Mayor’s CUI Update: Decisions on the Horizon
As I mentioned in the last Mayor’s Message, we are very aware that residents are seeking action on CUI, and so are we.
On April 2, Rick Quail, the CUI Transition Manager, presented a report to Council on where things are at with the company’s transition.
The big announcement from that presentation is that we expect that all services currently provided by CUI will be outsourced or reorganized by the end of 2019. The company as it currently stands will no longer exist.
We are working out all the fine details of how to make that happen. Below is a chart that outlines how we are looking at transitioning each of the services CUI currently provides:
Service | Current Structure | Proposed Future Structure |
Water | CUI fields complaints and concerns about water services and coordinates connections. CUI manages the contract with EPCOR (the service provider). | Enhanced partnership with EPCOR being pursued or service may be in-sourced. |
Wastewater | CUI fields complaints and concerns about wastewater services and coordinates connections. CUI also looks after coordinating any maintenance or upgrades to lift stations (that pump sewage back to Calgary for treatment). CUI manages the contract with EPCOR (the service provider). | Enhanced partnership with EPCOR being pursued or service may be in-sourced. |
Stormwater | CUI looks after ensuring the storm drains are properly collecting stormwater runoff and ensures that storm ponds are working properly. They also manage projects to improve stormwater management and plan for future stormwater collection in new developments. | Enhanced partnership with EPCOR being pursued or service may be in-sourced. |
Curbside Garbage, Recycling, Organics Pickup | CUI provides waste collection services for garbage, recycling and organics. | A Request for Proposals has been issued to explore outsourcing to a 3rd party or service may be in-sourced. |
Recycle Depot | CUI provides staff to oversee and manage the recycle depot, remove items when full, and assist residents with questions. | The City will be taking over operation and management of the recycling depot. |
Infrastructure Management | CUI manages large scale utility projects that include upgrading old utility lines, making improvements to storm pond structures, helping review utility plans for new developments and ensuring lift stations are operational. | The City will be assuming responsibility for all engineering support functions associated with CUI. |
Utility Billing & Customer Service | CUI currently issues bills for water, wastewater, stormwater and curbside collection services. They also have staff to answer questions about bills and assist new residents in getting connected to utility services. | The City is exploring opportunities for alternate service delivery.
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Thank you, Chestermere, for your patience as we navigate through the multitude of issues needing attention so that we can take back CUI.
As Mayor, and on behalf of our Council, I can assure you that all this work being undertaken is extensive. I personally join the chorus wanting this work finalized ASAP and look forward to all the options being presented to Council.
CUI has to be dismantled in such a way that the taxpayers aren’t on the hook for oversights, while maintaining a safe, reliable water and utility system that gives us the best service for the very best price.
We will continue to keep you regularly informed on our progress, and updates will be posted at www.chestermere.ca/CUI.
Sincerely,
Mayor Marshall Chalmers