Agenda 07/22/2008 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 8, 2008 On a motion by Gene Teague, seconded by Kimble Reynolds, Jr., with the following recorded vote: Lawson, aye; Reynolds, aye; Teague, aye; Stroud, aye; and Turner, aye, Council approved, on second reading and final adoption, the following proposed amendments to the City of Martinsville Electric Terms & Conditions reflecting the re-wording of Section 3.2 Contract which was approved by Council at the June 24, 2008 meeting as well as proposed additional changes recommended by the City Manager to Section 8.3 Reconnection (recommendation fees will be applied only after service has been disconnected): Terms and Conditions Proposed Chan2:es Article I. Rates, Types of Service and Use of Energy Section 1. 1 Rates Rates and/or fuel costs charged to customers are established by the City Council and are normally identical to those charged by AEP Virginia~ however, Council may levy a surcharge or set a higher rate at any time. The rnrrent rates and/or fuel costs are reflected in Appendix A for all sdledules and types of service. Change to read: Rate charges to customers are establ ished by the City COlli1cil and a surcharge or higher rate rnay be set at anytin1e. The current rates are reflected in Appendix A for all schedules and types of service. Article III Determination of Schedule and Contract Section 3.2Contract Each service will be provided under the terms of a written contract, signed by the customer in his capacity as the owner, the agent of the owner, or tenant of the property to be served. Samples of the various contracts are to be found in Appendix B. A copy of contract will be furnished to the customer. Where a single customer desires service atmore than one point of delivery, each such point of delivery will require a separate contract and separate billing. Add the following: All customers may complete contracts by facsimile or electronically with proper identification. For joint accounts, obtain individual social security numbers and/or identification nurnber for collections. Article IV Deposits Section 4.1Required a. As security for the payment of till, a deposit \vill be required of a customer. Such deposit is set forth in Appendix F, and is due at the time the contract is executed. At the request of a residential customer. a schedule will be arranged to allow payrrent of the required deposit in no more than three (3) equal monthly installments. Failure to pay the deposit installments when due will result in discontinuance of service. In such cases, service will not be reconnected until the deposit is paid in full and all utility charges. In lieu of a deposit, a customer may present documentation demonstrating a satisfactory credit record. Add the following: An agency n1ay pay a portion of the deposit equal to but not less than 1/3 of the depos it for a cust0111er at \vhich tin1e service will be connected. The remaining balance of the deposit would be applied to customers accolU1t in one (1) or two (2) equal payments. b. Industrial Service As security for the payment of electric tills a deposit equal to the two (2) highest monthly bills within the previous twelve (12) month period will be required from a customer. Such deposit shall be based upon the experience of the previous tenant unless the customer can demonstrate to the Electric Department the proposed use of the facility is substantially different from that of the previous tenant. In the case of a new facility the Electric Depu1nlent or Utility Billing will establish a deposit based upon a survey of the facility and an assessment of it intended use. Such deposit is payable in full prior to connection. Additionally, the City reserves the right to require additional deposits if a customer's payment record aId/or consumption experiences reflect that a higher deposit is necessary to protect the interest of the City. Replace first two (2) lines of b. as follows: b. As security for the payrnent of electric hlls a deposit equal to the average twelve (12) month billing times two (2). c. Good residential credit cannot be used to waive deposit of Professional/Commercial/Industrial account. Deposits for a second or third business may be waived if good credit exists on a City located business and the owner agrees to allow recourse against an existing business in case of non-payment. However a security bond or an irrevocable letter of credit from a lending organization will be accepted in lieu of such deposit. Add the following changes to replace the first sentence. c. Satisfactory residential credit can be used to waive deposit on Professional, Commercial and Industrial account. Article VI Section 6.1 Payments Postmarks are not acceptable as proof of payment. To avoid late charges, the paynlent must be in the hands of the Treasurer's Office before 5:00 P.M. on the due date. Add the following changes: Regular payments are due by 5:00 P.M. of the due date, except Saturday, Slmday and Holidays. Payments are then due the next business day by 5:00 P.M. in the Treasurer's OfTice. Section 6.2Budget Plan Residential customers with a satisfactory paynlent record sInll have the option of paying bills lll1der the City's equal payment plan (Budget Plan), whereby the total electric service for the SJcceeding twelve-month period will be estimated in advance, and bills will be rendered monthly on the basis of one-twelfth of the twelve-month estimate. The City may, at anytime during the twelve-month period, adjust the estimate to conform more nearly with the actual charge for service being experienced. The normal equal payment period will be twelve months, commencing in any month selected by the City, but those cases where billing is commenced during a month which leaves less thaI twelve months until the beginning of the next normal equal payment period to which the customer is assigned, payment shall be calculated on the basis of the months in such period. Add the following change: The City or custOl11er may, at anytilne during the twelve-month period, request an adjustlnent to the budget an10W1t. Section 6.3Place of Payment All bills are payable at he City Treasure's office. Drive through and night depository facilities are available for customer convenience. Add the following: Online payments are also available at: http://martinsville-va.munisselfservice.cOln Section 6.4 Direct Payment (Debit) bv Bank Option