Agenda Packets - 1995/09/11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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UNAPPROvrD Page 11 August 21, 1995 1 Mr. Janke informed Mr. Quick that he was referring only to the replacement of the water 2 meters and did not intend that the city has not done many other things. 3 4 An unidentified resident noted that there is a 10-11%water loss, however it is estimated 5 that the new meters will only recoup about 6% of the lost water. Also, the system will 6 require that residents have a phone. What will be done if a resident does not have one? 7 8 Mayor Linke stated they will then have the option of the radio read system. 9 10 This resident also noted that if the phone company detects that a resident is using a touch 11 tone phone modem and is not paying for this type of service, he will be billed for it. 12 13 The resident asked if the gas company or if NSP had ever been approached to read the 14 city's water meters when they are out reading their meters. This could perhaps be an 15 arrangement and the city could pay them a small fee for doing so. 16 17 Mr. Ulrich stated this had been discussed at one time, but he was not able to get a 18 response from them. 19 20 He asked if the city water department is currently operating at a loss. 21 22 Mr. Brager, Finance Director responded that it is essentially breaking even,however 23 water rates were raised in order to break even. This would not have been needed if all 24 meters were operating at 100% efficiency. 25 26 The resident noted that with an average yearly water bill of$100.00,the added utility 27 charge of$3.00 per quarter would amount to a 12% increase per year. 28 29 Ms. Linda Hansome, 2237 Knoll Drive, asked who will be responsible for the modem if 30 something happens to it after the one year warranty is up. 31 32 Mr. Ulrich noted that it is the responsibility of the city, and will be calculated into the 33 budget. 34 35 Council member Trude stated she had received two telephone calls in regard to this item. 36 Mrs. Janet Schuldt, 7887 Spring Lake Park Road, felt that meters reading a 98% accuracy 37 should not be replaced, that large meters should be replaced, she would not like to have 38 her phone tapped to read the meter, she does not want the $3.00 per quarter utility charge 39 and does not wish to go to monthly billing. She stated she does not believe in replacing 40 things which work. The other caller, who did not identify himself, but lived on 41 Greenwood stated he did not want to go to a monthly reading, feels fees should be 42 charged to those residents who will not allow their meters to be read and has no objection