2016.04.26 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Of 11rNEW the city that works for you Council Worksession April 26, 2016 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Valerie Johnson Councilmember Gina Bauman Councilmember Brian Strub Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Councilmember Mary Burg Absent: Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Brenda Davitt, Terri Haarstad Guests in Attendance: Discussion Regarding Utility Rates for Senior Citizens Councilmember Jacobsen explained he had received several calls from senior citizens in the community regarding the rising costs of their water bills. There was concern with how the rates could be adjusted for senior citizens living on a fixed income. ' Mayor Johnson requested the Council discuss utility rates for senior citizens. Davitt reviewed several graphs on the City's utility rates. She provided comparable information on the communities that provide a senior discount and noted New Brighton residents were still paying less than these reduced rates. She provided further comment on the minimum fees and reported the cost comparisons were based on 8,000 gallons of water usage. It was her opinion that the City's water rates were still quite low when compared to neighboring communities. Lotter commented if the Council was interested in offering some sort of assistance, this should perhaps be done through the County. After an individual was qualified through the County, the City could then consider a discounted rate for the senior citizens. Councilmember Burg discussed the Parks Department scholarship process. Davitt provided comment on how the City of Roseville offered discounts to seniors. Mayor Johnson did not want to see the rates lowered to the point where the City was not covering its expenses. She discussed the importance of water as a natural resource. She feared that if discounts were offered to seniors that the rest of the residents' rates would be increased. Councilmember Strub stated it would be interesting to understand how many residents in the City were using less than 8,000 gallons of water per quarter. Councilmember Bauman indicated she too had received numerous complaints regarding the City's water rates. She requested further clarification on the City's minimum rates. Davitt discussed the minimums in further detail with the Council.