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56 that questions from Council be funneled to the City Manager. Ms. Richards agreed with Mr. Toscano, and said the issue needs to be vetted more with the public, further discussed, and better understood. Mr. Cox said he has supported the idea since he first heard it. Mr. Cox said he does not think that downtown is well publicized, and the question is how you ultimately pay for it. Mr. Cox said he believes we all have to pay. Mr. Cox said he has trouble with those who say there is no benefit to them, and he feels they share the responsFoility to keep downtown vibrant. Mr. Cox said he hopes Council does not belabor this by thinking we can change the minds of those who oppose it. Mr. Cox said he thinks Council needs to show some leadership in moving the proposal forward. Mr. Caravati said he thinks it is a good idea that can get better with more input, and he agreed with the idea of forming a small group. Mr. Cox said he does not think a small group will get at the broader concerns. Mr. Caravati suggested that the City Manager recommend a group. Mr. Cox asked what the group is supposed to do, and Mr. Caravati said it can assist in getting out information to the pubfic. Ms. Richards suggested that a public meeting be held such as was done with the proposed urban design plan. Mr. Toscano said Council could have a work session and redraw the district. Mr. Toscano said that perhaps the district should only include the retail core, but he noted that might not get what is needed in terms of revenue. Mr. Cox said he would prefer having a Council work session, but he does not think Council should expect a consensus from the public on the district. PUBLIC HEARING/ORDINANCE: UTILITY RATES Mr. O'Connell reviewed the proposed utility rates which will take effect July 1: water rates are proposed to increase an average 7.6, with higher rates charged from June - October; wastewater rates will increase an average of 20.8%, mostly due to the increase in treatment costs; and gas rages will increase an average 2.5% based on current prices. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Alexandria Searls, 1316 Chesapeake Street, proposed an alternative tiered water billing system. Ms. Searls said the current system punishes those who conserve water. Mr. Stephen Bach, 1208 Merriwether Street, echoed Ms. Searls' recommendation about the rate structure. Mr. Bach said an appreciation needs to be created for natural resources that vie use, especially water. Mr. Rob Schilling, 1406 Holly Road, expressed concern about a tiered system working, and noted that most rental units are not separately metered. Mr. Schilling expressed concern about the impact of differential rates on affordable housing, which he said could result in higher rents overall. Mr. Schilling said he supports the rebate for toilet replacement. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. O'Connell said that it would be hard to do a tiered system with the City's current billing system, and feels that the summer and winter rate structure makes the most sense.