R2020-141 Resolution Pursuant to Chapter 46 of the City Code of the City of Decatur, Illinois Pertaining to a Public Health Emergency Caused by the COVID-19 Virus and Suspending Certain Water Utility Disconnections

Home Browse Search

October 1, 2020 TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe & Members of the City Council FROM: Scot Wrighton, City Manager RE: Emergency Action to Reinstate Limited No-Water-Shut-Off Relief In conjunction with City Council action (included on the October 5 agenda)to expedite CARES grant funding for use in providing rent and utility assistance, and a sub-grant agreement with DOVE for the distribution of these same funds, a companion relief action by the city to suspend water shut-offs for those persons who are determined to be COVID-19 impacted would be appropriate. The proposed action can be implemented under authorization of the city's emergency powers, and provides that, effective immediately, persons who meet the Federal CARES Act requirements for COVID impact would not have their water service terminated until such time as the City Council ends the emergency order. In accordance with the other actions on the October 5 agenda to use CARES money for rent and utility assistance, the eligibility criteria for No-Water-Shut-Off relief will be the same as the criteria for rent and other utility assistance.This will aid the administration of the relief programs. DOVE/DFA has agreed to make the determination of eligibility for both the city's assistance funding program AND the No-Water-Shut-Off relief. Although not included in the council action, as a practical matter, if the City Council approves this action, staff will likely suspend all water shut-offs for a period of time sufficient to get this program up and running(two to three weeks), before resuming water shut-offs at properties that do not meet COVID eligibility. To help make this program more effective (if passed and approved by the City Council),the city will insert information into water billings to inform customers about the criteria for participation in COVID-impact relief, and how to access it (directly through DOVE).The city will also provide CARES funding to DOVE for their costs to administer and market the relief program. As with the No-Water-Shut-Off relief provided by the city that expired on July 1,this new No- Water-Shut-Off relief will not waive water fees. If water bills are not paid, they will continue to compound and the balances will grow on the customer's account statement—but without penalties and interest charges. So if customers are able to pay their bills they should do so to avoid accumulating a large outstanding balance.