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2019-2038 Utility Rate Analysis <br />Lotter stated the Council reviewed its utility rates on an annual basis. He noted this year was tough as rates <br />were on the rise for capital projects. He commented on how projects had been shifted in order to make the <br />finances work. He thanked Director Davitt for all of her efforts on this project. <br /> <br />Davitt reviewed the 2019-2038 utility rate analysis with the Council. She explained her biggest goal was to <br />make this plan, with all of the planned infrastructure replacements work without issuing additional debt. She <br />proposed moving townhomes from “other” to “residential single family” for billing purposes. She noted all <br />new townhomes had their own meter. She explained 92% of properties were homes and 8% were <br />commercial/industrial property. <br /> <br />Schlichting reviewed the water utility expenditures that would occur over the next 20 years. He stated a large <br />portion of the expense for this utility was through street projects, hydrants and watermain replacements. He <br />commented repainting the City’s water towers was another large expense for the City. <br /> <br />Davitt reviewed water consumption rates for 2018 and noted the cost for water treatment chemicals were on <br />the rise. She discussed the internal loan funds that would be needed from 2019 through 2029. She commented <br />further on the proposed water utility rates for the coming year. <br /> <br />Schlichting explained the sanitary sewer expenses were from the sewer lining projects that would be completed <br />in the City. He reported the City would be spending $200,000 per year for the next 20 years on sewer lining. <br />He discussed the cost savings the City would realize by lining its sewer lines versus tearing up the ground and <br />replacing lines. <br /> <br />Davitt commented on the expenses for the new water treatment plant along with the projected development for <br />the coming year. She then discussed the proposed sanitary sewer and sewer rates for 2019 noting how New <br />Brighton residents would be impacted by the changes. She then reviewed the City’s utility fund balances in <br />detail with the Council. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson thanked staff for working hard to come up with a great utility rate analysis. She stated costs <br />are what costs are and the City had to react to changing Met Council fees, etc. She commented on all the <br />things these dollars buy for residents in New Brighton and believed it was a low investment for the high- <br />quality utility services that were provided. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen offered his support to the new rates. <br /> <br />Council consensus was to support the utility rates proposed by staff. <br /> <br />Lotter requested comment from the Council on how to communicate with the public regarding the old New <br />Brighton Elementary School redevelopment project. <br /> <br />Schlichting commented on the neighborhood meeting that was held by the developer’s in October. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson stated she has heard concerns about the amount of money that has been given to the school <br />district and how the new development would put stress on the schools. She explained she spoke with Director <br />Lennox and noted the school district were aware of the proposed development. She reported the school district <br />was aware there may be new students and was looking forward to serving them. <br /> <br />Lotter discussed the alternative uses that could have located on the old New Brighton Elementary School site <br />and how this would have adversely impacted the neighborhood with traffic. Further discussion ensued