1980-07-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

292 Regular session Approval of minutes Matters by the public Public hearing re: Utility rate increases COUNCIL CHAMBER MONDAY, JULY 21, 1980 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Albro, Mr. Buck, Mr. Conover, Ms. Gleason, Dr. Hall. On motion by Mr, Alhro, seconded by Dr. Hall, the minutes of June 16 were unanimously approved as presented, Fir. Conover and Ms. Gleason abstaining aa they were not present at that meeting. On moetion by Mr, Alhro, seconded by 'Mr, ConoYer, the minutes of the July 7 meeting were unanimously approved as presented. On motion by Ms. Gleason, seconded by Dr, Hall, the minutes of the July 14 meeting were approved with an amendment on page two concerning Ms. Gleason's statement about a public hearing on the Queen Charlotte special permit extension. Ms. Gail Comras read a letter from the executive committee of the Belmont Neighborhood Association stating the association's request that Council support a moratorium on low-level radioactive incineration by the University of Virginia on Route 20 South until a study now in progress is completed and results made known. Mayor Buck asked for a staff report at the next meeting of Council. Mr. Robert Sheets, Director~of Finance, presented a summary report of utility rate increase proposals. Mayor Buck then invited public comment on the proposals. Mr. James Harlow of 1611 Meridian Street stated his objection to the rate increases as being that, as they are presently structured, they penalize the small user and low-income and fixed-income users. He asked that Council set rates that conform to rate of consumption. Mr. Peter Mclntosh of the Legal Aid Society pointed out that rate increases hit low and fixed-income users the hardest, who are then the most likely to fall behind in paying bill s and thus become bad credit risks, incurring furthe fees. He also asked Council to co' the public additional time to dige report and comment on it. Mr. James King of Lewis Mount. comments about a continuation of t Mr. Richard Jones, a local ap for the increases to be favored to dollar increases would be substant to consumption. He pointed out th an increase of only one or two dol Ms. Debbie Cassell of M~A.C.A to give her clients the chance to wanted to have enoughttime to meet views and present their comments t~ Mayor Buck proposed a continu~ to the meeting of August 18 which of Council. Dr. Hall inquired abo requested a staff report on the im penalties- and higher deposit .~tinue the public hearing to give the Department of Finance's in Road echoes Mr. McIntosh's ~e hearing. ~rtment owner and manager, argued the heavier users whose real Lal if the increases were tied ~t the minimum users would suffer [ars per month using this alternative. .A. felt more time was necessary :omment on these increases. She with her clients, get their Council. tion of the public hearing zas agreed to by other members ~t the 10% utility tax and ,lications of altering this