2016-10-25_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

not based on water consumption, suspecting the intent when established was based on that stormwater never leaving the site, even if irrigating. Chair Cihacek reiterated his concern that there may be disparities for a rate structure in that specific category with other elements that came into that cost; and asked if those properties paid more for their higher water usage or if they were receiving a preferential rate structure for other utility fees for this type of use. Assistant Public Works Director Freihammer concurred that there typically wasn't a lot of runoff on these properties, with most contained on site, resulting in lower stormwater aspects and impacts, and not much runoff to roads. Mr. Freihammer noted their sanitary sewer usage would be based on their actual demand, which would be minimal since typically they only had one stub to their office building or club house, similar to other commercial uses. Chair Cihacek noted typical park water use was three times higher than the cemetery and golf course category. Finance Director Miller noted city-owned parks don't pay for utilities and advised that that rate structure had been designed for private parks, even though there currently were none; but stated he suspected at one point the City of Roseville decided to adopt its rate structure accordingly. At the request of Chair Cihacek, Finance Director Miler clarified that Midland Hills and Cedarholm Golf Courses both pay these rates. However, Mr. Miller advised that the city did an internal charge for water to the golf course that was then deducted from their operating revenues. However, Mr. Miller admitted Chair Cihacek's question was fair for the city's engineering staff to review the calculations that went into that initial rate structure; with Mr. Freihammer opining the initial analysis was based on runoff calculations. Chair Cihacek opined that he found the rates too low compared to the water usage or what was known about the runoff, especially given the high fertilizer usage on this type of property that obviously ended up running off into the citywide stormwater system. Assistant Public Works Director Freihammer duly noted that input. Member Lenz noted that the single-family residential and duplex stormwater base rate for 2017 was recommended at $12.95, no matter how big or small the residence. Member Lenz expressed concern that this didn't take into account those customers attempting to manage their stormwater runoff through any number of best practice management projects (BMP) or through conscientious care to address that runoff Page 7 of 20