Bloomington board agrees ordinance changes, votes to seek PSC approval for $1,000 water connection fee

Board members reviewed proposed edits to the utilities ordinances following questions from Logan Hoffman of Delta 3 and input from consultants. The board agreed to combine ordinance sections 1102 and 1106, set ownership of water service at the curb stop (clarified by Keith Leitzinger), correct penalty language to adopt a $10-per-day penalty for illegal sewage use (equivalent to $3,650 per year), and clarify that sewer lateral ownership extends to the right of way unless the sewer main is outside the right of way. The board also chose to keep user charges by classification rather than converting to residential equivalent users and to continue allowing garbage disposals and drains, noting that grease issues tend to come from businesses rather than homes.

Following the discussion, Alan Mergen moved and Dennis Moris seconded a motion to apply to the Public Service Commission for approval to charge a $1,000 water system connection fee; the motion carried unanimously among members present. The board noted the Public Service Commission had previously disallowed the village's $500 connection charge and that one resident had been refunded.