10B Action 2019 0506 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Notice of Proposed Sewer and Wastewater Treatment Rate Increase and Public Hearing The City of San Leandro is considering raising rates for sewer/wastewater treatment services, up to the amounts on tables on the back. The San Leandro Water Pollution Control Division operates and maintains sewer lines and the Wastewater Treatment Plant (Plant ). The Plant has been serving the community since 1939, making it one of the oldest plants in the Bay Area. We clean about 1.8 b illion gallons per year. The Plant cleans about twice as many pollutants as most other plants its size. Though the Plant is 80 years old, it is one of the most innovative wastewater treatment plants in the East Bay. • In 2017, we completed a major upgrade to the Plant. This project replaced facilities and equipment that were past their useful service life with modern processes and equip- ment. We are now seeing increased reliability of the treat- ment process. • We are installing a 1-megawatt solar array that will help to create clean energy to produce clean water, with a 50% matching $2 million grant from the California Energy Com- mission. • We received a $539,000 grant to design a Treatment Wet- land from San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority. This will allow us to start preparing for upcoming regulatory changes to improve habitat and increase resilience to rising seas. • We were early adopters of Turbo Blower technology. This advanced technology uses as much as 60% less electricity than traditional blowers. Since the rates were last reviewed in 2010, some of our costs have increased. • We received a low interest loan from the State Revolving Fund to pay for the plant upgrade. We will make payments until 2037. • We need to make investments in finding and resolving sew- er problems before they create bigger issues. We are proud to have one of the lowest rates of sewer overflows in the Bay Area, mostly because of the dedication of our staff and our commitment to finding problems and repairing our pipes. • Regulation changes will soon require removal of additional pollutants. We are making plans to meet these require- ments in the most cost-effective way. In accordance with Proposition 218 (Article XIIID of the California Constitution), this notice about the proposed rate increa se is be- ing sent to all property owners served by the City of San Leandro Water Pollution Control Plant. If more than 50% of property own- ers submit a written protest to the City during the 45-day protest period that runs from May 31 , 2019 to July 15, 2019, the City can- not raise rates beyond CPI. If fewer than 50% of property owners submit a written protest within that timeframe, the City has the discretion to consider raising sewer/wastewater treatment services up to the amounts shown in this notice. The proposed rates , if adopted, would be effective after January 1, 2020; all increases shown would be effective as of July 1st of 2020 and each sub se- quent year. The rates cannot exceed the maximum shown in the table nor be raised again without another written notice to prop- erty owners and a Public Hearing. If you do not agree with the proposed rate increase, you may submit a written protest letter or use the form below and delive r it in one of three ways: 1. Mail it to the San Leandro City Clerk, Wastewater Rates, 835 E. 14th Street, San Leandro CA 94577. It must arrive by 5 p.m., July 15, 2019. 2. Hand deliver your letter or the form below to the San Leandro City Clerk at 835 E. 14th Street, Room 205, San Leandro CA 94577, by 7 p.m., July 15, 2019. 3. Bring your letter or the form below to: City Council Public Hearing 7 p.m. July 15, 2019 San Leandro City Hall 835 E. 14th Street, Council Chambers, San Leandro CA 94577 In order to be counted as a valid protest against the proposed rate increase, your letter or the form below must include the Asses- sor's Parcel Number (on mailing label), the property address, and an authorized signature, and be delivered as outlined above . Only one protest is allowed per property. cut here Protest Form Assessor's Parcel Number: _______________________________ Property Address: ______________________________________ I protest the proposed sewer and wastewater treatment rate increase to fund operations, maintenance, modernization and replacement costs related to providing sewer service to within the San Leandro Water Pollution Control Plant service area. I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that I am the owner of the above listed property or the authorized representative o f the owner of the above listed property. Please print your name _________________________________ Please sign your name ___________________________________ (Continued on back)