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Member Wozniak commented he has noticed ongoing patching on Sexton Avenue <br />to address delamination. <br />Mr. Freihammer stated the Public Works staff is patching sections of road that may <br />not be on the five-year plan. <br />Chair Cihacek inquired about the recent water main breaks and if there is any sense <br />they are getting worse. <br />Mr. Freihammer responded they are tracking water main breaks. It peaked a few <br />years ago when they were working on the water tower due to the increased pressure <br />on the water lines. They are averaging about 40 water main breaks per year, and <br />have developed a rating system that addresses the material and age of the pipe. <br />Currently, there is more of a need for replacement than there is money available. <br />This year, they replaced over one mile of water main in highly susceptible areas. <br />Member Wozniak inquired if two joints are created when the water line is replaced. <br />Mr. Freihammer responded typically a sleeve is put over the top of the break, but <br />sometimes it does need to be disconnected and replaced on each end. <br />5. 2018 Utility Rate Proposal <br />Mr. Freihammer referred to the memo dated October 16, 2017. The proposed <br />overall increase is about 3.5 percent. Revenues are up with water operations and <br />the cost for purchasing wholesale water from St. Paul Regional Water System <br />(SPRWS) will increase 3.1 percent. Roseville's current usage rates have a <br />sufficient cushion to accommodate this increase. Due to upcoming infrastructure <br />replacement costs, the 20 -year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) requires a five <br />percent increase in the residential water base fee. This will cover water main <br />improvements, repairs and upgrading the water booster station. <br />Member Heimerl commented it would have been helpful to see the increases <br />reflected in the chart provided. <br />Member Wozniak inquired if the average water consumption of 14,000 gallons is <br />typical. <br />Mr. Freihammer responded 14,000 gallons is typical and overall water usage is <br />trending down. <br />Mr. Freihammer reported for 2018, overall costs for sanitary sewer are expected to <br />increase 0.1 percent. The wastewater treatment costs paid to the Metropolitan <br />Council Environmental Services Division (MCES) is the largest operating cost, and <br />they can expect a 3.4 percent increase in 2018. This will require a 4.7 percent <br />increase in usage fees for the City's residential sanitary sewer customers. The <br />Page 2 of 14 <br />