HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-11-13 UtilitiesUTILITIES
4:45 P.M.
March 11, 2013
Committee Members Present: Valerie Schey, Henry Davis, Oliver Davis, Karen White
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Dr. David Varner, Gavin Ferlic, Derek
Dieter
Others: Mark Neal, Erin Horvath, Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, John Voorde
Agenda: Update on CSO mandate with impact projection on rates
Valerie Schey, Chair of the Utilities Committee, asked for a status report on the EPA mandated
CSO project with emphasis on the financial ramifications. Would there be a rate increase
needed? A Bond? Did the Ethanol plant closing impact those decisions?
Both Director of Public Works Eric Horvath and City Controller Mark Neal provided a tag team
response. Eric Horvath cited substantial storm /sanitary sewer separation progress. Plans to
proceed were approved by the EPA and the bond funding underwritten for the project had
already been pre- approved by the Council. Mark Neal added that outstanding bond refinancing
saved substantial money and the need for an amount of rate increases was under review.
Karen White recalled the accounting firm of Crowe - Horwath did a rate study projection for the
City four years ago. Eric said that has been used as a touch stone since then and would provide
a copy to Council.
Unanticipated four years was the closure of the New Energy facility, a major rate /revenue
generator. Both Eric and Mark said they hoped the closure was temporary; but contingency
plans were being evaluated in case their revenue was permanently lost.
Dr. Varner cautioned a rush to a new bond issue until everything "shares- out." Mark agreed,
Eric said new CNG trash trucks would begin operating soon.
Valerie Schey adjourned the meeting at 5:06p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Valerie Schey, Chairperson
Utilities Committee