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9�SpUTIi <br /> PEEi �' <br /> x 18 ;, <br /> OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK <br /> KAREEMAH FOWLER, CITY CLERK <br /> UTILITIES JULY 22, 2019 4:20 P.M. <br /> Committee Members Present: Jake Teshka, Sharon L. McBride, Regina Williams-Preston <br /> Committee Members Absent: Dr. Oliver Davis <br /> Other Council Present: John Voorde, Karen White, Jo M. Broden (late) <br /> Other Council Absent: Tim Scott, Gavin Ferlic <br /> Others Present: Graham Sparks, Bob Palmer, Morgan Gonsoski, David <br /> Moses <br /> Presenters: Kara Boyles <br /> Agenda: Update- Utilities Customer Assistance Program-Kara <br /> Boyles, City Engineer- Engineering Department <br /> Committee Chair Jake Teshka called to order the Utilities Committee meeting at 4:20 p.m. He <br /> introduced members of the Committee and proceeded to give the floor to the presenters. <br /> Update- Utilities Customer Assistance Program-Kara Boyles, City Engineer- Engineering <br /> Department <br /> Dr. Kara Boyles, City Engineer with offices located on the 13th floor of the County-City Building, <br /> stated, I'm happy to be here to present our proposal (referencing a presentation which is available <br /> in the City Clerk's Office). This was a big effort on many members. We had a large Committee <br /> meet-up with members of the Council and different members of the different departments of the <br /> City. They worked together in order to put together a proposal for a customer assistance program. <br /> As we all know, water and waste water are basic human needs. They are essential to our survival. <br /> Yet, these services cost money. While most of us understand this concept, the fact is that not <br /> everyone can afford these services. That is why we are here today to talk about low-income <br /> customers. They often find themselves choosing between paying their water bills, buying food or <br /> paying rent. In general, the average annual spending on utilities doesn't vary much based upon <br /> your income level. So, because these services are real life-line issues, we really have a public <br /> obligation to find a way to provide services for low-income residents and still maintain good <br /> finances. <br /> She continued, Fortunately, in 2017, the Indiana General Assembly passed a bill that declared that <br /> water and waste water customers assistance programs to impact rates and charges for services are <br /> not discriminatory. Before, they considered them discriminatory and now they are not. So, that is <br /> one (1) of the reasons why we get to be here today and talk about this. We all know affordability <br /> INTEGRITY' SERVICE'ACCESSIBILITY <br /> JENNIFER M.COFFMAN BIANCA L.TIRADO JOSEPH R.MOLNAR <br /> CHIEF DEPUTY/DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DEPUTY/DIRECTOR OF POLICY ORDINANCE VIOLATION CLERK <br /> EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT <br /> 455 County-City Building 1227 W.Jefferson Blvd.I South Bend,Indiana 46601 I p 574.235.9221 I f 574.235.9173 I www.southbendin.gov <br />