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Council Meeting Minutes November 7, 1994 Page 4 Council Business. continued Glen Amman, 169 Windsor Ct., asked if the Windsor Green rates are quarterly. Olson stated that the quarterly fee for a Windsor Green unit would be $1.80. Amman prefers the charge be left in property taxes, and noted the Roseville utility plan which has increased fees each year. Olson found that Roseville's fund includes administrative and other costs which New Brighton will not include. The New Brighton proposal includes charges solely for maintenance of the stormwater system. Benke said the proposal involves charges which relate to the reconstruction and maintenance of the storms ewer system, and does not include new construction costs. Benke explained that each year the Council and staff follows a budgetary process which reviews upcoming projects. If the utility fund is approved, a utility district would be created and levied expenses would be incorporated into an based rate. That taxing district's budget is opened for review by the public. Mike Buckley, 2807 Valley View Lane, did not receive notice of the utility fee. Benke said notices were mailed to each property owner. Benke noted that Buckley's recent special assessments were associated with new street, curb, and stormsewer. Olson said the utility fund will not eliminate special assessments for new construction. On another subject, Buckley noted the recently installed Rice Creek Trail and the increase in vandalism of homes near the trail. Fulton said the trail is a Ramsey County project and is still under construction. The County intents to install fencing to prevent vandalism and install a barrier to prevent motorized vehicles from entering the trail. Esther Nowlin, 196 Windsor Ln., feels the Council should not have developed a 1995 budget for this utility before it is a reality. She feels Council should not take action tonight and suggested that a citizen task force study this issue. Walt Witzke, 771 Emerald Dr., asked if the proposed quarterly rates are definite. Olson referred to the proposed resolution, if adopted, states the quarterly rates. Witzke said the 1995 Stormwater Management Budget includes the Stormwater Plan Update, which has not been approved by Council; and the Knollwood Pond Dredging, 3rd Street project, and SWUF startup costs. He questioned those budgetary amounts associated with the utility fund and feels a citizen group should review this issue. He feels the annual budget format does not allow for clear determination of revenue and expenses, and suggested a copy of the budget should be available at the public library. Benke confirmed that the Bristol/3rd St. project was approved by Council and completed in December 1993; the Knollwood Pond improvement was approved by Council and performed in 1994; and the SWUF (Stormwater Utility Fund) was approved for implementation of an accounting system for the stormwater utility. Olson added that the budget includes the updating of aerial maps which are used very frequently by staff. Benke said the budget is a plan which allows for the best estimate available at that time, and there are always unexpected costs and changes which require immediate attention. Each project identified in the budget is subsequent to additional study and review by Council. Council Business I Stormwater Utility Plan Report 94-263 I I