Lino Lakes Ledger
Council Accepts Utility Rate Study
At its meeting of May 27, the Lino Lakes City Council voted to accepted the Final Utility Rate Study Report prepared by its financial consultant, Springsted, Inc.
"We have no intention at this time to adopt new utility rates for the [2008] summer season," city Finance Director Al Rolek told the council. "We are just asking the city to accept the study."
The city will prepare public education materials on water conservation, which the city says is mandated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
"This is just one of the means through which we are trying to control the use of excess water," Rolek told the council.
But a lack of current action on the part of council members with regard to the cost of municipal water doesn't mean that rates won't go up in the future.
The issue will likely appear on a council agenda sometime this fall, Rolek said, adding, "any action to raise rates would probably go into effect June 1 of next year."
In other action, the council:
. Approved a permit for the sale of consumer fireworks at Super Target, 749 Apollo Dr.
. Approved a temporary 3.2 onsale beer, cabaret and exempt gambling license for the August 9-10, 2008 Fall Festival at St. Joseph's Church.
. Approved an off -sale liquor and tobacco license for Lino Lakes Liquor Barrel for a new store at 7997 Lake Drive (see story Page A1).
. Approved the renewal of liquor, wine, beer and dance licenses for the period of July 1 through June 30, 2009.
. Voted to extend a conditional off er of employment to Jerry Streich for the position of Centennial Fire District Chief. Each city within the district must approve the offer. "I think he'll bring a lot of enthusiasm and energy to the department," Council Member Kathi Gallup said.
. Accepted the Lino Lakes Police Department's 2007 Annual Report.
. Held a public hearing on the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Annual Report.
. Voted to authorize participation in the Rice Creek Watershed District's Blue Th umb Program. For the cost of $1,500 donation per year, "It lends a symbol that people can identify with," Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson told council members.
. Voted to approve the second reading of Chapter 503, Animal Control Regulations. Also approved the publication of a summary of the ordinance due to its length. All aye.
. Approved Change Order No. 13 for the Lake Drive/I-35W Improvement Project in the amount of $$22,052.50 for guard rails and a bullnose rail piece to protect the bridge piers. "They were not included in the original contract," Mike Grochala said. Of the roughly $250,000 in change orders, approximately $190,000 was for landscaping in the medians. The city expects the project to be substantially complete in July.