Submitted By
Jonathan Burch, Assistant Village Manager/Neighborhood Services Director
Reviewed By
Erin E. Baynes, Assistant to the Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
An Ordinance Waiving the Inspection Fee for Newly Installed Water Meters Through the Lead-Line Replacement Program for Low- to Moderate-Income Homeowners
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OverviewOverview
The Village operates a grant program to replace lead water service lines for households with low to moderate incomes. This project includes the replacement of the private property portion of lead potable water service lines at pre-approved locations in the Village using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). This ordinance would waive inspection fees for the installation of new water meters for program participants in 2024 and 2025.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance.
Background
This project, commonly called the Lead Abatement Program, involves the replacement of the private property owner’s side of the lead water service for 10 to 12 households with low to moderate incomes. The project can only serve households with low to moderate incomes as it is funded using CDBG. At the time the work of this contract is performed, the Village will have completed the service replacement on the Village side of the curb-stop. Because the size of the water line in each home is increasing, the program will also include the replacement of the residential water meter in 2024 and 2025.
Installation of the new water meter triggers a Development Services contractor inspection fee of approximately $250. This fee cannot be paid by CDBG and would be paid by the household.
In order to minimize the financial burden on households with low to moderate incomes, staff seeks to waive this fee for those participating in the program. The program assists a maximum of 12 households a year (a total of up to 24 over 2024 and 2025) resulting in a cost to the Village of $6,000. Similar fees for the Village’s CDBG-funded rehabilitation programs are also waived.
Fiscal Impact
The inspection fee is approximately $250 per household. The program will help approximately 10 to 12 households per year, resulting in a maximum of $6,000 in fees waived over 2024 and 2025.
DEI Impact
This program is funded by CDBG and all households assisted annually qualify as low to moderate incomes. The new water meters are on the property owner’s side of the water service. By waiving the inspection fee for program participants, the Village assists low- and moderate-income households that may otherwise be unable to incur the cost of the meter replacement, contributing to Board goals for community affordability and inclusivity.
Alternatives
1. Alternative #1 - The Board may defer a decision.
a. Advantages
§ Allows time for staff to adjust the approach based on Board feedback
b. Disadvantages
§ Delays the start of service line replacement for households
2. Alternative #2 - The Board may choose to deny the request.
a. Advantages
§ Allows for the start of the program
b. Disadvantages
§ Households with low to moderate incomes would need to pay the $250 fee.
Previous Board Action
N/A
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
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Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
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