HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-10-13-Utilities Committee MinutesThe October 13,1997 Waukee Utility Committee was called to order at 7:00pm by Chairman
Francis Forret.
The following Utility Committee members were present:Marsha Schmitt,Stan Lawson,Anne
Pulliam,Francis Forret,and Russ Wiesley.Absent:Marge Schlaefer,Nick Gruber (Council
Representative).
The September 2nd minutes were approved as read.
Gas Service Hookup Fee.Tim Royer,Gas Superintendent,spoke to the committee explaining
the increasing cost to install gas service.The city charge is currently $295.00 but the cities
installation expense exceeds the current charge.Mr.Royer handed out the current cost for
installation of gas service with the long side cost of $405 .00 and short side cost of $350.00.
Motion by Wiesley,seconded by Olson,to increase the gas installation charge to $375.00.
Motion carried.
Utility Bill Policies.Motion by Lawson,seconded by Olson,to approve the following Utility Bill
Policies.Motion carried.
City of Waukee
Utility Bill Policies
POLICY ON FINAL BILLS
It is the policy of the City of Waukee not to prorate final utility bills.Consequently,customers
must pay for at least the minimum charges for utilities regardless of the last read date.The fee for
garbage service will be dropped off the final utility bill.
NEW CUSTOMERS
If there has not been minimum consumption and it is 7 days or less before the next meter reading
cycle,then the new "customer"will not receive their bill for utilities until the next billing month.
If one or more of the utilities has over minimum consumption,the customer will be added to the
system and billed for their consumption and the minimums will be charged for all utilities that
month.Garbage will be paid in full at the onset of the customer's first bill.
BUDGET BILLING
Waukee Budget Billing customers that miss one payment,will be sent a notice stating they have
to make up their missed payment along with the next month's regular payment or be taken off
budget bi11ing.If the payment is not made up at that time,they will be taken off of the budget
billing program.If they are taken off the program the customer must make up the difference.
Only under special circumstances will payment arrangements be made.
ARRANGEMENTSOFPAYMENTSOFUTILITYB~LS
The City of Waukee will allow arrangements beyond the shut-off date only one time per year per
customer.The maximum extension of time will be the Friday after the shut-off day.If payment is
not received by 8 :OOam that following Monday,the utilities will be shut-off.A rehook fee of
$50.00 for gas and $25.00 for water will be due at that time ifpayment has not been received in
full,regardless of the utilities having been shut-off or not.Even if arrangements are made,it will
account negatively on the credit history.There will be a $25.00 charge for reconnecting after
hours Monday -Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm and 7:00am to 4:00pm summer hours.
Arrangements beyond the Friday deadline will only be made during the winter moratorium for
those who have signed for energy assistance.Under extenuating circumstances,arrangements can
be made for an extended period by dividing the outstanding bill by the number of months (not to
exceed 12 months)per the agreement.This amount plus the current bill will be due on the 20th of
each month until the outstanding bill is paid in full.Failure to make a payment by the 20th of the
month will result in the entire unpaid balance being due.During this time,penalty will be charged
to the unpaid outstanding balance.
CONTESTED BILLS
1.If you have a contested bill we will re-read your meter.If the reading is wrong you will be
issued a new bill.If your bill is correct you will be notified by a phone call.
2.If you do not agree with the decision,you may talk to the appropriate department head,
(gas or water)to see if there is a leakage problem.
3.If you do not agree with the findings you may write a letter to the utility committee stating
your case,the committee will look at the problem and make a decision at their regular utility
meeting.These meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month.
4.During the contested time there will be no shut off or penalty posted to the service.If only
one of the services is being contested then you will have to pay the rest of your bill on the
due date of the 20th ofthe month.Only the contested portion will be left unpaid.
5.The ruling of the utility committee will stand.
Utility Application.Kurt presented a new and improved utility application.
CATV System.Kurt suggested the Utility Committee form a sub-committee to investigate
further before presenting to the Council.Russ Wiesley,Stan Lawsonvolunteered to serve on the
sub-committee.
Ron Olson reported to the Committee the DNR is requiring that all unused wells to be caped.If
there is a gas station within 1,000 the well will be caped.Ron presented 1 bid and is seeking a
second bid.
Motion by Wiesley,seconded by Pulliam to recommend to the City Council that they cap the
cities unused well and to enter into an agreement within 30 days.The 2 bids received were as
follows:Northway Well -$12,489.00 and J &R Driiiing Services -$6,540.00.Motion carried.
Motion by Pulliam,seconded by Schmitt,to adjourn at 8:58pm.
Respectfully submitted by
Toni Lestina