Consensus Reached on Water, Sewer Project

A sewer and water project in southeastern Oak Creek will move forward after neighbors, who previously , said they were in near agreement that it should be installed.

The Common Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the measure, which allows for sanitary sewer, water main and lateral improvements to be installed along E. Fitzsimmons Road, from Chicago Road to 3762 E. Fitzsimmons.

Aldermen first discussed the issue in May but held off on voting. Residents' opinion was split - some wanted the city services to make it easier to sell their homes, but others objected over the high cost.

But a few residents told city officials Tuesday they changed their mind and agreed with their neighbors who supported the measure. A couple of neighbors who still objected were not at the Common Council meeting Tuesday.

The change of heart was enough for Oak Creek aldermen to vote in favor of the improvements, which officials expect to be installed before the end of the year.

Alderman Mike Toman, who represents the area where the project will take place, said he was prepared to hold the project for another two weeks until hearing from neighbors about their support.

Toman added that he wants the city to study how many residents have septic systems, like those seen on Fitzsimmons, that are failing or about to fail. Officials said they expect most are in bad shape due to their age, and Toman worried the city will have to repeat this process often in the future.

The total cost of the Fitzsimmons project will be roughly $386,000. About $160,000 will come from the Oak Creek Water and Sewer Utility, while property owners (12 in all) will pay the rest of it through special assessments.

Those special assessments will result in hefty bills, which residents can pay over a ten-year time period.

According to figures provided by the city, one resident (who told the council he wants the improvements) will pay as much as $32,800. Another will pay $30,000.

Other amounts range from $8,100 to $20,900. Laterals could cost an additional $3,500 per resident.