finance 4 atnmmtttrr itrpnrt c3lu tIlt (gunman (IIounrii of the Olttil of fpnutfi Bend: UTILITIES AND PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE The October 5 , 1981, joint Committee meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order at 4 : 00 p.m. by the Chairman of the Utility Committee, Councilman Raymond C. Zielinski; in the Council meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen:. Szymkowiak, McGann, Zielinski, Crone and Beck; Citizen members: Orvis Hart, and Alex Deranek, Utilities Director Michael Vance, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Councilman Zielinski noted that the purpose of the meeting was to review Bill No. 94-81, a bill amending the Sewer Service Fund. Councilman Crone, the sponsor of the Bill explained that the bill would do two (2) things : (1) reduce the monthly charge paid by the citizens from 75cents to 25 cents, and change the monthly report required from the Board of Wastewater Commissioners to a quarterly report. • Councilman Crone then explained how she came to the 25 cent figure. By taking $24, 000 of monthly revenue, the City would have $100, 000 in the account by October 3, 1981. From November 1, 1981 to April 1, 1982 the City would collect approximately $8, 000 per month additionally. No expenditures are expected until April of 1982 in light of the upcoming winter weather. Councilman Crone noted that it was unfortunate that the City did not have a full year of experience, however the Council had no control over the Administration' s delay in implementing the ordinance. She emphasized that the Council made a commitment to the Citizens to review the law after one year of passage of the law, and that she wished to live up to that commitment. Councilman Crone further emphasized that it was more than 50 cents per household that was being considered. It was $200, 000 of money in the Community that should be left in the Community, rather than a City bank account. Michael Vance stated that as of September 30, 1981, the account balance was $76, 228. 12. Overall they had collected $88, 000 since the ordinance was put into effect. He noted that the city was collecting approximately $26, 000 per month, but had a potential for $30, 000 monthly. He added that the City had paid seven (7) bills under the fund ranging from $1,300 to $4, 300. Mr. Vance stated that the City did not have enough of an experience rate to reduce the monthly fee at this time. The law was only in effect since June. He emphasized that he wanted to go through one winter with the "freeze-thaw cycle" before adjusting the rates. All interest goes into the fund since it is a dedicated fund. IR[[ •R[[[ a PURLIUHING CO. iv Mr. Vance also stated that the City might wish to consider collecting up to a certain balance and then "kill the law at that point" , and let it live on the interest. However he again emphasized that he needed more time for an experience rate. Mr. Vance pointed out that the provision allowing 365 days to pay the City was causing problems. Perhaps a provision to allow the Wasterwater Commissioners to set the terms of payment would be in order. He said he would study this and report back in writing by Friday, October 9th. Councilman Szymkowiak was quite concerned over the $200, 000 "cushion" . He emphasized that he made a commitment to the citizens to review this law. He noted that the citizens would have more respect toward government and the Council if it used good judgment in reviewing the rates. Councilman McGann calculated that the City lost 8 to $9, 000. 00 in interest by not putting the law into effect when passed. He added that the fund should have $173, 000 by April 1, 1982 - under the reduced rates. He also suggested that a letter be sent to all licensed plumbers once the bill is amended. Councilman Beck noted that she thought the the bill may be premature in light of the limited experience rate. Council Zielinski voice support of reducing the report from the Board of Wastewater Commissioners from monthly to quarterly. Orvis Hart noted that the original bill a year ago called for a twenty-five cent Monthly charge based on 41, 000 customers. Councilman McGann made a motion seconded by Councilman Szymkowiak to report Bill 94-81 favorably to Council, and to take the terms of payment and notification of repair issues under advisement until a report is received from Mr. Vance on these two matters. The vote was unamiously in favor of the motion. Mr. Vance said he would have any amendments he desired by Friday. He added that he would be coming to the Council with an ordinance on the SamOle Street Sewer project. Due to the heavy truck traffic the old brick sewers were in need of substantial repair. Costs would be paid out of the Bureau of Sanitation Fund. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Councilman Zielinski entertained a motion to adjourn made by Councilman McGann, seconded by Councilman Beck. The meeting was adjourned at 5 :40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Raymond C. Zielinski, Utility Committee Chairman Beverly D. Cron p,` Personnel and Finance Committee Chairman