NORTH WEBSTER — Lakeland Regional Sewer District is one month closer to having the $29M sewer project in the books after meeting Thursday evening, April 6, at the North Webster Community Center.

The board received final pay applications from all contractors working on the project, and are narrowing the scope of the punch list items to be done. One important aspect of finalizing the project is the big “R” — restoration. During the past few months, members of the public have brought to the attention of the district a plight of torn up lawns, roads and drives, all due to the large amount of construction. The district has assured the public this item will not be ignored.

Again, the board was faced with gray areas in regards to past due bills and requests from property owners. One property owner had accrued both late fees and a property lien due to bills going to the incorrect address. After much back and forth on which portions of the bills were out of his control, the board decided to waive $60.22 leaving him responsible for $49.66.

The board noted those bills would need to be paid before April 20 or he will again add late fees to his tab.
One local commercial property owner requested an extension on hooking up to the district’s new sewer system due to upcoming construction on his property. The business/property owner said 29 of his tenants would be affected by the change, and requested additional time that would allow him to add a water system as well. The board expressed hesitation with this, and questioned whether they were even legally authorized to grant that extension.

The district representatives have not been provided any sort of blueprints or plans indicating the property owner has started the process, and denied his request until further cause and documentation was provided.

On the topic of new connections to the district, the board recognized it will be an ongoing process and questions will arise on how to join the existing project as a new property owner. Board president Jim Haney requested several board members step up to run the committee responsible for handling those requests and questions surrounding new connections.

In other news:

• The district appointed a new, temporary board member to fill the vacancy left by John McDaniel. Paula Stinson is currently filling that spot.
• The board is working with the USDA to use a portion of the contingency funds for $147,764.50 and $469,000.
• The board has a signed agreement for an extension of DLZ’s work for a do not exceed amount of $50,000. Casey Erwin is representing the district through DLZ.
• Approximately 12 property owners have torn down structures since the project started and are now requesting a rate decrease for those absent structures.
• As of March 25, the district was charging for 2,064 EDUs with 1,700 properties.