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8 <br /> <br />Mr. James Nix, 2402 Kerry Ln., said he supports the stormwater utility fee ordinance <br />for environmental and other reasons. This fairly reduces our impact on local streams and the bay. <br /> <br />Mr. Rick Jones, 1658 State Farm Blvd., said he was a member of the 2008 Advisory <br />Committee and this year's committee. He said he does not support establishing a utility fee as a <br />way to pay for programs we should have been doing for fifteen years. We have a surplus each <br />year, and we should find a different way to pay for it. <br /> <br />Ms. Joanna Salidis, 129 Goodman St., said she supports the proposed stormwater <br />utility fee. This is the best method because it directly ties the fee to the source of the problem. <br />Green infrastructure solutions must be implemented holistically. Property owners who do not <br />own cars or couples with only one car should receive credit. <br /> <br />Mr. David Hirschman, 1107 Calhoun St., said he supports the stormwater utility fee. <br />He said communities that do not have a dedicated funding source are often caught without <br />resources to develop robust stormwater utility programs. <br /> <br />Ms. Garnett Mellen, 1107 Calhoun St., said she has experienced aging infrastructure <br />at her home, and impervious surfaces make a huge difference. The fee would address these <br />issues, help properties avoid flooding, and promote stream health. <br /> <br />Ms. Pat Lloyd, 924 Raymond Rd. in the Ridge Street neighborhood, said she is in <br />favor of responsible stormwater management. She said many low income families may not be <br />able to afford this additional fee. Other changes are coming down through the state that will <br />increase the financial burden on low income citizens. Please provide a mechanism for relief to <br />these citizens. <br /> <br />Mr. Ned Ormsby, 500 Druid Ave., said he is speaking on behalf of the James River <br />Green Building Council (JRGBC). He said the proposed stormwater utility fee creates equitable <br />equations based on a contribution to local water shed pollution. JRGBC supports the <br />ordinance. <br /> <br />Mr. Morgan Butler, 1500 Jamestown Dr., speaking on behalf of the Southern <br />Environmental Law Center, asked Council to approve this ordinance without delay. It addresses <br />a serious environmental problem and plugs a growing fiscal hole. <br /> <br />Mr. Bill Emory, 1604 E. Market St., said he fully supports the stormwater fee. He <br />said it is important to educate citizens on where pipes empty their stormwater. <br /> <br />Mr. Brandon Collins, 418 Fairway Ave., said this is a good first step to address the <br />stormwater crisis. However, this is not equitable for low income residents. A dedicated funding <br />source is a good idea, but we need to find a way to grant waivers to low income residents, as well <br />as the elderly and disabled. These groups are the least likely to be able to fund changes that <br />would give them credit. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />