HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-13 Public Works and Property Vacation PUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION FEBRUARY 7,2013
5:35 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, Dr. David Varner, Gavin Ferlic
Other Council Members Present: Tim Scott, Derek Dieter
Others Present: Diana Hess, Erin Blasko, Kathy Cekanski-Farrand, Mike Schmuhl, Gary Gilot,
Eric Horvath, Leona Page, Kevin & Michelle Taylor, Joe Schidler, Norman
Dickens, Doug Carroll, Rafael & Maria Garcilazo, Chris&Peg Tomkiewicz,
Graciecla Gomez, Susan Lisenko, Delia Cobos, Paula Riley, Tiffeny Pastuszny,
Darrell Daniel, Ernesto Martinez, Janelle Ruth Kincses, Mark Kidder, Mel
Wharton, Ernesto Ramirez, Mr. & Mrs. Lennie Gills, Catherine Washington, Linda
Cole, Kurt Ogorek, Cheryl Taylor, Mirna Hernandez
Agenda: High water table resulting from New Energy Plant closure
Oliver Davis, 6th District Councilmember and Chair of the Public Works & Property Vacation Committee
called this meeting of city officials and Rum Village residents, particularly those near the shuttered
ethanol plant, to hear the city administration's response to water problems in homes close to the plant.
This Oliver stated, was the 6th in a series of neighborhood meetings he has called to focus attention on
the plight of those affected by the rising water table. The city during this time has been collecting data to
determine the extent of the problem, the probable cause, and development of possible remedies.
After his opening remarks, Oliver first turned to Mike Schmuhl, the Mayor's administrative assistant for
any updates. Schmuhl reported that the plant was purchased at a bankruptcy auction by a liquidator firm,
not one involved in the production of ethanol. Nonetheless, the City was looking for a firm interested in
reopening the plant. Additionally, the City was able to secure the volunteer services of an attorney from
Notre Dame who would be willing to work pro bono for residents who have been damaged by the rising
water table. The presumption here is that the damage should be resolved legally between the
homeowner and their insurance company. Schmuhl provided contact info for the Notre Dame Attorney.
Next, Eric Horvath, Director of Public Works, provided an update. Eric stated that so far the city was
unable to find any state or federal monies available to address the problem. In the meantime the city was
continuing to monitor fluctuating water levels while napping the affected homes.
Oliver asked of the city saw any potential solutions to fix the water problems for the residents. Horvath
said the city sees this as a private matter between the homeowner and their insurance company.
Oliver Davis suggested the city sink wells to pump out ground water lowering the water table. Horvath
said a range of approaches from filling basements with concrete to sump pumps might be more cost
effective.
Oliver continued to press for viable solutions and a timetable. Both Schmuhl and Horvath said this was a
complicated issue needing more data before major money is spent. Oliver said he didn't care where the
money came from, the people need help now. He said if millions of dollars can be spent on vacant and
abandoned housing, that money could be diverted to help these people. In summary, before taking public
input, Oliver said the problem was the Mayor's to solve.
During the public comment portion, 15 residents proceeded to tell their tables of woe—water in their
basements, mold, mildew, constantly running sumps each pleading for help now.
Having heard from the city and the residents, and there being no further business to come before the
committee at this time, Oliver adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
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