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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 11, 2013 Page 27 Finance Director Miller confirmed for Mayor Roe that no one at this time is re- ceiving the poverty-based version of that discount, and only one property had re- ceived it over the last few years; indicating that since added, it was not popularly used. With this information now available, Councilmember McGehee opined that more people over age 65 would be applying, since they may not have been aware of its existence in the past. Councilmember McGehee also noted an example where a home now owned by a younger family but previously owned by seniors still con- tinued to receive the senior discount when now qualified to do so, but nor realiz- ing the rate differential. Councilmember McGehee advised that she and Finance Director Miller had also found a few mistakes with small businesses and small meter sizes. Councilmember McGehee opined that it did not appear that the conservation rate had served any purpose; and noted that her research found that the City of Shore- view's tiered rate had not accomplished much either. Councilmember McGehee suggested other methods under the parameters of the DNR document to encour- age water conservation until something was found that worked. In the nature of capital funding and enterprise funds, Councilmember McGehee noted a disconnect in the City's infrastructure seen as a capital investment that was depreciated over time, yet paid for by fees rather than part of the tax levy or deductable as part of property taxes. Councilmember McGehee suggested bond- ing for those base water fees similar to that of the park renewal system across the city rather than putting the expense on park system users. Given the age of the in- frastructure, Councilmember McGehee opined that it wasn't particularly fair or reasonable to pay for this capital improvement with fees; and referenced various options she had outlined that could also reduce fees by voluntary consumption re- duction. Councilmember Willmus spoke in support of eliminating the senior discount pro- gram. Mayor Roe noted that this could create an increase for senior water use from $32 to $45/quarter. Councilmember Willmus suggested further defining how individuals qualify for the discount; and while it may be appropriate to have some type of discount, how it was offered needed to be tightened up. Mayor Roe spoke in support of looking at eliminating the senior discount, while cautioning that he anticipated considerable feedback from seniors in the commu- nity about the issue.