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lining projects were completed by the City. He stated it was the City’s hope to replace or reline all clay pipes <br />within the system. <br /> <br />Davitt reviewed the financial projects for the sanitary sewer fund and discussed the proposed increases for this <br />public utility. <br /> <br />Schlichting noted the improvements that were planned for the City’s storm sewer system for 2018 and noted a <br />4% increase was being proposed for this user fee. <br /> <br />Schlichting commented on the City’s street lights noting high pressure sodium lights were now being replaced <br />with LED. He indicated this re-lamping would continue into 2018 and the years following. Davitt noted that <br />only a very minor increase was proposed and was pleased to report the City’s was using less electricity due to <br />the new LED lights. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg asked how long the LED lights lasted when compared to the high-pressure sodium <br />lights. Schlichting stated the sodium lights would last about five years and the LED lights were expected to <br />last 20 years or longer. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman suggested the City not charge interest on itself in order to assist in keeping costs <br />down. <br /> <br />Davitt reviewed her recommendations with the Council and noted the comparable cities water and sewer rates, <br />noting New Brighton was on the low end. She requested feedback on the water rates whether the City should <br />proceed with a single rate or the new mixed rate. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg supported the mixed rate and believed this was an appropriate way to share costs. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen agreed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman stated it was still a lot no matter which rate was selected, however she understood <br />why a mixed rate would be pursued. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strub concurred the mixed rate was the reasonable option for the City as it more accurately <br />reflected expenses when compared to consumption. <br /> <br /> <br />Election Year Discussion <br />Mayor Johnson requested feedback from the Council regarding how to proceed with even numbered year <br />elections. She stated she supported this item moving forward. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg supported this item being placed on an upcoming agenda and offered her full support to <br />even numbered year elections. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen agreed and stated he would be happy with whichever way this goes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman stated she did not support lengthening Councilmember terms. She did not believe the <br />Council should be adding a year to their term. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strub commented this issue has been discussed at length by the Council for the past several <br />years. He asked if there was a way for the Council to address this matter on December 5th instead of December