Each week leading up to the 2023 Lowell City Council election, we are featuring a different question posed to candidates. These questions were selected to allow candidates the opportunity to speak directly to voters as well as address issues on the minds of many residents. Candidate answers have not been edited in any way and are published exactly as provided.
This week’s question is: Both the city water and wastewater facilities are nearing capacity, largely due to increased demand from development in the township. Lowell Township owns 18% of the capacity in the current wastewater plant and has a contract to be a wholesale customer of the water system. What should the city do to address capacity issues in these two systems?
Eric Bartkus
The increased capacity pumps that are now being quoted should be installed as soon as possible to eliminate the watering restrictions. The townships should pay their share of these costs. If the townships require plant expansions for growth, they should pay for this as well. The city doesn’t need this expansion and residents/businesses shouldn’t be burdened.
Jake Davenport
The water and sewer contract needs to be renegotiated, and renegotiated before it expires in 9 years. The current contract is clearly not working when we have to have water restrictions to maintain water availability. I also think that the terms of the next contract should be for a shorter period of time than the current one, so we are not locked into an agreement that becomes inadequate before it expires. Since the treatment facilities for sewer and water are city owned, and hence city taxpayer owned, I do not support a water or sewer authority. I think we should continue examine the proposal to add larger pumps for a interim solution, but long term, we need an equitable solution in which both the city and township contribute a fair portion to plant expansion. I would also support the idea of a 425 agreement in future negotiations.
Mike DeVore
Quite frankly, the Township growth and not being prepared for this inevitability isn’t the fault or the priority of the city. We provide the Township with high quality product at a wholesale price and their growth has caused us to have to restrict our resident’s use. That is not fair to the city residents and rate paying customers. This isn’t an issue we created and the Township needs to put a fair value on the products and services they are receiving and they have not done that so far. If there are improvements and upgrades that are necessary to both systems, that cost should be spread across all ratepayers. If it is expansion that is needed, the city residents shouldn’t be held accountable for a single penny of that. We have played the waiting game long enough. If the Township can’t figure out the solution soon, the city must separate and use our services for our residents.
Jim Salzwedel
Continue talks between the city and township as to what this looks like 10 to 20 years down the road.
Sharon Shah
While we may represent different governing authorities, our shared goal is to serve the community’s needs effectively. The city’s infrastructure is well-equipped to accommodate current demands for the city and offers room for future growth. The crucial decision at hand for the township is whether to invest in the city’s system or establish their independent operations. I am open to collaboration and exploring various options with the township. Ultimately, it falls upon the township to make a decision on how they wish to proceed.
After learning that the increased capacity pumps cost $8 million at the 10/16 council meeting, I am taking back my support. The city doesn’t need this and the customers can’t bear this cost. Our water rates are already on the high end. Let’s maintain the system and leave it to the townships to finance expansions for their growth.