Council defers decision on 1003 Park Street water connection after debate over meters and billing

The Westmoreland City Council voted unanimously to defer consideration of a water-connection request for 1003 Park Street after members debated whether the city should require four separate meters or allow one meter with alternate billing arrangements.

The item was introduced by the presiding officer (S1) as a request to add service at the former Dr. Carter building, currently owned by a new purchaser. City staff (S3) said city code typically requires separate meters for commercial and residential uses and noted the building now houses two businesses and two apartments, which could trigger a requirement for four meters. "Typically it'll be required to have a total of four water meters there," staff said.

A council member (S4) opposed requiring one owner to pay four minimum charges from a single meter, saying, "I really don't feel right about billing somebody four times for one meter." The council discussed past precedents where additional meters were required when properties were subdivided for separate tenants and whether a variance from the planning commission could be appropriate for an older, existing structure.

After discussion, a council member (S4) moved to defer the matter to the June work study for further examination and to allow staff to invite the property owner and legal counsel; Vice Mayor Jones seconded the motion. The referral passed on a recorded affirmative vote. The mover later retracted the original approval motion and council members noted legal counsel and the landowner should attend the follow-up meeting to clarify options and precedent.

Council did not adopt any new billing or meter requirement at the meeting; the referral is intended to allow staff and council time to review whether a variance or different billing approach would be appropriate.