1998-11-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Daugherty asked how the larger water users are affected by the water conservation program. Ms. Judith Mueller, Director of Public Works, said that the largest water user is the University of Virginia, and Mr. Palmborg said that the University has an active ongoing water conservation program. Mr. O'Connell said that if there is a continued reduction in the level of the reservoir, voluntary water conservation may need to be enacted unless the area gets a major rain. Ms. Daugherty recommended that voluntary water conservation efforts include those which citizens would continue to use after the emergency is over. Mr. Clyde Gouldman, City Attorney, noted that the City has a milky agreement with the University that ends in the year 2021 to provide water at wholesale rates +25% surcharge and sewer at wholesale rates +50% surcharge. Mr. Gouldman said there is no upcoming trigger point for renegotiating the agreement. Ms. Richards questioned whether the current agreement applies to increases in usage by the University. Mr. Gouldman said that the agreement is silent on the growth issue. Ms. Scott said that the University's water usage has increased 24% in the last 10 years. Ms. Richards said she would be interested in the amount of the University's increased water usage since the agreement was signed and the increase projected over the life of the agreement. Mr. Caravati said he would be interested in more information on what has contributed to the University's increased water use and what impact their water conservation efforts are having. NATURAL GAS MARKETING ~. Palmborg discussed the marketing efforts for natural gas, including the following goals: target larger consumers; increase summer load; early involvement in growth areas; and increase market share and consumption. Councilors took a break for dinner. WORK SESSION: HOUSING STRATEGIES WITH PLANNING COMMISSION Council met with the Planning Commission to discuss the draft Housing Strategy plan developed by the Commission. Ms. Daugherty said that the plan is really a middle income housing initiative. Ms. Nancy Damon, Chair o£the'~anning Commission, reviewed the housing goals identified: 1) achieve a balance of housing types and housing stock; 2) provide adequate, quality, and affordable housing to meet the varied needs of Charlottesville residents; 3) encourage homeownership opportunities in the community; 4) encourage a regional approach in the provision of housing for low-income persons and families; 5) preserve neighborhoods, the building blocks of our:community, by assisting residents with their hOusing~eeds; and 6) expand opportuniti~es for middle income homeow~nership and rental housing. -'.~ '~ :~ ~::~:. Regarding the recommendations contained in the Housing Strategy, Mr. Toscano said that the Planning Commission, Council and staff need to think about who will be