2020.01.14 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 10, 2019 Page 6 of 9 acquire, construct, maintain, and otherwise improve storm sewer systems and related facilities within the district for the benefit of the district. The Public Works Department works with the residents of each district to determine specific projects and courses of action. The costs involved are recovered by levying tax on all taxable properties within the district. The City has adopted similar tax levies for both districts for a number of years. Motion by Councilmember Dunsworth, seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to adopt a Resolution approving the Final Tax Levies for Taxes Payable in 2020 for Lake Diane and Bicentennial Pond Storm Sewer Improvement Taxing Districts. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried 4. Consider Resolution Establishing the Utility Rates and Charges for 2020. Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Allen to adopt a Resolution Establishing the 2020 Utility Rates and Charges. Acting City Manager Massopust indicated Finance Director Davitt would be presenting this item to the Council. Finance Director Davitt explained an analysis of the City’s water, sewer, stormwater and street light enterprise operations and their respective capital improvement plans has been completed. The focus of the analysis is to ensure the determination of revenues, expenses and net income is appropriate for operations, capital maintenance and replacement. The City’s water, sewer, stormwater and street light enterprise operations are each accounted for in their own separate and distinct fund. Each fund/operation has been established to be financially independent. The revenues of each fund are designed to cover its operating costs, capital maintenance and replacement. Rates are adjusted in accordance with costs. The rate setting process is intended to provide for gradual annual adjustments whenever possible, focusing on the long-term strategy. Each year assumptions are reviewed and adjusted as necessary. The long-term plan then reflects the most current assumptions and financial conditions. It was noted the City would now be billing recycling fees quarterly versus tacking this expense onto property taxes. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting highlighted the utility projects that were planned in New Brighton for the next 20 years. It was noted LED re-lamping was included in this work. Staff reviewed the projected utility usage for 2020, along with the proposed utility rates and requested the Council approve the 2020 utility rates and charges. Councilmember Jacobsen thanked staff for the thorough report and stated he was proud of the fact the City projected its utility expenses for the next 20 years. Councilmember Burg commented on the expense to maintain the City’s water and sewer system. She noted the proposed increases would allow the City to continue to properly maintain this system. Councilmember Dunsworth thanked staff for the information regarding the recycling billing change. She questioned how this change would be communicated to the public. Finance Director Davitt reported this information would be included in the winter newsletter and in the January utility bill. Councilmember Allen thanked staff for pursuing a grant from Met Council that would assist multi-family properties with water conservation efforts. He stated he appreciated the great presentation that was made by staff this evening. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried 4. Consider Resolution Establishing the Utility Rates and Charges for 2020