- Protect city residents and businesses from increasing water and wastewater rates: The currently approved multi-year rate increases are already stretching residents’ budgets. These rate hikes will ultimately raise customer water/sewer bills 70% from 2024 to 2030. City Council must work hard to curb these rising rates. Future plant expansions required for Covenant Business Park must be funded from multiple sources such as grants, developer investment, and township contributions, not further rate increases to current rate payers.
- Make sure Covenant Business Park is a benefit, not a burden: This development has the potential to have a huge positive financial impact on the future of our city, but it also comes with big challenges and costs. We must create a well-defined plan for capital investment and long-term stability of this property. For success this development must be very well planned and executed. We must insure any city growth is well-planned for today and the future
- Provide clear commnication between city hall and residents: Many people have told me communication can very difficult between residents and our city. This should not be the case. I am, and will continue to be very accessible to the people of Lowell.
- Continue street Repairs & include a long term maintenance plan.
- Complete water system lead line replacement quickly and thoroughly.
I promise to make every decision based on what is best for the residents of Lowell. I will always be open and accssible when you have questions and concerns.
Beryl Bartkus for Lowell City Council 