HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-16 CHC MIN
Charter Commission
April 16, 2001
Present: Wayne Anderson, chairperson
Gene Bealka, Richard Colemier, Gary Kriesel and Mary Ruch
Absent: Chuck Donnelly, Dan Feia and Julie Ann Gustanski
Mr. Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
Ms. Ruch stated she was unaware of Mr. Bealka's status as a member; Mr. Anderson later
officially welcomed Mr. Bealka as a new member.
Approval of minutes: Mr. Bealka questioned the correction to the minutes of Nov. 14, 2000,
regarding the usage of Ms. versus Mrs.; Mr. Anderson explained it was to clarify a matter of
accepted usage. Mr. Colemier, seconded by Ms. Ruch, moved to approve the minutes of Dec. 18,
2000.
Water Board Study Session I
Mr. Bealka asked why the study was being undertaken. Members explained that the intent is to
do a systematic study and collect facts, with no end goal in mind. It was noted the issue has been
discussed for many years, but no study ever conducted to gather facts. Ms. Ruch noted a record
of the study materials is being kept, in addition to the minutes. Mr. Anderson stated that he
informed the Water Board and City Administrator Nile Kriesel on Jan. 26 that the study is in
progress.
The discussion followed the study framework for Session I. Ms. Ruch noted the League of Cities
has never studied the issue, and there's not a lot of background information available. It was
further noted that information regarding the questions related to having an independent water
board versus a water board under council control is lacking because there are so few examples of
municipalities that have independent water boards - Mr. Kriesel said the city of St. Paul was the
only other city he could find with such a structure.
In the discussion regarding questions related to water rates, Mr. Colemier provided information
from a September 1995 study that included a comparison of Stillwater's water/sewer rates with
other area cities. Ms. Ruch said she had more recent information, including rates from Oak Park
Heights which would suggest that Stillwater appears to have an inexpensive rate structure.
However, Ms. Ruch's information was not based on the same gallon usage as the figures Mr.
Colemier provided, and it was agreed that the numbers should be converted to a 22,000 gallon
base usage to be consistent.
Mr. Kriesel expressed a concern that a simple comparison of rates doesn't indicate whether rates
are influenced by infrastructure replacement or whether a city is picking up a portion of the costs
that are included in the water rates of other cities. Mr. Anderson agreed that is a valid concern
but suggested that the study can only deal with the rates themselves. It was agreed to get current
rates for cities of comparable population to Stillwater for additional discussion at the next
meeting. Mr. Anderson volunteered to get the rates for several cities - Hastings, Red Wing, Inver
Grove Heights, etc. -- and get the rate information to Ms. Ruch so the rates can be calculated on
the 22,000 gallon base.
There was also discussion as to the City's 1995 study - why it was conducted, why the base rate
was figured at 22,000 gallons, etc. Mr. Colemier volunteered to contact the consultant that
conducted the study or City Administrator Kriesel to answer those questions.
It was agreed to extend the Session I discussion and schedule Session II for the June meeting. In
preparation for Session II, members were asked to think of resource persons they would like in
attendance. Mr. Kriesel volunteered to get copies of the water department's last three budgets;
Ms. Ruch also suggested requesting the department's financial statements and bond rating
information.
New business:
Mr. Colemier asked about preparations for redistricting. Mr. Anderson said the Commission
could begin by making policy decisions, such as allowable population variations within wards
and whether to readjust existing ward boundaries or start anew in preparation of the approval of
the congressional and legislative redistricting plans. Mr. Kriesel asked whose responsibility the
ward redistricting is, Ms. Ruch noted that it is solely the Charter Commission's, but the
Commission needs to ask the City for resources. Ms. Ruch suggested that the Commission begin
by figuring out what resources it will need and whether those resources will be available; she
also suggested that the League of Cities will likely have useful materials. Mr. Colemier
volunteered to check with Washington County Administrator Jim Schug regarding useful
resources the county might have, and Mr. Kriesel and Mr. Bealka volunteered to contact the
League of Cities.
Mr. Colemier asked if anything has been done regarding updating the Charter; Mr. Anderson
said he had sent a letter to City Attorney David Magnuson regarding the matter. Mr. Colemier
also asked about the status of the membership of Ms. Gustanski.
Mr. Kriesel briefly mentioned the issue of ad valorem taxation and the Brown's Creek
Watershed District/Kismet Basin project.
Mr. Kriesel, seconded by Ms. Ruch, moved to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary