HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/07/2009, - AWWU SEWER RATE STRUCTURE ACCOUNT # 130-0082-00-01 1302 MARSH STREET EgSE
Paul Rys j� RECEIVED
PO Box 1502
San Luis Obispo, CA. 93406 /'yJ/2 . y vS �- '�E j U L 0 7 20-139
July 7, 2009 ES71/`Y11-1
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4�_74 SLO CITY CLERK
San Luis Obispo City Council /�Lc /3 L L
Re: AWWU Sewer rate structure Account# 130-0082-00-01
1302 Marsh Street
Dear City Council,
The purpose for this letter is to inform you that the present sewer rate structure for 1302 Marsh Street is
inequitable in that older homes that have been converted into offices, such as this property, are not able to
utilize the average winter water use (AWWU) in order to calculate the sewer cap. The result of this is that
the sewer rates are not volume based,as all water usage, even for landscaping, is being double-charged as if
it were being used for sewage.
The water used for this property for sewage averages only 1 unit per month, yet at those times of the year,
when landscaping requires water, any units used above one unit are charged not only for water, but also
charged for sewer use.
The City has"a community-based water rate—the service charge is wholly based on the volume of water
used. The sewer rate contains two components—a minimum based charge and a service charge based on
the volume of water used".
The present sewer rate structure does not allow for converted residential properties that now serve the
commercial/office demands of the city,to benefit from the AWWU rates. This property has low water usage
similar to single-family residential dwellings and in fact uses even less water for sewage than single-family
residences.
This property is one of many such properties within the City of San Luis Obispo that helps fill the demand
for office space. Additionally,because these structures are aesthetically appealing and are surrounded by
beautiful landscaping,they help preserve the heritage and beauty that this city is known for that helps draw
in tourists and helps generate revenue.
It has been suggested by city staff that a second meter for landscaping be installed. This option has been
explored and is neither financially nor physically feasible due to the twelve foot wide, sub-standard
sidewalk that may have to be completely rebuilt; not just where it would have to be cut for the new water
line, but the entire area Secondly,the change in the plumbing would be cost prohibitive. The simple
solution would be to have this property included in the AWWU-based sewer rate structure. Then we would
be charged a truly volume-based sewer rate that is consistent with the City's sewer rate policy.
My family and I have invested a considerable amount of money and life energy over the years to restore this
property and make it a beautiful asset to our wonderful community. We ask that this request be addressed
and go through the proper channels to resolve this issue.
Sincerely, �O&LA e L
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July 7 2009 City Council Hearing on Conversion Ordinance
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My name is Joan Harper. I live in Laguna Lake Mobile Estates. As a former director of
our park's Homeowners' Association Board, a continuing member of our GSMOL Board
of Directors, and a current member of the Board for SLOMAP, a new mobilehome
owners assistance panel, I speak for hundreds of concerned mobilehome residents in the
City of San Luis Obispo.
The conversion ordinance that comes before you tonight is a well-written document.
Asst. City Attorney Christine Dietrick has done an outstanding job in putting this
document together—researching every existing State law and City policy as well as
successful ordinances in place in other cities, encouraging input from mobilehome park
owners and park residents, responding when asked to speak in City mobilehome parks,
listening (really listening) to questions and concerns of park residents, park owners, and
you Council members... putting all this together in the comprehensive draft she presents
to you tonight. I acknowledge her dedicated effort and the legal skill that went into this
challenging assignment, and our sincere thanks go to Christine and her staff.
I have studied the latest draft carefully. It recognizes our need for affordable housing and
provides critical protection for us mobilehome owners should our park owners decide to
close or convert the Park. Many valid reasons for such protection have been stated by
others in the past. The changes made as a result of Council direction at the May 5
hearing are clearly stated, and I find no reason to dispute any of the current text. It is my
hope that Council will accept this draft Mobilehome Conversion Ordinance as it stands
and adopt it as Chapter 5.45 of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
Thank you.