07-28-03 Council Meeting Minutes

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