The new automated readers will eliminate the need for estimated readings and for access to homes with indoor or otherwise restricted meters, said Ken Stammen, a Columbia Gas spokesman. Estimated readings are one of the biggest customer complaints.
“We see this very much as a customer convenience program,” he said.
Residents should receive a postcard in the mail about two weeks before crews show up to install the meters. Most residents won’t notice the work, Stammen said, as many installations take about 20 minutes and don’t require any digging or hammering.
Crews will need access to some homes where the meters are indoors, Stammen said, and will leave a door hanger at those properties.
About 500 properties have older meters that can’t be updated with the automated equipment and will need replaced. Those residents will be contacted by phone to schedule an appointment, Stammen said, and their gas service will have to be stopped for about an hour.
Columbia Gas crews or their contractors will wear uniforms, have photo IDs and drive marked vehicles.
If residents have questions, they can go to columbiagasohio.com or call the customer service line at (800) 344-4077.
In other business, commissioners also tabled a request to vacate the east-west alley south of East High Street between York Street and a north-south alley.
The request drew much debate. Glenda Bailey, of 732 Mound St., said if a vacant lot at 0 Mound Street is developed into a parking lot for apartments at 731 E. High St., it will send a lot traffic through the small, grass alley behind her home.
Lawyer James Lagos said closing the alley would significantly affect the developer’s plans to restore the apartments and asked for it to be left open.
Mayor Warren Copeland asked the parties to meet with city staff and try to work out a solution.
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