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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-14 UC MIN UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING July 14, 2022 8:00 A.M. Utilities Superintendent Benson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Present: Chairman Speedling, Commissioners Hudak, Hutter and Whitcomb Absent: Commissioner Jensen and Councilmember Polehna Staff: Utilities Superintendent Benson, Public Works Director Sanders ELECTION OF OFFICERS Motion by Commissioner Whitcomb, seconded by Commissioner Hutter, to elect Speedling as Chair and Hudak as Vice Chair. All in favor. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of May 12, 2022 meeting Motion by Commissioner Whitcomb, seconded by Chairman Speedling, to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2022 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS Proposed Utility Rate Adjustment Ordinance Public Works Director Sanders presented a final draft of an ordinance that gives the authority to make utility bill adjustments to City staff, rather going to the Commission or the Council. If approved by the Utilities Commission, the ordinance will be presented to the City Council. Motion by Commissioner Whitcomb, seconded by Chair Speedling, to recommend approval of an Ordinance Establishing a Procedure for Consumer Adjustments to Utility Bills. All in favor. Discussion of 2023 Utilities Capital Outlay Items Superintendent Benson and Public Works Director Sanders reviewed the proposed 2023 capital outlay items. Items proposed for 2023 total approximately $1,950,000. Staff recommends that the Commission review and recommend the Council approve the proposed improvements. Motion by Commissioner Whitcomb, seconded by Chairman Speedling, to recommend that the City Council approve the proposed improvements to be budgeted in 2023. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DIRECTOR/SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE Project Update Mr. Sanders updated the Commission on several utility construction projects. Water Conservation Rebate Program Utilities Commission Meeting July 14, 2022 Mr. Sanders stated that the City was awarded a $25,000 Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Program Grant. Grant funds will be used for the City's water conservation program, for utility bill credits to properties that are connected to the City water supply system who replace their washing machines, toilets, or irrigation controllers with smart appliances. White Bear Lake Update -- email Form Attorney David Sienko Mr. Sanders shared a memo from Attorney Sienko stating that the Homeowner Associations are interested in dismissing Stillwater from the OAH case. At the last hearing, the Court seemed interested in dismissing Stillwater as well. Unfortunately, the DNR is holding up any potential dismissal. The DNR is looking at their groundwater model further to determine how to handle Stillwater. Based on an updated water model created after the 2017 trial, the DNR determined that Stillwater had the 9th greatest impact on White Bear Lake. This model is at odds with the City's understanding that its water use does not measurably impact the surface level of White Bear Lake. Once the DNR completes the analysis, there may be answers about whether Stillwater can get out of the OAH case early. Monthly Updates - Gallons Pumped Mr. Benson provided the number of gallons pumped in May and June. Mr. Sanders added that odd/even irrigation restrictions started June 1. A clause was added to accommodate townhome associations with irrigation systems that cannot be changed to odd/even, allowing them an exception as long as water usage is reduced. An online form was created for people to request an exception. COMMISSIONER ITEMS Boards and Commissions Picnic August 23 Mr. Sanders reminded the Commission of the annual Boards and Commissions Picnic. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Hutter, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 a.m. The next meeting will be Augmst-9i�,,2 022. J5 S> tre pebdling, Chair\ ATTEST: Y Shawn Sanders, Public Works Director Page 2 of 2