2017.12.12 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 12, 2017. Page 8 of 10 how much of those services are used by the property. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting explained the water distribution system and the sanitary sewer collection system need to be maintained regardless of customer's specific usage during any particular quarter. He conin>Iented on (lie improvements being planned by the City for the City's stormwater system and noted the City would continue to replace its street light fixtures with LED's. Finance Director Davitt discussed the proposed utility rates with the Council. It was noted the flat rate charges are calculated based on a fixed number of gallons. Currently, the flat rate is calculated on 8,000 gallons. The variable "per 1,000 gallons" water charge starts with consumption levels above this flat rate. Staff reviewed the City's utility rates with neighboring communities and recommended approval of the utility rates. Councilmember Jacobsen thanked staff for their efforts. He stated he appreciated the solid financial planning that went into the proposed utility rates. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays -Motion Carried 5. Consider Ordinance 857 Changing the Year of City Elections, Amending City Code, Section 2 —16. Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Burg to consider Ordinance No. 857 Changing the Municipal Election year, Amending City Code Section 2 —16. City Manager Lotter reported City Clerk Spangnzd would be presenting this item to the Council. City Clerk Spangud stated in the 2017 legislative session, a bill was passed amending Minnesota State Statutes, section 205.07. These statues now clarify deadlines associated with moving election years, tying deadlines to candidate filing dates of the next municipal election instead to the calendar year. The City Council held a discussion at their November 28, 2017 Work Session and directed staff to bring back an ordinance changing Municipal election years. Councilmember Bauman stated she opposed the Ordinance changing elections to even - numbered years. She commented on an Ordinance that would be coming before the Council to extend terms for the recently elected Councilmembers. She believed that voters should have been aware of the fact terms would be extended prior to the recent election. She was of the opinion the Council was acting in a self-serving manner due to the fact terms would be lengthened instead of shortened. She stated there would be a petition regarding this Ordinance. Councilmember Burg explained she has been on the City Council for many years and has brought up even -numbered elections on a number of different occasions. She believed even - numbered years were the most appropriate for municipal elections. She indicated she supported shortening terms but due to the recent legislative change the Council was proposing to lengthen terms. She stated she supported the City moving its elections to even -numbered years. Mayor Johnson commented she took exception to Councilmember Bauman's comments. She explained she served the public, the public did not serve her. She recommended this line of conversation be dropped. She did not believe the Council was hiding anything from the public as all information has been clearly addressed with the public. Councilmember Strub stated the average turnout has been 3,300 residents or 27% of the population for the last seven municipal elections. He indicated the last election had greater than 5,000 residents. He explained the eve numbered elections had 11,000, votes which was three times as many voters. It was noted thl years in which presidential elections are held, the City has 13,000 voters. He reported he would support shortening terms to get to even numbered year elections and he was proud of the fact the Council was taking action in order to engage three times as many voters in their municipal elections. He noted the proposed Ordinance would also save the City money by eliminating the expense of odd -year elections. 5. Consider Ord nw= 857 CMnging the Year ofCity Elections, Amending City Cade, Section 2-16.