Rate hike for sewers introduced

The first step to increasing Portland’s sewer rates by 30 percent was taken Monday, as an ordinance outlining terms of the rate hike was introduced by the city council.
The next step is for a public hearing on the proposed hike, Greg Guerrettaz of Financial Solutions Group said after Monday night’s meeting of the Portland City Council.
He said the hearing likely will be held at the Feb. 21 council meeting. If approved, the sewer rate increase could go into effect as early as March.
Guerrettaz told council members that the financial burden on city residents was taken into consideration. However, the city must complete the north side sewer separation project and other projects to eliminate combined sewer overflows.
The sewer rates are being increased to help fund the projects. Also, higher sewer rates could make the city more competitive for grants and loans.
City officials have also proposed an additional sewer rate increase of 27 percent in 2012.
The city plans to apply to a state revolving loan fund to fund the north side sewer separation project.
Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier has said the city is in the running for $2 million in federal earmarked funds to help pay for the $5.8 million project. The city also is a finalist in the $4 to $5 million Stellar Communities Grant program.
Guerrettaz said if the city receives funding for the north side sewer separation project, it might not have to implement the second rate increase.
In a related matter Monday, council members learned which projects are included in the city’s Stellar Communities Grant program application and heard praise for the projects.
Along with the north side sewer separation project, city officials hope to use grant funds to create a trail system, to improve Milton Miller Park and to rehabilitate homes and rental properties. All of the projects would be in the north side of the city.
Nola Albrecht of The Schneider Corporation explained some of the projects to council members. She said the trail would be 10 feet wide and run along Industrial Park Drive. It would go east and west along Lafayette Street (after Lafayette Street is extended west), and connect to Milton Miller Park and also go south to the Walmart Supercenter. She said the path could eventually be connected to Hudson Family Park and Haynes Park. Improvements to Milton Miller Park would include new restrooms, new shelters and new playground equipment.
Kristi Sturtz of Sturtz Public Management Group said there are 206 homes in the area, and up to 40 could participate in the rehabilitation program. Up to $20,000 in improvements could be made to each home. The approved improvements would include painting the outside of the homes, and new roofs, plumbing and windows. The program would be for property owners who are 60 percent below the median income. Also, about 20 rental properties could be rehabilitated.
Stellar grant funds could be used to improve the facades of businesses located along North Meridian Street, north of the Downtown Historic Preservation District.
Other possible projects could include a community transportation system, improvements at Portland Municipal Airport and sidewalk improvements, Sturtz said.
Some community members and representatives of local organizations expressed their support for the projects that could be completed with the grant funds.
“This is going to be a great boost to the whole East Central Indiana area,” said Sheila Cannon of Energize ECI.
“This is a tremendous boost for the community,” said Bill Bradley, executive director of Jay County Development Corporation. “It will help market Portland.”
Joe Johnston, chief executive officer of Jay County Hospital, said the trail system will tie together the hospital, Wal-Mart and housing for the elderly.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to enhance the quality of life,” said Doug Inman of The Portland Foundation. He said the north side of the city has had the stigma of being poor. “What a tremendous opportunity for that part of the community to really be the shining star of the community.”
The grant application is due Friday, and the two winning communities will be announced  March 1. Those deciding the winners will visit Portland on Feb. 1 to learn more about the projects.
In other business Monday, council members:
•Heard an update on the Steen Addition storm and sanitary sewer separation project.
Work on Massachusetts Avenue is expected to be completed by Saturday. Work then will progress to Reed Street and Pittsburg Avenue. The project is expected to be completed by May 28. It is largely being funded through a $600,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
David Ayala of RW Armstrong told council members that he believes four houses along Boundary Pike near the city limits should be connected to the city’s sewer system. The homes currently are served by septic systems. He said he believes there will be enough grant funds available to connect the houses.
•Approved street closures for the Arch Bridge Kroozer cruise-in in May and the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Show in August.
Portions of Court, Commerce, Main and Ship streets will be closed near the Jay County Courthouse May 21 from noon to 9 p.m. for the cruise-in.
Also, Morton Street will be closed near the Tri-State grounds Aug. 19-28. Those who work along that street will still have access.
•Voted to use $25,000 in Portland Economic Development Income Tax funds for the Downtown Façade Funding Grant Program.
The Portland EDIT Advisory Committee met prior to the council meeting and recommended that the council approve the request.
•Learned that Hosier will be traveling to Washington D.C. in March to continue to lobby for federal funds for the north side sewer separation project.[[In-content Ad]]