Woods Council to Hear from City Engineer on Water Rate Hike

The 18.2 percent water rate hike for residents prompted Mayor Robert Novitke to ask for a meeting/presentation by the city's engineer, who acts as a liaison to the Detroit Water and Sewage Department. 

Novitke addressed the rate hike near the end of the council's meeting Monday, explaining that the city put in place many measures that likely limited the increase, but noted he still isn't happy about the high percentage. 

Councilwoman Vicki Granger likened the hike to going to a restaurant, bringing your own appetizers and then being told you have to pay more. Granger explained the city was instructed it needed to use less water to avoid rate increases, which it did, but now residents are still seeing an increase. 

The city's water usage was reduced by about 20,000 units last year, Novitke said. The Woods is not the only community for which water rates are increasing, but it has the highest rate of increase within the Pointes. Rates are expected to go from $10.21 to $12.07 per 1000 cubic feet of water used. 

The rates in the Shores are expected to increase by about 9 percent and in the Park by about 10 percent. The City and the Farms are not on the Detroit water system. 

City Administrator Al Fincham was asked by Novitke to arrange a meeting for next week in which the city engineer would explain in more detail how the numbers were reached.

Novitke said he understands the Detroit water department's need to cover its fixed costs but is questioning how the new rate was determined. He also told fellow council members he's concerned because the estimates do not include sewage rates.

Security, more park news

In other news, the council unanimously approved the purchase of security cameras for , a new memorial bench for the park to be paid for by the family who petitioned the council's approval and an extension on a medical marijuana dispensary moratorium. 

The cameras are part of the Parks and Recreation Department's effort to increase security at the park in the event there is a problem or crime. The department will be issuing park passes this year with a bar code that will be scanned at the entrance by gate guards. 

A Woods family requested a park bench in memory of a 22-year-old man who died in September. According to a letter submitted to the city, the man enjoyed the park and often spent time there with friends and family. His family has pictures of him near the lake from shortly before he died.

Medical marijuana moratorium extended

The moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries simply extends the city's original six-month ban. This extension is for 12 months and intends to allow the city to observe the outcomes of several pending legal cases concerning the state's passage of medical marijuana usage. This does not prohibit people from using the drug for medicinal purposes who have a prescription. 

New council member sworn in

Council also swore in its newest member, Kevin Ketels. Council selected Ketels to fill an interim spot after former councilwoman Gabriela Boddy resigned to move to China in December. Ketels will serve on council through November, at which time the seat will be put up for vote in a special election.