Tippecanoe Chapman Sewer District board members discuss progress on the East Webster sewer project, contract and rate updates Monday, Dec. 8. From left in front are Brian Davison and Neil Myers. In back is Jacob Yahne. Members Davison and Myers were both up for reappointment at Monday’s session. Photo by Maksym Hart.

By Maksym Hart
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — The Tippecanoe and Chapman Regional Sewer District continued to advance the East Webster sewer expansion 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, as engineers reported design progress, the district approved year-end financial actions and board members prepared for next month’s public hearing on the project’s build-operate-transfer contract.

Jones Petrie Rafinski engineer Steve Henschen said design work for East Webster remains on schedule, with final design about 85% complete and most survey and preliminary engineering finished.

Easement acquisition has increased in recent weeks, reaching approximately 38% in hand, with more activity following November’s public information meeting.

The district will send residents a second reminder letter in mid-December to accelerate returns before the spring financing deadline.

“We want to get as many easements in hand as possible by the time we close in March,” Henschen said, noting that construction permit applications are being prepared for submission before Christmas.

Customer connections for East Webster are still projected to begin around June.

The board also approved sending a notice to vacant-lot owners, advising them that anyone wishing to be included in the project must declare interest by Saturday, Jan. 31.

Board members discussed concerns about adding too many late requests, which could strain construction contingencies, but agreed a one-month extension would give residents enough time.

BOT Contract, Funding Timeline

The district is preparing for a January public hearing before their regular meeting to present the guaranteed maximum price for East Webster’s build-operate-transfer contract.

Henschen said revised negotiations with contractor Selge Construction resulted in about $300,000 in cost reductions, with final figures expected this week.

Financial consultant Jeff Rowe of Baker Tilly confirmed the district remains on track for a State Revolving Fund pre-closing Feb. 15 and final closing March 12. Those milestones will allow construction to begin in spring or early summer 2026.

Rowe reviewed the district’s financial reports, noting a cash position of $3.25 million as of Sunday, Nov. 30, with operating receipts trending ahead of budget by roughly $146,000. Much of the district’s decrease in cash this year reflects professional fees tied to East Webster.

Rowe also presented a corrective-action plan responding to findings from the district’s 2023-24 audit, which will now appear as a standing monthly agenda item.

The district is also preparing United States Department of Agriculture Form 442-2, now due Feb. 1 following a federal deadline extension due to the recent government shutdown.

Tippy-Chapman Operations, Customer Connections

Operations manager Matt Rippey reported several system repairs, including replacement of a lift-station Wet Well Wizard unit damaged in a vehicle accident and installation of padlocks on grinder-station electrical panels to prevent tampering.

Customer connection progress remains steady, with 88% of district customers now connected and roughly 213 properties still outstanding.

The board plans to revisit Contract A’s Monday, Dec. 22 deadline next month. JPR has submitted a contract amendment increasing compensation by up to $140,000 to cover extended inspection and administrative needs.

“We’re asking for some additional compensation just because the time has been extended several times,” Henschen said. “I really don’t think we’re really going to need all that … you’ll only get billed for time spent.”

Other Items

• The board unanimously approved its interlocal agreement with the Knapp Lake Regional Sewer District, clearing the way for East Webster’s flow to be conveyed through its system. A previously expected capacity contribution was reduced to $20,000 after negotiations.
• Public input came from resident Todd Hammer, who asked about rates for undeveloped lots. The board said such properties will pay a reduced debt-service fee if they opt into service before final design closes.

The next meeting – featuring the East Webster public hearing – will be held 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 at the North Webster Community Center, 110 E. North Street, North Webster.