Residential water meters in Rome?

[frankcor]

For years now, city homeowners have paid a flat rate (~$200/year) for city water. It doesn't matter whether you use a little or use a lot, everyone pays the same. Businesses have meters and pay according to how much they use.

Mayor Brown has supported installing residential water meters but the initial cost would be very steep. Recently, it was suggested by his staff that the project could be rolled into a mandated upgrade to the city water system -- Rome has two open air reservoirs in the Town of Lee. Homeland Security wants them to be covered to make it harder to poison the water supply. I kinda agree -- every time I drive by the reservoirs, I notice sea gulls and Canadian geese standing on the shore.

But I digress.

As I said, city staff recently suggested adding water meter installation to the grant application for the reservoir upgrades. Last week, this article appeared in the Rome Sentinel Residents don’t want water meters, several Common Council representatives say

I thought some of the councilors' comments were pretty stupid. And as is usually the case when I see something stupid, I get inspired and write a letter to the editor: Councilors should lead on meter issue

[bobbbiez]

Frankie, you're the man! Well composed letter.

You should seriously think about running for a seat on your common council. Need people as yourself that's keeps up with
important city issues and is not afraid to inform others. ;D

[bobbbiez]

Plus, knows what the hell he is talking about.

[frankcor]

LOL, Bobbbiez. Sheesh, you're the second person to say that to me today. Someone else asked me to run for school board. My answer to you is the same ... LOL!

I have finally learned that I do not play well in groups. I failed sandbox.

I am just as effective kibbitzing from the sidelines as I ever was sitting on the board. And kibbitzing is a lot more fun.

But thanks anyways for the flattering notion. Coming from you, it means a lot.

[Clipper]

Excellent letter Frank. The article was ridiculous. Who the hell can get a good feel for ANY issue, based solely on a few telephone complaints. In most cases the "complaints" come from the same usual suspects that would complain if they were hung with a new rope, and those that really SHOULD be complaining, are too damn complacent and disinterested to step up to the plate on the issues.

I imagine that a flat rate water billing policy allows for a lot of waste, filling pools, watering lawns, and gardens, and just plain wasteful habits, like letting the hose run on the driveway the whole time you are washing your car.

NY City has no water metering and look at all the leaks and open hydrants you see when you drive around the city. THAT water you watch run down the gutter and into the storm sewers in NYC is draining a reservoir somewhere in the Catskills, and nobody in the inner city gives a damn.

Water should be metered for everyone. It is not only a more fair way to bill, it allows the water board to monitor for waste and abuse, by keeping the numbers and data pertaining to usage on file.

Great letter Frank.

[frankcor]

Thanks, Clipper!

[bobbbiez]

lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Frankie, wasn't meant to be flattering. It's just true.

As far as I'm concerned you are a leader, a very informed leader, but I know where you're coming from. I don't work well in groups either and in the sandbox, forget it. I'd just be kicked out for always throwing sand in everyones eyes. No loss though. I do more damage and achieve more all by my little old self.

[frankcor]

Bobbbiez, I wanna be just like you when I grow up.

[bobbbiez]

lol!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm glad you said, "up."

[Clipper]

Yeah Frank, but what is Bobbbiez going to be like when she grows UP?

I've known her for years and her dupa has always been really close to the sidewalk!

I would like to be just like you Frank, when I grow up, but if you are going to do that gender bending stuff and be just like Bobbbiez, I will start making a new plan, LOL!

[bobbbiez]

.....and what's wrong with being like bobbbiez, Mr. Mouth?

You got some splaining to do.

Hold on before you start writing your book. Got to start rolling the pant leg up. ;D

[lefty]

Frankcor, nice article

But as of right now it is an opinion, my opinion of whether the City of Rome should install water meter differs. Not everybody as you already knows agrees with the agenda of the Mayor of Rome. This issue whether you agree or not should go to a public referendum to let the people decide, this is not Utica or anywhere else and we should not be followers of other municipalities, especially now. The apparent lack of cooperation of the City of Rome government between the Mayor and the Councilors leaves much to be desired due to the fact is there is NO happy medium.

[Clipper]

I really don't see any reason to go to referendum with such an item. It is something that just plain makes sense, and should have been done years ago. It also is a decision that needs to be made in the interest of proper payment for the water. Those using the water need to be the ones that pay for it. It is a case of necessity, not a case of whether someone "prefers" to have a water meter.

Hell, I would love to pay a flat residential rate for water OR electricity. I have paid a huge amount of water the last couple of summers because of the dry weather and my extensive veggie garden. I use a load of electricity with all the power tools I use in my shop, the clothes dryer, electric stove, and the heat pump/AC unit. My neighbors on one side are elderly and use NO dryer, have no power tools, go to bed at dusk so they don't use many lights, and even have a propane cookstove. Would it be fair for them to have to pay the same amount to the local utility that Kathy and I do?

The councilmen are expected to use good sense and vote on this kind of issue in the interest of public good, not the preferences of a chosen few whiners, friends, or patrons. Making fair and unbiased decisions on issues of this nature is the TRUE reason for serving on the council.

FOOTNOTE: Bobbbiez, the only thing I have against being like you, is the painful plumbing alterations necessary to get there!

[Clipper]

Lefty, I have read a minimal amount about the turmoil in City Hall in Rome, but have not read enough to form and informed or educated opinion. Can you tell me, in your own opinion, is it the Mayor that is wrong, or is it a case of the Mayor being a sensible reformer, that is being stonewalled by the council because he is shaking the foundations of the old backroom political machine. Is it possible that he is simply threatening the comfort of those that have bought and paid for their local council persons for years?

[dgriffin]

Great letter, Frank. Interesting issue, although the newspaper article could indicate your "representatives" are not up to it. Now, if YOU were a town councilman, even after getting a few complaining phone calls, you would have answered the reporter's question by saying something like, "I want the water board (or whoever) to put together a presentation on how much meters will cost each taxpayer to implement, and the expected average usage in different size households, typical metered water bills, etc., etc, before I take a position on this issue." Followed by one advantage and disadvantage to hold your constituents. You'd be great! It's in your bones, I can tell!

I'd never thought of recreational laundering. Maybe I should invite some of the guys over and we'll all do our laundry and toss around one of those soap balls. I'll let you know how it goes.