A Public Hearing was held on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Hall at 8892 South Street, Weedsport.
Present were: Mayor Jean B. Saroodis
Trustees: Lukins, Swim
Also present: Brian Skidmore, B&L Engineers; David Thurston, Village Attorney; Diane Schuefele, Treasurer; Susan Lamphere, Village Clerk; Jim Saroodis, Superintendent of Public Works; Carol and Burton Ward, Steve Sims, Kathy Barran, Citizen; Ron Spingler WWTPO; Sharon Lukins, Cheryl Saroodis, Janet & John Clark; Mark & Terri Kubarek, K&S Car Wash; Ben Poormon, Rachel Wilson, George Chester (7:30 p.m.)
Mayor Saroodis called the Public Hearing to order with the Pledge to the Flag.
The Mayor explained the Public Hearing was to hear comments on the Debt charge that will be added to the water/sewer billing beginning with the May 2010 billing. Mayor Saroodis introduced Brian Skidmore, B&L Engineer, and David Thurston, Village Attorney to the residents present. A mailing was sent to all residents on the village sewer system informing them of the unit count for their property that would be collected to pay the annual debt charges.
Mark and Terri Kubarek, owners of K&S Car Wash, 2677 Erie Drive questioned how the charge of three units per bay was determined for the car wash. Brian Skidmore stated the Village needs to collect a fixed amount yearly to make the debt payment and we cant rely on a usage-based charge because it would inflate charges. B&L used an estimated Department of Conservation average as a starting point to base units on.
Mr. Kubarek stated he would be willing to put in an outflow meter to show that his car wash does not add as much to the sewer disposal as you would think. The solutions used at the car wash are not organic, household waste is worse on the plant than what he disposes of. He feels if you have one meter you should be charged one unit.
Mrs. Kubarek stated that Cayuga is the highest taxed County in the State. With this price increase, our school tax would go up, and businesses would raise their charges to the customers to make up the difference.
Ben Poormon, 2573 Earl Street also questioned the unit pricing for his duplex. Brian Skidmore stated the unit pricing would be reviewed on a yearly basis. If changes were needed the unit charge could change. The Board tried very hard to strike a right balance to be fair and equitable to everyone.
Trustee Lukins informed those present the Board did not raise taxes this year and every Department cut back on their budget requests this year in anticipation of these incoming charges.
Steve Sims, 2550 Hamilton Street, first thanked the Board and B&L for finding the funding for this project or the quarterly unit cost would have been much higher. His opinion is the ½ unit per bed charge to Evergreen Heights is low.
Rachel Wilson, 2802 Sharon Street, owns rental property and did not raise rent to cover the additional charges. It was brought to her attention this has been being worked on since October 2004. Public Hearings have been held and publications in the newspaper have been made to inform the public of the status of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade along with estimated cost increases to the residents. Previously an Open House was held for residents to view the plant to better understand the need for the upgrade, only 6 people attended.
George Chester, 2803 E. Brutus Street stated he is trying to make his property at 8917 N. Seneca Street viable to rent, he does not meter each individual rental space. Superintendent Saroodis explained that to put five meters in his building would have him paying five separate service charges. Mr. Chester, as owner would be responsible for the unpaid bills even if the rentals were unoccupied.
At this time the Mayor stated the Hearing would remain open until 8:00 p.m. in case anyone else appeared with questions.
No one else appeared and Trustee Swim made the motion, seconded by Trustee Lukins to close the Public Hearing, all-present voted aye.
MOTION TO ADOPT UNIT CHARGES FOR DEBT REPAYMENT
Trustee Lukins stated the Board feels the unit charge presents a happy medium and can be adjusted annually if required. There is still grant money to be received and the costs per unit would go down somewhat based on any grants received. Based on this, Trustee Lukins made the motion, seconded by Trustee Swim, all ayes, to accept the schedule of chargeable unit/ rates presented at the March 15th meeting.
A Motion to adjourn was made by Trustee Lukins, seconded by Trustee Swim, all ayes at 8:12 p.m.
Susan Lamphere
Clerk