11-13-2024 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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WORKSHOP MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2024 and coordinates the work on the pond projects. He explained a few city raingardens that have gotten overgrown will be rehabilitated. He noted that the city has been able to do needed stormwater projects since there is now a stormwater utility fee bringing in revenue to pay for these needed maintenance projects. He explained that pumps at two lift stations will be replaced in 2025 and a force main will be cleaned out at two lift stations. He stated that the lift station on County Road B will be upgraded to accommodate the new senior housing development that will be built. He stated that a new generator is budgeted along with the servicing of a booster station pump along with new electronics at the booster station. Gutierrez asked if the old equipment is sold to recoup some costs. The Public Works Director stated that all equipment is auctioned through a government auction site. The Finance Director explained that funds received from the sale of equipment goes back to the fund where the new equipment was purchased from. REVIEW PROPOSED 2025 WATER, SEWER & STORMWATER UTILITY RATES The Finance Director stated that every year the utility rates are evaluated to ensure sufficient revenues are generated to meet both operating and capital expenditures associated with the utility funds. He explained that there are three enterprise funds: Water Fund 601, Sewer Fund 602 and Stormwater Fund 603. He explained that these are called enterprise funds because they are run like a business where the revenue needs to cover the expenses. He stated Little Canada buys their water from St. Paul Regional Water Services and the city owns their water infrastructure. He stated that St. Paul Water has raised water prices over the last few years in order to pay for the large reconstruction project at their facility. He stated that the water rates are recommended to increase by 6.5% for 2025. The Finance Director reviewed the quarterly water base fee and explained that these funds are used to maintain the city's water system. He noted that this base fee is collected no matter how much water is sold. He said that Little Canada's rate is lower than many other nearby cities, but the Council may want to consider increasing this base fee in the future. He stated that the rates are recommended to increase 8.0% for sewer and 6% for stormwater. The Finance Director reviewed the 2025-2035 long range planning for upcoming expenses and the fund balance projections. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m. Thomas Fischer, Mayor Attest: a 'Icl 'stop er HeineNan, City Administrator 2