PWBC Tri-County FOIA Project: Residential Water Data (Clerk, Ecourse)
| Tracking # |
03/04/2022 |
| Multi Request | PWBC Tri-County FOIA Project: Residential Water Data |
| Submitted | March 2, 2022 |
| Est. Completion | Nov. 28, 2022 |
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Communications
From: PWBC
Dear Records Custodian,
This is a request under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et. seq.) for documents that detail how your community’s water system functions, including details on utility terminations, restorations, and rates.
As context for this request, I am requesting these records on behalf of the People’s Water Board Coalition, a non-profit organization that advocates for equitable access, protection, and affordability of utility services, and water conservation. We are filing similar requests for information with many other Michigan water utilities in collaboration with residents, community leaders, and local officials to better support the needs of low-income customers. If any of this information is publicly available and accessible, please send a link to the webpage where it is located. Please reply to this request via email. If you have any question or concern about this request, please call Cass Charrette at 248-980-1191.
When possible, please provide the requested quantitative data in an Excel spreadsheet or other native digital format (such as CSV files).
1. A copy of any data and documents that list the addresses and dates of residential customers that have had their water service terminated starting January 1, 2019 to date of the submission of the FOIA, the reason for the termination, and the amount of arrears for each account. If this data is produced in another format, such as written logs or summary reports, please provide a copy of that instead. If your agency has a policy that home address information is exempt from FOIA, please provide this data at the street level.
2. Any documents describing and listing the addresses and dates of residential customers that have had their water service restored starting January 1, 2019 to date of submission of the FOIA, following a disconnection. If this data is included in the same data set as Item 6, you may provide that full data set in lieu of processing this element separately.
3. A copy of any existing, regularly generated reports that include the total amount of water and wastewater customer arrearages, number of customers in arrears, and median amount of arrearages per customer, and number of customers subject to potential service disconnection due to arrears by customer class (e.g., residential, non-profit, commercial, industrial) starting January 1, 2019 to date of submission of the FOIA.
4. A copy of a list of referrals the utility/water system/municipality sent to the tax assessor to place a tax lien on properties due to non-payment of any water or sewer bill, starting January 1, 2019 to date of submission of the FOIA, and the amount of arrears for each account. If this information is stored in a summary database, you may provide that database.
5. Any documents describing or listing the addresses of residential customer accounts that have been enrolled in and have been discharged from the Great Lakes Water Authority’s Water Residential Assistance Program, and the reason for such removal or discharge, starting January 1, 2019 to date of submission of the FOIA.
As I am requesting these records as a representative of People’s Water Board Coalition, a non-profit organization, and am doing so in the public interest, I request a waiver of fees. The analysis and release of these materials will contribute significantly to public understanding of water affordability issues in the tri-county area.
I will expect a response within 5 business days as provided by law. If my request is denied in whole or in part, I expect a detailed justification for withholding the records. I also request any segregable portions that are not exempt to be disclosed.
If you have any questions or suggestions for reducing the burden of my request, please reach out and we are happy to discuss.
Sincerely,
People’s Water Board Coalition
From: Clerk, Ecourse
Good Morning,
My name is Tracie Worthy, Deputy Clerk for the City of Ecorse. I am
writing to inform you, we are transitioning to a new FOIA Coordinator. Our
former City Clerk, Ms. Dana Hughes, who was also the FOIA Coordinator has
moved on to another position in another city.
On *Thursday, March 17, 2022,* we received your request by mail. We are
requesting an extension on this FOIA as we transition. We will respond to
your request as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the
Clerk's Office at (313) 386-2520 Ext. 4.
Thank you for your patience
--
This email transmission and its contents may contain privileged, sensitive,
confidential and nonpublic information that is intended only for city
business. It contains information that may be attorney-client privileged
and/or exempt from disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act
(MCL 15.243). Any dissemination, distribution, copying or other action in
reliance on the contents of this e-mail by anyone other than the intended
recipient is strictly prohibited. No portion of this transmission and its
contents is to be furnished or otherwise divulged. Divulging confidential
information concerning the official business of the City of Ecorse to
anyone except the person for whom it is intended without required
authorization or under due process by law is prohibited by the rules and
regulations of the City of Ecorse and will subject any violator to
appropriate discipline.
From: Clerk, Ecourse
FOIA completed for City of Ecorse.
-
2022-03-21_Water__Wastewater_Customer_Arrearages.xlsx
From: PWBC
Dear Records Custodian,
This is a request under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et. seq.) for documents that detail how your community’s water system functions, including details on collection practices and rates.
As context for this request, I am requesting these records on behalf of the People’s Water Board Coalition, a non-profit organization that advocates for equitable access, protection, and affordability of utility services, and water conservation. We are filing similar requests for information with many other Michigan water utilities in collaboration with residents, community leaders, and local officials to better support the needs of low-income customers. If any of this information is publicly available and accessible, please send a link to the webpage where it is located. Please reply to this request via email. If you have any question or concern about this request, please call Cass Charrette at 248-980-1191.
When possible, please provide the requested quantitative data in an Excel spreadsheet or other native digital format (such as CSV files).
(1) Collection Practices: Any documents describing policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding:
a. Water arrearages, and
b. Shutoffs,
c. Liens, including temporary policies and procedures for customers of the utility/water system/municipality (i.e., delinquency amount that triggers water service shut-off notice and lien, seasonal and short-term and temporary suspensions of disconnections).
d. Please include these policies covering both:
- residential customers and
- non-residential customers.
2. Customer Charges: The most current documents describing:
a. Rates, charges, and user fees for
- water,
- wastewater and
- stormwater service for the utility/water system/municipality,
b. Definitions of customer category distinctions for water, wastewater and stormwater service:
- Residential (single-family vs. multi-family),
- Nonresidential (e.g, commercial, industrial, Nonprofit)
c. Any written procedures the process used for:
- approving new rates,
- the legal authority for approving the rates.
- what stakeholder is the advisory decision maker for the city related to water customer rates and charges
3. Water Assistance Programs, Affordability Programs, and/or Payment Plans: Any documents describing:
a. Water service affordability or assistance programs offered by the utility/water system/municipality and communicated to residential customers of the utility/water system/municipality
- Describe the benefit level
- Eligibility criteria
- Enrollment process
- Funding source
- Program cost
b. Names of any other state, county and local assistance programs the utility/water system/municipality refers to its customers:
- State assistance programs,
- County assistance programs, and
- Local assistance programs
c. Information about how assistance or affordability programs are communicated or markets to residential customers:
- Where it is marketed; and
- How it is marketed to customers;
d. Outreach materials:
- Template letters used for such outreach or marketing
- Pamphlets
- Phone scripts, and
- Other materials distributed to residents inquiring about assistance.
e. Enrollment and utilization statistics
- Customers enrolled in calendar year
- Payment amount
f. Payment plan information
- Details of program - term
- Enrollment
4. Federal Funding: Any documents, including budgets, describing the use of ARPA and other federal relief funds for
a. water arrearages,
b. lead service line replacements, and
c. other water programs.
5. Customer Service Issues. Any documents, policies and procedures describing
a. Customer service or billing dispute processes (e.g., how can a customer dispute a bill or payment plan denial?), and
b. Appeals process for billing decisions.
As I am requesting these records as a representative of People’s Water Board Coalition, a non-profit organization, and am doing so in the public interest, I request a waiver of fees. The analysis and release of these materials will contribute significantly to public understanding of water affordability issues in the tri-county area.
I will expect a response within 5 business days as provided by law. If my request is denied in whole or in part, I expect a detailed justification for withholding the records. I also request any segregable portions that are not exempt to be disclosed.
If you have any questions or suggestions for reducing the burden of my request, please reach out and we are happy to discuss.
Sincerely,
People’s Water Board Coalition
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 4, 2022. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on March 21, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #03/04/2022.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Clerk, Ecourse
Good Afternoon,
I truly apologize for the delay. Attached is information from our
DPW/Water Director, Mr. Anderson, for the above mentioned FOIA request.
All Ecorse City Hall Offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24th &
Friday, Nov. 25th in observance of Thanksgiving, therefore, he will forward
more information to me on Monday, Nov. 28th and I will forward it to you.
Due to the delay, there will be NO charge.
Thank you for your patience.
Tracie Worthy
Asst. City Clerk/Interim FOIA Coordinator
--
This email transmission and its contents may contain privileged, sensitive,
confidential and nonpublic information that is intended only for city
business. It contains information that may be attorney-client privileged
and/or exempt from disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act
(MCL 15.243). Any dissemination, distribution, copying or other action in
reliance on the contents of this e-mail by anyone other than the intended
recipient is strictly prohibited. No portion of this transmission and its
contents is to be furnished or otherwise divulged. Divulging confidential
information concerning the official business of the City of Ecorse to
anyone except the person for whom it is intended without required
authorization or under due process by law is prohibited by the rules and
regulations of the City of Ecorse and will subject any violator to
appropriate discipline.
From: Clerk, Ecourse
Good Afternoon:
Attached you will find the rest of your requested information for the above
mentioned FOIA from the City of Ecorse.
--
This email transmission and its contents may contain privileged, sensitive,
confidential and nonpublic information that is intended only for city
business. It contains information that may be attorney-client privileged
and/or exempt from disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act
(MCL 15.243). Any dissemination, distribution, copying or other action in
reliance on the contents of this e-mail by anyone other than the intended
recipient is strictly prohibited. No portion of this transmission and its
contents is to be furnished or otherwise divulged. Divulging confidential
information concerning the official business of the City of Ecorse to
anyone except the person for whom it is intended without required
authorization or under due process by law is prohibited by the rules and
regulations of the City of Ecorse and will subject any violator to
appropriate discipline.
From: PWBC
Hi,
Thanks so much for your help with this request! I really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
PWBC
From: Clerk, Ecourse
To Whom It May Concern:
I emailed the information I was given several weeks ago.
*Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having
positive results.~Willie Nelson~*
--
This email transmission and its contents may contain privileged, sensitive,
confidential and nonpublic information that is intended only for city
business. It contains information that may be attorney-client privileged
and/or exempt from disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act
(MCL 15.243). Any dissemination, distribution, copying or other action in
reliance on the contents of this e-mail by anyone other than the intended
recipient is strictly prohibited. No portion of this transmission and its
contents is to be furnished or otherwise divulged. Divulging confidential
information concerning the official business of the City of Ecorse to
anyone except the person for whom it is intended without required
authorization or under due process by law is prohibited by the rules and
regulations of the City of Ecorse and will subject any violator to
appropriate discipline.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 4, 2022. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Nov. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #03/04/2022.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 4, 2022. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Nov. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #03/04/2022.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Clerk, Ecourse
A copy of documents responsive to the request.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 4, 2022. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Nov. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #03/04/2022.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Clerk, Ecourse
THE INFORMATION WAS EMAILED AND MAILED TO:
MuckRock News
Dept. MR 12563
263 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
*Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having
positive results.~Willie Nelson~*
--
This email transmission and its contents may contain privileged, sensitive,
confidential and nonpublic information that is intended only for city
business. It contains information that may be attorney-client privileged
and/or exempt from disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act
(MCL 15.243). Any dissemination, distribution, copying or other action in
reliance on the contents of this e-mail by anyone other than the intended
recipient is strictly prohibited. No portion of this transmission and its
contents is to be furnished or otherwise divulged. Divulging confidential
information concerning the official business of the City of Ecorse to
anyone except the person for whom it is intended without required
authorization or under due process by law is prohibited by the rules and
regulations of the City of Ecorse and will subject any violator to
appropriate discipline.
From: Clerk, Ecourse
Good Afternoon,
Could you be so kind as to let me know if you received the information that
I mailed to you? Please feel free to email me or give me a call at (313)
386-2520 Ext. 4 if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you
*Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having
positive results.~Willie Nelson~*
--
This email transmission and its contents may contain privileged, sensitive,
confidential and nonpublic information that is intended only for city
business. It contains information that may be attorney-client privileged
and/or exempt from disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act
(MCL 15.243). Any dissemination, distribution, copying or other action in
reliance on the contents of this e-mail by anyone other than the intended
recipient is strictly prohibited. No portion of this transmission and its
contents is to be furnished or otherwise divulged. Divulging confidential
information concerning the official business of the City of Ecorse to
anyone except the person for whom it is intended without required
authorization or under due process by law is prohibited by the rules and
regulations of the City of Ecorse and will subject any violator to
appropriate discipline.
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