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December 10, 2013 Page 4 of 6 Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Bauman to waive the reading and adopt a Resolution approving the final tax levy for taxes payable in 2014 for the Lake Diane Storm Sewer Improvement Taxing District. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried 4. Consideration of Resolution Adopting the Final 2014 Tax Levy for Bicentennial Pond Storm Sewer Taxing District. Report No. 13 -289, Resolution No. 13-097. City Manager Lotter indicated Finance Director Maiers would present this item to the Council. Finance Director Maiers reported the City has established a Stom7 Sewer Improvement Taxing District within the City for Bicentennial Pond. He reported the City adopted a preliminary 2014 tax levy for the Storm Sewer Improvement Tax District on September 10, 2013 for $2,100. He recommended the Council approve the proposed tax levy. Councilmember Jacobsen asked Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Bauman to waive the reading and adopt a Resolution approving the final tax levy for taxes payable in 2014 for Bicentennial Pond Storm Sewer Improvement Taxing District. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays -Motion Carried 5. Consideration of Resolution Establishing the Utility Rates and Charges for 2014. Report No. 13 -290. Resolution No. 13-098. City Manager Lotter indicated Finance Director Maiers and Public Works Director Wyffels would present this item to the Council. Finance Director Maiers indicated an analysis of the City's water, sewer, stormwater and street lights enterprise operations and their respective capital improvement plans has been completed. The focus of the analysis was to ensure that the determination of revenues, expenses and net income is appropriate for operations, capital maintenance and replacement, and debt retirement. Staff reviewed the assumptions made last year and updates were made where necessary. A review was completed of the current and future anticipated improvement projects. He explained the adjustments to the recommended rates for 2014 for Water, Sewer and Stormwater were slightly higher from those anticipated in last year's analysis, while adjustments to the 2014 Street Light rates are lower than anticipated. He discussed a major rain event that affected a lift station. Public Works Director Wyffels reviewed the proposed capital projects for water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer planned for the next four years. He explained that the expense for these capital improvements projects was on the rise, while water and sanitary sewer usage was declining. He noted that while sanitary sewer usage was declining, the City was not seeing a drop in fees from the Met Council. He commented that the proposed utility rates would have to be adjusted to match these trends. Staff then reviewed the water and sewer rates for neighboring communities, in comparison to the proposed 2014 New Brighton rates. Staff recommended the Council approve a Resolution establishing the 2014 utility rates and charges. Councilmember Bauman commented the flood mitigation expenses would be analyzed by the City on a yearly basis prior to proceeding with these costly capital improvements projects. She expressed frustration with the large rate increases being subjected upon the City by the Met Council each year stating the City had to plan accordingly to assure these expenses were covered through the proposed sewer rates. Councilmember Burg reported that even though water usage was declining the City still had the same costs to provide water, maintain and service the pipes. Councilmember Jacobsen explained the City has been diligently working on infrastructure 4. Consideration of Resolution Adopting the Final 2014 Tax Levy for Bicentennial Pond Storm Sewer Taxing District. Report No. 13 -289. Resolution No. 13-097 5. Consideration of Resolution Establishing the Utility Rates and Charges for 2014. Report No. 13- 290. Resolution No, 13-098