Title
Notice/Advertisement Title: Public Utilities and Sustainability Committee Hearing Minutes
Contact Name: Chelsea Golterman
Contact Telephone Number: 614-735-0965
Contact Email Address: clgolterman@columbus.gov
Body
Call to Order: 3:05
Present: Councilmember Christopher L. Wyche, Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy, Council President Shannon G. Hardin, Chelsea Golterman, Sam Duling, Mark Carter, Averi Townsend, Cole Calloway, Human Resources Department Director Christopher Moses, Columbus Advisory Committee on Disability Issues Chair Jordan Ballinger, Patricia Kovacs, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Government Relations Manager Grant Ames, Belinda Spinosi, Sewer and Water Advisory Board Chair Jason Koma, Department of Public Utilities Deputy Director John Lee, Department of Public Utilities Division of Power Administrator Kristian Fenner, Department of Public Utilities Division of Sewers and Drains Administrator Rob Priestas, Department of Public Utilities Division of Water Assistant Administrator Matt Steele, Nolan Rutschilling
INTRODUCTION
Opening Remarks:
[Chair Wyche] Thank you to those who have stuck with this new committee structure through out the year. Today is the last Public Utilities and Sustainability Committee and we are excited to discuss these upcoming proposals. As we look towards 2025, my office and this committee is looking forward to introduce legislation around Green Buildings policies along with other exciting initiatives. Vice-Chair Remy, do you have any remarks?
[Vice-Chair Remy] Thank you for the leadership on this committee and those who are here to testify and learn more about these new ordinances.
[Chair Wyche] Thank you Vice-Chair Remy. Now we would like to begin with the Proposed Codification of the Columbus Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (CACDI) and call up Christopher Moses, Director of the Department of Human Resources, to provide testimony.
PRESENTATION - Proposed Codification of the Columbus Advisory Committee on Disability Issues
[Director Moses] As the Director of the Department of Human Resources for the City of Columbus, this ordinance represents an important step in improving the lives of people with disabilities. Thank you to those who have served on Columbus Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (CACDI). Department of Human Resources and Mayor Ginther remains committed to serving the advisory committee and the disabled community.
[Chair Wyche] Why are we codifying CACDI now?
[Director Moses] This comes as we expand the ADA office and we are currently in process of hiring ADA and with the new operating budget will include 2 ADA coordinators, also includes $ to CRPD on the ADA Audit, Link Us
[Chair Wyche] How many people does the commission service?
[Director Moses] 13% of our population lives with a disability. As we grow in population, it will increase
[Chair Wyche] Who would you like to highlight?
[Director Moses] Thank you past and present advocates on this issue, including past leadership: Karen Costlak, Patricia Kovacs, David Cameron, Katy White, Marissa Sheldon, Christine Brown, Sue Hedrick, and recognize current leadership: Jordan Ballinger, Nathan Greshanko, and Emma Strange. Also, Human Resources Department Assistant Director Zane Jones for his work supporting CACDI and Mayor Ginther for his support.
[Chair Wyche] Thank you. I would like to invite Jordan Ballinger, Chair of CACDI to provide testimony.
[Mr. Ballinger] The codification of CACDI is important. Thank you to CM Wyche for leading the way and the members of CACDI who has put in countless time. This is long over due and this is the first step to ensuring Columbus is making policies and decisions that are grounded in disability inclusion. As we expand access to public transit, people with disabilities need physical access and stops that get them to their jobs. As we build new housing, consideration around the number of accessible units needs to be a priority. As we modify our parks and recreation centers, the city needs to ensure those spaces have adaptive equipment, are fully accessible, and include amenities like adult changing tables. As we host public meetings like this in City Hall, ASL, live captioning, accessible virtual platforms, clear markers, and physical space for wheelchairs need to be available. The codification of CACDI is a first step to ensuring we live in a city that values the voices, choices, and participation of its disabled residents. With a new commission centering disability, the city will have a space and experts to go to when decisions are being made. CACDI will provide the opportunity for Columbus to be the most disability inclusive city in Ohio and the country. A goal we should always be working toward. I look forward to working with Council as CACDI transitions into a codified commission and ensuring decisions in the city are being grounded in disability inclusion.
[Chair Wyche] Thank you for your service and advocacy. In regards to grounding decisions in disability inclusion - why is that important and how do we compare with our sister cities?
[Mr. Ballinger] Historically disabled folks have been forced to the margins, in institutions, prisons, etc. Recently have we moved forward. If we do not ground in disability inclusion, we are not going to be inclusive in anything. Columbus compares: several of our sister cities have historic offices of disabilities, etc. There are ADA notes, tabs on accessibility. These examples are what Columbus should be looking at. We are expanding transportation and affordable housing, this will effect disabled people.
[Chair Wyche] Thank you for your advocacy. Next, we have Patricia Kovacs.
[Ms. Kovacs] Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. I have lived in the area since 1975 and a member of CACDI since 2013. I volunteer in local, state and national transportation initiatives. I focus on advocating for our blind community with transportation and computer initiatives. I believe establishing a codified will push forward disability inclusion. We have worked with COTA and the city on sidewalk issues and a review of the old and new city website. I have been very appreciative of Zane Jones in his help with working with the city
[President Hardin] Thank you for your advocacy and I have enjoyed working with you over the years.
[Chair Wyche] Thank you! Next, we have Grant Ames.
[Mr. Ames] Today feels like a special day. Recognizing the disability community and being intentional about including the community is special. I am the Government Relations Manager for COAAA. We all will age and disability will impact likely come to all of us with aging. Making sure disabled folks and older folks at the table is vital. And we are happy to express our support with this.
[Chair Wyche] Thank you Grant for all you advocacy. Next, we have Belinda Spenosi.
[Ms. Spenosi] Thank you and this is a special time for the city. This will ensure that we offer the same access to residents birth to death. I am a disability advocate. The city has not treated CACDI properly due what we did not know now. The city has been working on this for decades, such as making COTA accessible, curb cuts and elevators in buildings. This is allowing us to grow and step up to our community. This codification will allow for the legitimacy to CACDI and for us to move forward to make the council and city to be fluent in the ADA requirements and to be accessible. This will make sure that each department is educated as well as City Council and the mayor. This budget will allow for technology and trainings. One big issue will be WEBEX and we are hoping that we can have zoom, which is more accessible than webex, for all meetings. With this, the city will be making all departments inclusive to all of our residents.
[Chair Wyche] Thank you for your advocacy. We will never shy away from difficult questions and conversations. Thank you and look forward for this to move through council.
PRESENTATION - Proposed 2025 Utility Rate Increases & Discount Programs
[Chair Wyche] next we will move forward to the Utilities Rate Increases and the new Discount Programs. Before we hear from the Department, we will be changing the ordinance language in regards to the power rate increases, and we will be pushing the timeline from 3 years to 5 years. This will relieve the burden to customers as it will be more incremental. Thank you to the Department of Public Utilities and Chairman Koma for being here.
[Mr. Koma] A quick overview of how the Sewer and Water Advisory Board recommended the proposed rates:
The Sewer and Water Advisory Board with the Department of Public Utilities met four times over 2024 to review the operations and projects for the Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Enterprises. On October 9, the Board reviewed the Water Rates, Stormwater Rates, Sewer Rates and discount programs. The Board recommends affective Jan 1, 2025:
Water: + 7%
Sewer: + 6%
Storm Water: + 1
Increase on the average customer bill: + 6.06%
Per quarter: + $13.67
Per year: + $54.67
Increase on a larger house hold bill
Per quarter: + $21.41
Per year: +85.65
Sewer Extra Strength Charges: +6%
To inside and outside extra strength charges
Clean River Fee to stay the same
Waste Water Rates for Septic Tanks: + 6.8%
Waste Water Rates for Waste Water Holding Tanks: + 4.5%
Waste Water Portable Toilets: - 2.1%
Grit Laden Waste: - 3.5%
No increase for Sewer and Water Capacity Charges
Discount program changes:
Increase discount from 20 to 25%
Increase federal poverty to 150% to 200% of federal poverty line
Department of Public Utilities is working on getting more people to sign up
[Chair Wyche] Thank you! I do have a couple questions. First can you talk about the factors when making these recommendations?
[Mr. Koma] We meet several times to discuss everything to discuss everything with operations and capital projects and the why and timelines of projects and initiatives. Also look at the bonds and loans. All of this comes together to look at what rate increase is needed for consistent operations and capital improvements.
[Chair Wyche] Do you have public testimony or members of the public involved, that could specifically speak to low income customers and how a rate increase would affect their ability to pay?
[Mr. Koma] Our board is open to the public. Our board members also represent a variety of different industries and constituencies.
[Chair Wyche] Thank you! Next we will hear from the Department of Public Utilities.
[Deputy Director Lee] Thank you for the chance to testify and the clarification on the extension to 5 years. The proposed rates are:
Water, Sewer, Storm:
Quarterly Residential Average Bill Increase: $13.67
Annual Residential Average Bill Increase: $54.67
% Increase: 7% Water, 6% Sewer, 1% Storm
Low income: $11.73 Quarterly; $46.89 Annually
Power:
Rate Increase plan:
5 year residential increase
3 year commercial increase
Monthly Residential Average Bill Increase: $5.85 - $8.90
Annual Residential Average Bill Increase: $70 - $106
Low income: (-3.14) to (-8.63) monthly
Rate Drivers:
Increased operations & maintenance costs
Capital Improvement projects
6-year plan 2025-2030: $6.8 Billion
4th Water Plant, Transmission Line, Southerly Improvements
$15M - $30 M a year for Power
Streetlights, circuit, substation upgrades
Cash reserves and fund balances
Maintain financial ratios
Affordability
Regulatory Requirements/ Consent Order
Regional growth, demand, and capacity
Power Services and Resources:
Connecting to City Power:
<https://www.columbus.gov/services/public-utilities/about-public-utilities/division-of-power/connecting-to-city-power>
Finding a Power Outage in your Area:
<https://columbus.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=c66289eb96064b16be4dbc7b6064496e>
Initiating a Streetlight Project:
<https://www.columbus.gov/services/public-utilities/about-public-utilities/division-of-power/citywide-street-lighting>
Home Conservation Tips:
<https://www.columbus.gov/services/public-utilities/about-public-utilities/division-of-water/water-resources-for-customers/home-conservation-tips>
Discount program changes:
Sewer & Water
Sewer & Water Low Income Program
25% off Commodity Charge
Sewer & Water Senior Program
Service fee waived
Multi-unit Discount Program
25% off Commodity Charge
Eligible if property receives subsidized housing benefits, or 80% of units meet the income levels of 200% (or less) of Federal Poverty Level or are currently enrolled in a qualifying low income program
Water and Sewer credit of $65 to all low income and senior discount members to offset 2025 rate impact
To sign up for the a discount program:
<https://www.columbus.gov/services/housing-assistance-programs/housing-programs/assistance-with-utility-bills/discount-programs>
Power
Low Income Program
25% off Commodity Charge
Residential customers only
Must Provide proof of total household income >200% the US Bureau of Census poverty level or proof of participating in:
SNAP, Ohio Medicaid, Low Income Energy Assistance, Ohio Works First, or Public Housing Benefits
Senior Program
Waive monthly service charge
Less-stringent income requirement: up to >200% from %150% Federal Poverty Level
Power credit of $50 to all low income and senior discount members to offset 2025 rate impact
Continue developing donation programs where customers can add $ to their bill to help families in need
[Chair Wyche] Thank you for your presentation. How can we get more residents to utilize the discount programs?
[Deputy Director Lee] We plan to dedicate more resources to community outreach
[Vice-Chair Remy] Does the Department of Public Utilities work with Department of Neighborhoods Liaisons or the City Council Community Engagement Team?
[Deputy Director Lee] That is one avenue we plan to utilize and also to include area commissions
[Vice-Chair Remy] Briefing the Neighborhoods Liaisons and Council Engagement would be very helpful as they are in the community. We look forward to the community outreach. This is similar the Department of Public Service Division of Refuse Exemption Service form which allows Refuse drivers to take the trash container from a residents door and then bring it back after service.
Application for the Division of Refuse Exemption Service: <https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/trash-recycling-amp-bulk-collection/refuseexemptionpacket_11202023.pdf>
[Chair Wyche] Council also has a voice to play and we can also spread the word about these programs. One note is that we appreciate the forms are translated in Spanish, but Columbus has a lot of languages.
[Vice-Chair Remy] Council passed a Language Access Policy for the City and we need to translate in the top 7 or 8 languages. Can you tell us about the LED and Smart Streetlights
[Deputy Director Lee] We have a Smart streetlighting plan and we are converting Existing Lights to LED and adding an outage monitor. We have several phases for this plan. We are planning to light those unlit areas of the city, like Northland and parts of North Columbus.
[Vice-Chair Remy] Theres an opportunity for neighborhoods to get the “decorative” lighting through an assessment to their property tax. The problem is how long that program takes. Can we shink the timeline down on this?
[Deputy Director Lee] I agree that the assessment process does take along time. What we are doing is adding a new streetlight prioritization plan. Those areas would not have to go through the assessment process.
[Chair Wyche] Can you explain how the lack of past power rate increases has affected the division?
[Deputy Director Lee] it has limited the ability to invest in the infrastructure like streetlights, circuits and update the substations.
[Administrator Fenner] I want to reiterate that the lack of funding is detrimental to our communities in the Columbus core such as Driving Park, Franklinton, Linden and Near East because they have the oldest infrastructure. They are the communities we want to pay attention to and update the infrastructure. We keep band-aiding for today and not working towards tomorrow.
[Chair Wyche] I hear you. When I was working in Telecom, investment in infrastructure was the vital. I understand why increases have to come. I do have a water question. There is a perception that Columbus is footing the water bill for the region. Can you please explain everyone, including those outside Columbus is paying for the system?
[Deputy Director Lee] Everyone is paying into the system. Our suburban customers are paying 1.3x verses our in city customers and our county customers are paying 1.5x for water and similar for sewers. The reason for increase is due to transmission costs among other things.
[Chair Wyche] Thank you. Next I would like to call up Nolan Rutschilling.
[Rutschilling] We do generally support the increase in rates. Largely i will be speaking on the Power division but it can be applied across the board. I serve as the Managing Director of Energy Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund. First, the OEC Action Fund recognizes Columbus Department of Public Utilities, and the Columbus Division of Power, as crucial tools for supplying public utilities effectively, reliably, and affordably. Municipal electric utilities serve a crucial role, as they are not beholden to shareholder demands or efforts to seek a profit. We understand that typically the Columbus Division of Power is competitive with AEP Ohio rates, and is often more reliable by many metrics. We support a rate increase, but recommend significant changes to the Department’s public engagement strategy. We are giving feedback on the legislation just a few days before potential passage of a significant rate increase and shift in operations for the Division of Public Utilities. Councilmember Wyche, I want to thank you and your office for giving us the opportunity today, but we recognize that without a delay in passage, our feedback will not be able to be incorporated. I’d like to also give the example of Cleveland Public Power (CPP), which recently went through a rate increase. CPP held a number of public engagement meetings and also engaged press prior to Council Approval of their rate increase, which was their first since the 1980s. Thank you for allowing our testimony.
[Chair Wyche] We hear you on the community engagement. There is always ways for us to grow and import. We look forward to working with OEC moving forward and your support.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No speakers
CLOSING REMARKS
[Chair Wyche] Thank you to the committee, speakers, departments, and good night.
Adjournment
Adjourned: 4:29pm
All Public Utilities and Sustainability Meetings can be watched at the City of Columbus Youtube Channel <https://www.youtube.com/cityofcolumbus>
Stay up-to-date by following Councilmember Wyche on Instagram (@Councilman_Wyche). You can subscribe to his monthly email newsletter by emailing his Analyst at EMMorales@Columbus.gov. You can reach Councilmember Wyche’s Aide at CLGolterman@Columbus.gov