3/12/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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individuals through their conservation rate program; they wanted to be treated on an ERU basis in that case. So, we don't see any reason to treat them any differently when it comes to setting up some separate class for assigning ERUs. On the point of using different figures for reporting wastewater capacity to DER, that is because DER has chosen that standard and that doesn't mean we must use the same standard. As to the third point, relating to use of impact fee refunds for residential customers, as ownership of residences change, flows change, and the same case can be made by virtually any customer on the system. Director Pinto commented one of the problems all utilities have is, really, the definition of community; we consider Indian River County as one community. When we try to derive specific rates to reflect specific areas, there are some parts of the County which would increase substantially and there are areas that would decrease substantially. Within the present rate structure he was very sure that 50% of the people are using more and 50% using less and we have to look at the demographics of the entire County to come up with a mean. Director Pinto also pointed out that treating existing units differently than new units was judged discriminatory by the New Jersey Supreme Court. Mr. Radell wanted to respond regarding the figures reported to DER, that there is no requirement to commit the rate that is published by DER. He further commented that there are other fairer ways of setting rates and a single rate schedule is administratively convenient. Bob Strang, from Shady Rest Mobile Home Park in Sebastian, came before the Board and said he had a piece of paper which the owner of the park gave to him on February 19 at a meeting at which time the owner told the tenants how much they have to pay. His question concerned whether the park owner should send the tax money to California. Attorney Vitunac advised him that it is not tax money, it is a rent payment from the tenant to the property owner. He also said that if it is not proper charge the tenants should not pay it, and should get proper legal counsel and fight it. However, the owner contracted with the County to connect when the sewer lines were put in. Now the lines are in and the park must connect and no matter how much the County is concerned, the County cannot legally become involved in agreements between the owner and the tenants. Mr. Strang questioned Mr. Pinto as to a pump and lift station costing $35,000; if the tenants pay for it, who owns it. 43 MAR 12 1991 J