2012-11-27_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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scheduled for Monday, December 3, 2012. Mr. Schwartz advised that staff had preliminarily presented recommendations to the City Council at their November 19, 2012 meeting, based on recommendations of the PWETC's analysis and that of the Council-appointed CIP Task Force. Mr. Schwartz noted the nuances discovered by Finance Director Miller upon that further analysis regarding a proposed three-tiered rate structure, and unintended consequences to a large group of customers, specifically those currently receiving senior discounts. Additional findings were detailed in Finance Director Miller's memorandum. Discussion included availability of the discount based on retirement income, with no minimum age required; review of the table of costs for water operations related to depreciation due to implementation of the second phase of the base rate increase previously approved and going into effect in 2013; and distinctions between sewer depreciation versus water depreciation percentages. Members noted a typographical error on the water table (page 6 of 12) regarding contract pick-up; duly noted by staff Further discussion included increased costs for storm drainage operations to include costs for dredging of storm water ponds, with further analysis and future CIP adjustments needed as indicated and based on disposal costs for sludge; and rationale for comparable cities with comparable tiers based on first-ring status and/or their locations adjacent to Roseville. Additional discussion included difficulties in making comparisons with other communities depending on the age and type of their systems; distinctions with Roseville's water being fully softened versus those private customers responsible for water softening and specific costs for that softening; and the intent in implementing another tier for water usage and how to address negative impacts to some customer groups that would need to be vetted by the City Council. Members concurred that additional discussion in the future may be indicated depending on the results of the City Council at their upcoming meeting. 5. Ice Control Product Discussion Street Supervisor Steve Zweber and one of the City's maintenance personnel, Josh Dix, were in attendance to provide an overview of the City's ice control program, as previously requested by the PWETC. An outline and background information was provided in written report dated November 27, 2012. The presentation included chloride versus non-chloride products; older trucks; previous use of salt/sand mixtures; better rate control found with newer trucks and equipment; replacement of older trucks with new units as the vehicle stock was rotated; and current, better chemical use with evolving technology and computer- Page 3 of 11