SAC MIN 1994-06-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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He explained that the Sewer and Water Policy Committee listened to the Commission's previous recommendation to revise the lifeline water unit criteria. As a result, the Committee has recommended that the lifeline rate be increased from the first five units of water to the first ten units and they are also recommending that the per unit rate be reduced from $1.21 to .84 cents. Director Ingram explained that each customer's bill consists of a monthly basic service charge and the cost of the water used each month. He stated that the basic service costs charged to each customer cover the costs to operate the water and sewer systems. The fees collected for water usage pay for the capital improvements of the system. Under the proposed rate structure, people who use more water will pay higher rates and those persons who conserve will receive lower rates. Chairperson Anthony expressed his thanks to Director Ingram and Management Analyst Adams for proposing this change. Director Ingram confirmed that all persons with water units "banked" under the previous water conservation system will retain those banked amounts and they can be applied towards the next 10 years of water usage, although they will be charged at the current water unit rates. Director Ingram explained the Water Enterprise Fund and how it is operated. He also spoke about the City's water conservation efforts and how the City plans to target large commercial accounts, such as businesses with substantial landscaping and schools. Water bills will also be re-designed to be more easily read and provide additional water information to the public. Director Ingram said the City's current water and sewer system is worth $100 million and has an average life of 50 years. He said it was determined that the City would need to spend $2 million each year to maintain the system. He said the staff and field people of the General Services Department have identified the areas needing immediate replacement. He thanked the Senior Affairs Commission for speaking up and making a recommendation to the Water and Sewer Policy Committee. ITEM 3-PEER COUNSELING UPDATE Supervisor Kucala introduced senior peer counselor Marie Walsh who spoke about her experience as a peer counselor. Ms. Walsh said she felt the need for senior peer counseling has become greater because seniors seem to be experiencing more depression due to being unable to meet their monetary needs. She explained the counselors listen to their clients and let them resolve their own problems. The counselors offer information and referrals to other organizations. They are given extensive training by the County of San Mateo to enable them to handle different types of situations. The peer counselors are trained 8 hours per week for 3 months during this program.