Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.b. UpdatesParameter Level in Well Level in Well Level in Test Well Standard Units No. 12 No. 14 14 Iron 0.453 0.159* .465 0.3 mg/1 Manganese 0.072 0.119 .112 0.05 mg/1 Combined Radium 1.4 3.7 2.5 5 pCi/1 (Radium 226 228) Rosemount Utility Commission Meeting April 17, 2006 Water Quality I. At the Wells A. High is iron B. High in manganese C. Future wells may be high in radium *Results do not agree with other data. Iron level of Well No. 14 will be retaken once well is online to confirm. II. In the Distribution System A. Water Age B. Chlorine Residual III. In Homes A. Hot water heaters B. New P lastic piping C. Other factors By Fall 2006 Siting test well completed 11/1/06- 2/1/07 Design, MDH review, bidding February 2007 Fall 2007 Fall 2007 Summer 2008 Fall 2008 Well 15 Preliminary Schedule (Overall process 2+ years) Award Contract Well Construction Completed Well House Design, Bidding Substantial Completion Final Completion Water Treatment Plant Sample Schedule (Overall process 2+ years) 11/06 1/07* Pilot Testing Preliminary Design February May 07* Final Design June —July 07* MDH Review Late Summer 2007* Award Contract Late Summer 2008* Substantial Completion End of 2008* Final Completion Actual Dates are "To Be Determined" and will depend on the final completion date selected. AGENDA ITEM: Evermoor Pond 14 Drainage Outlet AGENDA SECTION: New Business PREPARED BY: Andrew J. Brotzler, P.E., City Engineer AGENDA NO. 7a. ATTACHMENTS: November 7, 2005 Memorandum APPROVED BY: t RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to Authorize Expenditure of Funds from the Storm Water Utility Fund at an itilterwormit Amount of- $35,000 -for Construction of an Outlet from Evermoor Pond 14. 1 51)°20 SROSEMOUNT UTILITY COMMISSION Utility Commission Meeting: April 17, 2006 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BACKGROUND: As a result of a storm event on October 5, 2005, the Evermoor Pond 14 and adjacent basin in Schwarz Park reached a high crater level of approximately 947.4. This high water level encroached on adjacent structures within the Evermoor Waterford development as shown in photographs in the attached memorandum. While there is an overland overflow route to Schwarz Pond that would outlet at an elevation below the low opening of the adjacent structures, the elevation that this would occur at, approximately 948 does result in a situation that is less than desirable long term. At the time that the Evermoor development was completed, an outlet for Evermoor Pond 14 was constructed to a basin within Schwarz Park. As noted above, this basin currently has an overland overflow at an elevation of approximately 948. It was recommended, but not included with the Evermoor project to construct this outlet as part of the Evermoor project. Had this been constructed with the Evermoor project, the entire cost would have been a City cost. The attached memorandum outlines two options to construct an outlet for this basin. Staff is recommending that Alternative 2 be constructed which consists of a piped outlet and overland overflow. This outlet system will be constructed on City property within Schwarz Park. As the construction of an outlet at this time will benefit and improve the Evermoor Waterford development, Staff has negotiated with Wensmann Homes to financially participate in the cost of constructing the outlet. Based on an estimated cost of $55,000 from Ryan Contracting, Wensmann Homes has agreed to contribute $20,000 to the total cost of constructing the outlet. SUMMARY: Staff will review the proposed plan with the Commission at the meeting. At this time, Staff is recommending Commission approval for this project. G: \Storm Utilities \Waterford Pond Outlet\ AuthorizeProjectOutletl4CC4- 17 -06.doc ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 24, 2006 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a City Council Special Work Session was held on Wednesday, May 24, 2006, at 6:04 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 2875 145 Street West. Mayor Droste called the meeting to order with Council Members Sterner, DeBettignies, and Shoe Corrigan attending. Council Member Baxter entered the meeting at 6:12 p.m. Staff members present were City Administrator Verbrugge, City Engineer Brotzler, Communications Coordinator Cox, Management Analyst Watson, Operations Superintendent Cook, Public Works Supervisor Koslowski, Administration Intern Hudema and City Clerk Domeier. DISCUSSION 2.b. Public Works Quality Standards, Public Works Annual Report 2005. City Engineer Brotzler introduced Management Analyst Watson to the Council. Public Works Quality Standards: Mr. Brotzler stated the goal was to develop and formali7e a guiding document for the operations of the Public Works Department. The document identifies how the department is organized and establishes the daily activities and responsibilities of the department. Mr. Brotzler stated the asset replacements schedules, boulevard maintenance areas, trails and sidewalks maintenance, the NPEDS permit requirements, parks scheduled maintenance, inspections forms, and sewer and water and storm sewer systems maintenance procedures are identified in the report. Future goals and long term maintenance plans will assist in the budgetary needs of the City. For staffing, materials and equipment needed it can be identified what existing and future needs are and will provide a benchmark for future budgetary needs. As time continues and the standards are implemented, the goal is to develop a performance based budget that would allow staff to make decisions for needs and priorities to present to Council. Council Member DeBettignies asked if the reports could be integrated by taking the budget dollars and working them into the quality standards. Mr. Brotzler stated that in moving forward these standards are the stepping stone where the standards and budgets can be projected. A certain percent of the Public Works budget could be tied in the standards report. Council Member Sterner stated his concerns with the possibility of not being able to meet the quality standards. Mr. Brotzler stated the goal through the annual report is to provide information back to the Council on where staff met the standards. There may be equipment or staff limitations or new initiatives brought on through the year that may change how the standards are met. Council Member Shoe Corrigan questioned if inventories of equipment, seal coating schedules, and various other maintenance schedules would be kept in this document. Mr. Brotzler stated those items would be part of the annual report ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 24, 2006 Council Member Sterner stated for building maintenance carpet replacement every 12 years seems aggressive. Mr. Brotzler stated the time frame could be modified from 12 to 20 years. Council Member Shoe Corrigan stated the cleaning schedule could be altered as well. Council Member Baxter applauded the effort of the Public Works Department for preparing the document. He questioned the maintenance of the bituminous roadways. Mr. Brotzler stated the maintenance schedule can be altered based upon the needs. Council Member Baxter felt the parks inspections occurring only once a month didn't seem adequate based upon the amount of usage in the summer months. Operations Superintendent Cook stated the playground equipment has to be inspected on a weekly basis and that a general inspection of the overall park area is completed monthly. Mayor Droste applauded the development of the document but questioned how the non- productive time would be measured and tracked when its weather related. He further noted a quality component is for employees to report what the status of projects is in meeting the expectation of the qualities. Thirdly, the customer report component needs to be integrated throughout the year. City Administrator Verbrugge questioned how resident calls are answered with CarteGraph. Mr. Brotzler stated there is a call link with the new system. Ms. Watson added that a citizen library will be set up to track concerns. Mr. Brotzler described that a call will be tracked and queried and a work order will also be generated. An electronic record will be kept of the complaint, how it was resolved and the time and materials used. For snowplowing there will be a standard report produced to show the snow fall, the staff hours, the overtime, the trucks used, the amount of sand and salt used. A report will be generated to project for future sand and salt needs. Mr. Brotzler stated that from a work efficiency stand point the project schedules have been set up based upon the quality standards to identify where staff resources are over or under allocated. Council Member Shoe Corrigan questioned the moving of benches and flower pots. Mr. Cook stated the benches and pots are removed snow plowing purposes. Mt Brotzler stated this will be a dynamic document as expectations and demands change over time. It will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis to review and reflect on the performance and Council expectations. Council Member Shoe Corrigan suggested adding the annual review language to the mission statement. Public Works Annual Report 2005: Mr. Brotzler stated the report provides a recap of projects, initiatives and task completed in 2005. Mr. Brotzler touched on the uses and new initiatives in using the new CarteGraph system. The GIS capabilities of the City have been broadened and provide maintenance workers with information in a time efficient manner. Council Member Shoe Corrigan suggested adding replacement schedules to the report. ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 24, 2006 The Council thanked the Public Works Department for assembling the reports. Mr. Brotzler acknowledged the hard work of Mr. Koslowski and Ms. Watson in developing the reports. 2.a. Joint Powers Agreement with City of Eagan for Sewer Service. City Engineer Brotzler stated this item was before the Council at the April 12, 2006 work session when the City reviewed the Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Eagan. The Joint Powers Agreement would facilitate the extension of the sanitary sewer service to a portion of the north central area of Rosemount. The advantage with going with the City of Eagan is the ability to provide service to Sewer Districts A -1 and A -2 with a gravity system and the ability to provide service sooner if needed with less impact to adjacent properties versus an extension from the south. In relation to the transportation plan, Barcardi Avenue, a collector street, will need to upgraded in the future. From a policy standpoint there will be a need to extend 120 Street to Highway 3. Mr. Brotzler noted that Earl Bester's property is located at the corner of 120 and Bacardi Avenue and Mr. Bester desires to have sewer service provided to his property for development. Mr. Brotzler stated the projected flows for the area and that Sewer Districts A -1 and A -2 are at the capacity available in the Eagan system. Mr. Bester's property is outside of the planned area to be served from the Eagan system and consideration to serve Mr. Bester's property with this system would require the elimination of planned sewer service to other areas currently within Sewer Districts A -1 and A -2. Mayor Droste questioned how the utility bills would be billed and would the sewer and water come from the Eagan system for the Rosemount residents involved. Mr. Brotzler stated the long term option was for sewer only. If urban development would occur to support that, water would have to be requested until the Rosemount system could provide for the area. It would be cost effective to serve the smaller residential properties between the railroad tracks and Highway 3. Mr. Brotzler stated the City would collect utility bills and submit payment to the City of Eagan and the Eagan rate. Council Member Shoe Corrigan had no problem with providing sewer to the areas in Sewer Districts A -1 and A -2, but was concerned with rural residential areas looking to redevelop. Mr. Brotzler stated urban development would be driven if Eagan has a condition to upgrade 120 Street. The jurisdiction of 120 was discussed. Mr. Brotzler stated any plan to bring 120 to Highway 3 would fall entirely on Rosemount. The City will need 120 Street as the future existing municipal urban service area develops. For Bacardi Avenue there is a road and right -of -way there already. The Bacardi Avenue extensions were also discussed. Council Member Shoe Corrigan was concerned with paying for the upgrades to Bacardi Avenue in ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 24, 2006 the rural residential areas and discussed how the preservation of the green space will affect the development and driving need to increase roof tops in the area. Earl Bester stated that Manley Development intends to have housing on both sides of 120t Street and would put the road in. Services to A -1 and E -6 were discussed. Mayor Droste agreed with Council Member Shoe Corrigan that it is a policy issue if the designation of the area is changed. It will influence the surrounding properties. Mayor Droste added it should be incorporated into the 2030 Comprehensive Guide Plan. Council Member Shoe Corrigan was worried about the potential rural residential pockets that would be created with the upgrades to 120` Street and Bacardi Avenue. Council Member Baxter stated in regard to option #2 outlined in the Council memorandum for a Joint Powers Agreement to work for A -1 and A -2 that development should drive the extension of 120 St. Mayor Droste added that development from the south and development from the north are two different issues. If from the south, we need to have both utilities provided. Mr. Brotzler clarified the reference to 120 Street being extended as development occurs refers to development along Bacardi Avenue in the existing MUSA. Council Member Shoe Corrigan felt the City still has the right to decide what the community will look like in the future. She stated its time to consider if rural residential is right for the City. Council Member DeBettignies stated greenway corridors are something the City really needs to take a look at. Council Member Shoe Corrigan offered another suggestion for the areas to be developed in a zoning district requiring a cluster development to preserve 50% or more of green space. It would benefit the property owners and the need to preserve the resource. Mayor Droste stated there should be a joint meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss the comp plan and the area currently discussed. Mayor Droste also added it is time to discuss what other areas in the City the Planning Commission should be directed to look at in long term planning and educating residents. Council Member Shoe Corrigan stated her different reasons for desiring to maintain the open spaces in the City. She further added that when preserving tracts of land the tracts should be contiguous. Mr. Verbrugge summarized that Earl Bester's property is not to be rezoned right now until the Comp plan has been reviewed. In regard to the Joint Powers Agreement with Eagan it was discussed to pursue language that has cooperation on the 120 extension and property developing south of the area although it is unknown how the extension will be paid. Council Member Sterner prefers the City should maintain its own sewer and water. Council Member Baxter stated to let Eagan pay for part of it if we have that option. Mr. Brotzler noted there are options available other than only using development to pay for it. ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 24, 2006 Mayor Droste suggested holding off on the Joint Powers Agreement based upon the need for communication with the residents and that this will occur as part of the 2030 Comp Plan Update due in 2008. Mr. Brotzler stated he would check with Eagan staff in regards to holding off on the Joint Powers Agreement for a year depending upon if Eagan may change development strategies if the agreement is not signed. 2.c. Special Assessments Deferral. City Engineer Brotzler summarized the report stating that due to an assessment hearing last year for a recon project, follow -up is being provided to the City Council regarding payment deferrals. There are provisions in State Statute for a person 65 years of age or older or retired by virtue of a permanent and total disability for whom it would be a hardship to make assessment payments. Council directed staff to create language to develop a policy on the special assessment deferrals. Commissioner Baxter preferred the Robbinsdale language. Mr. Brotzler questioned the process in moving forward whether by staff presenting the information in a memorandum for discussion or to plow forward for Council level approval. Council Member Baxter suggested bringing it back as a work session item. 2.d. Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study. City Engineer Brotzler provided a background of the study. Mr. Brotzler highlighted the changes for the City's rate study. Currently, there is a flat rate that is paid regardless of the quarterly usage. Most Cities now use a base /increasing block structure. The primary goal of that type of structure is the promotion of conservation. Secondly, in 1989 a water surcharge of $8.90 was instituted to pay for the debt service of the construction of the Connemara Tower and has been used to pay debt service on the Eastside Tower. Based upon the rate study, there are adequate core funds so as the City continues to develop and with building capital improvements, the core funds are adequate to pay for the improvements. Because the existing surcharge is still in effect and the cost of building a future water treatment facility, the Utility Commission recommended maintaining the quarterly water surcharge to fund future debt incurred at the time the water treatment facility is constructed. The rates proposed have been modeled to change in 2007 and are projected for five years to 2011. A communication process will take place to inform the residents of the rate increase and the background of the rate study creating the charges. The base rates are proposed to increase 5% per year and the block rates are proposed to increase 10% per year. The proposed rates would account for future increases in operating costs and have been established to maintain a balance in both water and sanitary sewer utility funds. Based upon the new land use plan adopted in July 2005 expanding the MUSA, the preparation of a Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Plan is recommended and in 2007 to budget for a plan in the sewer budget. ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 24, 2006 A survey of other community water and sanitary sewer rates was completed as part of the rate study. Council Member DeBettignies stated that Lakeville and Eagan have less costs than Rosemount. Mr. Brotzler stated for other communities it is unknown how their funds are allocated. With the unknown commercial or industrial rates for those areas, staff is unaware of the revenues collected by those types of uses. Mayor Droste stated his concern with the proposed increased rates and the public perception. Council Member Baxter thought the 10% increase is hard to justify. Council Member Sterner stated it pushes for the conservation of water. Mr. Brotzler noted the need for the rate increases is based on the projected expenditures and fund balances proposed. Council Member Baxter suggested taking the higher block rate and making it higher to begin with and then increasing 5% thereafter. He further stated his concerns with collecting the $8.90 per quarter surcharge even though the purpose of the surcharge has changed. The surcharge should be designated to another specific project. Mr. Brotzler stated to get to the water treatment plant an estimate was made that 2009 was a year that debt would be incurred. It is showing by the collection of the surcharge through 2009 there would be up to a million dollars of revenue. It would cover the first year of debt payment for the water treatment plant. Mr. Brotzler laid out the factors of the decision in eliminating the surcharge. Council Member Shoe Corrigan stated it should be communicated that the surcharge will be used towards a water treatment plant. Mr. Verbrugge stated he agreed with Council Member Baxter's standpoint on the levying of the surcharge as to what will the City do with the money it is sitting on. Mayor Droste stated his concerns with the conservation issues. Council Member DeBettignies stated his thoughts on the survey included in the packet and his request to analyze where the City was 20 years ago compared to where it is now. Mr. Brotzler stated it comes down to what our cost is of doing business today and projecting the cost of doing business in future years with striving to maintain a balance in the utility funds. Mr. Brotzler stated the biggest number for the Council to consider is the balance from year to year. Based upon the costs and projected revenues then find what is acceptabre and how far you want to draw it down. Mayor Droste requested more historical perspective on the issues and more discussions with Finance Director May. Council Member Shoe Corrigan requested figures on the number of residents using 30,000 gallons or more per year. Council Member Baxter stated it would look great eliminate the surcharge money. Council Member Shoe Corrigan wanted to know when the proposed water treatment facility would be built for communication to the residents. Mayor Droste suggested collecting more data to analyze the situation. The item will be brought back before the Council at the July work session. ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 24, 2006 UPDATES Mr. Verbrugge handed out the background information for his annual performance evaluation. The evaluation will take place on June 20, 2006 after the City Council meeting in a Closed Executive Session. Mr. Verbrugge shared a concern of Forrest Krough regarding a failed septic system. Mr. Verbrugge gave the background of the case and stated rules for defining a system failed. Mayor Droste suggested that Mr. Verbrugge contact Mr. Krough regarding the state statute for septic systems. Mr. Verbrugge updated the Council on Rich Lonnquist's medical status. Council Member Shoe Corrigan stated the article in the paper related to the athletic complex was not clear in stating that funding of the project is a big concern. Mr. Verbrugge suggested sending a letter to the editor from the Council stating it is more of a funding issue versus a priority issue. Mr. Verbrugge updated the Council on the status of Air Cargo. A tax bill included the language on the Air Cargo. The business plan does not need to be rushed and the IEDZ does not need to be established until 2008. The tax bill did not include any property tax relief. The administrator's column in the Town Pages will have a legislative update and will also include the updated eminent domain information. It was noted the DARE Graduation at Rosemount Elementary was well attended. Council Member DeBettignies stated Officer Rosa did a wonderful job. Mayor Droste adjourned the meeting at 9:39 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Amy Domeier, City Clerk ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS DECEMBER 13, 2006 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the Rosemount City Council was duly held on Wednesday, December 13, 2006, at 6:58 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 2875 145 Street West. Mayor Droste called the meeting to order with Council Members Baxter, DeBettignies, Shoe Corrigan and Sterner attending. Staff members present were City Administrator Verbrugge, Assistant City Administrator. Foster, Finance Director May, Community Development Director Lindquist, Police Chief Kalstabakken, City Engineer Brotzler, Communications Coordinator Cox and City Clerk Domeier. 2.A. ePackets for Council Meetings Communications Coordinator Cox reviewed the staff report and requested City Council feedback and guidance in moving forward with "ePackets He added that Council Members would be able to add notes to PDF documents through free reader software that would be installed on the laptops. He further stated that a professional version of Adobe Acrobat would cost $400 per license and the City would need to purchase two copies. Mr. Cox stated that one benefit of "ePacket" is that the City would have the packet in a format that could be easily posted online to share with the public. He noted that Gov Office cannot handle larger files but with the internal /external review of technology in the next year the issue could be reviewed. Currently, the City's website is at the file space limit at Gov Office. City Clerk Domeier provided information on "ePackets" gathered from other metro cities. Mr. Cox stated that Burnsville used "ePackets" but also provided paper packets. He added that now Burnsville uses only paper packets. Mr. Cox stated the change to a paperless packet would be an efficient process for the City. City Administrator Verbrugge noted that there would not be a cost savings to the City if you compare the cost of paper to the cost of a lap top. Mayor Droste questioned if the "ePackets" saved on staff time for preparing a packet. Ms. Domeier responded that the process saved on the time spent copying the packets and collating with the colored paper. Mr. Cox stated he spent approximately two hours each Friday compiling the information for the packet. City Engineer Brotzler added that while it saved on Administration time on copying items, the process did take longer for other staff members to compile staff reports in the correct format. Council Member Baxter questioned how the packet would be delivered. Mr. Verbrugge stated by using a memory stick or by downloading the packet from the website. Mr. Cox stated that Council Members could save the packets on the hard drive of the laptop. Mayor Droste was concerned with document retention and whether notes on packets should be filed. Mr. Verbrugge stated he would check with the City Attorney. Ms. Domeier added she would check with area city clerks. Council Member Baxter stated there is no legal obligation to turn over notes if you have them. Mr. Verbrugge stated Council Members ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS DECEMBER 13, 2006 would be required to produce the notes if they have notes available but there is no requirement to retain any notes. Council Member Baxter stated he liked using the laptop during the meeting and figured it would be an advantage to go back to previous packets during a meeting. Mr. Cox stated a search function would allow Council Members to search PDF files and also search page by page. Council Member DeBettignies questioned if Council Members could activate their City email by using the laptop. Mr. Cox stated there may be network issues. Council Member Sterner stated he thought with the laptop packets could be easily accessed and there were fewer papers to have to organize. Mayor Droste preferred rather then spending money on technology with no vision he would like to see a committee formed to put together a vision to figure out the City's technology needs. He also requested more clarity about the issues Burnsville experienced with their "ePackets" and why they are back to paper packets. Council Member DeBettignies thought the City could find cheaper laptops. Mr. Cox stated there is a need for a larger hard drive to keep documents on line. Council Member Shoe Corrigan stated a policy should be put in place for the recycling of laptops. Mayor Droste questioned who had access to wireless internet at City Hall. Police Chief Kalstabakken stated the police officers have wireless internet. Finance Director May stated that the Public Works employees also have wireless internet but only because there were problems with connectivity at their facility. Mr. Verbrugge summarized City Council direction by stating staff would contact the City of Burnsville to find out why they went back to paper packets; review data practices; and review technology issues. 2.B Non Union Wage Adjustments for 2007 City Administrator Verbrugge outlined the compensation structure. Based upon prior negotiations, staff and City Council have discussed a compensation philosophy that would gradually move the City compensation scale toward the upper tier of Stanton VI cities. At this time, he recommended providing the 3% increase in January and 1/2% increase in July similar to the LELS and LELS Supervisor settlement agreements. Council Member Sterner questioned the justification for pay structure for different sized cities. Mr. Verbrugge responded that the City has used the Stanton Cities rates according to population. The same sized cities tend to pay the same and as a city becomes bigger they tend to become more competitive in wages. He added that employees start in smaller cities to gain experience to move into a larger city for greater experience and the pay per level of expertise. ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS DECEMBER 13, 2006 Council Members Baxter and DeBettignies were in agreement with the proposed increases. Mr. Verbrugge stated the wage adjustments would before the City Council for approval on December 19, 2006. 2.C. Discussion of the Rental Housing Inspection Program Community Development Director Lindquist reviewed the staff report. She stated the program would be helpful in maintaining a good housing stock and good rental standards. Before developing a program, staff is looking for City Council interest in the implementation of the program. She stated an example where homeowners have not entered their rental property in 15 years. She added there could be fees associated with the program for inspections and re- inspections, similar to the requirements for building permits. An itemized fee list would be created in going forward. Council Member DeBettignies questioned if Rosemount Woods would qualify for the program. Ms. Lindquist responded that only the mobile homes which are leased would qualify as part of the program. Mayor Droste stated his concerns with including Rosemount Woods with the conditions of the homes and the intent to promote affordable housing. Ms. Lindquist stated that only the mobile homes that are leased would be inspected. She added it would not affect property owners in Rosemount Woods who own their mobile homes. Police Chief Kalstabakken stated that based upon an overall decline in the housing market, what used to be apartment rental is now low end town houses turned into rental properties. He noted it has been a reaction in the more developed areas of Rosemount not only at apartments but in single family homes. After discussion by the Council, Ms. Lindquist stated a fee would not have to be charged if the City Council did not want to go into that direction. She noted there were approximately 600 rental properties in Rosemount. Mayor Droste felt the program was heavy hitting. Council Member Shoe Corrigan noted that Ms. Lindquist stated the City has been approached by tenants in rental units to assist in addressing these types of life /safety issues. She added this program would require homes to be compliant with minimum standards in situations where renters may have no leverage otherwise. Mayor Droste questioned if the program would require homeowners to replace siding or roofs. Ms. Lindquist responded the program envisioned would not be looking at the exterior conditions of a home but that inspectors would be looking at minimum health /life /safety code compliance for rental properties. She added the property maintenance code is now implemented on a case by case basis; however, this program would be looking at electrical, heating and providing a service to a renter to ensure they have the minimum code coverage. The City would review the property for compliance with other City codes, like exterior storage and other nuisance complaints, when inspecting the rental unit. Mr. Verbrugge added the program is a reaction to situations that evolve over time and the intent it to have the City be proactive, before rental units get substandard. He stated the main issues are to allow staff to identify health and safety issues and to red flag any issues as potential follow -ups. Mr. Verbrugge stated he preferred to keep the housing stock from a ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS DECEMBER 13, 2006 crisis stage. Council Member Shoe Corrigan agreed that the City needs to protect vulnerable renters. Council Member Baxter stated he liked the City of Burnsville's set up and the right to inspect without charging a fee. He questioned if the inspectors have time to inspect the rental properties. Ms. Lindquist stated she had no intention of adding staff to implement the program and noted that winter time is typically slower. She stated with a three year cycle they could inspect 200 homes per year. Council Members Baxter and DeBettignies were in agreement to charge a fee based upon finding a violation. Mayor Droste preferred not to charge homeowners who act responsibly. Council Member DeBettignies questioned how the City would measure the violations and do a breakdown of fees. Mr. Verbrugge stated staff would do more investigation into how Burnsville handles its fees. Council Member Sterner stated by having the program, the City would protect the renter and the homeowner at the same time. He suggested the program be broken down over two years instead of three years. Mayor Droste questioned who the City would contact to conduct the inspection. Ms. Lindquist stated the City would contact the owner or onsite manager to go through the tenant. Mayor Droste stated he did not want staff added because of the program. Ms. Lindquist responded that there was no intent to add staff. Mr. Verbrugge stated that it was a modest implementation as described by Ms. Lindquist and an opportunity to take notice of the property maintenance standards. Mr. Verbrugge stated that Ms. Lindquist would come back with a draft program and ordinance. Council Member Sterner requested that staff review the Hastings model. Mayor Droste was concerned with how the program would be communicated to the residents and how it could potentially impact any resident living in Rosemount. He was concerned with the sensitivity of homeowners. Council Member Baxter stated the only complaint the City will hear is that homeowners will not want to pay an inspection fee. Mr. Verbrugge added the reason a homeowner is renting out their home is immaterial and that everyone needs to be responsible and follow the minimum code standards. 2.D. Transit Study Task Force Community Development Director Lindquist stated in November the City Council approved a proposal for a transit plan. Ms. Lindquist stated an advisory committee was being formed to review the scope and discuss the progress of work to be undertaken. Mayor Droste questioned why a Utilities Commissioner would be appointed to the task force. He stated he preferred to have members on the task force that currently ride the bus. Ms. Lindquist responded that the Planning Commissioner member is Val Schultz and that she currently rides the bus. Mayor Droste offered to serve on the task force. Council Member Baxter stated that transit plan is a vision shouldn't be limited to bus riders. Council Member Sterner suggested that the City Council serve as the task force. City ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS DECEMBER 13, 2006 Engineer Brotzler stated the idea was to spread the work out based upon the scope that was previously approved; the plan will come before the Council for approval. Mayor Droste requested to designate a resident member. The City Council also decided to inquire if a non -City Council Port Authority member would be interested in serving on the task force. 2.E. Draft Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study City Engineer Brotzler reviewed the staff report and provided a handout of the four tables in the draft report dated March 2006. He noted a modification to Table 4 -1 for the water rate analysis. He stated that last May the main driving force for the consideration of no increase in water rates to a proposed water increase was the appropriate fund balance to carry in the utility fund. Table 4.1 illustrates no utility fund increase for the water rates for five years based on project expenditures the balance declines for a deficit in 2011. However, the table still included the significant effect based on the comprehensive water plan and early anticipation of water treatment facility being built. He added the figures show expenditures occurring beginning in 2009 at 1.2 million dollars per year added cost. Mr. Brotzler stated that Table 4.1a is shown with the expenditures removed with not building a water treatment facility until after 2011. With the current rates and projected revenues the City would maintain a positive and consistent fund balance. He added the current water rates appear to be adequate for the next five years. Mr. Brotzler explained the increases and expenditures between 2006 and 2007. There would be no need to increase water rates if costs for a water treatment facility are taken out. He added an $8.80 water surcharge per quarter is charged to residents to build a reserve fund for the future debt service on a water treatment facility. Mayor Droste questioned if the City needs a water treatment facility. Council Member Baxter stated it may be needed based upon the quality of water. Mr. Brotzler added that cities with populations of 25,000 30,000 have built their water treatment facilities based upon complaints. City Administrator Verbrugge added there may be radium issues. Mr. Brotzler stated his concerns with the radium levels should the Department of Health tighten up the regulations. Council Member Baxter stated he would like to see the surcharged remove. Mr. Brotzler stated the surcharge was initially set up to cover the debt service on the Chippendale water tower. Finance Director May added because there were not sufficient funds or growth to pay for the water tower the surcharge was added rather than raising the rates. Once the debt was retired, the surcharge went away. He stated the surcharge was reinstated during the construction of the Connemara water tower and the surcharge was the most appropriate way to fund the project. The surcharge only paid for part of the debt and the remaining part was paid out of the water core funds. He added the language for surcharge didn't say it was specifically for the water tower but would used to pay for improvements to the water system for the City of Rosemount. He added the City has taken the debt for the new Bacardi tower to use in funding the project. The City did not borrow money to pay for the last two wells. Mr. May saw justification to keeping the surcharge in place. ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS DECEMBER 13, 2006 Council Member Baxter stated he wanted to stop taxing on what has already been paid. Mr. May noted if the surcharge is removed until a water treatment plant is built a new surcharge would probably be much higher. Council Member Sterner suggested changing the surcharge label on the utility bills. Mr. May stated the surcharge could read for the "Infrastructure of a Water Treatment Facility" but added only a limited number of characters are allowed per line. Mr. Verbrugge suggested the label should read "Capital Investment Fund The City could provide public education on the debt service to pay for the future water infrastructure. Mr. May added that by informing the public about putting money aside to reinvest into the system would be a good marketing tool. Mr. Brotzler noted that the worksheets can be used in the future to track actual costs and revenues and project future rate increases on an annual basis. Mr. May added the current model in place will make it flexible in reviewing every year to make decisions annually. Mr. Verbrugge stated a public outreach should be set up for the remaining of the surcharge. Council Member Sterner suggested more information should be provided to residents about water conservation. Mayor Droste suggested setting up a base rate in December and talked about residents using a second meter. Mr. May stated the City does not require residents to install a second meter. He added that a high water user will receive payback for the permit and the meter noting there is typically a payback based upon usage. Mayor Droste directed staff to obtain information from the City of Hastings. Mr. Brotzler noted it would take a period of time to evaluate with changes in the sewer rate to balance out what residents are actually paying. He added changes could be made to the rate system and structure to eliminate second meters. There may be a fluctuation in rates based upon what is due to the Met Council. Mr. May stated the City could bring back the credit and give residents a break on their sewage usage but with the increase in sewer rates you would end up at the same amount. Mayor Droste requested that staff do research on why some cities do two meters or only one meter. Mr. Brotzler stated the sanitary sewer table 6.1 showed the running balance without increases. Without any rate increases the balance is projected to decrease. He added a wild card is the sewer charges (MCES) rates are increasing annually. The volume going to the plant is decreasing but the operating costs stay the same so the rates are increased. He added the City could hold the sewer rates at a constant as well for 2007 with the rates to be reviewed annually. Mayor Droste questioned if data from 2005 could be plugged into the table. He also suggested adding a graph that showed the actual numbers with the housing growth numbers and projections. Council Member DeBettignies questioned why the fees are doubling from 2006 to 2007 and increasing $30,000 annually. Mr. Brotzler responded the amounts include the projected increase from the Met Council. ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS DECEMBER 13, 2006 Mr. Brotzler added the proposed changes to the 2007 Fee Resolution including an increase to water trunk area and access charges. He added the City will maintain the sewer area and connection charges at the current rates. UPDATES Bonds Defeasance Finance Director May provided an update on the debt service fund for the business park. He added that Port Authority will be able to defease the bonds for the Highway 3 project because of assessments collected and the levy in place to replace most of it. Mr. May stated the bonds would be defeased and off the books next year. Lebanon Hills Regional Park Stormwater Issue City Administrator Verbrugge stated that based upon discussion at the joint elected officials meeting on November 29, 2006, the City of Rosemount made it clear to the group that our consideration to participate in the solution is dependent upon the Vermillion Watershed /Rosemount taxing district matter being decided beforehand or concurrently. He further stated that the City proposed that with the revenue that is being generated that Rosemount be considered a sub watershed and the tax revenue generated would come back to the City. He added that the source of revenue would become available to contribute to the Lebanon Hills issue. Council Member Shoe Corrigan stated her concerns regarding the fees. Council Member DeBettignies stated he preferred to take the approach not to participate in the project. City Engineer Brotzler stated the political considerations to take into account with not cooperating with Eagan. The City will propose that the money comes back to Rosemount through the watershed as proposed to cover the debt service on Rosemount's share of the cost. McMenomy Parcel City Administrator Verbrugge stated that the McMenomy family would like to sell approximately 60 acres of land for preservation of the woods for $130,000 per acre. He added the Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss the property and look at opportunities available and other alternatives. Community Development Director Lindquist added that the family previously wanted to preserve the northern part without park dedication. Council Member Baxter stated he did not want the City to do an appraisal of the area. Council Member Shoe Corrigan added the City is not ready to move on preservation of the parcel. Mr. Verbrugge stated staff will send a letter to Mr. Singer at Dakota County stating the City Council's intentions. Marketing Award Community Development Director Lindquist shared the Honorable Mention award received from MAEDC recognizing the City's marketing efforts. ADDITIONAL UPDATES Council Member Shoe Corrigan provided an update on the library sharing plans that show new architectural features on the building. ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS DECEMBER 13, 2006 Council Member Sterner updated Council Members and staff on the programs he attended at the National League of Cities conference in Reno. Council Member DeBettignies shared that he attended the NDC Chamber luncheon on December 12 and the Dakota Futures Event on December 13. Mayor Droste provided an update that Community of Hope Church plans to expand its facility adding a sheet of ice and additional office space. He also provided an update on technology and broadband information he collected at the National League of Cities conference in Reno. ADJOURNMENT There being no further information to come before the City Council and upon motion by Mayor Droste, the meeting was adjourned at 10:16 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Amy Domeier, City Clerk