03-21-1988 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 6 City Council Minutes March 21. 1988 e Terry Maurer. City Engineer. eXplained the existing facilities and noted that the plant is one of the cleanest sewer facilities in this area of Minnesota. As noted in the report on page nine. Terry Maurer explained that the sewer plant does not have the capacity it was designed for due to the fact that the design parameters have been revised. The Council discussed different options available to increase the capacity of the sewer plant which are listed on page 19 of the sewer report. The Council discussed the possibility of increasing the capacity of the plant and planning for future expansion of the sewer plant. The City Administrator indicated that the capacity can be increased at a very low cost which would be sufficient for approximately 10 years. He noted that sewage from a new industry is the unknown factor regarding when action is needed to increase the volume and capacity of the plant. The City Engineer explained that there is the capacity and room for expansion. however. the City must look at a way in which to fund the expansion. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO ACCEPT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT DATED 2/23/88. COUNCILMEHBER HOLMGREN SECONOEf) Tim MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 7.2.Sanitary Sewer Rate Study e The City Council reviewed the Sanitary Sewer Rate Study prepared by Maier Stewart and Associates and dated 3/1/88. Discussion was held regarding the fact that the City has started a separate fund in 1987 for the replacement of major pieces of equipment and expansion of the sewer system. The City Administrator indicated that this practice should have been started when the plant first went into operation. and because this was not done. the City does not have sufficient funds available for expansion or replacement of major equipment. The Council discussed the existing sewer rates. It was indicated that there are some problems in the way the rates are calculated. One of the problems discussed was the fact that the useage is determined by a reading of the meter which takes place during one quarter in the winter months. It was noted that there are many people who vacation in the south during the winter. therefore. their water reading would be very low compared to the people who stay at their residence all winter. It was also noted that the wording on the water bills could be more clear and direct explaining to the residents what they are actually paying. After further discussion regarding rates. the City Administrator indicated that the Staff would be back to the Council at a later date with recommendations on the following items: e SAC charge rates Winter readings Minimum sewer rates Senior citizen rates Nonmetered users