Minutes 04/30/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 30, 1991 with these new rates, the average residential customer would experience an $8.76 annual increase based on a consumption of 1500 cubic feet (11,221 gallons of water). Future increases may be warranted as the Department modifies its treatment processes to comply with the anticipated requirements of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Solid Waste Disposal In 1984, the Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) began disposing of Portsmouth's household refuse at a cost of $12 per ton. This fee has increased over the years to a current cost of $29 per ton.~ The AnnHal Operating Budget proposed by SPSA for fiscal year 1991/92 recommends an increase in the municipal~disposal fee. The tipping fee proposed by SPSA would increase-Portsmouth's~disposal costs by an additional $70~000 per-year. The primary reason for the increased tipping fee is to cover the costs associated with expandihg the Recycling Program. Stricter mandates regulating landfills, recycling, yard waste, and~other ~related waste management issues indicate that SPSA's fees will continue to increase in subsequent.years~ The Department of General Services has calculated a cost of $9.76 per home per, month for Portsmouth to collect and dispose of household refuse. These costs can be expected to escalate as the City is now preparing strategies which will address recycling mandates and increased disposal fees charged by SPSA. Ih order~to cover these expected increased costs, it is recommended that the City raise the refuse collection fee from s8 to $9 per month~ AdditiOnally,~the"City may be able to stabilize these escalating costs by Implementing an automated/semi-automated collection system, subject to Council approval. This system has proven to be a more cost effective and productive method of refuse collection. Leisure Services Increased emphasis will be placed on marketing the museums, downtown, City Park, and other tourist attractions in the City of Portsmouth. With the reorganization of tourism responsibilities in the Department of Parks and Recreation, greater efforts can be forged in developing programs around the City's amenities to attract more tourists. The new Children's Museum, to be housed in the former Leggett Department Store on High Street, is scheduled to open its first phase in the fall of 1992. This unique public/private partnership:iS'expected to attract 200,000 visitors annually to o6~C~t~, gen~a{ing additional sales and admission tax revenues, stimulating foot traffic to help our businesses, and providing a positive image for our community. When completed~ the City of Portsmouth will have one of the largest and best Children's Museums on the East Coast, serving both residents and tourists, enhancing and supplementing the school curriculum, and providing an enhanced quality of life for our community. I am recommending that the Museums admission fees be increased to $1.50 for the next fiscal year. It is our goal to have our Museums operate on a self-sufficient basis. As such, it is likely that the adm'ission fees will increase in the years to come to support substantial enhancements which are planned.