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REGULAR MEETINGNOVEMBER 14, 2005 <br />Rate and Financing Report and acts as support for the increase. The rates as proposed are <br />“across the board” increases to all of our customers. The increases will affect both the <br />flow and the fixed meter portions of the rate equation. It will also increase the “Extra <br />Strength Surcharges” charged to customers who discharge waste that is above “normal” <br />strength. The proposed increases call for a 29% increase in 2006, a 15% increase in <br />2007, and 11% increase in 2008, and a 9% increase in 2009. As a way of example, a <br />current discharger of 5,000 gallons per month would incur a charge of $16.77 in 2005, <br />$21.62 in 2006, $24.88 in 2007, $27.63 in 2008 and $30.08 in 2009. There is the <br />anticipation of similar rate increase by many communities in Indiana, as they all must <br />address the reduction of wet weather sewer overflows as mandated by EPA and IDEM. <br />Ms. Christine, 1310 E. South Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is a member of <br />the Sierra Club. She spoke on behalf of the members of the Sierra Club in favor of this <br />bill. She noted that 97% of the earth’s water is saline. Clean water is a serious, crucial <br />and vital matter and is in full support of this project. <br />Mr. Mark Eagan, Chamber of Commerce, 401 E. Colfax Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, <br />advised that he be in favor of this project and urged the Council’s favorable <br />consideration. <br />This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents <br />and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. <br />There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in <br />opposition to this bill, Councilmember Dieter made a motion for favorable <br />recommendation to full Council concerning this bill and to continue this bill in the public <br />portion until the November 28, 2005 meeting of the Council. Councilmember White <br />seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. <br />BILL NO. 73-05 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE <br /> COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH <br /> BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 16, <br /> ARTICLE 2, SECTION 16-6 OF THE SOUTH <br /> BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE FOR <br /> INCREASES TO RATES FOR COLLECTION OF <br /> SOLID WASTE <br />Councilmember Timothy A. Rouse, Vice-Chairperson, Utilities Committee, reported that <br />this committee held a Public Hearing on this bill this afternoon and sends it to the full <br />Council with a favorable recommendation. <br />Mr. Jack Dillon, Ph.D., Director, Division of Environmental Services, 3113 Riverside <br />Drive, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. <br />Mr. Dillon stated that the proposed ordinance relates to rate increases for Solid Waste. <br />The purpose of the increase is to allow the Bureau of Solid Waste to meet its on-going <br />and future revenue needs. Dollars paid into this fund cover the operation, maintenance, <br />debt service, and capital expenses of the Bureau of Solid Waste. The City of South Bend <br />last adjusted rates for its Solid Waste customers in 1994. In the last eleven years, the <br />Bureau of Solid Waste has been successful in improving service, reducing staff and <br />raising the technology of its equipment. The Bureau has piloted closed containers for <br />City residents and has recently gone Citywide with this program. The appearance of our <br />streets and alleys has improved, and we have made huge strides towards becoming a <br />“Clean City”. However, purchasing the 35,000 containers and rising fuel costs have cut <br />into reserves. It is necessary to raise rates in order to sustain the quality service that is <br />provided. The ordinance calls for an eight cents ($0.80) per month increase to rates paid <br />by our regular and multi-family customers. It does not call for an increase to our senior <br />citizens, who are hardest hit by the rising customers. It does not call for an increase to <br />our senior citizens, who are hardest hit by the rising energy costs and other pressures on <br />their fixed incomes. With the increase, the Bureau remains competitive with our <br />neighboring Cities and more than 50% lower than the charges faced in the County. <br />25 <br /> <br />