Utility Board Meeting Minutes and Recordings 2019

CALL TO ORDER:

The St. John Utility Board Regular Meeting was called to order by Mr. Forbes on January 24, 2019 at 8:14 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call was taken by Clerk-Treasurer Beth Hernandez. The following Board Members were present: Mark Barenie, Libby Popovich, Gerald Swets, and Michael Forbes. Staff present: Steve Kil, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and Joseph Svetanoff, Town Attorney.

Absent: None.

Mr. Forbes declared the presence of a quorum.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Forbes advised the next item on the agenda is the Approval of Minutes for the December 27, 2018 meeting and asked for any questions or comments from the board. Hearing none, he entertained a motion to approve the meeting minutes.

Motion to approve the minutes by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Ms. Popovic. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider Request of Laura Moran

Mr. Forbes advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the request of Laura Moran, 8759 Lake Hills Drive, regarding excess water and sewer usage due to problems with the water softener. Ms. Moran is requesting a $70 water and sewer credit.

Mr. Kil advised that this is a water softener issue; and when a water softener runs, it’s the same as a toilet or faucet running. Mr. Kil further advised that usually someone would hear when the water softener is running; however, Ms. Moran didn’t notice it until she got her water bill and was shocked by the water usage.

Mr. Kil stated that, while she is requesting a credit, the water and sewage were used, and it is the board’s discretion to approve or deny the request.

Mr. Forbes asked if Mr. Kil remembered what was done the last time there was a water-softener issue request. Mr. Forbes stated that the problem with this is it is due to equipment failure inside the house; so the water and sewer were used. He further stated that it isn’t like the next request where the water was left on outside of the home where the sewer was not used.

Mr. Forbes stated that we generally waive the sewer portion because it doesn't get used; however, we do charge for the water. He further stated that, while it is only $70, it is a dangerous precedent to set and asked what happens to the individual that goes to Florida for six months and comes back to the same scenario.

Mr. Swets echoed Mr. Forbes question to Mr. Kil about what was done the last time a request like this was made. Mr. Kil responded that, the last time it came up, it was Christmas time, and Mr. Jorgensen made a motion to waive it. Prior to that, the board has taken the position that if it has to be treated and the Town has to pay to treat the sewage from the water usage, the bill has to be paid.

Mr. Kil advised that the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office is very good about working with customers for payment plans if necessary. Mr. Kil reiterated that it is the discretion of the board.

Mr. Forbes asked for any comments or suggested direction.

Mr. Barenie stated that he doesn’t recall going against any of these over the years if they came in. Mr. Forbes stated that we’ve only waived the sanitary portion of the bill which is what is credited back to the resident when a waiver is granted.

Ms. Popovic asked how much the sanitary portion of the bill was. Mr. Forbes responded that the calculation was not provided.

Mr. Forbes asked the board for any questions or comments. Hearing none, he entertained a motion.

Motion to waive the $70 water and sewer fee by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Mr. Swets. Motion carries 3 ayes to 1 nay by Mr. Forbes.

B. Consider Request of Laura Padilla

Mr. Forbes advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the request of Laura Padilla, 13933 Empress Lane, regarding excess water and sewer usage due to an outside spigot running. Mrs. Padilla is requesting a sewer credit in the amount of $248.48.

Mr. Forbes stated that they are paying for the water, but they are not paying for the treatment of the water through the sewer system.

Ms. Popovic asked if these are generally granted. Mr. Forbes responded that we generally waive the sewer, provided it doesn’t have to go through the treatment. Since the Town doesn’t incur any cost for sewage, we can easily waive that fee.

Mr. Forbes asked the board for any questions or comments. Hearing none, he entertained a motion.

Motion to grant the credit for the sewer in the amount of $248.48 to Laura Padilla by Mr. Swets. Seconded by Ms. Popovic. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

None was had.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Forbes advised the next item on the agenda is the Payment of Bills. Mr. Forbes stated that the total wastewater APVs to be paid are $523,442.61 and asked for any discussion. Hearing none, he entertained a motion to pay the bills.

Motion to pay the APVs by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Mr. Swets. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Jerry Koster (9194 Eggert Lane): Mr. Forbes and the Council, I don’t like to be picky; but I can tell you the number of times that I’ve had excess water bills. Ten years ago, the water meter went out; and when I asked for assistance, too bad, bad water – water meter. Okay. A year ago, same thing. My water softener went out and I wasn’t gone for six months; but it was – I had excess water bill. I had a toilet that malfunctioned with the plumber. I had the toilet; I had an excess water bill. Okay. And I assumed that that was non-, um, reversible; so I didn’t even dare to challenge it.

But I think moving forward, since you’ve already approved this, that maybe guidelines for the future should be very stipulated. Because I think with the thousands of residents out there, um, and I occasionally leave my water spigot on outside overnight, um, and my toilet runs, and because the plunger done it, I guess I’m going to be forwarding, uh, a request for water bills, too. I mean, it’s only fair; right?

So my comment is, I have nothing against these two people; but we’ve all done it. We’ve all been there, and it happens, mechanical failure; so I think guidelines would be in order. And like Steve said, there’s – I’m sure Beth could work out payments, uh, with people like that. Not a problem, I don’t think; but to – to approve these, um, without – I mean you did have a lot of hesitation; and I appreciate that. But moving forward, I think you need to prevent thousands of people sending your water bills for leaving their spigot on and running. Thank you.

Joe Hero (11723 South Oakridge Drive): I’d like to reiterate what was just said. When you hunt around and there’s no policy, somebody better develop a policy. So you have to treat everybody the same. You can’t guess what you did to one guy and the other guy. So, nothing against these people, but it shows a lack of management in the Town when you don’t have a policy on how to handle the situation. And if this is just the tip of the iceberg, there’s probably other areas that need new management for policy. So when you talk about the utility bills and how you treat these situations, you need a policy and procedure so everybody is treated the same.

The other issue I have for Utility Board is simply this, the next item on the agenda is the Redevelopment Commission awarding bids for this Boyer project. How are the water and sewer – who’s putting that in? Who’s paying for that, the Utility Board? The taxpayers? Who’s paying for the water and sewer going through the Boyer project?

I’d like somebody to tell me how that’s going to be done and how that’s going to be regulated and what’s going to be metered and what – what – how that’s all going to happen. Somebody must know because you’re already awarding the bids in the next meeting. And anybody here who hasn’t signed up, there’s another sheet here to comment on that stuff and how – 96th stoplight, turnaround on Joliet. And how are you going to handle those utility bills? Thank you.

Paul Panczuk (8410 Magnolia Street): I’ll make this quick. I’ll reiterate what they said. There needs to be a process; and I wanted to make a suggestion based on Mr. Forbes concern that if your – if you do form this process and want to put guidelines on it, perhaps, you could put a stipulation that if you’re going to give a break, it’s only going to be for one month bill. In other words, if a – a second bill comes with the same abnormality, you’d cut it off there, as well as have some kind of a, um, um, limit set on how much abnormal is abnormal.

What – when would you even consider it, if you’re going to consider it? Uh, it’s difficult to consider paying – I – I – I have sympathy for these folks, but you’re going to open up the – the floodgates. No, uh, no pun intended. It’s going to turn into a “my thing broke”. But if the Town is paying for the water or the service, then, uh, we’re taking exposure there. Thank you.

Mr. Kil advised that the Town does have a policy: Pay your bill. Mr. Kil stated that the board is here to hear a hardship case when people ask for waivers; and that’s why there’s discretion.

Mr. Forbes stated that no matter what rule is put in place, folks can come in and ask for a waiver from that rule.

Mr. Kil concurred and stated that, even with rules in place, everybody still has the right to come and ask.

Jerry Shallon (12095 Oakwood Drive): I feel for the people who had the water fine; but, uh, we’ve all had it happen; an extra 20-30 bucks cause your toilet was running over the weekend while you’re at your lake house. Um, something I think you all forgot was who installed the water softener? Who is responsible now for it not running right? Maybe the plumber should pay the bill – whoever installed it. Maybe the manufacturer could be, uh, looked at. Maybe St. John shouldn’t take the hit right away. And being impartial means not worrying about Christmas.

Having no one else wishing to speak, Mr. Forbes closed Public Comment.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Swets. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carried 4 ayes to 0 nays.

(The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.)

Respectfully Submitted:

Margaret Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Utility Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The St. John Utility Board Regular Meeting was called to order by Mr. Forbes on February 28, 2019, at 7:39 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call was taken by Clerk-Treasurer Beth Hernandez. The following Board Members were present: Mark Barenie, Michael Forbes, Rose Hejl, Gerald Swets, and Libby Popovich. Staff present: Steve Kil, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and Joseph Svetanoff, Town Attorney.

Absent: None.

Mr. Forbes declared the presence of a quorum.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

President:

Nomination for Libby Popovic by Ms. Hejl. Nomination carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

Vice President:

Nomination for Rose Hejl by Ms. Popovic. Nomination carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

Mr. Forbes passed the gavel to Ms. Popovic.

(A short recess was had.)

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Approval of Minutes for the January 24, 2019 meeting and asked for any questions or comments from the board. Hearing none, she entertained a motion to approve the meeting minutes.

Motion to approve the minutes by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Ms. Hejl. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider Request of William Purcell

Ms. Popovic advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the request of William Purcell of 8649 Fairway Drive regarding excess water and sewer usage due to problems with the water softener. Mr. Purcell is requesting a $187.10 sewer credit.

Ms. Popovic asked for any discussion on this matter.

Mr. Forbes stated that the letter says that the water did not enter the wastewater treatment system; however, when a water softener continually regenerates, it goes into the sewer system and through the treatment plant.

Mr. Wayne Pondinas of Public Works stated that some softeners go into the sanitary system; however, others do not and go into the sump pit instead. Usually, someone calls Public Works about this issue and he goes and inspects it to determine which way it is eliminated. Mr. Pondinas stated that this one is not familiar to him.

Mr. Kil advised that they could defer this matter to allow Public Works to inspect it.

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion to defer.

Motion to defer by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

B. Consider Request of Ann Wood

Ms. Popovic advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the request of Ann Wood of 9755 Olcott Avenue regarding excess water and sewer usage due to an outside spigot running. Ms. Wood is requesting a sewer credit in the amount of $128.68.

Ms. Popovic asked for any discussion on this matter. Mr. Barenie responded that we typically issue a credit and that he has no problem doing so for this request. Mr. Forbes concurred.

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion.

Motion to waive the amount of $128.68 as requested by Ann Wood by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

C. Consider Request of Jesse Spain

Ms. Popovic advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the request of Jesse Spain of 8650 Howard Street regarding water and sewer usage due to a malfunctioning water meter. The total utility bill is $1,130.52, and Mr. Spain is requesting a sewer and water credit for half of the total bill, in the amount of $565.26. Mr. Spain feels that he should receive a 50 percent reduction in his bill due to the Town not catching the reading error.

Ms. Popovic asked for any discussion on this matter.

Mr. Kil explained that the equipment was inspected: The meter was reading properly; however, the transponder wasn’t transmitting properly. Mr. Kil stated that the water was used.

Mr. Barenie asked how many meter deficiencies there typically are a month. Mr. Kil responded that it is approximately 200 a month.

Mr. Pondinas spoke from his chair in the audience and stated that they inspect about 150 to 175 meters a month.

Mr. Kil stated that Mr. Spain is asking for a 50 percent reduction and that he would have no problem paying half of the bill.

Ms. Hernandez stated that this was an extensive period of time for Mr. Spain. Mr. Kil responded that we have snowbirds, and many times, folks are out of town for an extended period of time where they don’t use water; and unless we get a tamper that comes up when the meters are read, it can be overlooked.

Mr. Kil added that this request is at the discretion of the board.

Mr. Swets stated that he actually used the water and asked if that’s how much his bill should have been if it would have been billed properly on a month-to-month basis. Mr. Forbes responded in the affirmative, and others concurred.

Ms. Popovic asked how many months this would be. Mr. Barenie responded that it would be probably four months.

Mr. Swets asked if we offer a payment system for someone in this situation. Mr. Forbes responded that in the past a repayment plan typically was offered. Ms. Hernandez stated that they could offer Mr. Spain a repayment plan.

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion.

Motion to authorize the Clerk-Treasurer to work out a payment plan with Mr. Spain at 8650 Howard Street by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Ms. Hejl. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Kil congratulated Ms. Popovic for making it through her first Waterworks Board meeting and stated that she had learned a lot.

Mr. Kil further advised that he had reported to the Waterworks Board that we have dug a new production well and are in the process of having plans drawn by the engineer for a water main that will run about 3/4 of a mile to the existing Gates Treatment Plant. He further advised that we are in the permitting process with IDEM.

Mr. Kil reported that Lift Station No. 1 is done; the Schererville Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade project is nearly complete; and the clarifiers can handle the maximum peak flow.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Payment of Bills and asked for any discussion or a motion to pay the bills.

Motion to pay the APVs in the amount of $455,935.03 by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Mr. Swets. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carried 5 ayes to 0 nays.

(The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m.)

Respectfully Submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Utility Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The St. John Utility Board Special Meeting was called to order by Ms. Popovic on March 18, 2019, at 7:31 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call was taken by Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Marilyn Hrnjak. The following Board Members were present: Mark Barenie, Michael Forbes, Rose Hejl, Gerald Swets, and Libby Popovich. Staff present: Steve Kil, Town Manager; Marilyn Hrnjak, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, on behalf of the Clerk-Treasurer; and Joseph Svetanoff, Town Attorney.

Absent: Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Approval of Minutes for the February 28, 2019 meeting and entertained a motion for the same.

Motion to approve the minutes by Ms. Hejl. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider Request of Teresa Koschmeder, POA, on Behalf of Nidia Guerrero

Ms. Popovic advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the request of Teresa Koschmeder, POA, on behalf of Nidia Guerrero of 9260 West 93rd Avenue, regarding excess water and sewer usage due to burst house pipes. The normal monthly bill is $32.27, and the bill received on March 2, 2019 was in the amount of $1,725.83.

Ms. Popovic advised that Ms. Koschmeder is the daughter of Nidia Guerrero, who is the homeowner and has been in poor health for about a year now. No one is living in the home, so when the polar vortex happened, a pipe burst. While the home is checked on periodically, due to it being vacant at the time of the pipe bursting, there were about 228,200 gallons of water that flooded the home before they discovered it. That situation caused the utility bill to go from $32 to $1725. The water was used; however, it never actually entered the sanitary system.

Ms. Popovic recommended that a sewer credit be given to Ms. Nidia Guerrero and asked if the board had any thoughts or comments on the matter.

Mr. Swets asked if there is a dollar amount on that. Ms. Popovic responded that the sewer credit would be $1,132.54.

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion.

Motion to approve a sewer credit in the amount of $1,132.54 by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Ms. Hejl. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

B. Consider Request of Melville and Linda Pickett

Ms. Popovic advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the request of Melville and Linda Pickett of 9366 Keilman Street, regarding excess water and sewer usage due to burst pipes in crawl pace. They are requesting that $342.03 be waived.

Ms. Hejl asked if there is more information on this request. Ms. Popovic responded that Melville and Linda Pickett had a pipe burst in their crawl space during the freeze, noticed that the leaking water was running from the home into the backyard, so the water never entered the sewer system.

Ms. Popovic recommended that a sewer credit in the amount of $331.09, which is about $10.94 less than the requested amount.

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion.

Motion to approve a sewer credit in the amount of $331.09 by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Ms. Hejl. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

None was had.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Payment of Bills and entertained a motion to pay the bills according to the docket.

Motion to pay the bills in the amount of $363,769.11 by Mr. Swets. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 4 ayes to 1 nay by Mr. Forbes.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Ms. Hejl. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carried 5 ayes to 0 nays.

(The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m.)

Respectfully Submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Utility Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The St. John Utility Board Special Meeting was called to order by Ms. Popovic on April 17, 2019, at 6:05 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call was taken by the Clerk-Treasurer with the following Board Members present: Mark Barenie, Michael Forbes, Rose Hejl, Gerald Swets, and Libby Popovich. Staff present: Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and Joseph Svetanoff, Town Attorney.

Absent: Steve Kil, Town Manager.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Approval of Minutes for the March 18, 2019 meeting and entertained a motion for the same.

Motion to approve the minutes by Ms. Hejl. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider Request of Ms. Rose Michaels

Ms. Popovic advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the request for a waiver of a portion of the Wastewater (sewer) charge by Ms. Rose Michaels for her property located at 8602 Farmington Street. Ms. Michaels is requesting a waiver in the amount of $100.59, due a faulty water softener. Public Works identified that the discharge from the water softener is going to the sanitary sewer.

Motion to deny the waiver of $100.59 requested because the water was treated and did go through the sanitary system by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Ms. Hejl. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

B. Consider Request of Diana Miller of M&M Development

Ms. Popovic advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the request for a waiver of a portion of the Wastewater (sewer) charge by Ms. Diana Miller, M&M Development, for the property located at 10317 Bailey Street. This property is a rental and the property owner is requesting a waiver in the amount of $192.48, due to a broken pipe that caused excessive water usage. Public Works identified the water did not enter the sanitary sewer system

Motion to approve a sewer credit in the amount of $192.48 by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

C. Consider Request of Brian Peppin

Ms. Popovic advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the request for a waiver of a portion of the Wastewater (sewer) charge by Mr. Brian Peppin for his property located at 9534 W. 97th Place. The home owner is requesting a waiver in the amount of $1,511.24, due to a leak in the underground sprinkling system. Over a two-month period, Mr. Peppin used approximately 311,300 gallons of water. His normal monthly water usage is approximately 3,000 gallons. Public Works identified the water did not enter the sanitary sewer system.

Motion to approve the sewer credit in the amount of $1,511.24 by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Ms. Hejl. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Forbes stated for clarification that the board is not waiving the fee for water that was used, as the customers will be paying for the water that was used. Mr. Forbes further clarified that in the first request, the water that was used went through our sewer system, got transmitted up to Schererville, and there is a cost to the Town to treat that water; we don’t waive that. If the water does not enter the sanitary system, the board generally waives that fee because no cost is incurred by the Town.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Payment of Bills and entertained a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $352,480.05.

Motion to pay the bills by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Ms. Hejl. Seconded by Mr. Swets. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

(The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.)

Respectfully Submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Utility Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The St. John Utility Board Regular Meeting was called to order by Ms. Hejl on May 23, 2019, at 7:01 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call was taken by the Clerk-Treasurer with the following Board Members present: Mark Barenie, Michael Forbes, Rose Hejl, and Gerald Swets. Staff present: Steve Kil, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and Joseph Svetanoff, Town Attorney.

Absent: Libby Popovich.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Ms. Hejl advised the next item on the agenda is the Approval of Minutes for the April 17, 2019 meeting and entertained a motion for the same.

Motion to approve the minutes by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider Request of Mr. Kim Le

Ms. Hejl advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the request for a waiver of a portion of the Wastewater (sewer) charge by Mr. Kim Le for his property located at 8715 Winding Trail. Mr. Le is requesting a waiver in the amount of $756.59, due a defective water softener, that was stuck in regeneration. Mr. Le advised the water softener ran water into sump pump bin.

Mr. Barenie asked Mr. Kil if he had any additional information on this matter. Mr. Kil responded in the negative.

Mr. Forbes asked if this is another water softener that is illegally hooked up. Mr. Kil stated that he did not know for sure and that we would have to have Public Works verify that.

Motion to defer the matter until it can be researched by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Mr. Swets. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

None was had.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Ms. Hejl advised the next item on the agenda is the Payment of Bills and entertained a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $441,754.50.

Motion to pay the bills by Mr. Swets. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Hejl entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Mr. Swets. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.

(The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.)

Respectfully Submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Utility Board

CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Popovic called the St. John Utility Board Regular Meeting to order on July 11, 2019, at 7:22 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call was taken by the Clerk-Treasurer with the following Board Members present: Mark Barenie, Michael Forbes, Rose Hejl, Gerald Swets, and Libby Popovich. Also present: Steve Kil, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and Joseph Svetanoff, Town Attorney.

Absent: None.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Approval of Minutes for the May 23, 2019 meeting and entertained a motion for the same.

Motion to approve the minutes by Ms. Hejl. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider Waiver Request of Mr. Kim Le – 8715 Winding Trail

Ms. Popovic advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider a request for a waiver of a portion of the Wastewater (sewer) charge by Mr. Kim Le, 8715 Winding Trail. Mr. Le is requesting a waiver in the amount of $756.59, due to a defective water softener that was stuck in regeneration. Mr. Le advised the water softener ran water into the sump pump. Public Works conducted an inspection of the water softener on May 30, 2019, and confirmed that the softener does drain to the sump pit.

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion.

Motion to defer this waiver until such time as the connection is repaired, as it is an illegal connection into the sump pit and is supposed to go into the sanitary sewer, not the storm sewer, by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

Mr. Kil advised that he will notify the homeowner of the corrective action needed.

B. Consider Grant of Right to Install Sanitary Sewer – 8540 Christopher Drive

Ms. Popovic advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the grant of right to install sanitary sewer at 8540 Christopher Drive for Mr. and Mrs. Demkovich.

Mr. Forbes asked Mr. Kil if the waiver of annexation has the weight that it used to have. Mr. Kil responded that the law has changed and has weakened it; we still ask them to sign the waiver of right to remonstrate, which they did willingly and have no problem coming into town.

Mr. Forbes stated that he has been waiting for years to get a certain percentage of individuals connected to the system to be annexed based on the agreements that they signed. Mr. Kil advised that the legislature made a lot of those agreements null and void because they terminated them after fifteen years.

Mr. Forbes asked if they are only connected to the sewer system and not the water. Mr. Kil confirmed the same.

Mr. Swets asked if there was an ordinance passed that if somebody wanted to tie into our utilities, they would have to be annexed in. Mr. Forbes responded in the affirmative and stated that the question does come up because they are technically outside the corporate boundaries even though the section they live in is completely surrounded by the town.

Mr. Kil asked if this is something the board would like to pursue now for whoever has a valid waiver.

Mr. Kil advised that this petitioner being annexed is not a problem as they signed the waiver of their right to remonstrate, so they are consenting to annexation.

Mr. Forbes stated that they don’t meet the contiguity requirement. Mr. Kil responded that the contiguity requirement is why he is asking the board if they want to try to get whoever has a valid waiver to annex into the community.

Mr. Barenie asked how many houses it would be. Mr. Forbes and Mr. Kil responded that there are two whole streets. Mr. Forbes stated that there are approximately 40 percent of those residents who live on either Christopher Drive or Jacobson Drive connected to system for water, sewer, or both.

Mr. Kil stated that these folks live on the interior and don’t butt up to the town. Mr. Forbes concurred.

Mr. Forbes stated that he would be agreeable to this providing that we seriously look at our options as far as annexation goes. Mr. Kil responded that it would be a policy call by the whole board.

Mr. Kil offered to create a map for the board showing those who are valid and those who are not to be annexed into the town, and they can make a decision from there.

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion regarding this petition.

Motion to authorize connection to the municipal utility and approve the waiver of right to remonstrate against annexation by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Ms. Hejl. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

None was had.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Payment of Bills and entertained a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $559,915.51.

Motion to pay the bills by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Ms. Hejl. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

(The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.)

Respectfully Submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Utility Board

CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Popovic called the St. John Utility Board Regular Meeting to order on August 22, 2019, at 7:12 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call was taken by the Clerk-Treasurer with the following Board Members present: Mark Barenie, Michael Forbes, Rose Hejl, Gerald Swets, and Libby Popovich. Also present: Steve Kil, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and Joseph Svetanoff, Town Attorney.

Absent: None.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Approval of Minutes for the July 11, 2019 meeting and entertained a motion for the same.

Motion to approve the minutes by Ms. Hejl. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

None was had.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

None was had.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Payment of Bills and entertained a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $660,235.08.

Motion to pay the bills by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Ms. Hejl. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

(The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 p.m.)

Respectfully Submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Utility Board

CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Popovic called the St. John Utility Board Regular Meeting to order on September 26, 2019, at 7:03 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call was taken by the Clerk-Treasurer with the following Board Members present: Mark Barenie, Michael Forbes, Rose Hejl, Gerald Swets, and Libby Popovich. Also present: Steve Kil, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and Joseph Svetanoff, Town Attorney.

Absent: None.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Approval of Minutes for the August 22, 2019 meeting and entertained a motion for the same.

Motion to approve the minutes by Ms. Hejl. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

None was had.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Kil reported that the water-softener item is still outstanding as it has not been resolved yet,

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Payment of Bills and entertained a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $344,148.91.

Motion to pay the bills by Ms. Hejl. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Mr. Swets. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

(The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.)

Respectfully Submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Utility Board

CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Popovic called the St. John Utility Board Regular Meeting to order on October 24, 2019, at 7:01 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call was taken by the Clerk-Treasurer with the following Board Members present: Mark Barenie, Gerald Swets, and Libby Popovich. Also present: Steve Kil, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and Joseph Svetanoff, Town Attorney.

Absent: Michael Forbes and Rose Hejl.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Approval of Minutes for the September 26, 2019 meeting and entertained a motion for the same.

Motion to approve the minutes by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Mr. Swets. Motion carries 3 ayes to 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

None was had.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

None was had.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Payment of Bills and entertained a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $305,168.56.

Motion to pay the bills by Mr. Swets. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 3 ayes to 0 nays.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Mr. Swets. Motion carries 3 ayes to 0 nays.

(The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.)

Respectfully Submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Utility Board

CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Popovic called the St. John Utility Board Regular Meeting to order on December 19, 2019, at 7:03 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call was taken by the Clerk-Treasurer with the following Board Members present: Mark Barenie, Michael Forbes, Rose Hejl, Gerald Swets, and Libby Popovich. Also present: Steve Kil, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and Joseph Svetanoff, Town Attorney.

Absent: None.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Approval of Minutes for the October 24, 2019 meeting and entertained a motion for the same.

Motion to approve the minutes by Ms. Hejl. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider request for a waiver of a portion of the Wastewater charge by Denise Dickelman of 10005 Pheasant Lane.

Ms. Popovic advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider a request for a waiver of a portion of the Wastewater (sewer) charge by Ms. Denise Dickelman of 10005 Pheasant Lane. Ms. Dickelman is requesting a waiver in the amount of $222.12 due to a spigot leak that set off a leak alarm from October 15th to October 22nd. Ms. Dickelman wrote that she was out of town during that week and was not notified that there was an issue with her water.

Motion to grant the waiver by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Ms. Hejl. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

B. Consider request for a waiver of a portion of the Wastewater charge by David A. and Michelle J. Johnson of 9858 Meadow Rose Lane.

Ms. Popovic advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider a request for a waiver of a portion of the Wastewater (sewer) charge by David A. and. Michelle J. Johnson of 9858 Meadow Rose Lane. The Johnsons are requesting a waiver in the amount of $117.73, the sewer charge less the summer sprinkler rate, due to a sprinkler system that burst while they were on vacation.

Motion to grant the waiver by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

None was had.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Ms. Popovic advised the next item on the agenda is the Payment of Bills and entertained a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $899,031.28.

Motion to pay the bills by Mr. Barenie. Seconded by Mr. Swets. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Popovic entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Mr. Barenie. Motion carries 5 ayes to 0 nays.

(The meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m.)

Respectfully Submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Utility Board

NOTE: These minutes are hereby submitted without board approval as the board was dissolved by the St. John Town Council on January 1, 2020.