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<br />~ <br /> <br /> <br />t";V.l <br /> <br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 13, 2000 <br /> <br />i~ <br />~ 3 <br /> <br />B. Water Meter Upgrade/Replacement Project, Policy Discussion <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Mr. Stafford stated that the City has completed meter replacements or upgrades on all but 160 <br />residences. He added that these residents have not made contact with City staff despite <br />numerous attempts to reach them. He noted that some residents do not wish City staffto enter <br />their homes. <br /> <br />Mr. Stafford stated that he and Mr. Post have provided three policy options to assist in expediting <br />the process. He requested that the Council consider all three options and direct staff to proceed <br />with one of them. He noted that staff will finalize a registered letter communication with the <br />affected residents and draft a resolution for future Council action. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst stated he would prefer to impose a $100 surcharge, which is more cost efficient for <br />City staff. Councilmember Larson stated an estimate based on water bills might be viewed as a <br />threat by residents. He agreed the $100 surcharge would get the residents' attention. He <br />suggested the residents might be given two quarters, at $100 per quarter, to comply. <br /> <br />Councilmember Larson stated that two billing quarters should be sufficient to determine whether <br />residents are making an effort to comply. He added it will be necessary to cnsure that the <br />contractor can do the work within that period of time. Mr. Stafford stated the contractor has <br />moved on to another city, adding it will be necessary to schedule residents in blocks to make it <br />worth their while to complete the remaining homes. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant asked whether City staJI could complete the installations. Mr. Stafford <br />stated that City staff can complete the work but the contractor can do it more quickly and <br />efficiently. Mr. Post stated tile contractor has been amenable to scheduling evening and weekend <br />appointments. <br /> <br />Mr. Post stated that water meters have a life expectancy and fail when they exceed it. He added <br />they will slow down or stop in the customer's favor, noting it might be to residents' financial <br />advantage to incur the surcharge. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst stated he assumes the City still bills these residents for their water. Mr. Post <br />confirmed this. Hc added the intention of the policy options is to get a response from the <br />resident. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant requested clarification with regard to the cost of an individual replacement <br />or installation. Mr. Stafford stated the contractor's charge is $30, while it would cost between <br />$50-60 for City statIto completc the work. Councilmember Grant stated he would not wish the <br />surcharge to be overly punitive. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rem asked whether staff has confirmed that the 160 remaining residents who <br />have failed to respond are actually residing at tile homes in question. Mr. Post stated City staff <br />has no knowledge of the homes being inhabited except for activity on the remote water reader <br />device. <br />