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8 <br /> Mr. Norris said one option would be for Council to say it will not move forward <br />until we get a regional transit authority and better data on origins and destinations, and a <br />way to pay for it. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown made a motion to approve Mr. Norris’ suggested option, Mr. Huja <br />seconded the motion, and it was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. <br />Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. <br /> <br />REPORT <br />: WATER RESOURCES PROTECTION PROGRAM <br /> <br /> Ms. Kristel Riddervold, Environmental Administrator, said that the City is faced <br />with increased regulations and a deteriorating system. <br /> <br /> Ms. Jean Haggerty, consultant with AMEC, said there was consensus among the <br />Committee members about the proposed water resources protection program. She <br />reviewed the proposal and proposed rate structure. She said property owners would be <br />billed based on the amount of impervious surface they have in billing units. <br /> <br /> Ms. Riddervold said she recognizes these are difficult financial times. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris said we are under a State mandate to address some stormwater issues, <br />and asked to what extent are the mandates. <br /> <br /> Ms. Haggerty said it is expected to cost $175,000 a year to comply with the <br />mandates. She said the City is required to have its system in order. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris asked if there are other localities in Virginia with a fee system, and <br />Ms. Haggerty said there are eight or nine. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked if billing would have to be done in whole number increments, or <br />if a property could be billed at a 1.5 basis. <br /> <br /> Ms. Riddervold said it could be flexible, but the Committee recommends whole <br />numbers. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Ms. Haggerty said the proposed bonds <br />would be guaranteed by the City, but would show that there are revenues coming in to <br />pay the debt service. <br /> <br /> Mr. Taliaferro said the City’s revenue from the10% tax on electric and utilities <br />bills will mean that people will be paying more in taxes, and he is concerned with an <br />additional tax. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Norris, Ms. Riddervold said an example of <br />qualifying credit would be a retention and detention system, such as a rain garden. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said he thinks the consultant and Committee did a great job, and he <br />thinks we should move forward expeditiously. <br /> <br /> Ms. Edwards expressed concern about the timing of the fee, and said it seems <br />oppressive. She said we need more ownership from the community and we need to <br />educate them better. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said he thinks it is a good idea, but it is coming at the wrong time. He <br />said he would be hard pressed to support it this year. He said his concern is that not <br />many residences will get a credit. <br /> <br /> Ms. Riddervold said more incentives can be fleshed out if Council wants to move <br />forward. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja asked Mr. O’Connell if he thinks now is a good time to do this, and Mr. <br />O’Connell said no. <br /> <br />