Public Works Director Keith Harris presented a detailed report on water usage during the cold snap, highlighting a stark increase in consumption. On one particular Sunday, the city consumed over 400,000 gallons of water, compared to its typical 160,000 gallons. This surge was primarily attributed to residents running water to prevent pipes from freezing. Harris reassured the commission that the situation was under control, with usage decreasing to about 200,000 gallons per day, and the city’s new 100,000-gallon water tank was operational again to help address issues with water quality.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the potential capacity issues this spike might cause and emphasized the need to report these figures to the St. John’s Water Board. The discussion then transitioned to the city’s natural gas supply and the anticipated increase in gas bills due to the severe cold. The Director of Crescent City Natural Gas detailed how the infrastructure coped with the cold, maintaining stable pressure despite the increased demand. He noted that the natural gas industry had to compensate for failures in other energy sources like solar and wind during the freeze.

Concern centered on the expected rise in residents’ gas bills, which could inflate from approximately $24,000 in December to an estimated $74,000 in January. The commission explored ways to effectively communicate these changes to residents, many of whom might not understand the reasons behind the higher charges. There was acknowledgment of the need for clearer communication, especially for those who might overlook explanatory inserts included with their bills.

To mitigate the impact on residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, the city proposed extending payment plans. These plans would allow customers to pay their increased bills over several months. A maximum deposit of $50 for property owners and $100 for renters was clarified, with discussions on the risk involved if customers fail to follow through on these plans. The commission agreed on the necessity of clear communication and transparency about these payment options.

The commission further debated the logistics of implementing these payment plans and ensuring they are accessible to all residents. It was suggested that the city use various communication channels, including the city’s website, social media, and local radio stations, to inform residents of the changes. However, there was caution against causing unnecessary panic. Flyers in local churches, hardware stores, and libraries were also considered as a means to reach a broader audience.

The discussion also covered the language used in communications, emphasizing a need for a tone that reflects the city’s understanding of potential hardships. A motion was approved to authorize the Crescent City Natural Gas Department to implement the payment plan, with a requirement for a follow-up report to the commission in April to evaluate the plan’s effectiveness.

No public comments were made during the designated section, and the meeting concluded with a unanimous vote in favor of the proposed payment plan and communication strategy.