Minutes 02-21-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 would be a good way to address these types of issues, but it would take a legislative act to achieve this. Chair Dorosin asked if there is a prohibition on OWASA giving charitable donations, or is it that there is not an express authorization. Bob Epting said there is no express or implicit authorization. Chair Dorosin asked if there is an expressed prohibition. Bob Epting said no, but there is no way to imply authorization. Terri Buckner and Barbara Foushee, OWASA Board members, presented the annual report. New water rate for Multi-Family Master-Metered customers On December 8th, we approved a change in the water rates for Multi-Family Master-Metered (MFMM) customers, such as apartment complexes. Starting in May 2017, these customers will pay a year-round water rate of$5.67 per 1,000 gallons instead of the current seasonal water rates, which are higher from May through September and lower in the other seven months. In the past, MFMM residents expressed concern about unexpected increases in private water/sewer bills with the change to our peak seasonal rate in May, even when a resident's water use has not increased. About 7,700 households living in approximately 200 apartment complexes in Chapel Hill and Carrboro receive private water and sewer bills from property owners. Under rules of the NC Utilities Commission, the owners can pass through water/sewer costs to residents through private sub-metering and billing arrangements. The year-round rate will eliminate bill fluctuations due to changes in seasonal rates, so private bills should result in fewer questions and less confusion. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) We are moving forward with evaluating and identifying a vendor and system for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) in our community. AMI is a system that allows for remote meter reading via radio transmissions, which in turn allows for more frequent meter readings and faster leak detection. After conducting a feasibility study and engaging the community, the OWASA Board determined that such a system would be beneficial to the utility and community and would not require a rate increase. The Board decided to move forward with requesting proposals. In December 2016, staff received and began evaluating proposals. Early in 2017, we will select a team to provide and install an AMI system. We estimate that installing the new system for all 22,000 meters in our system will take about two years after the vendor begins. We will continue to inform and engage our customers as we move forward with the installation or consider any proposed policy changes related to AMI. Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) on OWASA land near the Cane Creek Reservoir On August 25th, we approved conditions for allowing the MST on OWASA land near the Cane Creek Reservoir. The conditions address water quality protection, risks related to hiking and ensuring that there will be no costs to OWASA due to the trail. The specific route of the trail on OWASA land is subject to our future approval. They informed stakeholders about our decision and we encourage residents to participate in the County's process for considering the MST. Letter to the governing boards on August 26th.