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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,November 25, 2013 Page 21 it was disappointing when the City already had the highest base fee, and now has to probably continue increasing rates 3% annually. Councilmember Etten reiterated that a large chunk of the increase was due to the final kick-in of CIP dollars; and going forward, he anticipated that it would be more stable. Councilmember Etten also noted that, the addition of the Environ- mental Engineer position as also another one-time bump in the rate structure. Mr. Miller concurred with the personnel costs stated by Councilmember Etten and impacts to the rates. Mayor Roe noted that the whole objective of the utility fee structure was to even it out as the adjustments were made and changes in the replacement schedule. Mayor Roe noted that it was intentional of the CIP Task Force to not recommend automatic inflationary increases but to allow an annual review of its 20-year CIP, and not simply put it on automatic pilot; but to consider how costs fluctuated and allow for less-drastic spikes. Councilmember McGehee agreed with Mayor Roe; however, opined that she also saw nothing wrong with having additional information to look at; and further opined that policy and review of policies was a large part of what the City Coun- cil was tasked to do. Mayor Roe clarified that he was not suggesting that a review of the policy was not a good idea. Councilmember Laliberte noted that the two-tiered water conservation rates didn't produce the desired effect in providing a penalty for someone using a large vol- ume of water versus a smaller family; and opined that the City should not contin- ue applying it if the desired effect could not be proven. Councilmember Laliberte expressed her interest in keeping an open mind on that aspect as things moved forward; opining that the biggest punishment should be a larger bill if you use a lot of water. Mayor Roe concurred, and indicated that was the rationale in delaying that dis- cussion; suggesting that it was a good topic for discussion in 2014; combined with Councilmember McGehee's request for a policy discussion. However, Mayor Roe noted that it was also separate topic deserving information on its own. Councilmember Willmus expressed support for staff's recommendation; and a suggested a future discussion through 2014 on policy and the conservation rate structure. Councilmember Willmus suggested taking action on the proposed reso- lution tonight to get it off the table before further budget considerations at upcom- ing meetings.