11/03/2008 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 3, 2008 APPROVED 116 Staff is recommending that the council establish a strategic planning process whereby 117 they will address future priorities — identifying services that must be provided and what 118 the council would like to provide past that. 119 A council member commented that it's obvious by the numbers that the city can't 120 continue "business as usual" in the current economy; the plan proposes staff increases 121 that may be unrealistic. Mr. Rolek explained that while staffing has a significant impact, 122 it only represents about 30% of proposed increases. When asked if the proposed 123 personnel increases would maintain the current level of services or increase services, the 124 police chief responded (all new positions are proposed in the police and public service 125 departments). The Chief explained that, in the area of public safety, there is an 126 expectation of maintaining the level of services as well as a different kind of services 127 needed as the city grows and changes; he anticipates that a decision on police services 128 will be made each year by the council based on current information. 129 The council directed staff to schedule some strategic planning sessions early in 2009 and, 130 since there is some obligation to provide the plan to the charter commission, to 131 communicate with the charter commission about when the plan is anticipated. 132 6. Utility Rates — Set Public Hearing — Finance Officer Rolek noted that the 133 council has had discussions about adjusting utility rates, has received the results of a rate 134 study and now staff is bringing forward a proposal for council consideration. He 135 reviewed the proposed residential and non-residential schedules included in the staff 136 report noting that both are designed to encourage conservation. Also included in the 137 report is information on average household impact. The rates have not been adjusted 138 since 2001. Further the State is requiring the city to take action that will encourage water 139 conservation. 140 A council member noted continuing concern about a rate structure that punishes larger 141 families and suggested that the city is not mandated to have a tier system. There could be 142 a more effective way of encouraging conservation. 143 Public Services Director DeGardner pointed out that 98% of the city's customers would 144 fall into the middle tier. 145 Engineer Studenski noted that the city's conservation plan has pieces, including lawn 146 sprinkling restrictions and a rate structure. 147 Finance Officer Rolek added that before any change would occur, an information piece 148 would be provided to customers with a public hearing opportunity. Also, while there is 149 not a mandate from the state to change the rate structure, there is a need for the city to 150 meet identified goals for less consumption. 151 Three council members requested that staff move forward with the rate structure as •152 presented. An ordinance and public hearing will appear on the November 24, 2008 153 council agenda.