HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010/10/18 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session f/fSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
OCTOBER 18, 2010
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Phil Finkelstein, Anne Mavity, Paul Omodt, Julia
Ross, Susan Sanger, and Sue Santa.
Councilmembers absent: None.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director
(Ms. Gohman), Public Works Director (Mr. Rardin), Controller (Mr. Swanson), Finance Supervisor
(Mr. Heintz), Utilities Superintendent (Mr.Anderson), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Hughes).
1. Water Rate Study
Mr. Rardin presented the staff report and discussed the analysis of the City's water rate structure
performed by Progressive Consulting Engineers, Inc. (PCE). He stated that based on the 2009
Ehlers utility rate study, it was determined that the water utility has funding challenges that will
require rate increases for the foreseeable future to improve this fund's overall financial position. He
added the water fund has an aggressive capital improvement plan and generally functions on a pay as
you go basis. He reviewed the historical billing and water usage for the City's water fund, and
presented several options for improving this fund's financial position. He stated the PCE study
recommended increasing the 2011 fixed rate to $32.10/quarter, reducing the commercial rates to
better reflect actual user costs, and including tiering of residential rates as earlier discussed with
Council. He added the PCE recommendation represents the least costly option over an extended
period of time.
Councilmember Finkelstein stated that the Council has had several discussions regarding this issue
and acknowledged the importance of improving the long-term sustainability of the water fund. He
indicated that while he agrees with the rationale contained in the staff report, it seems that the City
may want to err on the side of bonding more because bond rates are inexpensive right now,
especially since the City is already asking taxpayers to pay more because the State is paying less and
less. He added that the City has had a number of rate studies conducted in the past and asked that
the City maintain a consistent approach with whatever decision is made.
Mr. Harmening explained that Ehlers has conducted rate studies in the past, however, the PCE Cost
of Service study was conducted, considering project future capital and operating costs, to assist the
City in evaluating future rate increases in conjunction with user costs associated with operating the
system.
Councilmember Sanger asked if infrastructure costs were included in the PCE study. She stated that
it is important to make sure the City has usable and well-maintained water mains for everyone,
regardless of how much water they consume.
Special Study Session Minutes -2- October 18, 2010
Mr. Rardin discussed the City's 2009 actual costs and explained PCE's fixed, commodity, and pass
thru costs and projected rates.
Councilmember Finkelstein noted that the PCE study appears to recommend that the City change
its current system to a system that is similar to the City's pavement management system. He stated
that the water utility fund is required to be self-sustaining and the City has not raised rates enough
in the past to meet this requirement.
Mr. Swanson stated that the City currently utilizes a capital replacement schedule and this study
attempts to remove some of the volatility in the current system in order to meet the City's goals.
Councilmember Santa stated that the PCE recommendations attempt to move from something very
volatile and insufficient, to something that is more stable and predictable.
Councilmember Ross stated that it will be important for the Council to understand the City's needs
in terms of long-term capital improvements needed to the City's aging infrastructure. She added
that any changes to the City's current rate structure should be implemented in increments to ease
the burden to taxpayers.
Councilmember Mavity stated that concerns have been raised about raising rates too high too
quickly, particularly for those residents on a fixed income. She asked the City to explore available
programs to help people pay these increased costs related to fee increases.
Councilmember Finkelstein requested that staff provide the Council with information on the City's
actual rate increases over the past ten years for all the City's utilities.
Ms. Gohman stated that staff will provide further information to the Council at an upcoming study
session regarding the proposed rate structure.
Ownership of Water Service Lines
Mr. Rardin stated that current policy states that the City owns the water mains only and not the
service lines going in to buildings; property owners are responsible for installing, maintaining, and
replacing their service lines.
Councilmember Ross stated that she was made aware of a homeowner who was upset because they
were responsible not only for the service line, but also the pavement and curb and gutter repair, and
the street was already slated for pavement repair, so they are having to pay twice. She indicated the
homeowner was also upset because they feel they are required to pay the total cost, when there are
other variables beyond their control that have contributed to the need for street replacement. She
asked that the Council consider some way to help homeowners with a portion of these costs. Mr.
Rardin clarified the homeowner was mistaken in this instance and the street was not programmed
for rehabilitation.
Ms. Gohman stated that staff will provide further information to Council for a policy discussion in
the future.
Special Study Session Minutes -3- October 18, 2010
Councilmember Omodt requested that staff also provide Council with a leak survey study
conducted earlier along with various past water usage and cost information since tiering of rates
began.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
2. Civic Space and Community Recreation Planrii"ng Cr,date
3. Ribbon Cutting— Ellipse on Excelsior Public Art
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Nancy Stroth, City Clerk Jeff Ja a b• . or