Diana Campbell, Jones Petrie Rafinski, makes some changes to the board packets prior to the Tippecanoe & Chapman Regional Sewer District meeting Monday, May 8. Shown on the right are board members Bob Weaver, Jeff Thornburgh, Kim Hathaway and Chuck Simpson. Photo by Deb Patterson.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — Delinquent accounts and change orders were discussed at Tippecanoe & Chapman Regional Sewer District meeting Monday, May 8.

Ken Jones, president of Jones Petrie Rafinski, stated JPR was made aware of 116 unresolved delinquent billing accounts last week. The majority of the delinquency accounts are $355.20. One account owes $3,960.48.

Jones reported JPR staff began working with Gemini Billing Services, providing information it had, which eliminated duplicates and added contact information, notes, receipt of coupon books and whether there was a signed easement.

Contact information was also researched. Following this work, the list was reduced to 102 unique accounts with four payments being received before calls were made to the delinquent accounts. It was noted approximately 22 of those accounts have not signed easement agreements.

He said 28 account holders were emailed with only one bounce back; however, a phone number was found and a call made. As of the meeting, all calls and emails were completed. Staff found 18 invalid phone numbers and additional research will be done.

Jones said JPR staff will continue working with Gemini until all contact information has been confirmed or updated.

“These are challenges with a start-up billing process,” said Jones. “Gaps need to be closed and it is fairly common.” He added the list will constantly need updating as people change addresses. “Hopefully they will do the right thing and provide a change of address.”

Two change orders totaling $52,554.55 were approved on the Chapman Lakes project and on the West Tippecanoe Lake project. These change orders, according to Steve Henschen, project engineer, were all related to grinder pump station relocations and/or additions. One change order was per an REMC request.

It was noted that stakes are being placed for the lines and grinder pumps, which are causing the change orders.

Henschen also informed the board the engineering committee will need to either have numerous single meetings or a marathon meeting. This is due to the Chapman Lake project being ready to go online shortly after the first of the year. These meetings will discuss start-up dates, options for customer connections permitting and inspection process and operations and development standards review.

Henschen pointed out the main trunk will be completed with this project. Should the district agree to have the Chapman Lake area go online, those customers will then be billed the usage billing rate. The board has the option to phase in the three projects or wait to go online all at once.

Jeff Thornburgh, president, stated, “I see some advantage going one step at a time.” It was noted having each of the three project areas starting up at different times will help customers find contractors for connections, as there are a limited number qualified for such work.

Dates for engineering meetings will be chosen and announced. These meetings are open to the public.

Construction Update

Henschen provided a construction update. On the Chapman Lake project, 47,000 feet of the 118,000 feet of pipe is in the ground, with 50 of the 464 grinder pumps installed. On the West Tippecanoe Lake construction: 20,000 feet of the 123,000 feet of pipe has been installed and 50 of the 458 grinder pumps installed. Because the East Tippecanoe project is being performed by the same contractor as the Chapman Lake, no work has commenced.

Board members were also given a spreadsheet showing the progress on each of the sewer contracts.

During other business, the board:

• Approved pay applications to the two contractors, Selge Construction and Niblock Excavating, in the total amount of $2,061,424.30.
• Heard an update on the East Webster project. Start-up funds have been allocated by the county commissioners. JPR staff is investigating if the funds will be given to the district in a one lump sum or if costs will be sent to the county.
• Adopted two resolutions. The Subdivision Control Ordinance allows a subdivision or new home owner to reserve capacity in the system for up to five years. There is a $200 fee for the reservation. The other ordinance allows Jennifer Ransbottom with JPR to post legal notices on the district’s website.
• Heard information on the cost to use Boardable, which Ransbottom will be working to develop. This will allow board members to sign in and receive board packets.

The next meeting of the board will be Monday, June 12. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.