03-14-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 14, 2012 that issue with the City's position being that Little Canada should be getting charged the lowest rate charged by St. Paul. The City is hoping to prevail in this lawsuit or negotiate a settlement that removes bonding charges that do not involve resale of water to Little Canada. The Administrator noted that the water usage rate increase for 2010 was 5 %, for 2011 5.5 %, and for 2012 2.5% is proposed. In reviewing the Sewer Budget, the Administrator noted that a 10% usage rate increase and a 10% increase in the sewer minimum charge are being proposed. The Metropolitan Council's treatment rate increased by .5% for 2012. Again, the City's metered sewer flows for 2010/11 increased by 29% resulting in an 18.4% increase in treatment costs. For sewer rates, the Administrator detailed the City's efforts to reduce inflow /infiltration (I & I). He also noted the sewer treatment costs for 2010/11 increased by 18.4 %. Therefore, improvements which reduce I & I will also reduce sewer treatment costs. The Administrator then reviewed a survey comparing the City's water fees and sewer fees with that of other cities. In both cases, Little Canada's fees were in the mid- range. The proposed 2012 water and sewer rates are as follows: Lawn Sprinkler Rate Water Winter Rate Water Summer Rate Water Service Fee Sewer Use Rate Sewer Minimum 2011 2012 $2.98 $3.05 $2.88 $2.95 $2.98 $3.05 $12.60 $12.60 $3.25 $3.58 $50.00 $55.00 Montour asked about the lawn sprinkler rate. The Administrator noted that many commercial properties have separate lawn sprinkler meters. The lawn sprinkler rate is the same as the City's summer water usage rate. The Administrator also noted that the summer water usage rate is slightly higher as an attempt to promote water conservation during the summer months. Montour asked if the City has ever imposed watering bans. The Administrator indicated that the only time a ban was imposed was when the City's water tower was off -line due to painting. The St. Paul Water Utility would inform Little Canada at the time it is necessary to impose a watering ban. The Administrator then explained the operation of the water tower relative to energy conservation efforts where the tower is filled from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. and pumps are off -line during the day. The City has generators ready to serve as a back -up if the tower gets too low during daytime hours. 4