NORTH WEBSTER — Lakeland Regional Sewer District met for its regular monthly meeting at the North Webster Community Center Thursday evening, Sept. 3.

The board opened the meeting with the opportunity for public questions, but quickly ended that after none of the public present offered thoughts. The board opened the regular meeting at 6:05 p.m., and it was a flurry of activity following the start of the meeting.

Taking priority on the agenda for Thursday evening was an amendment to the rate ordinance, allowing board members to waive late fees incurred. The ordinance, previously amended twice from the original, stated late fees “shall” be added if payment has not arrived by the last day of each month. With the help of the district’s attorney, Andrew Boxberger, the wording changed from “shall” to “may,” allowing room for the fees to be dropped.

The board passed a motion to accept the change, and also noted some people would be taking advantage of this change immediately following a bit of a shaky start to the first month of billing.

Read more about the billing system here.

Jennifer Ransbottom of Jones Petrie Rafinski Corporation, the firm handling LRSD billing, noted she had things “pretty well under control.” Board member Bob Sanders had some important questions, however, after noting property owners deserve protection of their personal information. After receiving an updated list of property owners from the county, it became apparent interested home buyers and realtors may call with questions about costs associated with the new sewer systems. Boxberger suggested the board only provide information that is public record, and avoid giving out phone numbers or any personal information.

Click here to download PDF of LSRD Construction Map

Casey Erwin, project manager at DLZ Architects, Engineers, Planners, Surveyors, provided updates on construction. The wastewater treatment plant, the collection systems and the other two contracted areas are all in about the same stage. The construction is primarily focused on earth work currently, grading and leveling land, preparing to pour concrete or access roads and installation of forcemains.

The board made a motion to send the bills associated with construction startup to the USDA for approval, noting the bill was already at 24 percent of the total contracted cost.

In other business:

• Board President Jim Haney requested a committee be made for assisting the public with information on the website or by email and telephone. Board members Parke Smith, Bob Marcuccilli and Greg Mitchell volunteered.
• Erwin noted the project would likely be needing less grinder stations than originally anticipated, saving the district money. After research, it was discovered those extra grinders are not able to be used to include additional homeowners who weren’t originally part of the district. The grant and loan money does not allow the addition of new hookups.
• The board discussed composing a list of contractors in the area who may be able to provide services for those who aren’t hooking up under the district, but still need to install grinders. The installation will need to be done to the district’s standards, and Boxberger emphasized the list is merely a reference for the public and not a recommendation, guarantee or certification of any contractors on the list.

The next meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 1.