Res. No. 1470
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation that would amend the state Public Authorities Law by requiring members of the New York City Water Board to maintain residency in the City of New York, give each Borough President one appointment to the Board, and require that at least one of the Mayor's appointees be a single-family home owner.
By Council Members Vacca, Comrie, Fidler, Gentile, James, Koo, Rose, Williams, Wills, Halloran and Ulrich
Whereas, Beginning July 1, 2012 the cost of metered water in New York City will increase by 7 percent; and
Whereas, Since the beginning of the Bloomberg Administration in 2002, the cost of metered water has increased by more than 130 percent; and
Whereas, This increase is five times the rate of inflation over the same period and places an undue financial burden on New York City residents and businesses, during difficult economic times; and
Whereas, This burden is particularly hard for single-family home owners, who cannot pass along the cost of water rate increases to their customers or tenants; and
Whereas, The New York City Water Board is responsible for setting these exorbitant rates in the City of New York; and
Whereas, Currently, all seven members of the Water Board are appointed by the Mayor of the City of New York, and other than a requirement that one of the members have experience in the science of water resource development, there are no other requirements for being appointed to the Board; and
Whereas, Providing the Mayor with the power to appoint all of the members of the Board, and not having any residency or similar requirements diminishes the Board's ability to represent and understand the issues and concerns of New York City residents when setting water rates; and
Whereas, This problem would be ameliorated if each Borough President were given one appointment to the Board, thereby ensuring that the varying needs of each borough are taken into account; and
Whereas, In addition, members of the Board should be required to be New York City residents, and at least one of the Mayor's appointees should be required to be the owner of a single family home, thereby ensuring that the Board fully understands and feels the impact of increased water rates; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation that would amend the state Public Authorities Law by requiring members of the New York City Water Board to maintain residency in the City of New York, give each Borough President one appointment to the Board, and require that at least one of the Mayor's appointees be a single-family home owner.
AM
LS3536
06/14/2012