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Johnstown council authorizes parks grant application, approves tax note and denies water-billing dispute
Summary
At a Feb. 5 special meeting, the Johnstown Common Council unanimously authorized a Parks & Recreation grant application, approved a tax anticipation note and denied a water-billing grievance for 290 Johnson Avenue after staff said the meter tested 99.8% accurate.
Johnstown — The Johnstown Common Council, meeting in a special session Feb. 5, unanimously authorized submission of a Parks & Recreation grant application, approved a tax anticipation note to provide short-term financing and denied a disputed water bill for 290 Johnson Avenue.
The actions came during a 9:00 a.m. meeting presided over by Mayor Amy Praught. Council Member Bradley Hayner (Ward 1) moved to authorize the parks grant application; Council Member Eric Parker (Ward 3) seconded, and the motion passed with a recorded tally of Ayes: 5, Noes: 0, Abstain: 0, Absent: 0. Council Member Vincent McCallum (Ward 2) moved to approve the tax anticipation note, seconded by Parker; that motion likewise passed unanimously.
The council also reviewed a tabled grievance about a water bill for 290 Johnson Avenue. According to staff reports, the property is located outside the City water connection and primarily serves a garage. The City removed the service meter, sent it for testing and reported the meter tested at 99.8 percent accuracy; upon reinstallation it was operating normally. Staff noted the outside-user rate is charged at twice the standard rate, the service connection is a 3/4-inch line that allows greater flow than a typical residential service, and the property owner indicated they do not intend to turn the service back on. Based on the recommendation of the City Engineer, Christopher J. Vose, the council voted to deny the grievance. Council Member Hayner moved to deny the dispute and Council Member Max Spritzer (Ward 4) seconded; the motion passed Ayes: 5, Noes: 0, Abstain: 0, Absent: 0.
City staff said while they sympathized with the property owner, granting an adjustment would shift costs to other users in the system. The total bill associated with the usage was reported as approximately $2,300 and reflects the outside-user rate.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn by Hayner, seconded by Spritzer; the council adjourned at 9:13 a.m. The draft minutes were signed by Carrie M. Allen, City Clerk.
