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Housing Authority Board could work more efficiently as an autonomous body. Mrs. <br />Pearson commended Liaison Councilmember Wood, the Housing Authority staff and <br />particularly Mr. Parsons, for their outstanding commitment in their positions <br />with the Housing Authority. <br /> <br /> Mayor Mercer recessed the meeting at 8:30 P.M. <br /> <br /> Mayor Mercer reconvened the meeting at 8:40 P.M. <br /> <br /> Mayor Mercer opened the meeting for public comments or questions. <br /> <br /> Considerable discussion ensued regarding the feasibility of the conversion <br />to individual gas meters. HUD representative Susan Hughes stated this was <br />required as an energy conservation measure and was considered feasible if the <br />tenants paid less than the amount allowed for utilities. Councilmember Brandes <br />expressed concern regarding the total cost of conversion to a building only five <br />years old. Mrs. Pearson explained the problem of leaking gas lines due to soil <br />conditions and stated that PG&E ~ould not make repairs when there was a master <br />meter but would make repairs when there were individual meters. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Brandes stated he felt some action should be taken against <br />the contractor for the problems associated with the gas lines. Mr. Parsons <br />advised the contractor ~as no longer in business. <br /> <br /> Discussion ensued regarding any options, or whether conversion of gas meters <br />was a HUD mandated regulation or policy. Ms. Hughes advised this was an adminis- <br />trative policy instead of a mandate. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Elizabeth Hall, former Housing Authority Board member, stated that any <br />authority from the Federal Government that stated "shall" be done, must be complied <br />~ith. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Brandes questioned the matter of tenants being advised they had <br />thirty days to review the proposed installation of individual meters and separate <br />gas bills, and then construction began before the thirty day period ended. He <br />stated he was pleased the heaters were being placed in an outside closet. He <br />added he was opposed to the project and did not feel it should be undertaken. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Brandes stated he felt that if the Housing Authority Board was <br />a commission under the City Council, actions and problems could be expedited in <br />a more efficient, faster, and satisfactory manner. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Wood voiced opposition to Councilmember Brandes' suggestion. <br />Mrs. Pearson also expressed opposition to this idea. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Butler asked if PG&E had maintained the gas lines after instal- <br />lation of the 32 individual units. Ite was advised they had, and that there had <br />been no problems since that time. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Brandes asked if the funds allocated for individual gas meter <br />conversion could be used for another project such as correction of the 'Emergency <br />Alarm System. tie was advised funds could not be transferred. <br /> <br /> 3. 7/18/78 <br /> <br /> <br />