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REGULAR MEETING <br />JULY 28, 2003 <br />water runoff as well and end up bringing it back into the plant. Now that the City has a better sense <br />of what regulations are and will be for the future, it can lay those long term plans to address some <br />of these issues which clearly have been raised. He noted that the City does not disagree that the <br />system needs to be expanded and needs to have more capacity, but cannot guarantee that it will be <br />able to handle heavy rainfalls of five (5) to nine (9) inches that may happen from time to time. <br />Nevertheless, it is the City's goal to minimize the impact for the customers and minimize the <br />environmental impact on the river. All of this carries a cost which is the cost for the operation and <br />maintenance of the existing system as well as the cost for the improvements that need to be made. <br />Mayor Luecke stated that it is the City's belief that the twenty -four per cent (24 %) across the board <br />increase now proposed and the subsequent five per cent (5 %) across the board increase is the <br />appropriate way to move for the interim so that the City can have time to sit together with <br />representatives, some from large users who are valued customers, but also from individuals <br />representing environmental interests, homeowners and small business concerns, so it can continue <br />to maintain a plant that is environmentally friendly and an economic development asset for this <br />community that keeps us competitive for homeowners and for businesses. <br />Councilmember Kirsits made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning <br />this bill. Councilmember Kuspa seconded the motion. <br />Councilmember Varner stated that the first point that needs to be reiterated is that this increase, if <br />enacted, is relative to the 1988 rate which has been consistent for many years and he shares the same <br />concerns as others. However, if several large rate payers find another way to treat their sewer water, <br />the revenues in terms of millions of dollars on an annual basis which they are contributing to the <br />system, would have to be made up and that would be made up by the ratepayers that exist. The City <br />has to find a way that is as fair as it can be to everyone. He stated that he does not think the <br />fundamental change in the rate process which was promoted with the last ordinance did that. He <br />further stated that he hopes the Advisory Committee explores and finds a system which, even if all <br />cannot agree on the rates, at least all can agree on the need to get water treated and get it safely into <br />the river and find a way as fairly as possible. Councilmember Varner noted that the City will have <br />a lot more public participation. <br />Councilmember Kelly stated that this ordinance tries to be as fair as it can. He noted that the City <br />has a way to go and that there are serious problems in dividing the systems but it has to be studied <br />and the City must make sure it does the right thing. He stated that he believes the City is on the right <br />tract and needs to proceed to get this done. He further stated that input will be beneficial to the entire <br />community. <br />Councilmember Pfeifer indicated that the last ordinance which the Council approved did look out <br />for the little people and the neighbors making sure that they did not pay more than the large users. <br />That ordinance was struck down in the courts. Therefore, the Council has to follow the rules and <br />laws and hopefully the committee that will be formed will find a fair way of dealing with this issue. <br />She wanted everyone to know that the Council did look out for the little people last time. <br />The motion carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. <br />RISE AND REPORT <br />