Chuck Simpson and Kim Hathaway review documents before the TIppecanoe & Chapman Lakes Regional Sewer District meeting on Monday.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — The Tippecanoe & Chapman Lakes Regional Sewer project is approximately three months behind in its projected schedule, according to reports Monday, May 9, at the board’s monthly meeting.

Jim Anderson, a future customer, questioned when the bids would be going out. Steve Henschen, Jones Petrie Rafinski engineer, reported the letting of bids for the project is being delayed due to the number of signed easements required by the funding agencies — State Revolving Fund and USDA Rural Development. While Henschen did not state the percentage needed, he indicated 90 percent of the agreements have been received for both lakes. However, there are several easements in negotiations, including along the mainline.

Once the percentage is reached, advertising for bids can begin. Jeff Thornburgh, board member, questioned when that would be. Henschen indicated bid advertising could be in June and opened in mid-July. It will then be 60 days later when the project could start, bringing it to September.

Steve Snyder, representing Patona Bay, questioned when the definitions of units for the rate ordinance will be discussed or if he needed to appear at each monthly meeting. Snyder had presented the board with suggested definitions in February for such areas as campgrounds, mobile homes and campers not designed for year-round occupancy.

It was stated the rate ordinance could not be created until construction bids are in hand. It was noted public notice will be given on the rates and a public hearing will be held. A more definitive time was requested by board member Brian Davison. “We’re probably looking at August,” said Henschen.

Chris Nusbaum with Carson LLP law firm, confirmed the definitions would be set up in the rate ordinance. These definitions would determine the number of Equivalent Dwelling Units per definition. Additionally, he stated these definitions have been litigated before and the Indiana Administrative Code provides suggestions for the definitions.

During other business the board heard a report from the finance committee regarding billing and administrative services, operations and maintenance. One quote has been received and two additional quotes are being sought. A recommendation will be presented to the full board in June.

The board also accepted the recommendation from the engineering committee to accept two requests to be included in the project and deny one request to be excluded from the project. The one denial has an alternative course of action to be excluded from the project, for which steps have been taken.

A waiver, due to an extenuating circumstance, was given to one property owner regarding filing for a request for a connection exemption from the sewer. The property owner plans to file an exemption due to her septic system being installed in 2016.

Henschen provided a project update. He reported on the status of permits, with all being received except three permits from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, regarding construction in a floodway/lake crossing. Those permits will be issued in the near future.

A resolution and an interlocal agreement with the city of Warsaw were approved and will go before Warsaw’s City Council for approval.

Board members decided to discontinue the office hours of the JPR staff after May 13. Future office hours will be considered if a need arises. Telephone and email options will remain available for customers having questions.

The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 13.