06121995 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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65 Regular Meeting June 12, 1995 Page 6 Mr. Moore moved to table the Resolution, and Mr. Hernandez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mayor Morris introduced for consideration Item 10.E. removed from the consensus agenda, approval of the 1995-1996/1999-2000 Capital Improvements Program. Mayor Morris asked if their was a plan in place for future parks in the neighborhoods. Mr. ~- Gilley stated their was not a particular plan, however, funds were in place at the request of the Planning and Zoning Commission for possible future acquisitions of land in neighborhoods. Mr. Cobb stated Sunset Acres and Oak Heights had requested research for parkland. Mr. Moore asked what type of parks would be built in the neighborhoods, and Mr. Cobb stated the type of parks would be based on the individual neighborhoods. Mayor Morris asked if State Hwy 123 & FM 621 intersection improvements was for right-of-way and if the City was still on the list for next year. Mr. Gilley stated that was correct and the project was scheduled to move forward. Mayor Morris asked why William Pettis Road was requested with Certificates of Obligation. Mr. Patterson stated the project was identified by the Public Works Department as an urgent need and the timing for a future bond issue would not allow the bridge to be completed in a timely manner. Mayor Morris stated she did not agree with the Certificate of Obligation on this matter. Mr. Cox asked if the Draillage Master Plan was still on the table, Mr. Gilley stated that was correct. Mr. Hart asked if the City was on tract with the CIP. Mr. Gilley stated the CIP was primarily on track, however, several items were moved back year after year depending on the priorities of the community. Mr. Moore moved for approval of the CIP and Mr. Cox seconded, which passed unanimously. Mayor Morris introduced for consideration Item 10.F. removed for the consensus agenda, to begin charging sewer surcharges effective July 1, 1995. Mr. Boeker addressed the Council regarding the testing fees. He stated the testing fee was $24.00 per month on the surcharge bill until the test was below 300 COD, at which time the fee would drop out. Frances Plocek stated annual testing had begun and several customers were able to get below 300 COD, however, their were a few businesses that were above the 300 level. She stated their were a few business categories that would always have a surcharge (i.e., restaurants with excessive fried foods, washaterias, etc.). Mayor Morris asked if their was testing for phosphorus in the Industrial Pretreatment Program. Mr. Boeker stated their was no plan, however, the Çity could begin testing. He said over the past few years there had been a reduction of phosphorus in the Pretreatment Plant. Discussion ensued. Mayor Morris requested staff look into costs related to adding Phosphorus into the Industrial Pretreatment Plant. Mr. Hart stated he did not believe the testing process was adequate. He suggested lowering all rates by $.05. Mr. Hernandez asked if the changes to the EPA Clean Water Act reflected the pretreatment program, Mr. Boeker stated no. Mayor Morris stated we were mandated to have a Industrial Pretreatment Program, not a Surcharge Program. Mr. Boeker stated we were mandated to have a control on the Surcharge Program. Mr. Bill Haney stated fees were not required of anyone other than the defined significant industrial users (i.e., restaurants, car washes, laundry mates, etc.), un.less they are significant industrial users under the definition. He stated EPA did not require mandated surcharges for restaurants, car washes, etc. Discussion ensued. Mr. Haney believes the fees are unfair because the sampling cannot be done fairly due to the back flow of sewage from other companies and there is not a way to cap off the flow from one company to another. Mr. Gilley stated as part of the City's Industrial Pretreatment Program, surcharge fees were set as a means of control for the Surcharge Program, not a mandate. He stated the funding of the program was a choice of the Council with regard to the impact on the people subject to the surcharge. Discussion ensued. Mr. Cox stated he would like to establish brackets and ranges based on individual usage and Mr. Moore agreed. Mr. Haney stated he would like to see the Council do away with the surcharge completely. Discussion ensued. Rick Travis stated he made changes to' his restaurant and his COD charges went up. He stated he did not intend to make any other changes until the Council decided what they