2010-10-26_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Motion carried. Additional discussion included typical and average gallon consumptions per household; potential use of census or other available information by the City and School District to determine household demographics and the size of the home; possible coordination with the City's GIS staff as well; and advantages of data availability in the future through the automated meter reading system for comparison purposes. Members encouraged Member Gjerdingen to research private and public studies already completed in other suburbs to determine if similar statistics to those in Roseville would provide insight into average consumption and provide a model to help educate the public. Chair DeBenedet suggested that Member Gjerdingen pursue research on suburbs in the southwestern metropolitan area, as well as reviewing information from Atlanta, GA. Mr. Schwartz advised that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had educational programs available, in which the City was recently enrolled, and he would research goals and education information through that resource. Chair DeBenedet requested that staff provide the PWET Commission feedback at the next meeting related to their recommendations to the City Council. 7. Proposed Utility Rates Funding Overview Mr. Schwartz advised that recommended utility rates for 2011 would be presented to the City Council in November of this year. Mr. Schwartz briefly summarized the City's three (3) utility funds and anticipated operational and capital needs for 2011, including substantial increases in wholesale water costs and water treatment services from the Metropolitan Council, with a five percent (5 increase in both water purchase and treatment. Mr. Schwartz advised that Finance Director had a model in place for dividing those costs between customer classes, and had provided preliminary 2011 utility rates as detailed in his memorandum to the PWET Commission dated October 19, 2010; and addressing operational and capital increases; inflationary impacts; and purchase of wholesale water and treatment. Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Miller estimated that an annual 2 to 3% increase over the next ten (10) years would be required to meet capital needs. Mr. Schwartz noted that, based on the City's aging infrastructure, with the majority of pipes fifty (50) years old, and their needed replacement, capital needs would be significant over the next thirty (30) years. Mr. Schwartz noted that overall, Roseville's utility rates remained competitive when compared to neighboring communities when compared to cities with city -wide water treatment. Page 11 of 14