Minutes 08/19/1975 - Laserfiche WebLink

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289 August 19, 1975 In some cases, a meter cannot be located during normal reading and a serviceman is dispatched to locate and read the meter. Occasionally, meters are misread, but these are honest mistakes representing a very small percentage of those verified. During the past billing of "A" cycle, for example, only 32 of 8,500 or 0.4% of the readings were found to be in error. Each time an account is turned on or off, or an inspection made or maintena~ performed, a reading is recorded and forwarded to the business office. During the month of June, 1975 alone, 2,571 readings were obtained through such service providing a check on the reading system. In my opinion, the reading procedures are adequate to insure that meters are properly read. Our policy is to discharge immediately any meter reader found to be estimating readings and, in the past, this has occurred, though not frequently. I would like to comment on the matter of several consecutive bills for the same amount. This is not unusual, nor is it an indication that the meter was not read. Frequently, especially in cases such as 5{r. Morris' uncle, customers live alone or possibly with one other person and have consistently used water at the same rate of consumption. Since we bill based on hundred cubic feet of water used, the usage must vary by one hundred cubic feet (750 gallons) in a billing period to result in a change in the bill. Mr. Morris' uncle had a consumption of 7 CCF for the past 4 quarters and 1 CCF would have been a 14% change. His meter was read July 30 indicating a consumption of 8 CCF for this quarter. The reading August 13 verified the July 30 reading. It may be interesting to note that during the past 10 quarters, 515 accounts or approximately 1% had 4 consecutive bills for the same consumption. The maintenance of 1 to July 30, 1975, 847 During this same period, adjusting to facilitate meters and meter boxes is on an "as required" basis. From January meters were changed, 276 were removed, and 110 were replaced. 327 meter boxes were noted by readers as requiring cleaning or easier reading. All of these were cleaned or graded. We have been updating meter information on our data processing file for the past two years and have begun changing the meters with the longest service as time permits. Meters found inoperative or needing repair are removed as soon as possible and we are currently working on change orders no more than 45 days old, which is longer than usual due to a personnel freeze from December 19, 1974 to July 1, 1975. Dirt and debris in meter boxes is a continu] maintenance item and we clean boxes when reading is obstructed. This is a problem when meters are in belowground settings. We must use this type setting or inside settings due to frost damage. Inside settings are practical now due to new remote reading devices avails able; however, conversion of existing settings does not appear economically feasible. We are investigating alternative settings for large new develo~ments such as the PUD's in Churchland. Although the proposed conversion to monthly reading and billing will result in a net increase in operating costs, I believe it is a desirable change. Regardless of the amount of the bill, I believe that a monthly bill would be more consistent with other business practices and would benefit a majority of our citizens. We are the only Public Utility serving our citizens which does not render monthly bills based on actual readings or service During the last billing of "C" cycle, 4,080 of 13,500 customers either neglected or found difficult the payment of quarterly bills, and were sent a second notice. Subsequently, 2,400 of these were not paid by the deadline and, ultimately, 500 were cut off for non- payment. It appears that monthly bills would certainly assist in these cases. The final decision as to frequency of billing is the City Council's and we are anxious to provide the best service consistent with your policy and direction. Although there are some benefits to the Public Utilities Department with monthly billing, these are not sufficient to justify the change unless the customers we serve will benefit proportionately to the cost of providing the serve. The inquiry or concern of Mr. Morris as a taxpayer, water client and citizen is under- standable and the City administration stands ready to respond to these. This also offers us the opportunity to reassure ourselves, the City Council and citizens, such as Mr. Morris, that we do provide outstanding services through our Public Utilities Department. I do not feel that any public service ever reaches its ultimate; therefore, we are receotive to suggestions and inquiries which cause us to analyze our services and in some cases improw the services rendered where justified." Mrs. James A. Foikes, 323 Mt. Vernon Avenue, representing the Port spoke reqneS~igg a delay of the ordinance to gather further information copy of the City Manager's report for members. Motion of Mr. Holley and seconded by Mr. Elliott, the ordinance to table, was adopted by unanimous vote. Motion of Mr. Holley and seconded by Mr. Elliott, the ordinance to September 9, 1975, was adopted by unanimous vote. - NEW BUSINESS Norfolk Civic League: and requested a be taken from the be deferred to 75-364 - On motion of ~r. Wentz and seconded}:by Mr. Elliott, the following resolution was adopted, and by the following vote: "A RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY BY THE CITY OF PORTS~{OUTH, VIRGINIA, UN'DER EMINENT DO%,IAIN PROCEEDINGS PURSUANT TO CI~APTER 471 OF T~LE ACTS OF ASSEMBLY~ AS AMENDED, SAID PROPERTY BEING NECESSARY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, ALTERATION AND WIDENING OF WOOL AVENUE.