CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Sims-Smierciak called the St. John Sanitary District Regular Meeting to order at 5:41 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, attended by its members and led all in The Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

Board Members present: Jim Czarnik, John Kennedy, Kim Krull, John Schaefer, and Patricia Sims-Smierciak.

Also present: Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison, Joseph Wiszowaty, Town Manager, and Tom Nagle, Robinson Engineering

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

Ms. Krull nominated Patricia Sims-Smierciak for President. Mr. Czarnik seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays. Ms. Sims-Smierciak nominated Kim Krull for Vice-President. Mr. Czarnik seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Ms. Krull made a motion to approve the December 20, 2022, Regular Meeting Minutes. Mr. Czarnik seconded the motion. The motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Sewer and Landscape Credits for a total of $725.76

Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the credits for a total of $725.76. Ms. Krull seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

B. Motion to terminate Professional Service Agreement with Attorney Angela Jones and direct the Town Manager to send notice of the same

Mr. Czarnik made a motion to terminate the Professional Services Agreement with Attorney Jones. Ms. Krull seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 abstention by Mr. Kennedy.

C. Motion to approve a Professional Service Agreement with Cender Dalton to serve as the Financial Advisor for the Sanitary District for 2023

Ms. Sims-Smierciak explained that the Sanitary District has had a relationship with Baker Tilly. Ms. Krull asked if a proposal had been received from Baker Tilly. Ms. Sims-Smierciak responded that Baker Tilly said they sent a proposal a while ago, but that it had not been presented to the Board. She added that she received a proposal via email on her way to the meeting. She asked that they take this under advisement and take no action until the proposal can be reviewed. Ms. Krull made a motion to table the Professional Service Agreement with Cender Dalton. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. Mr. Kennedy advised that the proposal has hourly rates without any “not to exceed” and suggested the agreement have a dollar limit expressed within it. Mr. Schaefer asked that representatives from both firms be in attendance when the Board decides. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

D. Motion to approve a Professional Service Agreement with Robinson Engineering, Ltd. to serve as Engineers for the Sanitary District for 2023

Mr. Nagle explained how the task order process and the Professional Service Agreement works. Ms. Sims-Smierciak added that many of the engineering projects are combined with the Water District. Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the Professional Service Agreement with Robinson Engineering, Ltd. to serve as Engineers for the Sanitary District. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

E. Motion to approve wastewater utility write-off in the amount of $483.40

Ms. Krull made a motion to approve the write-off of $483.40. Mr. Czarnik seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

A. Project Updates:

Mr. Pondinas asked Mr. Nagle if there will be progress at Acorn on Lift Station 6. Mr. Nagle confirmed they will complete the analysis and provide a report to the Board. He added that they intend to combine it with the water main portion. Mr. Nagle stated that he anticipates the completion of the project to be in the fall, dependent upon the permit process. Discussion about staff and supply shortages ensued.

Mr. Nagle reported on the water analysis and the sewer flow from Schererville and the expense of purchasing the water. He reported on some ways to possibly reduce those costs. The sewer identification and I & I process was discussed.

Mr. Pondinas and Mr. Nagle provided updates on the output of the Monix Treatment Plant. Ms. Sims-Smierciak suggested the new Board members visit the Schererville Treatment Plant. Mr. Nagle added that a tour of the new SCADA system would also be beneficial. He also reported on the status of completion of the SCADA system.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

A. Sanitary District Docket

Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the Sanitary District Docket in the amount of $16,749.59. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. The motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

B. Wastewater Docket

Ms. Krull made a motion to approve the Wastewater Docket in the amount of $189,062.71. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. The motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no public comment.

Mr. Schaefer asked about a tour of the lift stations and how to arrange it. Mr. Pondinas named off some of the Public Works individuals, as well as himself. Mr. Nagle reported that there are photos of the exterior and interior of the SCADA system.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Krull made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:12 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Sanitary District

Approved This 21st Day of February, 2023:

___________________________________
Patricia Sims-Smierciak, Sanitary District President

CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Krull called the Joint Study Session with the Waterworks Board and the Sanitary District to order at 5:36 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

ROLL CALL:

Board Members present: Jim Czarnik, Kim Krull, John Schaefer, Ken Gembala, and Joan McInerney

Board Members absent: John Kennedy, Patricia Sims-Smierciak

Also present: Joe Wiszowaty, Town Manager; Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

A. First Group – 93rd Avenue / US 41 Project and Bid

Evan Laviolette, First Group Engineering, Designers of the W. 93rd Avenue Improvement Project. He referred to a presentation distributed to the Board Members and described the two (2) phases of the project. He explained the process of the water main movement and replacement and how the properties will continue to access water throughout the process. He displayed the list of costs directly related to the water main. He reported that F.H. Paschen was the low bidder at opening and after engineer’s review and is currently pending award. The low bidder’s cost to the Water Board came in at $889,585.71. The Engineer’s Estimate was $1,120,350.00. Phase 1 is to be completed in 2023 for $889,525.71. Phase 2 is assumed at a cost of $200,000.00 scheduled for 2024. Discussion about the funding of the projects ensued.

B. Robinson Engineering Project Updates

Tom Nagle, Robinson Engineering, referred to a presentation of the current projects in the Town.

Sanitary Sewer Agenda:
1. Schererville Wastewater Billings – He provided a chart of the annual costs.
2. Inflow and Infiltration Strategy Inspection Areas study revealed that the older parts of Town have the most problems. He addressed the costs estimated to be associated with locating the problems in each zone area, which is about $1 million in total.
3. Acorn Drive Lift Station Abandonment – He reviewed the IDEM Rules and Regulations and an alternative method.
4. Five-Year Roadway Improvement Plan – He asked the Boards to interlay the improvement plans as the Town as a whole and referred to a map of the roads for improvement for each of the five (5) years.

Water Agenda:
1. Schererville Water Billings – He provided a chart of the annual costs which is driven by the consumption of the population. A discussion on altitude valves ensued.
2. Acorn Water Main – He expects the IDEM permit to be available in the second week of March. Once received, the project will be going out for bid. Once the permit is in place and the cost is determined and funded, there will be a town hall meeting with the contractor and the residents within the neighborhood.
3. Interconnecting Water Mains – He described the 18” raw water mains and the locations for placement to Wells 8 and 9 as well as a new regional treatment plant. 2,500’ of 12” water main will be installed at US 41 in 2024. A discussion about low rate loans and financing ensued.
4. Hydraulic Water Model – The process includes hydrant testing for calibration and workshopping the model.
5. Wells 7, 8 and 9 Pilot Study – He described the studies as verifying the Town can hydraulically load more water at each well on the new filter media in lieu of building more water treatment plants.
6. Well Houses Wells 8 and 9 and Regional Water Treatment Plant – The well houses are being designed and should be operational in 2024. For the new Treatment Plant, there is an issue with the property and the Town is resolving it.
7. SCADA – He presented the list of items remaining on the SCADA system.
8. Altitude Valves at Killkenny and Hack Street Tanks – Install two new altitude valves to improve the operations of the water system to occur in fall/winter 2023.
9. Replace high maintenance water mains one year prior to roadway jobs.

Mr. Schaefer suggested more joint meetings as finances are discussed for prospective projects combining both water and wastewater. Mr. Valois reported that the SCADA system cellular cost for the Town is about $7,200 annually.

ADJOURNMENT:

A motion was made to adjourn the Joint Waterworks and Sanitary District Study Session at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
St. John Sanitary District

Approved This 21st Day of March, 2023:

___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President

Approved This 21st Day of March, 2023:

___________________________________
Patricia Sims-Smierciak, Sanitary District President

CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Sims-Smierciak called the St. John Sanitary District Regular Meeting to order at 5:41 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, attended by its members and led all in The Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

Board Members present: Jim Czarnik, Kim Krull, and John Schaefer

Board Members absent: Patricia Sims-Smierciak, John Kennedy

Also present: Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison and Joseph Wiszowaty, Town Manager

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Ms. Krull led the Board Members and all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the January 17, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. The motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.

PRESENTATIONS – Financial Advisors:

A. Daniel Dalton, Cender Dalton Municipal Advisors – Mr. Dalton referred to the agreement provided to the Board Members and added that the document defines the scope of service and the rates. He explained that the change in this document provides a “not to exceed” limit of $10,000.00. He shared that the document provides a list of specific projects that the Board may want to assign to the firm. He confirmed that they are capable of assisting in all aspects of municipal finance. He added that with the close proximity to St. John, they are able to respond quickly and can attend meetings with short notice.

B. Eric Walsh, Partner with Baker Tilly – Mr. Walsh explained that they charge a standard hourly rate and could add a “not to exceed” clause. He provided a history of the service provided to St. John. He listed off his team members and their role in the work. He listed the benefits of a large firm.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Sewer and Landscape Credits for a total of $570.57

David Kegebin 11475 W. 93rd Avenue $ 26.16

Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the sewer credit for Mr. Kegebin. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.

Tom Parada 9535 Joliet Street $544.41

Mr. Wiszowaty asked to postpone this item to the next meeting. Mr. Czarnik made a motion to table this item. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.

B. Motion to approve a Financial Advisor Professional Service Agreement for the Sanitary District for 2023.

Mr. Czarnik made a motion to table this item. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.

C. Motion to waive the wastewater penalties assessed in January on all Lake Central High School Corporation accounts in the amount of $731.47

Mr. Czarnik made a motion to waive the wastewater penalties in the amount of $731.47. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

A. Sanitary District Accounts Payable Voucher

Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the Accounts Payable Voucher dated February 21, 2023 representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, services rendered to the Sanitary District in the combined total of $18,840.80. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. The motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.

B. Wastewater Accounts Payable Voucher

Mr. Czarnik asked about a recapture fees to which Mr. Pondinas provided a response and some details. Mr. Czarnik asked about the LBL Lawsuit to which Mr. Wiszowaty explained that the Sanitary District was named as the defendant on the lawsuit and is ongoing. Mr. Schaefer asked about the approval of the bill without a budget. Mr. Wiszowaty agreed with Mr. Schaefer and that it is something the Town will be addressing with the Financial Advisor on a budget for the Utilities. He added that it is not required by law, but would be a best practice for the Town.

Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the Accounts Payable Voucher dated February 21, 2023 representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, services rendered to the Wastewater Utility in the combined total of $1,383,321.08. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. The motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Czarnik made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. The Sanitary District regular meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Sanitary District

Approved This 21st Day of March, 2023:

___________________________________
Patricia Sims-Smierciak, Sanitary District President

CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Sims-Smierciak called the St. John Sanitary District Regular Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Ms. Sims-Smierciak led the Board Members and all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

Board Members present: Jim Czarnik, Kim Krull, John Schaefer, and Patricia Sims-Smierciak, President

Board Members absent: John Kennedy

Also present: Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison and Joseph Wiszowaty, Town Manager

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

• February 21, 2023 Regular Meeting
• February 21, 2023 Joint WW and SD Study Session

Ms. Krull made a motion to approve the February 21, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. The motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

Mr. Schaefer made a motion to approve the February 21, 2023, Study Session Minutes. Mr. Czarnik seconded the motion. The motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

NEW/OLD BUSINESS:

A. Sewer and Landscape Credits for a total of $343.03

• Clinton Diekman 9085 Olcott Ave $112.50
• Oscar Magallanes 11175 Hickory Grove Rd $230.53

Mr. Wiszowaty stated that there was a Sewer Credit request from last month that was deferred. Ms. Sims-Smierciak asked to have it added to the next month’s agenda. Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the two (2) credits for a total of $343.03. Ms. Krull seconded the motion. The motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

B. Motion to approve a Financial Advisor Professional Service Agreement for the Sanitary District for 2023.

Mr. Schaefer asked if the matter could be deferred as there is not a full Board in attendance. Mr. Czarnik made a motion to defer. Mr. Schaefer seconded the motion. The motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

There were no reports or correspondence.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

A. Sanitary District Accounts Payable Voucher in the amount of $14,401.96

Ms. Krull made a motion to approve the Accounts Payable Voucher dated March 21, 2023 representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, services rendered to the Sanitary District in the combined total of $14,601.96. Mr. Czarnik seconded the motion. The motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

B. Wastewater Accounts Payable Voucher in the amount of $304,932.50

Ms. Krull made a motion to approve the Accounts Payable Voucher dated March 21, 2023 representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, services rendered to the Wastewater Utility in the combined total of $304,932.50. Mr. Czarnik seconded the motion. Mr. Schaefer asked about the Dell invoice and how it is broken down. Ms. Sims-Smierciak added that they normally pay a third of the total as it is for all of the Microsoft end-users of the Town, however, the SCADA system has new license requirements. Discussion about the end user qualifiers continued. The motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Czarnik made a motion to adjourn. The Sanitary District regular meeting was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Sanitary District

Approved This 18th Day of April, 2023:

___________________________________
Patricia Sims-Smierciak, Sanitary District President