City Council Minutes 2014 03 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes March 18, 2014 Page 12 of 20 revenue for the planned capital projects, but it does not change the allocations of the current rates. Mayor Pro Tern Dalton explained this is the first step and it anticipates changing the total revenues for water for five years. Council will then discuss 2015 and beyond for allocating the various classes. Public Works Director Kowar noted at the March 17th meeting, there were 7 people in attendance and the concern centered over the equity of the water and the total costs of the increases. There was concern the wastewater was not charged equitably. There was also concern expressed for larger lot owners for watering their lawns. Overall there was concern over the increasing water rates over the five-year period. Council member Stolzmann stated the biggest concern expressed was from residents on a fixed income and retired people for the 50% increase over a five-year period. Mayor Muckle was sympathetic to the cost issues, but noted the proposed upgrades for the water and wastewater systems necessitate the rate increase. The rates are also more equitable for the classes of services. Council member Jasiak asked how the water rates will be communicated to the residents. Public Works Director Kowar stated information will be provided in the City's newsletter, mailings to residents and commercial accounts, Web site. Council member Jasiak requested a two-way communication; someone for the public to contact and someone from the City to respond. Council member Stolzmann was interested in reallocating the City Service Facilities funding. Public Works Director Kowar stated his recommendation was adopting the rates as shown. He explained the City will begin the CIP process within the next month. Finance Director Watson stated staff will begin the CIP budgeting process in April and present the City Manager's recommended CIP budget to Council in June. He asked if Council member Stolzmann was requesting the reallocating the City Services Facilities and the land purchase. Council member Stolzmann confirmed her request was for changing the allocations for the City Services Facilities and the land purchase. Finance Director Watson explained that would be a 2013 adjustment, which would have to be made and presented to the City's auditors as soon as possible. Council member Stolzmann felt the Waste Water Plant was overcharged by 12% for the City Services Facility. She stated the allocation sheet shows the Waste Water Plant was overcharged by 12%, based on the space allocations, the FTE's by funds and the 37