12-13-04 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 13, 2004 ANNOUNCEMENT OF REAPPOINTMENT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Councilmember Kelly, Chairperson, Community and Economic Development Committee, announced the reappointment of Mr. Robert Hunt and Ms. Marcia Jones to the Redevelopment Commission. COUNCIL DISTRICT UPDATE—COUNCILMEMBER AT LARGE, AL"BUDDY" KIRSITS Councilmember Kirsits wished every a good evening and holiday greetings to all citizens in the City of South Bend. He stated that he report would be brief and will focus on the Utilities Committee which he is the Chairperson. The six-district Councilmembers and one At-Large Member have already talked of the wonderful things going on all over the City. Like a kid at Christmas time, can't just choose one, so chose them all. The shining star burning so bright at night is this city's public utilities the sewage treatment and water works plant. Urban areas that have these strong facilities are destined for growth and survival. Urban and suburban areas that do not have them or have substandard facilities are probably doomed for failure or economic stagnation. We are fortunate to have such fine facilities. However, it does not take three wise men to know that this does not come with out a high price. In August, of this year we passed an$11.5 million dollar revenue bond for additions, extensions, and environmental infrastructure improvements. It called for a 24% across the board hike and a 5% hike in 2005. Decisions made years ago have come back to haunt us in the high cost of separating out our combined storm and water sewers as mandated by the federal government. This CSO separation comes with a price tag that may exceed$120 million! Beginning this work in the Northeast area of the city will be extremely beneficial to alleviate basement flooding. Sewer rates may well exceed what we pay for metered water. We've also passed ordinances regulating hauled septic waste and storm water discharge at construction sites. Our Water Works continues to provide us with fresh water, but it also comes at cost. Wellhead protection and cleanup costs of contaminated sites that threaten our drinking water usually fall to the city with some help from state and federal agencies and occasionally the polluter. In September, we passed an ordinance that addressed a Debt Reserve Account insurance policy that for the water works sinking fund and it is a debt service requirements. Tonight we will be addressing the Water leak insurance fund and in the near future establish a new schedule of rates and charges for services rendered. Not a pleasant task, but sometimes necessary to ensure safe drinking water. As we move forward into the year 2005, I would like to challenge the Council, City and its Citizens to continue being a model city by encouraging freethinking and discussion in the following, albeit in a 12 day of Christmas fashion. So, On the 1st Day of Christmas, the City, Council and sewer/storm water steering committee continue to make progress on equitable sewage rates for all parties, but especially focusing that City residents don't carry all the burden. Those living outside city limits but using our sewer may have to pay a high rate as many other municipalities are doing. • • On the 2nd Day of Christmas, continued meetings with IDEM and the EPA concerning CSO Mandates to determine the most practical and beneficial programs that are cost effective an efficient to our citizens and customers. Being second, not first in this area may prove to be cost effective, if national policy changes. An easing of federal water quality standards to realistic levels and a nice fact check from Washington,DC to pay for separating CSO's would be nice. On the 3`d Day of Christmas, continued protection of our wellhead facilities to ensure safe drinking water and future growth of gallons produced. On the 4th Day of Christmas, we continue to work with economic development department to ensure orderly growth as we extend and stretch these sewer and water facilities to the edges of the city. Developers anxiously now need our utilities, as the days of septic and private wells are becoming restricted. 5