11-11-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 11, 2013 treatment plant to the extent that we would have to anticipate. I am very, very encouraged that our Public Works Director Eric Horvath, is very,he seems very, very open to looking at green solutions and I am so thrilled that this is something that he has expressed to me in my conversations with him in our community Walnut Grove, we spoke about using green solutions as a pilot project and looking at some grant opportunities to look at that, I am very much in support of that. Some people have said that using these kinds of solutions are not usable in cold climates even Mayor Pete was under the impression that we couldn't use these solutions and that anybody who would doubt that I will tell them that they are successfully using these solutions in Iowa, Canada, there are companies out there who have proven track records and who have implemented these successful hydrologic storm solutions while saving a lot of money for municipalities. Again, I want you to know that I recognize that raising the rates is something we are going to have to do because of this history of how we've treated water as a nuisance rather than a resource to protect,but protect the water we must and protect the river we must. And we are legally bound to take care of the storm water but it is also a more imperative that we use best practices with natural hydrologic solutions. Thank you for your time. The following individual spoke in opposition to this bill. Carol Thompson, 51717 Summerwood Ct., Granger, Indiana, I will tell you my initial reaction to receiving the proposal was really a shock. I kept looking at this and saying this can't be, this can't be accurate. So I started doing a little bit of research on it and I learned a lot more here tonight by being here and I do appreciate what I've heard so far. But when you look at the fact that we have already had a 129%increase over the last ten (10) years, and now we are looking at another 41% increase over the next four(4). That's 170% percent increase, that's difficult for anyone; my income hasn't gone up 170%. So what does that mean in dollars for us as consumers if you have a 5" meter maybe that $3.44 for is an accurate number. But it's still a $37.00 annually and $127.00 increase. If you have an 1" meter your almost at$1,008.00 a year. That a $293.00 increase per year. This is before any additional usage or taxes that are calculated on that as well. So we are looking at a situation where this becomes more and more conducive for us to find alternate ways, or places to live, or different resources. I am one of those $150.00 consumers in 2017 and that's without using any additional water that is just having water brought into my home. I don't see how anyone can justify this as fair and reasonable. There is going to be a really big impact if you have larger meters. If you look at what the 12" meter rates are going to increase to almost$41,000.00 annually and for companies that are struggling right now to make ends meet what's that going to do our small business owners that are going to have to find ways to stick that in their budget. Unfortunately water is not a service that we can't do without, that's what make is a commodity, and we can't go out and look for alternative solutions, we are stuck with your decisions. We are bound to bear the consequences and the choices that you make on this decision and unfortunately it's going to have an impact on our most marginal lives and poor socio-economic groups. Raising rates is simply an alternative to a hidden tax, it is hidden in the user fees and rate increases. Let me assure you, you can dress it up and call it whatever you like, but it's a tax. I think that the burden is being placed solely on the consumers at this point, or at least the majority of it is. Information is far reaching, less discretionary numbers and also we have the impact on our community, I personally would approach you to look for alternative sources of funding. Look at what may be available to you. This society has got to stop funding programs that where we are just looking to the easiest answers which is raising rates. We need to look at some of the alternatives that are out there and I hope you will continue to explore, I urge you please seek alternative choices, continue exploring and do what you can to keep the rates at a minimum. I totally appreciate what you are trying to do and I know what we need to do, I'm not against any of that, I just want you to seek alternative options, because right now I think you are putting the extreme burden on the consumers. No rebuttal at this time. Councilmember Dieter made a motion to continue this bill until the November 25, 2013. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. Councilmember Oliver Davis: Question madam chair. Will this bill be continued back in the Utilities Committee part of it or will it be continued back in the Council portion again?