The Tippecanoe-Lake Chapman sewer board discussed using its remaining USDA funds, connection deadlines and continuing pre-planning on the East Webster project. In front from left are Jeff Thornburgh, Kim Hathaway and Brian Davison. In back standing is Neil Myers. Photo by Maksym Hart.

By Maksym Hart
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — The Tippecanoe and Lake Chapman Regional Sewer District and the engineering subcommittee met Monday, March 10, to discuss the allocation of remaining United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant funds, necessary sewer system repairs and an extension of the connection deadline for residents. The meeting was held in the North Webster Community Center.

Engineering Subcommittee Discusses Maintenance Building

During a 5:30 p.m. engineering subcommittee meeting, members discussed how best to utilize approximately $1.5 million in remaining USDA Rural Development grant funds, which must be spent before the December deadline. Discussion brought up a “wish list” of items like system modifications and spare parts, totaling an estimated $325,000.

Subcommittee members expressed concerns about the cost-effectiveness of constructing a new maintenance building versus buying an abandoned building or the currently rented space. The quoted price for a new 40-foot-by-60-foot building is $910,000, with $830,000 for the building itself and $80,000 for design permitting.

“The business side of me says, if you don’t have to spend the money, don’t spend it,” said President Jeff Thornburgh. “So, I really have mixed feelings about this.”

Members also considered approaching local property owners about buying an existing building, or buying the one already being rented.

The USDA Rural Development verbally has stated it would consider putting $250,000 toward the maintenance building.

The committee decided to submit its wish list of expenditures along with costs for a new building, an amount totaling $1,212,700 including extra and spare parts, to the USDA Rural Development. Meanwhile, Attorney Andy Boxberger will make contact with owners of vacant buildings and the currently-rented building to inquire about a purchase.

A decision should come in a week.

“The question is,” Project Engineer Steve Henschen said, “if you want to add the building, too, we’re most likely gonna have to now contribute some of the district’s money to make it happen.”

The board was presented this information later in the evening, agreeing with the committee’s suggestions.

Sewer District Extends Connection Deadline

At the 6:30 p.m. sewer district meeting, officials approved an extension for property owners to connect to the new sewer system. Letters giving notice on the deadline will be sent out the first week of April.

The current deadline is April 14 for Chapman Lake, April 26 for Tippecanoe Lake West and July 13 for Tippecanoe Lake East projects.

This extension aims to give homeowners more time as winter weather previously slowed the process; however, committee members made it clear that this will be the final extension.

“We’re not going to keep doing this,” Boxberger said. “Summer’s here, the weather’s right, get it done.”

As of now, 35% of all connections have been completed, with Chapman Lake at 69%, West Tippecanoe at 25% and East Tippecanoe just beginning at 2%.

Other Items And Public Comments

The engineering subcommittee addressed sewer system maintenance issues, including a damaged curb stop at a grinder station. Astbury, the contractor handling system repairs, estimated the fix at $1,500.

Members discussed how to handle future cases of property owners, or their contractors, damaging district infrastructure.

The subcommittee agreed affected property owners would receive a letter notifying them of their responsibility for repair costs. If they fail to pay, the district will take legal action. This is all covered in an ordinance.

“We’re gonna go after them fully, as the press is gonna write down and we’re never gonna back down,” said Boxberger, to the laughter of the committee.

The sewer district meeting also covered financial reports, generator maintenance and chemical purchases for wastewater treatment.

Officials continue working on securing state revolving funds for the East Webster Lake project, with a submission deadline set for Monday, March 31.

Additionally, data gathered over the month of February showed of the 143 parcels in the East Webster Lake area, 25 had no well or septic tank and 70 were below the required sewer-septic tank distance of 50 feet.

During the public comment period, Chapman Lake residents, Harold and Laurie Slater, asked about connecting a newly-purchased lot. Officials provided guidance on the process and associated costs.

The board will now await a response from the USDA regarding grant funding, while moving forward with the approved connection extension and ongoing maintenance projects.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 14.