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4. Communication Items <br />TH 280 Meeting <br />Duane Schwartz updated the Commission on the TH 280 plans and <br />announced the open house to be held tomorrow at Roseville City Hall by <br />Mn/DOT regarding TH 280. <br />Member Felice said that when there was a stop light at TH 280 and <br />County Road B there was an easy way for pedestrians and bicycles to <br />cross the highway, now there's only the crossing at Larpenteur; and she'd <br />like Mn/DOT to be made aware of that. Mr. Schwartz said this issue was <br />discussed during the Pathway Master Plan meetings, and that the bridge at <br />Larpenteur is due to be reconstructed next year, which will provide a <br />wider, safer was across the highway. Mr. Schwartz said he would mention <br />this issue to the Mn/DOT representatives at the open house. <br />5. 2009 Utility Rate Recommendation <br />Utility rate structures are proposed to change significantly in 2009. As <br />proposed, the base rate will increase to cover fixed costs; and the usage <br />charge will decrease to cover variable costs. <br />Member Felice said that since billing cycles are different for some <br />residents, the usage fee may not be fair to those who get one bill for over <br />the summer months when they would be watering their lawns. Chair <br />DeBenedet agreed and wondered if the billing could be based on monthly <br />usage. Mr. Schwartz said that wouldn't be possible unless the City started <br />reading meters monthly instead of quarterly. <br />Member Willenbring said he thought we should promote conserving water <br />as much as possible and that if people chose to water their lawns and <br />waste water in other ways they should have to pay a higher fee, more than <br />the 10% that is currently being charged. Member Willenbring also <br />suggested having amulti-tiered system, where people would be charged a <br />higher percentage the more they use. Chair DeBenedet said he thought the <br />figures presented were reasonable. <br />Member Felice requested more information on how the rates increase over <br />the summer because of watering and how that affects those whose invoice <br />includes the three highest usage months. <br />Member Willenbring moved to recommend the water rates be approved by <br />the City Council. Member Felice seconded but requested that the <br />additional information on summer usage be provided at the next meeting. <br />Ayes: 3 <br />Nays: 0 <br />Motion carried <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />