SAC MIN 1993-06-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SENIOR AFFAIRS COMMISSION MINUTES OF WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 1993 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairperson Anthony, Commissioners Berglund, Jordan, Lloyd, Metzdorf and Sharp COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Truscelli STAFF PRESENT: Recreation Supervisor Mary Kucala, Library Supervisor Val Hamilton and Secretary Denise Monroe GUESTS PRESENT: Former Finance Director Gul Ramchandani, Acting Finance Director Brian Ponty, Debbie Sargeant of BFI, Executive Director Maria Bransford Chairperson Anthony called the regular meeting of the Senior Affairs Commission to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Fair Oaks Senior Center, 2600 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, California. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the May meeting were approved as mailed. CORRESPONDENCE There was no correspondence. ITEM 1 - Discussion on Utility Rate Increases Water Rates-Gul Ramchandani Former Finance Director Gul Ramchandani explained the City is responsible for providing water and sewer services to its residents which includes setting the rates for these services. He said there will be a 12% increase in sewer rates this year, which were discussed at a public hearing last month and at the City Council meeting on June 7. The last increase in sewer rates occurred in FY 89-90. He explained the increase is due to capital improvements which need to be done to the existing sewer system and the cost of treating the water collected. Federal and State regulations have become stricter and water now has to be treated twice which in turn increases operating costs. The capital improvements include replacing major sewer lines in the system, water storage containment and pump station repair. Chairperson Anthony said he felt if the rates were increased a small amount each year rather than a large amount every few years, citizens would be better able to accept the increases. He also felt the City should put out some type of statement to advise its citizens about the increases, possibly through its boards and commissions. Mr. Ramchandani explained that if the City Council had increased sewer rates at 4-5% each year, it would have actually resulted in an increase higher than the proposed 12%. The proposed rates will become effective July 1, 1993.