HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09/12/1994UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Port Angeles, Washington
September 12, 1994
Call to Order:
Councilman Braun called the meeting to order at 4:36 p.m.
Roll Call:
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present: J. Pittis, B. Titus, C. Hagar,
Gary Braun, Cathleen McKeown, Joe Michalczik, and Bill Myers.
Larry Schueler.
R. Ellsworth, and K. Maike.
IlL
Approval of Minutes:
Bill Myers moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 11, 1994,
as written. Joe Michalczik seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
IV. Discussion Items:
A. Presentation from Larry Leonard Re: City Relinquishing Lien Rights.
Mr. Leonard reiterated his statement from February that it is unfair to hold a landlord liable
when a tenant does not pay his utility bill, and that the City waits too long before starting the
collection process. He stated that Customer Service Manager Kenyon has been very helpful to
landlords in his attempts to collect from the wayward tenant; however, there is only so much
Manager Kenyon can do.
Mr. Leonard has called other municipalities to see how they handle this situation and learned that
Seattle charges no deposit and does not hold the landlord responsible. The City of Tacoma does
not lien if a landlord calls before a tenant moves in or out. Tacoma charges a deposit to
everyone except home owners.
Mr. Leonard further stated that at the February meeting, City Attorney Knutson said that
dropping lien rights is giving away City property, and he strongly disagreed with this.
Councilman Braun explained to Mr. Leonard that it is unfair to ask the rate payers to also pay
the utility bills of those who irresponsibly fail to fail. The landlord has control of the property,
not the City.
-1-
Utility Advisory Colnmittee
September 12, 1994
Joe Michalczik stated that if the landlord pays the utilities, then the other renters pay tbr the non-
paying renters with higher rents. It is a no win situation.
After further discussion, Councilmember McKeown inquired as to whether it was possible for
the landlord to be notified whenever a tenant is 45 days past due. Finance Director Godbey
joined the meeting and stated that the City does not have a record of all landlords. However,
she will inquire of Customer Service Manager Kenyon as to whether this can be accomplished.
It was the general consensus that Finance Director Godbey, City Light Director Titus and
Customer Service Manager Kenyon will attempt to find a viable solution to this problem and
make a recommendation to UAC in the near future. Mr. Leonard was satisfied with this
approach.
B. CiO, Light Weatherization Program
City Light Director Titus reviewed the information provided in the packet. The BPA currently
plans to end all conservation grants in October, 1995. Thus, the City has been prompted to
explore new options for customers wishing to participate in a utility conservation program.
Exploration revealed that the program is expensive to administer; does not significantly differ
from banks regarding interest rates, set up fees, etc.; and that a City operated loan program
could not accommodate the number of customers or amount of funding required to satisfy
demand in the absence of BPA funding.
Councilmember McKeown moved to support the recoramendation of staff to refer customers
to third party financing for the weatherization program. Bill Myers seconded the motion.
After further limited discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously.
C. PUD Water Contract
Public Works Director Pittis reviewed his memos contained in the packet. The draft PUD Water
Sales Contract reflects a rate increase from $.032 to $.40 per 100 cubic feet, which is the result
of the latest cost of service study. The new contract also requires that a meter be installed by
October 31, 1994, which also supports the newly established rates.
After a brief discussion, Counciimember McKeown moved to send the draft agreement to
PUD for their consideration. Bill Myers seconded the motion. After limited discussion, a
vote was taken on the motion, which passed unanimously.
V. Late Items
None.
-2-
Utility Advisory Committee
September 12, 1994
VI. Next Meeting:
The next regular meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee will be held on Monday,
October 10, 1994 at 4:30 p.m.
VII. Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 5:36 p.m.
Chairm5h ' kl
Deputy City Clerk
-3-