During a public hearing Oct. 18 before city council, Laura Collins, Director of Community and Economic Development, relayed details for an application for a Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing program.

If the application is successful, the city could receive a grant of up to $10 million.

Collins explained to council, “Our plan intends to apply for $10 million to support the implementation of our comprehensive housing strategy.”

She concluded her presentation saying, “This is not a grant that is required in implementing the plan, but would allow us to supplement existing funds, and really exponentially increase the number of units that we might be able to produce or help preserve through these strategies.”

The application was posted on the city’s website Oct. 10, allowing for a 15-day public comment, as per the guidelines. A second public hearing will take place Oct. 20 at 10 a.m.

The public is invited to review the application and submit comments by Oct. 25.

During public comments, Mark and Sally Will-Weber raised an issue relating to the effectiveness of water meters.

The couple explained to council that last January, they took a five-week trip abroad. Upon their return, they received a bill from Sewer and Water for usage of 54,000 gallons of water during that period.

According to Mark Will-Weber, “We brought in our own plumber, at our own expense, and he said that we don’t have a broken pipe, we don’t have leaky toilets or faucets. We don’t even have a damp spot under the sink. But Sewer and Water said no, you gotta pay us anyway. The meter says that you use that water.”

According to Will-Weber, the meter in question is 30 years old. It was eventually replaced by Sewer and Water. After looking at different options, he would like to see council address the penalty phase.

Although he can afford a $500 bill, Will-Weber said not everyone who would be facing this situation would be able to. The situation has also affected his health.

Will-Weber explained added stress on what has happened is causing him to have problems sleeping. He is also suffering anxiety about what would happen should he and his wife leave on another trip. As he left the podium, he made the point of showing that he was leaving his payment behind.

In response to a question from councilwoman Hillary Kwiatek, Water and Sewer Resources Director Edward Boscola said, the water meter was removed and tested, and found to be working accurately. All penalties were waived.

Boscola explained new water meters are electronic and can be programmed to provide a signal if usage seems out of the norm for a household. Older models detected usage by the movement of water within the mechanism.

As for the specifics of the Will-Weber case, Boscola reminded everyone it would be inappropriate for him to go into details.