02/21/2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 21, 2001 2001— 2003 UTILITY RATES, JOHN POWELL City Engineer Powell advised the proposed rates were published in the Quad. An estimated bill according to the new rates was included. Council Member Carlson asked why the City is so high and if there is anything that can be done to lower the rates. City Engineer Powell advised there is not a lot than can be done to lower the rates. For sewer rates, the City has operating costs, SAC charges, debt service, and depreciation. Depreciation is a significant amount that is being included in the new rates. Council Member Reinert asked for a break down of the cost. City Engineer Powell advised 20-30% of the costs is for depreciation. Council Member Carlson asked if the debt service will being going down with the proposed rates. City Engineer Powell advised the debt service should go down over time as existing bonds are retired. Council Member Dahl asked when the water and sewer rat Engineer Powell advised in 1996 or 1997. He advised C the background information on the last rate increase. d. City rovide them with Council Member Dahl asked if the Council c ;� 'ust <�� e on either the sewer or water at the Council meeting. City Engineer Po . - d re is a separate resolution for each item. The Charter requires both fund us : nmg. The rates can be changed or phased in when the vote is con Council Member Carls be assessed in the formula is to take City is considering what the property owner would considering depreciation. City Engineer Powell stated the value of the system and divide that over 50 years. This item will appe n the regular Council agenda Monday, February 26, 2001, 6:30 p.m. RECOMMEND APPOINTMENT TO LIVABLE COMMUNITY, MAYOR BERGESON Mayor Bergeson advised a discussion was previously held regarding the process used to make the Livable Communities awards. One concern included not having representation from Anoka County. There is an opening on the Committee and the City can send in a nomination. The issue is if the Council would like to recommend someone and how the City should go about the nomination. Council Member Carlson noted there is someone from Anoka County on the Committee. 6