HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-01 Council Work Session MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
DECEMBER 1, 2009
5:00 P.M.
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Room of City Hall.
Answering rollcall were Members Bennett, Brindle, Swenson and Mayor Hovland. Member Housh
entered the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Staff present included: Gordon Hughes, City Manager; Heather
Worthington, Assistant City Manager; John Wallin, Finance Director; Eric Roggeman, Assistant
Finance Director; Roger Glanzer, Assistant Director of Public Works; Wayne Houle, City
Engineer/Public Works Director; and Debra Mangen, City Clerk. Consultant Mark Ruff, Ehlers &
Associates was also in attendance.
Mayor Hovland stated the purpose of the meeting was to receive information about the utility rate
study and possible changes to the methodology of utility fee calculations.
Mark Ruff, Ehlers & Associates, reviewed the Water, Sanitary and Storm Sewer Utility Rate Study
prepared by City Staff and Ehlers. He noted as stated by the Executive Summary that the utility funds
have had stable cash balances over the past several years. The need for capital improvement
projects may necessitate the use of bonded indebtedness to support the capital improvements. Mr.
Ruff also noted that Metropolitan Council might increase sanitary sewer rates in the next several
years to compensate for a lack of revenue from hook-up fees. The City of Edina would likely need to
increase their fees to keep pace with the Met Council rates.
The Council discussed the tiered (conservation) water rates and the fixed charges associated with the
water utility. Staff and Mr. Ruff answered questions of the Council. Manager Hughes advised the
Council he would engage Ehlers and Associate to complete further study of the tiered rates and fixed
charges with a report to Council in early January.
The Council also reviewed proposed changes to City Code Sections 1100 and 1120 amending utility
fee calculation methodology. Staff will prepare the ordinance to be considered at the December 15,
2009 meeting.
There being no further business, Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra A.P' gen, City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, December 1, 2009
James B. Hovland, Mayor