04-22-13 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION April 1, 2013 DRAFT 3 regularly (data on numbers distributed) and t he nests seem to be doubling each year. He 90 also believes that the no wake zone on the lake helps as does the signs that have been 91 posted. 92 93 Council Member Stoesz added that he is interested in seeing some solar powered cameras 94 install ed so that many people can enjoy the heron environment without intrusion. The 95 feed could even be added to the city cable channel and maybe the web site. 96 97 2. Utility Rate Discussion – Public Services Director DeGardner re shared information 98 comparing city water rates with other cities (from the Springsted prepared rate study). 99 This item remains on the agenda pending a council decision on rates. The council 100 discussed average water usage in the summer and winter as well as tiered rate structures. 101 Council Member Roeser urged staff to keep an eye on the funds in -house so things don’t 102 get too far off course between official rate studies. Also Council Member Roeser would 103 like see incentives to use less water rather than just penalties for high use. Mr. 104 DeGa rdner said education has always been an impo rtant strategy along with other ways to 105 achieve savings. 106 107 Council Member Stoesz pointed out that people like consistency in their bills and that 108 makes him believe that planning for future needs through rates is a good idea. 109 110 Council Member Rafferty asked staff what they consider best practice in the area. Mr. 111 DeGardner replied that he believes education is the key element and he is also a strong 112 believer in the tiered billing structure (tied to water use). 113 114 Council Member Roeser urged creative thinking because the best result will come from 115 more than one approach to the situation . He also asked about a long term approach such 116 as utilizing a deeper aquifer so that fewer chemicals are needed for water treat ment. Mr. 117 DeGardner explained that the aquifer question goes to the Department of Natural 118 Resources and they have in the past told him that such a change would be next to 119 impossible. 120 121 The mayor asked that council members work individually on the matter o f utility rates 122 and at the next work session there will be light discussion followed hopefully by a 123 decision. It was clarified that the council will also need to review sewer rates but that 124 will be a separate upcoming discussion. 125 126 Administrator Karlson added that utility service is an area being considered for multi -city 127 collaboration. It appears that the Metropolitan Council will be providing grant funds for a 128 collaboration study. 129 130 6. Five -Year Financial Forecast - Finance Director Rolek reviewed t he budget gap 131 analysis information that he provided to the council. It attempts to outline decisions 132 made in previous years that impact future year consid erations. The council and staff 133 discussed the analysis and the possibility of priority setting sess ion in the future. It will 134