Akron, Ohio News Release...

Panel Completes Audit Of Water Department

(November 9, 1998)- Mayor Don Plusquellic announced today his Blue Ribbon Panel has completed its nine-month investigation of the Akron Water Department and delivered a report containing 59 recommended improvements. The mayor said at his weekly news conference, "I want to thank each member of the panel for pursuing this task with diligence and for delivering an outstanding detailed report."

The Blue Ribbon Panel was appointed by the mayor in February of this year to study Akron's water system and develop recommendations for improvements. The Blue Ribbon Panel members are: Chairman, Steve Morgan of Ohio Edison; Grady Appleton, East Akron Community House; Kevin Flaherty, Ameritech; Louise Gissendaner, Fifth Third Bank; Ken Holland, Laborer's International Union Local 894; Michael Reed, East Ohio Gas; Carole Wendt, The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.

Service Director Joe Kidder said, "The panel has provided us with what I believe are sound recommendations for reducing costs within the water department."

Included in the recommendations:

• Better training for employees within the utilities business office to handle multiple assignments

• Reducing customer complaints of "spiked" billing through more efficient meter reading

• Eliminating congestion within the utilities business office by providing expanded access to bill payment locations and greater telephone access to services

• Increasing automation of water plant facilities

• Elimination of burdensome rules and regulations

The panel also endorsed an ongoing initiative within the utilities business office to replace its computer system and streamline work practices. Kidder said today, "Our customers can expect an end to long lines in the business office and to the busy signals they used to get when calling a customer service representative."

There is also the recommendation the City combine the water distribution and sewer maintenance divisions for greater efficiency and cost savings. The suggestion is they be consolidated into one location and begin cross training the employees.

The Blue Ribbon Panel's report contained several recommendations from employee surveys which were distributed in June. Along with the advice it provided, the panel also thanked the management and employees of the Public Utilities Bureau for their willingness to discuss their operations and assist in identifying opportunities for improvements.

Service Director Joe Kidder said, "We will include many of these recommendations in our redesign of the Public Utilities Bureau. I hope we will be able to reduce water rates for our customers after we implement these improvements." Mayor Don Plusquellic has frozen water rates until the year 2000.