Lakeland Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees members, from left: President Jim Haney, Treasurer Mike DeWald, Bob Marcuccilli, Joe Cleland. InkFreeNews photo by David Hazledine.

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Lakeland Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees discussed how best to deal with repeat violators of the district’s rules against disposing of inappropriate items and materials in the sewer system at its regular monthly meeting held Feb. 16. Materials such as rags, sanitary wipes and fats, oils and grease — known as FOG — can clog pipes and jam pumps, requiring expensive repairs.

The board did send a mailing to all LRSD property owners addressing the problem; however, Emily Shipley, the newest board member, pointed out it may have blended in with the “white noise” of other mass mailings. “There has to be a strong point made,” she said.

The board approved a process, starting with sending a certified letter after the first offense, which will include a list of prohibited items. The letter will also include a warning to the homeowner they will be responsible for costs associated with repairs, which according to the district’s rate ordinance could be as much as $2,500 per day.

One problem, noted Board President Jim Haney, is some products such as sanitary wipes claim they are “safe to flush,” which is misleading because once in the system they can be very damaging. Attorney Andy Boxberger said litigation has been proposed against companies making such claims.

“Anytime there is plugging it will damage the grinder pump,” said an Astbury Water Technologies employee. Much also depends on timing, as well as the general condition of the pump and where it is in its operational cycle, which affects its ability to handle the materials.

He added some homes employ cleaning services and may be unaware of the problem.

The board also voted to participate in the Low Income Housing Water Assistance Program administered by Real Services of Kosciusko County. Haney pointed out there is “no downside to taking part in this program,” as it does not shut-off service to individual properties. Also, the benefits may be used to pay liens resulting from unpaid bills, which may enable the district to collect funds it would not otherwise.

Haney also noted there are approximately 60 homeowners currently 90 days past due on their bills, roughly half of which will turn into liens after the 120-day mark.

The board voted to send letters to the four properties remaining unconnected to the sewer system. The letters will warn of the possibility of a forced connection lawsuit brought by the district.

During Mike DeWald’s treasurer’s report, he brought attention to a $20,794 bill for flushing of the sewer line performed by Astbury, which is recommended every five years but was done without the board’s prior approval. DeWald noted the amount is nearly half the maintenance budget for the year. To avoid the problem in the future, the board voted to regularly allocate asset replacement funds to accommodate the flushing procedure.

The board voted to deny a request to waive a late payment fee. The payment for January was received Feb. 8 after being sent to the wrong address for reasons not explained.

The board also voted to amend district bylaws to provide a mechanism for removing a member. Among the causes for removal are the committing of a felony and failure to attend 75% of the board’s meetings. Removal would require a two-thirds majority.