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Blue Island council backs amendment requiring city‑supplied AMR water meters at property sale after billing complaints
Summary
Council approved an amendment to the ordinance on AMR‑compatible water meters to require sellers to purchase a city‑supplied water meter at time of sale; the meeting also included public complaints about erratic water bills and staff updates on recent meter replacements.
Aldermen on June 20 approved an amendment to the city's ordinance on AMR‑compatible water meters that, as amended, requires sellers to purchase a city‑supplied water meter at the time of property transfer and sets the meter cost according to the city's fee schedule.
The change was described by staff as a clarification to avoid homeowners purchasing non‑city meters and to ensure meter costs are applied consistently from the city's fee schedule. The amendment was discussed when the council considered a broader packet of code updates; the measure passed in roll call with council members saying the language will help standardize the replacement process.
The ordinance debate followed public comment from a landlord who said a meter change at his nine‑unit building resulted in a backlog of low monthly bills followed by a single account charge he said totaled about $13,000. The resident, who identified himself as Angel Menace, told the council he had repeatedly sought help from city staff and said the water department placed the account on a disconnect tag while the issue remained unresolved.
Public works staff (identified in the meeting as Mark) told council members that the city has replaced meters along the commercial route and has ramped up replacements since November 2023. Staff said there were technical issues with some new meter types that require multipliers for large meters and that the city is continuing a phased replacement program for other meters. Staff also said they compiled a chart showing meter replacements from 1983 to present and noted that replacements in recent years exceed prior decades.
Council members asked staff to work with residents who report billing anomalies, and staff said they are willing to meet with affected customers to explain readings and payment‑plan options. The ordinance amendment includes a clarification that the seller must purchase a city‑supplied AMR meter and that the cost will be set according to the city's established fee schedule.
The council approved the ordinance language amendment and moved on to other items.
