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HomeMy WebLinkAbout# 15 Summer Sewer RatesSTAFF REPORT DATE: June 20, 2017 REGULAR ITEM # 15 MOTION TO: City Council FROM: Brian A. Swanson – Finance Director AGENDA ITEM: Summer Sewer Rate Discussion REVIEWED BY: Kristina Handt – City Administrator BACKGROUND: Staff was directed to analyze the sewer rate structure as it pertains to charging properties for watering in the summer months. Information was presented to Finance Committee on June 8, 2017 resulting in the information being presented for the City Council to consider this evening. Further, illustrative information from four other cities and the City of Lake Elmo data are included as attachments to this report. ISSUE BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL: Based upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee and staff, the City Council is being asked to consider the following: 1) Approve Ordinance 08-179, amending the 2017 City of Lake Elmo Fee Schedule to establish a base sewer charge for residential customers who are not on the 201 system. 2) Adopt Resolution 2017-064 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance 08-179 By Title and Summary. PROPOSAL/ANALYSIS: The Finance Committee and Staff are proposing establishing a base sewer charge of $52.50 per quarter with an allowance of 10,000 gallons (10 units), with a variable charge of $4.50 per partial or full additional unit thereafter on residential properties. Summer sewer charge would be calculated on the winter quarter consumption, as well as for the other two quarters. If no winter quarter is available such as with new properties, then the $52.50 fixed fee per quarter would apply, until a winter quarter water consumption reading is available. Further, for those properties not on City water service, but on City sewer service, such as the 201 systems, the existing $75.00 fixed fee per quarter would still apply. This proposed residential base sewer charge would not apply to properties that have a separate meter for an irrigation system, as those meters are charged for water consumption only. Staff analyzed several different aspects when recommending the sewer rate structure. First, how sewer rates were determined, meaning based on winter quarter water consumption, current quarter, or lowest quarter of the last four. Of the four cities included in the chart, three used the winter quarter and Oakdale uses the minimum quarter. With the City of Oakdale, staff stated that the lowest quarter is essentially the winter quarter in most cases. Next, staff reviewed if there are a base charge and if so, is a consumption allowance included in this base charge. The allowance amount is noted for each city on the tables. Mahtomedi was the only one that did not include an allowance in their base charge. Further staff analyzed if no allowance was provided, are a minimum number of units billed. Staff also reviewed existing consumption with the existing customer base in proposing an allowance and base charge. In addition, information was compiled on the rate per unit that cities were using. Finally, sample sewer bills were calculated to show comparisons, based on existing structure for the City of Lake Elmo, a recommended quarterly fixed fee with the same sample consumption, and a higher volume consumption sample. FISCAL IMPACT: This would be contingent upon the number of users connecting to the system and consumption during the warmer months when sewer was determined by the current quarter water usage. With sewer charges starting in the third quarter of 2015 and adding more users each quarter, which currently is at 359 customers, there is not significant historical data to compile information from that would be meaningful. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council approve the following: Motion to approve: 1) Approve Ordinance 08-179, amending the 2017 City of Lake Elmo Fee Schedule to establish a base sewer charge for residential customers who are not on the 201 system of $52.50 per quarter, which includes an allowance of 10,000 gallons (10 units) per quarter, then a variable charge of $4.50 per partial or full additional unit thereafter, based on the winter quarter water consumption. And 2) Adopt Resolution 2017-064 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance 08-179 By Title and Summary. ATTACHMENTS: 1) Comparisons of sample cities with existing, recommended and higher volume sewer bills. 4 - worksheets 2) Ordinance 08-179 3) Resolution 2017-064 4) 2017 Amended City of Lake Elmo Fee Schedule CITY OF LAKE ELMO Sewer Rate Comparisons to Assist Summer Rate Discussion EXISTING STRUCTURE CITY LAKE ELMO*HUGO#MAHTOMEDI^OAKDALE~WOODBURY+ BILLING FREQUENCY Quarterly Quarterly Quarterly Quarterly Quarterly WATER USAGE QTR. TO DETERMINE SEWER Current Current Current Minimum Average BASE CHARGE -$ 47.00$ 14.37$ 18.00$ 44.29$ RATE PER 1000 GALLONS (UNIT)4.50$ 1.85$ 7.25$ 3.50$ 3.00$ UNITS 10.00 1.00 10.00 12.00 6.00 CHARGE FOR UNITS 45.00$ 1.85$ 72.46$ 42.00$ 18.00$ BILL 45.00$ 48.85$ 86.83$ 60.00$ 62.29$ * Correlates directly to water units used in current quarter. # Includes first 9 units in minimum bill. Therefore need to bill 1 additional unit in example. ^ Measures in cubic feet instead of gallons, so converted to gallons for comparison. Uses current quarter. ~ Requires billing for 12 units per quarter minimum. + Base rate includes 8 units per quarter and then bills on city average of 14 units for new residential customer. SEWER BILL - NEW RESIDENTIAL WATER/SEWER CUSTOMER AND 10 UNITS OF WATER CITY OF LAKE ELMO COUNTY OF WASHINGTON STATE OF MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. 08-179 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE CITY OF LAKE ELMO The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo ordains: SECTION I. Schedule Adopted. The attached fee schedule is hereby adopted. SECTION II. Not Codified. This ordinance is transitory in nature and shall not be codified in the City Code. This ordinance and the fee schedule established hereby shall be placed on file and available for public inspection at City Hall. SECTION III. Effect. The fees set out in the attached fee schedule apply notwithstanding any other fees the City has established which may be inconsistent. Any other fees imposed by the City which do not appear on the attached fee schedule remain in full force and effect. SECTION IV. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective for all billings rendered after June 30, 2017, and upon adoption and publication in the official newspaper of the City of Lake Elmo. SECTION V. Adoption Date. This Ordinance No. 08-179 was adopted on this 20th day of June, 2017, by a vote of Ayes and Nays. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL Mike Pearson, Mayor ATTEST: Julie Johnson, City Clerk This Ordinance was published on the day of , 2017. 1 CITY OF LAKE ELMO COUNTY OF WASHINGTON STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 2017-064 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE 08-179 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo has adopted Ordinance No. 08-179, an ordinance amending the City Code of Ordinances by amending the City’s provisions related to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the Ordinance includes a chart 8 pages in length; and WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes Section 412.191, subdivision 4, allows publication by title and summary in the case of lengthy ordinances or those containing charts or maps; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes that the following summary would clearly inform the public of the intent and effect of the Ordinance; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo, that the City Clerk shall cause the following summary of Ordinance No. 08-179 to be published in the official newspaper in lieu of the entire ordinance: Public Notice The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo has adopted Ordinance No. 08-179, which amends the City’s 2017 Fee Schedule to clarify the City Sewer Base charge and when payments are due. The full text of Ordinance No. 08-179 is available for inspection at Lake Elmo city hall during regular business hours. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo that the City Administrator keep a copy of the Ordinance at City Hall for public inspection and that a copy be placed for public inspection at the Lake Elmo Public Library. Dated: June 20, 2017. Mike Pearson, Mayor ATTEST: Julie Johnson, City Clerk (SEAL) The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: and the following voted against same: Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. City of Lake Elmo Fee Schedule 2017 1 APPLICATION/FEE/PERMIT TYPE 2017 FEE ESCROW OR ADDITIONAL CHARGE DEPARTMENT Amateur Radio Antenna $875.00 Planning Appeal (to Board of Adjustment and Appeals) $250.00 Administration Bee Keeping Permit $25.00 Valid for 2 years from issuance Administration Building Demolition Administration Residential $200.00 Plus Surcharge (State Mandated) Building Commercial $300.00 Building Burning Permit Fire Residential $45.00 Fire Commercial $80.00 Fire Illegal Burn see notes → Additional fees may be incurred based on Wash. Cty. Chief's fee schedule and # of responding units Fire Chicken Keeping Permit $25.00 Initial permit expires on 12/31 of 2nd year. Administration Comprehensive Plan Amendment $1,300.00 Land Use Escrow $2500 Planning Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Wireless Communication Facilities Fee Escrow $6,000.00. Flood Plain Ordinance Fee Escrow $500.00 Land Use Escrow $2500 Planning New $1,050.00 Planning Amended $500.00 Planning Contractor License Fees Licensing Demolition $50.00 Licensing Driveway $50.00 Licensing Excavator $50.00 Licensing HVAC $50.00 Licensing Irrigation $50.00 Licensing Sewer/Water Line Installer $50.00 Licensing Sign Installer $50.00 Licensing Solid Waste Hauler $120.00 Licensing Copy Services (Paper/Electronic) Administration Copies (B&W) $0.25 per page 100 pages or more are charged at actual cost of production Administration Copies (Color) $0.50 per page 100 pages or more are charged at actual cost of production Administration Copies (B&W) 11x17 $1.00 per page 100 pages or more are charged at actual cost of production Administration Copies (Color) 11x17 $2.00 per page 100 pages or more are charged at actual cost of production Administration Data DVD Fee $15.00 Administration GIS Scaled Aerial $25.00 Administration Existing Maps $5.00 Administration Custom (Per Hour Rate) $70.00 Administration Plan Size Maps (Larger than 11x17) $15.00 Administration City of Lake Elmo Fee Schedule 2017 2 APPLICATION/FEE/PERMIT TYPE 2017 FEE ESCROW OR ADDITIONAL CHARGE DEPARTMENT Development Standards Specs/Details $55.00 Administration Video reproduction $10.00 Administration Culverts in Developments with Rural Section $160.00 Administration Daycare Inspection Fee $50.00 Building Dog License- altered $20.00 Licensing Dog License- unaltered $25.00 Licensing Dog License- late fee $2.50 per month Maximum $10 Licensing Service Dog License No Charge Licensing Duplicate License or Tag $1.00 Licensing First Impound- Unlicensed Dog $60.00 All Impound Fees plus $20/day Boarding Fee Licensing First Impound- Licensed Dog $42.00 Licensing First Impound- Cat $42.00 Licensing Subsequent dog/ cat impound $85.00 Licensing Driveway Planning Residential $70.00 Planning Commercial $160.00 Planning Easement Encroachment $100.00 Staff & Recording Fee Planning Electronic Fund Withdrawl/Bill Payment Fee + Trans. Charge Administration Environmental Review (EAW/EIS) $1,500.00 Village Area AUAR Fee $230.00 Per REC Unit. To be charged to development applications that increase the number of REC units above existing conditions within the Village AUAR Area. The fee will be based on the difference between the proposed and existing REC units. Fee to be paid as part of a developer’s agreement for larger projects or at the time a building permit is issued for smaller projects. Once paid, the same land will not be charged again. Planning Erosion Control Building Re-inspection Fee (portal to portal from City Hall: 1 Hr. min) $50.00 per hour $5,000.00 Security Building Excavating & Grading ≥ 50 cubic yards, up to 400 cubic yds $125.00 Security $500.00 Building Excavating & Grading ≥ 400 cubic yards/acre of site area $500.00 $500.00 fee escrow plus security $1,500.00 per acre with $1,500 minimum. Engineering False Alarms (12 Month Period)* (*1-3 no charge) Fire Residential Fire City of Lake Elmo Fee Schedule 2017 3 APPLICATION/FEE/PERMIT TYPE 2017 FEE ESCROW OR ADDITIONAL CHARGE DEPARTMENT 4-6 False Alarms $110.00 Fire In Excess of 6 False Alarms $185.00 Fire Commercial Fire 4-6 False Alarms $315.00 Fire In Excess of 6 False Alarms $520.00 Fire Fire Alarm Permit 2% of value plus surcharge; Minimum $100 Building Fire Suppression Permit 2% of value plus surcharge; Minimum $100 Building Flood Plain District Delineation $500.00 Planning Fuel Tank Removal (Underground) $250.00 Plus Surcharge (State Mandated) Administration Fuel Tank Install 2% of value of work Minimum $100.00 Administration HVAC Building Residential $60.00/unit Up to 3 units, max fee $180.00 plus Surcharge (State Mandated) Building Commercial $60.00/unit Up to 3 units or 1% of total valuation, whichever is greater. Plus Surcharge (State Mandated) Building Fireplace Permit $60.00/unit Plus State surcharge (State Mandated) Building Interim Use Permit (IUP) Planning Fee $1,050.00 $2,500.00 Escrow Planning Renewal $300.00 Planning Liquor License Licensing Club On-Sale Intoxicating $100.00 Licensing On-Sale Intoxicating $1,500.00 Licensing Off-Sale Intoxicating $200.00 Licensing Off-Sale Non-Intoxicating $150.00 Licensing On-Sale Intoxicating- 2nd Building $750.00 Licensing On-Sale Non-Intoxicating $100.00 Licensing Investigation $350.00 Licensing On-Sale Sunday Intoxicating $200.00 Licensing Temporary Intoxicating $25.00 Licensing Wine $300.00 Licensing Lot Line Adjustment $325.00 None Planning Manufactured Home Parks Planning Move home out of the city $200.00 Plus Surcharge (State Mandated) Building Move home into the city $200.00 Plus Surcharge (State Mandated) Building City of Lake Elmo Fee Schedule 2017 4 APPLICATION/FEE/PERMIT TYPE 2017 FEE ESCROW OR ADDITIONAL CHARGE DEPARTMENT Annual License for retail sales of consumer fireworks $100.00 Massage Therapy Premises License Licensing Application Fee $100.00 Fee includes one Therapist Licensing Investigation Fee $100.00 Licensing Massage Therapy Practitioner License Licensing Application Fee $50.00 Licensing Investigation Fee $25.00 Licensing Massage Therapy Premises License Renewal $50.00 Fee includes one Therapist Licensing Massage Therapy Practitioner License Renewal $25.00 Licensing Massage Therapy License Amendment $25.00 Licensing Minor Subdivision $525.00 $1,000.00 escrow Planning Moving House or Primary Structure into City $520.00 Plus security w/amount to be determined by the City w/recommendation from building official Administration Moving Accessory Structure into City $305.00 Plus security to be determined by the City w/recommendation from building official Administration Other Inspections and Fees Building Inspection outside of business hours $100.00 (2 Hr. Min.) Building Re-inspection Fees Assessed $50.00 per hour Building Inspections with no fee assigned $50.00 per hour Building Construction Escrow $2,000.00 Or determined by Building Official Building Construction Escrow Administrative Fee $100.00 Building Cancelled or Refunded Permits $25.00 Building Work without Permit see notes Investigative fee to equal permit fee Building Duplicate Inspection Card $25.00 Building Park Dedication Planning Residential - Up to three lots $3,600.00 per lot Four or more lots per §153.14 Planning Commercial $4,500.00 per acre Planning Parking Lots Planning New Commercial $175.00 $500 Fee Escrow. Security $1,500.00 per acre with $1,500.00 minimum. Planning Existing Commercial $200.00 Planning Platting Sketch Plan Review (Subdivision) $500.00 $3,500.00 Fee Escrow Planning Preliminary Plat (Subdivision) $1,850.00 $10,000.00 Fee Escrow Planning Final Plat (Subdivision) $1,250.00 $8,000.00 Fee Escrow Planning $5,000.00 (<100 units) Fee Escrow City of Lake Elmo Fee Schedule 2017 5 APPLICATION/FEE/PERMIT TYPE 2017 FEE ESCROW OR ADDITIONAL CHARGE DEPARTMENT $7,500.00 (>100 units) Fee Escrow Preliminary Plat Review (OP Development) $1,850.00 $5,000.00 (<100 units) Fee Escrow Planning $7,500.00 (>100 units) Fee Escrow Final Plat (OP Development) $1,250.00 $5,000.00 (<100 units) Fee Escrow Planning $7,500.00 (>100 units) Fee Escrow (City will retain escrows to reimburse review costs for each stage of development review) Planning Planned Unit Development Planning General Concept Plan $1,250.00 $7,500.00 Fee Escrow (Waive Subdivision Escrow) Planning Development Stage Plan $1,850.00 $10,000.00 Fee Escrow (Waive Subdivision Escrow) Planning Final Plan $1,250.00 $8,000.00 Fee Escrow (Waive Subdivision Escrow) Planning (City will retain escrows to reimburse review costs for each stage of development review) Planning Plumbing Administration Residential $60.00/unit Up to 3 units, max fee $180.00 plus Surcharge (State Mandated) Building Commercial $60.00/unit Up to 3 units or 1.5% of total valuation, whichever is greater. Plus Surcharge (State Mandated) Building Private Roads (Permitted only in AG zone) $150.00 Planning Restrictive Soils and Wetland Restoration Protection and Preservation Permit $800.00 $1,500.00 Fee Escrow Planning Retaining Walls over 4' $150.00 Plus State Surcharge Building Returned Check (NSF) $25.00 Administration Right-of-Way Permit Engineering Annual Registration $200.00 $5,000.00 Security Engineering Excavation Permit $275.00 + $.60/foot Engineering Joint Trench Permit (per lot per utility) $275.00 + $.60/foot Engineering Obstruction Permit $275.00 Engineering Permit Extension $100.00 Engineering Delay Penalty (per calendar day) $25.00 Engineering Roofing Building Residential see notes Based on valuation + state surcharge Building Commercial see notes Based on valuation + state surcharge Building SAC Charge (City) (Sewer Availability Charge) $3,000.00 Per REC Unit: collected at time of plat for new lot. This fee may be deferred through special assessment for parcels with existing structures. Engineering City of Lake Elmo Fee Schedule 2017 6 APPLICATION/FEE/PERMIT TYPE 2017 FEE ESCROW OR ADDITIONAL CHARGE DEPARTMENT SAC Charge (Met Council) (Sewer Availability Charge) $2,485.00 Per REC Unit: $2,485.00 to Met Council at time of connection. Engineering Sewer Connection Charge $1,000.00 Per REC Unit collected at time of plat for new lot. This fee may be deferred through special assessment for parcels with existing structures. Engineering Sewer Lateral Benefit Charge $11,000.00 Per REC Unit connecting to a Trunk Sewer Main and that has never been assessed Engineering Sewer Base Charge – Residential – Non 201 Off Site $52.50 per quarter Allowance of 10,000 gallons (10 Units) per quarter Administration Sewer Rate $4.50/1,000 Gal Administration 201 Off-Site Maintenance Fee $75.00/unit/quarter Administration Real Estate Searches $15.00/Search For special assessment or utility search Administration Siding Building Residential see notes Based on valuation + state surcharge Building Commercial see notes Based on valuation + state surcharge Building Signs - Permanent $180.00 Planning Signs - Temporary $75.00 Planning Temporary Renewal $25.00 Planning Re-inspection Fee $25.00 Planning Special Event Permit $75.00 City must be listed as additional insured Planning Fire Suppression Permit 2% of value plus state surcharge; Minimum $100 Building Sprinkler System (Re-Inspection Fee) $50.00 Building Surface Water Administration Residential $50.00 Administration Non-Residential (Commercial etc.) $50.00 Utility rate factor per code Administration Review Fee $125.00 $75 Review/$50 Storm Water Fund Administration Vacations (Streets or Easements) Planning Easements $515.00 $500.00 Fee Escrow Planning Streets $515.00 $500.00 Fee Escrow Planning Variance $750.00 $500.00 Fee Escrow Planning Shoreland Variance $1,500.00 $500.00 Fee Escrow Planning Water Availability Charge (WAC) $3,000.00 Per REC Unit; collected at time of plat for new lot. This fee may be deferred through special assessment for parcels with existing structures. Engineering Water Connection Charge $1,000.00 Per REC Unit, collected at time of plat for new lot. This fee may be deferred through special assessment for parcels with existing structures. Administration City of Lake Elmo Fee Schedule 2017 7 APPLICATION/FEE/PERMIT TYPE 2017 FEE ESCROW OR ADDITIONAL CHARGE DEPARTMENT Water Equipment/Set up Administration Meter (3/4" or less) $350.00 Additional fees apply to larger sized meters Administration Driveway Curb Stop Lid $100.00 Administration Disconnect Service $80.00 Administration Reconnect Service $80.00 Administration Water Lateral Benefit Charge $5,800.00 Per REC Unit connecting to a Trunk Water Main and that has never been assessed Engineering Water Usage Administration Residential - Quarterly Rate $20.00 Base Administration Residential - Plus Rate per 1,000 Gallons Administration Plus Rate for 0-15,000 Gallons $2.00 Administration Plus Rate for 15,001-30,000 Gallons $2.40 Administration Plus Rate for 30,001-50,000 Gallons $2.88 Administration Plus Rate for 50,001-80,000 Gallons $3.46 Administration Plus Rate for 80,001 + Gallons $4.15 Administration Water Usage Administration Commercial - Quarterly Rate $25.00 Base Administration Commercial - Plus Rate Per 1,000 Gallons Administration Plus Rate for 0 - 15,000 Gallons $3.11 Administration Plus Rate for 15,001 - 30,000 Gallons $3.26 Administration Plus Rate for 30,001 - 50,000 Gallon $3.77 Administration Plus Rate for 50,001 - 80,000 Gallons $5.00 Administration Plus Rate for 80,001 + Gallons $6.63 Administration Water Usage For metered non-irrigation (domestic) consumption Administration Hotel / Motel - Quarterly Rate $25.00 Base Administration Hotel / Motel - Plus Rate Per 1,000 Gallons Administration Plus Rate for 0 -30,000 Gallons $3.11 Administration Plus Rate for 30,001 - 50,000 Gallons $3.26 Administration Plus Rate for 50,001 + Gallons $4.00 Administration Water Usage Delinquent Accounts Administration Regular 6% per quarter Plus $25.00 or 8%, whichever is greater, if certified to County for collection with taxes Administration City of Lake Elmo Fee Schedule 2017 8 APPLICATION/FEE/PERMIT TYPE 2017 FEE ESCROW OR ADDITIONAL CHARGE DEPARTMENT Storm Water 10% per year Plus $25.00 or 8%, whichever is greater, if certified to County for collection with taxes Administration Bulk Water Purchase Administration Water from Hydrant $100.00 minimum Plus $3.26/additional 1,000 gallons Administration Sod Installation (New Construction) $100.00 minimum Plus $3.26 per 1,000 gallons. Good for up to 45 days from sod install. Residents must contact the City in advance. Administration Swimming Pool Fill $100.00 minimum Plus $3.26 per 1,000 gallons. Good for up to 45 days from sod ins Administration Wind Generator $850.00 $2,000.00 Fee Escrow Planning Wireless Communication Permit $500.00 $6,000.00 Fee Escrow Planning Zoning Amendment (Text or Map) $1,245.00 $2,500.00 Escrow Planning Zoning Certification Letter $25.00 Planning Zoning Permit - Certificate of Zoning Compliance Planning Accessory Structures < 200 SF $75.00 Planning Fence (less than 6') $75.00 Planning Swimming Pool $75.00 Planning Other $75.00 Definition of Terms * Fee Escrow: City will maintain a fee escrow to cover all City review costs. Application fees include all professional fees and expenses incurred by the City. ** Security: City will retain a security escrow to ensure completion of work as directed by the approved permit/application and compliance with the State Building Code and the City of Lake Elmo Municipal Code. Approved by CC 6.20.17; effective 7.1.17