HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09/04/1980159
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Port Angeles, Washington
September 9, 1980
I CALL TO ORDER
The continued meeting was called to order by Mayor Haguewood at 2:30 P.M.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the proposed utility discount
for senior citizens.
II ROLL CALL
Members Present: Mayor Haguewood, Councilmen Buck, Duncan, Polhamus.
Members Absent: Councilmen Boardman, Hordyk, Quast.
Staff Present: Manager Flodstrom, Deputy Clerk Caso, Finance Director Orton.
III - TV Suspended.
V LEGISLATION
1. UTILITY DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
During the September 2, 1980 regular Council meeting, several senior citizens
presented their views on a proposed utility discount program for senior citi-
zens who meet certain age and income requirements. After several comments
and suggestions, the seniors requested additional input from the Council in
regard to their feelings on a 14~ discount on all utilities and/or the al-
ternatives available.
At this meeting, Mayor Haguewood read a memorandum from P4anager Flodstrom
listing those alternatives which could be discussed between the Council and
' senior citizens, and Councilman Buck introduced several guests from various
State agencies who were invited to attend this meeting. Mayor Haguewood
and the Council members present then voiced their views on the senior citi-
zen's proposal and the alternatives which are available. Subjects discussed
included whether only one group of low-income citizens should benefit from
a discount program or if discounts on another utility (i.e. water) should
be implemented in order to reach more of the community; the need for the
Council to investigate several other areas, such as Finance Director Orton's
calculation that, at a minimum, a 14~ discount extended to the eligible ac-
counts would amount to $31,000 in the first year, and the fairest way to
provide the relief that is needed for the low income senior citizens; the
BPA Weatherization Pilot Program and why many seniors do not approve of the
program (many feel that they do not want a lien against their property);
the need to explore various other alternatives other than the 14~ discount
proposal, such as a sliding discount scale or a contribution from the City
to a senior program; the possibility of making the discount program, or
any alternative program, retroactive; and an alternative proposal from
the senior citizens as follows: The BPA fund of $300,000 should be used
for the costs of materials to weatherize homes with the labor costs funded
through CETA and Senior Citizens Employment Act funds.
The discussion concluded with comments from Joanne Walker and Terry Loughran,
of the Olympia Area Agency on Aging, on assistance to those low-income elderly
who are just above the qualifying level, and the Agency's willingness to
assist in any program which is offered.
VI ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 3:30 P.M.
City Clerk Ma or