Meeting Time Discussion – Mr. Myers mentioned that the Town Council changed the meeting time to 7:00 p.m. from 6:00 p.m. so that all the board and commission meeting times for the town would be at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Wyllie advised that the Town Council cannot legally change their meeting times and presented members a copy of the opinion he had prepared. Discussion ensued. Mr. Myers stated that he spoke with Mr. Fryzel, Mr. Kil and Ms. Teibel and the meetings will go back to 6:00 p.m. starting next month. Mr. Monanteras motioned to move the meeting time back to 6:00 p.m. for the Study Sessions and the Regular Meetings for the remainder of 2007. Seconded by Mr. Gembala. Motion unanimously passed.
Any and all business that may come before the Board – Discussion ensued regarding the status of the Resolution addressing the bulk water station sales and the declining rate block forwarded to the Town Council including the $5.00 minimum charge for the bulk water sold. Mr. Wyllie stated that he would discuss this item with Mr. Austgen.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Ms. Sims-Smierciak nominated Mr. Monanteras for the office of Vice-President for both the Sanitary and Waterworks Districts. Seconded by Mr. Gembala. Mr. Gembala motioned to close nominations. Seconded by Ms. Sims-Smierciak. Motions unanimously passed.
Ms. Sims-Smierciak motioned to direct the attorney to prepare the public notice and the ordinance and to forward these documents to the Clerk-Treasurer for the public hearing. Seconded by Mr. Monanteras. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Faberbock explained the proposed district boundaries on the map he provided to all members that would accompany the legal notice for the hearing. Discussion ensued. (Tape inaudible).
Mr. Wieser mentioned the status of the petition filed by Aqua Inc. and stated that the matter was pending; the hearing was concluded and provided the time line for the filing of objections and for the final determination that could take 60-75 days. Discussion ensued.
Any and all business that may come before the Board - Mr. Faberbock referenced the upcoming INDOT project along with the water main replacement project on US #41 & 93rd Avenue. An estimate for the water main replacement project was provided and discussion ensued.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Opening Remarks – Mr. Bob Myers addressed the audience and stated that there is a lot of misinformation regarding this meeting; this is not an annexation meeting. No one is annexing property into St. John; it is an expansion of the utility district. He clarified the purpose of the expansion of the district and this is to protect the boundaries of the Sanitary/Waterworks District. A private utility company wants to provide utilities to areas that are in the master plan (comprehensive plan) of the Town of St. John. (Tape recording of meeting barely audible.)
Mr. Faberbock provided a brief overview of the existing and proposed boundaries of the Sanitary/Waterworks District.
Sanitary District / Waterworks District Comments
Open to Floor – Exhibit A
Mr. Michael Poremba, 9042 Henry Street, Dyer – Asked if St. John proper is interested in taking over his Dyer mailing address and thinks this is the start of them becoming part of St. John. Mr. Wieser responded that this hearing is not for the annexation of property.
Mr. Michael Carlson, 9161 Henry Street, Dyer – Questioned if this is going to turn out like Schererville, where if there is a potential of providing water we are going to charge you? Does Aqua Indiana know about this? Most of the area is developed and have septic; and feels they just want their money. The system cannot handle what they have now, last year St. John had problem with yellow water. Mr. Myers explained that the property owners within the district would receive tax bills and only when service was available and only when the residents would be connected and receiving the service would utility bills be sent out to the customers.
Ms. Connee Trepton, 2504 Kelly Court, Dyer – Referenced the third whereas in the resolution whereby it states that they have entered into certain informal agreements with surrounding communities including Dyer and Schererville and inquired as to when this was. Mr. Wieser explained the history of the service area and the IURC. Ms. Trepton also asked if Schererville has an unlimited capability of accepting waste and stated that she spoke with Glen Eberly (who is deceased) about a gentleman’s agreement of the future of Dyer and the map does not agree with it. She feels this should be presented to Dyer and Schererville and asked if documentation existed. Mr. Wieser explained that the Schererville plant currently has substantial capacity and we have reserved capacity that would serve us and that the plant also has the ability for future expansion.
James DeJong, 12903 West 81st Avenue, Dyer - Stated that he is getting taxed for water from Schererville and asked if he would now receive two bills? (Tape inaudible) Mr. Faberbock stated that these boundaries were discussed with Schererville and believes that this area is included in the Schererville District and if he is included in the district, the northern boundary would be re-evaluated, but they were always told that 81st Avenue was the dividing line.
Ms. Sharon Van Wieren, 8286 Calumet Avenue, Dyer – Referenced two houses that have Dyer sewer (corner of 81st and Calumet) and that they have looked into having Dyer sewer extended to their house on Calumet Avenue. Mr. Faberbock stated that this area has been cut out of the border. Ms. Van Wieren requested clarification of the border and Mr. Faberbock stated that it would be the centerline of the road. Discussion ensued.
Mr. Ronald Reichelt, 8250 Columbia Avenue, Dyer – Said no, thank you.
Mr. Dallas Swift, 10022 Kreitzburg Street, Dyer – Asked if Consumers Indiana is included in the proposition. Discussion ensued. Said no thanks to taxes for something they are not getting and do not want.
Mr. Robert Rybicki, 119 Berens Street, Dyer – Stated that he is a member of the Dyer Town Council, and asked if there was a letter or courtesy call made to Dyer and Cedar Lake regarding this. Mr. Faberbock responded that there was communication on the onset. Discussion ensued. Mr. Rybicki stated that the area south of Sheffield Avenue was always in consideration for Dyer to include.
Mr. Walter Twardy, 8805 Henry, Dyer – Stated he wanted to speak on behalf of himself and his mother. He asked how much more is it going to cost on their taxes and why would he want to pay for something he is not going to get? He stated that he did not sign in to speak.
Inaudible question posed -
Ms. Nan Onest, 3163 Austgen Place, Dyer – Stated that she is a member of Dyer Town Council and is dismayed, the first she heard of this is an article in the newspaper. The Dyer Town Council did not have an opportunity to look at this with the St. John Town Council to determine if it is in the best interest for the community of Dyer and the way they are looking at their growth and development now. She does not believe Mr. Rybicki’s question was answered regarding who was spoken to in the Dyer Town Council office and requested documentation.
Mr. Myers stated that they would take a few more questions and then the financial advisor; Mr. Carter would give a presentation.
Mr. Dan Kortum, 8905 Henry Street, Dyer – Stated that he is not interested in St. John water, he is not interested in St. John sewer and he is not interested in St. John taxes or annexation. It appears the people in the audience are battling a monster and they are not represented by counsel so they are doing what they can. What if any influence does their presence at the meeting have? It appears to be a done deal already. Mr. Myers stated that the board would vote on this tonight, and confirmed that the board is here to protect the interest of the town. Discussion ensued. Mr. Kortum stated that they believe they need counsel.
Inaudible question posed – Mr. Myers responded that there would be a vote taken at this meeting.
Mr. John McDonald, 8901 Henry Street, Dyer – Stated that he read in the newspaper last month that the County Council passed an ordinance that anyone that has septic field will be charged $35.00 because the run off pollutes the ground water. Anyone that has a farm field will be charged “X” amount of dollars because it does the same thing. He sees this council as trying to do the same thing. Reach into our pockets, take the money and try to sell a bill of goods that we don’t want and don’t need. He would like to state that he objects to it.
Mary Lou Hultgren, 14657 West 93rd Avenue, Dyer – Stated that she would like to plead with the board tonight to please table this action until the Town of Dyer gets some sort of written documentation that they have spoken to someone in Dyer. The reply of “I spoke to someone” and it is on the onset; and if it is not written down and wanted this to be on the up on up, they would have documentation. On behalf of herself and her neighbors she would like this tabled until they provide who they spoke with in writing and that they get something in writing to the Town of Dyer that they did speak to someone there and they have responded that they have no intention of blah, blah, whatever you said.
Mr. Dan Fagen, 2240 Hart Street, Dyer – Mentioned that he has some formality questions. What is the process that goes on here? If it is approved where does it go. Mr. Wieser stated that if it were approved this evening, it would be forwarded to the St. John Town Council for their approbation of it. Mr. Fagen inquired as to what objections are allowed? What legal disputes are allowed by the people that this is going to actually effect? Mr. Wieser sated that he was unable to answer this and could not advise other people, only his clients. Mr. Fagen asked how many of these citizens that you are going to impose this on have been talked to? Mr. Myers asked if it was personally, the response was none. Mr. Fagen stated that he is disgusted with the bureaucratic process that is going on here.
Mr. Rich Sommer, 8701 Henry Street, Dyer – Stated his question. They explained that the reason for this is so the other utilities do not come into this area. He lives in the Old Hickory subdivision which is in between Calumet and Sheffield and he has well and septic and he has no intention of dealing with any public utility or private utility, so he does not understand what their concern is unless they are considering annexing this property to St. John. That would be the only reason to protect your interest because that would be the only interest to protect.
Mr. Ron Andre, 8287 Calumet, Dyer – Stated that he does not see what they are gaining because St. John water is no better than what they have got which is well water. If they got Dyer water at least they would have Lake Michigan water, and having lived in Hammond all his life, is very good water. He sees no advantage to this at all. (Did not sign in to speak.)
Mr. Joseph Brzowski, 8201 Columbia Avenue, Dyer – Stated his opinion to be that once the water and sewer come in then they will be annexed. They will be charged for something that none of them want. They’ll get St. John water then they will be subject to St. John’s rules, ordinances, and policies. Now they are unincorporated, they moved out to that area to have their freedom. They did not move into the city to have St. John or Dyer come in and say, “We’re taking over”. Our street and the people here do not want it.
Mr. Kenneth Knoerzer, 8274 Columbia Avenue, Dyer – Stated that he just moved from Illinois and the biggest difference he sees is in Cook County they would not have held this meeting. They chose to have this meeting to hear from the people, they would not have done that, they would have just ran it through.
Mr. Dan Nordyke, 8298 Columbia Avenue, Dyer – Asked when was the initial layout (water shed) created? Mr. Wieser stated that it was the early 80’s and believed the plan was adopted in 1982. Mr. Nordyke stated that it’s been about 25 years and they still don’t have anything. What guarantee is there that they will get anything in 25 more years and pay taxes for 25 more years? Mr. Myers stated that no guarantees could be given. Mr. Nordyke stated that technically you talk about this that it is not an annexation, he lives on a private road and they would claim eminent domain and they would have to annex them to do that. Myers referenced the question to be that the annexation had to take place prior to providing water and sewer service, Mr. Myers stated that the answer is no. Discussion ensued regarding the status of his private road, the watershed and eminent domain. Mr. Nordyke questioned where would the water be brought in from and if he would get low water pressure? He stated that he had a financial question and inquired if it would be addressed later in the meeting. Discussion ensued.
Mr. Paul Meier, 14209 81st Drive, Dyer – Stated that when he bought his house he bought it because it was in an unincorporated area, he did not want to be part of Dyer or St. John. They propose it is only a utility expansion as a selling point but everyone knows it is the first step of an annexation. Mr. Myers stated that this matter had nothing to do with the annexation of property but expanding the utility district. Mr. Meier stated that on behalf of himself and his neighbors that are here, they are not interested and their well water is probably as good as St. John’s public water. What say so do they have here? He appreciates them having the meeting, and questioned if this does take heart with them that they are speaking up and attending the meeting. Discussion ensued. Mr. Meier stated that he is not interested in it.
Mr. Dave Brown, 8906 Henry Street, Dyer – Asked if this went through what type of cost would be incurred for the sewer and water? Mr. Monanteras stated that would depend on the rate of the assessed valuation of his home and after a few more questions are taken, the financial advisor, Mr. Steve Carter, will address the questions that have been asked regarding the impact of the taxes.
Mr. Ed Hendricks, 8813 Henry Street, Dyer – Asked what was the federal grant money received 30 years ago used for? Mr. Wieser stated that it was used to separate the storm and sanitary sewer system. Discussion ensued. Mr. Hendricks stated that they really don’t want any of their utilities. (Did not sign in to speak.)
Mr. Bill Martin, 14913 85th Place, Dyer – Asked if there is any talk of storm water run off? Mr. Myers confirmed that this is strictly for water and sanitary. Mr. Martin asked if any of them seen the conditions of the roadways. He does not see how they can bring in sanitary sewers and water without having to rebuild the entire road system back there. The cost to bring that in would have to include the road structure. Mr. Myers stated that the Public Works Director would address these issues when the time comes.
Mr. (inaudible) Dunn, 9200 Henry Street, Dyer – Asked if the new houses have a choice of water automatically from St. John or will they have a choice of well and septic. Mr. Myers questioned if this referenced the timeframe of service availability. Discussion ensued and Mr. Pharazyn provided a brief synopsis of the procedure for a new subdivision coming into town seeking to get town water and sewer service. Mr. Dunn stated that for where he lives, no thanks.
Unidentified person asked to be heard again and plead that they consider an addendum to the proposition to delete the referenced area for now until they can talk to the members of Dyer that are represented here. They are citizens and they pay taxes. Pretend its you that is effected this way and see what you can draw up.
Public Comment Closed
Mr. Steve Carter, H.J. Umbaugh & Associates summarized what the tax impact would be based on different assessed values, currently on pay 2006, pay 2007 is not finalized yet, and the best information they have available. He stated that the Waterworks District has a tax rate currently of about three cents; the Sanitary District of about six cents and of that, six cents, two cents is debt. The two cents of debt will be rolling off somewhere in the next six to nine years. Combining all of that, it’s a total tax rate of nine cents. The results of trending which would bring this down presumably, are not in here, and the results of the additional assessed value rolling into this would also bring this down. The worst case scenario would be nine cents per $100 of assessed valuation; as an example, a $175,000 assessed valued home would pay approximately $10.00 per month combined, a $275,000 assessed value home would pay approximately $18.00 per month. These are taxes they are not user fees. If and when you are ever to be connected you would pay the rate that’s same as everybody else that is connected to water and sewer per thousand gallons. For the water utility the first rate block is $3.26 per thousand. (Tape recording inaudible).
Mr. Wieser mentioned that when utility districts get expanded it is not a guarantee or an absolute certainty that properties in that area would be served. Ultimately they probably will and would take a number of years. There are a number of public policy considerations that the utility districts have to consider. Among those policy considerations are filings by Aqua with the IURC to substantially expand their district to take in a relatively large potion of this, plans by Cedar Lake to build their own treatment plant and expand. And it’s prudent for any community to have seriously looked at this to see what’s in their communities best interest for not only their future expansion but as to how adjoining properties are going to expand and what utilities they are going to use. In this particular case St. John’s position has been, for most instances, it is in the best interest of those areas to be served by a municipal system of water and sewer and they believe they have an outstanding system that can serve those areas.
Ms. Teibel thanked the audience for coming out on behalf of herself and Mr. Michael Fryzel, Town Council President. (Tape recording inaudible) She asked the audience what their telephone prefix’s are.
Mr. Fryzel addressed the audience (Tape recording inaudible including the discussion that ensued). Mr. Fryzel included in his remarks that they would not have any recourse in Indianapolis if they had problems with a private utility. Discussion and confusion ensued, tape inaudible.
Mr. Myers stated that the public hearing was over and asked Mr. Wieser, Sanitary/Waterworks District Attorney, to read the motion. Mr. Wieser stated that at the conclusion of the public hearing two resolutions were prepared for consideration, one relates to the expansion of the Utility District for the Sanitary Board of Commissioners, the other relates to the Waterworks Board of Commissioners. The Sanitary Resolution is denominated as #SD 07-03-19 and the resolution for the Water District is #WD 07-03-19. This is a resolution to consider the expansion of the boundaries of the jurisdiction of the Sanitary and Waterworks District. All the whereas’s set up what is going to happen. We do need to include in one paragraph that it does show that a public hearing was held on March 19, 2007.
Mr. Wieser referenced the language about what may or may not be adopted, “Now therefore be it resolved by the Board of Sanitary and Waterworks District, Number 1. That the following described real estate shall be the Sanitary District, the other one the Waterworks District, of the Town of St. John, Lake County, Indiana, to wit – and it would attach the legal description.
Number 2. That upon adoption of the resolution by the Board of Commissioners of the Sanitary District, other one the Waterworks District, of the Town of St. John, it be submitted to the Recorder of Lake County for recordation and also be submitted to the Town Council for approbation”. He suggested that they adopt these two resolutions which include the legal description that Pete (Town Engineer) has set forth that describes the proposed utility district but that you exclude, at this point in time, from that district that property that is denominated in the northwest corner (that we have all just been referring to) that is bounded by Sheffield Avenue on the West and by the proposed extension of Calumet Avenue on the East, that it be deferred for further study and further indicate that the south side of 81st Avenue has been for 30 years always part of St. John’s sanitary system. He asked for a motion to be made to that effect.
Ms. Sims-Smierciak motioned to approve the above motion stated by the attorney. Seconded by Mr. Monanteras. Motion unanimously passed.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Myers called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was taken with the following members present: Robert Myers, President, Alex Monanteras, Vice-President, Kenneth Gembala, Member, Michael Hanlon, Member, Patricia Sims-Smierciak, Member, Peter Faberbock, Robinson Engineering, Bob Pharazyn, Public Works Director, Randy Wyllie, Attorney, and Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer. Absent was Jerri Teibel, Town Council Liaison.
Any and all business that may come before the Board – It was mentioned that a meeting will be held the first week of May to review the biennial rate.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Myers called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was taken with the following members present: Robert Myers, President, Kenneth Gembala, Member, Michael Hanlon, Member, Patricia Sims-Smierciak, Member, Peter Faberbock, Robinson Engineering, Bob Pharazyn, Public Works Director, Randy Wyllie, Attorney, Michael Fryzel for Jerri Teibel, Town Council Liaison and Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer. Absent was board member Alex Monanteras.
It was reported that Pete answered all the questions for the bonding, it went well and the bond sale would be this week.
Mr. Pharazyn reported that the 93rd and Route #41, INDOT Project, is now scheduled to be out for bid around May 31, 2007.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Monanteras motioned to approve Robinson Engineering’s recommendations for sewage capacity and system development charges for 9431 Joliet Street and St. Anthony’s Diagnostic Center on 109th and Parrish. Seconded by Ms. Sims-Smierciak. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Faberbock stated that INDOT (93rd & US #41 project) realized their estimate was real low and the State must go back and find more funds. He added that the State does not tell you what the estimate is so he does not know how much money they are looking for.
Mr. Myers reminded everyone that they are on a sprinkler ban. Mr. Pharazyn mentioned that he has contacted the sprinkler companies not to water at 3:00 A.M. and the larger construction companies to alter their times as well. Discussion ensued.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Michael Forbes, 12466 West 105th Place – He stated that the purpose of the loan is for the 05 St. John Project Fund, the municipal buildings, and requested confirmation. He stated that they would recoup the percentage of interest and inquired as to when it would start. It was confirmed that it would be immediately. Mr. Forbes asked how much money is left in the fund after the removal of the $1.5M. Mr. Monanteras stated that he is looking at the report for the end of June and this $1.5M would bring the fund down to approximately $1.5M, a 50% reduction in the fund. Mr. Monanteras stated that at the present time, there are no plans on the board’s part to use any of these funds in this time frame. Mr. Forbes stated that it concerns him if an emergency would occur. Discussion ensued. Mr. Myers stated this that fund is only for the Schererville Treatment Plant and if they should expand, it would be years away. Mr. Forbes also asked if there were any other loans or donations for the building fund paid by this board. Mr. Monanteras stated that a loan was made to the town because of the delay in the tax bills and the board paid their portion for the new Public Works Building. Discussion ensued.
Mr. Forbes mentioned the locations of 93rd and White Oak and asked the location of Lift Station #3. Mr. Faberbock stated that it is on Olcott. Discussion ensued. Mr. Forbes also referenced the lift station on Thiel, the bottom of the hill, and inquired if the land was ever dedicated. Mr. Gembala stated he has seen a deed for the land, the only problem was an easement next to the land. The town did find the easement, which apparently was not recorded. Discussion ensued. Mr. Forbes asked if the lift station at White Oak and 101st is going to be eliminated. Mr. Faberbock stated it could be eliminated. Mr. Faberbock stated Mr. Pharazyn is telling the board which ones should be eliminated and that one is not on his list right now.
Mr. Myers stated that for the most part they won the lawsuit against Aqua. Aqua got the Emerald Crossing subdivision but the district got everything else to Cedar Lake. Aqua is going to apply again tomorrow.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Pharazyn stated that LS#9 on 85th Avenue just outside of Fair Oaks Subdivision is in need of a serious upgrade. It is in the range of 12 years old and is a very small lift station. It needs new guide rail, chains, and misc. clamps. He has a proposal from Gasvoda for $5,227.00 for them to come and rebuild the rail system for the lift station. Mr. Monanteras motioned to approve the payment of $5,227.00 for LS#9 to Gasvoda and Associates. Seconded by Mr. Hanlon. Motion passed with a vote of 3 - 0.
Mr. Monanteras asked about the bulk water sales and referenced the handout provided. He asked if the sum total was correct. Ms. Sury explained the procedure followed for the receipt of funds. Mr. Monanteras asked if there is anyway of knowing what is being prepaid to use the fire hydrants versus the metered residential sales. Discussion ensued.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Public Hearing opened and closed to the public. There were no members of the public present.
Public Hearing opened and closed to the public. There were no members of the public present.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Faberbock stated that he had something on this regarding the wetland restoration. It has all been staked out and Rex Construction has been made aware of the areas (along the west line of the town’s property where the treatment plant currently sits and one section just north of Hedwig). He said IDEM was not satisfied with the restoration and Rex Construction will go back and reseed with the wetland mix and put some topsoil down at no additional cost as part of the project.
Mr. Faberbock added that the same holds true for the eastside interceptor sewer with a different contractor, R & R Sewer. Mr. Pharazyn stated that it is his recollection that Attorney Muenich told him not to worry about restoring anything on that project because he would take care of it, if he had to throw some grass seed he would not mind.
Mr. Monanteras mentioned that some of the bills being paid at this meeting are from October and November of last year. He suggested that all invoices go directly to the Clerk-Treasurer’s office and not the individual department first. Discussion ensued. Mr. Pharazyn stated that to his knowledge, all the invoices are being sent to the Clerk’s office.
Mr. Pharazyn gave an update on the possibility of purchasing a payloader. He stated that he has gotten a couple of preliminary numbers back. The cost will be around $110,000 to purchase a 2.5 yard bucket payloader with a 4 in 1 bucket which would enable them to pick up large branches. He is also looking into doing a 4-year lease to purchase, which would enable them to pay off the equipment in 4 years; this is a 20-year piece of equipment. He also discussed the possibility with Steve Kil of using the solid waste money as this equipment would be used for leaves and wood chips. He would recommend that the water and sewer do the first two years, the solid waste the third year and by the fourth year his MVH budget would be out of jeopardy at that time and could make the final payment.
Mr. Fryzel complimented Mr. Pharazyn on a speech he gave at the monthly Chamber meeting, which was held at the new public safety facility on the 12th of September and mentioned that he sat in on the exit meeting with the State Board of Accounts and they never mentioned what Mr. Monanteras said about the invoices. Discussion ensued. Mr. Monanteras stated that pertaining to the timely payment of bills he does not see this as an audit issue but as a way to streamline the process.
Mr. Gembala asked for a procedure to be put in place so as to notify someone when they go into the dry well and how long they are down there. Mr. Pharazyn said they should not be going down there without a second person there, will look into this matter, and follow up with Mr. Gembala.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Monanteras motioned to approve pay estimate #3 to Caldwell Tanks in the amount of $8,177.22. Seconded by Mr. Hanlon. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Monanteras asked the status of the intersection with the State and the status of the project relative to the light on Wall Street. Discussion ensued. Mr. Pharazyn stated that he and Mr. Kil met with a representative if INDOT three weeks ago and the reason the project went so high was the amount of storm sewer work on the job and there were changes on each leg of the project. Mr. Pharazyn has made some recommendations to INDOT that would take some cost out of the project.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Faberbock stated that regarding the plan he had some comments and reviews for the engineer. He also asked Mr. Muenich about the water main in the rear yards. Discussion ensued.
Mr. Pharazyn stated that he is also concerned about the water lines going through the rear yards. Mr. Muenich referenced the pipeline easements and the 100’ wide strip of ground. Discussion ensued. Mr. Pharazyn stated that he was fine with it after hearing the explanation provided. Mr. Faberbock stated the he would like his concerns put in as a contingent upon approval. Discussion ensued also regarding the placement of fire hydrants and adding the 15’ foot easements on each side of the pipeline easements.
Ms. Sims-Smierciak motioned to approve subject to final approval by the Public Works Director and the Engineers. Seconded by Mr. Gembala. Discussion ensued. (Mr. Faberbock will submit a review letter to the board outlining all these matters.) Motion passed with a vote of 4 - 0.
Mr. Monanteras motioned to accept the Grants of Rights for Redeemer URC for both Districts with a 24-month period for construction to begin. Seconded by Ms. Sims-Smierciak. Motion passed with a vote of 4 - 0.
Ms. Sury mentioned that M&M and Target have paid their fees.
Mr. Pharazyn stated that he gave Jennifer at Robinson Engineering the direction to go ahead and begin, on behalf of the town, the work for acquiring the permit for the well and the water treatment plant. Mr. Myers mentioned that he asked her to do that two weeks ago.
Mr. Pharazyn mentioned that Phase Two of the U.S. 41 south water main replacement project is done; it went very, very well. They went approximately 500 feet and got rid of all the 4” and 6” main and are back to the newer 8” and there is approximately 700 more feet to go.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Open to the Floor – Comments, none
Floor Closed to Public
Ms. Sims-Smierciak motioned to approve the land exchange of real estate with Schilling/Wachter property. Seconded by Mr. Hanlon. Motion passed with a vote of 4 - 0.
Mr. Monanteras referenced, Republic First National, a finance company that specializes in municipal leasing and asked Mr. Pharazyn to explain the financing arrangements. He stated that he was impressed with their knowledge and their interest in getting the business. Discussion ensued regarding the interest factor of 4.23% to be paid. (Motion to approve and utilize this finance company is referenced below)
Mr. Monanteras motioned to approve and use Republic First National financing company for the wheel loader purchase. Seconded by Ms. Sims-Smierciak. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Hanlon motioned to adopt the 2008 Salary Ordinance SD#97. Seconded by Ms. Sims- Smierciak. Motion unanimously passed.
Ms. Sury stated that she has another request from a builder asking to waive the sewer charges for watering the lawn for his vacant new house that is for sale. Discussion ensued whether the board’s ordinance/policy should be the changed and allow such adjustments for summer sprinkling rates that are available to residential customers. Ms. Sims-Smierciak motioned that the Board’s standard policy is not to waive the summer sprinkling fees for empty houses that are for sale. Seconded by Mr. Hanlon. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Monanteras asked Mr. Pharazyn to prepare a report on how much water has been billed and pumped in contrast to what is being sent to Schererville as a way to recap the year. Mr. Pharazyn stated that he would have the water comparison reports prepared and ready for distribution by the next study session.
Mr. Hanlon motioned to adopt 2008 Salary Ordinance #WD64. Seconded by Mr. Monanteras. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Monanteras motioned to open the public hearing. Seconded by Mr. Hanlon. Motion unanimously passed.
Opening Remarks - Mr. Muenich provided the opening remarks and gave a brief overview of the documents he distributed. Discussion ensued regarding the need for an additional 20’ foot easement on the west boundary line.
Waterworks District Member Comments – None
Open to the Floor – Comments, none
Floor Closed to Public
Mr. Monanteras motioned to approve the transfer/exchange of real property (Schilling/Wachter) subject to Mr. Muenich supplying the extended easement to the council on Thursday. Seconded by Ms. Sims-Smierciak. Motion unanimously passed.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
