The
Ellettsville, Indiana,
Roll Call: Members
present were Dan Swafford, President; Dianna Bastin, Vice-President, David
Drake, Scott Oldham and Phillip Smith. Sandra Hash, Clerk-Treasurer; Mike Spencer, Attorney
and Rick Coppock, Town Engineer were also present.
Approval of the Minutes
Phillip
Smith made the motion we approve the minutes of the regular meeting
Action to Pay Accounts Payable Vouchers
Water and Sewer rate Study presented by
H.J. Umbaugh
Christine Horan and Doug Baldessari, H.J. Umbaugh presented the Council with the water and
sewer rate studies using a power point presentation.
Water
The
summary of the charts show there is a rate increase requirement of 27.55%. Some examples listed were:
Inside City Rates
The
next chart showed where Ellettsville compares to local and similar sized
Their
conclusion is:
Sewer
The
summary of the charts show there is a rate increase requirement of 17%. Some examples listed were:
Inside City Rates:
Summary
for the Wholesale Users
Ellettsville’s
rates compared to local and similar sized
Their
conclusion of the sewer study is:
·
Current rates and
charges are not sufficient to support revenue requirements
·
Last rate
increase took place in January 1998
·
Process to adjust
rates and charges would need to be adopted by an amendment to the rate
ordinance and the wholesale agreement; not the IURC like the water. Rates can be phased-in over a two to three
year period.
Dianna
Bastin stated Umbaugh represents the Town and asked if they represent the
Utilities Department. Doug Baldessari
answered they work for and the agreement is for the Town only.
Dan
Swafford asked about the cash balance in the water; why did the cash balance greatly
decrease between 2005 and 2006 but the decrease was half from 2006 to
2007. Umbaugh will look into it because
they did not do a detail analysis for 2005.
Umbaugh used 2007 as a test year and adjusted that for 2008 projected
expenses. Dan asked about the $714,400
in the Sewer Debt Service account; “when will that start dropping”. Mr. Baldessari stated the Debt Service
payment will be made until January 2017.
Bill
Schneider, Ellettsville resident asked why the Northern Richland Wholesale rate
for sewer will decrease from $6,490 to $4,525.
Mr. Baldessari explained the calculation is based on billed flow and
their billed flow is a percentage of the total flow which has decreased. Mr. Schneider asked what makes Ellettsville
more expensive in sewer bills than other states he has lived in (
Max
Dixon, Autumn Grove resident asked if a rate increase in water would automatically
increase sewer revenue. Is the sewer a percentage of the water usage? Mr. Baldessari explained the rates are both
based on the same flow but they are independent rates.
Jerri
Dixon asked what percentage of Ellettsville residents are using septic systems
and wells as opposed to using Town utilities.
Umbaugh does not keep those figures.
Dianna Bastin stated there will be meetings scheduled with the Utilities
Managers to answer those types of questions.
Ms. Dixon feels there has been so much growth in town where the rates
should be lowered. Are people choosing
to use wells and septic instead of paying the Town rates?
Doug
Baldessari stated the water and sewer rates had not been increased because of growth.
Max Dixon understands the sewer rate is based on usage. He feels this is not true because all the water that is used does not go through the sewer. He still believes the rates are based on water usage and not sewer usage. Watering the lawn does not go through the sewer system. Dan Swafford understands there used to be special meters for watering lawns and filling swimming pools. Dianna Bastin added the previous Council changed the way the water meters were handled on the best advice of their managers. Doug Baldessari clarified water and sewer rates are based on water usage.
Dan
Swafford asked what action needs to be done tonight. Doug Baldessari stated an ordinance needs to
be adopted to prove to the IURC the Council is in favor of the proposed
increase and Umbaugh would move forward with the Small Utility filing. It can take up to nine months to go
through.
Dianna
Bastin moved the Council move to adopt a rate ordinance and submit a small
utility filing with the IURC. Dianna is
not saying to raise the rates today; we just need to adopt an ordinance. Mike Spencer stated there is not ordinance
before you at the moment; one needs to be prepared. Dianna Bastin is asking that we ask for an
ordinance. David Drake seconded. Dan Swafford clarified the Council is
proceeding to put an ordinance in place for the next meeting on the rate increase
on what Umbaugh proposed to the Council today.
Dianna stated it is important to note at the next meeting when this
ordinance comes before the Council, which is the time to ask the Utility
Managers questions. Roll call vote: Dan Swafford – yes; Dianna Bastin – yes;
David Drake – yes; Scott Oldham – yes; Phillip Smith – yes. Motion passed 5-0.
Dianna
Bastin made a motion that we move forward and have a rate ordinance and
wholesale agreement process started for those documents. Dan Swafford clarified “sewer”. David Drake seconded. Roll call vote: Dan Swafford – yes; Dianna Bastin – yes;
David Drake – yes; Scott Oldham – yes; Phillip Smith – yes. Motion passed 5-0.
Doug
Baldessari will get with Mike on preparing the ordinances.
Resolutions
Resolution 15-08 to amend Resolution
12-08 Temporary Loan
Sandra Hash explained when the transfers were being made for the
temporary loans; the calculation was incorrect and she would like to reduce the
amount from $90,000 to $60,000 from the Police Debt Service to the General
Fund. The total loan will now be
$289,950.76. Sandra reviewed an answer
she gave David Drake at the last meeting and feels her answer was
incorrect. David Drake asked Sandra if
we were sure we would get enough tax revenue back in to pay the loan and the
answer to that is yes.
Dan
Swafford asked for a motion for Resolution 15-08 to amend Resolution 12-08
Temporary Loans. Scott Oldham
moved. Phillip Smith seconded. Roll call vote: Dan Swafford – yes; Dianna Bastin – yes; David
Drake – yes; Scott Oldham – yes; Phillip Smith – yes. Motion passed 5-0.
Ordinances on First
Ordinance 08-06 to rezone 101 Poplar
Drive from R-1 to C-2
New Business
MPO Grant Agreement for 2009
Frank Nierzwicki presented an annual
agreement between the Bloomington Metropolitan Planning Organization and the
Town of
Phillip Smith made a motion that we go into
agreement with the MPO Grant for 2009.
David Drake seconded. Roll
call vote: Dan Swafford – yes; Dianna
Bastin – yes; David Drake – yes; Scott Oldham – yes; Phillip Smith – yes. Motion passed 5-0.
Presentation from the Homeowners of
Autumn Ridge
Bruce Frey, spokesperson for Autumn Ridge presented a summary of
issues with the subdivision. He outlined
the following points:
Deterioration
of subdivision streets: There was a
deadline for repairing the streets, which was extended a few times. The final deadline was July 8, 2008 resulting
in a partial repair. The Street
Department marked 12 to 14 spot in need of repair and only three were repaired. It is the understanding of the residents the
developer was given an indefinite deadline to complete the repairs to the streets. Six inches of concrete is required to be
poured into the holes on the street to repair them properly. When the rest of the repairs are made, the
Autumn Ridge residents are requesting the Town make sure everything is done
according to Code. They would like to be
notified of what is going to be repaired and if the results match up with the
plans. The residents are trying to provide
motivation to the developers to get the whole project finished. Can the Town require completion of the
balance of the required repairs by a certain date? Can the Town require completion of the
subdivision by a certain date since the project was approved before the
existence of the five year completion requirement?
Original
Subdivision Plat: There are several
things missing. What will it take to
comply with the original plat? The
original development plan shows two storm water retention areas; neither has
been constructed.
Violation
of IDEM and MS4 regulations regarding erosion and sediment control: Mr. Frey referred to the attached “On-site
Evaluation for Erosion and Sediment Control” form from IDEM. He went on to present photos of the
problems. How can the Town enforce the
requirements for compliance and remedy the situation? The erosion, mud and water is collecting and
running down from the structures. Can
the developer’s bond be further increased to cover the potential cost of compliance
with IDEM? The evaluation showed three
out of nine items being “marginal” and the other six items being
“unsatisfactory”.
Street
lights and trees: The original plat
shows street light and trees. Since
there is no five year deadline; can the Town impose, on the developer, a
deadline for construction of the street lights and the planting of the trees
using existing bond money? Are there
“layers or tiers” as to how the bond money can be applied? Is it a “blanket bond”?
Mr.
Frey reviewed the “Nuisance Abatement” list and showed photos:
(1)
A large “pit” in the middle of the subdivision, full of water, which attracts
mosquitoes, snakes, etc. This proposes a
substantial risk of bodily harm to any who goes near it with the steep sides
and soft muddy bottom. It is a few feet from the condos.
(2)
There is a partially constructed condo on Lots 40 and 41 which appear to have
been abandoned and is now deteriorating.
It has been in its present condition since May 26, 2007.
(3)
There is an abandoned construction trailer and portable potty. This could be remedied in a few minutes.
4)
Broken mailboxes being held up by two-by-fours.
5)
Numerous large, dead trees, on the north edge of the subdivision, close to the
condos. They have been dead since the
beginning of the construction.
As
property owners, they feel the developers are subject to being disciplined for
maintaining the nuisances. What extent
is the Town able and willing to exercise its powers to accomplish the removal
of any of these nuisances? The more information given to the Town
Council, the more the Town Council can do for the subdivision.
Mr.
Frey presented and explained more photos.
He wanted to give the Council an idea of what they are living with and
what they are trying to abate. The
residents believe they have a substantial investment and they do not know how
the project is going to be completed.
They would like the help of the Council to bring this into compliance
with IDEM and protect their total investment of five million dollars.
Bill
Schneider approached the podium and pointed out in Phase One of the plan, the
lot with the “pit” was not supposed to have a home. In Phase Two, the condo was approved on the
location of the northern water retention area.
He was “disturbed” when he reviewed the site-plan and there were areas
required by the contractor that were not there.
There are rock dams missing too.
The area has not been inspected nor properly approved. It is a “crime” the developer failed in 7 of
the 8 areas evaluated by IDEM. This gentleman understands the Town could
possibly “fine” the developer. The
developer has not done any work in over a year.
It is a crime what Mr. Walls, the developer, has done to the community
and the residents. Phillip Smith asked
how many units are empty. The plan was
to build 44 condos and there are presently 29 residents; two thirds
complete.
There
was discussion between the residents and Town Council members pointing out
different items on the different plats.
Dan Swafford had his computer and they were viewing the neighborhood
using Google Earth. Dan Swafford asked
when this went through Planning and Zoning.
It was answered 2003. Dan
Swafford asked Frank Nierzwicki and Rick Coppock to comment.
Rick
Coppock stated the residents have given a “pretty good picture” of what the
developer has done. The developer has
been sited numerous times for the erosion problems, through inspections, and
has completed minimal work. With another
storm, it returns to the original condition.
Rick spoke with Mr. Walls last week concerning the erosion control and
his response was his excavator would take care of the issues. Rick informed Mr. Walls, if the items were
not completed, the Town ordinance states he could be fined $1,000 per day. Rick will know by the next Town Council
meeting, August 11th, where Mr. Walls is with his project. The Town can fine Mr. Walls for the erosion
and the “pit”. Dan Swafford asked if
this is the same area where the street needed repaired. Rick stated the streets were marked where
repairs were needed. Jim Ragle and his
department have made some repairs on the worst sections. The developer’s bond was raised for additional
street repairs. The current bond of
$58,900 (expiring May 2009) covers the road surface, street trees, sidewalks
and retention pond construction. Frank Nierzwicki spoke with Jason Walls, who
knew about the meeting, the residents attending and what is going on. Major work needs to be completed before the
next meeting. Dianna asked if this
presentation was given to the Plan Commission.
Frank said it was not. Dianna,
personally feels, since we have a Plan Commission, recommendation should be
given from them. Frank reiterated the
fines need to be implemented from the Town Council.
Connie
Schneider stated an “informal” presentation was made to the Plan Commission on
June 10th using a detail book with all the pictures. Dianna would like an official recommendation
from the Plan Commission. A gentleman
from the audience stated they did not have the site plans available for the
June 10th meeting.
Dan
Swafford asked how much expense has the Town incurred in patching the
streets. Rick Coppock said the Town has
not “patched” any roads; they have marked some areas identified as problems and
spoke with the developer, in person, in April.
A gentleman from the audience stated the work needs to be done the
correct way. He also spoke with Jim
Ragle, while he was patrolling the area and brought it to his attention that
someone needs to watch the repairs in progress to insure proper
installation.
Brooke
Winders, whose mother is a homeowner in this subdivision, has lived with her
for a year and has witnessed some things going on in this area. He spoke about the holes in the area that are
damaged from concrete trucks. Mr.
Winders drove a concrete truck for two years and knows ten yards of concrete is
forty thousand pounds. There was never a
time when he drove into various
Max
Dixon has a background in legal enforcement and regulation. He does not understand why due dates are
given and then ignored. The idea of
mandates is to get things done. There
needs to be stronger resolutions or don’t make them if they are not going to be
enforced. The Town Council can handle the
issues of infrastructures, hazards to public health and environmental problems. The residents have many other issues with the
developer the Council can not resolve.
David
Drake agrees with what has been said.
The Town tries to get compliance before levying fines. If developers are fined $1,000 a day, they
usually file bankruptcy and everyone is out of luck. A gentleman from the audience understands
everyone needs a break and under “normal circumstances” work to get things done
but when you are dealing with someone who is purposely evading and using the
system to get their own means accomplished is being deceptive.
Dianna
Bastin agrees with “why have mandates if you are not going to enforce
them”. She sympathizes and admires
everyone’s patience. Dianna would like
the opportunity to look at the neighborhood before making any comments since
she just received all the information this evening. Dan Swafford thanked the residents for
“opening the eyes” of the Council and showing them what is going on. They will meet with the supervisors, Rick and
Frank to review the issues. The Council
can not give the residents any answers tonight.
Russ
Ryle,
Scott
Oldham asked Rick or Frank a realistic expectation time line to take care of
the problems; starting tonight? Frank
said within a week. Rick added
considerable progress could be made in a week.
Scott Oldham clarified Mr. Walls did know this would be discussed
tonight. Brooke Winders stated there is
enough “fill” on site to make improvements to the “pit”. Dan appreciates this evening’s presentation;
it was very informative and they will see something happens very quickly.
Supervisor Comments
Jim Davis, Ellettsville Fire Department requested an increase in
salary for five part-time employees hired six months ago. He listed the employees. They were hired in at $8.75 an hour and the
max is $9.25. These are extremely good
employees and fit in real well. Dianna
asked if this was the probationary period.
Jim answered there is no such thing as a probationary period. Jim clarified this is standard procedure to
increase salaries after six months and this money was already in the
budget.
Sandra Hash explained it is an annual requirement of the bonding
process to complete “Disclosure Statements”.
These statements are financial documents that are prepared and reported
to all financial institutions (that do bonding) to maintain our ratings for
bonds. The Town has an agreement, from
1997 and 2003, with Umbaugh; in the agreement is a section stating they have
the ability to adjust their rates periodically.
The rates were increased this year with the “Disclosure Statements” and
an “Exhibit A” was sent along with their invoice to the Town to accept the rate
changes. Sandra is asking the Council to
accept the changes in the rates. This
was tabled at the last meeting and since then an email and explanation has been
sent from the Town Attorney. Dan
Swafford would like future rate increases to be sent before work is done. Mike Spencer suggested to “just ask” Umbaugh
to let the Town know before there are any increases. The rate increase has already gone into
effect. Mike Spencer stated there have
not been any increases in over ten years.
It was clarified the “rate study” that was just completed is different
and not related to the fact there are bonds outstanding. Dan’s concern was the increase had doubled. Sandra stated the rate went from $300 to $750
for the Police and Fire Bonds and the Utilities Bonds increased from $800 to
$1,250. Sandra will send a letter
requesting rate increases be known before services are provided. The money is appropriated every year to take
care of the requirements and trustee fees.
Dianna
Bastin made the motion we pay the bills from Umbaugh with the said
increase. David Drake seconded. Roll call vote: Dan Swafford – yes; Dianna Bastin – yes;
David Drake – yes; Scott Oldham – yes; Phillip Smith – yes. Motion carried 5-0.
Dianna Bastin stated Umbaugh did a good job with the rate study they
presented. There were many meetings and
there will be more meetings. She thanked
everyone who helped her understand the rate increases. Dan Swafford encouraged everyone to attend
the next meeting who has questions about utility bills.
Privilege of the Floor
Russ Ryle stated very little has been done on
Public Comment
Adjournment
Dianna
Bastin made a motion we adjourn. David
Drake seconded. Motion carried. Dan Swafford adjourned the meeting at 9:31
p.m.