08-27-01 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 27, 2001 Mr. Gilot advised that these ordinances have to do with preserving the South Bend Water Works as a community asset. There are two (2) reasons for the need of additional revenues. The first is new expenses associated with past improvements. In addition, the next phase of capital is due which include some improvements to the old building at the Olive Street well field, booster stations to meet fire flows and pressures at a couple of locations and extensive investment in mains to move water from the source of supply to where there are peak demands. He noted that the current revenue base of the water utility is $10.8 million dollars per year but the revenue requirements to support these new expenses is $12.8 million dollars. This requires an eighteen per cent (18 %) across the board rate increase. The impact on a typical residential customer at five thousand (5,000) gallons per day will go from the current amount of seven dollars and seventy -one cents ($7.71) per month to a proposed rate of nine dollars and ten cents ($9.10) per month which is less than five cents ($.05) per day. Also, the public fire protection as well as the customers outside the corporate city limits will share in this across the board adjustment. Mr. Gilot noted that the South Bend rates compare very favorably to other cities in Indiana. The second ordinance submitted relates to a revenue bond in order to do $6 million dollars worth of improvements to be paid for over the useful service life of the improvements. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to these bills, Councilmember Aranowski made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning Bill No. 67 -01 as substituted. Councilmember Kirsits seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Additionally, Councilmember Coleman made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning Bill No. 68 -01. Councilmember Kelly seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 70 -01 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL APPROPRIATING $131,200 FROM FUND 212 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING ACTIVITIES UNDER THE US EPA BROWNFIELD PILOT ASSESSMENT GRANT Councilmember Aranowski reported that the Personnel & Finance Committee met on this bill and sends it to the Council with a favorable recommendation. Mr. Alex Koenig, Division of Community Development, Community and Economic Development, 1200 County -City Building, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Mr. Koenig informed the Council that the City of South Bend was awarded a Brownfield Pilot Assessment Grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency in September of 1999. They are requesting an allocation of one hundred thirty one thousand two hundred dollars ($131,200.00) from Fund #212 to continue this Grant. These funds are to be used for performing Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments and the related costs on brownfield sites. Site clean up costs are not an allowable use of these funds. The commercial corridors of Lincolnway West, Portage Avenue, South Gateway and Western Avenue are the target areas for the use of these funds. The total amount of the Grant is two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00). Under a previous allocation sixty three thousand eight hundred dollars ($63,800.00) was allocated for Phase I environmental assessments, the preparation of a GIS data base of brownfield sites within the target areas, supplies to carry on the grant and travel expenses. This bill would allocate the remaining one hundred thirty one thousand two hundred dollars ($131,200.00). These funds would be used for Phase II assessments, personnel and other costs. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Aranowski made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.