3/12/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MAR 12 1991 Commissioner Scurlock was concerned that in situations where a number of units are being served by one meter, they would not be penalized by being moved through the blocks of higher usage too quickly and Mr. Hutchinson explained, in the recommended schedule, multi -family, single -meter customers would be charged incrementally; for example, a three -unit single -meter customer would be allowed a 9,000 -gallon threshold before being accelerated into the next volume block. Mr. Hutchinson concluded by introducing Isabel Jettinghoff who would present the recommendations on the ordinance and resolution. Ms. Jettinghoff explained that policies and rate structures are now combined into one document. The consultant's recommendation is to isolate the policies from the rate and fee structure because, in the future, if there is a need to adjust rates the County would be able to address just those changes without having to deal with the policies. Ms. Jettinghoff further noted that the consultant's policy is that if something is stipulated in the state or federal law, we would not repeat it in the ordinance. Commissioner Eggert suggested that a person should not have to go to several sets of books to find out what an ordinance says and she personally would prefer an ordinance that has everything in it. Commissioner Scurlock asked for an explanation of the concept of mandatory hookup. Director Pinto stated that our ordinance does not say "mandatory" anywhere in the ordinance; the word "mandatory" is not used. However, it does say that upon notification by the Utility or by the County you may be required to connect. What that means is that if you, at a previous time, by contract, have agreed to connect -- an example would be a developer in Indian River County who, in order to build a temporary facility, signed a contract with ,the County saying when the facility became available they will connect, or someone who has reserved capacity -- they would be notified and be required to connect to the system. There is another area where, if there is a problem or a threat to the health and welfare of the community, then, through the Health Department, those causing the violation may be required to remedy the problem by connecting to the system. It is very important, however, to understand that even though the Health Department may require you to hook up to the system, you must reserve capacity, because capacity may not always be available. Director Pinto continued that Indian River County operates somewhat differently than most other systems in that we do not build capacity other than what is requested; it's on a voluntary 34