Mr. Gembala nominated Mr. Monanteras for Vice-President of both Districts. Seconded by Mr. Myers. Mr. Gembala motioned to close the floor for nominations. Seconded by Mr. Hanlon. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Pharazyn mentioned the project timeline this spring to paint the west water tower and will present proposals for the logo painting. He stated that he would give everyone a copy of the Construction Digest that has the water tower project featured on the front cover.
Mr. Pharazyn provided an overview of the 2005 completed projects and the anticipated department needs and projects for 2006.
Mr. Faberbock mentioned he would like to start investigating locations for a well in the southwest quadrant.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Myers stated that the last two weeks have been hectic for the Board and thanked Mr. Pharazyn and Ms. Sury for their help.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Pharazyn stated that authorization is needed to set up a water meter replacement fund for both the sewer and water districts.
Mr. Carter reviewed the financial summary for the municipal water utility and the 2006 budget. Discussion ensued.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Gembala asked if they are on schedule for the water switch over in June. Mr. Myers stated that he has spoken with Mr. Pharazyn and he reported that they are ahead of schedule.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Monanteras asked Ms. Sury if there was any negative feedback received from the out of town customers on the billing for the hydrant rentals. Ms. Sury reported the feedback was minimal. He asked Mr. Wyllie about the new taxing district including Center Township for the Lotton Development (Gates of St. John) and Grouse Pointe. Discussion ensued. Mr. Wyllie was asked to follow up on this to make sure that the tax key numbers are provided to the auditor.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Monanteras motioned to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 18, 2006. Seconded by Mr. Hanlon. Motion unanimously passed.
The utility billing clerk advised Ms. Sury that Mr. Neitzel told her to charge sewage charges the beginning of July for his residence (13550 W 101st Avenue, Dyer, IN) and that of Mr. Kevin Graham (13540 W 101st Avenue, Dyer, IN). It was stated that Mr. Neitzel assumed that the property could be simply hooked up and the billing procedure initiated. Mr. Wyllie stated that there was a Grant of Right to install sewer lines prepared for Mr. Derwin Neitzel, however, at this time it was not executed and that Mr. Graham did not want to be connected to the sewer. Discussion ensued regarding the mandatory hook up if within 300 feet, if there was a requirement to hook up both water/sanitary and research into this was requested. Mr. Monanteras motioned to defer this item to the study session. Seconded by Ms. Sims-Smierciak. Motion unanimously passed.
Discussion ensued regarding the status of invoices #1009 and #1010 previously presented for payment that were awaiting a review. Mr. Pharazyn stated that he reviewed the invoices from Schererville as requested and that the District will not be paying the $675.00 to Austgen Electric for their time to help plan the project. Schererville will be paying a large portion of the $5,887.00 because that is equipment that was purchased. The bottom line is that they will be getting between $3,000 and $4,000 taken of the bill of $15,901.00. Invoice #1011 was presented for payment and was identified for services rendered to Austgen Kuiper & Associates. Discussion ensued. Mr. Monanteras motioned to pay the Town of Schererville $275.00 for the costs they incurred to Austgen Kuiper & Associates Seconded by Ms. Sims-Smierciak. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Pharazyn stated that the edge of the roof in the original treatment plant building is leaking and he received a lower proposal from the contractor that installed the roof on the new building. The anticipated cost is $4,600.00
Mr. Gembala motioned to amend the above motion to add $1,500.00 for miscellaneous equipment. Seconded by Ms. Sims-Smierciak. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Monanteras questioned voucher #4320 for a payment of $5,000 to St. Paul Travelers with the description of C. Gill. Ms. Sury stated that she questioned this APV with Mr. Kill. He stated that this $5,000 was our portion of the expense to resolve and settle the claims of Mr. Cockerham, Mr. Rench and Mr. Gill. Mr. Myers questioned why the District is paying for a storm water problem. Discussion ensued.
Ms. Sury stated that the public hearing and adoption of the ordinance for the water rate increase is tentatively scheduled for August 17 and that she is requesting that the Town Council approve this ordinance retroactive to August 15, 2006. The cycle would then be for usage from August 15th to September 15th for the first billing of this increase that would be reflected on the October 1st billing. She advised that the public hearing notices were to be sent out shortly to all the utility users outside of the town and that Mr. Austgen advised that he would be sending out the notices for the public hearing to the two newspapers.
Mr. Myers mentioned that he would like to abolish the summer sprinkling credits (sewer) for the homeowners that are credited for watering grass, filling up swimming pools, etc. He would like the sewer rates to remain the same with no adjustments. Discussion ensued including that the suggestion of adjusting the fee structure so that the water rates per gallon used by the customers would remain the same and would not decrease by the amounts used. Ms. Sury explained the cycle indicating that users continue to pay for water usage and the adjustment is on the sewer portion of the bill.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Pharazyn stated that he received a copy of a contract from R&R Sewer & Water that they signed. Discussion ensued. Mr. Monanteras motioned to enter into the contract with R&R Sewer & Water contingent upon the review of the attorney and engineer and that all documents are received. Seconded by Ms. Sims-Smierciak. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Pharazyn stated that Kellly Tree Service has been hired, tree removal has begun and they will try to save some of the more significant trees. De-watering may start later this week and the project will start in earnest a week from Monday at the latest. The tree cutting cost is about $14,000.
Mr. Monanteras motioned to amend the agenda to add Invoice #1009A from the Town of Schererville for $14,956.10. Seconded by Mr. Hanlon. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Monanteras stated that he expected a credit of several thousand dollars based on the comments made by Mr. Pharazyn as referenced in the minutes. Mr. Pharazyn stated that Schererville went through the invoices and the equipment that was purchased to see if it could be used within their existing telemetry and found that it was not compatible to be put on their shelves as spare parts. Mr. Monanteras motioned to approve the payment of $14,956.10 for Invoice #1009A to the Town of Schererville for Austgen Electric. Seconded by Mr. Hanlon. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Pharazyn mentioned a problem that occurred last Friday with the transformer that is located on a pole outside the wastewater treatment plant that supplies the electric to the treatment plant and the wells. The pole caught fire and burned up along with SBC telephone lines. He referenced the splice that was put into the line several years ago to repair it and recently something went wrong and another splice was made and that is the splice that went bad and burned up. He stated that he spoke with Dorothy from NIPSCO (Engineer for the Town) and his electric adviser, Boender, to look at the matter to see what had to be done. A meeting has been set up for Tuesday. Currently there is a giant extension cord running from the pole into the building. At the meeting they will discuss setting a transformer right outside the building to bring the high voltage off the pole to the transformer which will be stepped down to whatever voltage they need. The district will then be responsible for the cost to run the wire from the location of the transformer and tie it into the building. Tomorrow the station and the wells will be run at full capacity so NIPSCO can determine how much electricity is being drawn from the inside wires. Discussion ensued as to the anticipated costs, up to the transformer it will be NIPSCO’s expense and we will have to pay for the copper wire between the transformer and the bottom of the disconnect switch and the main. He will report more at the next meeting.
Mr. Monanteras also asked about a letter written by Mr. Kil to David Austgen regarding the Plan Commission subdivision plating process. Mr. Pharazyn stated that he has not heard any discussion regarding this topic but will ensure this is an agenda item for the next Plan Commission meeting.
Mr. Monanteras asked Mr. Wyllie if the taxing issues are resolved. Mr. Wyllie stated that he has not received the written confirmation from the Auditor’s office and will provide an update at the September 5th meeting.
Mr. Myers distributed a copy of a newspaper article about Schererville expanding their treatment plant. He mentioned if they do so it will cost the district money as well. Mr. Pharazyn stated that he spoke with Schererville’s engineering firm; they are doing a feasibility study. Schererville is looking at having the expanded plant operational in 5 years and would like to start construction in three years. The treatment plant currently is rated at 8.75 million gallons for an average daily flow and they would like to increase the plant capacity to either 10.5 or more likely 12.5 million gallons per day average flow. The anticipated cost of this project is to be approximately six to seven million dollars with our responsibility of paying 20%. Schererville is expecting to have the feasibility work done in 30 to 45 days to determine the estimated cost. Discussion ensued. Mr. Pharazyn stated that there maybe some design engineering bills presented to us that we maybe responsible for (20%), that he would discuss this matter with Steve Carter and provide an update.
Mr. Pharazyn summarized his intention of building a bulk water storage shed whereas water could be sold to the various contractors wishing to purchase water. It would be set up like a cash station machine and is similar to the one currently in use in Valparaiso. He stated that he has begun the work on laying the building out and would like to use the excess materials from the public works project. He has not figured out a complete budget yet but anticipates the cost to be between $15,000 and $20,000 that would be to buy the unit, build the building, and put a space heater in it. He explained the dispensing machine, anticipated cost of $8,000 to $9,000, that he plans to be the general contractor for the project to hold the costs down, the brick work (first four courses of block) will be hopefully done by the contractor that is doing the work on the public safety building and Mr. Redar will build it. Discussion ensued on how the payments will be processed and that he plans to put up a sign advertising this service. He asked for permission to begin working on the project over the course of the next three to four months. Discussion ensued regarding the rates (commercial) to be charged, Mr. Wyllie recommended that this item should be placed on the agenda for an item to think about, the method of payments, (i.e. cash, credit/debit cards, pre-paid cash cards), the purpose of this service and that a resolution would be prepared and then forwarded to the Town Council for action.
Mr. Pharazyn stated that he does not want to light the Kilkenny water tank he would like to focus efforts on lighting the Hack Street one. Putnum County Painting has been contacted to put the painting of the logo on their calendar.
Mr. Pharazyn reported on the test well that was drilled at The Gates, it pumped at 2,000 gallons per minute. It looks like they will be designing a plant capable of handling in the range of 2,000 gallons per minute rather than the initial thought of 1,000 gallons per minute.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Public Hearing opened and closed to the public. There were no members of the public present - (Exhibit A).
Public Hearing opened and closed to the public. There were no members of the public present - (Exhibit A).
Ms. Sury requested that the annual Private Fire Sprinkling System charges be billed on the January 1, 2007, billing due to the difficulties experienced in designating which customers to bill and also due to the fact that several businesses have been monthly billed throughout this research time frame. With all the customers receiving this charge in January, confusion as to payment owing for the year will be eliminated. Mr. Myers asked for a motion to amend the agenda and to motion to charge the Private Fire Sprinkling Charges to the customers as of the January 1, 2007 billing. Mr. Hanlon motioned to amend the agenda and to postpone charging for the Private Fire Sprinkling charges until the January 1, 2007, utility billing. Seconded by Ms. Sims-Smierciak. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Myers asked Mr. Pharazyn that as soon as possible he provide Ms. Sury with the completed private hydrant listing for the annual billing. This is due to the fact that the hydrant rentals are routinely billed in September, the current customers already have been billed and the remaining ones that needed verification need to be included on the October 1, 2006 billing.
Discussion ensued regarding the need for a special meeting on September 5, 2006, to award the bid for LS#3 and the sewage capacity/system charges for Starbucks Coffee. It was decided that the study session on September 4, 2006, would be cancelled and a special meeting scheduled for September 5, 2006.
Mr. Pharazyn stated that only a few contractors picked up the packets for the LS#3 project. He had discussion with the contractors regarding an alternate pipe (concrete) to be used and Mr. Faberbock is researching this matter. He projected the possibility that the bid opening date and award should be extended until the September meeting due to the two addendums that would need to be issued. Discussion ensued on amending the agenda and discussion of another item for approval, payment for the fueling facility. Mr. Myers requested a motion to add two agenda items for the meeting, the extension of the bid opening for the lift station elimination and the other one for the invoice on our fueling station. Ms. Sims-Smierciak motioned to amend the agenda to add two items; extend the bid opening and the invoice for the fueling facility. Seconded by Mr. Hanlon. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Pharazyn stated that he already authorized Boender Electric to go forward with the replacement of the service line into the water treatment plant. NIPSCO has agreed to install a new pole and furnish the transformer at no charge to us, these things normally the customer would have to pay for. It is still our responsibility to get the copper wires from the transformer into the building. He authorized Boender for the sum of $11,500 to perform all the work that is necessary inside the water treatment plant and this does not include the concrete slab needed to support the transformer. Discussion ensued.
Mr. Pharazyn referenced the request he received from Mr. Kill, Town Manager, to approve payment to DRW Services for the fueling facility. He stated that Mr. Kill had committed to pay for this fueling facility out of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund and has done so, he is requesting payment for the retainage portion of the bill in the amount of $15,093.60 and is requesting approval to pay for this by the utility board. Discussion ensued. Ms. Sims-Smierciak motioned to extend the bid opening for the elimination project to September 18, 2006. Seconded by Mr. Hanlon. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Myers stated that the request for payment of the fueling facility and the electric work approval for Boender Electric will be addressed at the September 18, 2006 meeting and that he will also discuss this with Mr. Monanteras.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Monanteras requested that the Transmission Sewer Line to Schererville be included on the next study session.
Mr. Pharazyn showed the members of the board plans for the water tower that included floor space for storage, windows and that two town logos would be painted on the tower.
Mr. Monanteras asked if Mr. Carter from Umbaugh & Associates was aware of the proposed Schererville Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. Mr. Pharazyn stated that he has discussed this matter with him and the engineering fees that would be shared.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Myers asked to address Item 5 of Waterworks District – permission to drill well.
Mr. Pharazyn stated that he had a meeting with West Michigan who gave him a price of approximately $46/lineal foot to directional drill an 8” water main up and down Deodor. There is a dead end hydrant at the end of Deodor and the golf course property. He roughed out a price of $120,000. Discussion ensued regarding permission that was already granted to Ms. Meyers to drill the well. Mr. Pharazyn stated that he is meeting with St. John Plumbing tomorrow to get a price on open cutting. This may be something he may include in next year’s capital improvements.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Faberbock stated that he has a copy of the Water Master Plan Proposal. Mr. Myers requested that this proposal (submitted in 2005) be scheduled for the next study session. Mr. Myers asked Mr. Faberbock about the sanitary mapping. He stated that he has an example of the water and sanitary atlas that was submitted by Tina (Network Administrator) that can also be reviewed.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Hanlon motioned to approve the Salary Ordinance #SD95. Seconded by Ms. Sims-Smierciak. Motion unanimously passed.
Ms. Sury requested confirmation that the monthly meeting time of 6:00 p.m. and dates for the year will remain the same and in January the Study Session is cancelled and will not be re-scheduled; and by mutual consent of the board was confirmed.
New Business
Mr. Monanteras motioned to adopt Ordinance #WD62. Seconded by Mr. Hanlon. Motion unanimously passed.
Mr. Pharazyn addressed the bulk water station and complimented the excellent work performed by Mr. Redar in the construction of the station. Mr. Gembala thanked Tom Redar also for providing a tour of the Water Filtration Building.
Attest:
/s/ Sherry P. Sury, Clerk-Treasurer