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15 explained that some communities are implementing a stormwater utility fee and others are using general funds. Ms. Crystal Riddervold, Environmental Administrator, said that the City is facing very s erious water quality issues. Three potential levels of service are: a basic service that would fund required VPDES permit requirements and program administration; an intermediate level of service; and a high level of service that funds several activities including environmental projects and CIP projects. Ms. Riddervold said that there is a $300,000 shortfall in the budget to fund the basic service level. She said that staff recommends Plan 3 to be funded through a utility fee of approximately $50 per ye ar per household. Ms. Richards said the pre and post construction review is an important aspect, but she said she is not comfortable enough at this time to make an evaluation of which plan to implement. She said her first tendency is to go with the mini mum plan. Mr. Lynch said there are two questions. First what plan, if any, and how are we going to pay for it. He said he is not sure a fee is the best way. He said the other way would be through the tax rate which would be more fair and easier to adm inister. He said he would recommend we go with the level 2 plan. Mr. Caravati said that while he likes plans 2 an 3, he thinks we can only afford plan 1 this year. Mr. Schilling said he has some serious concerns with this, and does not think we can co me up with the best plan this evening. He said it would be troublesome to add to the school curriculum. He said that if the amount was funded by a fee he would want to reduce the tax rate equal to the amount reduced in the general fund. Mr. Lynch said he thinks using the tax rate would be more equitable than a flat fee. Mr. Cox asked what cuts can be made to find the $300,000 in the general fund for plan He said he cannot endorse it without knowing what the cuts would be. Responding to questions fr om Mr. Caravati, Ms. Mueller said that the University of Virginia would pay if their system discharges into our streams, but we are not allowed to target another jurisdiction. Mr. Cox said it appears that the majority of Councilors tentatively support pl an 1. Ms. Richards said she does not feel she has enough information to make a good decision. Mr. Schilling said he feels it would be more fair for the people involved in pre and post construction to provide the funding for this and Ms. Richards agreed . No action was taken on the stormwater utility fee and level of service. nd ORDINANCE : MALL VENDOR REGULATIONS (2 reading) Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Development Services, said he met with downtown mall vendors last week, and, as a res ult, the following changes are recommended: eliminate the rental fee and allow the $400 administrative fee to be paid quarterly, except that a payment of $200 will still be due for the last quarter of the year (a $50 discount will be given for those who p ay for the entire year); allow a variety of dark colors for skirts; and allow one clothing rack. Anything beyond this would need to have BAR approval. Mr. Lynch said he thinks the fee recommendation is equitable. He said the rental fee might be worth i t if vendors are given a dedicated space. Mr. Tolbert said it works well on a first come first served basis, and noted that WRT is looking at long - term recommendations for the mall.