Present:
John Hardwick, Valparaiso Water, 219-462-6174, ext 302
Phil Smith, Smith Group Consulting, LLC, 317-788-8534
Pat Carroll, IDEM, Drinking Water Branch, 317-308-3281
Tom Easterly, Commissioner, IDEM, 317-232-8611
Beth Millett, Borshoff Johnson Matthews, 317-631-6400
Kathy Humphrey, Veolia Water of Indianapolis, 317-263-6540
Doug Perry, City of Goshen, 574-534-5701
Mark Nye, DLZ Indiana, LLC, 574-236-4400
Bob Veneck, OUCC, 317-233-3231
Jerry Webb, IURC, 317-232-2765
Pat Spence, HNTB Corp, 317-636-4682
Howard Cundiff, ISDH, 317-233-7182
Bruno Trimboli, Mishawaka Utilities Water Div, 574-258-1652
John Stancati, South Bend Water Works, 574-235-5646
Terry Atherton, Indiana-American Nivio, 219-880-2367
Vince Griffin, State Chamber, 317-264-6881
Jim Williams, Peerless-Midwest, Inc,. 574-254-9050
Nick Stanley, Water Solutions Unlimited, 317-736-6868
Gale Gerber, Nappanee City Utilities, 574-773-4623
Michael Simpson, ME Simpson Co Inc, 800-255-1521
Art Umble, Greeley and Hansen, 317-924-3380
Odetta Cadwell, Indiana Rural Water Association, 317-402-7349
Todd Taylor, LaPorte Water, 219-326-9540
Jack Wittman, WHPA, Inc, 812-333-9399
Bill Etzler, Aqua Indiana, 260-489-1502

Chairman Hardwick opened the meeting with introductions.

Minutes from the last meeting were approved.

IDEM Commissioner Tom Easterly 

• explained the proposed fee increases to operate a balanced budget. In addition to being understaffed, federal funding is going to decrease.
  Discussion:
• Drinking water fees currently partially subsidize areas that would be covered by these fees; this would potentially free up or further protect drinking water fees
• IURC considers these fees as expenses that could be passed through in rates. 
• Increase in fees may negatively impact the number of people who get certifications, thereby reducing overall income from fees.
• discussed Annex 2001 and the Great Lakes Compact
• Indiana wants to discuss the compact and implementation rules this summer. Our view is that next year is the time to vote on laws.
• Two current bills will not be voted on.

Mike Simpson
Heading the WUC committee to research and review meter testing parameters so IURC can update its rules. Various organizations, utilities and vendors are represented on the committee and Mike will coordinate a meeting or conference call after the AWWA annual meeting.

Vince Griffin, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, provided a legislative update on bills of interest. (See WUC Web site bills of interest page.)

WUC stance on pending legislation
HB 1738
We support moving the issue to the Water Resources Committee, since the EQSC already has a full plate for the interim session. We want the discussion of to be a springboard to comprehensive regional water planning. Jack Wittman draft language to explain WUC stance.

SB432

• We support the IDEM fee increase because it supports rules and regulations to maintain quality water. We get so much back from having our employees certified – it’s worth it to us to keep our people qualified. 
• For budget planning purposes, we recommend the fees not be effective until Jan 1, 2008 to enable us all to plan for it and incorporate it into the budget and accept the impact.
• Bill should assure that the areas in which the funds are collected maintain the use of the funds and that they are not diverted to another division.

HB1017
There are questions about the meaning of the changes made to the bill in committee. John Hardwick will talk to Rep. Heinhold for clarification on bill and its intent.

Other WUC Business

• Kathy Humphrey reported that we may be interested in sponsoring Indiana Energy Association receptions (usually connected to changes in agency leadership, etc.). The  water industry is rarely present but we could be involved and increase visibility among regulatory organizations. Kathy will keep WUC apprised of any opportunities that may arise.
• John Hardwick and Art Umble will represent Indiana section at the National Fly-In April 17-18 in Washington, D.C. If anyone has good contacts with their legislators, help in making an appointment would be appreciated.
• Water Shortage Plan subcommittees due to meet in February and the full committee in March. Visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/water-shortage/ for more information.
• Jim Williams reported that the Water Environment Federation is very much wanting to become a part of AWWA. Though it is premature to discuss a complete merger of the two, the legislative staffs of both organizations will work together to develop a unified voice on those matters. The relationship will continue to evolve over the next year or two.
• Steve Werner is leaving as executive director of Water for People.