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J,l'8 <br /> THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1998 <br /> <br /> agreed, stating that the key to reducing incarceration numbers is the creation of jobs. Mr. Reeves noted that <br /> <br /> many jails now have programs that focus on education and literacy training, as well as employment training <br /> for inmates. Mrs. Haskell also observed that such contemporary facilities do not look like typical "lock-ups", <br /> and can be very compatible with the urban environment. Mayor Adams expressed his appreciation for the <br /> presentation, and suggested that the creation of a video tape version of the package of information as <br /> delivered would be a great way to inform the general public of the key issues. <br /> <br />Council next heard a presentation by Mr. Wade Bartlett, Director of Finance, on suggested revisions and <br />amendments to the City's terms and conditions for utility deposits and service. Mr. Bartlett began by handing <br />out a report showing the recommended changes in Terms and Conditions for Water Service and for Electric <br />Service. Major recommended changes for water service included Elimination of the Guarantee of Payment <br />Program, added language requiring easy access to City meters, customer responsibility for provision of <br />deanout pipes, new payment deadlines, medical exemption for disconnection based upon proper <br />documentation, establishment: of all payment agreements through the Finance Department only, establishment <br />ofreeonnection fees of $100, and increase ofreconnection fees to $20 from $10, and electric deposits to go <br />to a fixed amount, based on prior usage. The first issue raised for discussion was that of the Guarantee of <br />Payment feature, wherein an existing utility customer who has a good payment record can sign as a co-signer <br />for someone else's deposit. Mr. Bartlett stated that this provision is often a burden for senior citizens, whose <br />grown children may pressure them into co-signing and then be irresponsible in paying their own bills. He <br />stated that the program is also an administrative burden for the Finance Department. Vice-Mayor Crabtree <br />then brought up the subject of separate meters for lawn watering, independent of regular water meters. Mr. <br />John Dyches, Director of Water Resources, cited a number of problems with such meters, including cost, at <br />$525 each, determining limits on allowing businesses to use such meters, and billing requirements. Council <br />Member Teague asked whether payment of bills by credit card was possible, and was told no. Council <br />Member Dallas asked why changes in deposits were being considered, and was told that there was a need to <br /> <br /> <br />