HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_9/21/2020MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Abby Brennan at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Deputy Clerk Mary Ann Grieser.
Present were:
Mayor Brennan, Vice Mayor Stone, and Council Member Brandon,
Late were:
Council Member Prince arrived at 6:02 PM
Absent were:
Council Member D'Ambra.
MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to approve the agenda; Council Member Brandon
seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Council Member D'Ambra).
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion on Water Billing Issues
Utility Director Matt Hammond prepared a power -point presentation for Council, which
outlined a brief background of the water -meter replacement project. Some points
included challenges with estimates, resident concerns, customer communication,
analytics, customer portals, and plans for a soft roll out of the new system.
Council had questions regarding customer bills and satisfaction levels, accuracy of the
new system, testing of meters by a third party vendor, and communication via newsletters
or possibly within water bills to customers.
Council Member Brandon asked for information on an average gallon usage for sprinklers
as it related to an "alert" mechanism. She mentioned there had been several individuals
out in the community, working on private property without identification, uniform, and
without prior notification offered to residents.
Page 1 of 3
Vice Mayor Stone asked about the accuracy of the Sensus water meters. The Sensus
representative revealed that there had been water intrusion issues in the past with certain
models, however, those issues had since been resolved. He understood that customers
were confused due to the 3 months of averages, whereas leaks would not have been
detected. Vice Mayor Stone felt the Sensus meter employees that were on private
property were actually helping the residents. However, he was concerned with the
customers that had been bumped up into the next rate step and would like to see those
bills adjusted. He also recommended consistency in having the readings occur within the
30 days time frame.
Manager Allen agreed that the Village would work on creating a list of customer credits
for Council to approve. Residents that had billing concerns should contact the Village for
assistance. Any adjustments to the bills would be handled by Customer Service
Manager Dennis Rick or Utility Director Matt Hammond. It was suggested that several
meters per month could be randomly pulled for accuracy testing.
Council Member Brandon asked that information discussed in tonight's meeting be sent
out to water customers. Vice Mayor Stone asked that the Village consider sending a
letter to customers in the next billing notice. Additionally, he would like to see the
analytics portion of the system fast -forwarded.
The following comment cards were read aloud:
Mr. Richard Sanders sent in a comment card regarding the timing of water meter reads
(over 30 days) and large water bills.
Ms. Melissa Sullivan commented on fixing the billing issue without making it seem as if it
was a resident problem.
Mr. Kahled Ahamed commented that he had experienced massive swings in water bills.
He did not believe all the water bill issues were coincidental, concurrent leaks.
Cindy Barber commented her bills were out of control and had spoken to many residents
who felt the same.
Deborah Wallace commented the issues were causing new heights of frustration, and
needed to be fixed.
Noreen Shouldis asked Council to please reevaluate the water bills.
Council asked the Water Department to flag the accounts that had unusually large bills
and questioned why the bills were so high if it was a reflection of the averages.
Additionally, Council asked that the processes be tightened up, to have bills turned
around faster. In addition, educating residents on irrigation and over watering was a
suggestion.
Vice Mayor Stone reminded Council of the upcoming rate increase in water costs to
Page 2 of 3
customers. Kimley-Horn would present a report of rates and the overall water facility at
the upcoming October Council Meeting. Mr. Stone also reminded Council that there had
recently been a 9% infrastructure tax on water usage. He believed clear
communication to residents was a major factor in creating a remedy for the billing issues.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:36 PM.
MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Vice -Mayor Stone
seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Council Member D'Ambra).
Respectfully submitted,
Lori McWilliams, MMC
Village Clerk
Note: These summary minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are not
verbatim transcripts of the meeting. A verbatim audio record is available from the office of the
Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office.
Page 3of3