HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-23-15 Utilities UTILITIES NOVEMBER 23.2015 4:00 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Dr. David Varner, Gavin Ferlic, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Derek Dieter
Citizen Members Present: Kathleen Petitjean (AB),Jack Smith (AB)
Other Council Present: Tim Scott(XAB), Henry Davis,Valerie Schey(XAB),
Oliver Davis(XAB), Karen White
Others Present: Cecil Eastman,Jennifer Hockenhall,Jennifer Wilson (B&T),
Phil Facenda (B&T),Jim Lopez, Eric Horvath, Mike Bronstetter,
Jessie Davis,John Murphy
Agenda: Bill No. 71-15 Refunding of Outstanding Sewage Works
Revenue Bond of 2006,2007 and 2007B
Bill No. 68-15 Amend Chapters 6, 17& 18 of SBMC to include
New Rules, Regulations,and Service Charges for
Various Permits and Review in Connection with
Storm Water Control and Construction in the
R-O-W
Bill No. 25-15 Amend Chapter 16 of SBMC regarding to
Provide Yard Waste Removal Solely from City
Furnished Containers
Bill No. 40-15 Amend Chapter 17 of the SBMC Updating
Section 17-14 Addressing Drain and
Downspouts Disconnections Requirements
Full Utilities Committee was present as Chair Dr. David Varner called the review hearings to order. Four
bills all sponsored by the City Administration were scheduled for consideration.
Bill 71-15 was first. This bill was a request to allow the City to refund the outstanding 2006,2007 and
2007b Sewage Works Bonds.
City Controller John Murphy made a brief presentation describing the purpose and intent, namely a
refinance at a lower interest rate, before turning over the presentation to Phil Facenda Jr. Phil, a bond
attorney from Barnes&Thornburg, is acting as the City's bond counsel. He, in turn, introduced Jennifer
Wilson from the accounting firm Crowe Horwath. Between them they described the refunding as a city
initiative to save money by refinancing from an original 4.45% rate on the bonds to an approximate rate
of 2.00-2.25%. This would save an approximate$3 million in interest over the life of the bond.
Eric Horvath,director of Public Works added that the plan was approved by the Board of Public Works.
Once a brief Q&A session was completed, Dr. Fred Ferlic motioned to forward the bill favorably. Gavin
Ferlic seconded. All affirmed.
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Bill 68-15 was next. In essence, this bill, like previously considered bill 69-15,would establish a fee
schedule for services provided by the Department of Public Works. Corbett Kerr, City Engineer,
explained that in this bill too,the proposed fee schedule was also fair, reasonable and appropriate. The
schedule will also help mitigate the heretofore negative charges to the BPW budget.
Following brief discussion Gavin Ferlic motioned favorable recommendation followed by a second from
Dr. Fred Ferlic and affirmation by all.
Bill 25-15,a bill to require residents' use City provided containers for the removal of yard waste,was
next. Mike Bronstetter the head of Solid Waste presented the bill. Mike said uniform containers would
allow a safer more efficient operation. Residents choosing to use the service would pay$2.00 per
month for a weekly pick up. The City bin would have a 96 gallon capacity. One free pick up once a
month of 1 cubic yard of waste would also be provided. Total charges would be$16.00 per year. Mike
answered several Council questions seemingly adequately. During the public portion Mr.Szabo from
Mishawaka Avenue spoke against the bill.
Ultimately Gavin Ferlic motioned favorably. Dr. Ferlic followed with a second and all affirmed.
Bill 40-15 was the final agenda item.
This bill would require residents to disconnect downspouts that drain water into the combined
storm/sanitary sewer system.
Eric Horvath, director of Public Works, presented the bill. He said the eliminating water runoff into the
combined system the incidence and frequency of sewage overflow discharge into the river that
promoted the EPA to impose structures in the Clean Water Act. The mandates require a storm/sanitary
sewer separation with an estimated price tag of$600+million dollars. Eliminating runoff from
downspouts was a move toward addressing the overflow problem.
Several Councilmembers asked questions most prominently Henry Davis who asked the disconnect
mandate for citizens include a two year grace period (2016-2017)during which the City would pay for
the disconnect. Mr. Horvath accepted the grace period idea.
Two citizens Jessie Davis and Chris Huff spoke in favor of the bill.
Gavin Ferlic moved to send the bill to Council favorably. Dr. Ferlic seconded and all affirmed.
Dr.Varner adjourned the meeting at 5:01 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. David Varner, Chairperson
Utilities Committee
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