UTILITY COMMITTEE

The Utility Committee Meeting was held on September 26, 2005, at 5:45 p.m. with Chairman Carey presiding. Members present were Mr. Ruane, Mr. Sadusky, and Mr. Snaman. Mr. Cregar was absent. Members of Council present were Mr. Slavin, Mr. Ritter, and Mr. Hogan. Mayor Speed was also present (arrived at 6:00 p.m.).

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Ruane moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.

Annexation Request - Property Located at 1325 South State Street - Owned by BF Real Estate Ventures

Members reviewed a request for annexation of land located at 1325 South State Street, consisting of 2.3315^+/- acres. The proposed zoning classification is CPO (Commercial Professional Office). This area has a Category 2 – Lands Desirable for Annexation designation on the Growth and Annexation Plan Map of the 2003 Comprehensive Plan Update as amended in May 2005. The property is located on the east side of South State Street immediately south of the right-of-way of the Puncheon Run Connector. This annexation is generally supported by the Growth and Annexation Plan Map of the 2003 Comprehensive Plan Update as amended.

The Public Works Director has reviewed the annexation plan and determined that the City has sufficient utility capacity to provide water service to the site. This property is currently served by the City of Dover Electric Department. Currently, this parcel is part of the Kent County Sanitary Sewer District 1, Isaac's Branch Area; however, it is not currently connected to public sewer nor has the infrastructure been extended to this site as of this date. The Director of Public Works, Mr. Koenig, contacted the Kent County Director of Public Works, Mr. Medlarz, and it has been determined that the County infrastructure can be extended to this parcel to offer public sewer service; however, this parcel would not become a city sewer customer if annexed. All costs to extend utility service to this site will be the responsibility of the owner/developer of the site.

Members were provided an Index Map that depicted the general location of the land to be annexed. In addition, the map identified the surrounding parcels that have been contacted by the City Clerk's Office for additional interest in possible annexation with this application. Mr. Koenig noted that none of the adjacent property owners expressed an interest in annexing at this time.

Staff recommended adoption of the proposed Resolution for 1325 South State Street setting the annexation referendum for October 27, 2005.

Mr. Snaman moved to recommend adoption of the proposed Resolution for 1325 South State Street (Attachment #1) setting the annexation referendum for October 27, 2005, based on the determination that there are adequate utilities to serve the property. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried. Due to time constraints, the committee’s recommendation will be considered by Council during their meeting later this evening.

Annexation Request - Property Located at 1196 S. Governors Avenue - Owned by Francis G. and Barbara D. Powell

Members reviewed a request for annexation of land located at 1196 South Governors Avenue, consisting of 1.085^+/- acres. The proposed zoning classification is RM-1 (Medium Density Residential). This area has a Category 1 – Lands Identified for Annexation designation on the Growth and Annexation Plan Map of the 2003 Comprehensive Plan Update as amended in May 2005. This parcel is one of several parcels on South Governors Avenue that has remained in the County and represents an infill area. This annexation is supported by the Growth and Annexation Plan Map of the 2003 Comprehensive Plan Update as amended.

The Public Works Director has reviewed the annexation plan and determined that the City has sufficient utility capacity to provide water and sewer services to the site. All costs to extend utility service to this site will be the responsibility of the owner/developer of the site. Members were provided an Index Map that depicted the general location of the land to be annexed. In addition, the map identified the surrounding parcels that have been contacted by the City Clerk's office for additional interest in possible annexation with this application. Mr. Koenig noted that none of the adjacent property owners expressed an interest in annexing at this time.

Staff recommended adoption of the proposed Resolution for 1196 South Governors Avenue setting the annexation referendum for October 27, 2005.

Mr. Snaman moved to recommend adoption of the proposed Resolution for 1196 South Governors Avenue (Attachment #2) setting the annexation referendum for October 27, 2005, based on the determination that there are adequate utilities to serve the property. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried. Due to time constraints, the committee’s recommendation will be considered by Council during their meeting later this evening.

Briefing by Public Works Director - Wastewater Infiltration Issue

Mr. Koenig, Public Works Director, provided a presentation on the Wastewater Inflow and Infiltration (I & I) problem, including the current status and related expenses, perceived causes, possible remedies and future costs to remedy, and a strategy and implementation plan for remediation (Attachment #3).

Mr. Koenig noted that inflow occurs when rainwater is misdirected into the sanitary sewer system instead of the storm sewers. He stated that a significant percentage of inflow comes from rain leaders and sump pumps that are improperly connected to the sanitary sewer system. Mr. Koenig advised members that infiltration occurs when ground water seeps into the sanitary sewer system through cracks or leaks in sewer pipes, which can be caused by age related deterioration, loose joints, damage, or root infiltration. Mr. Koenig stated that the City’s fees paid to Kent County for wastewater treatment amounted to 32% more flow than what customers were billed.

Mr. Koenig recommended a 7-Point Plan of Action which included enacting a sanitary sewer ordinance, smoke and dye testing, televising sewer lines, home-to-home inspections, manhole inspections, repair and replacement of infrastructure, and notifying and educating the public.

Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Koenig stated that in FY05, staff budgeted $75,000 for I & I work. He noted that between $8,000 and $9,000 had been spent on consulting work to begin the preparation of contracts for televising the lines and smoke testing. He noted that the FY06 budget also contains $75,000 for I & I. The FY07 budget will include replacement of the camera equipment and a small van to transport the equipment. Mrs. Mitchell, Finance Director, advised members that the I & I issue will have a serious impact on the budget if it is not corrected. Mr. Ritter suggested that staff may be able to obtain a State or Federal grant for the cameras and/or smoke testing.

Mr. Ruane requested staff to include a time-frame for remediation, performance measures, and more detail of the overall Inflow and Infiltration challenge in their next update.

The committee took no action.

Mr. Snaman moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:52 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Carleton E. Carey, Sr.

                                                                                    Chairman

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Attachments

Attachment #1 - Proposed Resolution - 1325 South State Street Annexation Referendum

Attachment #2 - Proposed Resolution - 1196 South Governors Avenue Annexation Referendum

Attachment #3 - Presentation - Inflow/Infiltration Briefing