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FC# ~ MEETING WITH PROPERTY OWNER AT 14720 GERMANIUM STREET REGARDING $6,000 WATER BILL / By: Diana Lund, Finance Officer Background: At the Finance Committee of May 9, 2006, it was brought to the Committee members attentio~a $6,000 water bill that was received by a resident, Ms. Audrey Smith, residing at 14720 Germanium Street. At the Finance Committee meeting of May 23,2006, Ms. Smith and a representative from the Armed Services, a Mr. Phaney, spoke regarding the large water bill (a copy of the minutes are attached). The direction by the Finance Committee was to have Mr. Phaney further examine the water meter regarding size, flow etc. and if any relief monies were available, and present back to Council at a later date. The circumstances regarding the large water bill were as such: The property address listed above has an irrigation system that was not winterized for the winter. The lines froze, expanded and broke, causing approximately 3,389,000 gallons of water to flow through the water meter. Ms. Smith had moved into this home in July, 2005. Connexus estimated her water billing for fIrst quarter of2006 with a reading of 0 as they estimate water based on past usage. Ms. Smith was a new customer with no history. There was an actual reading on October 17,2005, that showed a usage of 96,000 gallons. John Nelson, Utility Superintendent, visited the home and said that it was apparent that there had been a tremendous amount of water in the b~ckyard as the rocks were visibly yellow from the iron in the water and the grass was about a foot higher than anywhere else in the yard. Ms. Smith has asked to be heard at the Finance Committee meeting of July 25, 2006, to bring forward.any fIndings concerning the large bill. Committee Action: Further.discussion of $6,000 water bill with property owner and determine course of action. Fe: 7/25/06