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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12-08 UC MIN UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING December 8, 2022 8:00 A.M. Utilities Superintendent Benson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Present: Chairman Speedling, Commissioners Hudak, Jensen and Whitcomb, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Commissioner Hutter Staff: Utilities Superintendent Benson, Public Works Director Sanders APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of November 10, 2022 meeting Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Hudak, to approve the minutes of the November 10, 2022 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CLOSED SESSION Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Hudak, to close the meeting pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13d.05 Subd. 3b for attorney client privilege to discuss the White Bear Lake litigation. All in favor. REOPEN MEETING Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, to resume the regular meeting. All in favor. The meeting was reopened. Present: Chairman Speedling, Commissioners Hudak and Jensen, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Commissioners Hutter and Whitcomb Staff: Utilities Superintendent Benson, Public Works Director Sanders NEW BUSINESS Discussion on Annual Water Rate Increase Public Works Director Sanders stated that prior to the merger of the Water Board into in the City, the Board was considering a 5% rate increase for water usage but there was no formal action taken by the Commission on the increase. Additionally, the report by CliftonLarsonAllen did not mention whether a rate increase should occur for commercial properties. Staff recommends that the Commission members, if they so choose, approve the 5% increase for residential properties and discuss whether or not to include commercial properties. At the suggestion of the Finance Director, the rate increase would begin with first quarter water usage and be on the April billing beginning 2023. Chairman Speedling said he would like more information on whether the omission of commercial properties was intentional, and Mr. Benson said he will clarify with Chris Knopik, CliftonLarsonAllen. The consensus of the Commission was to postpone action on the water rate increase to next month. Discussion on Water Utility Base Fee Utilities Commission Meeting December 8, 2022 Mr. Sanders stated that the Finance Department asked the Commission to consider adding the base fee rate to commercial properties to be fair to all users. The City Council would be the body for final approval. Motion by Commissioner Hudak, seconded by Chairman Speedling, to recommend that commercial properties' base fee be equitable and similar to residential properties starting in April 2023. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DIRECTOR/SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE Monthly Gallons Pumped Mr. Benson gave the number of gallons pumped in November. COMMISSIONER ITEMS There were no Commissioner items. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at a.m. The next meeting will be Janie 12, 2023. Steve Speedling, Ch it ATTEST- - Shawn Sanders, Public Works Director Page 2 of 2