2002-10-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Thursday, October 3, 2002 AT 5:00 p.m. IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Work Session: Water Restrictions BY ORDER OF TH E MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM - October 3, 2002 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Schilling. Absent: Mr. Caravati. Mr. Cox explained that the p urpose of the work session is to give staff direction for developing the ordinance to be considered at Monday's meeting. Mr. Larry Tropea, Director of the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority, said that we are experiencing a drought of historic proportions that will redefine water supplies through the state. Mr. Tropea reviewed the local water sources. Ms. Rita Scott, Director of Finance, said that the City has 13,200 water customers, 85% being residential, which includes 10,000 apartments. Ms. Scott sai d the University's water consumption is down 32% since August. She said the meters of the top 100 water users will be read every week. She said the City's current billing system is limited in its flexibility, which makes it difficult if not impossible t o separate apartments that are master metered. Ms. Scott noted that only one administrative fee is applied to apartments that are master metered. Ms. Judy Mueller, Director of Public Works, reviewed the current restrictions, and noted that restaurant ow ners in the City have taken a leadership role in water conservation. Ms. Mueller said that the University has also been a model as have businesses such as Atlantic Coast Athletic Club. Ms. Mueller said that while businesses are required to reduce their c onsumption by 20%, the City has been charged with reducing consumption in City facilities by 30%. Ms. Mueller said that almost all car washes are back in business with alternate sources of water or using a dry wash. Ms. Scott said that lower, winter rat es are scheduled to go in effect on November 1, but staff recommend that summer rates be maintained. It is also recommended that the toilet rebate program be increased to allow three per residence and to offer the rebate to apartments up to the amount apa rtments have paid in surcharge fees. Ms. Scott said this program is being administered manually. Ms. Mueller listed possible changes and additions to the current restrictions. Require all restaurants to use single service plates; not serve customers dr inking water from the City's public water system; not provide free, complimentary or automatic refills on fountain beverages; and provide antibacterial waterless hand soap for use by customers. Require all commercial lodging establishments to establish a linens policy which limits the changing of sheets, pillowcases, towels, washcloths and bathmats to request by occupant; upon a change of occupancy; or once every three days if used by same occupant. Mr. Lynch suggested expanding the rebate to other water saving devices. Ms. Mueller said that effective this week the Department of Neighborhood Development Services is stamping all building permits with language saying water service is not guaranteed.