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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-03-86 Utilities Committee atruituttert &port QJA fig Qlnrimtwn Qlouzutt atilt Olits of$Wit *tit THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE The March 3, 1986 meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its ' Chairman Joseph Serge at 4 : 30 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Puzzello, Serge, Taylor, Barcome, Paszek,Braboy, Voorde and Beck; Kerri McCool, Wayne Werts, Joseph Klebosits, David Canfield, Joe Pluta, John Leszczynski, Phil McDonald, Gary Glassburn of I & M, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, and members of the news media. Councilman Serge began the meeting by hearing the concerns raised by residents living along Riverside Drive. A copy of the affected area is attached. Mr. Klebosits briefly reviewed the background. Thirteen (13) properties are involved which include both platted and unplatted land. Approximately three (3) years ago Dr. Bowes of the County Health Department mandated that new sewers be constructed in the affected area. This action resulted from a septic tank breakdown of a property owner,that being Jim Ewings who has subsequently sold the property to his son. Mr. Klebosits . noted that the septic problem has been. solved. He noted that State law governs how the assessment will take place. However, he believes that the cost is unfair to the property owners. He further noted that several property owners, had their land replatted. He noted that three (3) years ago the average cost would have been $1,700 per lot. The new estimates have been prepared by Cole Associates, Inc. and are represented on the attached map. Mr. Leszczynski noted that the Park Department has no plans for • developing the riverfront property. He noted that the County Health Department mandated the sewer project. Property owners are paying approximately 25% of the total cost. Barrett Law provides that the project cost as stated on the map would be the maximum charge. The lift station in_ Keller Park would be paid entirely by the City. Mr. Leszczynski also noted that property owners would eventually have to hook up to the sewer system due to the high water level in this area. This was contested by several of the residents present. Mr. Leszczynski noted that the public hearing on the assessment rolls would take place in one week because of the legal advertisement. He also noted that the replatting increases cost of others. The calculation of the assessment is set by State law. Councilman Serge noted that fire hookups for the area must take place on Beale Street. Following several questions from the Council, the Council . Attorney noted that the Common Council was not the appropriate body that the residents should be appealing to. She noted that since this was a County mandate through the County Health Office),that that would be_ the appropriate body. She also suggested that the County Councilman and the County Commissioner for the affected area be contacted. 1116[ P..., PVSLI•NINO CO. Page 2. The Utilities Committee Councilman Barcome noted that he supports the concerns of the residents in the area and would do all that he could once they have exhausted their rights before the proper County officials. Councilman Voorde also suggested along with Councilman Beck that the residents plead their case before the proper County Officials. Councilman Serge then called upon the I & M officials present to address various concerns of the Councilmen. Councilman Barcome requested an update on new lighting procedures and the replacement of lights. He specifically highlighted his concerns in the Kensington Farms area. Councilman Taylor also noted that the request in the Fifth District goes back a substantial period of time. Mr. Leszczynski noted that the City has had a moratorium on street lights for the past seven (7) to ten (10) years. He stated that this was a City-wide moratorium affecting all areas. He did note however that the City and I & M have identified various energy-saving procedures due to the new tariff laws in effect. He stated that the "aid in construction costs" is now required. Thus, anything requested over and above a wooden pole and overhead wiring would have to be paid up front. The cost for the Kensington Farms area for 19 street lights would run between $39-40,000. Jack Hickey and Associates has an agreement to install new street lights in the inner part of the development. Councilman Taylor noted however that the residents in the area do not want wooden poles and overhead lines. Mr. Leszczynski noted that the Hickey group would be obligated to install nine (9) lights at an approximate cost of $18,000. Councilman Barcome asked whether an assessment procedure was possible. It was noted that this was a possibility with a street light being required at approximately two hundred foot intervals. Again the money would have to be paid up front for such installation. It was projected that an average cost per household would be $300 . Councilman Taylor and Councilman Barcome believed that a neighborhood meeting was necessary to discuss this. Councilman Taylor requested the Engineering Department to initiate the neighborhood meeting and provide flyers to the residents and the Councilmembers. The week of March 24th was projected as a possible meeting week. Mr. Leszczynski then reviewed the procedure for outages. He stated that a report is sent by the City to I & M. I & M then repairs and then sends back the report. Proper credit is then given to the City. Inspectors have noted that 246 lights have been reported out throughout the entire City. Councilman Beck contested the figure. Mr. Leszczynski noted that he would like to sit down with the Council and his staff to review the lighting procedures. He noted that on St. Louis currently there are old concrete poles. However the residents do not wish wooden poles and overhead wiring. Page 3. The Utilities Committee Councilman Puzzello noted that Foster in the Notre Dame area needs new street lights due to the high student population. She stressed that the current lighting is poor. Councilman Braboy noted that the Jefferson and Fassnacht areas need lighting. She stated that better lighting may deter crime. The area has several senior citizens and lights would be a definite benefit to them. She realizes that there is a moratorium,however,she believes that the needs of the poor and the needs in deteriorating cohditions: of the City must be addressed. Councilman Serge noted that Allen Street in the Second District needs new lighting. Mr. Leszczynski again stressed that the moratorium on new lights applies to the entire City. He noted however, that the new tariff laws would allow 140 lights to be replaced by high sodium lights. Mr. McDonald of I & M noted in response to Councilman Taylor' s question regarding the cost to illuminate a porch light each night would be approximately fifty cents per week. Mr. Taylor believed that this was a reasonable cost. Following further discussion by the Committee, Councilman Barcome made a motion seconded by Councilman Paszek that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 5: 45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Joseph Serge, Chairman Utilities Committee