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48 <br /> <br />retrofits. Within local government, the City will survey its buildings for water use, <br />budget for an install low flow devices, ensure that all non-emergency water use is <br />accounted for, use alternative sources of water for irrigation, and promote water <br />conservation practices with employees. The City will seek cooperation with commercial <br />customers in conserving water, will assist in conducting water conservation audits, and <br />will exchange water consumption information. With residential customers, the City will <br />provide information regarding water conservation, assist in performing water <br />conservation audits, and be a resource for water conservation information. The City will <br />increase public awareness and education with information bulletins such as "City Notes" <br />and press releases, handouts and flyers, water wise landscaping classes and workshops, <br />display kiosks at various events, and Council declaration of Water Conservation <br />Education Week. <br /> <br /> Iris. Mueller said that Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority is looking at a bng- <br />term water plan, and conservation has to be a part of that. The City will develop an <br />action plan for the next six months and this presentation is the first step in the plan. Ms. <br />Mueller said that automated meter reading will be installed in June. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty asked that the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation <br />District be involved and suggested that a City representative be on the board. <br /> <br />Ms. Mueller said that Mr. Humphrey could represent the City on the board. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said the unaccounted for water ~standard seems high, and Ms. <br />Mueller agreed, but said that the City is not separately metered from the County. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano asked if the University's lower rate, differential pricing is being <br />looked at, and Ms. Mueller said that the Albemarle County Service Authority is planning <br />differential pricing, but noted that even if such an agreement were reached, the University <br />would be exempt. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano asked if differential pricing works, and Ms. Mueller replied that <br />lawn watering is the largest use in the summer and is highest in the County and it may not <br />make much ora difference to those residents. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati asked if the condition of the City's frastructure is part of the water <br />loss, and Ms. Mueller said it is. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she hopes Albemarle County will join forces on water <br />conservation since they are part of the increased water use. <br /> <br />ORDINANCE: WEED ORDINANCE CHANGES; ADMINISTRATIVE FEE <br />INCREASES (2nd reading) <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolhert explained that the weed ordinance was considered by Council a few <br />months ago and will increase the administrative fee to help eliminate repeat offenders, <br />and change the area impacted by the weed ordinance to any weeds within 150 feet ora <br />public right-of-way or sideWalk. Mr. Totbert said that Mr. Francis Fife had raised <br />questions about natural areas, but no agreement has been reached on amending the <br />ordinance. Mr. Tolbert recommended that Council approve the ordinance, and noted that <br />Mr. Fife has presented an amendment to the ordinance. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he supports the proposed ordinance as overgrowth is a major <br />problem in neighborhoods, on both private and public property. Mr. Cox said he is <br />sympathetic to those with controlled weeds, but the vast majority of situations involve <br />neglect. Mr. Cox said he feels the penalty is finally appropriate. <br /> <br />Ms. Richards noted that overgrown weeds harbor rats. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati asked if the City will step up their enforcement efforts, and Mr. <br />O'ConneI1 said the plan is to step up enforcement. Mr. O'Connell noted that the City <br /> <br /> <br />