A request to reduce the pump-and-haul rate the East Shore Corporation is paying the Town of Culver was tabled Monday night.
East Shore Corporation Representative Brian Welch explained based upon research of similar practices he asked that the current per-gallon charge of eight cents for waste treated at the town’s Wastewater Treatment facility be reduced to five cents per gallon.
“To add a little bit to the proposal, if it was acceptable, we could propose to amend the agreement that we have to lower the rate and maybe put a term on it,” said Welch. “We’re perfectly willing to do that. We’re hoping to be out of the pump-and-haul business by the middle of May when the season hits, but we obviously don’t know that we will.”
Members of the committee working with the East Shore Corporation are recommending the reduction to five cents as long as there is a term end where it can be reevaluated at that time.
It was noted that the current charge of eight cents is typically given to port-a-potty companies and septic haulers that presents a different level of treated waste than the product the East Shore Corporation is delivering. Town Manager Jonathan Leist said the corporation’s delivery is easier to process.
Councilman Bill Githens made a motion to table a decision until new member Sally Riccardi can vote on the topic after the first of the year. Councilman Rich West was absent Monday night and Githens thought the full council should be present to vote on the rate change. The motion passed with Bill Cleavenger, Joel Samuelson and Bill Githens voting in favor while Council President Ginny Bess Munroe voted against the motion.
As for an agreement for the East Shore Conservancy District, there are some figures being determined from Financial Consultant Baker Tilly. An agreement is anticipated to be approved in January.
Welch added that the permits are in place with an IDEM construction permit in the next 10 days. If all goes to plan, the project could be complete by the middle of June.
As for the creation of the East Shore Conservancy District, the hearing in front of the full Department of Natural Resources Commission is expected in January with a determination in February.
