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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-05-12 UC MIN UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING May 12, 2022 8:00 A.M. Utilities Superintendent Benson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Present: Chairman Speedling, Commissioners Jensen and Whitcomb, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Commissioners Hudak and Hutter Staff: Utilities Superintendent Benson, Public Works Director Sanders APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of March 10, 2022 meeting and April 14, 2022 meeting Motion by Commissioner Whitcomb, seconded by Chairman Speedling, to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2022 meeting and the April 14, 2022 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS Propose code amendments for utility billing adjustments Public Works Director Sanders reported that the City Council directed staff to work with the Nightingale Blvd property owner for a utility bill adjustment. The City Attorney then researched utility adjustments in other cities whose code authorizes City staff to make certain utility bill adjustments rather than having to go before the Council or Commission. He provided similar language proposed as a code amendment for Stillwater. Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Whitcomb, to recommend a utility billing adjustment policy change, with final language to be brought back for approval. All in favor. Update on 5th Ave S water service Mr. Sanders stated that following discussion on the water service issue on 5th Ave S, the Commission asked staff to gather information on the remaining properties on 5th Ave S. He showed a map indicating that 6-7 other properties on 5th Ave S connect through properties on 4th Ave. All the other ones have copper water service whereas the one at 1315 had a galvanized service. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Change of meeting time In response to last month’s discussion, Mr. Sanders said he will survey commissioners to see if there is any other time appropriate for the meetings. DIRECTOR/SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE Commercial rate billing schedule adjustment Mr. Sanders stated that the City’s water billing rate structure is set up to bill commercial properties at a seasonal rate during the months May-October. With the change to quarterly billing for all properties, the rate change for commercial properties does not coincide with the City’s quarterly billing cycle. Utilities Commission Meeting May 12, 2022 Previously, commercial properties were billed monthly. The Finance Department is proposing to adjust the commercial billing rate to match that of the billing cycle which would add April and remove October from the seasonal rate. Staff recommends that the Commission review the proposed seasonal rate billing change. If approved, staff will bring the request to the City Council. Motion by Commissioner Whitcomb, seconded by Chairman Speedling, to recommend changing the seasonal commercial utility rate from May -October to April -September. All in favor. Monthly Water Use Superintendent Benson provided the monthly gallons pumped, 41,248 in April. Water Efficiency Grant Update Mr. Sanders shared that the Metropolitan Council awarded the City a $25,000 Water Efficiency Grant. The amount of matching funds required from the City is $6,250. This is a two year program starting July 1, 2022. Residents may apply for partial rebates for water efficient toilets and washing machines and smart controllers. Information will be shared on the City web site, newsletter and social media. Minnesota DNR PFAS Monitoring Report Mr. Sanders reviewed the report indicating there are PFAS (perflourinated alkylated substances) in the City's water supply system but levels are well below the Department of Health level of concern. Mr. Benson added that the Department of Health will be posting a dashboard on their web site listing all the Cities in the metro that have PFAS in their water. COMMISSIONER ITEMS White Bear Lake Lawsuit Mr. Sanders stated that he learned from Attorney David Sienko that it appears Stillwater could be excluded from the court case. More information will be forthcoming in a few weeks. Training Mr. Sanders said there will be a Boards and Commissions Training Session June 14. Councilmember Polehna said the City will host a Mental Health Training for the community May 24. Meeting Schedule Mr. Sanders will be gone the last 2 weeks in May so the Commission agreed to cancel the June meeting. The next meeting will be July 14, ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissio ISpe , to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 a.m. eng, Chair ATTEST: Shawn Sanders, Public Works Director Page 2 of 2