08.04.20 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes August 4, 2020 Council Member Baker asked if there has been target number range of cases that would trigger re -opening? Mr. Stapp stated there has not been a set number so this will be subjective. Mr. Baker appreciates the caution of re -opening. Council Member Derrick asked if we have been in touch with Texas State to see what their enrollment numbers are in the fall. Would we take this into consideration when we consider re -opening. Mr. Stapp stated that the City is working closely with the University, and will share these numbers as soon as we know. Tom Taggart, Director of Public Services, provided a brief presentation regarding a potential program that relates to commercial sewer surcharge fees. This would provide sewer surcharge fee relief for commercial customers affected by the COVID emergency orders: - Provide tiered reimbursement based on decreased water usage - Assess a temporary flat monthly fee based on decreased water usage Mr. Taggart provided some of the relevant orders that triggered the need for a program like this, they include: • March 19 (statewide) - Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10; avoid eating or drinking at bars/restaurants or visiting gyms; closes schools • March 26 (Hays County)- "Stay at Home, Work Safe' Order goes into effect; only essential activities and businesses allowed - March 31 (statewide) - similar Governor's order is issued • April 27, May 18, June 3 (statewide) - Phased re -opening plans announced • June 26 (statewide) - Reinstituted 50% occupancy limit for businesses, with some exceptions; bars and tubing services closed Mr. Taggart stated that many businesses were adversely affected by emergency orders yet continue to pay Sewer Surcharge Fees based upon normal operating conditions. When a business is closed or operating at a reduced capacity, it discharges a lower wastewater volume than when the surcharge fee was assessed and potentially has a lower contaminant level (COD). By utilizing the water usage of the businesses during the shutdown, a new temporary flat fee can be assessed for businesses. The new temporary flat fee will be applied retroactively from 3/26/20 to the customer's monthly bill until the following occurs: (1) all relevant emergency orders are rescinded and business operations are no longer restricted; or (2) a new sampling event is conducted by the City's Water Quality Services Section to determine a new fee. City of San Marcos Page 3