McHenry Times

City of Harvard Water & Sewer Committee met Oct. 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Co-Chairman Gorman called the meeting to order at 6:07 pm. Committee members present: Chairman Carl Opper (6:14 pm), Alderman Charlie Gorman, Alderwoman Lisa Haderlein and Alderman Dan Carncross. Also present were Mayor Kelly, Alderman Perkins and City Administrator Dave Nelson.

Public Comment

None

Water/Sewer Rate Increase Ordinance

Administrator Nelson highlighted his remarks made in the memo concerning the water and sewer rate increase ordinance. Dave reviewed an e-mail he received from the IEPA concerning the City’s low interest loan and getting the loan approved which read in part “The loan condition is that the rate adjustments must be enacted, as proposed in the 5-year projection, by ordinance and provided to the IEPA prior to the first disbursement of the loan”. The City’s three-year ordinance addressing the water and sewer rates is expiring this year. Dave recommended that instead of dealing with this issue during budget workshops, the Committee make a recommendation this month on the new three-year ordinance due to the timing of the WWTF Improvements Project. Comparatively speaking, even with the proposed increase, the City’s ranking will still be very comparable to area communities.

A motion was made by Alderman Gorman, seconded by Alderman Opper to recommend to the City Council approval of a three-year ordinance increasing the base water sewer rates by 6% each year beginning in May 1, 2021 and to increase the maintenance fee by $1 to make it an even $20 each billing period. All ayes. Motion carried.

At Alderwoman Haderlein’s inquiry, Mayor Kelly updated the Committee on the status of awarding the contract for the WWTF Improvements Project. William Brothers Construction is currently unable to perform the work due to the Federal Government excluding them from government projects that use federal money. Mayor Kelly spoke with the president of the company who hopes to resolve the issue within the next two-three weeks. If they are unable to accomplish that, the City will have to go to the next low bidder which was $1.1 million higher in cost. Administration has been in contact with the engineers to discuss options to bridge the gap in bid price. An additional endeavor if the City is unable to use the low bidder is to go after their bid bond. A decision will need to be made before November 22nd, 2020, which might necessitate calling a Special City Council Meeting to address awarding the contract.

A motion was made by Alderman Carncross, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to adjourn the meeting. All ayes. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned 6:36 pm.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/water_and_sewer_committee/meeting/13871/minuteswatersewer2020-10-14.pdf