Purpose of the Special Meeting is to discuss Stormwater Utility.

City Manager Enderle explained these are Federal Mandates the city is required to follow and there we need to find solutions to getting things accomplished.

Stormwater Coordinator Devon Alexander went over the Review Alternatives for the Stormwater Utility Fee.

(See attached Exhibit "A" Power Point Presentation from the Meeting)

There was discussion on the amount of ERU"S other cities are charging and where the city should set our fees, if credits should be given, what the alternatives are if we do not comply with the mandates, reasons we need to build a new storm sewer system at this time, why we just can't tell the EPA we can not do this at this time.

Mayor Fess stated educating the public is very important at this time; citizens need to understand where we stand on this, and why we have to impose these new fees.

Law Director Wall stated she worked in Cincinnati and they were forced to comply with EPA Mandates and they challenged them, in turn they were ordered by a Federal Judge to comply and fined a large sum of money daily until they complied.

Finance Director Cynthia Holtzapple gave a brief explanation on the General Fund Projections as shown in the presentation.

There was discussion of the need for street repairs, sanitary sewer repairs, storm water repairs, and the impact to the Street Fund.

Public Comment

Scott Phillips, Piqua Lockington Road, voiced his concern about expanding the city limits at this time.

Jon Voisnet, Garbry Road, voiced his concern over the stormwater rates and how they were going to be determined for residential and commercial users, and what happens if the fees are not paid.

Joe Drapp, Park Avenue, voiced concern on how they would be able to administer the credit program, and urged residents to write to their Congressman to voice their concerns over the mandates

Commissioner Wilson stated he was not in favor of any of the options and would like to see other options with abatements before making any decision.

Commissioner Vogt asked if it would be possible for him to get a list of the commercial accounts to see how they would be affected.

There was discussion on the type of gravel and concrete to be considered as pervious surface, and the elimination of certain types of gravel on surfaces.

Dennis Bratton, French Oil Mill Machinery Company, voiced his opinion, further stating he felt it was a very good presentation, but they need to think outside the box and come up with another plan to solve the problems.

Cy Plemin, French Oil Mill Machinery Co. also voiced his opinion on the EPA Mandates.

Deron Yingst, Adams Street, voiced his opinion on the $4.70 per ERU fees, stating the city should pass the fees to the residential customers at this time and work on the commercial fees and try to come up with a fair rate for the commercial customers.

There was discussion of the Stormwater Utility Department and the number of employees and responsibilities they have.

Andy Monnin, W. North Street, stated he was on the Stormwater Advisory Committee and explained some the issues that were discussed concerning gravel, the possibility of phasing in 2-3 year, and the use of discounts and credits to customers.

Mayor Fess stated there was a lot of good information at the meeting and asked the Commissioner if they would like to schedule another meeting to be able to look at other options. City Manager Enderle stated they would need at least a month to put other options together.

Mayor Fess thanked the Department Heads and the Staff for their presentation.

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Martin, to adjourn from the Piqua City Commission Work Session at 1:30 P.M. Voice vote, Aye: Wilson, Martin, Terry, Hudson and Vogt.
Motion carried unanimously.

______________________________
LUCINDA L. FESS, MAYOR
PASSED: ________________________

ATTEST: _________________________
REBECCA J. COOL
CLERK OF COMMISSION