Request to Address Council by Kathy Bitter and City's Supporting Documents~~/~
Honorable City Mayor and City Council Members:
I have three issues I wish to address. I will try to be brief.
1) I came before you last year to address city water being installed on Miller
Road. Thank you, it's being installed September-October. I am seeking
to have my entire water hook up paid for by the city. Here is my case: I
attempted to have water brought to our street in 2004. I was denied
because "there was no money in the budget and additional neighbors
would have to fully commit". When I pointed out that a new home was
just built on our street (1301) and city water was brought to it without
any other neighbors even being offered to hook up, I was told they
happened to "call at the right time" and to call back later and see if funds
were available. I asked what time of year is best to call and was told,
"Just keep trying". Our street was annexed in 1977. As several of you
mentioned at last year's meeting, even if one person wanted it, it should
have been done. As well motors go out or water goes bad, people paying
city taxes should be able to hook up to the city.
The following is a very basic list of costs I have incurred since 2004:
A) Bottled water $8-11 per week. At $8 this comes to $445 yearly with
tax or $2225 over five years. At $11 this is $3060.00.
B) Water softener salt $400
C) Water softener replacement in 2008 $300 (Jaeger Plumbing)
D) Fluoride drops for my daughter
E) Increased homeowner's insurance rates
Just the $8 per week and the water softener related charges come to $2925, so
we are well over $3000 in additional costs to our personal household since 2004
because we were denied city water. My city connection fee is going to be
$1540.00 and have been told the plumbing contractor could cost as low as $750
and as high as $1500 depending on any problems encountered in our hook up.
This could be an additional $3000 for my family.
The inconveniences we faced were having inadequate fire protection on our
street, dealing with weekly water purchases, and having no water when our
electricity was out.
We have paid city taxes here since 2001. I have no idea how 1301 Miller Road
was built and immediately given city water without notifying the other residents.
The two homes that missed the water hook up will now face about a 1/3
increase in their water hook up at a later date.
I was denied city water for no legitimate reason and ask the city to waive the
connection fee and pay the hook up charges as billed by Mark McClain.
2) Street repair is a needed where the city replaced the road due to the
water being brought to 1301 Miller Road. When I brought this up last
year, someone from the city said that they were considering curb and
gutter. The road is actually in fairly good shape except for the area
where the water line runs under it. The potholes and puddles are huge.
City workers have been all over this street for weeks and can easily verify
what we are dealing with. Our road is fairly narrow and these potholes
become ice patches during the winter. The city destroyed a perfectly
good street with quick, sloppy work and should come back and do it
correctly before winter.
3) I am requesting an adequate guardrail be installed at the gully on Miller
Road. At a very narrow spot in the road at the bottom of a hill that is
plagued with gravel run off from a private drive, there is a 9-foot drop off
into a rocky gully. We went from having 2 children on the street to 12 in
a short time. This area is an accident waiting to happen. If one car
happens to come over the crest a little too fast and there is a child on a
bike, they could easily be forced over this edge. When I asked about this
with city engineering I was told they have a warning sign and that is all
they are willing to do. I will bring pictures to the meeting.
I appreciate your time with each matter above. All are important and deserve
equal consideration. I don't want to take up too much meeting time, but it
seems better than coming to three separate meetings.
Best regards,
Kathy Bitter
1460 Miller Road
563-580-0234
bl ~=~rv'c~-~~~rt~
Z V '~ k~Jb I - ~3S 6~3
Dubuque
THE CITY OF
till-kr~~~.~icaL'iry
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
2007
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Bob Green, Water Department Manage
r
SUBJECT: Kathy Bitter Letter Received September 1, 2009
DATE: September 4, 2009
INTRODUCTION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide you with current and previous
information related with Mrs. Bitter's request to connect to the city water system.
DISCUSSION:
To the best of my knowledge Mrs. Bitter has never made a formal request to us that she
wanted to connect to the city water system until now.
Mrs. Bitter and her neighbors did submit a request to me on August 7, 2004 to extend
the Waterman along Miller Road. This request came with special condition. They are
as follows:
• Option to hook up at such time as they deem appropriate
• Connection fee of $11.00 per ft will not change
None of the residents including Mrs. Bitter wanted to connect to the city water system at
that time.
In Mrs. Bitter's letter to the City dated June 5, 2008, she requested the water main be
extended to provide water to the Davis family. She also states in her letter that they are
probably the only family that will commit to hooking up immediately.
At no time did she request to me in writing or verbally that she wanted to connect to the
city water system.
Prior to Mrs. Bitter's request in 2004, we received a request from Jeff Meyers at 1301
Miller Road to extend the water main to his property as he was building a new house.
This request was received, materials were available and city staff time was available to
extend the water main.
Note: Funds were not available for this project to be constructed by an outside
contractor.
Page 1 of 1
Bob Green -Kathy Bitter Letter - 9/8/09 City Council meeting
From: Juanita Hilkin
To: Green, Bob
Date: 9/3/2009 2:34 PM
Subject: Kathy Bitter Letter - 9/8/09 City Council meeting
CC: Van Milligen, Mike
Attachments: Kathy Bitter Letter.pdf
Bob,
Please see the attached letter from Kathy Bitter. She will be speaking at the Tuesday,
September 8th City Council meeting to talk about the issues in this letter. Mike Van Milligen
would like you at the meeting regarding Section 1) of her letter. Also, if you have any
information that you can provide Mike before the meeting relating to her issues, he would
appreciate that.
Thank you.
Juanita
file://C:\Documents and Settings\bgreen.DBQDOMAIN1Loca1 Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4... 9/3/2009
~~~~
Honorable City Mayor and City Council Members:
I have three issues I wish to address. I will try to be brief.
1) I came before you last year to address city water being installed on Miller
Road. Thank yau, it's being installed September-October. I am seeking
to have my entire wafer hookup paid for by the city. Here is my case: I
attempted to have water brought to our street in 2004. I was denied
because "there was no money in the budget and additional neighbors
would have to fully commit". When I pointed out that a new home was
just built on our street (1301) and city water was brought to it without
any other neighbors even being offered to hook up, I was told they
happened to "call at the right time" and to call back later and see if funds
`were available. I~asked what time of year is best to call and was told,
Just keep trying .Our street was annexed in 1977. As several of you
mentioned at last year's meeting, even if one person wanted it, it should
have been done. As well motors go out or water goes bad, people paying
city taxes should be able to hook up to the city.
The following is a very basic list of costs I have incurred since 2004:
A) Bottled water $8-ii per week. At $8 this comes to $445 yearly with
tax or $2225 over five years. At $11 this is $3060.00.
B) Water softener salt $400
C) Water softener replacement in 2008 $300 (Jaeger Plumbing)
D) Fluoride drops for my daughter
E) Increased homeowner's insurance rates
.lust the $8 per week and the water softener related charges come to $2925, so
we are well over $3000 in additional costs to our personal household since 2004
because we were denied city water. My city connection fee is going to be
$1540.00 and have been told the plumbing contractor could cost as low as $750
and as high as $1500 depending on any problems encountered in our hook up.
This could be an additional $3000 for my family.
The inconveniences we faced were having inadequate fire protection on our
street, dealing with weekly water purchases, and having no water when our
electricity was out.
We have paid city taxes here since 2001. I have no idea how 1301 Miller Road
was built and immediately given city water without notifying the other residents.
The two homes that missed the water hook up will now face about a 1/3
increase in their water hook up at a later date.
I was denied city water for no legitimate reason and ask the city to waive the
connection fee and pay the hook up charges as billed by Mark McClain.
2) Street repair is a needed where the city replaced the road due to the
water being brought to 1301 Miller Road. When I brought this up last
year, someone from the city said that they were considering curb and
gutter. The road is actually in fairly good shape except for the area
where the water line runs under it. The potholes and puddles are huge.
City workers have been all over this street for weeks and can easily verify
what we are dealing with. Our road is fairly narrow and these potholes
become ice patches during the winter. The city destroyed a perfectly
good street with quick, sloppy work and should come back and do it
correctly before winter.
3) I am requesting an adequate guardrail be installed at the gully on Miller
Road. At a very narrow spot in the road at the bottom of a hill that is
plagued with gravel run off from a private drive, there is a 9-foot drop off
into a rocky gully. We went from having 2 children on the street to 12 in
a short time. This area is an accident waiting to happen. If one car
happens to come over the crest a little too fast and there is a child on a
bike, they could easily be forced over this edge. When I asked about this
with city engineering I was told they have a warning sign and that is all
they are willing to do. I will bring pictures to the meeting.
I appreciate your time with each matter above. All are important and deserve
equal consideration. I don't want to take up too much meeting time, but it
seems better than coming to three separate meetings.
Best regards,
Kathy Bitter
1460 Miller Road
563-580-0234
bl `a~btigrt~
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T®: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FR®M: Bob Green, Water Department Manager
SUBJECT: Ms. Kathy Bitter's Letter dated June 5, 2008/Watermain Extension -Miller
Road
®~-TE: June 16, 2008
The purpose of this memorandum is to respond to Ms. Bitter's letter dated June 5, 2008.
In 2004, a watermain request was made by Jeff Meyers to extend water service
approximately 550 feet along Miller Road to his new home at an estimated cost of
$39,150.00.
Monies were available and the request was approved. During this project, a total of
nine other residents along Miller Road signed a request to have this watermain
extended an additional 825 feet to serve them. The spokesperson for these people at
that time was Ms. Bitter.
Their request was to have the watermain extended at that time and be allowed to
connect later.
In addition, they requested that their connection fees be frozen at that current rate until
such time they decide to connect.
This request was denied at that time due to lack of funds, their request to freeze the
connection fees, the fact that none of the residents will be connecting to the system and
due to water qualify concerns with stagnant water in the distribution system.
Recently we received a request from Mr. Davis at 1480 Miller Road to connect to the
city water system. The Davis' have just recently purchased this home and found the
well water quality to be unacceptable for their needs.
Because of this they requested to us that the water main be extended to their property.
This request was reviewed. The project would consist of extending the watermain
approximately 660 lineal feet at an estimated cost of $55,000.
In discussing this with Mr. Davis, I explained to him that the City Water Department
operates on its revenues. In addition, I explained that funds were not currently available
to support this project and that the Water Department would need to borrow the monies
for the project. I advised Mr. Davis that his request at this time is being denied. Mr.
Davis advised me that his neighbors wanted to connect to the system with him.
I asked Mr. Davis if he could take the lead with his neighbors to sign a petition
requesting that the watermain be extended to their properties and that they would
connect to the system.
I then advised him that I would take their request and submit in next year's CIP budget.
have not received any further requests or information since my conversation with Mr.
Davis.
2004 -Street Repair
This is the first that we have been made aware of this problem. In reviewing the section
of street we found some spots that could use some attention. We will schedule staff to
repair these later this summer.
Staff and I are available at your convenience to discuss and answer any questions you
may have.
BG:ve
Attachments
cc: File
In addition, the lack of usage on this dead end line will create health concerns with
stagnant water resulting in bacteria developing in the system.
I am available at your convenience to discuss this request.
vle
Attachments
cc: Mike Brekke, Water Distribution Supervisor
File
American
NUMBER OF PAGES:
DATE:
INCIUDiNG COVER SHEET'
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The Smarf Move to Make ~
FAX NUMBER:
PHONE NUMBER:
MESSAGE:
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~~T~erican P~eal~y, G~1AC Rea! Estate
2 i 15 Jonn F. Kennedy Poad
Dubuque, Iowa 52002
O;;ice: 503-556-4577 / 800-322-8397
Fax: 503-550 ^767
1460 Miller Road
Dubuque, IA 52003
Aubust 7, 2004
In reply to:
Robert Green
Ea~ie Point Water Plant
1902 Hawthorne Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Robert Green
Subject: Miller Road `Vater Main
Per our phone conversation, the follotiving residents of Miller Road respectfully request
the continuation of the tivater main currently being installed. It seems appropriate to
complete this work now as the water main continuation currently undertivay appears to be
for the sole benefit of a new resident/new construction on the street. The long-term
residents of this street would like the option to hook up at such time as they deem
appropriate since it is difficult to predict when wells will need repair/replacement. It is
understood that the charge to hook up to the city water main will be $11 per linear foot of
fronta~7e. This fee is unchan,in~ and is to be paid at the time of hook up and is in
addition to any charges the residents will incur in connecting the main fo their home.
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ILL T TI '
1. 1441 Miller Road, (Steven & Leann Sabers)
219.17' X $11.00/ft. _ $2,410.87
2. 1449 Miller Road, (Thomas ~ Judith Winner)
13.6' X $11.00/ft. _ $149.60
3. 1460 Miller Road, (Bitter, Joseph)
4. 1480 Miller Road, (Ehlers, Joseph)
138.6' X $11.00/ft. _ $1,524.60
100' X $11.00/ft. _ $1,100.00
5. 1500 Miller Road, (Allen, Robert)
145' X $11.00/ft. = 1 595.00
TOTAL =$6,780.07
/- , ,~- -.
Eagle Point Water Plant
1902 Hawthorne Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-1416
(563) 589-4291 office
(563) 589-4297 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
wtrplntQcityofdubuque.org
September 2, 2004
Mrs. Kathy Bitter
1460 Miller Road
Dubuque, IA 52003
RE: Miller Road Watermain Extension Request
Dear Mrs. Bitter:
THE CITY OF
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The City of Dubuque has utilized a watermain extension and connection fee
policy since November 7, 1961. This program functions on a first come first
serve basis and is subject to the availability of funds with the proper approval.
Staff and I have reviewed and evaluated your request with its conditions. Listed
below you will find my response to these requests.
1. Request: That the watermain on Miller Road be extended 825 feet.
Response: The estimated cost to extend this watermain is $84,149.
Current city funds are not available to support this size of project.
2. Request: The long-term residents of this street would like the option to
hook up at such time as they deem appropriate.
Response: Currently there is no interest from you or your neighbors to
connect to the water system at this time. The non-usage of water on this
dead end line will create health concerns with stagnant water resulting in
bacteria developing in the system.
3. Request: That the charge to hook up to the City watermain will be $11.00
per linear foot of frontage. This flee is unchanging and is to be paid at the
time of hook uo.
Response: Residents are required to pay the current prevailing fees that
are in place at time of connection. The connection fee charged is per city
policy and is subject to change.
Service People Inteb ity ResponsiUility Innovation Teamwork
Therefore, it is our decision, in reviewing your request with its conditions for this
project that it be denied at this time.
I'm available to discuss this decision with you and your neighbors should you
have any questions.
Sinc ,
.~ ~" -~.
Ro rt .Green, Water Department Manager
vle
Attachments
cc: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Mike Brekke, Water Distribution Supervisor
Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Miller Road Residents
File /
FRDht : PF~ONE N0. 5850118 ~'ug. 19 ?OD4 12:?DPM P1
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PH®NE NUMBER:
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Am~rica~ ~aalty, CMA~ ~~~- Estate
2i i5 J®hn F. K~n~~dy R9ad
~Gbr.~q!:e, laws 52442
O~c~: 563-556P457? / 6C0-322p6397
Fax: 563-556-4767
FRDM PHONE N0. 5850118 Ruq, 19 2804 12:21PM P2
l ~ U ?~'iillsr Road
T?ubuque, lA 52UU3
Augu4t 7; ~U()4
rn reply e~:
Robert ~ireeh
Eagle Paint dater Plant
4 9Q2 Hawthorne Street
l:3ubuc}~=e, IA 52UU1
bear Robert C; een
Subject: I~/liller Raad Water ivlain
.~lgr~a~ura) {N~tne ~ ~tr~ led)
Per our phone eanversatian, tb~e following rESid:.,~ts of ~.~iller Road respe~:ti~lly request
the continuation of the water main currently being installed. It seems appropr~at` to
complete this work now as the water main continuation. curr~ttiy us:deay appdars to be
for the sole ber-efit of a new resident/new cunstruction an the street. The long-terra
residents of this street would lake the option to hank up at such time as they deem
appropriate since it is difficult to predict when wells will need repairJreplacement. It is
understoad t~-at the charge to hoak tip to the city water main will be $11 per linear foot of
frgntage. 'lzis fee ig unclzaczging and is to be paid at the time of hook up and is in
addition to any charges the rdcidents will incur in car~*~esting the main to ts1?Cir hoc~ne.
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Bob Green
Kathy Bitter (556-4577) called at 13:18 hrs.
She wanted you to add three names to the folks on Miller Road.
Ahlers
Schumacher
Tom Winters (1440 Miller Rd.)
Page 1 of 1
fob Green
From: "Jeff Maiers" <jeffwmaiers@juno.cam>
To: <bgreen@cityofdubuque.org>
Sent: Monday, Rpril 26, 2004 9:15 I'M
Subject: Water main connection costs
Bob:
In regards to the water main extension requests on Miller Rd. I have a few questions on the price estimates
you've given me. The first estimate you gave was for 166 feet at a cost of $1,826. Why is it estimated for 166
feet? If the water main runs either down the middle of or to either side of the road, I can only figure at most
needing 60 feet to connect my home to the water main. I'm just wondering where the 166 feet come in to play. If
you could answer these questions for me I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks for your time.
-Jeff
4/27/2004
Page 1 of 1
~PP~o ~ ~`q' `,~ ~
~ green J ~, `~~~°?~
From: "Jeff Maiers" <jeffwmaiers@juno.com>
1'0: <bgreen@cityofdubuque.org>
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 8:49 PM
Subject: water main extension request
To whom it may concern:
I am requesting a water main extension on Miller Road. I am planning on building a home on a vacant
lot located on Miller Road. I'm currently in the middle of trying to purchase the lot. The only major
detail that is going to influence my decision on purchasing this lot will be if the lot will be connected to
city water or not. Please consider my request for a water main extension to this location. Thank you for
your time and consideration.
-Jeff Maiers
4!27/2004