01-08-2025 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY S, 2025 Kwapick referenced the trash and recycling rates which increased by seven percent. He noted that if the City stayed with the previous provider, the rate would have been the same and would have continued to increase whereas this contract will not increase in the same manner. Mayor Fischer stated that he does not have a concern with the proposed rate changes. He asked if the City should find ways to review the fee schedule more systematically. The City Administrator explained the background work that is done to determine appropriate rate increases, which includes a comparison of other communities. He explained that Little Canada is so far behind other communities and continues to try to catch up because there were many years with no increases. Mayor Fischer acknowledged that Little Canada is lower for comparable services across the board and understood the reasoning for wanting to have comparable fees. He stated that his focus is more on ensuring that the cost of services is covered through the fees rather than keeping up with others. The Finance Director commented that if the fee schedule is not competitive or does not keep up with the operating costs, the difference is funded by taxpayers. He explained that it is important to manage that balance to ensure that the cost for those services does not fall more on residents. Mayor Fischer recognized that the Council sees the cost of rentals and number of rentals but would also like to understand the general cost of staff time in preparation for those rentals. The City Administrator agreed that is a great topic for discussion that is coming forward in the future. He stated that staff are working to analyze the cost of parks and recreation, and the Council will then provide direction on how much of that programming and service should be recouped through fees. Mayor Fischer introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2025-1-8 — ADOPTING ORDINANCE 907, AMENDING THE FEE SCHEDULE BEGINNING ON JANUARY 13, 2025 FOR WATER AND SEWER RATES, TRASH AND RECYCLING RA TES, BUILDING, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND FILL/GRADING PERMIT FEES, LICENSES AND PARK BUILDING RENTAL FEES AS PRESENTED AND APPROVING PUBLICATION OF SUMMARY ORDINANCE The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Kwapick. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT APPLICATION The City Administrator provided background information on the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program and its requirements for application. He stated that the state offers a grant program to assist cities in developing an SRTS plan which is required to apply for the SRTS grant. He stated that this process could make the City eligible for funding that would assist with completing pedestrian improvements. 5