(Photo by Randy M. Cauthron) Engineer Jim Thiesse informed the Spencer City Council Monday night that Lundell Construction had begun sewer work on Grand Ave. between 9th and 10th streets creating one lane of travel in each direction. [Order this photo]

Following the review of the Combined Sewer Intiative survey with representatives from McClure Engineering, Spencer City Council approved the final filing of an ordinance amending a Spencer City Code to create a CSI Surcharge to Wastewater Service Charges in the City of Spencer, which will, was approved result in a $5 surcharge.

The decision Monday night sets a surcharge designated strictly for the cost associated with making the necessary improvements to sanitary/storm sewer that are being mandated by the EPA.

Properties in Spencer that are currently serviced by a combined sewer system were asked to complete a survey earlier in the year to help the city and engineers determine the knowledge of the city's population regarding the combined sewer matter. A total of 670 surveys were returned.

"I'm glad we did the survey, it will come in useful," said Ward One Councilman George Kruger.

Eighty-four percent of those returning surveys, or 619, live in homes; 8 percent have commercial property; 7 percent were apartment renters, and 1 percent had industrial property involved.

Of the 375 properties that do not have sanitary sewer backflow prevention, 19 percent-or 103-indicated that they do have sewage backing up during rain events; and of those, 33 percent experienced the problem every time it rained.

Asked the question: "Are you aware the city of Spencer has three Combined Sewer Overflows on the north bank of the river, near downtown, that discharges raw sewage, mixed with rain water, into our river untreated when it rains approximately a half-inch in our city?" 70 percent of the respondents said they were not aware.

An overwhelming 93 percent agreed that it is not okay for this discharge to happen.

Fifty-four percent indicated that they were not aware that the Iowa DNR and EPA were expecting the city to stop the combined sewage discharge within the next 15 to 25 years; but 96 percent agreed that the city should comply.

When asked about the $5 surcharge fee, 53 percent were in favor of paying it to eliminate sanitary sewer backups in basements, and 63 percent supported it to eliminate the raw sewage discharge in the river when it rains.

The council unanimously passed the surcharge to pay for the city's portion of future projects only. As with similar projects of this kind, special assessments will still be used for individuals that receive a direct benefit from the project.

Ward Five Councilman Ron Hanson requested that when the project is paid off, the fee be dropped from the sewer bill. The fee will go into effect Sept. 1.

It was noted that the surcharge should appear as its own line item on the water bill.

The estimated cost at this time for the improvements needed to meet the EPA mandate are approximately $30,000,000 and will take 20 to 30 years to complete.

In other business

* City council members agreed to establish two-way traffic on East and West Park Streets in Spencer following a recommendation from the Public Safety Committee. City Code allows the Director of Public Works to make this change.

* The council approved a recommendation that will result in Jobs Trust providing Jobs Trust Forgivable Loan to Hill Communication, a local company in Spencer. They are projecting 12 new employees, and Jobs Trust would fund $1,000 per new employee for a maximum of $12,000. Jim Hill, owner of the publishing company was on hand along wth Iowa Great Lakes Corridor of Opportunity Director Kathy Evert.

* The council approved a CAT Grant agreement with the IDOT for the Grand Avenue Project. The agreement calls for the City of Spencer to receive a $500,000 grant award to be used for the project. Recommend approval.

* The council passed a resolution of support for Park and Recreation Director Delray Bredehoeft who is requesting a REAP Grant Application for Deerfield Park. The grant request is for $125,000.00. The monies would be used for trails through the park as well a shelter house.