ALPENA - The Alpena Township Board of Trustees took action on a variety of water issues during its Monday evening meeting, including adjustments to the infiltration charge, requesting an extension for the water/sewer system agreement with the City of Alpena, and considering Alpena Power Co. purchasing the water/sewer system.
The board unanimously approved adjusting the infiltration charge after considering the costs from last year.
"We watched costs. Last spring left us with a cost of $40,000, which will put us at $20 for the year or $5 per quarter," Supervisor Marie Twite said.
Short of the $40,000 in charged fines, the board passed a resolution for the continuation of the infiltration charge at a cost of $20 for the year for its 2,000 customers. However, in comparison to last year the charge did decrease.
"I would've hoped that we didn't have to do any charges, but it's necessary. This is an enforcement issue, we're still fining people for water infiltration," Twite said.
The board also responded to Alpena Power, which expressed interest in purchasing the water/sewer system. President and CEO Stephen Fletcher inquired if there is any interest from the township in the sale of water and sewer properties to Alpena Power. The local utility requested discussing the purchase of the water and sewer system.
"Maybe this is the best thing for Alpena Township, but I don't want to go into this blind," Trustee Lou Baker said.
After discussion and conflicting viewpoints by board members with questions that have been unanswered, the board has decided to meet with Fletcher to discuss the proposition. All board members supported meeting with Fletcher, except for Matt Dunckel.
"My inclination is that we are not interested at this time, but some board members disagree," Dunckel said.
Water issues continued throughout the meeting, including a requested extension for the water/sewer agreement from the City of Alpena. The board also approved a motion to continue moving forward with negotiations with the city.
In other business:
Emily Siegmon can be reached via e-mail at esiegmon@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.