07/25/1994 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

3(r CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 25, 1994 Mr. Schneider presented an exhibit that showed the expenses in the Water Utility Fund. He noted that staff is striving to improve accounting methods to show the actual activity for each utility. Mr. Schneider noted that if Lino Lakes did not charge a water user fee, the rates for water service would be comparable to most cities used in the study. Council Member Kuether asked if there will be a time when the water user fee is not needed. Mr. Schneider said yes, when all bonds are paid and the City is fully developed with water and sewer services. Mr. George Ulfig, 1002 Lantern Lane asked why the City Council was looking at a flat rate increase. He noted that he cannot afford to water his lawn at the current water rates. Mr. Schneider explained that the City must make plans for a fund that will be needed for repairs to the water system. Mr. Ulfig said that he lives near the Black Duck lift station and noted that the City must spend a "ton" on repairs of that facility. He suggested that the City fix the lift station before making plans to add another well to the system. Mayor Reinert explained that the MWCC does pay one-half of the cost for the operation of this particular lift station. The City is in the process of negotiating with MWCC to get all repairs completed prior to the end of the MWCC contract in 1996. Mr. Schneider also explained that once the MWCC lift station is operational south of Pine Ridge the MWCC will no longer contribute to the repair of the Black Duck lift station. Mayor Reinert told Mr. Ulfig that he is the only person on the City Council affected by the proposed rate increase and he did not like to see higher costs. He noted that the restrictions in the City Charter contribute to the need for higher rates. Al DeMotts, 6265 Holly Drive said he was thankful that he had his owner septic system and well. He said he felt that the City made a big mistake many years ago when it decided that sanitary sewer and municipal water would come into the community. Randy Klante, 6658 Black Duck Drive said he felt the rates were already very high and noted that his bill is about $100.00 per quarter. He felt that by adding another 4% or 5% would make Lino Lakes rates higher than any other city. Mr. Schneider noted that other cities are also increasing their rates. Mr. Klante said he felt something has to be done to the Black Duck lift station. Mr. Schneider said something would be done within the next 60 days. Mr. Klante said that a lot of over time wages would be saved if this facility was operating correctly. PAGE 12 1 1 1