Chastain Park Civic Association
Meeting Minutes: 2/27/17
Board in Attendance (visual inspection):
Ashley Battleson
Jubal Gatewood
Sarah Lynch
Lee Smith
Jason White
Teresa Joel
Stacy Vaughn
Tejas Patel
Kirk Oppenlander
Marsha Holcomb
Kelley Gambrell
Debra Fowler
Brink Dickerson
•Welcome & Introductions: Jason White (CPCA Co-President)
•Jason welcomed everyone, overviewed the meeting topics, and introduced the first speaker.
•Guest Speaker: Kishia Powell - Commissioner, Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM)
•Kishia introduced herself and her team, including the Co-Commissioner of the DWM, Calvin Farr. She stated that she was invited to speak at the CPCA meeting to address neighbors’ concerns about high and/or inconsistent water bills.
•Kishia stated that she became Commissioner about eight months ago, and at that time, the DWM was behind on meter repairs, which resulted in estimated water bills for about 6% of customers. In the past eight months, they have completed about 19,000 meter repairs, so households are now receiving actual water usage bills. Kishia explained that estimated bills are generally estimated low, so that households are not overpaying. When a meteris repaired, the water billreturns to actual usage vs. estimated, which usually results in a higher water bill. Kishia stated that the DWM has also corrected an issue with its system that flags high water bills. She explained that the DWM investigates a high water bill automatically when the system flags it.
•Kishia provided some statistics for District 8:
- There are 12,088 customer accounts;
- The DWM has replaced 1,659 water meters between January 2016 and February 2017 to eliminate estimated bills;
- The DWM has flagged 1,232 households with high water consumption/bills and these customers have been contacted;
- Although 600+ water bill issues have been resolved in the past 8-12 months, there are still 600+ accounts with water bill issues.
•Yolanda asked Kishia what percent of water bills were estimated in 30327. Kishia replied around 2% as of February.
•Jason White asked how estimated bills are calculated. A member of Kishia's team explained that the DWM looks at seasonality and a 12-month average consumption for the household.
•Kishia added that households without a separate irrigation meter would experience higher water bills if they use an irrigation system.
•There was a question from the audience asking why the DWM uses estimated bills versus actual bills. Kishia stated that sometimes a meter isn't functioning or they are unable to get an accurate read (if the meter isn't accessible), but the DWM must still bill the household because they assume the householdis still consuming water. In Atlanta, they have moved to AMR, where the meters provide a reading via a signal (electronically). If there is an error with the signal, they have to estimate the bill.
•Jason White asked Kishia how the estimated water bills are reconciled. An employee from the DWM replied that some jurisdictions would bill the household for the difference between the estimated bill and the actual bill. This is not the case with the Atlanta DWM. When a household moves from an estimated bill to an actual bill, the consumption is reset to zero. So, if a customer's bill was underestimated, they get that water for free. The DWM reminded the audience that their bill could appear to increase if it was estimated and moved to actual, since the DWM tends to underestimate consumption with estimated bills.
•Kirk Oppenlander asked what the cost was to install an irrigation meter. Kishia replied that the basic meter is around $1800 and a plumber would need to install the meter. The process usually takes 12 weeks. She also explained that without an irrigation meter, a household's water consumption increases when they water the lawn, which may move the water rate into higher tiers (resulting in a much higher water bill). Tier 3 is the highest water rate. Sewage is 3x the water rate and added onto the cost of a household's bill. She explained that households with an irrigation meter do not pay sewage on the irrigation meter, which can drastically reduce water bills.
•Toni Newsome asked Kishia why she would have received a large water bill when her home was under construction and the water was turned off. Kishia replied that the DWM would need to investigate to determine if the meter was actually turned off and if there was a leak. Kishia stated that she would look into the details of Toni's appeal and get back with her by the end of the week.
•Jason White asked how long the appeals process takes and what percent of households get an adjustment. Kishia replied that about 80% of appeals actually get an adjustment. She added that the timeline is dependent on the Appeals Board, which is separate from the DWM. She added that generally, an appeals case would be scheduled for a hearing within 7-14 days after being filed. Yolanda asked Kishia to determine what percent of households in 30327 actually get an adjustment. Yolanda added her feeling was that the percentage for 30327 was closer to 10% vs. 80%.
•Ashley Battleson stated that she's received high bills and she's gone through the appeal process, but the DWM claims she had an intermittent leak. Ashley added that she's had several plumbers investigate and they can't find a leak. Kishia offered to replace Ashley's meter, assuming it's an older meter and may be malfunctioning.
•Tejas Patel, Kirk Oppenlander, Jason White and Brink Dickerson discussed the long-standing issue with downhill water flow behind the Chastain Pool. They added that this issue would need to be addressed before the Wieuca Road Redevelopment (Master Plan).
•Kishia offered to take anyone's information if they have a concern with their water meter or water bills.
•Jason thanked the DWM for coming to the meeting and invited anyone in the audience with additional questions to meet with the DWM following the meeting.
•Guest Speaker: Chris and Niko, Kaizen Engineering
•Jason White provided some background about Park Drive and the work the Conservancy, Galloway School and the CPCA has been doing to restripe Park Drive and make it safer for pedestrians. Jason White introduced Rosa McHugh, Chastain Park Conservancy, to add additional background.
•Rosa overviewed the current state of Park Drive (or Chastain Memorial Drive) as a one-way street with a pedestrian path.
•Chris (Kaizen Engineering) introduced himself and also introduced Niko, one of the engineers working on the Park Drive project.
•Niko overviewed the proposed plans for Park Drive. She explained that Park Drive would remain 2-way across the Playground, but one-way from the playground to Stella Drive. She overviewed the signage plan, striping plan, curbing plan, etc.
•Chris encouraged the audience to review the proposed plan, ask questions and provide feedback.
•Rosa explained the process to approve the design. She stated that the plan would be presented to the City and LiveNation. Once it is approved, funding would need to be secured.
•There was discussion amongst the group about ways to minimize speeding, enforce the speed limit and protect pedestrians.
•Tejas requested that the Board take a vote to determine support for the plan. Tejas made a motion that the CPCA generally supports the plan presented for Park Drive. Jason second the motion. All Board members were in favor and the motion was passed.
•Tejas asked about the cost. Chris stated that they haven't conducted a cost analysis.
•Rosa stated that the Parks Department has approved $15,500 for construction.
•Minutes Approval: Sarah Lynch, CPCA Secretary
•Tejas made a motion to approve the minutes from November and January. The motion was second. All Board members were in favor and the minutes were approved.
•Treasurer's Report: Kelley Gambrell
•Kelley stated that there was nothing to report.
•Next Meeting – March 27, 2017 at 6:30 pm, location TBD.
•Meeting Adjourned