2010-10-26_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

other communities even before the new rate structure was instituted. Mr. Miller opined that this was most likely due to the relatively few residential properties having irrigation systems in contract to other second and third ring suburbs, as well as having a comparable smaller population per household. It was also noted that weather and rainfall amounts over the past two (2) years also provided for difficult analysis of the data, and that a longer timeframe would be preferable to determine the impacts of the conservation rate structure and usage variables. Member Vanderwall opined that high -end water users may be installing better and more efficient sprinkler heads and controls, in addition to other variables; and noted that at least consumptions had not increased during the two -year period. Mr. Schwartz advised that state law now required rain sensors on all new irrigation systems, whether residential or commercial; and further advised that once the City's new meter system was installed and more detailed data available, it would provide for better analyses. Discussion among members and staff included status of meter conversion and impacts on billings based on accuracy of reads; educating the public on average water usage and providing significant incentives to reach goals for reducing average consumption; providing examples to homeowners of conservation efforts and available options; future house ratings, based on energy efficiencies and benefits for prospective homeowners when considering purchasing a home similar to appliance ratings; encouraging homeowners and business owners to want to reduce consumption; and the need to provide greater incentives to become a low volume user and reduce average consumption. Chair DeBenedet noted that the PWET Commission had discussed, several years ago, whether the rate differential was strong enough to provide incentives to reduce consumption; and suggested additional discussion may be indicated to provide greater incentives to change and reduce their consumption. Members concurred that there were many more educational opportunities to be provided to provide conservation information to residents. Further discussion included calculating rates in relationship to a model with total City consumptions; and additional differentials in the rate structure. Member Stenlund moved, Member Vanderwall seconded, recommendation to the City Council that the City of Roseville's water usage rates be revised to reflect more of a tiered spread and significant higher rates for greater water consumption, and lower rates for lower water consumption; with staff providing rate calculations that would provide a differential at a recommended spread between high and low -end users of between $1.00 to $1.25, in an attempt to provide incentives for energy conservation efforts. Page 10 of 14