HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSB NOVEMBER 21,2019 CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE
SANITARY SEWER BOARD
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 21 , 2019
The Sanitary Sewer Board of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met in regular
session on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 3:00 P.M in the City Hall Mayor's Conference
Room. Board Member Orem called the meeting to order at 3:00 P.M. Board Members
present are Bill Saegesser and Dale Orem. Mayor Moore is absent. Also present are
Utility Director Len Ashack, Utility Billing Office Manager Elisha Gibson, Controller
Heather Metcalf, City Engineer Andy Crouch, Drainage Board Member Tim Franklin,
Jorge Lanz representing Jacobi, Toombs, and Lanz, Michael Gangstad representing
Lochmueller Group, and Secretary Barbara Hollis.
Board Member Saegesser made the motion to approve the agenda as presented,
second by Board Member Orem, passing on a vote of 2-0.
The minutes of the November 7, 2019 meeting were presented for approval. Board
Member Saegesser made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, second by
Board Member Orem, passing on a vote of 2-0.
CONTROLLER'S REPORT
Controller Metcalf presented the claim list dated November 21, 2019 in the amount
of$596,747.18. Board Member Saegesser made the motion to approve the claim list as
presented, second by Board Member Orem, passing on a vote of 2-0.
Manager Gibson presented the Adjustment Certificate dated November 18, 2019
in the amount of $-49,166.27 Sewage, $-1,105.65 Drainage, and a refund of $5,665.74.
Board Member Orem is amazed at the number of water meters. Board Member
Saegesser made the motion to approve the Certificate as presented, second by Board
Member Orem, passing on a vote of 2-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Board Attorney Gillenwater is still waiting for the legal description for the Verizon
easement at Victory Point. He has spoken to a Verizon representative who is very
cooperative.
NEW BUSINESS
Pastor Jim Moon appeared before the Board explaining that as of last Friday, he
has taken over a lease at Haven House. He is attempting to purchase the facility. He
listed the number of liens with the amounts along with the current debt. Haven House is
the only shelter in a 19 county region, therefore providing much needed services. Pastor
November 21, 2019 Page 2
Moon is requesting the release of the $80,000 sewer lien. He is able to pay the current
debt and has the ability to keep up the payments. He believes it is in the best interest of
all people to settle this. Of the 117 people currently at the shelter, 48% are from Clark
County. No out-of-state clients will be taken in the future. Services will be for Indiana
people. He is requesting the help of the City. Board Member Orem said that $80,000 is
a lot of money, however he understands the peril. Pastor Moon listed the building
infrastructure needs to make the building safe and secure. Board Attorney Gillenwater
suggested taking this under advisement to explore options. Pastor Moon explained the
urgent need to close on the property. Board Member Saegesser, stating Pastor Moon is
a friend, reviewed the financial history of the Board since 2006. He asked Manager
Gibson for a complete accounting of the account. Pastor Moon said. the 2020 budget is
80% funded at this time and that moving forward the bills will be paid on time. Manager
Gibson said it is possible to release the lien and put the amount back on the current bill.
Pastor Moon noted the critical gaps in the system of care in Southern Indiana, listing the
services provided in the community. Board Member Orem said the Board will try to work
with him. Board Attorney Gillenwater will contact Pastor Moon's attorney.
Following discussion of the January 2020 Board meeting dates, it was decided to
meet on January 9 and 23 (second and fourth Thursday), returning to the first and third
Thursdays for the rest of the year.
ENGINEERING REPORTS
No formal reports this meeting. Jorge Lanz did say the final response to the DOJ
has been forwarded. He is hoping they accept the explanation.
DEPARTMENT REPORT
Director Ashack reviewed the IDEM inspection report for the NWWTP. The 2019
Bond Ordinance with highlighted changes was presented. This will go back to the City
Council on December 2. It will be made clear what portion is new debt. Director Ashack
next reminded the Board the DWWTP Improvement Project bid opening will be December
5, 2019 at 3:00 PM. Director Ashack presented the WWTPs Loading report through
October, the CSO DMR and CSO events report through October along with the October
Operating Report on CD. He distributed the EPA/DOJ/IDEM 11.19.19 response letter.
Director Ashack then said a recent situation made him think of "Where there is a will,
there is a way". It was discovered that a young man appeared to have been living in a
storm-water catch basin. He traveled through storm sewer and got into the Tenth Street
Lift Station and turned on all equipment. When an employee checked on the situation the
young man fled and was not found. The lift station doors have not been locked in the
past due to them being behind secure fencing. All doors will now be locked.
November 21, 2019 Page 3
ATTORNEY COMMENT
With regard to the T&C law suite, Board Attorney Gillenwater reported the plaintiff's
expert has gone to work for the Corps of Engineers and has to get permission from the
Corps to testify. It is not known how long that will take.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Board Member Orem said he feels sorry for Pastor Moon and believes he is trying
to do the right thing. Board Attorney Gillenwater said there are options that he will work
on.
There b-in! no further business to come before the Board, Board Member
Saegesser m. de he motio to adjourn at 3:51 P.M., second by Board Member Orem,
passing o a ot- of 3-0. e next meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2019.
Mike Moo -, Mayor
Dale Orem, Board Member
1A4revv•-214 Arv\
Bill Saegesser, B,i Member
ATTEST:
Barbara Hollis, Secretary