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of the public's money, but pegging someone with a $6,000 water bill is a bit much for him to wrap his arms around. Chairperson Strommen stated her heart goes out to Ms. Smith, and she echoes that this is a really tough situation; however, this comes down to precedent and the City's role. This is not the City's fault. There may be some unanswered questions about the way the water meter was read, which would be an issue with Connexus. There is a special circumstance with Ms. Smith's case that might lead the Committee to make an accommodation, but there could be infinite other special cases in other situations. The Committee needs to be careful where they draw the line so they do not start on a slippery slope that could put the City in a bad position financially. The Finance Committee and the Council need to be very aware of the possibility of setting a precedent. Councilmember Jeffrey inquired about the effects on Ms. Smith's yard from the large amount of water. Ms. Smith replied there was only a patch of grass that was greener than the rest of the lawn. She discovered the leak when she saw a little water running out from under the deck. Councilmember Elvig suggested this issue be discussed again after Sgt. Phaney has completed his research. He stated he feels strongly and warmhearted towards anyone serving in the armed forces. Councilmember Jeffrey inquired if there is a relief fund available for this type of situation with Ms. Smith's husband being deployed. Sgt. Phaney replied there are relief organizations; generally relief is not more than $2,000 and is usually tried to be limited to $1,000. He will look into the possibility of relief with the research he will be doing, although it would not be for the entire bill. He stated he will be back before the Committee ifhe finds that the pipe on the property is ~ inch. Public Works Director Olson advised Utilities Superintendent Nelson verified that the line on the property is I-inch. He stressed that the water being billed all ran through the meter. Sgt. Phaney explained what concerns him is the volume over time. If the leak started before January 1, and Connexus had not read the meter, which is normally done in December, then someone else has some liability for this situation. Public Works Director Olson advised there are many reasons meter readings are not obtained. He would be cautions to put too much on Connexus for estimating the water reading, which is common practice in this industry. The consensus of the Committee was to table the discussion with the property owner at 14720 Germanium Street regarding the $6,000 water bill until further information is provided to the Committee following Sgt. Phaney's investigation, which should include information regarding- what is available to the homeowner through a relief fund to help mitigate the bill.' The property owner should make the average water payment until a resolution is determined on the $6,000 bill. Finance Committee / May 23, 2006 Page 3 of 4