10/28/2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 28, 2002 actual consumption. Finance Director Rolek explained that in most cases it is very rare that a meter will read over what is being consumed. In most cases, as the meter is used and debris accumulates in the meter, it will actually slow and read under the consumption. As for an explanation of why so much water was consumed in the household, he has no answers and can only go by the reading of the meter. The meter tested accurate to the extent that it was reading under the actual consumption. Finance Director Rolek stated staff has worked with Mr. Kimball and had several conversations, mostly in the past few months, by telephone or letter correspondence. Staff's position is that they have gone to the extent possible to resolve this issue with Mr. Kimball. He noted the City has received no payment since June of 2001. Councilmember Carlson asked if the same property owner was in the house during the time under question. Finance Director Rolek stated there has been no change in home ownership. Councilmember Carlson asked if the weather of last year could have''ade a difference. Finance Director Rolek stated it is possible the readings this year are lower due to increased rain and lower lawn watering need. However, he does not know that for sure, or whether Mr. Kimball has an underground irrigation system, or waters his lawn. Councilmember Carlson asked how long this bill coverSyFinance Director Rolek stated it covers the last two years and the account has not been paid in full°since May of 1999. Councilmember O'Donnell asked if the bill includes both water and sewer services. Finance Director Rolek stated it is for both water and sewer srvices. Councilmember O'Donnell stated it is averaging about $140 per billing cycle. Finance Director Rolek stated in June of 2001 there was a $355 balance. Councilmember O'Donnell asked if this i an average amount. Finance Director Rolek stated it is above average. Mr. Kimball stated he has comparable information from his neighborhood with the same number of family members and with swimming pools. Finance Director Rolek stated staff can do some further research on that information if so directed. Councilmember O'Donnell stated he does not find that amount per billing cycle to be out of line when considering his bill. He stated this situation has been going on way too long and he would like this resolved. He stated he remembers the conversations from last year that staff had been working with Mr. Kimball. Councilmember O'Donnell stated he believed the meter readings were accurate and asked when it could be certified if not certified tonight. Finance Director Rolek stated the City generally certifies only once per year since it does not make a lot of sense to do more often than once a year. 6