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