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Page 11 <br />August 21, 1995 <br />meters could be changed over a period of time. However, he felt the council should take a <br />good look at a plan and how it can be updated without spending three quarters of a million <br />dollars. <br />Council member Quick stated $330,000 of WAC funds will be used to finance the project, <br />so in essence it has been planned for. In the past ten years as a Council member he has <br />seen two water towers replaced, a new system has been put in to filter out manganese out <br />of the water; the city has replaced motors, pumps, and has done many more things. The <br />city has brought it down to the lowest cost with the technology that is available. <br />Mr. Janke informed Mr. Quick that he was referring only to the replacement of the water <br />meters and did not intend that the city has not done many other things. <br />An unidentified resident noted that there is a 10-11% water loss, however it is estimated <br />that the new meters will only recoup about 6% of the lost water. Also, the system will <br />require that residents have a phone. What will be done if a resident does not have one? <br />Mayor Linke stated they will then have the option of the radio read system. <br />This resident also noted that if the hone com an detects that a resident is usin a touch <br />P P y g <br />tone phone modem and is not paying for this type of service, he will be billed for it. <br />The resident asked if the gas company or if NSP had ever been approached to read the <br />city's water meters when they are out reading their meters. This could perhaps be an <br />arrangement and the city could pay them a small fee for doing so. <br />Mr. Ulrich stated this had been discussed at one time, but he was not able to get a <br />response from them. <br />He asked if the city water department is currently operating at a loss. <br />Mr. Brager, Finance Director responded that it is essentially breaking even, however water <br />rates were raised in order to break even. This would not have been needed if all meters <br />were operating at 100% efficiency. <br />The resident noted that with an average yearly water bill of $100.00, the added utility <br />charge of $3.00 per quarter would amount to a 12% increase per year. <br />Ms. Linda Hansome, 2237 Knoll Drive, asked who will be responsible for the modem if <br />something happens to it after the one year warranty is up. <br />