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177 <br /> <br /> Ms. Eileen Aikers, a teacher in City schools, spoke on behalf ofLinda Bowen, noting <br />that she is a lifedong resident of Charlottesville and is a dedicated and hard worker for the <br />City and children. <br /> <br /> Mr. Charles Kimsey, 1651 Meridian Street, stated that he is interested in the School <br />Board in part because of his adopted 13 year old African-American son. Mr. Kimzey stated <br />that he has years of experience in business and with special needs children. <br /> <br />Mr. David Willis, 814 Ridge Street, spoke on behalf of Carolyn Davis. Mr. Willis <br />stated that Ms. Davis is a dedicated individual who has been involved in the l~ddge Street <br />Neighborhood Association, Upward Bound, and the Minority Business program. <br /> <br />As there were no further speakers, the public heating was closed. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING: UTILITY RATES <br /> <br /> Ms. Rita Scott, Director of Finance, explained that the connection fees for gas and <br />water are proposed to be consolidated and reduced from $40 to $20; water and sewer is <br />proposed to increase an average of 4% to 5%; a study of water lines in the City is proposed; <br />gas rates are proposed to decrease an average of 4.5%; the expanded gas assiStance program <br />is proposed to be continued, and the gas line replacement program is continuing. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Slaughter, Ms. Scott stated that there is not a <br />declining rate for water usage <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter asked how of the water loss factor is due to old lines and Ms. Scott <br />stated that the proposed Water line study should clarify that issue. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Slaughter, Ms. Scott stated that the Gas Advisory <br />Committee has not met as there have been no issues raised that they wanted to discuss. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty asked if there are any plans for encouraging water or other <br />conservation, and Ms. Scott stated that leak kits are available through the utility billing office, <br />and tips are provided in "City Notes." <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix noted that the City has recently been re-rated by the bond rating agencies <br />and continues to receive a AAA rating. Mr. Hendrix stated that this rating is due in large part <br />to the efforts of Ms. Scott and other City staff. <br /> <br /> The public hearing was opened, but as there were no speakers, the public hearing was <br />closed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano stated that he would be interested in hearing staffs recommendations on <br />pro-active water conservation efforts. Mr. Toscano asked if the gas expansion guidelines are <br />in need of changing, or if staff feels that the policy discourages growth, h/h-. Toscano also <br />asked if any evaluation has been done to see how the rebate program is working. <br /> <br /> Ms. Scott stated that she does not think the policy discourages growth. Ms. Scott <br />stated that a number of rebates have been offered and she has seen no evidence of losing gas <br />customers. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty asked staff to pay close attention to the increase in the water and sewer <br />rates because of the impact on people who are on fixed incomes, but added that she <br />understand the needs for the study. <br /> <br />ORDINANCE: UTILITY RATES <br /> <br /> On motion by Ms. Daugherty, seconded by Rev. Edwards, the ordinance entitled "AN <br />ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REORDAIN SECTIONS 31-56, 31-57, 31-60, 31-61, <br />31-62, 31-153, AND 31-156, AND TO ADD ANEW SECTION NUMBERED 31-8, OF <br /> <br /> <br />