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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 - Letters from ResidentsCity of Sebastian POST OFFICE BOX 780127 o SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32978 TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 FAX 407-589-5570 November 4, 1993 Mr. & Mrs. Jack Speciale 3611 West Derry Drive Park Place Sebastian, FL 32958 RE: City of Sebastian Utilities Department Account No. 0910-01 Dear Mr. & Mrs. Speciale: The City's Finance Department has given me your October 4, 1993 utility bill on which you wrote "Home vacated long ago. You stopped and locked water service long ago. I don't owe you anything anymore. Cancel billing." If you remember, I wrote you a letter on July 2, 1993, explaining why you are receiving a minimum bill each month. A copy of my letter is attached. Let me explain briefly the essence of what I stated to you in that letter as follows: When the City of Sebastian took over the maintenance and operation of the Park Place water and sewer systems from Indian River County on May 1, 1993, it also assumed the policies of Indian River County. One of these policies is that the County will continue to bill a customer the minimum bill each month even though the customer does not reside in the home, but still owns the home. Although you do not reside at 3611 West Derry Drive, you do own the home. Until you sell or rent the home to another individual who nuts the account into his/her name, you will continue to receive a minimum bill each month. The County maintains that the minimum bill pays for a portion of the system operation and maintenance costs, all debt service costs, debt service reserve costs, renewal and replacement costs, and construction fund costs. The County maintains that it does not subsidize any class of customers, even those customers who no longer reside at their utility account service address. Page 2 of 2 November 4, 1993 Letter to Mr. & Mrs. Speciale As Utility Director, I cannot arbitrarily waive your monthly bill. I have brought the matter of issuing final water bills only to customers who move away on a permanent basis to the City Council. I cannot issue a "final sewer bill" because Indian River County provides the sewage treatment and will continue to bill the City of Sebastian until such time as the City can provide wastewater treatment. The Council has requested more information, which my staff has been gathering, before they make a final decision. Until a decision is made by City Council to terminate accounts when customers permanently move away, I cannot forgive your monthly water bill. In no way can I forgive the monthly sewer charges payable to the County. Unfortunately, since you have not paid your utility bills since June, 1993, I have been directed by the City Manager to file a lien against your property. Should the outstanding balance on your account remain unpaid by the end of November, the City will take the necessary steps to file the lien. Therefore, I urge you to please pay the outstanding balance on your account so that the City need not take the contemplated legal action against you. Sincerely, Richard B. Votapka, P.E. Utilities Director RBV/nsv CC: Kay O'Halloran, Interim City Manager �V Marilyn Swichkow, Finance Director Charles Nash, City Attorney City of Sebastian POST OFFICE BOX 780127 a SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32978 TELEPHONE (407) 589-5330 c FAX (407) 589-5570 July 2, 1993 Hr. Jack Speciale 3611 West Derry Drive Park Place HH? Sebastian, FL 32958 Re: City of Sebastian Utilities Dept. Acct. No. 000910-01 Service Address: 3611 West Derry Drive, Sebastian, FL Dear Hr. Speciale: Our City Finance Department, who processes all of the utility bills, has transmitted to me your bill for the above account and your handwritten note on it. Even though you have not occupied your home at Derry Drive since last July as you stated, the County's and City's policy is to bill you the minimum charges including the S10.00 monthly surcharge. The 'Delinquent Payment" computer printout from Indian River County shows that you owe a total of $43.60 as of June 22, 1993. Indian River County negotiated the takeover agreement in 1989 with Nelson Hyatt to acquire the ?ark Place system. This resulted in a S10.00 per month surcharge to be paid to Nelson Hyatt by mobile home owners in Park ?Lace who are customers of the water/sewer system. Even though you rent the Land, you own the home which is connected to the water/sewer system. Therefore, you are obligated to pay the surcharge. The City of Sebastian inherited the Park. Place system from Indian River County an Hay 1, 1993. Subsequently, we have inherited the policy of doing business as the County has done in the past. That means that the County Rate Resolution and policies were adopted by the City, through the takeover of operations. Some Of these policies, such as the customer paying for water/sewer after it has been shut off, are currently being reviewed by me. I have found that Barefoot Bay (Florida Cities Mater Co.), Sebastian Highlands (General Develooment Utilities), and Indian River County all charge the minimum monthly bill after shut off of service. This minimum bili pays for a portion of the system operation and maintenance costs, all debt service casts, debt service reserve costs, renewal and replacement casts, and construction fund costs. By not paying the minimum bill each month under the current policy, you will no Longer be allowed to have the water remain on Page Two of Two July 7, 1993 Letter to Sack Speciale at your home. Service will be shut off and a lock will be placed on the curb stop (valve), preceding the meter. Also, if the bill remains outstanding for several months, the City most likely will file a lien against your home for the oast due amount. To avoid having a lien filed and accrual of penalty and interest charges. I encourage you to continue paying your bill on a monthly basis until such time as the policy will hopefully change. Sincerely, /I.44 - Richard B. Votapka, P.E. Utilities Director RSV/nsv cc: Finance Oepartmeat a LO a' 1 Sebastian1225 Main Street, V^�P Sebastian• ACCOUNT NUMBER SERVICE TO NEW TOTA DUE PAS AFT �(/A'(/� 0000000910-01 SEP 08 OCT V4, 93 .71 JACK & CAMILLE SPECIALE 3611 W DERRY DR. D SEBASTIAN FL 32958 ACCOUNT NUMBER SERVICE ADDRESS KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS 0000000910-01 3611 W DERRY DR. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS BILL PAYMENTS RECEIVED PLEASE CALL SINCE LAST SILL 589-5330 $0.00 SERVICE METER READINGS USAGE BAUNG AND BASE TYPE PREVIOUS CURRENT (1000'5) FACILITY CHARGE WATER 10582 1058 SEWER SERVICE RATE - SERVICE USED TYPE CLASS POW ITO WATER E: SEWER WA01 01701 09/02 SW01 0@/09 09 /08 THVPACMR MESSAGES U G O C.7 C7 W Cn C PAY THIS AMOUNT AFTER DUE DATE $181.41 WA - Water PN - Penalty SW - Sewer SU - Surcharge DATE RECEIVED USAGE CHARGE GAL $11.20 $0.00 GAL $15.50 $0.00 NUMBER OFDAYSCity of Sebastian 33 31 a BILLING CODES IR - Irrigation CR - Credit SU01 PENALTY UTILITY TAX FRANCHISE FEE PLEASE PAY THIS AMOUNT HY - Hydrant AD -Adjustment DETACH AND RETURN THIS STUB WITH YOUR PAYMENT BILLING DATE 09/08/93 BALANCE FORWARD CURRENTSIWNG 11.20 15.50 10.00 4.70 1.07 1.60 SR - Sewer Reserve jERUj LF - Lift Sta. Charge Dear Council Member: It has been, lo, some two years since the Sebastian taxpayer was told by City officials "we are going to acquire GDU. We will do so by negotiated purchase or by legal means. We will offer water and sewer at low rates`. The plan, as we were informed, was to use Filbert Street Plant as the nucleus of a city water system. Most folks realize that without a nucleus, a cell or organizism is dead. We are now advised, by the media, that the two million dollar (appraised by paid consultants) system suddenly became worth 2.75 million dollars. Their board of directors reneged and countered with an offer of some 3.25 million. It would seem that skilled negotiators would have better read GDU's bad faith negotiations. Council let them (GDU) off the hook by accepting 105 parcels of some questionable value, waiving tastes and other obligations while taking much property off the tat: rolls. Their present arrogance and ridiculous price increase belies any intention to bargain in good faith. Where are we now? What's our next step? Due to the facts and recent track record of City staff and their consultants, it would seem the time to re-evaluate our position, personnel, pocketbook: and taxpayer's viewpoints. Is there any contingency plan? I believe the taxpayers would like to see some credible answers forthcoming, and soon, from our elected officials. A response from the Council body would, I believe, carry somewhat higher credibility than simply one from the present City management staff. For example, I believe the citizens of Sebastian have every right to demand answers to the following questions: 1. What are our alternatives (for water & sewer) 2. What ' -��-- 3. June 29, 1993 is the time frame, phasing for each alternative? 4. What are the total cost estimates City Council Members 5. City of Sebastian is proposed for funding for Sebastian FL 32958 b. Dear Council Member: It has been, lo, some two years since the Sebastian taxpayer was told by City officials "we are going to acquire GDU. We will do so by negotiated purchase or by legal means. We will offer water and sewer at low rates`. The plan, as we were informed, was to use Filbert Street Plant as the nucleus of a city water system. Most folks realize that without a nucleus, a cell or organizism is dead. We are now advised, by the media, that the two million dollar (appraised by paid consultants) system suddenly became worth 2.75 million dollars. Their board of directors reneged and countered with an offer of some 3.25 million. It would seem that skilled negotiators would have better read GDU's bad faith negotiations. Council let them (GDU) off the hook by accepting 105 parcels of some questionable value, waiving tastes and other obligations while taking much property off the tat: rolls. Their present arrogance and ridiculous price increase belies any intention to bargain in good faith. Where are we now? What's our next step? Due to the facts and recent track record of City staff and their consultants, it would seem the time to re-evaluate our position, personnel, pocketbook: and taxpayer's viewpoints. Is there any contingency plan? I believe the taxpayers would like to see some credible answers forthcoming, and soon, from our elected officials. A response from the Council body would, I believe, carry somewhat higher credibility than simply one from the present City management staff. For example, I believe the citizens of Sebastian have every right to demand answers to the following questions: 1. What are our alternatives (for water & sewer) 2. What are the consequences (pro 84 con) •for each" 3. What is the time frame, phasing for each alternative? 4. What are the total cost estimates for each alternative? 5. What is proposed for funding for each? b. What will be the cost of service to the average family? 7. What is the environmental impact of each alternative? B. Will Federal/State/Grant funding be available? 9. What is the potential use of the 105 GDC parcels in the effort (as sites, routes, resale value for funding). Once some affordable rationale is agreed upon by City Council, I would strongly urge that viable options be placed before the voter in the form of a public referendum to afford those footing the bill the opportunity to participate and select the preferred option. Democracy, I believe it is called. Also, in recent months the staff has placed too many "hot potatoes", bid waivers and oversights before Council with seemingly too little time for proper review. This, by an administrative paid staff, alleged to be charged with the management of our city. It is about time the City Manager and staff were called upon to do so by our elected officials. The utilities issue is a great opportunity for Council to demonstrate the leadership for which we elected you. Begin at once to inform the public rather than depend upon the media to extract what they can. I believe, and trust that you do, that a well represented public will be a supportive one. Keeping constituents informed is a part of such representation. So, too, is keeping superiors informed, in a timely mariner to minimize surprises, the mark of a competent subordinate. You have an obligation to the voters to demand and expect nothing less from City staff. We want to support those elected officials who demonstrate the desire and act to represent us and provide firm and fair direction and evaluation for and of the performance of the paid staff. Let's accentuate our positive resources and accomplishments and worl:: toward improved relations among Council Members and with your electors. Water is Your opportunity to soar Respectfully yours, En L. M/g(ltib 307 Benschop Street Sebastian FI_ 32958 407 388-1402 How do you stand? City Council Work—op July 7, 1993 Page Four Item C - Bid Award = Barber Street Sports Complex Electrical = Neuberger Electric - $6,847.00 Item D - Bid Award - Barber Street Sports Complex Irrigation = United Irrigation - 516,650.00 Mr. Freeland expressed concern for overspending in this year's budget. MOTION by Freeland/Oberbeck I move to approve items C and D. ROLL CALL: Mrs. Damp - aye Mr. Freeland - aye Mayor Powell - aye Mr. Oberbeck - aye Mrs. Corum - aye MOTION CARRIED 5-0 7. MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MATTERS A. Mayor Lonnie R. Powell Mayor Powell 1) said money needs to be spent for recreation for the city's youth; 2) said he would not attend the next City Council meeting; and 3) commended the 4th of July committee and city staff. B. Vice -Mayor Frank Oberbeck Mr. Oberbeck 1) commended the 4th of July committee; 2) discussed the current ordinance which does not allow the use of adjoining residential properties for parking, etc. and recommended staff review. The Director of Community Development responded that a vacant lot must have a principal use to allow accessory uses, however, said the code could be amended. It was the consensus of City Council to have staff look into it. Mr. Oberbeck 3) said check registers had been submitted to City Council as requested; 4) said he hoped staff would respond to Mr. Maggard's letter and submitted the letter to the City Clerk. 4 .-. MEMORAADUM & Mrs. Robert Allgor 1036 W. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. Oran Allen 2202 DATE: November 7, 1993 & Mrs. Robert Ardinger 2084 E. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. TO: Kay O'Halloran, Interim City Manager/City Clerk FROM: Richard Votapka, Utilities Director ro% / SUBJECT: Letters from Park Place Residents On November 8, 1993, the attached letter I wrote was sent to the following Park Place residents in response to a form letter (also attached) I received regarding the connection of the Park Place Water System to the GDU Water System: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Allgor 1036 W. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. Oran Allen 2202 E. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ardinger 2084 E. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. John Browne 3200 E. Derry Drive Mr. Ronald Campbell 2204 E. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. Edward Corr 3395 S. Derry Drive Carol A. Demers 1215 Brigadoon Drive Mr. & Mrs. Michael DiMaina 3405 Heatherway Lane Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Evans 3429 Heatherway Lane Mr. & Mrs. Dominic Federico 2085 E. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. Richard Gee 3403 Heatherway Lane Mrs. Rita V. Hafner 2053 E. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. James Kelly 3002 N. Derry Drive Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Lotan 3204 E. Derry Drive Mr. & Mrs. Peter Magnifico 3319 E. Derry Drive Mrs. Barbara Marks 2124 E. Lakeview Drive Francis H. Miller, Sr. 3613 W. Derry Drive Mr. & Mrs. Harry Miller 2067 E. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Mills 3421 Heatherway Lane Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Morozowski 3426 Heatherway Lane Mr. & Mrs. Chester Moyer 3000 N. Derry Drive Mrs. Prudence A. O'Keefe 1025 W. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. Robert Paul 2056 E. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Petch 2076 E. Lakeview Drive Mrs. Barbara Pitiak 3621 W. Derry Drive Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Ralph 1002 W. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs.Paul Tompkins 1004 W. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. Mike Trumitch 2115 E. Lakeview Drive Mrs. Gilda Tuccio 1037 W. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. Thomas VanValkenberg 1006 W. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. William Vogler 2065 E. Lakeview Drive Ms. Ella Volbrath 2064 E. Lakeview Drive Mr. & Mrs. George Webster 3206 N. Derry Drive Mrs. Lillian Yodice 2118 E. Lakeview Drive NNNO/PP City of Sebastian Utilities Department 1225 Main Street Sebastian, FL 32958 Dear Mr. Votapka, We at Park Place are very concerned about the possibil- ity of being connected to the trouble plagued General Development water system. Please take whatever action is necessary to stall the occurrence of this until the cancer causing compounds are eliminated. We don't need more health worries over and above those that many of us in this "over 55" park already have to cope with. Sincerely, SIORLTUU (S) ✓� U J� / A,i � .!-/IA//l.i//1� �VAL IifAY [� Ttu�•7•IT'Ti 7 /9� 3 DAIS November 4, 1993 I- 2 - Park Place Sebastian, FL 32958 RE: Park Place Connection to General Development Utilities Water System Dear 5': I have received your letter and several other identical letters from the residents of Park Place in regard to the future connection of the Park Place Water System with that of the existing General Development Utilities (GDU) Water System. The City of Sebastian is in the process of acquiring the GDU water system. The projected acquisition date is scheduled for December 16, 1993. Once the City takes over operation and maintenance of the GDU system, it plans to install a trihalomethane (THM) control system prior to connecting the Park Place system to the City (GDU) system. Currently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not require any water system within the United States that serves fewer than 10,000 residents to install a trihalomethane control system. This is attributed to the fact that based on laboratory tests on mice, the health risk is such that a consumer would have to drink two liters of water, 365 days of the year for the next 70 years to incur a one (1) in 10,000 chance of contracting cancer when the THM level exceeds 100 parts per billion. Personally, I think the risk of cancer is small, but nevertheless, because of the fact that there is a slight risk that the water may have carcinogens in it, the Sebastian City Council has expressed a strong desire to eliminate that risk by installing a THM control system. The THM control system must be operational prior to supplying water from the City (GDU) system to the Park Place system. The purpose of connecting the Park Place water system with the City (GDU) system is to eliminate the operation of two treatment plants, to provide greater storage volume of water for fire protection, to provide lime softening for the Park Place water customers, and to have one uniform system of utility rates for a consolidated system so that rates do not have to be analyzed separately for two independent systems. .-. /\ Page 2 of 2 November 4, 1993 Letter to 5 - Hopefully, I have satisfied the concerns you and your fellow Park Place residents have expressed. Should you have any additional questions, I would be happy to address them. Sincerely, Richard B. Votapka, P.E. Utilities Director RBV/nsv CC: Kay O'Halloran, Interim City Manager/City Clerk