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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/20/1991, 2 - GARBAGE SERVICE RATE ADJUSTMENTS lllll�lylll��lll�llll 1� V, MEETING GATE: c� II In� o san lugs oBIspo August 20, 1991 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER: 42 FROM: David F. Romero, Public Works Director PREPARED BY: David Elliott, Administrative Analyst SUBJECT: Garbage Service Rate Adjustments CAO RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution which increases San Luis Garbage Company's service rates by 18 percent effective with the first billing period after September 1, 1991. DISCUSSION The franchise held by San Luis Garbage Company since 1987 allows it to request ordinary service rate adjustments once every two years. The franchise also states that the city "may consider a request outside of the schedule stipulated . . . upon demonstra- tion by the Franchisee to the satisfaction of the city council that it has incurred extraordinary and consequential cost in- creases. " After the last request in 1990, the council granted an overall 10 percent rate increase, which was calculated to suffice until 1992. Unfortunately San Luis Garbage has since incurred three extraordinary cost increases which have substantially escalated its overall costs. Also, the enthusiastic response to economy service has caused some revenue shortfall. Following are des- criptions of each situation: IN Effective 12/1/90 the county increased general tipping fees at Cold Canyon Landfill from $13 .95 to $17. 10 per ton to cover emergency earthmoving costs and additional closure costs imposed by the state. Effective 7/1/91 the county again increased tipping fees from $17. 10 to $21.45 per ton to pay for additional solid waste planning costs and en- vironmental monitoring costs. The projected tipping fee cost increase for 1991 is $139,275. ■ To avoid exorbitant additional insurance costs, San Luis Garbage elected to retire the fueling facilities at its yard and use cardlock commercial fueling stations, where fuel costs about 15 percent more than the near wholesale prices paid before. The projected fuel cost increase for 1991 is $16,899. ■ Because the number of residential customers selecting economy service is about double the expected number, San Luis Garbage has had to buy many more special economy service bags. The projected economy service bag cost increase for 1991 is $14,862 . Illiil�'" ll�Ill City Of SATTWIS OBISPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Garbage Service Rate Adjustments Page 2 I ■ As the number of economy service customers h s risen, i revenue has declined, because the $1. 00 per ag rate is set artific lly low to create an incentive. a 6/18/90 agenda report re arding volume-based service disc ssed this pos- sibility. The projected residential reve ue shortfall for 1991 is $13 155. (This shortfall would a much larger, except that he number of residential c tourers is 13 percent highe than anticipated. ) San Luis Garbage Co any has requested a r to increase to cover this $184, 191 in ext aordinary cost increes and revenue short- falls for 1991. According to the follow' g calculations, an 18 i percent increase effective 9/1/91 should provide enough addition- al revenue: $ 171, 036 Extraordin ry cost incr ases for 1991 I I + 13 , 155 Extraordinar revenue shortfall for 1991 $ 1841191 Total cost increases revenue shortfalls for 1991 $1, 0500800 Anticipated opera \\ ' g revenue 9/1/91 to 12/31/91 $1841191/$1, 050,800 = .18 = 18 p r ent increase effective 9/1 i i Because this is an interim adj tment, these calculations focus only on the extraordinary cost increases discussed in the fran- chise and a revenue shortfall envisioned during the last ratemak- ing analysis. The next regu ar ratemaking analysis in 1992 will return to the city's regula procedure 'which calculates a five- ' year average return on rat base and operating ratio. EFFECTS OF RATE INCREASE ON RESIDENTIAL CII OVERS I I Under the proposed rat adjustment, the stands d rate -- for one wastewheeler container collected once each week -- would rise from $11. 00 to $12 . 50 per month. The premium ra a -- for up to one cubic yard (six tandard garbage cans) collec ed once each week -- would rise om $15. 00 to $17. 10 per months The economy rate ($1. 00 per sp ial bag distributed by San Luis Garbage Company) would not change for two reasons. First, t e dollar-a- bag concept is ea y for customers to understand and sy for the city and the gar age company to administer. Second, a low economy service ate provides conservation-minded cust mers an on-going incen ive and opportunity to lower their garba a bills by reducing t e amount of garbage placed at the curb and bound for the landfill. MEETING r001P AGENDA . DATE. �TITEM �ili�l IIIIIIIIO�������I�plllll I1IIt city of sAn tuis oBispo 990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 • Sart Luis Obispo, CA 93403.8100 August 20, 1991 MEMORANDUM TO: City Council FROM: Ken Hampian, Assistant City Administrative Officer SUBJECT: Replacement Page for Item 2 of the August 20 Council Meeting Attached is a replacement for Page 2-2 concerning the garbage rate adjustments. This page was inadvertently not substituted for a prior draft. The primary changes are in the monthly rates quoted under the heading "Effects of Rate Increases on Customers". KH:bw 8-20.cc OOPIB TO: ❑• Action ❑ FYI cmug CAO ❑ M.MX❑ `° MX RECEIVE ® D DR cA ACRO ❑ c. CEcx AUG 2 0 1991 o MCMT.TEAM ❑ pECDa /0;SOA ❑ README C1UnLDIX CIW CLERK err ' -. SAN LUIS OBISPO,CA city Of San lU1S OBISp0 dni Ip�il►:��III COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Garbage Service Rate Adjustments Page 2 ■ As the number of economy service customers has risen, revenue has declined, because the $1. 00 per bag rate is set artificially low to create an incentive. The 6/18/90 agenda report regarding volume-based service discussed this pos- sibility. The projected residential revenue shortfall for 1991 is $13, 155. (This shortfall would be much larger except that the number of residential customers is 13 percent higher than anticipated. ) I San Luis Garbage Company has requested a rate increase to cover this $184, 191 in extraordinary cost increases and revenue short- falls for 1991. According to the following calculations, an 18 percent increase effective 9/1/91 should provide enough addition- al revenue: i $ 171, 036 Extraordinary cost increases for 1991 + 13 . 155 Extraordinary revenue shortfall for 1991 $ 184, 191 Total cost increases/revenue shortfalls for 1991 $1, 050, 800 Anticipated operating revenue 9/1/91 to 12/31/91 $1841191/$1, 0501800 = .18 = 18 percent increase effective 9/1 Because this is an interim adjustment, these calculations focus I only on the extraordinary cost increases discussed in the fran- chise and a revenue shortfall envisioned during the last ratemak- ing analysis. The next regular ratemaking analysis in 1992 will return to the city's regular procedure, which calculates a five- year average return on rate base and operating ratio. EFFECTS OF RATE INCREASES ON CUSTOMERS I Single Family and Small Multi-unit Residential Customers. Under the proposed rate adjustment, the standard rate -- for one wastewheeler container collected once each week -- would rise from $11. 00 to $13 . 00 per month. The premium rate -- for up to one cubic yard (six standard garbage cans) collected once each week -- would rise from $15. 00 to $17.70 per month. Staff recommends that the economy rate ($1. 00 per special bag dis- tributed by San Luis Garbage) not change at this time for two reasons. First, the dollar-a-bag concept is easy for customers to understand and easy for the city and the garbage company to administer. Second, the low economy service rate provides conservation-minded customers an ongoing incentive and oppor- tunity to lower their garbage bills by reducing the amount of garbage placed at the curb and bound for the landfill. To MY % Sat) LL41 S OBI SPO MNGA COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Garbage Service Rate Adjustments Page 3 maintain an appropriate level of equity among residential cus- tomer categories, the economy rate will probably increase with j the next rate adjustments in 1992 . Commercial and Large Multi-unit Residential Customers. Amounts i of rate increases would vary widely depending on the volume of container and frequency of collection. The rate for a 3 cubic yard multi-unit residential dumpster collected four days a week would rise from $178, 00 to $210. 00 per month, The rate for a 1.5 cubic yard commercial dumpster collected seven days a week would rise from $167.00 to $195.00 per month. The rate for two commer- cial wastewheelers collected five days a week would rise from i $93.00 to $110. 00 per month. i EFFECTS OF VOLUME-BASED SERVICE RATES i When the council approved rate increases in 1990, it also ap- proved volume-based service rates for residential customers. The volume-based rate schedule offers three levels of service: 1) The existing standard rate of $11. 00 pays for weekly collec- tion of a wastewheeler container, which holds as much as three standard garbage cans. 2) The existing premium rate of $15. 00 pays for weekly collec- tion of up to one cubic yard or six standard garbage cans. 3) The economy rate allows customers to buy special 33-gallon bags from San Luis Garbage Company for $1. 00 each. San Luis Garbage Company then picks these bags up whenever they are placed at the curb on collection days at no additional cost to the customer -- the cost of the bags is the service rate. Ratemaking calculations in 1990 projected the following par- i ticipation and revenue for residential service in 1991: customers revenue Economy Service 1, 219 15% $ 87,768 Standard Service 5, 641 70% 751,212 Premium Service 11219 15% 219 , 420 Total (original estimate) $1, 058,400 Revised calculations based on nine months experience with the new rates now project the following participation and revenue (before rate adjustments) in 1991: customers % revenue Economy Service 21536 28% $ 117, 999 Standard Service 51393 59% 711,786 Premium Service 1, 197 13% 215,460 Total (revised estimate) $1, 045, 245 -3 II'iiu''�, Il il�llll City Of sari LUIS OBISPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Garbage Service Rate Adjustments Page 4 I Not only has the response to economy service been enthusiastic, but economy service customers are using fewer bags than an- ticipated. Original projections assumed that each economy service customer would use an average of about six bags a month, when in fact the average is just under four bags. All this means that residential revenue has declined somewhat, but at the same time residential solid waste going to the landfill has declined sharply from a peak of 15,272 tons in 1989 to 12 , 029 tons in 1990 and a projected 11,083 tons in 1991. Along with other recycling activities, volume-based service has undoubtedly contributed to this reduction as customers have found an economic incentive to divert waste by recycling and reducing waste at its source. CANS VS. BAGS FOR ECONOMY SERVICE When the council approved volume-based residential service, there was some concern about using bags for economy service. The council asked staff to look at two other options: 1) enacting a single can rate and 2) using stickers affixed to cans. Advantages of both these options: ■ Customers would not have to buy special bags from San Luis Garbage Company. i ■ There would be no extra waste in the form of bags going to the landfill (assuming customers would not use other plastic bags to line their garbage cans) . ■ There would be no stigma of selling plastic bags manufac- tured from non-renewable petroleum resources. ■ Cans would be less prone than bags to vandalism or destruc- tion by animals Disadvantages of a single can rate: ■ If people were entitled to put out a fixed amount each week, they would see no reward for further reducing their trash. Right now economy service customers using bags are setting out on average less than one can per week. ■ It would be difficult for collection workers to distinguish between economy service customers and premium service customers. ■ If a customer had a heavy trash week (such as during holi- days) there would be no way to dispose of the excess without ii;�,�i�►!i!ill�nacity of San LUIS OBISpo MRIZe COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Garbage Service Rate Adjustments Page 5 incurring the cost of an extra pickup (minimum $13 . 00) . Disadvantages of stickers affixed to cans: ■ Stickers could fall off or be stolen (a chronic problem where this system is used) . ► ■ Collection workers would have to peel off stickers from all cans collected. On balance it appears that a system using stickers affixed to cans might work as well as the current system using special plastic or paper bags. But the current system is working well, and San Luis Garbage has resolved initial problems, such as how to prevent customers from overstuffing bags and defeating the purpose of economy service. Changing to a new system after only one year would only confuse and frustrate customers who have responded positively to waste reduction incentives. Besides, the volume-based residential service will likely be superceded within a few years as the city moves to more aggressively reduce garbage and reach AB939 targets. Staff recommends no changes at this time. i PUTURE SOLID WASTE RATE ADJUSTMENTS Expensive but necessary environmental protection measures will continue to drive up the costs of operating and developing landfills. Consequently, in the short term landfill operators will have to pass these costs on to collection and disposal companies, who will in turn have to pass them on to customers. Recent state legislation, such as AB939, has tried to anticipate the extent of this trend and encourage local governments to find less expensive alternatives to landfilling, but developing these alternatives will take even more money, which will likely come from customer fees. Although the short term outlook calls for rapidly increasing solid waste rates, successful alternatives (such as recycling, source reduction and composting) should eventually hold costs and fees much lower than they would be if i landfillswere used exclusively. i attachment: resolution i RESOLUTION NO. (1991 SERIES) A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL ADJUSTING RATES FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 11 1991 AND SUPERCEDING RESOLUTION NO. 6826 BE IT RESOLVED by the San Luis Obispo City Council as follows: 1. Effective September 1, 1991 the rates for solid waste collection and disposal shall be those listed on the attached rate schedule dated September 1, 1991 and incorporated here by reference. These rate shall be applied to all service bill issued after after September 1, 1991. 2 . Upon passage, this resolution shall supercede Reso- lution No. 6826 (1991 Series) . 3 . The city clerk shall furnish copies of this resolution, as executed, to finance department, public works department and San Luis Garbage Company. On motion of , seconded by , and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day of 1991. Mayor Ron Dunin Attest: City Clerk * * * * * * * * * * * City dministrative Officer At or y KI erector of Finance Public Works Director i - Co CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO RATE SCHEDULE FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL 9/1/91 MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DUMPSTER CONTAINERS (PER MONTH) size of COLLECTIONS PER WEEK container (cubic yards) 1 2 3 4 5 8 7 1 $51.00 $7600 $91.00 $12600 $151100 $177.00 $221100 1.5 59.00 86.00 109.00 14300 171.00 186.00 28300 2 6500 97.00 1260D 15800 184.0 197.00 299.00 3 84.00 119.00 164.00 210.00 274.00 296.00 39800 4 101.00 15200 21500 29300 35500 395.00 49300 6 13800 211.00 29600 438.00 SM00 557.00 65800 8 177.00 261.00 1 39500 584.00 72900 I 789.00 I 891.00 The rates stated above for dumpster containers shall include the monthly container rental fee. COMMERCIAL GARBAGE CANS (PER MONTH) number COLLECTIONS PER WEEK of cans 1 2 3 4 5 8 7 1 $71.00 51600 $2600 $31100 $3200 $Mm $40.00 2 1 am 2600 3500 39.00 4200 4600 5300 3 17.00 3200 44.00 47.00 Sam 5300 6300 4 2a00 37.00 51.00 5500 60.00 6500 77.00 5 24.00 4200 5800 64.m 71.00 77.DD 91.00 6 27.00 47.00 65.00 7300 81.00 9a00 105.00 7 31.00 5300 7200 8300 9300 101.00 119.00 B 34.00 5800 79.00 91.00 10300 114.00 13300 9 3800 6300 B&D0 99.00 11200 12500 14500 10 1 41.00 61100 1 94.00 1 11a00 1 124.00 131100 1 16200 Mwdmum volume and weight per garbage can:35 gallons and 80 pounds Additional charge per can per collection:$3DD 02 -7 Rate Schedule for Solid Waste Collection and Disposal-9/1/91 Page 2 COMMERCIAL WASTE WHEELER CONTAINERS (PER'MONTH) number COLLECTIONS PER WEEK of containers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 $18.00 $26.00 $32.00 $44.00 $54.00 $61.00 $79.00 2 35.00 5200 63.00 87.00 110.00 123.00 158.00 3 41.00 59.00 76.00 98.00 119.00 130.00 182.00 4 47.00 67.00 87.00 110.00 127.00 137.00 207.00 5 53.00 74.00 100.00 127.00 159.00 171.00 241.00 6 58.00 83.00 114.00 146.00 190.00 205.00 275.00 7 64.00 93.00 131.00 175.00 22200 240.00 308.00 8 71.00 105.00 149.00 203.00 254.00 274.00 341..00 9 77.00 114.00 163.00 228.00 277.00 301.00 411.00 10 83.00 125.00 177.00 254.00 30200 329.00 479.00 11 90.00 136.00 191.00 278.00 326.00 358.00 548.00 12 96.00 146.00 205.00 1 303.00 1 350.00 386.00 617.00 In addition to the collection rates stated above for waste wheeler containers,there shell be charged a monthly rental fee for each container. COMMERCIAL DUMPSTER CONTAINERS (PER MONTH) size of COLLECTIONS PER WEEK container (cubic yards) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 $38.00 $57.00 $68.00 $94.00 $119.00 $133.00 $171.00 1.5 45.00 65.00 81.00 106.00 129.00 140.00 197.00 2 51.00 72.00 94.00 118.00 138.00 148.00 224.00 3 63.00 90.00 124.00 158.00 205.00 722.00 297.00 4 77.00 114.00 16200 219.00 274.00 296.00 371.00 6 104.00 158.00 222.00 328.00 379.00 418.00 493.00 8 133.00 1 196.00 296.00 1 438.00 1 548.00 592.00 668.00 The rates stated above for dumpster containers shall include the monthly container rental fee. O Rate Schedule for Solid Waste Collection and Disposal-9/1/91 Page 3 UNSCHEDULED EXTRA COLLECTIONS $13.00 1 cubic yard(minimum charge) $17.00 2 cubic yards $25.00 3 cubic yards $33.00 4 cubic yards SINGLE FAMILY and MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL VOLUME-BASED RATES ECONOMY RATE $1.00 per special 33-gaon bag distributed by San Luis Garbage Company (payable when bags are issued) STANDARD RATE $13.00 per month for one wastewheeler container collected once each week PREMIUM RATE $17.70 per month for up to one cubic yard(sbc standard garbage cans)collected once each week Maximum volume and weight per garbage can:35 gallons and 80 pounds SERVICE AWAY FROM THE STREET CURB $4.00 additional per month per can or container a -9 .r TO: CITY COUNCIL 9:60P AGENDA o�- FROM: DAVE ELLIOTT, PUBLIC WORKS MEETING DATE/Mw#�... COPIES TO: August 15, 1991 �/Da1X`'S'°'cft11 ❑ FYI EACAO ❑ CDD Dix ao ❑ FIN.DIR ELERK/ORW ❑ � TMRNEy 0FWDDR ADDENDUM TO AGENDA REPORT . ❑ POUCE CIL GARBAGE SERVICE RATE ADJUSTMENTS ❑ MGMT.TEAM ❑ RJX_-DIP. COUNCIL AGENDA OF AUGUST 20, 1991 ❑ C.READ FU ❑3 IMLDM[.-r.r After the agenda report for garbage service rate adjustments was submitted, public works staff realized that the rate schedule needed one more minor adjustment to provide for extra collections from residential customers. Because these extra collections were so rare in the past, the City did not regulate them. But now that the City has started volume-based service, more customers need occasional extra collections, and the rate schedule needs to clarify applicable charges. Attached are substitute third and fourth pages for the rate schedule which specify three types of extra collection: 1) Extra collections on regular collection day with garbage truck provide more volume for customers who want to put out additional garbage (not hard-to-handle waste like appliances or carpeting) on their regular collection day. The rate is $1.50 per standard garbage can or equivalent volume to be included on the next bi-monthly bill. This service is not available for economy service customers because they are not billed for their service. 2) Late makeup collections with garbage truck provide service for customers who forget to put out their garbage on the regular collection day. These collections are performed with a garbage truck which deviates from its regularly scheduled route. These collections are not appropriate for hard-to-handle waste. Customers must phone to request this service, and the rate is $5.00 per trip plus $1.50 for each extra garbage can (or equivalent volume) beyond what is allowed for that customer each week. Charges are included on the next bi-monthly bill. Again, this service is not available for economy service customers. 3) Extra collections with pickup or flatbed truck provide service for customers with hard-to-handle trash which cannot be picked up by compactor garbage trucks. Customers must phone to request this service, and the rate is $11.00 per trip plus various specified charges depending on the type and volume of trash. Charges are included in the next bi- monthly bill for standard and premium service customers. Economy service customers must pay in advance. Rate Schedule for Solid Waste Collection and Disposal-9/1/91 Page 3 UNSCHEDULED EXTRA COLLECTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS AND MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DUMPSTER CUSTOMERS $13.00 1 cubic yard(minimum charge) $17.00 2 cubic yards $25.00 3 cubic yards $33.00 4 cubic yards SINGLE FAMILY and MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL VOLUME-BASED RATES ECONOMY RATE $1.00 per special 33-gallon bag distributed by San Luis Garbage Company (Payable when begs are issued) STANDARD RATE $13.00 per month for one wastewheeler container collected once each week PREMIUM RATE $17.70 per month for up to one cubic yard(six standard garbage cans)collected once each week Maximum volume and weight per garbage can:35 gallons and 80 pounds SERVICE AWAY FROM THE STREET CURB $4.00 additional per month per can or container EXTRA COLLECTIONS ON REGULAR COLLECTION DAY WITH GARBAGE TRUCK $1.50 per standard garbage can or equivalent volume (Not available for economy service customers) LATE MAKEUP COLLECTIONS WITH GARBAGE TRUCK (phone call required) $5.00 per trip plus$1.50 per extra garbage can or equivalent volume (Not available for economy service customers) ,Rate Schedule for Solid Waste Collection and.DisposaG-9/1/91 Page 4 EXTRA COLLECTIONS WITH PICKUP OR FLATBED TRUCK(phone call required) $11 M per trip plus: $1:50 per garbage can or equivalent volume(amounts over six cans by quotation) $10,00 per.appliance $9.00 per piece of furniture $1.50 per mattress or bonspring (Economy service customers must pay.in advance:) MEETING ��`�paG, A �--- DATE ITEM# N , f4 �. E I V E D CIT4,CLERK /'P7 . COPIES 7D: *Nnwks Acdcn k.uxa O CD DSR. CACAOF oWrD. Dm�L 10t;Er p�70 `r"�-L� DATE mEE-nNG 1:00P AGENDA MMMMOMMOMMM August 19 , 1991 D•pa+ es Action ❑ In 2' C3 CDD DTR. AO 2rFTN.DTR. The Honorable Ron Dunin .ACRO ❑ RECD Mayor of San Luis Obispo WAT7�CMEY �FWDUL CLEWORTG. ❑ POLTCECaL P.O. Box 8100 C) MCMT.7E4b1 ❑ Y,EC.DTR. San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 1 CC DFU O.uMDHL -Ede RE: Garbage Service Rate Adjustment August 20 City Council Agenda Item No . 2 My dear Mr. Mayor Dunin: Having moved my family into San Luis Obispo last November, I. have immediate knowledge and experience with the area' s cost of living in this beautiful locale. It was with great difficulty and challenge that we purchased a home in the City. No one can forecast all anticipated and unanticipated utility cost increases over a period of two years , but it greatly disturbs me to see the average cost of living, excluding housing , creep beyond the means of persons living on the line between just-making-it to meet their monthly obligations . The proposed rate increase would appear only partly justifiable! In 1990, the City chose to pursue a rate structure that would encourage reduction of waste at the land fills. Because City residents have been able to achieve this, they are now "lucky enough" to be faced with the increased cost of making the hauling financially feasible for the contractor. Unanticipated dumping fee increases may not be liked by all , but success in reducing waste should not be greeted with stab in the pocketbook, especially as new rates will considered in 1992 . If the cost of doing business increases ( ie. reduced waste hauled, fuel costs ) , then it seems only fair to have that business share in that increased cost of operating the business . We are also being faced with the likely prospect of increased water and sewer fees to support the short-term and long-term needs of our City. As housing needs continue to increase, it is apparent to me that the present or future City residents cannot fully carry the cost of living here. People want to live in San Luis Obispo, not because its expensive, but because the City has juggled and balanced the growth issues it faces attempting to retain its character and appeal. No community in California is exempt from growth! How we encourage the quality of growth San Luis Obispo residents desire largely depends upon affordable housing and its Arn Yv associated costs . I don't want the City to become an exclusive neighborhood eliminating opportunities for families earning less Um than the median wage to reside here. But this is a foreseeable W r-t circumstance. Please consider the timeliness and magnitude of all Ls utility rate increases as a way to keep struggling families , like r ' 3 mine, from turning toward more affordable housing opportunities in less populated areas of the County thus increasing the quality of life costs associated with commuting to San Luis Obispo for employment. I respectfully and strongly urge you and the Council to consider: 1 ) only those utility cost increases associated with the increased general tipping fees at the landfill , and 2 ) that any rate adjustment be incrementally adjusted over a longer time frame (eg . one year) to provide a buffer to families trying to stay afloat during these difficult economic times. Respectfully yours, Russell L. Lambert 1041 Lily Lane San Luis Obispo , CA cc: Councilmember Roalman Councilmember Pinard Councilmember Rappa Councilmember Reiss Mr. John Dunn, City Administrator s