Thursday, May 21, 2009

It either flows or it doesn't: Another evening in Council chambers.

As reported by the Tribune and C-J, the City Council will this evening consider whether or not to hold Georgetown accountable for a sewer deal it struck with New Albany some years ago, raising the town's sewer rate and instituting penalties as agreed for failing to begin construction on its own sewer plant within the specified time frame.

Though it's now being billed as some sort of unfair rate hike by opponents, Georgetown sought this deal and hasn't lived up to it. After four years including an extension, town officials can't even say for certain where their plant will be built, let alone when. Perhaps the sewer board should dispatch ROCK representatives to Council chambers to point out that people tend to make use of the sewer system behind closed doors with their pants down. The rest of us should probably start advocating for an independent sewer district.

In other waste handling news, City Attorney Shane Gibson's review and correction of New Albany codes continues with Shane asking the Council to address deficiencies in 150.101 and 150.103, both dealing with cleanliness of premises. Amendments to these codes would clear up confusion in the violation notification and response process and name the Board of Public Works as the Appeals Board, which is currently mentioned but not defined. The proposed amendments are much needed, overdue measures.

The 2009 CDBG one-year action plan is up for adoption and CM John Gonder will introduce a resolution promoting the Smart Growth America program.

A public hearing and special council meeting to vote on the appropriation of $2 million in EDIT funds for paving has been announced for Thursday, May 28. The hearing will be at 7:15 pm and the meeting at 7:30 pm in the usual location.

Those interested in two-way, pedestrian and bike friendly street reclamation might want to consider raising their voices.


The agenda, provided by City Clerk Marcey Wisman, is here.

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