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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER] 3,2000 3 . B. Water Meter Upgrade/Replacement Project, Policy Discussion Mr. Stafford stated that the City has completed meter replacements or upgrades on all but 160 residences. He added that these residents have not made contact with City staff despite numerous attempts to reach them. He noted that some residents do not wish City staff to enter their homes, Mr. Stafford stated that he and Mr. Post have provided three policy options to assist in expediting the process. He requested that the Council consider all three options and direct staff to proceed with one of them, He noted that staff will finalize a registered letter communication with the affected residents and draft a resolution for future Council action, Mayor Probst stated he would prefer to impose a $100 surcharge, which is more cost efficient for City staff Councilmember Larson stated an estimate based on water bills might be viewed as a threat by residents, He agreed the $]00 surcharge would get the residents' attention, He suggested the residents might be given two quarters, at $100 per quarter, to comply, Councilmember Larson stated that two billing quartcrs should be sufficient to determine whether residents are making an effort to comply, He added it will be necessary to ensure that the contractor can do the work within that period oftime. Mr, Stafford stated the contractor has moved on to another city, adding it will be necessary to schedule residents in blocks to make it . worth their while to complete the remaining homes. Councilmember Grant asked whether City staff could complete the installations, Mr. Stafford stated that City statf can complete the work but the contractor can do it more quickly and efficiently. Mr. Post stated the contractor has been amenable to scheduling evening and weekend appointments, Mr. Post stated that water meters have a life expectancy and fail when they exceed it. He added they will slow down or stop in the customer's favor, noting it might be to residents' financial advantage to incur the surcharge, Mayor Probst statcd he assumes the City still bills these residents for their water. Mr. Post confirmed this. Hc added the intention ofthe policy options is to get a response from the resident. Councilmember Grant requested clarification with regard to the cost of an individual replacement or installation, Mr. Stafford stated the contractor's charge is $30, while it would cost between $50-60 for City staff to complete the work, Councilmember Grant stated he would not wish the surcharge to be overly punitive, Councilmember Rem asked whether staff has confirmed that the 160 remaining residents who . have failed to respond are actually residing at the homes in question. Mr. Post stated City staff has no knowledge of the homes being inhabited except for activity on the remote water reader device,