05/20/1985 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e Responding to questions from Mr. Hansen, Mr. Gleason said that Eugene operates the regional sewage treatment plant for the metropolitan area, the local sew- age transportation system, and the local storm sewer system. The MWMC is an intergovernmental agency and is staffed by Springfield. The MWMC was formed to construct the sewage treatment plant which Eugene operates. The MWMC has served its function and it is time to simplify the administrative structure. The 12.3 percent cost for the operation of the MWMC includes grants for the completion of construction projects. The operation of some sewage treatment plants is privately contracted, but Mr. Gleason would not recommend contrac- ting for the operation of a regional plant. A contractor would not want to become involved in the intergovernmental relationships in the MWMC. Ms. Schue said that one attempt had been made to simplify the MWMC organization and she assumes more attempts will be made. Answering a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Guenzler said that a 1980 Lane Council of Government (L-COG) report indicated the contents of storm sewer run-off. Mr. Gleason discussed present and former American Public Works Association recommendations about storm sewers and street sweeping. Reponding to a question from Mr. Holmer and a comment from Mayor Obie about alternatives, Mr. Guenzler said he would propose that single-family residences be charged for 3,000 square feet of impervious surface. Data would have to be collected for the 4,500 commercial and industrial customers. Mr. Gleason added that billing information, the sewer flow, and the impervious area are not easy to relate in the EWEB system. The charge for storm sewers could be a flat rate, but it would not be a very fair system. _ Ms. Ehrman wished those in the audience to know that the issue of sewer rates is complex. The council wants to address the inequities, but it is a slow process. She said that more data is available each year. Mr. Miller wondered about the impact of moving the seven or eight industrial customers into another category. He wondered if an interim system could be found for the storm sewer and street-sweeping charges until a system based on impervious units could be developed. Ms. Bascom said the council seemed to support the flow-based rates. Mr. Hansen said that user fees should be based on user activity. He saw no relationship between street sweeping and storm sewer usage and the amount of water a person uses. Therefore, he would not support street sweeping and storm sewer charges based on water usage. He said the MWMC administrative costs need the council's attention. He suggested eliminating the industrial categories and approval of the rest of the recommendation. Responding to a question from Mr. Holmer, Mr. Hansen said he would support the regional rates subject to a review of the administrative costs. He would sup- port the local rate if street sweeping is excluded. He understood the local rate would not have to be increased in that case. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 20, 1985 Page 5 ~