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December 13, 2016 Page 9 of 11 Adopt a Resolution Establishing a Utility Financial Assistance Policy. City Manager Lotter indicated Finance Director Davitt would be presenting this item to the Council. Finance Director Davitt explained staff is recommending a utility financial assistance policy which is designed to help low-income single-family homeowners retain home ownership and avoid delinquencies which cause additional burdens with their utility bills during periods of diminished personal income. To be eligible for the financial assistance, residents must meet all of the following criteria: 1) Owner and occupant of a single-family home 2) Currently enrolled in one or more of the following Ramsey County-administered financial assistance programs: a) SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) b) MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program) c) General Assistance (GA) 3) At or below 165% of the federal poverty threshold guidelines 4) Provide annual written proof of participation in County-administered financial assistance programs. Finance Director Davitt reported the financial assistance shall apply to the flat rate amounts of the water and sanitary sewer charges and shall equal 50% of the flat rate amount for each service. This assistance will be funded utilizing water and sanitary sewer funds. The city will budget funds annually to be collected as part of the water and sanitary sewer utility rate. The financial impact will vary as the water and utility rates are adjusted each year. For 2017 the impact on the water utility fund is expected to be $10,500 and $17,500 for the sanitary sewer fund. In the City’s current utility analysis, the projections have the assistance in the year 2036 as $16,400 in the water fund and $28,700 in the sanitary sewer fund. Staff discussed the new policy in further detail and recommended approval. Mayor Johnson explained the City was looking into this program to assist elderly residents in need with their utility bills. She reported this program would be self-funded. Councilmember Strub supported the proposed program as recommended by Councilmember Jacobsen. Councilmember Bauman asked how staff reached their assistance figures. Finance Director Davitt explained individuals would be encouraged to contact Ramsey County prior to applying with the City of New Brighton. She reported staff received data from the County regarding the number of individuals living below the poverty line. Councilmember Bauman commented not all elderly may qualify for assistance from the City. Councilmember Burg questioned how residents would be informed about the program. Finance Director Davitt stated the program would be publicized on the City’s website and a flyer would be sent out in 1st quarter bills. Councilmember Burg recommended information on a reduced Comcast bill also be advertised to those that qualify. Councilmember Jacobsen thanked staff and the Council for supporting this program. He understood utilities and groceries were costing more. He was proud that the City had taken this into account and was willing to work with its seniors in order to keep them in their home. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried 5. Consider Resolution Establishing the Utility Rates and Charges for 2017. Motion by Councilmember Strub, seconded by Councilmember Burg to waive the reading and Adopt a Resolution Establishing the 2017 Utility Rates and Charges. 5. Consider Resolution Establishing the Utility Rates and Charges for 2017.