Tippecanoe-Chapman Regional Sewer District Board President Jeff Thornburgh, left, and Secretary-Treasurer Kim Hathaway talk at the board’s July meeting. Topics discussed included connections, an encroachment agreement and the east Webster project. Photo by Maksym Hart.

By Maksym Hart
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — The Tippecanoe-Chapman Sewer District met Monday, July 14, to address equipment issues, approve new infrastructure projects and begin the process of expanding into east Webster — granted that the board receives new funding.

Board members approved financial reports showing the district remains in a strong cash position, with over $3.7 million on hand at the end of June.

Operating receipts have totaled $1.4 million year-to-date, which is 13% ahead of projections.

Jeff Rowe of Baker-Tilly reported that a state-mandated audit for 2023 and 2024 was ongoing.

“We’re making good progress … Our goal is to have everything submitted by the end of the week,” Rowe said.

Completion of the audit is necessary before the board can pursue additional project financing.

In operations, Matt Rippey of Astbury Water Technologies noted multiple updates and repairs. A carbon filter was installed at a manhole near lift station one to address odor complaints from nearby residents.

The solution, which costs approximately $3,000, appears to be working. Repairs were also made to a discharge line at EMS T30A damaged during construction.

“Once Niblock found the problem, it was an issue they had created, so … they’re going to pay for it,” said engineering consultant, Steve Henschen, of Jones Petrie Rafinski.

The district recently installed “Wet Well Wizards,” air diffusion systems, in all three chemical substations to prevent excess chemical usage and harmful gas buildup.

Hydrogen sulfide loggers have also been placed to monitor corrosion risks. June saw 16 service calls, a typical number during lake season when property owners return.

Henschen reported progress on remaining construction efforts using leftover USDA funds.

Most spare parts and improvements have been delivered, and installation of a trailer-mounted generator and electrical riser modifications will begin soon.

As of June 30, 75% of expected permits had been issued and 67% of customer connections completed, leaving about 600 connections outstanding.

“Customer connection letters went out last week,” said Henschen, stressing the Saturday, Aug. 30 deadline for contracts A, B and C. The board will evaluate non-compliance cases in the fall.

Henschen also reported that one-year warranties for contract A expired July 9, with remaining warranties for contracts B and C ending in October and December, respectively.

“It’s our baby now,” said Henschen.

In new business, the board approved removing a bond requirement from section one permit work, instead requiring a one-year warranty.

This change applies to individual property owners installing grinder stations and connections, simplifying the process while still providing accountability.

Legal counsel, Andy Boxberger, introduced the first step in potentially expanding the district into east Webster, which includes about 180 parcels.

“This will function as a separate service area,” Boxberger clarified. “It will have its own financial structure and will not affect rates for current Tippy-Chapman customers.”

The board voted to request the Kosciusko County Commissioners initiate an application for annexation, but will wait until funding is confirmed before proceeding.

“We need to act on it now to get ahead of the game, because once SRF commits this funding, they expect you to spend that money in nine months,” added Henschen, “Which means we’ve got to move at a crazy fast pace to get this.”

The district approved an application for funding the new service area, an act Thornburgh called “the first of three steps needed to get things going.”

Also approved was an encroachment agreement for a property at 125 EMS T15, allowing the homeowner to build a garage extension within 3 feet of district equipment.

The agreement shields the district from liability for any damage incurred during future maintenance.

“If repairs are needed and they whack the corner of their garage, that’s not on the district, it’s on the property owners,” said Henschen.

Finally, President Jeff Thornburgh received board approval to explore subleasing office space to the Watershed Foundation, which shares the building.

With construction winding down, the district may reduce its footprint and operating costs, while maintaining accessibility.

The Tippecanoe-Chapman Regional Sewer District will next meet 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St., North Webster.