Multi-unit utility rate discussion continues

PRIEST RIVER — While it was once again tabled on Monday, a discussion over multi-unit utility rates for city water services may be nearing an end.

The discussion began in March and, during the June 18 meeting, was remanded to the city Administrative Committee for recommendations. Mayor Jim Martin told council members on Monday evening that the committee met earlier that day.

“We’ve got some recommendations that we will be bringing forward on that at the next meeting,” Martin said.

During the initial discussion in March, City Clerk Laurel Thomas said there are seven duplexes and one triplex within city limits that receive city water services. Each unit, she said, has its own individual meter.

One duplex and the triplex, however, are allowed the reduced multi-unit rate of 75 percent. One was per an approved utility agreement, while the other was approved per council decision in 2014.

The latter, she said, initially had one shared meter, which allowed for the reduced rate. The developer then decided to sell each unit individually, and the city required three separate meters installed, but allowed the units to keep the reduced rate.

The remaining duplexes have individual meters, have separate accounts and pay a standard rate, Thomas added.

Martin said there were three options — leave the rates as they are, allow all of the duplexes and triplexes to utilize the reduced rate, or bring them all back up to the standard rate.

“Our resolution is not specific, but standard practice has been, when a unit has its own meter, then it has a standard rate,” Thomas said.

City Council adjourned after a mere 15 minutes Monday night, but not before Martin announced the next meeting would not be as swift.

In addition to bringing forth recommendations for the multi-unit utility rates, he said the committee also made recommendations regarding municipal code enforcement — a discussion which began during a City Council workshop on June 4.

Council members discussed ways to better enforce code compliance regarding occupied RVs and other violations, such as weeds and garbage. The ordinance was ultimately referred over to the Administrative Committee for recommendations, which will be discussed during the July 16 meeting as well.

Also during Monday’s meeting, Councilman Doug Wagner gave an update for the Parks and Tree Committee as two elm, one maple and 17 cottonwood trees were removed from Priest River City Park last week. The tree committee will be discussing what species will replace the trees, he said.

Also, he said, another Movie in the Park night will be held July 14, featuring “The Greatest Showman.” The final show of the summer at the Priest River park will feature “Beauty and the Beast” on Aug. 11.

For the final item of the evening, council members voted to approve a $500 donation by the city toward tonight’s fireworks show, which will commence at Bonner Park West at dusk.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.