Gregory Volk, President | Michael Forbes | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Larry Bustamante | Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer |
Ken Gembala | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Forbes moved to nominate Gregory Volk to sit as president for 2014. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Forbes made a motion to nominate Mark Barenie to sit as vice-president for 2014. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. Mr. Volk asked if there were any further nominations. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion and moved to close nominations. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- all. Nays ---
Mr. Forbes made a motion to approve the special meeting minutes of December 30, 2013. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Volk stated the Professional Services Agreement with Cender & Company, for financial services, was before the Board for their consideration. He asked if there were any questions on the agreement. There were no questions.
Mr. Gembala made a motion to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Cender & Company for 2014. Mr. Forbes seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Forbes made a motion to approve the payment of the bills for the Waste Water Utility. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Dan Gherghe, 9310 Northcote Avenue
Mr. Gherghe asked for the name of the Code Enforcement Officer and the same was provided to him.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Volk called for additional public comment. There was no further public comment. Mr. Volk closed the floor to public comment.
(The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m.)
A TRUE COPY
____________________________________________
SUSAN E. WRIGHT, RECORDING SECRETARY
ST. JOHN UTILITY BOARD
Gregory Volk, President | Michael Forbes | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Larry Bustamante | Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer |
Ken Gembala | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Gembala made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 30, 2014, Utility Board meeting as posted. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Volk noted that an update on the INDOT project bridge replacement over a branch of West Creek was next on the agenda. He asked Mr. Kil to update the Board.
Mr. Kil stated that the project has been sent out for bid. He stated that he has requested a copy of the bids. Mr. Kil stated that the Town has to contribute monetarily to this project. He stated that he also requested an invoice that reflects the Town’s monetary contribution to the project.
Mr. Kil stated that the Town will have to relocate utilities that lie within the INDOT right of way. He stated that a pre-construction meeting is scheduled to take place in LaPorte on February 28, 2014. He stated that Mr. Kenn Kraus, Haas & Associates, will attend the pre-construction meeting.
Mr. Kil stated that as soon as he received a copy of the invoice for the INDOT project, he will inform the Board. He stated that INDOT will commence construction as soon as the weather permits.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Volk requested that Mr. Kil update the Board on the Master Plan. Mr. Kil stated that the Utility Master Plan is being updated (water and sewer). He stated that the Town’s engineering firm is working with members of the Public Works Department. Mr. Kil stated that the Master Plan is moving forward, but is slightly behind schedule due to the adverse weather conditions.
The Board members had no reports or correspondence to submit to the Utility Board.
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion to authorize payment of the aforementioned bills. “So moved,” by Mr. Forbes. Mr. Barenie seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
(The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 p.m.)
A TRUE COPY
____________________________________________
SUSAN E. WRIGHT, RECORDING SECRETARY
ST. JOHN UTILITY BOARD
Gregory Volk, President | Michael Forbes | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Larry Bustamante | Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer |
Ken Gembala | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion to approve the minutes of the February 27, 2014, Utility Board meeting as posted. “So moved,” by Mr. Gembala. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Kil noted that there were representatives of Lake Hills Baptist Church in the audience. He stated that the permit fees were calculated for the utility charges that would affect the Lake Hills Baptist Church. He stated that the church will be tying into the water and sewer lines that they are installing very shortly.
Mr. Kil stated a total utility fee of $55,618.42 was calculated for Lake Hills Baptist Church. He explained where all of the utility fees originated. Mr. Kil stated that the Town’s past practice for institutions such as churches and schools is to have the Board consider a fifty percent waiver of fees. He stated that the waiver that would apply to Lake Hills Baptist Church would total $27,809.21.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Volk noted that Mr. Kil is recommending a fifty percent waiver based on past practice. He asked if there was any discussion on this matter.
The Reverend of Lake Hills Baptist Church appeared before the Board and thanked them for their consideration in waiving utility fees. He stated that the highest fee, to his understanding, was for the 4” fire protection water tap. Mr. Kil concurred. The Reverend stated that he is working with the architect in order to eliminate the need to install a 4” fire protection water tap.
Mr. Kil stated that the utility fee was calculated based upon the drawings provided by Lake Hills Baptist Church. He stated that if the 4” fire protection water tap was not needed or installed it would automatically reduce the bill by $37,500.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Kil stated that the revised figure, without the 4” fire protection water tap and with a fifty percent waiver, would be approximately $9,000. Mr. Kil clarified that when Petitioner comes in for a permit, it would be for three 1” taps.
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion to authorize a waiver for fifty percent of the total utility bill of $18,118.42. Mr. Gembala made a motion to authorize the fifty percent waiver of $18,118.42 based on the installation of three 1” taps. Mr. Barenie seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
The Board members had no reports or correspondence to submit.
Mr. Kil had nothing further to report. Attorney Austgen had nothing to report.
Mr. Volk noted that the corrected copy of the Water Utility docket containing the same APVs, totaled $260,846.22. Ms. Sury explained that Ms. Kocot corrected the docket when it was balanced.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Volk stated that he would entertain a motion to pay the Waste Water Utility bills. Mr. Forbes made a motion to authorize payment of the Water Utility APVs in the amount of $260,846.22. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
(The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.)
A TRUE COPY
____________________________________________
SUSAN E. WRIGHT, RECORDING SECRETARY
ST. JOHN UTILITY BOARD
Gregory Volk, President | Michael Forbes | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Larry Bustamante | Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer |
Ken Gembala | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Gembala made a motion to approve the meeting minutes of April 24, 2014, as posted. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Kil stated in a case like this, the resident has to pay for the water used but the sewer portion could be waived. The amount of the sewer bill is $484.88. Mr. Forbes asked if a waiver should be given for the waste tracker. Mr. Kil recommended both the sewer and waste tracker fees be waived.
Mr. Volk asked if there were any questions or opposition to waiving the sewer and waste tracker fees in the amount of $497.68. There were no questions or comments.
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion. Mr. Forbes made a motion to waive the waste water and waste water tracker fees for 8671 Wicker Avenue, in the amount of $497.68, in this instance. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Kil stated that the incident was investigated and the water was turned off. He stated that Ms. McMillen understands that she owes the fee of $1,212.39 for water used. He recommended that the sewer bill and waste tracker fee of $2,899.77 be waived.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Gembala made a motion to approve waiving the wastewater and waste water tracker fee in the amount of $2,899.77. Mr. Forbes seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Kil noted that Mr. Akoto-Bamfo acknowledges that he must pay for water used in the amount of $191.69. He recommended that the Board consider waiving the waste water and waste water tracker fee.
Mr. Bustamante made a motion to accept Mr. Kil’s recommendation and waive the $267.27 waste water and waste water tracker fee. Mr. Forbes seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Gembala made a motion to approve the payment of the bills for the Waste Water Utility as read. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
(The meeting was adjourned at 7:18 p.m.)
A TRUE COPY
____________________________________________
SUSAN E. WRIGHT, RECORDING SECRETARY
ST. JOHN UTILITY BOARD
Gregory Volk, President | Michael Forbes | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Larry Bustamante | Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer |
Ken Gembala | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Gembala made a motion to approve the meeting minutes of April 24, 2014, as posted. Mr. Barenie seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Kil stated he would allow Kenn Kraus or Jim Mauer, of Haas & Associates make the presentation. Mr. Kil stated that an engineering services agreement has been prepared for Lift Station Number One. He stated this lift station has been a topic for discussion for approximately the last decade. Mr. Kil noted that development is picking up again and Lift Station Number One services the entire southwest corridor of the community and all future development in this area.
Mr. Kil stated that Mr. Mauer, Haas & Associates, will be working on this project as the design engineer. Mr. Kil asked Mr. Kraus to briefly describe the project and the fee structure.
Mr. Kraus stated that Mr. Mauer has done most of the work on the facilities assessment portion of the project. Mr. Kraus turned the presentation over to Mr. Mauer.
Mr. Mauer stated that the engineering proposal for replacement of existing Waste Water Pump Station Number One has some uniqueness to it. He stated that a brief engineering summary of the project is as follows: complete replacement of the existing station with a new station immediately next to the existing station; two force mains side by side to extend practically due east from the lift station, across the highway, across two railroads to Parrish Avenue, and then north to a point of discharge before Joliet Street.
Mr. Mauer stated directed the Board’s attention to the bottom of Page 2 which indicates that it is anticipated that the project will be constructed with local funds, and no federal or state funding that could involve items of work for the engineer. Mr. Mauer stated that no wetland issues are anticipated with any of the construction locations so there is no involvement with wetland issues involved in the proposal.
Mr. Mauer directed the Board’s attention to Page 3, Item A3, the proposal has been based on the lift station being included as a factory designed and built structure that would contain all of the discharge piping from the pumps, the control valves, the electrical and control facilities and the HVAC unit for the building that will house all of the aforementioned.
Mr. Mauer stated that this unit would be delivered from the factory to the site complete, ready and wired. He stated that the piping and power would then have to be connected. Mr. Mauer stated that the lift station would be set on a foundation that constructed on-site and then most likely brick facing would have to be constructed depending upon the Town’s wishes for the appearance of the building.
Mr. Mauer stated that this is the type of structure that Derwin observed in the Town of Porter. Mr. Mauer stated that it is nice to have access to a company that provides these facilities and does this type of work. He stated there would be sole source responsibility for everything.
Mr. Mauer stated that the company that sells the lift stations also provides drawings for the engineers review and approval. He stated that the company will provide the detail drawings and specifications.
Mr. Mauer directed the Board’s attention to Item A9. He stated that IDEM has informed them that they are short-handed in their plan review section and it could take three to four months from the submission of the construction permit until one is issued.
Mr. Mauer directed the Board’s attention to Item A12. He noted that the construction required for the two railroad crossings is questionable. He stated that the lift station will be crossing where there is no existing right of way. Mr. Mauer stated that it’s possible that each of the railroad crossings will require a temporary crossing point on the railroad, not signalized, but just to provide access to the contractor in order to install the two force mains and also for future access by the Town to make any necessary repairs. Mr. Mauer stated that this could make obtaining railroad permitting even more difficult.
Mr. Mauer stated that as soon as they are authorized to proceed on the project they will start on the railroad permitting immediately.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Kil stated in the event this project is approved, he wants to talk about recapturing some of the money from this project from the development community. Mr. Kil stated, obviously, the project is being done to facilitate future residential and commercial development.
Mr. Kil requested that, as a part of the proposal, Mr. Mauer establish and provide him with a capture area. He stated he would like to know the exact area and acreage this proposed lift station would serve. He stated he would talk to Attorney Austgen about drafting a recapture agreement with the information provided by Mr. Mauer.
Mr. Mauer stated that the $125,000 price encompasses preliminary and final design and the IDEM and INDOT permits. He stated that the railroad permits does not carry a “not to exceed” amount because of the uncertainty with the railroad permits.
Mr. Kil stated that once a route is identified and approved, legal descriptions will have to be drawn up for the easements. Mr. Kil asked if composing the legal descriptions were included in this $125,000.00. Mr. Mauer stated that the legal descriptions are included in the proposed costs.
Mr. Mauer directed the Board’s attention to Item C, he stated that costs were based on one construction contract which would include installation of the lift station and the force mains. Mr. Mauer stated since the lift station is factory built it can be set by an underground contractor. He stated that this is how the job was done in Porter, Indiana.
Mr. Mauer directed the Board’s attention to Page 5, which reflected the estimated cost for the project. He referred to “Construction Services.” Mr. Mauer directed the Board’s attention to the second asterisk at the bottom of the page that describes construction services which includes on-site inspection by Haas & Associates. He stated that this cost is based on 24 hours per week and a seven month construction period. Mr. Mauer stated that the asterisk discussion goes on to say that the Town may very likely do most of the inspection, and Haas & Associates would not be involved. He stated that the estimated cost for Item D would be greatly reduced if Haas & Associates is not involved in much on-site construction inspection.
Mr. Mauer directed the Board’s attention to Page 6, the schedule between submittal to IDEM for a construction permit and the finalizing of the design documents. He estimated the time period for this to be August 15, 2014 to December 1, 2014. He stated that this is the three to four month time period he referred to earlier. Mr. Mauer if IDEM “staffs up” maybe they will not face the three to four month wait time. Mr. Mauer stated that this would basically be a dead zone in the schedule.
Mr. Mauer stated that it is possible that the project could be sent out for bid while waiting for the IDEM permit, but construction could not be started. Mr. Mauer stated that it is a bit risky to do this. He stated that the Haas & Associates schedule does not reflect doing that.
Mr. Mauer stated he has highlighted much of the project; he asked if there were any questions.
(General discussion ensued.)
The “not to exceed” costs, the fixed costs and allowance costs were discussed.
Mr. Kil summarized the following items that should be done right now: preliminary and final design, the railroad permits, bidding assistance and allowance for the geo-tech and investigation. Mr. Mauer concurred.
Mr. Kil stated these items reflect a “not to exceed number of $160,000.00.” Mr. Kil recommended that the Board should consider the construction costs when the project has reached that point. Mr. Kil stated that he is very concerned with the design and easement acquisition at this point in time because it will take a substantial amount of time.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Kil stated he is not anticipating an easement cost right now because he believes the easements may be donated to them. He explained that the landowners cannot develop their property without the new lift station.
Railroad permit costs were discussed.
Mr. Kil commented that this will be a big job and not a quick process. He recommended that the engineering, easement documents and negotiations with the railroad be started. He stated any costs above and beyond the $160,000.00 will have to come back before the Board.
Mr. Volk asked if there were any other questions or any discussion. There was no further discussion.
Mr. Volk stated that the Board is considering engineering costs not to exceed $160,000.00 to get things started for Lift Station One. Mr. Forbes stated he would make a motion to approve preliminary engineering for Lift Station One with engineering costs not to exceed $160,000.00. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Mauer thanked the Board and told them they will get started. Mr. Kraus stated he would send Mr. Kil a proposed route.
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion for payment of the bills. Mr. Forbes made a motion to approve the payment of the bills for the Waste Water Utility as read. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
(The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.)
A TRUE COPY
____________________________________________
SUSAN E. WRIGHT, RECORDING SECRETARY
ST. JOHN UTILITY BOARD
Gregory Volk, President | Michael Forbes | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Larry Bustamante | Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer |
Ken Gembala | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Gembala made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 22, 2014, Utility Board meeting. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion for payment of the bills. “So moved,” by Mr. Barenie. Mr. Forbes seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
(The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m.)
A TRUE COPY
____________________________________________
SUSAN E. WRIGHT, RECORDING SECRETARY
ST. JOHN UTILITY BOARD
Gregory Volk, President | Michael Forbes | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Larry Bustamante | Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer |
Ken Gembala | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Volk stated he would accept a motion to approve the minutes of the June 26, 2014. Mr. Forbes made a motion to accept the meeting minutes of the June 26, 2014, as provided by Susan E. Wright. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
Mr. Kil informed the Board that the bridge construction on Route 41 is complete. He stated that the road still needs to be repaved. Mr. Kil stated the project should be completed within the next week.
Mr. Volk asked the Board members if they had any reports. There were no comments or reports from any of the Board members.
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion for payment of the bills. Mr. Forbes made motion to authorize payment of the bills as read. Mr. Barenie seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
(The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 p.m.)
A TRUE COPY
____________________________________________
SUSAN E. WRIGHT, RECORDING SECRETARY
ST. JOHN UTILITY BOARD
Gregory Volk, President | Michael Forbes | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Larry Bustamante | Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer |
Ken Gembala | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion to approve the meeting minutes of the July 24, 2014, Utility Board. Mr. Forbes made a motion to approve the July 24, 2014, Utility Board meeting minutes. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0/1). Mr. Gembala abstained due to his absence from the meeting. Ayes --- four. Nays --- none. Abstain --- one.
Mr. Olthof stated that the Petitioner will sign a Waiver of Remonstrance for Annexation. Mr. Olthof stated that a legal description will be provided with the waiver.
Mr. Olthof requested that the approval for connection to the Town’s utilities as well as the Waiver of Remonstrance be considered null and void by the Town in the event that the sale of the property does not go through.
Mr. Volk asked for an anticipated build date for the school. Mr. Olthof stated that a timeline has not been pinpointed at the present time. He gave an approximate date of three to four years out.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Olthof informed the Board that he is working with Lake County, but Lake County desires that a connection to a municipal utility connection be obtained. He stated that in the event the Board approves the municipal utility connection, the Petitioner can continue to work with Lake County to request approvals at a county level.
Mr. Volk asked if the Board had any questions or thoughts. There were no comments or questions from the Board.
Attorney Austgen noted for purposes of protecting the Town and its utility, and due to Mr. Olthof’s indicating that the property is under contract but unacquired a recordable instrument is necessary. He stated it would be advisable for the Town to have a recordable legal instrument referencing the automatic rescission of the approval to connect to the Town’s utilities in the event the contract transaction is not completed. He stated the document would give the Board complete control over review and decision-making if a change did occur.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Olthof stated that the Petitioner would be glad to execute and sign the legal instrument against the property and record the same in Lake County, Indiana. Attorney Austgen noted that the document would have to be executed by both the Petitioner and the owner of the property.
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion to approve the utility connection for Illiana Christian High School contingent upon the Town receiving an executed Waiver of Remonstrance, along with an acceptable legal and recordable document reflecting an automatic rescission of the approval for the utility connection. Mr. Forbes made the motion as summarized by Mr. Volk. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- one. Nays --- none.
Mr. Olthof stated he would provide a legal description, plat and names to Attorney Austgen.
There were no comments or reports from the Board members.
Mr. Kil stated he had a request on behalf of resident, Steven Mandich, 13701 Limerick Drive. He explained that Mr. Mandich experienced a problem with his water softener where the softener was broke and it never stopped backwashing. Mr. Kil noted that the water softener backwashed directly into the sump pit and not into the sanitary sewer.
Mr. Kil stated that Mr. Mandich, being inattentive to the situation, now has a $645.93 sewer bill. He stated that Mr. Mandich has acknowledged that thousands of gallons of water were used and he is willing to pay for the same.
Mr. Kil stated the sewer portion of the resident’s bill is usually around $32.00 per month. Ms. Sury remarked that the resident is on summer sprinkling. She stated he would be charged for the sewer that he uses.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Kil stated that Mr. Mandich is looking for relief on the sanitary portion of his bill for what is calculated to be above and beyond his normal usage. Mr. Kil reiterated that the resident’s sewer bill is usually around $32.00 per month. He stated that the overage on the sanitary sewer amounts to approximately $578.48, and with penalties of approximately $67.45, a total of $645.93.
Mr. Kil stated if the Board were inclined to waive the aforementioned fee and penalties, he will review and verify the numbers with Connie in the Clerk-Treasurer’s office.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Volk stated that he would entertain a motion to waive the $645.93, contingent upon the numbers being verified by Mr. Kil. “So moved,” by Mr. Bustamante. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- one. Nays --- none.
Mr. Gembala made a motion to approve the bills as read by Mr. Volk in the amount of $156,973.22. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- one. Nays --- none.
(The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.)
A TRUE COPY
____________________________________________
SUSAN E. WRIGHT, RECORDING SECRETARY
ST. JOHN UTILITY BOARD
Gregory Volk, President | Michael Forbes | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Larry Bustamante | Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer |
Ken Gembala | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion to approve the meeting minutes of the August 28, 2014, Utility Board. Mr. Forbes made a motion to approve the August 28, 2014, Utility Board meeting minutes. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --- four. Nays --- none.
Mr. Kil informed the Board that Lift Station One is proceeding on schedule. He stated he will have all of the easement documents that will be required for the routing of the sewer shortly.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Kil stated that he just received, based upon the wetland review, the final route for Lift Station One. He noted that there has been a small shift at the very west side of the project where it comes out of Lift Station One. Attorney Austgen requested that this discussion be finalized by early next week.
There were no comments or reports from the Board members.
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion to approve the bills. “So moved,” by Mr. Bustamante. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Mr. Gembala indicated, for the record, that he reviewed a majority of the bills he was not able to get through all of them because they were late. Mr. Volk acknowledged Mr. Gembala’s comment. The motion was passed by voice vote (4/0/1). Ayes --- three. Nays --- none. Abstain --- one. Mr. Forbes abstained.
Mr. Volk requested a roll call vote. Ms. Sury took a roll call vote. Ken Gembala --- yes. Larry Bustamante --- yes. Michael Forbes --- abstain. Mark Barenie --- absent. Greg Volk --- yes. The motion was carried by roll call vote (3/0/1). Ayes --- three. Nays --- none. Abstain --- one.
(The meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m.)
A TRUE COPY
____________________________________________
SUSAN E. WRIGHT, RECORDING SECRETARY
ST. JOHN UTILITY BOARD
Gregory Volk, President | Michael Forbes | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Larry Bustamante | Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer |
Ken Gembala | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Kil informed the Board that the Lift Station #1 project is still being worked on. He stated the easement documents are being worked on at Austgen Kuiper. Mr. Kil stated that the easement documents should be procured over the winter months, with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in late spring or early summer of 2015.
There were no reports or correspondence.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Barenie noted he would approve the attached invoices that totaled $163,098.27. Mr. Forbes made a motion to approve payment of the attached invoices in the amount of $163,098.27. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.
(The meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m.)
A TRUE COPY
____________________________________________
SUSAN E. WRIGHT, RECORDING SECRETARY
ST. JOHN UTILITY BOARD
Gregory Volk, President | Michael Forbes | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Larry Bustamante | Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer |
Ken Gembala | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion on the minutes of September 25, 2014. Mr. Gembala made a motion to approve the September 25, 2014, regular meeting minutes. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- None.
Mr. Volk asked if there were any questions on the October 23, 2014, meeting minutes. There were no questions. Mr. Forbes made a motion to approve the October 23, 2014, meeting minutes. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0/0). Ayes --- three. Nays --- None. Abstain --- two. Mr. Volk and Mr. Gembala abstained.
Mr. Volk noted the first item under New Business before the Board for their consideration was for a waiver of fees for Brian Upham at 12513 West 103rd Avenue.
Mr. Kil explained to the Board that this resident had a back-up generator that is water-generated. By the time the resident realized his sump pump was out a high volume of water had run through it.
Mr. Kil stated the resident’s usage history was researched and it reflected the high usage when the sump pump was not working. He stated he is requesting a waiver of the sanitary sewer charges associated with the sump pump break down.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Kil stated in the event the Board waives the excess sanitary sewer charges, he will have Connie calculate a “normal bill,” and waive the excess charges for this one time. Mr. Kil recommended that the Board consider waiving an amount not to exceed $250.00.
Mr. Volk asked for a motion to waive excess fees, not to exceed $250.00. “So moved,” by Mr. Barenie. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- None.
Mr. Volk stated the next item on the agenda was a review of the Wastewater Treatment Plan Project. He stated Mr. Kil would update the Board on this project.
Mr. Kil stated that the Town of Schererville is proposing to completely replace the ultraviolet disinfection system for the sewage treatment. He stated there was a plant expansion in 1994, at which time the ultraviolet disinfection was installed in lieu of chlorine.
Mr. Kil stated that the a new ultraviolet disinfection chamber will be built with all new piping going into and coming out it the chamber.
Mr. Kil stated the estimated cost given by Schererville is $3 million, hard and soft costs. He stated he has the plans and specifications for the project. He stated St. John would be responsible for twenty percent. Mr. Kil stated, given the $3 million project costs, by agreement, the Town’s costs are approximately $600,000. Mr. Kil stated that the UV disinfection system is in dire need of an upgrade.
(General discussion ensued.)
Mr. Gembala noted that the Town’s expansion fund reflects there are more than enough funds to cover the UV disinfection system upgrade. Mr. Kil stated the UV disinfection system will be built big enough to handle any additional expansion, when it happens.
Mr. Forbes stated he would entertain a motion on the, UV disinfection system and possible future plant expansion. Mr. Kil stated, at this point in time, $600,000 would be an appropriate amount, but in the event the requests change, he will bring them to the Board for their review.
Attorney Austgen recommended the Board’s motion acknowledge and accept the notification provided by the Town of Schererville, the plans, specifications and other information, along with the Board’s concurrence of twenty percent of the costs, per the Town’s agreement with Schererville. He stated this action by the Board would acknowledge that this is a major capital improvement and that the Town is following its contract.
“So moved,” by Mr. Gembala. Mr. Forbes seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (5/0).
There were no reports or correspondence.
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion on payment of the bills. Mr. Gembala made a motion to approve payment of the Wastewater Utility bills in the amount of $192,725.87. Mr. Forbes seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously carried by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- None.
(The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.)
A TRUE COPY
____________________________________________
SUSAN E. WRIGHT, RECORDING SECRETARY
ST. JOHN UTILITY BOARD
Gregory Volk, President | Michael Forbes | Attorney David Austgen |
Mark Barenie, Vice-President | Larry Bustamante | Sherry Sury, Clerk-Treasurer |
Ken Gembala | Steve Kil, Town Manager |
Mr. Gembala stated with the above-noted minor correction, he would make a motion to approve the minutes of November 20, 2014. Mr. Barenie seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- None.
Mr. Gembala asked about the write-off list that was included the Board members’ packets.
It was determined this list would be addressed at the next meeting.
Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion on payment of the bills. “So moved,” by Mr. Barenie. Mr. Bustamante seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously carried by voice vote (5/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- None.
(The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 p.m.)
A TRUE COPY
____________________________________________
SUSAN E. WRIGHT, RECORDING SECRETARY
ST. JOHN UTILITY BOARD