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11-11-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes
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11-11-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes
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City Council - City Clerk
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Council Mtg Minutes
City Counci - Date
11/11/2013
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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 11, 2013 <br /> treatment plant to the extent that we would have to anticipate. I am very, very encouraged that <br /> our Public Works Director Eric Horvath, is very,he seems very, very open to looking at green <br /> solutions and I am so thrilled that this is something that he has expressed to me in my <br /> conversations with him in our community Walnut Grove, we spoke about using green solutions <br /> as a pilot project and looking at some grant opportunities to look at that, I am very much in <br /> support of that. Some people have said that using these kinds of solutions are not usable in cold <br /> climates even Mayor Pete was under the impression that we couldn't use these solutions and that <br /> anybody who would doubt that I will tell them that they are successfully using these solutions in <br /> Iowa, Canada, there are companies out there who have proven track records and who have <br /> implemented these successful hydrologic storm solutions while saving a lot of money for <br /> municipalities. Again, I want you to know that I recognize that raising the rates is something we <br /> are going to have to do because of this history of how we've treated water as a nuisance rather <br /> than a resource to protect,but protect the water we must and protect the river we must. And we <br /> are legally bound to take care of the storm water but it is also a more imperative that we use best <br /> practices with natural hydrologic solutions. Thank you for your time. <br /> The following individual spoke in opposition to this bill. <br /> Carol Thompson, 51717 Summerwood Ct., Granger, Indiana, I will tell you my initial reaction to <br /> receiving the proposal was really a shock. I kept looking at this and saying this can't be, this <br /> can't be accurate. So I started doing a little bit of research on it and I learned a lot more here <br /> tonight by being here and I do appreciate what I've heard so far. But when you look at the fact <br /> that we have already had a 129%increase over the last ten (10) years, and now we are looking at <br /> another 41% increase over the next four(4). That's 170% percent increase, that's difficult for <br /> anyone; my income hasn't gone up 170%. So what does that mean in dollars for us as <br /> consumers if you have a 5" meter maybe that $3.44 for is an accurate number. But it's still a <br /> $37.00 annually and $127.00 increase. If you have an 1" meter your almost at$1,008.00 a year. <br /> That a $293.00 increase per year. This is before any additional usage or taxes that are calculated <br /> on that as well. So we are looking at a situation where this becomes more and more conducive <br /> for us to find alternate ways, or places to live, or different resources. I am one of those $150.00 <br /> consumers in 2017 and that's without using any additional water that is just having water <br /> brought into my home. I don't see how anyone can justify this as fair and reasonable. There is <br /> going to be a really big impact if you have larger meters. If you look at what the 12" meter rates <br /> are going to increase to almost$41,000.00 annually and for companies that are struggling right <br /> now to make ends meet what's that going to do our small business owners that are going to have <br /> to find ways to stick that in their budget. Unfortunately water is not a service that we can't do <br /> without, that's what make is a commodity, and we can't go out and look for alternative solutions, <br /> we are stuck with your decisions. We are bound to bear the consequences and the choices that <br /> you make on this decision and unfortunately it's going to have an impact on our most marginal <br /> lives and poor socio-economic groups. Raising rates is simply an alternative to a hidden tax, it is <br /> hidden in the user fees and rate increases. Let me assure you, you can dress it up and call it <br /> whatever you like, but it's a tax. I think that the burden is being placed solely on the consumers <br /> at this point, or at least the majority of it is. Information is far reaching, less discretionary <br /> numbers and also we have the impact on our community, I personally would approach you to <br /> look for alternative sources of funding. Look at what may be available to you. This society has <br /> got to stop funding programs that where we are just looking to the easiest answers which is <br /> raising rates. We need to look at some of the alternatives that are out there and I hope you will <br /> continue to explore, I urge you please seek alternative choices, continue exploring and do what <br /> you can to keep the rates at a minimum. I totally appreciate what you are trying to do and I <br /> know what we need to do, I'm not against any of that, I just want you to seek alternative options, <br /> because right now I think you are putting the extreme burden on the consumers. <br /> No rebuttal at this time. <br /> Councilmember Dieter made a motion to continue this bill until the November 25, 2013. <br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) <br /> ayes. <br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis: Question madam chair. Will this bill be continued back in the <br /> Utilities Committee part of it or will it be continued back in the Council portion again? <br />
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