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Highlands Today

Council Considers Budget Amendment For Sewer System

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By JOE SEELIG

Highlands Today

Published: November 3, 2008

SEBRING - While much of country will be fixated on the up-to-the-minute results of the presidential race, the city of Sebring City Council will give its full attention to its regularly scheduled council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4.

The consent agenda includes a resolution authorizing a budget amendment to buy the Highlands Utilities Corporation's sewer system as well as a resolution establishing sewer rates for the existing system's customers.

Rates would be either the rates to Highlands Utilities customers or the city's outside-of-city customer rates, which ever rate is higher.

Council will also hold a public hearing to get public input on the purchase of the Sebring Airport Authority's water and sewer assets to determine if the purchase is in the public's interest and to authorize closing on the project.

Following the public hearing the council will consider approval of a resolution to authorize staff to proceed with the transfer of those water and sewer assets to the city.

And while they're thinking sewer, the council will also consider a proposal to make its troubles go down the drain from Professional Piping Services Inc. for cleaning and restoration to maximum flow 18,795 linear feet of sewer main.

The cost, if approved, for this oversized sewer service will be $99,963.

In further sewer actions, the council will consider approval of a $120,445 change order No. 2, on the Phase II Sebring Parkway, to provide labor, equipment and materials to relocate 440 feet of 16-inch force main under the CSX Railroad tracks near the county's new sports complex.

The work was not originally included in its plans and specifications for the parkway project, but CSX and the county have found the track will need to be adjusted and the force main conflicts with the adjustment.

The Utility Budget has $75,000 allocated for the Sebring Parkway project and the difference of $45,445 will come from the city's sewer rehab account.

On a more pleasant note, Sarah Pallone, of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce, has requested to have a sidewalk sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 8. She also would like permission to use the city parking lot at West Center Avenue and Circle Park Drive.

Florida Statute requires the council appoint the chairman and vice chairman of the Community Redevelopment Agency each year. Commissioner Gene Brenner has agreed to accept the appointment for chairman and commissioner Kathy Malie has agreed to act as vice chair and the CRA board recommends the appointments.

Staff has requested and recommends approval of an amended contract to the Calibre Investment Group, LLC, for its purchase of Harder Hall.

The sale and purchase date was initially dated for Oct. 7, but Calibre did not receive the contract until Oct. 14. Calibre has requested the due diligence period would begin on Oct. 18, rather than Oct. 7.

Joe Seelig can be reached at (863) 386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com .

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