Dunkirk gets update on sewers

DUNKIRK - An update on efforts by Jay County Regional Sewer District to provide sanitary sewer service to two Richland Township areas on the edge of the city was presented to council members Monday night.

Sewer district board president Gerald Kirby spoke at the Dunkirk council meeting, explaining that basically the district will be making all the arrangements to build a lift station and link the areas to the city wastewater treatment plant.

"You won't do anything, but receive a check" (for the treatment of the sewage), Kirby told city officials, who two weeks ago had complained they were "in the dark" about plans affecting the city.

The regional sewer district will handle all the billing and construction work as well as maintenance of a lift station which will allow about 30 rural homes to be connected to the Dunkirk wastewater treatment system, eliminating the need for individual septic tanks and fields, Kirby said.

Kirby said Monday the district was moving up its meeting time to 5:30 p.m. from 6 p.m. to allow Dunkirk officials to attend district as well as council meetings. The sewer district meets the second Monday of each month, while the Dunkirk City Council meets on the second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m.

Kirby said that the district has agreed to appoint Dunkirk wastewater treatment superintendent Tim Kesler to the board. For details on the district's meeting Monday, see related story on this page.

Responding to questions from the council Monday night, Kirby said the district proposal will affect about 30 homes in two different areas: The Skeens addition along county road 1150 West, north of county road 400 South; and the Willow Drive area, southeast of the city limits including portions of Arlington, Willow and Barbier Streets.

Kirby said the project will be financed with a 40-year bond issue prepared by the Indianapolis accounting firm of H.J. Umbaugh and Associates. While rates have not been set yet, Kirby said the estimated costs to individual property owners are expected to average about $65 a month.

Kirby added that he anticipates the Dunkirk wastewater treatment plant will easily be able to handle the increase in sewage from the 30 homes. Kirby acknowledged the plan was not popular with several of the affected homeowners, but it was recommended by several officials - including the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Dunkirk council member Judy Garr asked Kirby what could be the consequences if Dunkirk didn't cooperate with the district's plan. "I think you'd have problems with the state. I really do," Kirby said.

"Can't IDEM force us?" Kesler asked. "Absolutely," Kirby responded.

In closing his presentation Kirby told council members: "If you have any more questions that come up, refer them to us."

Kirby said that another meeting with city officials will be set up later when Umbaugh finalizes its rate study.

In other business Monday, council members:

•Unanimously approved allowing the Glass Days Festival Committee to hold this year's event on May 27-30 in Dunkirk City Park. Councilman Craig Faulkner asked about receiving a financial report from the committee, but Glass Days representative Renee Blumenhorst said that won't be necessary "because we don't have any money." The group is in the process of seeking donations.

•Approved an extension of the city's property liability insurance policy with Barnum-Brown Insurance Inc., Dunkirk at an annual cost of nearly $62,000 which reflects an increase from last year's total of $56,676.

•Noted that applications are being taken for summer workers for the city pool and park. Deadline for submitting an application is May 4. Forms may be picked up at Dunkirk City Hall, 131 S. Main St. Positions include certified lifeguards, concessions manager and workers, pool manager and assistant, and park laborer.

•Tabled a proposal by street department superintendent Howard Fisher to seek federal stimulus package money for street paving work. Fisher recommended hiring a consulting firm to apply for funds, while Garr pointed out that Jay County community developer Ami Huffman might be able to do the work for free. Garr also noted that filing a new stimulus application might interfere with what Huffman is already doing. City officials plan to discuss the issue with Huffman.

•Approved plans to have street department staff repair the city street sweeper. The council also authorized replacing the two overhead doors at the street department garage with one larger single one. The council agreed to have D & M Door of Muncie complete this project at a cost of $7,252.

•Authorized The Schneider Corporation engineering firm to proceed with phase III plans for water system improvements for the community.

•Agreed to allow the Step by Step Assistance Dogs organization to have a fund-raising walk on city sidewalks to raise money to train service dogs. The walk is scheduled for May 11, Step by Step representative Judy Julius said.

•Heard a report from Mayor Hunt that a plaque in memory of the contributions of former city council member Larry Smith will be placed on permanent display in city hall. The plaque will state: "In memory of Larry J. Smith for his service and dedication of over 13 years to the city of Dunkirk."[[In-content Ad]]