HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-25-08 Utilities CommitteeUTILITIES COMMITTEE
The August 25, 2008 meeting of the Utilities Committee of the South Bend Common Council was
called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, AI "Buddy" Kirsits" at 3:40 p.m. in the Council's Informal
Meeting Room.
Committee Members in attendance included Council Members Ann Puzzello, Thomas
LaFountain, Tim Hudak
Other Councilmember's Present: David Varner, Derek D. Dieter
Others present were: John Murphy, Gary Gilot, Carl Littrell, Catherine Fanello, Jack Dillon, Marty
Wolfson, Mayor Luecke, Martha Lewis, Kathy Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney, John Voorde,
City Clerk.
BILL N0.44-08 -SOLID WASTE RATES
In the absence of Oliver Davis, Vice-Chair AI "Buddy" Kirsits conducted the meeting. Kirsits
began acknowledging a substitute bill had been filed calling for one increase in solid waste pickup
rates rather than 3 increases in 3 years.
Director of Public Works Gary Gilot opened the presentation by explaining the amended bill
reflected the sentiment of Council feedback to the original version. He explained in as much as
labor, gasoline and tipping fees were up the increases were justified. Even so the rates would be
lower than surrounding communities relying on public or private services. Gilot then turned to
Jack Dillon, Director of Environmental Services and Catherine Fanello, City Controller. Three
handouts (attached) illustrate the rationale for the increase. Jack Dillon outlined the pick-up
services the department provides in addition to weekly pick-up, namely 1. Free large-item pickup
once a month 2. Leaf collection 3. Clean-up calls for NCE and 4. Park clean-up for Park
Department. Catherine Fanello then detailed the financial with a power point presentation
showing costs outpacing revenues, which drains any reserve account and does not leave funds
for capital expenditures. Councilmembers Puzzello and Varner both questioned the long-term
ramification of a single rate increase. Dillon responded saying the projections were only good for
the coming year. He also described an aging fleet while Fanello explained the consequences of
no rate increase. Mayor Luecke spoke in favor of the rate increase. There was no opposition.
On Councilmember Puzzello's motion and Tom LaFountains 2nd without dissent the bill went to
Council favorably.
Councilmember Kirsits then moved on to the other item on the agenda namely, an update on the
Notre Dame Sewer Service Agreement. A 16 page color handout explained the compact.
(attached.) Essentially the agreement was described as a collaboration helping both the city and
N.D.
Councilmember Varner maintained the authority to change rates should rest with the Council.
Also asking whether any other entity was getting a rate reduction save Notre Dame. Gilot
responded that N.D. was only one. Varner closed by saying the new $3 million sewer line from
N.D. to the Waste Water connector was benefit enough and rates should not be reduced.
There being no there comments Kirsits adjourned the meeting at 4:45.
Respectfully Submitted,
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AI "Buddy" Kirsits, Vice-Chairperson
Utilities Committee