HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10/7/1992 - Public Works Committee MIRUTES - PUBLIC WORRS COMMITTEB
October 7, 1992
Chairman Bolger called the meeting to order at 7:04 P.M. In attendance were
L. City Administrator Peterson, Director of Public Works Batt, Alderman Locke,
City Clerk Gilpin, Alderman Patterson, Public Works Secretary Anne
Rodenkirch. Committee member Alderman Donahue, Aldermen Adams and Attorney
Narusis arrived at 7:29 P.M.
NSF Check Policv
Staff recommended a charge of $10 for each check returned due to non-suffi-
cient funds. A recent law revision allows both the depositor and the writer
of NSF checks to be char�ed by banks. Both Peterson and Gilpin support the
charge. Bolger said he would recommend approval of the $10 charge at
tonight's Council meeting.
Disnute3 Water Bill
City oriinance requires payment of the highest reading from an outside reader
and an inside water meter dial. Batt explained the interaction between water
meter and outside reader, noting that it is possible for a meter to continue
to register water use while the outside reader registers no or partial usage,
and vice versa. He said many things can affect a transmission between the
meter and the outside reader, not including tampering or installation of a
meter spread. Attorney Mohr's position is that the actual water usage
occurred over a long period of time, and those being billed are not
necessarily the same people who used the water.
Batt said a regular program of reading both inside meter and outside meter
�- readers would avoid similar long term discrepancies. However, many meters are
in locations difficult to read, making a citizen-read program not likely to be
comprehensive. A program where City workers read both inside meter and
outside reader was suggested. Gilpin noted that bills are not disputed where
the metf�r seal is found to be broken. Since NIGas began reading water meters,
Water Di.vision personnel no longer have the opportunity to observe the
conditian of a water meter or reader. Batt said that while Water Superin-
tendent Gough has made a policy of reading the inside meter when property
ownership changes, it is possible for an inside meter to not be inspected for
up to 10 years. A program of City employees periodically reading inside
meters would take at least 21 days to complete. A card to be completed and
mailed could be left for those residents not at home during the program,
Other Business
Peterson informed the Committee of an electronic transfer program whereby
residents can arrange for an automatic debit from their bank account to be
electronically transferred and credited to a recipient bank designated by the
City for payment of water bills. Gilpin feels this program would help
eliminate difficulties in collections from seasonal residents.
Chairman Bolger adjourned the meeting at 7:31 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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Anne M. Rodenkirch
c: Bolger, Batt, file