I support some of the proposed water rate increases. The base rate is the only reliable source of income. The conservation of the last 2 years has shown that water sales are not reliable because the public will choose to limit their use rather than pay for green grass. This will likely continue as lawns are converted, and trees die. I prefer the cooling effects of a green lawn, especially as the summer temperatures raise, but I am not sure I am willing to pay for it.
I would like to propose a different approach to water consumption rates. A flat increase becomes regressive, and that has already been done with the increase in the flat rate. I would like to see a sliding increase in the rates: 1% for tier 1; 2% for tier 2, etc. up to 5% for tier 5. This will further the desiogn of the rate structure.
As you consider how Sandy will respond to UDOT and Central Wasatch Commission recommendations for Little Cottonwood Canyon and the gondola, please note my observations and recommendation:
1. More than 35% of the cars on powder days are single occupancy vehicles
2. More than 20% of the cars on weekends are single occupancy vehicles.
Rather than $500+ million in initial capital investment plus ongoing costs (to any of the proposed solution of gondola, busses, etc.), simply restrict single occupancy vehicle traffic from canyon 7a-12p every Saturday and Sunday, every holiday, Christmas to New Year's, and powder days where the 6am official NWS snow report shows 6+ inches in upper Little Cottonwood Canyon. Two Sandy or UPD officers on those days are far cheaper than any other option and achieve the net same reduction in vehicular traffic.
I support some of the proposed water rate increases. The base rate is the only reliable source of income. The conservation of the last 2 years has shown that water sales are not reliable because the public will choose to limit their use rather than pay for green grass. This will likely continue as lawns are converted, and trees die. I prefer the cooling effects of a green lawn, especially as the summer temperatures raise, but I am not sure I am willing to pay for it.
I would like to propose a different approach to water consumption rates. A flat increase becomes regressive, and that has already been done with the increase in the flat rate. I would like to see a sliding increase in the rates: 1% for tier 1; 2% for tier 2, etc. up to 5% for tier 5. This will further the desiogn of the rate structure.
As you consider how Sandy will respond to UDOT and Central Wasatch Commission recommendations for Little Cottonwood Canyon and the gondola, please note my observations and recommendation:
1. More than 35% of the cars on powder days are single occupancy vehicles
2. More than 20% of the cars on weekends are single occupancy vehicles.
Rather than $500+ million in initial capital investment plus ongoing costs (to any of the proposed solution of gondola, busses, etc.), simply restrict single occupancy vehicle traffic from canyon 7a-12p every Saturday and Sunday, every holiday, Christmas to New Year's, and powder days where the 6am official NWS snow report shows 6+ inches in upper Little Cottonwood Canyon. Two Sandy or UPD officers on those days are far cheaper than any other option and achieve the net same reduction in vehicular traffic.