Minutes - 1995/08/21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 9 • August 21, 1995 Keith Vasilakes, 5131 Greenwood Drive, stated he felt Option #1 was basically spending $800,000 to correct a $30,000 problem. He would rather be charged an additional five cents on his water bill. He sees no reason for the phone or radio system as he does not feel the city needs a state of the art system. Additionally he did not feel two proposals for a $800,000 system were a sufficient representation and additional bids should be received. Kathleen Harrer, 5230 Edgewood Drive, asked if the city anticipates that the $31,000 loss each year will continue to increase. She is aiso concerned about her "out of the pocket" costs for the new system. How much will the city save over a 20 year period if the water system is changed? Mr. Linke explained that the only cost to the resident would be the $3.00 utility charge. If the city chooses to select the touch read system, there will be no additional charge. Mr. Ulrich stated the city will expect to save approximately $1,000,000 over the 20 year period if they replace the meters. Ms. Harrer asked if she will get her meter deposit back when the system is changed over. - Mr. Ulrich replied that they will refund those who paid for their meters if a new meter must be installed. Carl Anderson, 2948 Wooddale Drive, stated figuring the loss of $31,500 per year and spending $800,000 for Option #1 it would take 2b years to recoup the cost. Option #2 would take 16 years to recoup the costs. Neither of these options provides for repayment of the $300,000 WAC fund. He would like to suggest Option #4, which would include changing all commercial meters to the radio read out with a quarterly reading, beginning residential change overs to meters which are over 20 years old and offering a touch pad system for whose who do not want their meters read annually. This option would allow a phase in of the new system without a project loan. Mr. Ulrich noted that the system is deteriorating and it will continue to do so. The figure of $31,500 will continue to increase. In regard to meter deposits, Mr. Don Brager, Finance Director offered the following. He stated the city has a record of those people who paid for the water meters and the dollar amount. The practice of having one pay for their own meter ceased in the 1980's. The city has attempted to get more new meters in by asking that when property is sold a new meter must be installed by the new owner of the property. Gradually the fund has been shrinking as the properties change hands, etc., However, there are still a number of deposits which will need to be refunded. Duane McCarty, 8060 Long Lake Road, stated if the entire system is replaced with Option