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9. Meter was checked for accuracy and the results were as <br />follows: High flow - 98.5% accurate; Medium flow - 98.5% <br />accurate; Low flow - 87% accurate. In other words. Mr. <br />Billups' meter was reading low in his favor at low flow <br />rates. This meter had been in existence previous to our <br />takeover of the Sebastian system. <br />10. January 6, 1997 through January 23, 1997 (new meter) - 1,000 <br />gallons (or 2,000 gallons or normal consumption for that' <br />monthly billing period). <br />11. If the hose had been left running wide open (approximately <br />20 gal./min) for 2.6 days the consumption would have been <br />approximately 74,000 gallons which would be the amount in <br />excess of Mr. Billups' normal usage for the two (2) month <br />period October 22, 1996 through December 23, 1996, less than <br />full open'would just take a little longer to achieve that <br />consumption rate. More than likely, the hose was left <br />running for a period of time covering both billing periods <br />in question. <br />WHAT WE DID <br />It was explained to Mr. Billups that his consumption for the <br />November 26, 1996, billing was 67,000 gallons for a total of <br />$322.89. At that time an adjustment was made on his bill for <br />excess water charges totaling $131.65, leaving a balance of <br />$191.24. Mr. Billups felt this amount was still too high. <br />Payment arrangements were discussed and on December 13, 1996, Mr. <br />Billups agreed to a payment plan of four (4) monthly payments in <br />the amount of $47.81 each, due on the first day of each month. <br />(Please see a copy of the signed agreement attached) <br />During the third week of January a courtesy call was made to Mr. <br />Billups by Art Reisfeld, to advise Mr. Billups that his payment <br />had not been received. Mr. Billups informed Mr. Reisfeld that he <br />was still protesting this amount. His payment was received on <br />February 6, 1997, under protest. <br />After this conversation, a meeting was scheduled for February 12, <br />1997, with the Assistant Director of Utilities. The meeting was <br />held and in attendance was Jack Byrne, Art Reisfeld, Richard <br />Votapka and Mr. Billups. Please refer to a copy of the letter <br />dated February 14, 1997, to Mr. Billups, explaining the outcome <br />of the meeting. <br />Copies of all of the information regarding this matter was <br />provided to Commissioner Fran Adams per her request. <br />Glen Billups presented his appeal and stated that he had <br />spoken with a hydrologist in Pennsylvania who thought that the <br />meters could have been old and worn out. He also believed that the <br />houses nearby share the same problem. <br />Commissioner Adams commented that 67,000 gallons should be <br />visible. <br />Commissioner Macht added that 67,000 gallons would have filled <br />3 swimming pools and gave an account of a hose that burst at his <br />home which resulted in a very high bill that he had to pay. <br />Utility Services Director Terry Pinto pointed out that Mr. <br />Billups' meter had been replaced, that the meters work" on <br />29 <br />IFA"), <br />March 11, 1997 Ecce "U u FtIc 4. <br />