City Council President Tom Didier today set the date and structure for the public hearing on the Aqua Indiana condemnation ordinance. The hearing will take place at 5:30 Tuesday evening January 22nd in the Council Chambers located in the basement of Citizens Square, on E. Berry St. Any resident who wishes to address the Council will be given two minutes to speak. To ensure admission for everyone, President Didier encourages citizens to pre-register by calling the City Clerk’s Office at 427-1221 by this Friday.
Those who pre-register will be called to talk first. Those not pre-registered will be added to the list upon arrival and allowed to speak, in order, following those registered.
Late last year, Mayor Henry asked City Council to condemn Aqua Indiana’s water utility in southwest Fort Wayne. Since taking office, Mayor Henry has worked to find a solution to the water challenges faced by residents in the Aqua service area. His concerns were amplified during last summer’s severe drought, when City Utilities stepped in to assist Aqua in providing water to its customers.
“The right of citizens to be heard by their government is one of the hallmarks of our democracy,” said Mayor Henry. “I am pleased that City Council is giving residents this important opportunity. I have received 20 petitions representing numerous neighborhoods and more than 1,400 households in the Aqua service area. Those residents want what every Fort Wayne citizen wants and deserves: high-quality water with good pressure at affordable rates. It’s time for our citizens to be heard.”
Upon conclusion of the public hearing, City Council can take action to proceed with condemnation and an appraisal.
Those attending the public hearing can park in the Citizens Square parking lot on the north side of the building. Residents can enter the middle doors or the west door located just off Clinton Street and head to the Council Chambers located in the basement of Citizens Square.
