HomeMy WebLinkAbout4718 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 1973/01/02ORIGINAL
JANUARY 2, 1973
7D
RESOLUTION NO. 4718
RESOLUTION OF OBJECTION TO METROPOLITAN SEWER
BOARD SERVICE CHARGES
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Sewer Board provides the City of St. Louis
Park with services for the transmissiLn and disposal of sewage, and
WHEREAS, the volume of sewage charged to the City has increased without
apparent correlation to its growth and is inconsistent with volumes allocated
to similarly sized and characteristically composed communities in the
metropolitan area, and
WHEREAS, the costs for the services have increased substantially each
year following the establishment of the Metropolitan Sewer Board without
adequate justification or basis to the community and have created an
unusual expense for users of sanitary sewer services; and
WHEREAS, the sudden and unanticipated assignment of retroactive
costs for stated "under -estimation` of flowage in 1971 has created an
additional user burden far beyond the City's demonstrated ability to
assume such burden, and
WHEREAS, experience and records of the City indicate that volume of
sewage charged to the City is excessive and that credit for contributions
by other municipalities which contribute to the St. Louis Park outfall is
not being properly made; and
WHEREAS, the rate being used by the Metropolitan Sewer Board for treatment
works costs of $0.179 per 1000 gallons is excessive and not consistent with
widely accepted standards, and has increased 39.8% in less than a two year
period; and
WHEREAS, the total Current Use charges per 1000 gallons for Metropolitan
Sewer Board services increased 23% between 1971 and 1973 without substantial
justifications; and
WHEREAS, it appears that the Metropolitan Sewer Board has made said
increases without proper study and consideration; and
WHEREAS, negotiations with staff members of the Metropolitan Sewer
Board in objection to the current and retroactive sewer service cost
allocations have proved inconclusive, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park
that the billing by the Metropolitan Sewer Board dated October 16, 1972
is not based on adequate data and is an improper charge against the
City which increases the unfair financial burden on sewer users in
this community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is hereby authorized
and directed to engage the services of a rate consultant to determine
the propriety of the Metropolitan Sewer Board's action and to provide
the City Council with a full report of the proper costs for the services
of the Metropolitan Sewer Board and consumer rates; thus
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director of Finance is hereby
authorized and directed to make payments to the Metropolitan Sewer
Board based upon the 1972 Current Use charges rate and 1972 gallonage
until this matter is resolved in a fair and reasonable manner.
Adopted by the Cit Council Janu- 1'73
•ayor
Reviewed for administration:
City Manager
-2-
Ap ed as to and legality:
GG
City Kttorney