HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 1937City of Palo Alto (ID # 1937)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Action ItemsMeeting Date: 9/19/2011
September 19, 2011 Page 1 of 5
(ID # 1937)
Summary Title: Public Hearing: Refuse Rate Increases -FY 2012
Title: PUBLIC HEARING: Pursuant to Proposition 218 -Adoption of a Resolution
Amending the Utility Rate Schedules R-1, R-2, and R-3 for a Refuse Rate
Increase; Adoption of a Budget Amendment Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2012 to
Adjust Projected Revenues and Expenses in Refuse Fund and Authorize Short
Term Loan from General Fund to Refuse Fund
From:City Manager
Lead Department: Public Works
Recommendation
Staff requests that the City Council:
1.Adopt a resolution to amend Utility Rate Schedules R-1, R-2, and R-3, as attached
(Attachment A); and
2.Adopt the Budget Amendment Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2012 to adjust budgeted
revenues and expenditures within the Refuse Fund and authorize a short term loan
from the General Fund to the Refuse Fund (Attachment B).
The recommended rate increase triggered the notice and protest hearing procedures
under Proposition 218.
Executive Summary
On July 25, 2011, City Council directed staff to proceed with the Proposition 218
notification process for the refuse rate increases recommended by staff and Finance
Committee to close the $3.7 million Refuse Fund operating deficit for FY 2012. The
proposed rate increases consist of retaining the 6% and 9% rate increases from FY
2011 for residential and commercial customers, respectively, and establishing an
additional fixed monthly fee of $4.62 for residential customers to be effective on
October 1, 2011. The FY 2011 rate increases are scheduled to expire on September 30,
2011. To minimize immediate impact to ratepayers, City Council also directed staff to
establish a short term $1.25 million loan from the General Fund Budget Stabilization
Reserve to the Refuse Fund that will be repaid in FY 2013 from projected savings
resulting from closure of the landfill. Implementation of the proposed rates is subject
to a public hearing process provided for under Proposition 218, and may only be
September 19, 2011 Page 2 of 5
(ID # 1937)
available for approval by City Council should written protests against the rates be
received from less than 50% of affected property owners.
Background
In September 2010, City Council adopted refuse rate increases for FY 2011 that became
effective on October 1, 2010 and are due to expire on September 30, 2011. At the April
5, 2011 Finance Committee meeting, staff was directed to propose an initial FY 2012
Refuse Fund budget for adoption by City Council that assumed expiration of the FY
2011 rate increases, and to return to the Finance Committee in July 2011 with
recommendations for rate increases and additional expense reductions for FY 2012.
The FY 2012 budget, adopted by City Council on June 20, 2011, contains an operating
deficit of $3.7 million for the Refuse Fund. Approximately $1.2 million of that deficit is
due to the expiration of the FY 2011 rate increases that is scheduled to occur on
September 30, 2011.
Staff is proceeding with a detailed Cost of Service Study that will likely result in a new
rate structure beyond the interim adjustment represented by the proposed rate
increases in this Action Item. The preliminary results of the study show that residential
rates are not covering their proportional expenses. Conversely, while the commercial
sector is much more volatile than residential, the preliminary results indicate
commercial rates appear to be exceeding expenses. While the Cost of Service Study is
not yet complete, the proposed rate increases in this report are based on the need to
bring the residential rates up to a fuller cost recovery level while attempting to correct
the existing inequities between residential and commercial sectors. The goal of this
interim adjustment is to begin implementing fuller cost recovery for residential
immediately, in order to avoid a larger deficit problem going forward.
At the July 5, 2011 Finance Committee meeting, staff was directed to prepare options
for refuse rate increases which would express a portion (or all) of the residential rate
increase as a fixed cost, applicable to all residential users. The Finance Committee also
directed staff to prepare a plan for eliminating the Recycling Center and retaining the
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Area at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant.
Staff is scheduled to return to Finance Committee in October 2011 to present the plan,
and will subsequently present the plan to the full City Council.
Based on Finance Committee’s direction, staff used its cost saving estimate for the
elimination of the Recycling Center during FY 2012 (six-month savings) in the refuse
rate calculations. The current Recycling Center must be removed following the closure
of the landfill, resulting in the six-month savings regardless of whether the Recycling
Center is fully eliminated. The refuse rate calculations also include savings from
deferring the hiring of a vacant Zero Waste Coordinator position for an additional year.
Discussion
September 19, 2011 Page 3 of 5
(ID # 1937)
At the July 5, 2011 Finance Committee meeting, staff recommended that a residential
rate increase be adopted for FY 2012, 100% of which would vary by the size of the
garbage can.This recommendation was in addition to retaining the FY 2011 6% rate
increase that is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2011. Staff recommended that
commercial rates have no increase for FY 2012 beyond retaining the FY 2011 9% rate
increase. This approach would begin to address the apparent inequities of the current
rate structure between residential and commercial sectors initially identified by the
ongoing Cost of Service Study without subjecting residential customers to a rate
increase that is significantly higher than other rate increases in the past.
On July 19, 2011, staff returned to the Finance Committee with additional options
involving the use of fixed amounts for some (or all) of the increase for residential
customers. Under these options, residential customers would continue to pay the
current rate (which varies by can size), and an amount would be added to the current
rate with an element of fixed cost. Finance Committee unanimously recommended the
100% fixed cost approach, in which residential customers would pay a fixed rate of
$4.62 per month in addition to the current rates. On July 25, 2011, City Council
unanimously directed staff to proceed with the Proposition 218 notification and public
hearing process for the 100% fixed cost approach.
Table 1 (below) provides the existing FY 2011 rates, proposed fixed rate, proposed total
monthly rate, and resulting percent increase over FY 2011 rates for residential service
levels. Although Table 1 provides the combined variable and fixed rates,the variable
and fixed rates would be shown separately on customer bills. The rate increases
presented in Table 1 are in addition to retaining the 6% residential and 9% commercial
rate increases that were adopted in FY 2011.
Table 1:Options for fixed and variable residential rate increases and resulting
residential rates.
FY 2011
Variable Rates
Proposed Fixed
Rate
Proposed Total
Monthly Rate
Percent
Increase Over
FY 2011 Rates
Mini $15.90 $4.62 $20.52 29.0%
32 gallon $32.86 $4.62 $37.48 14.0%
64 gallon $67.84 $4.62 $72.46 6.8%
96 gallon $101.76 $4.62 $106.38 4.5%
Figure 1 (below) depicts the residential rates over the past several years, including the
proposed FY 2012 rates, for a representative customer that switched from 32 gallon to
mini-can service in 2009. Figure 1 demonstrates the substantial savings available to
customers who switch to smaller garbage can sizes.
September 19, 2011 Page 4 of 5
(ID # 1937)
Figure 1: Residential refuse rates from 7/1/2008 through proposed 10/1/2011 rates for
customer switching from 32 gallon service to Mini-can service in July 2009
$26.58
$15.00 $15.90
$20.52
$0.00
$5.00
$10.00
$15.00
$20.00
$25.00
$30.00
$35.00
7/1/2008 7/1/2009 10/1/2010 10/1/2011
Mini-can
rates
32-gallon
rates
Staff and Finance Committee recommend the 100% fixed cost approach proposed in
Table 1 to address rate inequities at this time. The Finance Committee expressed a
strong preference for a 100% fixed cost increase in order to better assure the revenue
pending completion of the cost of service study. Reduced expenses in FY 2013,
because of the closure of the landfill, allow the Refuse Fund to receive a $1.25 million
loan from the General Fund Budget Stabilization Reserve (BSR) in FY 2012 that will be
repaid in FY 2013. The loan from the BSR minimizes the rate increases for FY 2012.
Once the Cost of Service Study is completed this fall, future rate increases (as needed)
will be based on Cost of Service data. Staff will return to the Finance Committee in
approximately four months with fixed costs data based on the Study upon which to
base future changes to the rate structure, as planned.
Proposition 218 amended the California Constitution and set forth procedural
requirements that public agencies must follow in order to enact or increase a property-
related fee. Since Proposition 218 applies to the refuse rate increases described in this
report, the City must provide written notice by mail to refuse customers subject to the
proposed fees (notices were mailed August 5, 2011), followed by a public hearing held
not less than 45 days after notice is mailed (the September 19, 2011 Council meeting).
Per the requirements, the notice included the amount of the fee, the basis upon which
the fee is calculated, the reason for the fee, and the date, time and location of the
public hearing. If a majority of customers submit written protests against the proposed
fees, the City may not impose the fee.
September 19, 2011 Page 5 of 5
(ID # 1937)
Resource Impact
The proposed rate increases are estimated to erase the $3.7 million deficit and result in
a balanced Budget for FY 2012 and FY 2013. The proposed rate increases include a
loan of $1.25 million in FY 2012 from the General Fund BSR to be repaid in FY 2013.
Interest on the loan would be paid based on the average yield on the City’s investment
portfolio for the loan period. The BSR balance would be reduced to $25.8 million or
17.6% of expenditures, which is above the 15% minimum balance approved by Council.
Timeline
Following City Council adoption, the new rates will become effective on October 1,
2011.
Policy Implications
The proposed Refuse Rate increase is consistent with current City Policies.
Environmental Review
The proposed actions do not constitute a project pursuant to CEQA.
Attachments:
·Attachment A: Resolution (PDF)
·Attachment B: Budget Amendment Ordinance (PDF)
·Prop 218 Protests Refuse Rate Increase (PDF)
Prepared By:Brad Eggleston, Manager Solid Waste
Department Head:J. Michael Sartor, Interim Director
City Manager Approval: James Keene, City Manager
Not Yet Approved
1
110912 jb 0130838
Resolution No. _______
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending
the Utility Rate Schedules R-1, R-2, and R-3 for a Refuse Rate
Increase
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the
City Council may by resolution adopt rules and regulations governing utility services and the
fees and charges therefore; and
WHEREAS, the Council has considered the need for an adjustment in refuse
collection rates to avoid a decrease in the Refuse Fund Rate Stabilization Reserve levels; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Article XIIID Sec. 6 of the California Constitution, on
September 19, 2011 the Council of the City of Palo Alto held a public hearing to consider all
protests against the proposed refuse rate fee increases; and
WHEREAS, the total number of written protests presented by the close of the public
hearing was less than fifty percent (50%) of the total number of customers subject to the
proposed refuse rate fee increases.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as
follows:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Utility Rate Schedule R-1 (Domestic Refuse Collection) is hereby amended to read in
accordance with Sheets R-1-1, R-1-2 and R-1-3, attached hereto and incorporated herein. The
foregoing Utility Rate Schedules, as amended, shall become effective on October 1, 2011.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Utility Rate Schedule R-2 (Commercial Refuse Collection) is hereby amended to read in
accordance with Sheets R-2-1, R-2-2 and R-2-3, attached hereto and incorporated herein. The
foregoing Utility Rate Schedules, as amended, shall become effective on October 1, 2011.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Utility Rate Schedule R-3 (Commercial Refuse Collection) is hereby amended to read in
accordance with Sheets R-3-1, R-3-2, R-3-3, R-3-4, R-3-5, and R-3-6, attached hereto and
incorporated herein. The foregoing Utility Rate Schedules, as amended, shall become effective
on October 1, 2011.
SECTION 4: The rates contained in the attached Rate Schedules shall be in
effect until Council adopts a new rate structure.
SECTION 5. The Council finds that the revenue derived from the authorized
adjustments of the refuse collection rates shall be used only for the purposes set forth in Article
VII, Section 2, of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto.
Not Yet Approved
2
110912 jb 0130838
SECTION 6. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution does not
constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act, California Public Resources
Code section 21080, subdivision (b)(8).
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
___________________________ _____________________________
Senior Asst. City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Public Works
____________________________
Director of Administrative
Services
DOMESTIC REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-01-11
Supersedes Sheet No.R-1-1 dated
10-01-10 through 9-30-11 Sheet No. R-1-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to each occupied domestic dwelling as required by City ordinance, including
separate single-family domestic dwelling and multi-unit dwellings (4 units or less). An occupied
dwelling unit is defined as any home, apartment unit, cottage, flat or duplex unit, having kitchen,
bath, and sleeping facilities, and to which gas or electric service is being rendered.
B. TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City.
C. RATES:
The refuse rates below provide collection, processing and disposal of materials properly deposited in
the number of refuse containers indicated below, as well as collection and processing of recyclables
and yard trimmings from special blue or green carts. The refuse rates below also provide household
hazardous waste programs, waste diversion services, and street sweeping programs.
(Please note that the highlighted rates below were not subject to Proposition 218 noticing because
they were not increased or are otherwise exempt from Proposition 218. The highlighted rates are
included for the sole purpose of providing a complete rate schedule.)
Curbside Monthly Collection Cost
Fixed Rate Component
Each residential customer $4.62 per month
Variable Rate Component
Number of Collection Frequency Per Week
Cans/Carts One Two Three
Mini-can/20-gallon cart * 15.90
1 32-gal. can or 32-gal. cart** 32.86
2 32-gal. cans or 1 64-gal. cart 67.84 151.58 235.32
3 32-gal. cans or 1 96-gal. cart 101.76 219.42 337.08
DOMESTIC REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-01-11
Supersedes Sheet No.R-1-2 dated
10-01-10 through 9-30-11 Sheet No. R-1-2
4 32-gal. cans or 2 64-gal. carts 135.68 287.26 438.84
5 32-gal. cans or 1 64 + 1 96-gal. cart 169.60 355.10 540.60
6 32-gal. cans or 2 96-gal. carts 203.52 422.94 642.36
* Mini-can service cannot be combined with any other can service.
** Standard can service is one 32-gallon can or a 32-gallon cart.
E. SPECIAL ITEM CHARGES:
1. Stove/washer/dryer/water heater pick up *...................................................................... 25.00
2. Freezer/refrigerator/air conditioner/garbage compactor pick up *.................................. 35.00
3. Upholstered furniture pick up (per unit) *....................................................................... 15.00
4. Mattress pick up *............................................................................................................ 15.00
5. Tire pick up (per tire, limit of 4 tires) *........................................................................... 20.00
6. Pallet pick up *................................................................................................................ 5.00
7. Microwave Oven pick up*............................................................................................... 5.00
* “Surcharge special” fee (see F5. below) applies when special item is not collected under the
Annual On-Call Community Clean-up Program guidelines.
F. SPECIAL LABOR CHARGES:
1. Return trip (next day service)…………………………………………………….......... 24.00
2. Return trip (same day service) ……………………………………………………........ 36.00
3. Urgent special (for service outside standard weekly collection; charged per cubic yard) 55.00
4. Miscellaneous 2 person service rate (waiting time).................................................. 3.20/min
5. Surcharge special (one time pick up of large or non-standard items; or delivery of containers
for special events) …………..................................................................................... 77.00
6. Repair rate................................................................................................ 2.20/min + material
7. Extra can…………………………………………………................................................ 10.60
8. Back/side yard collection of garbage (monthly charge per residence) ………………... 3.35
9. Hard to service area (monthly charge per premise)………………………………......... 0.00
A ‘Hard to Service’ area is one that has limited access, such as an area of hilly terrain,
private streets with restricted access, or alleys. These areas require special equipment to
service. A map of Hard to Service areas can be found on the City of Palo Alto website at
www.cityofpaloalto.org or by contacting the Public Works Department.
G. SPECIAL CART CHARGES:
1. 20-gallon cart rental (monthly) ………………………………………………………... 3.00
2. 32-gallon cart rental (monthly)……………………………………………………….... 3.00
3. 64-gallon cart rental (monthly)……………………………………………………….... 3.00
4. 96-gallon cart rental (monthly)……………………………………………………….... 3.00
5. 32-gallon cart purchase with 20-gallon insert ……………………….………………… 60.00
6. 32-gallon cart purchase……………………………………………………………........ 51.00
DOMESTIC REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-01-11
Supersedes Sheet No.R-1-3
10-01-10 through 9-30-11 Sheet No. R-1-3
7. 64-gallon cart purchase……………………………………………………………. ...... 57.00
8. 96-gallon cart purchase……………………………………………………………........ 62.00
9. Cart wash …………………………………………………………………………........ 25.00
10. Cart clean out (by hand)……………………………………………………………....... 15.00
11. Recycling cart contamination (entire cart dumped)………………………………......... 30.00
12. Cart exchange (one exchange allowed per cart each calendar year at no cost) ……...... 20.00
13. Monthly key service (customer provided lock) ……………………………………….. 15.00
14. Lock (Collector provided) …………………………………………………………...... 25.00
15. Cart lock installation………………………………………………………………........ 40.00
{End}
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-2
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-01-11
Supersedes Sheet No.R-2-1 dated
10-01-10 through 9-30-11 Sheet No. R-2-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to all occupied establishments other than domestic dwellings as required
by City ordinance.
B. TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City.
C. RATES:
The refuse rates below provide collection, processing and disposal of materials properly
deposited in the number of refuse containers indicated below, as well as collection and
processing of recyclables from special blue carts. The refuse rates below also provide household
hazardous waste programs, waste diversion services, and street sweeping programs.
(Please note that the highlighted rates below were not subject to Proposition 218 noticing
because they were not increased or are otherwise exempt from Proposition 218. The highlighted
rates are included for the sole purpose of providing a complete rate schedule.)
(1) Monthly Refuse Collection Cost
Collection Frequency per Week
Number of Cans/Carts One Two Three Four Five Six
1 32-gal. can or 32-gal. cart $33.79
2 32-gal. cans or 1 64-gal. cart* 69.76 155.87 241.98 328.09 414.20 500.31
3 32-gal. cans or 1 96-gal. cart 104.64 225.63 346.62 467.61 588.60 709.59
4 32-gal. cans or 2 64-gal. carts 139.52 295.39 451.26 607.13 763.00 918.87
5 32-gal. cans or 1 64 + 1 96-gal. cart 174.40 365.15 555.90 746.65 937.40 1,128.15
6 32-gal. cans or 2 96-gal. carts 209.28 434.91 660.54 886.17 1,111.80 1,337.43
* Standard service is two 32-gallon cans or one 64-gallon cart.
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-2
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-01-11
Supersedes Sheet No.R-2-2 dated
10-01-10 through 9-30-11 Sheet No. R-2-2
(2) Monthly Compostables Collection Cost*
Collection Frequency per Week
Number of Carts One Two Three Four Five Six
1 32-gallon cart $30.41**
1 64-gallon cart 62.78** 140.28 217.78 295.28 372.78 450.28
1 96-gallon cart 94.18** 203.07 311.96 420.85 529.74 638.63
2 64-gallon carts 125.57 265.85 406.13 546.42 686.70 826.98
1 64-gallon + 1 96-gallon cart 156.96 328.64 500.31 671.99 843.66 1,015.34
2 96-gallon carts 188.35 391.42 594.49 797.55 1,000.62 1,203.69
*The monthly charge for compostables service is 10% less than the charge for equivalent refuse
service. Compostable materials include yard trimmings, food waste, compostable paper,
compostable plastics and untreated wood.
**Multi-unit dwellings with five (5) to ten (10) units may receive up to one 96-gallon
compostables cart collected once per week at no charge. Service over 96 gallons will be charged
as described in G14 below.
E. SPECIAL ITEM CHARGES:
1. Stove/washer/dryer/heater pick up *................................................................................ 25.00
2. Freezer/refrigerator/air conditioner/garbage compactor pick up *.................................. 35.00
3. Upholstered furniture pick up *....................................................................................... 15.00
4. Mattress pick up *............................................................................................................ 15.00
5. Tire pick up (per tire, limit of 4 tires) *........................................................................... 20.00
6. Pallet pick up *................................................................................................................. 5.00
7. Microwave Oven*....…………………………………………………………………… 5.00
* “Surcharge special” fee (see F6 below) applies when special item is not collected under the
Annual On-Call Community Clean-up Program guidelines. Garbage compactor refers to under-
the-counter type typically found in kitchens.
F. SPECIAL LABOR CHARGES:
1. Return trip (same day service)……………..................................................................... 36.00
2. Return trip (next day service) ……………..................................................................... 24.00
3. Urgent special (for service outside standard weekly collection; charged per cubic yard) 55.00
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-2
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-01-11
Supersedes Sheet No.R-2-3 dated
10-01-10 through 9-30-11 Sheet No. R-2-3
4. Monthly miscellaneous 1 person service (recurring manual pull out of containers to be
serviced; waiting time)............................................................................................... 2.20/min
5. Miscellaneous 1 person service rate (one-time manual pull out of containers to be
serviced)………………………………………......................................................... 2.20/min
6. Surcharge special (one-time pick up of large or non-standard items, or bins needing pull
out service with separate vehicle, or delivery of containers to special events)………... 77.00
7. Repair rate …………………………………………...................................2.20/min + material
8. Extra can …….………………………………………………………………………….. 12.00
G. SPECIAL CART CHARGES:
1. 32-gallon cart rental (monthly) …………………………………………………………… 3.00
2. 64-gallon cart rental (monthly)…………………………………………………………… 3.00
3. 96-gallon cart rental (monthly)………………………………………………………… 3.00
4. 32-gallon cart purchase ……………………………………………………………....... 51.00
5. 64-gallon cart purchase ……………………………………………………………....... 57.00
6. 96-gallon cart purchase ……………………………………………………………....... 62.00
7. Cart wash …………………………………………………………………………........ 25.00
8. Cart clean out (by hand)………………………………………………………….. ....... 15.00
9. Recycling cart contamination (entire cart dumped)……………………………….. ...... 30.00
10. Cart exchange (one exchange allowed per cart each calendar year at no cost) ….......... 20.00
11. Monthly key service (customer provided lock) ……………………………………….. 15.00
12. Lock (Contractor provided)…………………………………………………………..... 25.00
13. Cart lock installation………………………………………………………………........ 40.00
14. Each additional 32-gallon increment of weekly compostables cart service (in excess of
96 gallons per week) for multi-unit dwellings with five (5) to ten (10) units (monthly
charge).............................................................................................................................. 20.00 {End}
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-01-11
Supersedes Sheet No. R-3-1 dated
10-01-10 through 9-30-11 Sheet No. R-3-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule only applies to bins, compactors and debris boxes serviced by the City’s designated
collector.
B. TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City.
C. RATES:
The refuse rates below provide collection, processing and disposal of materials properly deposited in
the number of refuse containers indicated below. Refuse rates for bin service also include collection
and processing of recyclables from special blue bins. The refuse rates below also provide household
hazardous waste programs, waste diversion services, and street sweeping programs.
(Please note that the highlighted rates below were not subject to Proposition 218 noticing because
they were not increased or are otherwise exempt from Proposition 218. The highlighted rates are
included for the sole purpose of providing a complete rate schedule.)
(1) BINS
Monthly Refuse Collection Cost
Collection Frequency Size (cubic
yards) 1x/week 2x/week 3x/week 4x/week 5x/week 6x/week
Monthly
Bin Rental
1 $170.04 $346.62 $523.20 $698.69 $875.27 $1,050.76 $39.00
1.5 232.17 477.42 723.76 969.01 1,214.26 1,459.51 39.00
2 294.30 608.22 924.32 1,239.33 1,553.25 1,868.26 50.00
3 416.38 869.82 1,322.17 1,775.61 2,230.14 2,683.58 64.00
4 553.72 1,118.34 1,738.55 2,331.51 2,922.29 3,514.16 64.00
5 675.80 1,407.19 2,136.40 2,867.79 3,599.18 4,329.48 78.00
6 813.14 1,684.05 2,551.69 3,421.51 4,291.33 5,160.06 78.00
8 1,060.57 2,205.07 3,351.75 4,499.52 5,646.20 6,792.88 102.00
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-01-11
Supersedes Sheet No. R-3-2 dated
10-01-10 through 9-30-11 Sheet No. R-3-2
Monthly Compostables Collection Cost*
Collection Frequency Size (cubic
yards) 1x/week 2x/week 3x/week 4x/week 5x/week 6x/week
Monthly
Bin Rental
1 $153.04 $311.96 $470.88 $628.82 $787.74 $945.68 $39.00
1.5 208.95 429.68 651.38 872.11 1,092.83 1,313.56 39.00
2 264.87 547.40 831.89 1,115.40 1,397.93 1,681.43 50.00
3 374.74 782.84 1,189.95 1,598.05 2,007.13 2,415.22 64.00
4 498.35 1,006.51 1,564.70 2,098.36 2,630.06 3,162.74 64.00
5 608.22 1,266.47 1,922.76 2,581.01 3,239.26 3,896.53 78.00
6 731.83 1,515.65 2,296.52 3,079.36 3,862.20 4,644.05 78.00
8 954.51 1,984.56 3,016.58 4,049.57 5,081.58 6,113.59 102.00
* The monthly charge for compostables service is 10% less than the charge for equivalent refuse service.
Compostable materials include yard trimmings, food waste, compostable paper, compostable plastics and
untreated wood.
(2) DEBRIS BOXES
a. Garbage and Construction & Demolition (C&D) Materials*
On-Call Service
7 CY 15 CY 20 CY 30 CY 40 CY
Delivery $148.24 $148.24 $148.24 $148.24 $148.24
Service 644.19 644.19 747.74 957.02 1,043.13
Total 792.43 792.43 895.98 1,105.26 1,191.37
Non-use ** $76.00 $76.00 $76.00 $76.00 $76.00
Minimum
Overfull 52.00 52.00 69.00 86.00 104.00
* Additional contaminated charge of $185.30 may apply on debris boxes used for construction and demolition
materials.
**Within a fourteen (14) day period.
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-01-11
Supersedes Sheet No. R-3-3 dated
10-01-10 through 9-30-11 Sheet No. R-3-3
Permanent Service
Collection Frequency
Size 1x/week 2x/week 3x/week
Monthly Box
Rental
15 CY $ 2,512.45 $ 5,024.90 $ 7,538.44 $ 140.00
20 CY 3,056.36 6,112.72 9,167.99 186.00
30 CY 3,925.09 7,849.09 11,774.18 279.00
b. Source Separated Recyclable Materials*
On-Call Service
7 CY 15 CY 20 CY 30 CY 40 CY
Delivery** $ 126.00 $ 126.00 $ 126.00 $ 126.00 $ 126.00
Service 328.00 328.00 380.80 488.00 532.00
Non-use *** $76.00 $76.00 $76.00 $76.00 $76.00
Minimum
Overfull 52.00 52.00 69.00 86.00 104.00
Permanent Service
Collection Frequency
Size 1x/month 2x/month 3x/month
Monthly Box
Rental
15 CY $ 312.00 $ 624.00 $ 936.00 $ 140.00
20 CY 364.00 728.00 1,092.00 186.00
30 CY 390.40 780.80 1,172.00 279.00
* “Source separated recyclable materials” means recyclable materials, which are separated from solid waste
by the generator at the location where it was created, not mixed with or containing more than incidental solid
waste, as determined by the Director. Source separated single recyclable materials are source separated
recyclable materials that can be directly marketed as a distinct single commodity, as determined by the
Director.
** A delivery fee or a monthly box rental fee may be assessed depending on customer’s service needs.
*** Within a fourteen (14) day period.
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-01-11
Supersedes Sheet No. R-3-4 dated
10-01-10 through 9-30-11 Sheet No. R-3-4
(3) DETACHABLE CONTAINER RENTAL:
Cubic Yard Per Month
1 ..................................................................................................................... $ 39.00
1.5 ..................................................................................................................... 39.00
2 ..................................................................................................................... 50.00
3-4 ..................................................................................................................... 64.00
5-6 ..................................................................................................................... 78.00
8-10 ..................................................................................................................... 102.00
15 ..................................................................................................................... 140.00
20 ..................................................................................................................... 186.00
30 ..................................................................................................................... 279.00
40 ..................................................................................................................... 279.00
SPECIAL PROVISION:
The monthly charge to multi-unit apartment dwellings will be billed to the owner.
E. SPECIAL ITEM CHARGES: 1. Stove/washer/dryer/water heater pick up *...................................................................... 25.00
2. Freezer/refrigerator/air conditioner/garbage compactor pick up *.................................. 35.00
3. Upholstered furniture pick up *....................................................................................... 15.00
4. Mattress pick up *............................................................................................................ 15.00
5. Tire pick up (per tire, limit of 4 tires) *........................................................................... 20.00
6. Pallet pick up *................................................................................................................ 5.00
7. Microwave Oven*……………………………………………………………………… 5.00
* “Surcharge special” rate (see F4. below) applies when special items are not collected under the
Annual On-Call Community Clean-up Program guidelines. Garbage compactor refers to under-the-
counter type typically found in kitchens.
F. SPECIAL LABOR CHARGES:
1. Urgent special (for service outside standard weekly collection; charged per cubic yard)….55.00
2. Monthly miscellaneous 1 person service (recurring manual pull out of containers to be
serviced)..................................................................................................................... 2.20/min
3. Miscellaneous 1 person service rate (one time manual pull out of containers to be serviced;
waiting time).............................................................................................................. 2.20/min
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-01-11
Supersedes Sheet No. R-3-5 dated
10-01-10 through 9-30-11 Sheet No. R-3-5
4. Surcharge special (one time pick up of large or non-standard items, or bins needing pull
out service with separate vehicle, or delivery of containers to special events) …………
77.00
5. Repair rate …………………………………………………………....... 2.20/min + material
G. SPECIAL BIN CHARGES:
1. Temporary bin-delivery (1)…………………………………………………………..... 80.00
2. Temporary bin-delivery (2) ………………………………………………………........ 110.00
3. Temporary bin-delivery (3) ………………………………………………………........ 141.00
4. Temporary bin-delivery (4) ………………………………………………………........ 220.00
5. Temporary bin-weekly fee …………………………………………………………...... 25.00
6. Bin wash ……………………………………………………………………………...... 40.00
7. Monthly key service (customer provided lock) ……………………………………….. 15.00
8. Lock (Contractor provided) ………………………………………………………….... 25.00
9. Auto-bar lock installation ………………………………………………………........... 200.00
H. SPECIAL DEBRIS BOX CHARGES:
1. Debris box delivery (garbage and C&D material)……………………………………... 148.24
2. Debris box delivery (source separated recyclables)………………………………….... 126.00
2. Additional fee for delivery to Service Area 2* ……………………………………....... 62.00
3. Debris box non-use (within a fourteen (14) day period)…………………………….. .. 76.00
4. 15 yd box-overfull …………………………………………………………………...... 52.00
5. 20 yd box-overfull …………………………………………………………………...... 69.00
6. 30 yd box-overfull …………………………………………………………………...... 86.00
7. 40 yd box-overfull…………………………………………………………………....... 104.00
8. Special debris box service between 12 PM to 6 PM ………………………………....... 77.00
9. Special debris box service between 6 PM to 12 AM ……………………………. ........ 155.00
10. Special debris box service on Saturday before 12 PM ……………………………....... 77.00
11. Special debris box service on Sunday before 6 PM ……………………………............ 233.00
12. Special debris box service on Sunday, 6 PM to 12 AM ………………………............. 310.00
13. Contaminated loads of construction and demolition recycling materials………............ 185.30
14. On-call compactor………………………………………………………………… ....... 63.22
15. Compactor/ drop box wash……………………………………………………….. ....... 82.00
16. Compacted garbage (per compacted cubic yard) …………………………………….... 69.76
17. Compacted compostables (per compacted cubic yard) ………………………………... 62.78
18. Compacted recyclables (transportation) ……………………………….........................2.20/min
*A map of Service Area 2 can be found on the City of Palo Alto website at
www.cityofpaloalto.org or by contacting the Public Works Department.
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-01-11
Supersedes Sheet No. R-3-6 dated
10-01-10 through 9-30-11 Sheet No. R-3-6
{End}
Page 1 of 2
ORDINANCE NO. XXXX
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2012 TO
ADJUST BUDGETED REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES WITHIN
THE REFUSE FUND INCLUDING REFUSE RATE CHANGES AND
A SHORT-TERM LOAN FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE
REFUSE FUND
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto does ordain as
follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Palo Alto finds
and determines as follows:
A. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of Article III
of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto, the Council on June 20,
2011 did adopt a budget for fiscal year 2012; and
B. The Refuse Fund adopted budget for fiscal year 2012
reflects an operating deficit of $3,693,725 and a Rate
Stabilization Reserve deficit balance of ($8,979,000); and
C. A combination of revenue increases and expenditure
decreases is needed to address the operating deficit in the
Refuse Fund; and
D. A nine percent rate increase for commercial customers,
a six percent rate increase for residential customers, and an
additional fixed monthly fee of $4.62 for residential customers
are expected to generate an additional $2,187,548 in revenue;
and
E. To minimize immediate impact to ratepayers, City Council
also directed staff to establish a short-term loan of $1,250,000
from the General Fund to the Refuse Fund that will be repaid in
fiscal year 2013 from projected savings resulting from closure
of the landfill; and
F. The freezing of the Zero Waste Coordinator position for
fiscal year 2012 is expected to reduce expenditures by $122,624;
and
G. Closure of the recycling center to allow for closure of
the Palo Alto landfill is expected to reduce expenditures by
$193,553; and
H. City Council authorization is needed to amend the fiscal
year 2012 budget as hereinafter set forth.
SECTION 2. The General Fund Budget Stabilization Reserve is
hereby decreased by the sum of One Million Two Hundred Fifty
Attachment B
Page 2 of 2
Thousand Dollars ($1,250,000). As a result of this change, the
Budget Stabilization Reserve will decrease to $25,807,000.
SECTION 3. The Rate Stabilization Reserve in the Refuse
Fund is hereby increased by the sum of Three Million Seven
Hundred Fifty-Three Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty-Five Dollars
($3,753,725). As a result of this change, the Rate
Stabilization Reserve in the Refuse Fund will increase to a
deficit of ($5,225,275), and the operating deficit for fiscal
year 2012 is eliminated.
SECTION 4. As specified in Section 2.28.080(a) of the Palo
Alto Municipal Code, a two-thirds vote of the City Council is
required to adopt this ordinance.
SECTION 5. The Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby
finds that this is not a project under the California
Environmental Quality Act and, therefore, no environmental
impact assessment is necessary.
SECTION 6. As provided in Section 2.04.330 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code, this Ordinance shall become effective upon
adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Sr. Asst. City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Admin. Services
Attachment B
1855 Bret Harte Street
Palo Alto, CA 94303
August 8, 2011
City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear City Clerk,
'. Please count our protests against the proposed rate and/or fee increases for wa1er volumetric a,nd fixed service
charges for Residential W1 users. Please also count our protests against the proposed refuse rate increase,
both fixed and variable, for residential users.
Sinc~reIY, _ \ -&I~.~ t(.~~~oo~
Cornelia K. Turkington
Our parcel number is: 003-56-016-00
Our utilities account number is: 30023439
----------------------------------------------------------------
I
/
1884 Bret Harte St.'
Palo Alto, CA 94303
August 8, 2011'
City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear City Clerk,
..
CtTy OF f5A '" enYClE lP, A,~JO~,CA RK S tJFFlGf
,1IAUG 16 PM, 2= O.
"
Please count our protests against the proposed rate and/or fee increases for water
volumetric al'ld fixed service charges for Residential W1 users. Please also count our
protests against the proposed refuse rate increase, both fixed and variable, for
residential users.
Sincerely,
~~
Hilary Donahue
Our parcel number .is: 003-56-024
Our utilities accOUnt number is: 30019129
August 9,2011
City Clerk
•
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo AHo, CA 94301
Garbage. Rate Protest
• WILLIAM COURINGTON
C .. I.IY OF PALO .. A.~TO.· ~, .. (tA. (a·fTY CLERK'S O,,"¥fSE
II AUG 12 AM 8: I 0
1231 Byron St.
Paro Alto, CA 94301
6503258517
Account: 30008578
To recover cost equitably and encourage conservation, garbage, recycle, and yard waste should be "metered"
like gas, water, and electricity. The charge should be per·container·picked-up by size of container. I.e., if my
neighbor puts out a mini-can every other week, and I put out a 32.gallon can every week, my cost should be
quadruple, not double, as in the current proposal. In other words, make conservation directly benefit the refuse
producer in a visible and controllable way. Giving people an incentive to put containers out only when they are
full should reduce City cost by requiring fewer truck stops and fewer pickups at each stop.
One way to implement this approach would be to identify each container with an RFID tag or bar code. Although I
have no personal experience, scanning each can as ifs loaded on the truck would likely be cheap and quick.
This is library and FastPass technology that has been working for years. Exploiting appropriate technology for
waste collection might also give the City something to brag about.
William Courington
/
I~ CDI()r~cLo
"11 0 "IT\ U (J l;, I( or P,I!
('/7'( CLEh~I;P IlLro, CA ,Ii S OFFICE
Ii AUG IS
To: City of Palo Alto P!1 2: 51
Re: Protest to proposed Increases to ALL Utilities and Services
To whom it concerns,
August 10,2011
I am disgusted by all the increases you have been imposing on us, the residents, Ocver ~e .
past 4 years for our utility services.
It just keeps going up and up, with no end in sight
My family lias lived here for 46 years, and never has it been a bad town to live, as it has
been in recent years.
Every time management can't balance the City budget, or says its come up short, the
attitude appears that the residents can fix it, in the fonn of another hike for our services.
Not just one of them, but all of them.
Speaking for myself, I put a lot of effort into recycling all that I can. So now your going to
hold that against me, by penalizing me for my efforts? It's a big job for us too! Sorting it,
storing it, then pushing it out to the street every week.
From what I've seen over the years, the services have always been the same quality, so
where does all that money go?
Also, I read in the local paper, that the garbage service has been operating at a loss (in the
red) for a long time now.
Do we have to close the gap on that too?
If that is true, why was it operating that way for years?
Who was minding the store when "operating in the negative" was put in place?
Who runs a business that way?
As for my 2 large gJen clipping bins. I fill one an a half of them every week easy, with
city leaves from the Magnolia tree in front of my house. Sometimes there's not enough
room for my own garden clippings. I do all the work! Then I pay the city garbage service
to haul them away? May be I should send you my bill!
I for one don't have a bottomless bank account. Every increase puts a hardship on my
family and myself.
I have work for P AUSD for the past16 years. I don't get a 40 hour work week. It's not
even a 12 month job due to summer breaks. I'm already having to pay back a large sum of
J
August 8, 2011
City Clerk
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
!
RE: Property located at 845 Commercial Street
Dear Sir/Madam,
We object to proposed refuse rate increase at the time when our business is facing this difficult
economic period.
Sincerely,
~
Jay Patel
Facilities Manager
/ I
WWW.SCITON.COM925COMMERCIALSTREET.PALOALTO.CA94303 PH: 650-493-9155 Fx: 650-493-9146
J
August 8, 2011
City Clerk
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I
e o SCI T 0 NJry OF PALO ALTO. G.A efT ( CLERK'S OFFICE
II AUG' 0 AM ,: 40
RE: Property located at 925 Commercial Street
Dear Sir/Madam,
We object to proposed refuse rate increase at the time when our business is facing this difficult
economic period.
Sincerely,
Jay Patel
Facilities Manager
/
WWW.SCITON.COM925COMMERCIALSTREET.PAlOALTO.CA 94303 PH: 650-493-9155 Fx: 650-493·9146
RE: Protest for Water and Refuse Rate Changes for Residential Property
City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
August 21,2011
Kevin Chien
3428 Cowper Court
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Parcel Number: 132-11-008 "
Dear City Clerk,
I write to protest the following rate changes for my property:
Water Rate Changes for Residential Property
-Refuse Rate Changes for Residential Property
-,
I feel what I am paying is fair and the increases are much too large, in many cases double
what I am paying now. I wholeheartedly want to protest this increase.
Best regards,
',o/LCL-/~ -----i/ Kevin Chien
415-203-0377
/
, 1795 Guinda Street .
Palo Alto, CA 94303
August 8, 2011
City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue'
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear City Clerk,
CITY OF PALO ALTO. (JA CiTY CLERtrS OFfICE
" AUG J 2 AM 8: to
Please count our protests against the proposed rate and/or fee
increases for water volumetric and fixed service charges for
Residential WI users. Please also count our protests against the
proposed refuse rate increase, both fixed and variable, for
residential users.
Sincerely,
~.~~JL
Dr. BarclayJ. Tullis and
Mrs. Barclay J. Tullis
1
Our parcel number is: 356074
Our utilities acfount number is: 30022636
~c~.
~.j (3 #C24?7.d/~ ~
~Io ff.i?~ ~ <7~,?O/
~.£cU-~:
oJ) U!/.:rfL n., tPhOZU>l--;:t)zv ~ ~
~ /?a£1.#+:(p~~~~
I7J ~~ ~aLe-1f Z7;?J~C?-. £!T'
~ jJalZ-eeL. /I/o. J0 /g7-/5-CJJ/-~o,
I??!f ~,; a4,'?! o{fflJl>K2-!1"te::. W£, t9~ Ca .
9£130&.
NO.ON ALL UTILITY RATE --
ADJUSTMENTS
107 Melville Avenue -
Charles Lyons
/
ee ee
NO ON ALL UTILITY RATE -c: ..
ADJUSTMENTS
109 Melville Avenue
(
Nell Lyons
~~ ~LL l'{b~S b.t ~ .... \.ltb ~
lb \~ \"
/
August 17,2011
City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
•
We would like to add our protest against the proposed rate and/or fee increases
for water anci fixed service charges for Residential WI users. which is to come up
again for a vote in the next few weeks.
Please also count our protests against this latest proposed refuse rate increase, both fixed and
variable, for residential users.
It seems we have had several recent increases in our Utility costs as currently billed, and had
considered a similar increase in June, which was not approved.
Thank you for your consideration of this letter in regard to this proposal. We hope this
perceived need for rate increases can be handled by cutting back on expenditures in the
Utilities Department.
Sincerely,
(Resident at above address for over 55 years)
/ I
City Clerk
775 Northampton Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Aug. 8, 2011
250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
To whom it may concern:
CITY OF PALO ALTO. CA
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
If AUG 22 PH 3: 52 Account #30029774
The purpose of this communication is to protest the raising of water rates and refuse
rates for residential customers. The City should reduce spending where it its outlay is
excessivy. Arbitrarily raising fees for residents is not good management.
y 9UfS truly, ,
k~ ~~·t1.teo
Kay Bushnell
August 22, 2011
City of Palo Alto
City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 9490 I,
BIIG & BERG ENTERPRISES, INJI
10050 Bandley Drive
Cupertino, CA 95014-2188
Ph (408) 725-0700 Fax (408) 725-1626
mcraw(ord@Jnissionwest.com
RE: Notice of Public Hearing for Utility Rate Change, Monday, September 19,2011
967 Oregon Expressway, Palo Alto, CA
To Whom It May Concern:
--~ (;')
'1")
U1
~ ce
C11 o
We protest the refuse and water rate change as proposed. The City is increasing the rates out of
proportion to the cost of inflation and are not doing an adequate job of controlling their labor and out of
proportion pension costs.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sincerel ,
~(~G-~
onC ,ford
Email: mcwford@missionwest.com
Ph. 408-725-7633)
)
{
10050 Bandley Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014 -Tel: 4",11'" '-7;~~'-'lJ7tJlu'.,.,>JSa:x~
I
i
eq} UF PALO AlJO,CA CI! Y CLERK'S OFFICE
If SEP -I Ati 10: I 2
Karolyn Brosz
~,,3605 Park Blvd.
Palo Alto, CA Home ZIP
City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear City Clerk,
Please count my protest against the proposed rate
and/or fee increases for water volumetric and fixed
service charges for Residential W1 user. Please also
count my protest against the proposedrefuse rate
increase, both fixed and variable, for residential
users.
Sin~e~:/
·'X/"-·~;;;."'~< I ~ . . /' t Y ,//:p-~ _ ....... '
/ Karolyn ~--
Utility Account # 30033799
Parcel # 132 3405000 .
T
3073 Price Court
Palo Alto, CA 94303
City Clerk
250 Han\ilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
CITY OF PALO ALTO. GA €/TY CLERK'S OFFlCE
11 AUG -9 PM 2: Ilf
Reference: Assessor's Parcel Number 127-52-010-00
Gentlemen,
Thursday, August 04,2011
The purpose of this letter is to protest the water rate changes to both "volumetric and
monthly service charges. Also I would like to protest the proposed refuse rate increases.
I believe a fare increase should be proportional to the size of each household's refuse can
Very truly yours,
~o~~
I !
~
"
August 26, 2011
Subject: Protest of water and refuse rate adjustment
Address: 3021 Ross Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Assessor's Parcel Number: 127-26-135
Dear City Clerk,
This letter is in official protest of the proposed utility rate adjustments for refuse and water. I am
protesting the fixed rate component being proposed for residential refuse customers of $4.62. I am also
protesting the fixed and volumetric charges proposed for residential water customers.
What is even more disturbing to me than the proposed rate changes is the manner required for citizens
. to protest these changes. The burden should not be on residents to protest by having to draft an
antiquated form of a letter sent by another dysfunctional government service (Le. Post Office) in order
to make our voices heard. The burden should be on the city employees that require us to use "public"
services to make it easy for citizens to protest through electronic means such as email.
Regards,
Homeowner: 3021 Ross Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Phone: 650-678-5302
/
I
August 8, 2011
City Clerk
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
e o SCI T ON®
RE: Property located at 870 San Antonio Rd
Dear Sir/Madam,
We object to proposed refuse rate increase at the time when our business is facing this difficult
economic period.
Sincerely,
Jay Patel
Facilities Manager
WWW.SCITON.COM925COMMERCIALSTREET.PALOALTO.CA 94303 PH: 650-493-9155 Fx: 650-493-9146
I
August 8, 2011
City Clerk
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301 ,
e
SCI T 0 ~Y OF PALPA!,.TQ.C;A Y CLERK S OFFICE
" AUG 10 AH ~ .. ,
RE: Property located at 8!6San Antonio Rd
DearSir/Madam,
We object to pr~posed refuse rate increase at the time when our business is facing this difficult
economic period.
Sincerely,
. ."' ~ -'. :
Jay Patel
Facilities Manager ....
/
WWW.sCITON.COM925COMMERCIALSTREET.PALoALTO.CA 94303 PH: 650-493-9155 Fx: 650-493-9146
CITY OF PALO ALTO.CA
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
City Clerk
250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I J AUG 22 PH 3: St..
235 Seale Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Aug 17, 2011
Re: Protest against proposed changes to Residential Refuse Rates
To Whom It May Concern: ,
I write to protest the increase in Refuse Rates. I oppose the flat monthly charge of
$4.62 and if future increases in variable rates are proposed I will protest that as
well. Palo Alto residents are doing a good job of reducing waste and should pay less,
not more, for this increase in efficiency.
I strongly oppose the proposed changes in rates.
Sincerely,
\
/---;, \" ,1J17._ LZ:;U~L~~'
Susan C. Neville
Account: 30032500
Dear Sir/Madam:
Proposed Refuse Fixed Rate Component
CfTY OF PALO AUa~c,A
arTY CLERK'S 0"''6£
11 AUG 23 PH 1,: 10
Palo Alto Utilities account number: 30031160
Sanjay S Patel
1142 Stanislaus lane
Palo Alto, CA 94303
With respect to the recent notification of the implementation of fixed rate component for refuse
collection, I write to protest this implementation.
This is nothing short of sheer bullying: the city had its opportunity to save for the rainy day during the
pre-200S heyday of partying when the utilities were flush with money. And now, the same utilities -who
forgot to SAVE MONEY (hello?) -are sticking it to the small guy who did not even get to party with fat
cats during the heyday. What gives?
Yours very disgustedly fed up with the intended extortion of the small guy,
~~~ \ I
Sanjay Patel /
650 Tennyson Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
August 8, 201 1
City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear City Clerk,
Please count our protests against the proposed
rate and/or fee increases for water volumetric
and fixed service charges for Residential W 1
users. Please also count our protests against
the proposed refuse rate increase, both fixed and
variable, for residential users.
Sincerely,
/
August 11,2011
City Clerk
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
To "Whom It May Concern:
•
We are opposed to the proposed refuse mte increase for residential customers given the
current e~pensive residential utilities bill we already receive.
I
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best regards,
~
832 Waverley St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
,
/
• •
.... "._ ....... _ ...• _._ .... ~ ...... _, ......... _.,., ......... __ ,., .. ~ ... _ ...... _ ...... _ .... N._.~_ ....... _ .. _ ........... _ .... _ ............ _ .. _ .............. _. __ . _________ . __ . ____ •. ___ .. ____ ... _______ .... _ ....... --... .
,_",_. _ ",_, __ ,_ ••••••••••••••• _ •• <O~ •••• _ ._ ........ ___ "_ •• _._~._._ •• _._ •• __ ••••• _._~ •••• _ -,-........... __ ... -.----.-~--.• "
/ i
•
Grider, Donna
From: Ke'niston, Eric
Sent: Wednesday, August 10,20112:00 PM
To:
Cc:
Grider, Donna; Fang, Valerie; Connolly, Ipek; Sartor, Mike
Stump, Molly
Subject: RE: Protest le~rs received
Donna,
2370 Webster is listed as a single parcel, so technically only one protest should count .. ,
I have the parcel record list, so if you receive any more like this, let me know and I
will answer them ~s quickly as I can.
Eric
From: Grider, Donna
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 1:52 PM
To: Keniston, Eric; Fong, Valerie; Connolly, Ipek; Sartor, Mike
Cc: Stump, Molly
Subject: Protest letters received
Importance: High
I have received two separate letters to protest both the water and refuse rates for 2370
Webster Street and 2370-A Webster Street.
Can you confirm that I should count each of these protests? In other words are they two
separate parcels? ~
City Clerk
) Donna J. Grider, MMC
City of Palo Alto
650-329-2226
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