HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-09-15 UtilitiesUTILITIES FEBRUARY 9, 2015 5:20 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Dr. David Varner, Gavin Ferlic, Dr. Fred Ferlic (EAB),
Derek Dieter
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Valerie Schey (EAB), Oliver Davis,
Karen White
Others Present: Jack Smith, Kathy Cekanski- Farrand, Erin Blasko, Kara Boyles,
Joe Fragomeni, Eric Horvath
Agenda: Organizational Meeting
With a quorum present Dr. David Varner, Chair of the Utilities Committee called the schedule
organizational meeting to order.
The first order of business was to name a citizen member of the Committee.
Chairman Dr. Varner then stated that the primary focus of the Committee in 2015 would be the federal
EPA mandate to separate the combined storm /sanitary sewer system. Solutions by the City
Administration to comply with the mandate have a price tag exceeding $650 million. Bonds to support
the costs would be borne by rate payers.
The City Council finds the suggested rate increases unacceptable. As proposed, the concern is that
residential payers would not be able to pay the rate increases and it would be a disincentive to business
expansion.
Karen White voiced similar concerns. She said the City should explore alternative ways to meet the
mandates to reduce costs and requisite rates.
Dr. Varner adjourned the meeting at 5:24 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. David Varner, Chairperson
Utilities Committee