Board members are shown having an internal discussion on one of the unique cases they reviewed Monday, Jan. 9. From left are board members Kim Hathaway, Edward Ormsby, Jon Tyler, Chuck Simpson and Brian Davison. Photo by Caleigh Byrer.

By Caleigh Byrer
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — The Tippecanoe-Chapman Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees discussed the current standing on the district’s new sewer project and evaluated a few unique circumstance cases at its meeting, Monday, Jan. 9.

Justin Jones is a property owner who purchased his land between the preliminary and final planning stages of the project. He is now seeking inclusion at no additional cost or to be exempt from the project.

Prior to buying his property, there was a sewage-producing mobile home located there. When Jones purchased the property and built his home in mid-2022, he was able to connect to the preexisting septic.

The board took issue with the fact that Jones was not notified about the project if he obtained a building permit for his home, and decided to gather more information and review the health department file for the property before making a final decision.
“This board has a responsibility not just to the individual homeowners, but to all of the customers. … We have to be careful with the precedent we’re setting here,” said Board President Jon Tyler.

Project Engineer Steve Henschen stated as long as the board comes to a decision within the next few weeks, remobilization will not be an issue.

After being notified of Camp Crosley’s request for leeway with the interim rate and their pursuit of a metered rate, Marty Long, camp neighbor, and Director Rebecca Scott decided to speak on behalf of Tippecanoe Baptist Camp.

Scott stated that in December, the camp decided to close as they could not afford to pay the interim rate. She requested, if the board were able to help in any way, whether by relieving some of the interim cost or by exploring the installation of a meter, they would like more information.

Andrew Boxberger, attorney, noted that state statute allows all designated camps to have a meter. However, a metered rate cannot go into effect until the meter is installed to measure the flow.

Scott stated she would be providing the board with contact information so they may continue the discussion.
The board also granted an exemption to a homeowner who had filed before the deadline but had unknowingly delivered their paperwork to the wrong individual.

Kim Hathaway reported that after two outstanding checks went through, the board finished the year with an account balance of $300,648.68.
Two pay applications to cover grinders, pipe and material were approved:

• Contract A: $526,580.22
• Contract B: $537,081.93

Henschen reported that in contract A, Chapman Lake, they are currently working on the main line in the C24 area and will continue to work in the direction of the main county road that will lead to the Warsaw system. As for contract B, on the east end, stakes are being set in the T13-T14 area, which will likely be completed in March. Construction in contract C, East Tippecanoe, is not expected to begin until 2024.

Henschen also stated the district has used 11% of the allotted project time with 614 days remaining. Engineers are still meeting with customers regarding their grinder locations and other customer satisfaction matters.

The engineering committee will be organizing three or four meetings over the course of the next few months to develop district standards, the connection process and long-term operations.