The meeting opened with attention to the tiered water rates, particularly their impact on multifamily dwellings like the Briwood Condominium Association, as discussed by a resident. He highlighted dramatic increases in water bills due to the tiered rates applied to multifamily residences, with costs rising from $7,150 in 2021 to $16,551 by 2024. The concern was that these increases could lead to a special assessment to cover the financial strain. The board was urged to consider adjustments to alleviate this burden, prompting a wider discussion about the fairness and equity of current billing practices.

Further complicating matters was the situation at the Postmark property, where a restaurant reportedly benefited from lower water costs despite high usage. The board considered various solutions, including installing a deduct meter for more accurate billing and manually adjusting bills until a permanent solution could be implemented. The conversation underscored the importance of equitable billing practices, with a focus on ensuring fair treatment for all residents, especially those in mixed-use buildings.

A proposal for a second water meter policy was introduced, aimed at addressing outdoor water usage during warmer months. The policy would involve a pilot program for 400 units, requiring rain sensors and backflow preventers for irrigation systems. The program’s financial implications were debated, with concerns raised about potential revenue losses from sewer services and the feasibility of a 99.7% sewer rate increase to counterbalance these losses.

The meeting also tackled proposed changes to the fiscal year 2025 tax rates, with board members expressing differing views on the appropriate residential factor. One proposal suggested a shift to a residential factor of 1.11 to balance the tax increase between residential and commercial properties. This approach was met with mixed reactions.

In addition to these financial discussions, the board addressed the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. A proposal to allocate $887,000 for pickleball court design prompted debate over the project’s scope and funding requirements. Concerns were raised about the lack of detailed documentation and the necessity of a formal presentation to justify the allocation. Ultimately, the board moved forward with reallocating $87,834 from unspent ARPA funds for the project, with the intention to redirect any remaining funds to other capital projects if necessary.

The meeting also involved discussions about upcoming public hearings on traffic and parking regulations, highlighting ongoing challenges with parking enforcement and the need for compliance with municipal lot regulations. Board members emphasized the importance of effective monitoring to ensure adherence to parking policies, acknowledging the complexities of managing parking spaces in a busy downtown area.