Royal Council approves "Forgiveness Ordinance" for water leaks

ROYAL CITY - At its meeting of Oct. 21, the Royal City Council enacted an ordinance that forgives the customer when his or her water bill goes exceedingly high because of a residence system leak.

A second ordinance was passed to regulate truck traffic because of safety concerns. It establishes truck routes through town that will include Camelia St.

The "forgiveness" ordinance came about as the result of a request for relief by resident Roberto Aquino. His bill in early summer totaled more than $300, according for Finance Director Greg Pike.

The city did not have an ordinance to go by but was sympathetic to Aquino. It agreed to reduce the bill to the base rate and follow up with an ordinance that would benefit all users.

The ordinance of Oct. 21 is written in such a way to be fair and also guard against fraud. Forgiveness will be allowed only once in five years per account. But it can cover two billing cycles.

"A leak can start late in one cycle and still be there early in the next cycle," Pike said.

Still to be added to the ordinance, perhaps, is a maximum forgivable figure. That will take some study,

Regarding the truck regulating ordinance, Pike said truck routes were designed for flow through commercial streets, such as Camelia. They are designed to avoid residential streets. Citizens can view a truck route map at city hall.

In a related matter, Public Works Director John Lasen told the council that signs have been ordered that will direct semi-tractor trailers to exit Mack's Mocha's parking lot through the exit furthest from Highway 26.

The council had asked Lasen earlier to address the matter. Trucks often block both lanes of Royal Ave. when they exit through the upper entrance and halt at the stop sign at 26.

Pike said the Mac's Mocha ownership agreed to the signs being placed.

The council passed the consent agenda. It included approval of council meeting minutes from October 7, payroll for 10/15/14 in the amount of $21,444.18 and claims for 10/21/14 No. 26449-26485 in the amount of $20,329.09.

Royal City Police Chief Darin Smith notified the council of a police officer training at the old Red Rock School. A motion was passed to authorize Mayor Andersen to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement to the property owner.

Lasen reported that the Public Works telemetry computer has been fixed temporarily but will need to be replaced soon. He said two water leaks on Camelia Street were reported and repaired.

Mayor Kent Andersen reported that he will be meeting with Tommer Construction regarding road projects.