Lakeland Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees, from left, Joe Cleland, Secretary Parke Smith, President Jim Haney, Vice President Bob Marcuccilli, Frank Kurth, Sue Ann Mitchell. Not pictured is Treasurer Mike DeWald. Photo by David Hazledine

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Lakeland Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees faced a number of difficult decisions at the Wednesday, March 17, meeting, one of which is what to do about malfunctioning grinder pump cords.

During Astbury Water Technologies maintenance report, Manager Don Neff described a sewer overflow at 6917 E. South Barbee Drive caused by a damaged power cord in the grinder pump, which, along with power failure, also resulted in a failure of the alarm. Neff estimated around 100 gallons had leaked during “three weeks or more.” The bill from the restoration company was roughly $1,800.

In addition to the IDEM-required clean-up of the yard, the homeowner requested LRSD reimburse the cost of rugs rolled up in the basement, also flooded, which the restoration company deemed “unrepairable,” claiming they cost $375 roughly 15 years ago.

“Are we responsible for a leaky basement?” queried Joe Cleland. President Jim Haney requested in the future Astbury obtain quotes from at least three restoration companies, so the cost is “somewhat negotiated.” He added, “I’m not inclined to cover the rugs without the property owners’ documentation.”

According to Neff, the grinder was 12 feet from the house, and he could not be certain sewage reached the basement. “It looked like there were water issues in the past,” he commented, though there was a sewage smell in the house.

“Our equipment failed, but it was in the yard … the basement is his problem,” said Treasurer Mike DeWald.

“I’m glad you acted quickly. We took care of the problems of the people and showed we care,” said Sue Ann Mitchell. Nevertheless, as Bob Marcuccilli commented, “It’s OK for us to draw the line somewhere.” The board voted not to pay for the rug restoration.

The slit in the cord, which allowed in moisture and the resulting power failure was of greater concern. Neff estimated replacing roughly 24 pump cords in recent years, though not all for the same problem. Haney asked attorney Andy Boxberger to check the warranty, which was believed to be for five years, so all were covered by manufacturer Crane Barnes.

DLZ Engineer Casey Erwin affirmed 24 cases was a “high number,” and commented other districts have back-up power, the cost of which is prohibitive for a district of nearly 1,700.

“Crane needs to give us an answer on this one,” stated Marcuccilli.

The board also heard from Matt Trier, who is in the process of obtaining a property at 33 EMS B70 Lane through a land contract. The property faces roughly $42,000 in penalties, more than the value he estimated at around $37,000. “I’m willing to make an investment to clean it up,” Trier said of the property, which has been in a state of dilapidation for nearly 20 years, and he was seeking relief from the penalties to do so.

As Cleland indicated, the board has refused to grant such help in the past. “What about the people who have paid?” he asked, citing one property with roughly $35,000 in liens paid by the owner.

However, with the number of unconnected properties down to eight out of nearly 1,700, Parke Smith questioned whether the board should worry as much about precedents, later stating the district may have to be more concerned with “cutting our losses.”

Haney felt the board could not proceed without an appraisal of the property. “These are not things we can or should fix without the full story.”

A commissioners sale would require LRSD to release the liens; however, no such sales are planned for the near future.

In the event Trier can provide an appraisal, Haney said, “This board will provide you with some direction.”

What that future direction is will likely depend on a vote by the board.