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<br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />Council Meeting Minutes <br />April 25, 1995 <br /> <br />Page 10 <br /> <br />Council Business continued <br /> <br />A current bill for a customer using 20,000 gallons during the winter quarter is <br />$12.00; under the 1995 rate change that bill would be $14.80. A current sewer bill is <br />$38.00; under this proposal it would be $39.00. The current water flat fee is $6.25; <br />that would decrease to $6.20. The sewer flat fee is currently $4.25; and would <br />increase to $6.00. <br /> <br />Benke noted the comparison chart of neighboring communities. Egan said the <br />comparison includes fairly typical 1994 rates, and these rates may differ depending <br />on the water source and other system concerns. Fulton noted that New Brighton <br />appears to be in the middle range of the cost comparison study. Benke asked the <br />fundamental reason for the water rate changes, and asked if the water reserve fund <br />could be delayed one year. Egan said the rate changes are driven by sales volume <br />with no anticipated growth. Fulton noted that because the City does not normally <br />carry fund reserves, staff recommends the City begin to put aside incremental <br />amounts to build up fund reserves to handle unknown contingencies. Williams feels <br />that because of the possible tax freeze, it may be practical to start this fund. <br /> <br />Larson questioned if there could be a more equitable way to address the sewer flat <br />fee. Egan suggested that establishment of a winter/spring quarter and a sewer charge <br />based on water usage for each quarter may be more equitable. Benke asked if an <br />annual consumption amount could be utilized. Egan confirmed that residential <br />customers are the most erratic users and an annual reading would shift costs more <br />heavily onto them. <br /> <br />Benke noted concern that there has not been enough public exposure to these rate <br />increases. Egan feels that postponing this action would suggest higher increases to <br />make up for lost revenue caused by any delay. Benke feels there should be <br />opportunity for public input. Fulton suggested that a special video be created and <br />broadcast to relay this information. Benke suggested a future article in the City's <br />newsletter to feature the Army Remediation and water issues. <br /> <br />Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Williams, to WAIVE THE READING AND <br />ADOPT THE RESOLUTION ESTABLISIDNG THE 1995 CUSTOMER <br />CHARGES FOR THE UTILITffiS. <br /> <br />4 Ayes - 1 Nays (Benke), Motion Carried. <br /> <br />In regards to Report 95-057, Request for Peddler's License - Blue Bell Ice Cream, <br />Gunderman asked if a criminal history was performed on drivers of this firm, and <br />asked if juvenile records could be included. City Attorney Charlie LeFevere is <br />unsure if the Police have available databank access for this information. Larson <br />questioned the owner's address on the application. Samuelson noted that this person <br />has lived at five different addresses in the past five years. Larson feels another <br />review of the applicant's creditability and application accuracy should be undertaken. <br /> <br />Council Business <br /> <br />Establishment of 1995 <br />Utility Rates <br />Report 95-064 <br />Resolution 95-031 <br /> <br />Blue Bell Ice Cream <br />Report 95-057 <br />