George Paton, left, talks over some matters with Jennifer Ransbottom, director of utility management services with Jones Petrie Rafinski, prior to the Tippecanoe & Chapman Lakes Regional Sewer District.

Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — Two unique matters, a request to take on a second project and resignation of a board member were topics at Monday’s Tippecanoe & Chapman Lakes Regional Sewer District.

“We need to do anything we can to help with the cost,” said Kim Hathaway, board member. His statement reflected an extenuating situation Justin Jones, EMS C24 Lane, encountered after purchasing property a year ago. Jones was allegedly never told by the previous owner the property was within the sewer district’s boundaries.

The health department issued a septic permit, temporarily allowing a septic system to be installed. However, the permit also stated they must connect to the sewer district’s system when available. When construction plans were prepared, no structure was on the property. Only a single grinder pump was planned for a neighbor.

Steve Henschen, senior engineer with Jones Petrie Rafinski, presented two options — Jones wouldpay the cost of a grinder station, ranging from $13,000 to $15,000, or agree to pay an upcharge for a shared grinder and show proof he and his neighbor agree for Jones to pay the neighbor’s additional connection cost. An amount less than $5,000.

Jones stated his neighbor did not want the system to run across his driveway, leaving only one option. “I don’t think it’s fair, to be honest. We received no information from the person who sold us the lot.”

A solution was reached. The board approved a change order, pending USDA approval, to bring the property into the project.

“I was planning on connecting anyway. I didn’t know it passed,” said Jones.

Henschen stated in a $52 million dollar project a $15,000 addition is not a huge impact on the budget.

The board approved the change order with the amount not to exceed $20,000, and Jones provides a signed easement agreement and pay back debt service costs. Jones agreed.

The other matter involved property at 3675 and 3663 Forrest Glenn, properties owned by Jo Swart and Kathy DeVoe. The properties were excluded in the original plan. Swart and DeVoe both spoke at the meeting. They both also own property o T24 and T40 lanes which are in the district.

Swart commented that numerous times from the beginning she asked if sewer would be provided to that property and was assured it would be. She stated discussion was held regarding building on those lots and she has been under the impression, from day one, the two properties were going to be on the system and so holding tanks were installed. However, both women admitted not receiving any information on the sewer system for those properties, but noted talking to numerous people involved in the project on the matter.

Following lengthy comments from the two women and explanation of who was included in the district, the board advised the solution was to go to the Kosciusko County Commissioners and request to be included into the district.

Second Project

Ken Jones, president and CEO of JPR, presented a request from property owners on East Webster to become a part of the regional sewer district. This is the only area around Webster Lake not on sewer and involves 182 customers. Jones has been working with the group since 2019.

Jon Tyler, current board president, announced his resignation effective March 1. Chris Francis, Tippecanoe Township Trustee, will name his replacement.

The Knapp Lake Conservancy Sewer District system runs through the area to the North Webster Wastewater plant. Jones stated the town’s system has 50% capacity left. A presentation to the county commissioners on establishing a fourth sewer district in the county was met with opposition. The only solution was to ask the other three sewer districts. Turkey Creek and Lakeland declined taking on the project. Tippecanoe & Chapman is the other choice. This is due to the fact the three districts are regional sewer districts and have unlimited reach. A conservancy district cannot cross county lines.

Jones estimated the project would be around $5.3 million and would involve an inter-local agreement between the Knapp Lake system and Tippecanoe & Chapman district. It would also not affect costs to customers in the current district boundaries, and be a separate project.

Mike Ripley, one of the residents making the request, presented information to the board, indicating 86.9% of the residents are in favor. He also stated the district board would not have to do any work except be a receiver.

Jones noted the county commissioners would be asked for seed money on the project.

Jon Tyler, board president, who was initially against the joint venture, stated “I am one member of the board. We should give this very, very serious consideration. … I’m very much in favor of moving forward with this.”

However, it was felt prudent to bring the three absent board members up to date on the request. The request was tabled until Chuck Simpson, Jeff Thornburgh and Ed Ornsby are included in the discussion.

Last Meeting

Tyler, who was among those who spearheaded the need for a sewer system around the lake and who has served on the board since its inception, announced Monday was his last meeting. “I am resigning as of March 1,” he stated, giving no reason for his departure.

He stated Chris Francis, Tippecanoe Township Trustee, will be making the appointment for his replacement.

“It’s been a pleasure and I appreciate this group. It is a really great board here that works really well together and they’ve done a great amount of work. Great engineering staff at Jones Petrie, and everyone we worked with. Thanks for all your hard work,” said Tyler

During other business the board:

Heard a report from Henschen on the construction progress. He stated there will be monthly construction updates on the district’s website, allowing residents to know the construction schedule.

Approved the pay applications for contractors.

Discussed interim rates for campgrounds and youth camps that opted to have metered flow rates. Jeff Rowe, Baker Tilly, reported those customers will be temporarily billed based on estimated flow during construction. Rates will be set at a later date for the metered flow charges.

Signed a resolution including property at 29 EMS C29A lane and Lot 15 on Stanton Lake Estates Division 3 into the district. The requests had been approved by the county commissioners.