12-09-2013 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ' ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING � Monday,December 9,2013 6:30 o'clock p.m. (PUBLIC HEARING, Contin ued) Struve stated the City's CIP includes a number of needed upgrades to the City's water plants, including repainting of one of the water towers, drilling of a new well, and improvements to the treatment facilities. Struve stated while 1 l percent is a substantial increase, it is needed to ensure the long-term financial health of the fund. Future bonding may also be necessary depending on the projects that are undertaken. McMillan noted Staff is also recommending a 4 percent increase in sewer rates. During a work session, the City Council suggested a rate increase that was equal to the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services' budget increase. Printup stated as it relates to the addition of administrative offenses and fines, he would suggest that they remove watering restrictions and no permit for recreational fires. Anderson asked whether the City has had fines for watering in the past. Struve indicated currently the City does not have watering restrictions and that he likely will be bringing that item to the City Council next spring. Anderson stated she would hate to impose watering restrictions before the Council has had an opportunity to discuss that item. McMillan asked whether the City would need to adopt an ordinance prior to imposing a fine. Bremer stated watering restrictions would likely be governed under state statutes. Mattick stated as it relates to offenses, when someone violates a city code,the statute allows the City to issue a misdemeanor citation. Some communities have gone to administrative offenses rather than a citation that would require someone to appear in court. Mattick stated this would allow the City to impose a fine. Printup stated since the City does not currently impose watering restrictions, he does not want it included in the City's fee schedule. Mattick indicated he does not recall what the City's Code says in relation to a watering ban, but that it is not uncommon for communities to have an odd/even day watering schedule during a drought. Printup stated he would like to strike it from the City's fee schedule and then discuss it further under Item 18. Bremer stated watering restrictions would be beneficial during a drought and that a number of other cities have watering bans during droughts. Printup noted a number of the residents in the City have private wells. McMillan asked whether this would relate solely to city water or both. Page 4 of 35