AgdaPkt 2020-01-27 Joint - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.A. - Page 6 of 27 Notably, Revenue Services and Public Works staff are dedicated to resolving customer inquiries in a fair and timely manner. It is extremely rare for a customer to escalate a complaint to either the Administrative Services Director or the Public Works Director. This typically occurs fewer than three times per year, and ends in a timely resolution of the complaint. Lastly, the City will be required to report the number of annual discontinuations of residential service (shut offs) for non-payment on the City website and to the State Water Resources Control Board. This will begin by February 1, 2020. Given Redwood City's local demographics, translation of the new policy into Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog will sufficiently meet the 10 percent service area requirement identified in SB 998. FISCAL IMPACT There would be no direct impact to the General Fund since water revenues are deposited into the Water Enterprise Fund. It is anticipated that due to the lengthening of the delinquency period to 60 days and requirement to offer an alternative payment plan arrangement that could be as long as 12 months, recovery of utility accounts receivables could slow down. Staff also expects a reduced ability to charge delinquent interest and penalty charges, which could decrease the funds available for Water and Sewer Rate Assistance Program (WSRAP). Costs associated with printing notices and translation will be absorbed in the Revenue Services FY 2019-20 operating budget in the Water Fund. Additional staff time will be required to implement the policy; however, the impact is expected to be minimal. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This activity is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as defined in CEQA Guidelines, section 15378, because it has no potential for resulting in either a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with the agenda items being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting ALTERNATIVES The City Council may choose not to adopt the resolution to adopt the Utility Delinquent Accounts Collection and Service Discontinuation Policy. However, the City's existing policy would not be in compliance with SB 998. Page 6 of 7 .,A . City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore 10