HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 07-20-1999 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
July 20, 1999
A special meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order at 5:40 p.m. in the Public
Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on July 20, 1999.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Johnson, Brown, and Harstad.
Councilmember Slavik arrived at 5:50 p.m.
Councilmember Black arrived at 5:55 p.m.
COUNCIL ABSENT: Councilmember Bildsoe.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Finance Director Hahn, Financial Analyst Kohn,
Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Moore, and Deputy City
Clerk Hoffman.
Water Rate Study
Finance Director Hahn stated a water rate study was done by Springsted Public Finance Advisors
to determine the financial impact of projected capital expenditures, and also to evaluate the
impact of programs concerning water conservation, senior discounts, maintenance of private
hydrants, and demand charges.
Financial Analyst Kohn reviewed findings of the water rate study, and summarized four options
for councilmembers to consider.
Councilmember Slavik arrived at 5:50 p.m.
Director Hahn said the aquifer continues to drop, will worsen and the City needs to review water
conservation policies.
Councilmember Black arrived at 5:55 p.m.
Public Works Director Moore explained the movement of the aquifer. He said it would not be
economically feasible to bring in water from other areas, nor would they be likely to get a permit
to draw lake water.
Councilmembers discussed and supported elimination of the residential demand and hydrant
inspection fees.
Councilmember Black said she favors a 3 tiered rate system. She said the City should make the
differences in rate tiers meaningful, not just token differences in the rates.
Adopted Minutes
Special Meeting
July 20, 1999
Page 2
Councilmember Harstad said an on—demand rate structure will simply prompt the highest users
to put in their own water supplies. He said the City should consider the reasons for the rate
structure, whether it is to conserve on water usage or to generate revenue.
Councilmembers Johnson and Slavik said they concurred with Councilmember Black.
Councilmembers directed staff to present further information on the options at a later date.
Water Resource Management Plan funding issues (requested by Councilmember Harstad)
Public Works Director Moore reported that the funding for the Water Resources Management
Plan would require $202,000 for implementation. He said staff is coming to the Council for
direction on how to proceed in designating the funds.
Manager Johnson said some progress on funding the plan has been made in the budget planning
process, but staff is divid@d undecided on whether to proceed with adopting a Surface Water
Utility Fee at this time.
Councilmember Harstad said he could not justify such an additional fee, since lake home
residents already pay additional fees in property taxes.
Councilmember Johnson disagreed with Councilmember Harstad. She said property taxes are
higher for lake home residents because the value of the property is higher. She said the City
should be concerned with water quality for all affected watersheds. She said it is a city—wide
issue for residents. She said she also likes the idea of exploring grants for funding.
Councilmember Black cautioned against the use of grants. She said her experience as a state
employee found that the time and staffing demand of reporting under grants can make projects
more difficult. She suggested any grant application be comprehensive enough to cover reporting
costs.
Councilmember Slavik said she did not support a Surface Water Utility Fee, but would like to
review it after the budget is in place. She said she is uneasy about putting another fee on the
budget table.
Schedule next Study Session and Topics
Councilmembers reviewed study session topics, and directed staff to review dates for a study
session in September.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
40—
CAy Clerk