Published: June 04, 2008 08:13 am      

Berea to consider citizen input on utility rate changes

BEREA — Mayor Steve Connelly announced Tuesday night that the city of Berea will begin considering suggestions provided by citizens concerning proposed utility rate adjustments.

Connelly said the city staged public forums Thursday of last week and Monday, fielding a number of suggestions to make city utility rates more equitable and conducive to energy conservation.

Recommendations included adopting a step-up rate that would encourage consumers to conserve electricity and water by increasing rates as consumption climbs. Other suggestions were maintaining a net metering program that would encourage citizens to adopt alternate sources of energy, and creating a fund that would pay for the distribution of energy-efficient compact florescent lights, energy audits of local homes, as well as public education about how to build more energy efficient homes.

 “These are all very pertinent, important, long range ideas – food for thought,” said Connelly. “Council will be considering all of the suggestions in light of what proposals we have on the table, and what the consultants may advise. We’ll continue to work through this.”

The city had planned to pass a revised rate structure by July for the purpose of presenting rate adjustments to the Public Service Commission. However, some officials now suggest the city should take a more careful look at its options before another vote is taken.

“I think it’s too much information to make an intelligent decision,” said council member Denise Hagan. “It can’t be all things to all people, but we can at least make it more equitable.”

Adjusting rates to hastily could disproportionately impact lower-income residents, Hagan said.  

 In other business, the council:

 · Passed an ordinance allowing the annexation of 134 acres of land on Possum Kingdom Road, which is across from the Tremont subdivision. The property is zoned agricultural, but Hagan said it will more than likely become a subdivision eventually, which the city’s infrastructure currently can’t support, Hagan said. “If we don’t have city services we can provide today, why should we annex?” Hagan said, noting that some residents on Short Line Pike had to wait nearly two years for city services after being annexed into the city.

· Heard a request from Gene Hardy, vice president of the Vineyard Neighborhood Association. Safety factors, along with a soon-to-be opened connection between Phase II and Phase III of the Vineyard Subdivision prompted Hardy to ask the council to consider lowering the speed limit in that neighborhood from 25 miles per hour to 15 miles per hour. Council member Chester Powell, who chairs the city’s Road Committee, said officials will visit the street and consider the proposal.

· Observed a ceremony in which officers from the Berea Police Department were honored by Madison County Youth in Action for their efforts in helping to reduce underage drinking in Madison County. Chief Dwayne Brumley, Capt. Ken Clark, Sgt. James Harris and Officer Adam Hall were honored for their contributions to the program. In addition, Jennifer Webb, director of Madison County Teen Court, introduced a public service video made by the team. The video will run on local cable television.

· Heard the first reading of a budget amendment for 2007-2008 mid-year budget. The adjustment was made because the previous amended budget did not reflect $3.3 million in bond revenues earmarked for construction of the Berea recreation park, said City Administrator Randy Stone.

· Voted to accept contributed sewer lines into the city in Vineyard Phase II at a value of $57,680, Gilbert Family Properties at a value of $25,264 and Gethsemane Baptist Church at a value of $22,072.

· Stone said Deweese Construction will begin work on the city park on Monday. Stone also said bids for the construction of sidewalks along KY 1016 have gone out.

· Council heard the first reading of an ordinance declaring a D-6 Dozer Caterpillar to be declared surplus for a trade-in at a value of $20,000.