How’s Your Utility Bill?

There’s been a lot of discussion over email, FaceBook, and the NextDoor social media about City utility bills, including water.

A lot of citizens, including Oregon Hill residents, seem surprised by the amounts on their bills, as well as late fees.

Some have already called in to the City’s Utility Department. From one neighbor:

So I called the utility department and they removed my late fee.
They might remove yours too.
Their number is 646-4646.

It’s hard to pin the problems down, and there is a lot of speculation about what is causing the high bills. Some have anecdotal reports about checking for leaks and looking for high usage. It’s also hard to say how much can be related to previous reform efforts. But there’s something to be said for keeping abreast of the situation, especially as the City government attempts to address Utility concerns. Also , don’t forget the Larus Park/Chesterfield selling issues.

The Portland Loo

The Urban Design Committee agenda and related documents for the Thursday, September 7, 2017 meeting are now available on the City’s legislative website. The Committee will meet at 10 am in the Conference Room on the 5th Floor of City Hall.

Included is Item 6:

UDC 2017-33 Final Location, Character and Extent review of the “Portland Loo,” to be installed as a public facility, 719 W. Franklin St.

The full agenda can be accessed using the link below.

https://richmondva.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=532506&GUID=B73BAB4F-95E2-49CE-AC1A-9D03AFEC5AE2&Options=&Search=

Trash/Recycling Pickup Tomorrow

This Wednesday is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup. Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night.

If you have not done so already, don’t forget to sign up for your Recycling Perks.
In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

For more City help with recycling, plan ahead and mark your calendars.

Chinese Cooking As A Second Language

From Main Street librarian Patty Parks:

Doing a stay-cation on Labor Day weekend? Join us as we travel, cook and eat with Xiamin Wu, our guest chef from China, for Cooking as a Second Language! Next Sunday, Sept. 3, 11-1. This is my favorite collaborative program of RPL and @richmondhostel. Xiaomin(Showme) was a student with the VCU Global Studies program when I met her 5 years ago, I’m thrilled to catch up with her again! Join us as we learn how to make dumplings and hear her stories about cooking, family recipes and culture! What a great way to meet and engage with our diverse community. Call the library for reservations, 647-7223, class size is limited to 24.