11-23-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 6 Mr. Grochala, on the question of when the City would be “ready” for in house services, 200 suggested that it requires analysis and staff is prepared to provide that information to the 201 extent possible as part of any review process. 202 The council will be looking for a review process brought forward by staff at the beginning 203 of next year. 204 5. Stormwater Utility Discussion – Community Development Director Grochala 205 said during budget review the council discussed revenue possibilities. The establishment 206 of a storm water utility would cover certain storm water expenses born by the City. 207 Other cities are utilizing such a utility. Last time it was reviewed, the program was in the 208 range of $500,000 annually at a cost of about $2.50 a month to users. That amount of 209 revenue would exceed the City’s current budget and could also provide capital funds for 210 equipment utilized in stormwater management activities. 211 Mayor Rafferty noted that the City is looking at certain projects such as water treatment 212 options and he wonders if this utility could be a funding source. Mr. Grochala explained 213 that stormwater utility revenue would be directed only to stormwater related projects. 214 Councilmember Cavegn said he’s in favor of creating the utility. This would free City 215 funding for other important uses. He sees that it is being used effectively by other cities. 216 Councilmember Lyden said he supports the idea. He wonders why this hasn’t occurred 217 previously. 218 Councilmember Stoesz asked how residents who are not connected to City water would 219 be charged. Mr. Grochala said that is normally provided to those properties as an annual 220 bill. 221 The council discussed how charges are calculated per property. Mr. Grochala explained 222 the formula considered in the past. Residential properties receive the single charge, 223 vacant properties would have no charge, and commercial/industrial properties (including 224 properties such as churches, prisons) are charged based on certain calculations. A study 225 setting up the process would be required previous to actual establishment of the utility. 226 Councilmember Ruhland favors consideration of the utility. 227 Councilmember Stoesz asked how the utility costs would be communicated to those who 228 would have to budget for additional costs. Mr. Grochala said there is opportunity to 229 communicate and that would be a part of any plan. 230 The council asked staff to look for the most economical way to get needed information as 231 far as who receives the contract for the study. 232 6. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions, City Council 233