Ordinances Approved, Projects Discussed
SYRACUSE — Ordinances amending the sewer rates and charges, waterworks collection fees and utility deposit and parking on East Pearl and East Washington streets were approved at Tuesday evening’s Syracuse Town Council meeting. Prior to approval of the ordinance on sewer rates, a public hearing was held with no comments from council members or the public.
The amended sewer rates, effective after May 31, will be a minimum monthly charge of $14.97 for single family residences. The ordinance additionally covers other rates for customers based on various situations such as those with private water supply, receiving unmetered municipal water and businesses.
The amended water rates note a $200 deposit for each new account and covers charges should an account go to collections.
New parking regulations will affect the north side of East Pearl Street and East Washington Street. Parking will be allowed only on the north side of East Pearl Street, with parked vehicles facing west. On Washington Street, parking will be allowed on the south side only from North Harrison Street to North Long Drive, with parked vehicles facing east.
During the meeting council members heard from Jeremy Hardy, Commonwealth, Fort Wayne. Hardy provided an update on the wastewater aeration project and requested an extension for a small portion of the project. He reported the south ditch will be ready by June and the other end by July as scheduled. An extension to Sept. 30 to have the grit removal system and gate installed was requested and approved. Hardy noted this is due to manufacturer delays.
Additionally he stated they will apply for an approximately $63,000 energy rebate once the project is complete, with the potential of more cost savings. He recommended that rebate be used for other projects in the system. Paula Kehr-Wicker, clerk-treasurer, will look into how this can be handled.
Council members requested further time to review information regarding a proposed Harkless Road project between Chicago Street and East Pickwick Drive. The project is estimated at $1.9 million, which includes replacement of sewer, storm sewer and water lines, resurfacing and curbing. Hardy stated the bulk of the project could come through the state’s Community Crossing Grant, which has a cap of $1 million. The town would be responsible for the remaining costs. Kehr-Wicker stated the money is available through various funds. The application for the next grant cycle is in August.
The council took a step forward in preparation for repairs at the Syracuse lake control structure (flood control device). Council members approved the hiring of Lawson-Fisher Associates, South Bend, for design engineering and construction engineering. The cost is approximately $77,600. The consulting engineers are the same group who prepared an engineering report for the town in 2009. The engineering reports will include doing the project in phases or at one time.
During other business the council approved the purchase of a chlorine system for the plant at the cost of $59,267. Rob Merchant, public works superintendent, stated the system is nine-years-old. He was also given approval to purchase a spare scum pump at a cost of $3,222.90.
Additionally Merchant updated the town on the Main Street project in front of Pickwick Theater and Pickwick Block. He noted what was thought to be fairly simple and straightforward did not occur. An unknown water line was found and a shut off valve installed until further investigation as to where that line services can be found, tapped and disconnected. “It will not be completed for the car show,” he stated.
Brief reports were heard from Chad Jonsson, park superintendent; Mickey Scott, fire chief, Jim Layne, police chief and Kehr-Wicker.
There was no discussion from the floor nor public comment on agenda items. With no old business or new business to discuss the meeting adjourned 50 minutes after it started.