Andy Boxberger, Tippecanoe & Chapman Lakes Regional Sewer District attorney; Robert Paton, Steve Snyder and Jim Anderson, listen to discussion by the board during Monday’s meeting, Feb. 14.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — Time is slowly running out for residents in the Tippecanoe & Chapman Lakes Regional Sewer District to sign and return easement agreements. “The consequence of not responding or ignoring the agreement will cause hardship and heartburn in the end,” said Andy Boxberger, attorney for the district.

Jim Anderson pleads the request by Wacky Premier Properties LLC to have the proposed sewer line extended 200 feet to their property.

To date 50 percent of the easement agreements have been received from residents on each lake. A third mailing will be sent out with a final deadline for residents to return the signed agreements.

Jon Tyler, district board president, stated putting off signing the agreement will not allow the homeowner to make decisions, which could be favorable to them and cost the homeowner money. Those who have not signed the agreement will have to purchase a grinder pump and pay for their own installation. The initial cost of pumps and line installation will be the responsibility of the district for those with signed agreements.

During the meeting, a lengthy discussion was held regarding a request to extend service by 200 feet in Oswego. The board unanimously voted to have JPR extend 200 additional feet of service off North Second Street in Oswego and add one grinder pump.

The current design shows the district’s system ending 200 feet north of a proposed development. The extension will provide sewer service to the proposed Summer Breeze residential development once the proposed four residences are built. The line was originally not extended due to the property being undeveloped.

Jim Anderson, manager for Wacky Premier Properties LLC., presented the request. It was noted the preliminary plat has been submitted to the county planning commission. However, because the lots are not large enough for individual septic systems, connection to the regional sewer district is necessary for final plat approval. This property was purchased from the Indiana University Foundation, which had been gifted to them by the Arnolt family. The previous home on the property was torn down due to environmental issues.

Robert Paton, left, listens to his attorney Steve Snyder, as he presents modified definitions for determining costs per customers.

A written document will be sent to the county health department indicating the property would be included in the district system once the project begins. A commitment from Wacky Premier Properties to pay the debt service fee is being required even if no homes are on the property.

Future discussion could be held after Steve Snyder, attorney for Patona Bay, presented a modification to the proposed definitions for EDU analysis. Snyder stated this is a “unique area,” and there needs to be reasonable and equitable billing. The definitions Snyder presented addressed the seasonal uses in the area. “These are our thoughts on how to address those seasonal issues.”

During other business, a project update was provided by Steve Henschen, JPR engineer, which included notation of what permits had been submitted and what permits would not be needed. Henschen also reviewed the $5.199 million engineering agreement required by the USDA for the loan.

A tentative closing schedule was noted with an estimated closing on the project as early as June or as late as August. The construction will take 18 months.

JPR staff will continue manning the district office, located in the North Webster Community Center, from 9 a.m. To 4 p.m. Fridays through the end of March. District customers can also contact the office at (574) 226-8468 or email [email protected] with questions.

The next meeting of the district will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 14, in the community center’s banquet hall.