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I I I Page 4 - City Council Meeting Minutes of April 22, 1997 Council Business. continued Finance Director Margaret Egan presented the 1997 customer charges for sewer, water, and stormwater utility services. Currently, there is no need to adjust fates for water and stormwater utilities, however, rising costs for sewer service will necessitate an increase of 2C per 1,000 gallons. In 1996, revenues exceeded expenses for all utilities. The sewer service involves maintenance and replacement of mains, lift stations, and sewer treated by Metropolitan Council Waste Water Services (MCWWS). Water service entails maintenance of mains, water meters, water towers, wells, and remediation treatment plants. The stofmwater service manages stormwater runoff and ponding areas, culverts, and pipes. The MCWWS sewage treatment expenses represent 55% of operating costs. The City's charge will increase $87,000 in 1997, and increase anothef $100,000 in 1998 when debit credit is totally paid. In 1996, water services was billed 975,000,000 gallons of water, and a future rate change is unlikely. Customer charges generate $168,000 annually for the stormwater utility. Stormwater capital projects average $215,000/year, and rate increases may be needed if spending levels continue. Larson asked if water billing accuracy can be enhanced. Egan believes the new remote meters enhanced accuracy, and staff continues to improve upon the process. Larson applauded staff efforts in connecting customers to the remote meter system. Samuelson noted that a majority of the increases are reflected in MCWWS fees. Egan said MCWWS fees are dictated to the City and then passed on to utility customers. Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Samuelson, to WAIVE THE READING AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION ESTABLISmNG THE 1997 CUSTOMER CHARGERS FOR THE UTILITY SERVICES. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Accounting Clerk Kim Otis was recognized for outstanding efforts reading meters during this past harsh winter. Park and Recreation Director Maurie Anderson presented a request from the Irondale Girls Fast Pitch Softball Boosters for City assistance of $2,000 to be used in completion of a regulation softball field at Irondale High School. Currently, the Boosters have raised $11,000, and the School District will contribute $20,000. Teresa Jacobs, Fast Pitch Boosters, thanked the Council for their consideration. Motion by Williams, seconded by Gunderman, to AUTHORIZE PAYMENT TO SCHOOL DISTRICT #621 OF $2,000 FOR SOFTBALL FIELD RENOVATION AT IRONDALE HIGH SCHOOL. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Police Lieutenant Bob Jacobson presented the Bias/Hate Incident Response Plan. The Public Safety Commission (PSC) and the Human Rights Subcommittee (HRS) were charged to Cfeate a formal plan. Both endorse and recommend approval of the plan. Council Business 1997 Utility Rates Report 97-089 Resolution 97-029 Softball Boosters Request Report 97-090 Bias/Hate Incident Response Plan Report 97-091