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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, December 05, 2011 Page 7 and timely infrastructure maintenance; and encouraged the City Council to keep that item in its proposed General Fund budget. Regarding water and sewer rates, Mr. DeBenedet noted his recent Master's Degree thesis that studied the City of Roseville's water and sewer system and what needed to be done to ensure for users of the system that it continued to function well and the lowest long- term and ongoing cost. Mr. DeBenedet opined that the proposed CIP recommendations for utility rate increases would keep the system well-maintained and functioning well over the next 10-30 years. Mr. DeBenedet noted that approximately 75% of the current infrastructure system was built in the late 1950's and early 1960's and had exceeded its useful life, with many of the materials no longer even used since the mid-1970's due to problems encountered or new technologies. Mr. DeBenedet further opined that this pro- posal for replacement and reconstruction was realistic and prudent, and that it was the right thing to do. Mr. DeBenedet noted the cost efficiencies in replacing infrastructure systems in conjunction with street maintenance projects going forward; and asked that the City Council continue that program. While recognizing the significance of the rate in- creases, Mr. DeBenedet noted that they were similar to those infrastructure needs being experienced across the country to maintain that critical system. Joycelyn Campbell,365 W County Road B-2 Ms. Campbell expressed her concern with the multiple increases proposed on the upcom- ing year's property taxes. As an individual living on a fixed income and struggling with the cost of living and medical expenses, Ms. Campbell expressed her concern in being able to cope with additional and high increases compiled on other expenses. Ms. Camp- bell opined that it would be hard for senior citizens to cope with all of the expenses at the same time; and asked that the City Council take that into consideration and whether something could be done to decrease them. While recognizing the need for good water and sewer services, and the services of the City's Fire and Police Departments, Ms. Campbell noted that most were no increases in income, while attempting to meet expens- es, and asked that the City Council take all those things into consideration. John Simpson, 3083 Mount Ridge Road Mr. Simpson referenced recent news stories regarding the bond issue and questioned why the City of Roseville chose not to enforce its own rules regarding any expenditures of over $3 million needing voter approval; and why this rule was bypassed. Mr. Simpson opined that it appeared that the City Council was trying to get away with something; and questioned why they were fearful of a public referendum. If the public chose not to spend that much, Mr. Simpson questioned what alternate options the City Council had. Mr. Simpson noted the significant amount of discretionary spending being proposed; and questioned how much actually needed to be done at this time; and reiterated his question on why the $3 million rule had been bypassed in the process. With no one else coming forward to speak at this time, Mayor Roe closed the Public Hearing at approximately 7:45 p.m.; and proceeded with the assistance of staff and other Councilmembers to respond to those questioned raised during public testimony.