PWBC Tri-County FOIA Project: Residential Water Data (Detroit)
| Tracking # |
22-170 |
| Submitted | April 12, 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: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Detroit
Good morning,
I’m looking to reach Cass Charrette regarding the FOIA we received. I’m not sure if this is an individualized email account or semi-randomly generated, can we confirm that? I have some questions and looking to have a quick back and forth discussion whether by email or phone, whatever is easier. Please advise.
Take care,
Matthew R. Knott
Paralegal & FOIA Coordinator
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department • 735 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226
W: 313-880-2783<tel:3139659775>
E: Matthew.Knott@detroitmi.gov<mailto:knottm@detroitmi.gov>
Customer Care: 313-267-8000<tel:3132678000>
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~WRD1775
From: PWBC
Hello Mr. Knott,
Thank you for your response. In answer to your question regarding receiving FOIA requests for the Detroit water and sewer department. Muckrock, the company we are working with, does send automated responses until a response is received. You asked to connect by phone or email. The numbers you left in your email did not answer. Happy to set up a time to talk this week.
A few times: 4 pm Wednesday, Thursday 3:00. or Friday 4 pm. Are any of these times good for you?
Thank you.
Rev. Cass Charrette
People's Water Board Coalition, Board Member
From: City of Detroit
Ms. Charrette,
Unfortunately I’m not available at those times this week. Also, I was just made aware that the voicemail for my desk line was incorrectly routed to a different desk not in our department. So I apologize for not responding to any voicemails.
3pm would be the latest I would be available, and as of now any day next week would be good. Please let me know. I don’t imaging it being a long conversation, there are just some caveats to portions of your requests that I’d like to run by you for clarification first.
Thanks!
Matthew R. Knott
Paralegal & FOIA Coordinator
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department • 735 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226
W: 313-880-2783<tel:3139659775>
E: Matthew.Knott@detroitmi.gov<mailto:knottm@detroitmi.gov>
Customer Care: 313-267-8000<tel:3132678000>
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~WRD3357
From: PWBC
Hello Mr. Knott,
Apologies for the delay. Are you available to meet Wednesday or Thursday at noon?
Thank you.
Cass
From: City of Detroit
Yes, I will set a reminder for this Weds at noon. Would you mind calling me at my desk number below?
Thanks,
Matthew R. Knott
Paralegal & FOIA Coordinator
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department • 735 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226
W: 313-880-2783<tel:3139659775>
E: Matthew.Knott@detroitmi.gov<mailto:knottm@detroitmi.gov>
Customer Care: 313-267-8000<tel:3132678000>
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~WRD3424
From: PWBC
Call you tomorrow noon at this number.
3139659775
Thank you.
Cass
From: City of Detroit
Ms. Charrette,
I’ve reached out to our team for an update on looking into this data. I will update you as soon as I hear back.
Regarding the water shut off moratorium, I have confirmed with our Public Affairs department that it is still in effect until the end of 2022. We will elaborate on this in our final, written response. I just wanted to pass that along since we had touched on it in our phone discussion.
I’m not sure if you’ve seen this before, but please see this link<https://detroitmi.gov/news/mayor-dwsd-extend-moratorium-residential-water-shutoffs-through-2022-and-announce-intention>.
Take care,
Matthew R. Knott
Paralegal & FOIA Coordinator
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department • 735 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226
W: 313-880-2783<tel:3139659775>
E: Matthew.Knott@detroitmi.gov<mailto:knottm@detroitmi.gov>
Customer Care: 313-267-8000<tel:3132678000>
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~WRD2099
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #22-170.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: PWBC
Morning Mr. Knott,
Checking in.
Have a good day.
Thank you.
Cass
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #22-170.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Detroit
Hello,
I apologize for the delayed response to your inquiries. We are going through some personnel changes in our office, and I only just discovered your e-mails. I am handling all FOIA requests for the time being and am working diligently to track down the information you have requested. Again, I apologize for the delays and will be issuing you a response as soon as possible.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns in the meantime.
All the best,
[Logo, company name Description automatically generated]
Devon Graham-Aiyash (she/her)
Law Clerk to Nikkiya Branch and Jacob Bahri
E: devon.graham-aiyash@detroitmi.gov<mailto:devon.graham-aiyash@detroitmi.gov>
P: (313)-880-2682
DETROIT WATER AND SEWERAGE DEPARTMENT
735 Randolph St. | Detroit, MI 48226
www.detroitmi.gov/DWSD
<http://www.detroitmi.gov/DWSD%0b>Customer Care: 313.267.8000
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image001
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #22-170.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Detroit
Hello,
Thank you for inquiring for an update. We are in the process of data collection for your request as we speak. Once our office has the data, I will do a review for necessary redactions and reach back out to you. Again, I apologize for these delays and appreciate your continued patience.
Do not hesitate to reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns at devon.graham-aiyash@detroitmi.gov<mailto:devon.graham-aiyash@detroitmi.gov>.
All the best,
[Logo, company name Description automatically generated]
Devon Graham-Aiyash (she/her)
Law Clerk to Nikkiya Branch and Jacob Bahri
E: devon.graham-aiyash@detroitmi.gov<mailto:devon.graham-aiyash@detroitmi.gov>
P: (313)-880-2682
DETROIT WATER AND SEWERAGE DEPARTMENT
735 Randolph St. | Detroit, MI 48226
www.detroitmi.gov/DWSD
<http://www.detroitmi.gov/DWSD%0b>Customer Care: 313.267.8000
-
image001
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #22-170.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Detroit
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Donald Riggs Jr. and I am DWSD's newest FOIA Coordinator. For an update on your FOIA request, I have reviewed the data requested by the previous FOIA coordinator and found that it was not tailored to your request. Due to this, we are re-requesting this information and making this a priority. We will also provide to you free of charge due to this delay.
If there are any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you and apologies for the delay.
Donald Riggs Jr.
Paralegal/FOIA Coordinator
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department * 6425 Huber St. * Detroit, MI 48211
C: 313-590-2888
E: Donald.Riggs@detroitmi.gov<mailto:Donald.Riggs@detroitmi.gov>
Customer Care: 313-267-8000<tel:3132678000>
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #22-170.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #22-170.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #22-170.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #22-170.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #22-170.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Detroit
Dear Cass Charrette,
Please see attached DWSD's response to your FOIA request. To access your documents, please use the link below:
https://dwsd.box.com/s/a8sjp39xrrsfn37p7ogfu7bu4055kj01
In order to access the documents, you must have a Box account. You can sign up for a free Box account with the following link:
https://www.box.com/pricing/individual
Please let me know if you have issues with the link.
If there are any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you,
Don
Donald Riggs Jr.
Paralegal/FOIA Coordinator
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department * 735 Randolph St. * Detroit, MI 48226
Desk: 313-880-2651
Cell: 313-590-2888
Email: Donald.Riggs@detroitmi.gov<mailto:Donald.Riggs@detroitmi.gov>
Customer Care: 313-267-8000<tel:3132678000>
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22-170
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