DATE: September 14, 2005
TIME: 5:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Johnston
( left at 6:30), Hermes, Orr, Strong, Gilmour (arrived at 6:05)
ABSENT:
NON-MEMBERS
PRESENT: Mayor Strong (arrived at 6 p.m.), Public Works Superintendent Van Duyne, Accounting Supervisor Theobald, Secretary Puracchio, Reporter Kim Smith, Ron Bell, Officer Delaney
DISCUSSION: Minutes
ACTION: Alderman Hermes made a motion and Alderman Johnston seconded to open the meeting at 5:35 p.m. All yes. Motion passed.
Minutes will be reviewed at the next Committee Meeting.
DISCUSSION: Ron Bell – Apartment Owner
ACTION: Bell came in to discuss the decision that was made at
yesterdays meeting. He would have been
there but thought he was on tonight’s agenda. Bell was frustrated over renters
not paying his water bill and the City’s inability to turn it off, thus making
him responsible.
Theobald
explained what the office procedure was.
All owners are able to receive a duplicate bill so they are aware of
their renter’s payments. Bell has
refused this service in the past. Bell has two renters that have skipped out on
paying their bill. The bills total
$911.
The
Committee explained to Bell that a new Ordinance is in discussion to rectify
late bills. Bell stated that he would
like to receive a duplicate bill. After
much discussion the Committee decided to bring the issue to a vote.
Alderman
Orr made a motion and Alderman Johnston seconded to amend
Bell’s billing for 408 N. Joliet and 402 N. Outer Drive to $450. All yes. Motion
passed.
Theobald
stated that the City is carrying outstanding water bills for the past 30-60 day
period in the amount of $23,838.58, in the past 60-90 day period $13,263.77,
and $31,238.13 over 90 days. The City
has put liens on homes that have not paid.
This new ordinance should address a lot of the non-payment issues.
The
Committee asked Theobald to see if it was possible to ask if the water bill
recipients own or rent and if they rent to get a name of the owner. Ideally it
would be advantageous to have all owners on record.
DISCUSSION: Disconnect Water Ordinance
ACTION: The Committee went over the attached ordinance. This ordinance was drawn up by the attorney,
reviewed and modified by Ken Jeffries and Jacque Plese of the Water Department
and Robin Theobald and Donna Jusell of the Finance Department and a final
review by the attorney.
The Committee asked that under Section 1 - 52.02 (B)
strike - unless the City agrees otherwise in advance.
Under Section 3 - 52.06.01 Dispute Procedures – The
Committee noted that the designated officer will be the City Administrator, in
absence of one, then the Chair and Co-Chair of the Water, Sewer, Streets and
Alleys Committee will be the named designee.
DISCUSSION: Sewer Plant
ACTION: Mayor Strong stated that some
clarifications had to be made to IEPA.
The City Engineer went to Springfield to make sure everyone was on the
same page. Things are proceeding fine.
Wilmington is the third on the loan list and still looking at spring of 2007
for construction completion.
DISCUSSION: Tap-on fees
ACTION: Van Duyne stated that he will be tap-ons on Stevens Lane. He wanted to clarify the billing of this service. The Committee said they are to pay $300 for sewer and $200 for water. The office policy from now on will be to bill the homeowner $500 when they come to pick up their water meter.
Van Duyne also stated that he has met with Larry Hall and he will be working on his water situation.
DISCUSSION: Sidewalk
Share Program
ACTION: Names have been on the list since 1997. Delaney has submitted a bill from redoing his sidewalk. After much discussion the Committee decided to put it to a vote.
Alderman Orr made a motion and Alderman Strong seconded to reimburse labor costs in the amount of $467.50 to Delaney. Orr, Strong, Hermes Yes. Gilmour Pass. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION: Salt
Dome
ACTION: The Council has discussed the purchase of the salt dome with MFT funds for next year’s allotment. The Committee reaffirmed this decision and asked Van Duyne to begin the process of bidding this project out. The Committee agreed to have the salt dome placed at the location the salt is presently being stock piled.
DISCUSSION: Miscellaneous
ACTION: Mowers – Van Duyne stated that the mowers he is using presently are old. He has priced out mowers under the state purchasing act he can get one for $10,900. The Committee agreed this is a necessity and to put it in the budget for approval for next year.
Berming Pump House – The city crew will be working on berming around the pump house for additional protection in case of flooding.
Kankakee River Drive Project – Alderman Orr stated that he would like the engineer to look into the landscaping job. D Construction had been out and the job was not done to specifications. The engineer will be contacted tomorrow by Puracchio.
ACTION: Alderman Orr made a motion and Alderman Gilmour seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 p.m. All yes. Motion passed.