Although George and Ann Xanders were the only public present at TCRSD’s monthly meeting, district superintendent Timothy Woodward still put on a good show. Woodward had the audience snickering with his reference to the “big flush” on the Fourth of July, which typically comes shortly after the Lake Wawasee fireworks display ends. Large and concurrent flushes like that test the district’s systems and equipment. (Photo by Chelsea Los)

SYRACUSE — As Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District celebrates the successful transfer of all Syracuse flow, the district’s new attorney recommended some serious cracking down on those ignoring district policy. During Monday night’s regularly monthly meeting of the TCRSD board, held June 17, employees, board members and the public worked together to wade through fines and ordinances as well as preventative maintenance and upcoming flushes.

Thanks to his fresh set of eyes on district policies, Andrew Boxberger, attorney for the district, suggested an update to the use ordinance that would allow the district to fine up to $100 per day to non-compliant customers within the district who do not connect to the sewer. This updated policy could mean trouble for some 35 or more S.W.A.P customers who have failed to connect to the completed sewers.

While state law mandates a max fine of $100 per day, the district’s approach was more tactful. “You don’t want to be punitive, you just want them to connect,” sympathized Boxberger. The ordinance will be re-worded to fine non-compliant customers $5/day for month one, $10/day for month two, $15/day for month three and increase by $5/day each month following on a monthly basis. Boxberger will be finalizing the required 90-day notice to connect by next month’s meeting; after the board’s approval the letter will be mailed certified to district customers to alert them of the timeframe and potential fines.

With policy changes moving ahead, the board moved on to updates from district superintendent Timothy Woodward. Here’s a few ups and downs that Woodward covered from the last month’s happenings:

Water lines were flushed twice in the past month due to a faulty air compressor that stirred up iron in local water lines. The solution (post-flush) was leaving the air compressor unplugged.

Woodward and team have been closely overseeing the progression of Crow’s Nest development which has been slowed by wet and muddy condition; 5 lots out of the estimated 15 have already been sold

In preparation for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, 18 generators were serviced

Sunset Condos reached out again to Woodward about the possibility of TCRSD taking ownership of the sewer system. Woodward had previously recommended a strong “NO” to the board, but noted that he has researched some possible perks and is reconsidering.

Woodward felt confident about how the current systems are handling the total and complete reversal of additional flow from Syracuse, but also expressed a readiness for the final clarifier (No. 4) to be complete. Woodward had both the public and board members snickering with his “big flush” speech preparing the district for the Fourth of July holiday. Woodward noted there are several crucial times when the district’s systems are tested — most notably right after the fireworks over Lake Wawasee are finished and the following morning after a standard breakfast hour.

Public members are encouraged to attend the public, monthly meetings at the TCRSD offices located at 4852 North 1200 West, Cromwell. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month and begin at 7 p.m.