06-07-2011 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 7, 2011 3 MOTION: Council Member Park moved Agenda Item No. 9 Commercial Water Rate for discussion. Council Member Pearson seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0. Commercial Water Rate - Discussion The City Council voted to table this issue from the May 17 Council meeting to the May 24 workshop for further discussion, but it was cancelled because of a lack of quorum. The City Council approved the water conservation rate in 2009 in order to comply with state requirements, but the new system has led to unintended spikes in water bills for business like hotels and restaurants that require large volumes of water for their operation. Tom Bouthilet, Finance Director, presented a number of alternative billing arrangements such as the seasonal rate system. The Staff recommends the City pass on the alternatives and instead modifies its current system, which breaks down businesses and residences into usage tiers with escalating charges per 1,000 gallons used. He said the challenge for the City is to find a way to satisfy state requirements, city revenue needs and commercial users with one system. Mo French, Wildwood Lodge, stated she appreciated the efforts of the Council and staff, but said the sooner changes are made the better. This agenda item will be discussed at the next City Council workshop. Kindred Court Drainage Corrections: Approve plan and order design The City Council was asked to consider approving the Kindred Court Drainage Corrections project in 2011 by authorizing design, directing staff to obtain contractor quotes, and retaining a contractor to complete the work for a not to exceed total project amount of $44,200. Due to a minimal street grade and localized settlement on the street in this area, the roadway has not drained properly over the past several years. The trapped water is a hazard and will continue to further deteriorate the roadway if left unrepaired. The captive water creates a pond in the roadway centered at the end of the driveway at 3720 Kindred Court. During freezing conditions, an ice patch forms in this area that covers over half the road. The Public Works Department has made multiple attempts to correct the issue. Corrective work for Kindred Court is not part of the City’s Street Capital Improvement Plan. Funding for this project would need to come from the street maintenance funds, which, for the 2011 Budget, is already 100% dedicated. This is not an assessable project. The Finance Department identified two funding alternatives. MOTION: Mayor Johnston moved to approve the Kindred Court Drainage Corrections project to be constructed in 2011 and funded through Bond proceeds for the 2011 Street Improvement Bonds, for a not to exceed amount of $44,200. Council Member Pearson seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.