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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,November 17, 2014 Page 15 differed than those of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Prairie Restorations were unaware that they needed any permit approval beyond the DNR. Finally, the company had prepared the piles for a burn and waited for winter to arrive and then learned that the City was unable to grant a permit. For the reasons just identified, Councilmember McGehee felt this case has a unique and special set of circumstances and spoke in support of approval. Mayor Roe noted that his concern was that burning brush piles was not necessari- ly an urban practice. Councilmember Laliberte sought an explanation as to why the homeowner was seeking to burn the brush versus hauling it out. Councilmember McGehee, in her discussion with City Manager Trudgeon, noted the homeowner had seen that the brush was stacked specifically for burning in very tight bundles around their yard; and due to the steep grade of their property and potential disturbance to the lot, in addition to their intent to restore the savan- nah in the spring, they didn't want to break the bundles apart and spread it all over in their attempt to get them off the property. Councilmember McGehee stated that she had pushed that option rather hard, but didn't get too far with the home- owner based on their future plans for prairie restoration on the lot. McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, moved to grant burn permit in this specific case based on the reasons noted at 1894 Alta Vista Drive. Roll Call Ayes: McGehee, Willmus, Laliberte, Etten, and Roe. Nays: None. At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, City Manager Trudgeon confirmed that the neighbors within 500' would be notified prior to the scheduled burn, in addition to monitoring and stipulations by the Fire Department. 14. Business Items—Presentations/Discussions a. Consider the 2015 Utility Rate Adjustments Finance Director Chris Miller provided a presentation for City Council considera- tion of 2015 Utility Rate Adjustments, as previously presented to the City's Pub- lic Works, Environment and Transportation Commission at their October meet- ing; and as detailed in the presentation, attached to this report and dated Novem- ber 17, 2014. At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Finance Director Miller clarified that the Finance Commission had not specifically discussed the proposed utility rates beyond the broader CIP.