2015.11.24 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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WWBROKIJAMM the city that works for you Council Worksession November 24, 2015 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Dave Jacobsen Councilmember Gina Bauman Councilmember Brian Strub Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Councilmember Mary Burg Absent: Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Brenda Davitt, Craig Schlichting, Bob Jacobson, Sandy Brueur Guests in Attendance: Budget Discussion and Utility bates Schlichting reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan for the next 10 years with the Council. He discussed the fleet/non-fleet budget as well. Information on the purchase agreements with the Chiefs of Police was reviewed with the Council. The streets planned for improvement in 2016 was noted. Davitt provided the Council with a detailed presentation regarding the 2016 budget along with the City's utility rates for the water, sanitary sewer, streetlight, and storm water funds. She discussed the driving rates behind the proposed utility rates in addition to the proposed increases. She explained how the City would fund its proposed expenditures over the next 10 years based on the proposed utility rates. She compared the City's 2016 rates with neighboring communities 2015 utility rates. Staff recommended the Council support staff's recommended utility rate increases. Councilmember Jacobsen questioned the City's capacity for internal loans. Davitt reviewed the City's internal loan balance at this time and indicated staff would be requesting and additional $800,000. Councilmember Burg requested further information on the new water meters. Schlichting discussed how the new meters would assist with providing more clear and accurate readings for commercial and residential properties. He explained the new meters would also allow for drive-by reads. Davitt reported the City's commercial meters were extremely old and were in need of replacement. Councilmember Burg requested staff provide the Council with additional information on the costs for residential and commercial meters. Councilmember Jacobsen questioned how staff selected streets for the 2016 street reconstruction program. Schlichting reviewed the streets planned for improvement and noted the list would be refined based on the condition road index. Councilmember Bauman asked how many street lights would be changed out to LED by the City. Schlichting noted the number of lights planned for replacement throughout the City and discussed the proposed replacement timeline.