CCMIN081694 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Tarver stated the change was in response to the drought and to encourage conservation. Staff came back with suggestions of ways to make sure those who use the water most pay for it in an equable manner. Mr. Howard Aronson, 7869 Marigold Court, discussed his water bill and categories of water usage. He concluded by urging Council to raise the minimum range for seniors and to restore the discount. Roy Scharber, 5271 Crestline Way, indicated his water bill had increased 35 % and urged Council to restore the senior discount. Ms. Patricia Stillman, 2934 Kilkare Road, Sunol, thanked staff for meeting with Sunol residents. She stated that of the 170 residents in Zone 4, 137 live in Sunol. It is the belief of these residents that they are being treated unfairly. Ms. Stillman indicated that one of the purposes of the rate change is to encourage conservation, but residents of Sunol have practiced water conservation for a long time. She objected to the idea that Pleasanton residents are subsidizing water rates for Sunol. She pointed out that Sunol residents have been subsidizing BART for years and do not have access to the BART bus service. She urged Council to eliminate the surcharge for Zone 4. Howard Mathews, 5895 Black Avenue, believed that the water rates were being adjusted in conflicting ways, i.e. cost of service rendered and the tiered structure. He agreed with the elevation charge but disagreed with elimination of the senior discount. James Van Fleet, 2955 Kilkare Road, Sunol, pointed out that his water bill has continually gone up, but he did not believe he was using that much water. He believed that his meter has not been read and showed photographs of his meter which was covered with mud and leaves. Mr. Van Fleet urged Council to eliminate the elevation surcharge. Judith Bettencourt, 2918 Kilkare Road, Sunol, indicated her meter was also covered with dirt. She reviewed the water usage in various zones and indicated Zone 4 users use less than half the water used in other zones. She pointed out that people in Sunol area are good at conserving water and should be rewarded for that. She aim indicated that Sunol is in a high fire danger area and what little watering they do outside is extremely necessary. She reviewed the history of water acquisition and services for the area. Dan Henriques, 2441 Kilkare Road, Sunol, objected to the elevation surcharge and felt he was being penalized for where he lives. Gerald Hayes, 2579 Willowren Way, showed his last three water bills. He believed that many seniors were not taking advantage of the discount because they did not know about it. He spoke in favor of a conservation cap and returning the discount for seniors. 08/16/94 -5-