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124 6. 2026 Proposed Utility Rates <br />125 Public Works Director Jesse Freihammer presented the 2026 utility rates, starting <br />126 with the water fund. He indicated that a 5.5 percent increase from 2025 to 2028 is <br />127 recommended to cover costs, including a substantial increase from St. Paul <br />128 Regional Water Services. The sanitary sewer fund was proposed to increase by 2.2 <br />129 percent to cover expenses, with a 1.06 percent increase from the Met Council, while <br />130 the storm sewer fund remains unchanged. The environmental fund (recycling) was <br />131 proposed to increase by 3 percent due to a new contract with Waste Management. <br />132 <br />133 Mr. Freihammer explained the breakdown of costs for each fund, including <br />134 maintenance, staff, and administrative expenses. The storm sewer fund covers costs <br />135 related to street sweeping, catch basins, and drainage. The environmental fund <br />136 mainly covers recycling operations and staff time for cleanup events. The overall <br />137 average increase for all rates for a typical Roseville home would be 3.44 percent, <br />138 which equals $28.83 annually. <br />139 <br />140 Chair Ficek and Vice -Chair Hodder discussed the possibility of using the storm <br />141 sewer service fee for improvements at the leaf center. <br />142 <br />143 Mr. Freihammer explained the current funding structure and the possible effects of <br />144 raising rates. The suggestion was made to consider potential increases in the 2027 <br />145 rates due to possible higher costs for the leaf center. <br />146 <br />147 The importance of future discussions and data collection to identify the best course <br />148 of action was highlighted. <br />149 <br />150 Motion <br />151 Member Fergus moved, Member Cicha seconded, to recommend that the City <br />152 Council approve the 2026 utility rate. <br />153 <br />154 Ayes:5 <br />155 Nays:0 <br />156 Motion carried. <br />157 <br />158 The commission discussed the recommendation to consider the storm sewer service <br />159 fee for potential improvements at the leaf center, but it was not officially voted on. <br />160 <br />161 7. Commission Direction on Member -Initiated Agenda Items <br />162 Public Works Director Jesse Freihammer outlined the agenda for upcoming <br />163 meetings, including the 2026 Public Works Plan and a noise ordinance update. <br />164 <br />165 The significance of community engagement and the possibility of organizing atour <br />166 of the St. Paul water plant were mentioned. <br />167 <br />Page 4 of 5 <br />Page 34 of 35 <br />