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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-87 Utilities QQnnunttt n Knott s UTILITIES COMMITTEE tiro UP tdmMwn Mount[ of dot Qtttg of*mil; Stub: The January 26, 1987, meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Chairman, Councilman Al Paszek, at 3:40 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Councilmen: Puzzello, Paszek, Serge, Taylor, Zakrzewski, Voorde, and Braboy; John Leszczynski, members of the news media, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. The purpose of the meeting was to review Substitute Bill No. 5-87 which would amend the rates, charges and surcharges for services rendered at the South Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Director of Public Works, Mr. Leszczynski, then briefly reviewed the Substitute Bill. He noted that the minimum monthly charge of $5.80 would be maintained and that the rest of the customers would be receiving an eleven percent (117) rate increase. He also noted that there would be a three (3) year phase-in of the industrial rate. In response to a question from Councilman Zakrzewski, it was noted that approximately Sixty-nine Thousand Dollars ($69,000.00) would be generated in the first year from the industrial surcharge. Councilman Zakrzewski also noted the letter of January 22, 1987, from the Fair Tax, Inc. In response to Item 6 with regard to the PFC in the revision of the water rates, Mr. Leszczynski noted that there was no significance and that each rate would be based on their own merits. • In response to a question from Councilman Voorde, Mr. Leszczynski noted that be had not heard back from the New Energy Corporation. It was also noted in response to Councilman Puzzello that New Energy would be the only industry initially affected by the industrial surcharge. Councilman Paszek questioned how the proposed deficit (even with the rate increase) would be covered, and Mr. Leszczynski noted that at the end of 1986 there was approximately One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) remaining. The Council Attorney then questioned Mr. Leszczynski with regard to the specific advertising requirements. She noted that when the Council initially reviewed the original version of Bill 5-87, it was advised by the City's Legal Department that it could not amend the Ordinance on the floor and, therefore, no final action was taken in the month of December. Mr. Leszczynski noted that he would check with the Legal Department and it was his understanding that because the rate was note being increased for the nom a •wr.o nvIPMA. tawIwn co Utilities Committee Minutes January 26, 1987 Page 2 minimum users, that there would not be an advertisement problem. The Council Attorney and Councilman Paszek both stressed the need for this question to be asked as a part of the formal public hearing of the Bill during the regular Council meeting. Following further discussion on Substitute Bill 5-87, Councilman Taylor made a motion, seconded by Councilman Serge, that the bill be recommended favorably as amended. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Councilman Al Paszek, Chairman Utilities Committee