K-6 - Consideration of Additional Utility Assistance at 819 Jackson Street

AGENDA ITEM # K-6 AGENDA INFORMATION TIFFIN CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION DATE: March 12, 2021 AGENDA ITEM: Discussion and Consideration of Additional Utility Bill Assistance for 819 Jackson Street and Council Action as Needed ACTION: Motion SYNOPSIS: In November 2020 the council granted a one-time water and sewer adjustment to Jennifer Kluth at 819 Jackson Street in the amount of $500.00. The leak she had has persisted since that time and she now has a balance on her account of $1715.90. Below is the text of the e-mail I received from Jennifer asking for the additional assistance. She now believes the leak has been fixed by her landlord. Jennifer has received some assistance from the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program in the amount of $385.00 but that amount still does not come close to eliminating her balance. This item is on the agenda for the council’s review because the options we have as staff have exhausted. I first wanted to let you know that the plumbers did get over here over here Monday and Tuesday and fingers crossed there will be no issues moving forward. The second piece I wanted to make sure to address with the council is that I did try to track the meter daily after the landlord came at the end of October and assessed and thought he fixed problem. Whomever answered the phone gave me the daily usage the meter should not go over but did not explain the meter reading itself properly. That also caused a significant delay in the proper repair as it was thought to be fixed. Lastly, I got a hold of the landlord again Feb 8th and was told pipes are frozen and it would be a bit until plumber could come out. The good news is, a month later they finally did fix it and I hope all is good now. I wanted to update you and also formally request assistance from city council. I know at this time there is roughly $1700 not including what has not been read yet. Anything above the normal $140 monthly bill I would need assistance with. Thank you for your help, Jennifer BUDGET ITEM: MAYOR/COUNCIL ACTION: Motion ATTACHMENTS: PREPARED BY: Doug Boldt DATE PREPARED: March 12, 2021