Hearing set on Dunkirk rate switch (05/30/07)

DUNKIRK - Council members have rescheduled a public hearing on a proposal to "flip-flop" water and sewer service rates here.

The hearing will be Monday, June 11, at 7 p.m. in Dunkirk City Hall, 131 S. Main St.

This move is designed to produce more income for the financially strapped water department at the expense of the city's wastewater treatment department which currently has an operating fund surplus.

The hearing had originally been scheduled for this week, but had to be changed to meet legal notification and other requirements, Mayor Sam Hubbard announced at Tuesday night's city council session.

Hubbard has said the bill for his residence shows $12 going to the water department and $18 going to the wastewater department. The "flip-flop" proposal will effectively reverse those figures, Hubbard explained. Consequently, there will not be any noticeable rate increase on the overall water-sewer service bills, he added.

Two separate ordinances, one dealing with the water rate increase and the other concerning the sewer rate decrease, were introduced at Tuesday night's council session. Both ordinance proposals are now available for public inspection at city hall, city attorney William Hinkle said.

In other business at Tuesday's session, changed from Monday night due to the Memorial Day holiday, council members:

•Authorized the mayor to sign a contract with low bidder Jutte Excavating, Fort Recovery, for the upcoming water main relocation project which will affect the entire length of Ind. 167 (Main Street) through Dunkirk.

Hubbard said that state officials have reportedly approved all the necessary paperwork in connection with the project, and he expects the work to begin by the end of June. Jutte submitted a bid of $755,700. The other three bids ranged from $959,000 to $1.1 million.

•Heard a report from Hubbard that Peerless Midwest of Westchester had completed repairs to put city well No. 1 back in service. Hubbard said the total cost will be approximately $26,000, and all the city wells are now back in operation.

•Listened to a report from councilman Tom Johnson that the city swimming pool is being filled and prepared for a tentative opening date of Monday, June 4.

•Heard concerns aired by Dunkirk resident Renee Blumenhorst, who complained about hiring practices for summer park and pool help by the park board.

She said she had submitted an application but never received a call to be interviewed for a position. Blumenhorst said she thought the whole procedure should have been handled "more professionally."

Park board member John Hoover was present Tuesday, and he defended the park board's procedures. Hubbard and Johnson recommended that Blumenhorst attend the next city park board meeting Wednesday, June 27 at 5:45 p.m. in Dunkirk City Hall. Blumenhorst said, "I'll be there."

•Approved a request for $300 to help fund the Fourth of July activities in Dunkirk City Park. Pam Bunch made the request, and she said the city fireworks display and park activities are scheduled for Wednesday, July 4.

•Were informed by Johnson that the park shelter house will be available for use by families and other groups for picnics and reunions on a first-come, first-served basis. He said the group will need to send a representative to the park on the day of the event to reserve the shelter house. Signs and posters will not be honored, he said.

•Learned that water hydrants will be flushed throughout Dunkirk during the nights of June 6, 7 and 8.

City officials advised persons not to do laundry during this time period.[[In-content Ad]]