Bloomington’s sewer system was the main topic of conversation at Wednesday night’s city council meeting, with three of four proposals relating to the sewer and wastewater.
The council discussed items from issuing bonds, converting systems from septic to sewer and raising rates of wastewater services.
Council members first voted to allow bonds to be issued by the Monroe County Redevelopment Commission for two main road projects: an extension of Profile Parkway to Gates Drive and a connecting road from Vernile Pike to Gates Drive. The addition would also include roundabout and sidewalk construction.
"I appreciate the opportunity to bring more connectivity to the city," council member and parliamentarian Stephen Volan said.
The council also approved an ordinance for refunds for certain sewage works revenue bonds in Bloomington in 2019. The purpose would be to lower the interest cost and reduce service payments on the bonds.
Vic Kelson, director of City of Bloomington Utilities, said the total amount of the bonds before interest is not to exceed $7.067 million. The refund’s total is $7.686 million. This will save approximately $128,000 per year.
“It's always nice to save money,” council member and president Dave Rollo said.
Another ordinance proposed amending Title 10 in the wastewater section of the Bloomington Municipal Code, increasing the cost of wastewater services by 5% across the board. Out-of-city residents would pay a 12% surcharge. The increase will pay for inflation and to cover capital projects.
"I'm glad we are getting to the point where we can maintain rather than repair," council member Jim Sims said.
The council approved the ordinance with a vote of 8-1. Council member Chris Sturbaum was in opposition of the raises in out-of-city because he said he thinks the city council should just be concerned with the city.
“I think we should just think in terms of the region,” Sturbaum said.
The final vote was for another amendment to Title 10, which would allow the City of Bloomington Utilities director the discretion to waive connection fees. The change would allow the director to waive fees for affordable housing programs and the promotion of conversions from septic tanks to the sewer system.
“Should those people who own outside the city not take full responsibility financially for their conversion?” Volan said.
Kelson said the sewer connection fee pays for a system development charge for future increase in capacity, not an increase in network of pipes. The council approved the ordinance 9-0.
