Public speaks on CU rates, Cherokee, gated living

Three public hearing bills dominated the packed Sept. 4 City Council meeting. The first readings taken up by council were two proposals by City Utilities: the fiscal year 2001-2002 budget and the corresponding water rate increase.

Chairman of the CU Board Chris Nattinger told council that the $378 million budget proposal, which already has been approved by its board, marks the first year of CU's long range plan. A budget must pass by Oct. 1, the beginning of CU's 2001-2002 fiscal year.

Nattinger said the largest project within the budget proposal is the $13.3 million needed for completion of the $53 million McCartney Generation Station. Plans are for it to be operational by May 2002.

Other expenses, according to CU Chief Financial Officer Elaine McDonald, include $146 million for operating purchases of coal, gas and other fuels, and $64 million for total capital spending. McDonald also said $74 million, or 20 percent of the budget, will be devoted to cover all payments.

Two versions of the rate increase that will generate an additional $1.5 million for CU were read. The original proposal, which is still favored by CU, calls for a 50-cent rate increase per unit used for all customers, as well as a larger increase for heavy users during summer months. A substitute bill proposes a set increase across the board. That increase would be 7 percent for the first year and an additional 3 percent each subsequent year for four years, totaling 19 percent over a five-year period.

Paul Redfearn told council he preferred CU's original proposal. "Why would we want to spread the cost to those who don't incur it?" he asked. "Those that cause the increase should pay for it. Please don't adopt a policy that puts a burden on everybody equally because it hasn't been developed by everybody equally."

Others raised the issue of using some of the $223 million in CU reserve funds, an idea that Councilwoman Teri Hacker has favored since rate increase talks began.

While first stating that council members have varied opinions on the rate increases, Hacker said, "I, for one, don't believe that the rate increase is needed. I'm going to vote no on both bills."

Councilman Ralph Manley, on the other hand, said, "We must plan for the future. I do feel that we need that increase."

Council will vote on both bills in two weeks.

Cherokee relocation

Also heard by council was the bill to relocate Cherokee Street near Bass Pro Shops. It would close off Cherokee Street between Campbell Avenue and Sagamont Avenue. This would give the Bass Pro campus use of the vacated street and create a single Bass Pro Shops entrance.

The new Cherokee Street would tie into McGee Street to the south, where a new stop signal will be erected at the three-way intersection, city staff said.

Christopher Stevens, who lives on the corner of Wedgewood Avenue and McGee Street, told council he is in favor of the bill, but requested "children at play" signs in addition to the 20-mile-per-hour speed limit that will be imposed. His wife runs a day care out of their home. Others from the neighborhood spoke in opposition, saying that it will be an inconvenience to cross Campbell.

A vote will be taken at the next council meeting.

Gated communities

Another debated bill pertained to police and fire protection within Springfield's gated communities.

A proposed ordinance would give that protection to those residents, but it also raised the question of liability in emergency situations where a gate may malfunction.

Assistant City Attorney Nancy Yendes told council that "private streets and private gates are a privilege, thus the risk of loss will be shifted to residents who use the gate."

She added that insurance is available to these homeowners, and that existing gated communities will not be subject to the ordinance only those platted after the ordinance is passed.

No one from the public who spoke was completely in favor of the bill, but several said they were glad to hear a bill outlining such emergency procedures for their communities.

"I'm tickled to death that we have an ordinance that will outline emergency procedures that's responsible government," said Timberbrook resident Brett Godfrey. But Godfrey said he's not happy with the city's asking to be released of any liability because of a gate.

Jordan Valley Park CID

In other action, council unanimously passed a resolution for a Convention and Entertainment Community Improvement District in an area of Jordan Valley Park covering land owned by the city and developer John Q. Hammons.

City Manager Tom Finnie said the money secured from property and sales taxes will pay for park improvements.

A second resolution, which would have provided sanitary sewer services outside the Urban Service Area or more specifically, in Christian County failed unanimously.

Finnie said the proposal is not in accordance with the city's urban growth policy.

Olde Ivy LLC

With an 8-1 vote, council approved an ordinance to permit the city to construct a gravity trunk sewer north of Lake Springfield.

The city is authorized to begin designing and accepting bids for the project. Councilman John Wylie voted against the measure.

CDBG residences

The ordinance to create a program encouraging Springfield police officers to live in certain areas of the city passed unanimously.

A housing allowance will be given to officers residing in Community Devel-opment Block Grant areas.