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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 19, 2024 11 Councilmember Monson stated she was recommending moving water funds to sanitary sewer but if there is a payback cost, then that's not ideal. Finance Director Yang stated that would have a cost. You would be borrowing funds from one enterprise to spend it on another. Councilmember Monson doesn't think we should continue to increase prices. Mayor Grant said St. Paul water has sent information that rates will increase as a result of their project. He doesn't believe we've seen what the new rates will be. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said our contract with Roseville expires at the end of this year. He has just started engaging with Roseville. They have provided a rough draft that reflects their new contract with St. Paul. He hasn't had a chance to review that yet. There will be slight increases with the new contract, he doesn't have the exact numbers at this time. Councilmember Monson said she would like to get more information on the water fund to fully understand how that money will be used. Maybe borrowing it to the sanitary sewer fund is not a good idea. However, she is concerned about that much money sitting there. Councilmember Rousseau thought consideration could be given to not increasing the water fund by 3%. Councilmember Monson thought it was probably safe not to bump the water. Councilmember Holden asked if the estimate for the replacement water main was on the conservative side. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said he thinks the estimate is right on. Mounds View just did theirs last year and he has been watching it closely. His budget reflects what they just went through. Councilmember Holden thought there is a chance a bid could come in under as this is a competitive project. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen confirmed. Councilmember Holden said if we do 9% on the sewer fund, she's comfortable doing 3% or less on the water. We've been fortunate to get all the money from the bonding bill and MNDOT on the water projects. Mayor Grant asked if 9% and 2% are agreeable. Councilmember Holden said the surface water should be 3%. Drudging and cleaning all the ponds is a big project. She would be comfortable with 9% for sanitary sewer, 3% on surface water and 0-1% on the water. Councilmember Monson would support 0% on the water. Council agreed.