City of El Paso City Council met Jan. 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
A Meeting of the El Paso City Council Work Session was called to order by Mayor Price on January 16, 2018 at 7:00 PM.
Council Members Present: Steffen, Kearney and Kilpatrick. Absent: Burton, Rigsby and Brucker.
Also present: Director of Public Services Jack Hickok, Treasurer Linda Haas, Sandee Kessinger, Jenny Kingdon and Casey Jones.
Pledge of allegiance to the flag was recited.
Approval of Agenda: Motion by Kearney, seconded by Kilpatrick to approve agenda as presented. Voice vote taken of all ayes.
Clerk Fever gave a presentation of water sewer enhancements made over the past two years and what the City Water can now enhance dealings between landlords and the City Water Department.
A printed packet of agenda and topics for discussion were distributed to each attendee.
Correct Landlord Information: We request help updating our water accounts if property is rental. Information will be used to call landlord if readings show ‘continuous use’, copy of any shut off notices are sent and to call landlord before any payment arrangements are accepted.
Radio Reads and Meters: Each month 1150+ meters are read electronically in less then an hour, with currently 34 meters read manually.
Continuous Use: Each time after readings, reports are checked for ‘Continuous Use' we attempt to notify tenant and landlord, which should be at least 5 days prior to printing of bills. Water employees will do a ‘data log’ on most of these accounts ASAP. Large and continuous issues include faulty stools, humidifier and broken lines.
Billing: Most readings are digitally uploaded and unlikely incorrect but any request for rereads will be accepted. Current options for payment of bills were noted.
Delinquents and shutoffs: Copy of report to council were in printed packets.
New Payment options: The use of Invoice Cloud will be implemented soon and more options will be made available.
Other topics touched on include: Fire Hydrants, GIS, trash, trees and new city website were included.
The meeting was then opened up for input and questions from each landlord present. Following are excerpts from each.
Every Landlord expressed that they are not in favor of being billed directly.
Ron Lance asked if time from first billing to shutoff can be shorten. He also asked about ‘Rental Registration’ as done in St. Louis.
Jim Johnson just asked to be notified of problems as soon as possible.
Bryan Betts realized that in many issues the water department and city have their ‘hands tied’.
Renee Martinez commended on the cutting of trees and possible burning of wood.
Matt Grube thanked the council for dialog and hope that weekly readings could be done for quicker notification of leaks.
Dave Winterland says he deals with about 12 cities and likes the attitudes expressed and wish for any communications with him by e-mail.
Justin Faulk says he has never paid any tenants water bill in Minonk.
Robert & Joan Pyne has had rental properties in El Paso since 1992 the strongest thing he has deposit and not letting persons continue to be late with rent.
Mark Paternoga asked if the water bill can ‘Follow the Renter’.
Tom Hand believes the city should require a copy of lease agreement prior to starting water service.
Others present and gave input were: Nathan Ehrhardt, Jim Bigger, Josh Uphoff, Clinton Barker, and Alex Betts.
Mayor Price thanked everyone who attended and promised to follow up with suggestions presented.
Motion by Steffen, seconded by Kilpatrick to adjourn. Voice vote taken of all ayes. Meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM.
http://www.elpasoil.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01162018-50
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