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City of Centerville <br />Council Meeting Minutes <br />February 8, 2017 <br />Mr. Colvin stated that the MCES is attempting to provide communities with earlier notification of <br />fees by providing information in June of the prior year with figures and estimates for the upcoming <br />year. He also stated that their revenue is generated from waste water revenue and SAC revenue. Mr. <br />Colvin stated that the Council is considering providing budget workshops with two (2) meetings per <br />year and state the importance of City representation at these meetings to express concern over fees. <br />Mr. Colvin stated that he would provide Administrator Ericson with the information requested for <br />forwarding to Council. <br />Administrator Ericson drew Council's attention to Finance Director Paulseth's memorandum dated <br />November 16, 2016 where she recommends a 10% increase in sewer rates, 3% increase in water rates <br />and an increase in Storm Water fees by $10/billing cycle or $60/year. Administrator Ericson stated <br />that upon Staff's review of infrastructure needs, capital improvements, depreciation and maintenance <br />Finance Director Paulseth suggested a 5% increase in the sanitary sewer rate. <br />Discussions ensued regarding the age of City infrastructure, depreciation, bonding versus paying cash <br />for infrastructure repairs, maintenance and replacement similar to the cash purchase of the <br />watertower. Discussion also took place regarding storm water ponds, maintenance, private <br />ownership, assessments and City obligations of the MS4 to enforce. <br />Several members of Council felt that they needed additional education regarding the Met. Council <br />rate increase prior to making decisions regarding increasing the City's Storm Water fee and desired to <br />wait for the information requested of Mr. Colvin prior to making any decisions. Administrator <br />Ericson prompted Council to consider the recommendations of the Finance Director relating to the <br />sewer and water rates due to an upcoming billing. Administrator Ericson stated that he spoke with <br />the Finance Director earlier in the day and she recommended the decrease to the sewer rate from her <br />November memorandum. <br />Consensus of Council was to consider the Storm Water fees at a future meeting. Council also felt that <br />additional education was needed regarding MCES's formula utilized for the City's fees charged <br />Motion by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member King to Approve the <br />Recommendation of the Finance Director to Increase Sewer rates for 2017 by 5% and Water <br />rates for 2017 by 3%. Council Member Montain opposed. Motion carried. <br />Additional discussion took place regarding pond maintenance, responsibility for individually owned <br />ponds, homeowners associations and communication. Engineer Statz stated that Staff has completed <br />research regarding sludge/sediment, recommendation for maintenance being every 25-30 years versus <br />City research showing every 75 years along with average cost of dredging being $25,000-$50,000. <br />Administrator Ericson stated that the City's Electrical Inspector was also requesting inclusion of <br />Solar fees as these are new and upcoming technologies and the City should be pro -active regarding <br />rates. He explained that the Inspector was currently on vacation and will bring additional information <br />back for Council consideration at their next meeting. <br />Mayor Paar tabled Storm Water fees for a future meeting to allow Staff time for review. <br />Page 5 of 8 <br />