Some Gurnee residents fighting new water meters

More than 150 Gurnee homeowners may face having their water disconnected if they don't allow village employees to install new meters that accommodate a computer-based reading system.

During a meeting Monday, Public Works Director Thomas Rigwood explained to village board members the problems his department has had in trying to complete the conversion of residential water meters.

Gurnee officials started pursuing the conversion to the high-technology meters more than five years ago. Rigwood said the automated meter reading system in 98 percent of Gurnee homes is more efficient and cost-effective.

Rigwood said the new system allows crews to pass by homes with new meters and use hand-held devices for readings, something not possible with the older models. He said 152 homeowners haven't gone along with the conversion program.

“We've worked diligently in the last four to five months in trying to get these residents on board and by sending them letters — not once, but twice — and leaving (informational) door hangers with them. And we're at a standstill right now.”

To break the logjam, Mayor Kristina Kovarik said she's willing to record an automated telephone message warning the homeowners to comply within 45 days because the technology change is needed. She said she'd issue the final warning with a “pleasant voice, a nonscary voice.”

Rigwood recommends a last resort of shutting off the water of homeowners who continue to buck the meter conversion effort. Village Administrator James Hayner said such a move would be legal even if the targeted homeowners pay their water bills.

“None of these residents is letting us in their house for fear of letting us in their house, or are of the opinion of maybe it's Big Brother watching over them,” Rigwood said.

Kovarik said she hopes the automated telephone message gets through to the stragglers because she's reluctant to disconnect anyone's water, particularly if the residents' are current with bill payments.

“We get complaint calls from people who aren't paying their bills,” Kovarik said.

Trustee Kirk Morris said he wants to look through the names on the tardy list to see if he knows anyone. Morris said he'd make telephone calls to explain why having a modern water meter is important.

Rigwood said it typically takes 20 to 25 minutes to switch water meters in unfinished basements. He said the job can take up to 45 minutes for old meters surrounded by a wall, which requires cutting.

Old meters have digital water usage reading on the sides of walls for public works crews to record. However, Rigwood said, the new meters are more accurate and benefit the residents and village.

Village board members are expected to review the status of the situation at a meeting June 6.