BICKNELL - City council members here held a first reading Monday on an ordinance that would raise water rates for residents.

The ordinance indicates an increase from $4.04 to $7 per 1,000 gallons with a cap of $6 for use of over 30,000 gallons. The ordinance also allows for a nearly 50 percent increase in monthly meter fees and a tap charge of $750 for a 3/4 inch or smaller tap. Previously, residents only had to pay $198 for a 3/4 inch or smaller tap.

No one reportedly spoke in opposition of the increase, which came as a surprise to Clerk-Treasurer Rita Dupire.

However, some residents who attended the meeting did suggest adding a clause to the ordinance that would allow for minor percentage increases to the water

rates over time.

"That way residents aren't hit with major increases all at once but with gradual increases that cover the cost of inflation," Dupire said. "No one said anything against the rate increases and I'm glad no one complained, but it made me wonder what the heck was going on!"

"Maybe it's something in the water," she added with a chuckle.

In March, council member Frank Gugliotta said the city has been paying $12,000 a month since 1979 on a loan for the water plant they'd built. The debt is not scheduled to be paid off until 2019.

The current rate for water hasn't been increased for 25 years.

Council members also addressed several improvement projects they plan to tackle this spring and tabled a couple of others.

Resident Peggy Magill, representing Melvin Olson, asked council members to consider a request to remove some of the concrete from a lot at 105 S. Main St.

"There was an old foundation of a building on that lot and when the building was taken down they filled the foundation with gravel," said Clerk-treasurer Rita Dupire. "Peggy wanted permission to remove the concrete but the council tabled her request until they had the opportunity to take a look at the lot."

Dupire said Olson is currently using the lot for parking and that removing the concrete foundation blocks will make the area smoother.

Harold Schlomer, a member of the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church asked council members to approve the posting of handicap parking signs outside the church along Vigo Street.

Council members approved the purchase and posting of the signs, but the expense of the signs and curb painting will be covered by the church, Dupire said.

Jim Crist, a resident who lives along Seventh Street, asked council members to consider repairing a bridge on the street.

"He said the bridge is sinking and the council is concerned about gas lines in that area," Dupire said. "The council unanimously approved making repairs to the bridge."

Street superintendent Ron Julian asked the council to approve posting no semi-truck signs on Washington Street, North Franklin Avenue, 12th Street and Freelandville Avenue.

"Ron says the road just can't hold the weight of the trucks and that several trucks are apparently trying to use those roads," Dupire said. "Our attorney, Kerry Currier, is also working on drawing up an ordinance that prohibits trucks from using those roads."

Dupire said the council tabled Julian's request until they could review the condition of the roads and the ordinance could be drawn up.

Staff writer Jennifer Gordon
Vincennes Sun-Commercial