Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • April 7, 2010 Franklin Lakes Council opposes United Water rate increase by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Borough Council has approved a resolution expressing its opposition to United Water New Jersey, Inc.’s petition to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for a 20 percent rate increase. According to the council, the basis for the requested increase is essentially three-fold: for substantial improvements to the Haworth Treatment Plan, which represents the largest single capital investment United Water has made since its inception in 1869; its entitlement to earn a fair rate of return of, and on, these investments; and due to significant increases in certain costs, including power and chemicals. The council’s resolution claims the majority of the improvements which form the primary basis for the rate increase have already been completed, so the rate increase is effectively seeking to pass on costs “after the fact,” and the proposed increase comes on the heels of a more than 17.5 percent rate increase in 2009. The council further notes that, while area residents continue to struggle through a difficult economy and municipalities are constrained by state-imposed tax levy and appropriations caps, United Water seeks rate increases for unprecedented capital projects and to increase its own profits and cover its cost increases. Without this rate increase, the council said United Water’s annual fee to the borough for fire protection charges in 2009 included $76,029 in charges for 395 fire hydrants, or $192 per hydrant, and a transmission and distribution BEST PRICES...BEST SELECTION OF 2010 WEBER GRILLS Enjoy The Spring And Many More With A New WEBER Grill In Your Backyard WEBER continues to lead the way with impressive new look, thoughtful features, larger cooking area, legendary cooking system and the construction that made WEBER famous! ���� � � ���� ��� We carry a complete line of WEBER Grills. 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If approved by the BPU, Clark said it would increase the typical residential customer’s bill by approximately 33 cents per day, or $9.75 per month, making the cost per gallon delivered to customers’ taps on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis still less than a penny. “In these difficult times, when a utility raises rates for its services, customers and elected officials are certainly entitled to an explanation,” said Jim Glozzy, United Water New Jersey’s vice president and general manager. “We are filing this application because of the investments we have made to improve water quality and help maintain reliable service for our customers.” The most notable project includes the $32 million in Phase 2 capital improvements to the Haworth Water Treatment Plant. The major component of this phase is the addition of new chlorine contact basins. “This change will result in better-tasting water because we will be able to use less chlorine to disinfect the water,” said Glozzy. “In addition, there will be fewer disinfection byproducts and that will have a positive impact on the environment.” United Water recently completed $100 million in Phase 1 upgrades to the Haworth plant. Glozzy said this was the largest capital investment in the company’s 140-year history, making Haworth one of the most technologically advanced water treatment plants in the United States. Costs of the Phase 1 upgrades were recovered in rate relief awarded by the BPU this past April, according to Glozzy, and this new rate increase filing includes capital improvements made since April. “While many water suppliers across the country are facing problems of aging infrastructure, United Water has worked decisively to address those concerns in a timely manner,” Glozzy explained. “These investments are necessary for us to continue to ensure the safety and reliability of our water system for our customers and to meet increasingly stringent water quality regulations set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. These investments demonstrate United Water’s commitment to meet our customers’ needs both today and in the future.” Glozzy noted that, even if the BPU were to grant the entire rate increase request, the typical United Water New Jersey customer would pay about $1.61 for a day’s worth of water (approximately 250 gallons), which is less than the cost of one gallon of bottled water. “Our customers have their water brought to their tap everyday for less than one penny a gallon,” he said. “That’s pretty good value when you stop to think about it.” Propane Filled 7 Days A Week 27 Franklin Turnpike • Waldwick 201-652-5666 www.homehardwaresupply.com MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED FREE Propane Fill-Up with purchase of assembled grill of $399 or more (Tank sold separately) With coupon only. VT FREE With coupon only. Assembly with WEBER Grill Purchase Mon-Wed 7:30-6, Thurs & Fri 7:30-8, Sat 8-5, Sun 9-3 VT FREE (With Grill Purchase) With coupon only. VT Standard Delivery of Any Grill of $599 or More (continued from page 4) Councilman Michael Friscia, the council’s liaison to the planning board, said he was concerned about the $500 minimum fine, but the planning board stood fast on that recommendation when Friscia brought his concern to the board’s attention. Councilwoman Paulette Ramsey also voiced concern about the 300-hour community service requirement, saying it should be 90 days. Borough Attorney Richard Lustgarten said he believes it is always best to give the municipal court judge flexibility and to permit discretion for human error. He suggested that, if necessary, the fine and punishment could be increased in the future. Friscia and Ramsey were joined by Councilman Frank Bivona and Councilwoman Nathalie Lota, the other council members present at the meeting, in agreeing that the minimum fine should be $250 and the length of the community service requirement should be 90 days. 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