2010-11-05 Friday NewsrAno
AAAA
5, 2010
Congratulations
Congratulations go out to Mayor -Elect Sandra Krebsbach and City
Council Members -Elect Ultan Duggan and Liz Petschel for their
victories on Tuesday. The terms for the newly elected city council
will begin in January 2011. The swearing in of these election
winners will take place on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 as a part of the
first city council meeting of the year. Sandra's election to mayor will
leave a vacant seat on the city council in 2011. The four members of
the 2011 city council will appoint someone to fill out the remaining
two years on that term. The council can use any process they would
like to fill this position. This issue will be on the January 4, 2011 city
council agenda. Congratulations again Sandra, Ultan and Liz!
FWhen Do You Hold a Recount
With the results of the mayoral race being so close this year a number of people have
Rinquired if there is going to be a recount. There are no automatic recounts in
municipal elections. A losing candidate may request a manual recount of the votes
' cast in the election if the difference between the votes cast for that candidate and for
a winning candidate is less than one-half of one percent of the total votes counted for
that office or if the difference between the votes cast for that candidate and for a
winning
candidate is ten
votes
or less and the total number of votes cast for the
D election
of all candidates
is no
more than 400. A losing candidate can request a
manual
recount, at the
losing
candidates expense, when the vote difference is
A greater than one-half of one percent. The request for a recount must be submitted in
writing to the city within seven days of the canvass of the general election. The City
Council will canvass the results of the 2010 election on Friday, November 5, 2010.
YThe winning margin in the 2010 Mendota Heights mayoral race was 0.6%
Chamber of Commerce Awards
On Wednesday morning, Jake Sedlacek attended the 2010 Survive and Thrive
Business Awards breakfast put on by Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
This year's awards event was smaller than last year, with approximately 60 attendees,
there were a handful of Mendota Heights businesses in attendance. Six chamber
E businesses were awarded for innovation which has helped them not just to survive, but
to actually grow in this economic downturn. Ruthie Batulis, Dakota County Regional
Chamber President reminded the crowd to keep it local when making purchases and
Wlooking for professional services.
SBonfire Succesm
The annual Halloween Bonfire was held last Sunday night at the Plaza. A big thank you
goes out to the Public Works, Police and Fire Departments for all of their work in
making this event happen again this year. Your efforts are very much appreciated!
November 5, 2010
Notes
• Mendoberri will be holding their ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at
4:00 p.m. City council and city staff members have been asked to attend this event.
• Residents who are interested in serving on one of the three citizen advisory commissions
should submit a letter of interest to the city administrator by Friday, December 10, 2010.
• Reminder that a thank you reception will held in honor of John Huber and Mary Jeanne
Schneeman on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
• The City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 will feature a number of police
department awards.
Thank You
A big thank you goes out to all of the election judges and city staff members who helped make
the election process in Mendota Heights a big success. There were a few long days and nights,
but the work paid off with only a few minor glitches that were easily resolved. Voters were able
to get in and out of polling places in a timely fashion. While it looks like a recount may happen
with the Governor's race, the 2010 general election was administered successfully. Thanks
again to all of those who played a role in this very important process.
Dates To Remember
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Airport Relations Commission Meeting
Veterans Day (City Offices Closed)
City Council Meeting
Planning Commission Meeting
City Council Meeting
11-9-2010
6-30 p.m.
11-10-2010
7:00 p.m.
11-11-2010
11-16-2010
7:00 p.m.
11-23-2010
7:00 p.m.
12-7-201
7:00 p.m.
City Hall will be closed
on Thursday, November
11, 2010 in observance
of Veterans Day.
Attachments
The Pipeline, Just the Facts, Dakota County Sheriff The Front Row, Airport Relations Commission
Meeting Agenda, Election Thank You TwinCities.com Article "Pay more for less water in St. Paul?
What's the deal?"
November 5, 2010
N E W S
LETTER
Public Works
Engineering
Code Enforcement
Public Works
The
CHANGE YOUR CLOCK
12 1 -
CHANGE YOUR BATTERY
Pipeline
November 5, 2010
The Parks Crew moved things back into the water tower from the back
parking lot. A fence was repaired at the old fire hall site. The general
skating rink at Ivy Falls Park was leveled out after enlarging it. The
pedways were surveyed.
Rich prepared the air conditioning and heating for the winter at the Mendota
Heights Road lift station. He put on new belts, filters and greased the
bearings. He met with Patterson Dental about the fat, oil, & grease that
should not be dumped into the sanitary sewer line. He inspected sewers on
Waters Drive. Mulched leaves at the Veronica lift station.
The Streets Crew brought brush to the Halloween bonfire that was collected
on Sutton Lane at Marie Avenue and Junction Lane. The fence, post and
gate were taken down from the bonfire. Tim helped Cliff put new brakes on
dump truck 303. A TV was picked up from Spring Street.
Engineering
Highway 55/Mendota Heights Road Intersection- Private Utility relocations
are complete, and the contractor has been working on the road base.
Pavement is expected to begin next week (11/8). Once the first lanes of
pavement are installed, traffic will be diverted onto the new asphalt and
work will continue in the traffic free areas. Curb & Gutter installation is
ongoing. As always weather will determine the amount of work that can be
accomplished and will largely drive the construction schedule. Residents
should be aware of traffic revisions at this intersection due to
construction through the end of December.
2011 Street Reconstruction Project (Wagon Wheel Trail) - Staff held an
information neighborhood meeting on the upcoming project on Thursday
(10/28) evening at the Holy Family Church on Lexington, across form City
Hall. Roughly 40 residents attended. Concerns from attendees centered
around speed and/or volume of traffic, storm water drainage, trail
construction, stop signs, and assessment valuation and payment. A
summary will be presented as part of the formal Public Hearing before
City Council scheduled for the November 16th Council meeting.
Notices have been sent to the affected property owners informing them of
the Public Hearing. Project is proposed to reconstruct Wagon Wheel Trail
from Lexington Avenue to Dodd Road, install storm sewer with curb &
gutter, and provide for a pedestrian trail along the length of the project.
Also proposed are the rehabilitation (mill & overlay) of Alice Lane, Rodgers
Court, and Swan Court, along with improvements to Rogers Lake Park.
2011 Water Rate Increase (FINAL REMINDER) - Saint Paul Regional Water
Service has notified the City that the Board of Water Commissioners has
approved a proposed rate increase for 2011. The proposed increase is
roughly 5.45% over the existing rate. The rate increase was heard by the
Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday November 3rd. Staff has not yet
received a report from Saint Paul Regional Water Service as to the outcome
of the meeting.
Trail Gap & Repair Prioritization Meeting - Engineering, Planning and Public
Works Staff met on Thursday morning to go over an analysis of the City
Trail System. Gaps in the system were identified, and PW Staff provided a
condition assessment of the trails. Engineering Staff will compile the
information in to a list of projects prioritized into three groups: immediate
need, short-term need, and long-term need. This list will then be presented
to Council for commend and/or concurrence. Once the list is approved,
Staff intends to develop a Trails plan similar in nature to the Street
Improvement Plan.
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11/5/2010
MIJ
The
Fraud Alert!
Mendota
In this fast -paced world, we tend to become complacent and less
vigilant when using technology. Remember: security with technology
Heights
and your information begins with you. We've been seeing more victims
Police
of email scams. Example: an email (or a phone call) from a name you
Department
know/recognize, asking for money because they are stranded in a
foreign country, experiencing some form of "drama," and need money
Support
to "get home." DO NOT reply, send money via any wire transfer
Staff
Kim Henning
system or give out an a of information via email or hone without
y g y type p
Sandie Ristine
first confirming the person/story and getting a second opinion. The real
Susan Donovan
friend has already been a victim — don't be next! Talk to your kids, your
Cathy Ransom
older friends and relatives - take your time, be vigilant and wise.
Becky Pentel
Police Officers
Civil Assist Thursday 1430 hours
Jerry Murphy
Officer John Larrive stood by while Excel Energy attempted to turn the
Scott Patrick
gas back on at a residence. The service tech was not able to restore
John Larrive
Bobby Lambert
the natural gas service to the home as the homeowner had damaged
Tanner Spicer
the meter. They will have to return at a later date.
Todd Rosse
Chad Willson
Missing Child Thursday 1815 hours
Jeff vonFeldt
Parent reported that their middle school son didn't come home after
Denise Urmann
school. They advised Officer Willson that they had just checked at
Michael Shepard
school and the boy was not there. As Officer Willson was talking with
Peyton Fleming
mom the son walked up the driveway. Apparently he got on the wrong
Jenny Fordham
School Resource
school bus. As soon as the rest of the kids were dropped off the driver
Officer
delivered him to his front door. Now that's good service.
Steven Meyer
Investigations
Warning Friday 0040 hours
Mario Reyes
You always hear the stories about the woman in labor, the husband
Tanner Spicer
speeding to the hospital, and the officer handing out a ticket. Well, in
Sergeants
this story, Officer Urmann simply provided a verbal warning to the
Neil Garlock
stressed hubby along with a safely -paced escort the rest of the way to
Brian Convery
the hospital.
Eric Petersen
E
Reserves
Randy Pentel
DUI Saturday 0207 hours
Gino Messina
Officer Denise Urmann was parked near the Town Centre shopping
Jesse IVtettner
area when she watched a car roll to the shoulder and then put the 4 -
Andrew Quinlan
way flashers on. She had watched the same car about a Y2 hour earlier
Chief
pull into the drive up lane at McDonalds then leave without purchasing
Mike
anything. Upon approach, the driver advised the battery died; she
Aschenbrener
could clearly smell alcohol on the driver's breath. The driver first said
--11 —
11/5/2010
he hadn't been drinking, then indicated with his fingers, just a pinch. After failing all of the
SFST's, the driver was given a PBT which revealed a BAC of .126 (1 guess "just a pinch" is
loosely defined) he was arrested and transported to MHPD. At the PD he was read the MN
Implied Consent Advisory but he needed additional decision assistance. A phone book was
provided but he thought if he could just get on the internet and access Facebook, he'd find
an attorney. That didn't work either. He finally decided to provide a urine sample and was
soon after given a ride to the Dakota County Jail. Charges pending results from BCA testing.
AOA (Car vs. Semi) Saturday 0808 hours
Car vs. semi -truck in the intersection of Hwy 13 and Hwy 55. Officer John Larrive was the
first to arrive on scene he immediately asked MHFD to respond and shortly after that he
requested an ambulance. The MN State Patrol Commercial vehicle unit arrived to write the
crash. The driver was extremely fortunate.
Harassment Saturday 1132 hours
Resident called seeking advice about a neighbor who calls the police every time they have a
recreational fire. Officer Scott Patrick spoke with the caller who has had multiple police and
fire visits in the past year and each time, but is always ordinance compliant. Unfortunately
the neighbor believes recreational fires are not good for the environment and calls every time
the resident starts one. Options given.
Crash Sunday 1241 hours
Officer Scott Patrick met the victim of a H & R (hit and run) in the lobby at the PD. The driver
reported they were driving down the road when a car pulled out onto Victoria, struck their car
and continued driving as is nothing happened. Officer Patrick located the vehicle and the
driver seemed aware of what he was talking about, except he were positive he didn't hit
anything. Examination of the car made it very clear to all that a crash had occurred. The
damage was minor, and both drivers nicely agreed resolve it with each other. The confused
driver was referred for a driving evaluation.
Theft Monday 0042 hours
Witness reported to Sergeant Eric Petersen that they watched a man load three rolls of
orange snow fence from the construction site near the bonfire and leave with it. The witness
wished to stay out of it, but provided a vehicle license number along with a suspect
description. Eagan PD went to the thief's house, spotted the truck and the snow fence
leaning on the side of the garage. The thief admitted to his actions and responded first thing
the next morning to both MHPD and the construction company office to apologize. When
interviewed by Investigator Reyes he readily admitted to taking the fence; he thought it had
been discarded. The construction company called later, saying they wouldn't pursue
charges - all was good with them.
Injured Turkey Monday 1215 hours
Officer Bobby Lambert would be the first Officer in memory to have to dispatch an injured
turkey. The caller reported it lying in the street, struggling. Officer Lambert relieved the
turkey of its pain.
Injured Goose Monday 1519 hours
We can't make them up. The next call after the turkey was an injured goose. Officer Todd
Rosse received the call and upon checking the area he located a badly hurt goose that was
also dispatched. Both animals were disposed of by public works employees.
-2-
Crash (Straight Truck vs. Train trestle) Tuesday 1113 hours
Sergeant Neil Garlock received a call of a crash no injuries when he arrived he found a roll-
off container in the road on the north side of the bridge and for the first time in recent
memory, the trestle was heavily damaged. The railroad was notified and a parade of
employees began showing up. Train traffic was being held and rerouted from as far away as
Iowa. Inspection showed serious damage to the track. The road was closed and heavy
equipment was brought in to straighten the tracks and repair the trestle. MHPD reserves
were called in to assist with blocking traffic until late into the night. By morning the road was
open and the trains were rolling again.
Theft from Vehicle Tuesday 1817 hours
Officer Rosse responded to an overlook park to take a report of theft from/damage to
vehicles. Two different vehicles had been broken into while they were at the park and both
had belongings stolen from them, including various ID's and credit cards. Both parties also
later reported their credit/debit cards were used for purchases in St Paul. Forwarded to
investigations.
Missing Person Tuesday 1150 hours
Officer Petersen took a report of a missing person. Evidently their daughter, whom they
stated has various issues, was thought to be heading to visit an out-of-state uncle; however,
she never arrived. Soon after entering her in the system, Officer Petersen learned she had
been stopped in Iowa and Wyoming before the alert went out. The parents did locate her in
Montana and they wanted her brought home. However, the daughter is an adult and was not
a danger to herself or others. Person removed from NCIC.
...Another Injured Turkey Thursday 0800 hours
Records staff received a phone call about yet another injured turkey in the middle of the
road. Public works was notified and handled. Have we mentioned lately how much we
appreciate our fellow City employees?
He's Got a Hatchet! Thursday 1545 hours
Officer Lambert responded lights and sirens to a call for help about someone trying to enter
their residence using a hatchet. The unknown male reportedly went to find other tools also
and now had a wire cutter or screwdriver as well. Officer Lambert didn't quite know what
he'd find upon arrival; thankfully he soon learned the suspect was simply trying to access the
home to retrieve some equipment within. He knew the daughter, had thought no one was
home and he made a poor choice on how to gain entry. After a nice chat about how to
legally get back your property and the seriousness of the decision he had made, the young
man was able to retrieve his property from the homeowner and all was peaceful in the
neighborhood again.
Aam 4tmot /#1A & A�,
-3-
Volume 6, Week 20
October 18, through
October 24, 2010
Featuring Sheriffs
Administrative,
Communications,
Support, and Parks,
Lakes, and Trails
Staff.
Administration
Fran Bakke
Julie Ecker
Detention Services
Support Staff
Sandy Burke
Desiree Chartrand
Jennifer Harrington
Melanie Heltne
Molu Jolly
Kathy Karnick
Amanda Llamas
Jamie Maiser
Janelle Mayer
Mary McPhetres
Minnie Murphy
Holly Ruiz
Andrea Strenke
Betsy Winter
Emergency
Preparedness
Dave Gisch
Operations Support
Staff
Carmen Brown
Ana Estrada
Julie Fischer
Pam Hinton
Linda Mischke
Shona Murphy
Jesse Monahan
Andrea Olson
Carole Sieben
Fay Wallin
Parks. Lakes. and
Trails
Salah Ahmed
Michael Myres
Dave Bailey
Ryan Bollig
DAKOTA COUNTY SHERIFF
The Front Row
A',4 front raw seat to the greatest show on earth...
Dave Bellows, Sheriff
Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy
Thank You for AR Your Work...
On Saturday evening
the fall jail meeting
was held at the
Sheriff's Office. The '^
event is a 000,' C
combination of taking
annual photos of the •� '' j
Detention Services
staff, recognizing
staff for their work
over the past year,
and a guest speaker. Z
A plaque was also
presented to
Correctional `
Sergeant ]udy
Burrows (Retired)
for her 25 years of
service. The award
for Correctional Correctional Sergeant Judy Burrows was recognized for 25 years of
service to Dakota County. Shown with Sergeant Burrows are (lett to
Deputy of the Year right): Chief Deputy Tim Leslie, Sheriff Dave Bellows, Correctional
was actually given to Lieutenant Lawrence Hart, and Commander John Grant
two members,
Correctional Deputies ]ulienne Oppong and Ryan Fitzgerald, with their families
in attendance. Other award winners included Correctional Sergeant Chuck
Stemig with the Innovation Award and members of the Jail SRT, FTO, and Power
Volume 6, Week 20
October 18, through
October 24, 2010
Jacob Coulson
John Grimes
Chris Haars
Michael Mandel
Jon Reiners
Joshua Schauer
Cha In ains
Jim ezoskie
Vern Hildebrandt
Clayton McDougall
Eddie Nestingen
Cory Voll
Don Voll
Questions?
Comments?
Please contact the
Dakota County
Sheriff's Office at
651.437.4700 or any
of the following by
email:
dave.bellows@
co.dakota.mn.us
julie.ecker@
co.dakota.mn.us
DAKOTA COUNTY SHERIFF
The Front Row
�.4 front row seat to the _qreatest show on Garth...
Dave Bellows, Sheriff
Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy
Users for the new Jail Management System all received recognition awards. A
number of staff received Years of Service Awards: Correctional Corporal Gary
Millbach and Correctional Deputy Joe Engesser for 18 years of service;
Correctional Corporals Deb Fyten and Sheila Hamilton for 15 years of service;
Correctional Deputy Cheri Johnson for nine years with the DCSO; Correctional
Deputies Muhammed Jackson, Ryan Fitzgerald, and Tchad Guckin with six
years of service; and Correctional Deputies Vallie Bissonette, Adam Henry,
Sara Steinhoff, Nick Johnson, Farrel Byrd, and Audra Rawlings with three years
of service. Special thanks to all the Program Services Assistants for their work in
making this a really great event.
Pop Corn?
Last week Deputies Amber Hentges and Bruce Lohmann were dispatched to two
fires in cornfields. Due to the recent lack of moisture, fields have become very dry.
The fires are believed to have started as a result of equipment in the field harvesting
the crops. In both cases, the fires were extinguished quickly with little loss.
Well, Blow Me Down...
The heavy winds caused havoc across Dakota County this past week. In one case,
a semi tractor trailer was blown over on Highway 52 near County Road 46. Deputy
Matt Wayne assisted the Minnesota State Patrol with traffic. There were no injuries
as a result of the incident.
Behind the Bars...
Over the past week the jail held on average 243 inmates per day. For the month, we
have been averaging 246 per day.
On the Road...
Members of the Transportation Unit logged over 2,100 miles last week moving
inmates. In addition to routine inmate moves, 28 transports involved warrants from
other counties, 12 inmates were boarded, and four were transported to St. Cloud to
begin prison sentences.
Click here to subscribe to this newsletter electronically.
Page 2
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7.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION AGENDA
November 10, 2010 — 7:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
Call to Order - 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Approval of the Minutes from the October 13, 2010 Airport Relations Commission
Meeting
Unfinished and New Business
a. Airport Noise Report and NOISE
b, Minneapolis 60 DNL Issue
C. December 2010 Meeting
d. NOC Meeting Update
e. Updates for Introduction Book
Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports/Correspondence:
a. Monthly Statistical Review
b. September 2010 ANOM Technical Advisor's Report
C. September 2010 ANOM Eagan/Mendota Heights Departure Corridor Analysis
d. September 2010 Runway 17 Departure Analysis Report
e. Airport Noise Report, October 8, 2010
£ Airport Noise Report, October 15, 2010
g. Airport Noise Report, October 22, 2010
h. Airport Noise Report, October 29, 2010
Other Commissioner Comments or Concerns
Upcoming Meetinj4s
MAC Meeting
City Council Meeting
NOC Meeting
8. Public Comments
9. Adjourn
11-16-10 1:00 p.m.
11-16-10 7:00 p.m.
11-17-10 1:30 p.m.
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than
120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids. This may not, however, be
possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at (651) 452-1850 with requests.
Election Thank You!!
The 57 residents who served as election judges did an outstanding
job in the General Election. All the judges did a wonderful job!!
There were also many incredible staff people who volunteered
time and worked extra hours on Election Day and the Saturday
before the election assisting with the election process. Many
thanks to Kathy Swanson, Becky Pentel, Tom Olund, Mike Albers,
Bobby Crane, Linda Shipton, Pam Deeb, Ryan Ruzek, Sharon
Hinze, Sandie Thone, Kristen Schabacker, David McKnight, Jake
Sedlacek, Mike Aschenbrenner, and anybody else I may have
forgotten to mention for all of their help.
There was a total of 76.01 % Mendota Heights voter turnout and
671 absentee ballots.
htt-p://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci—I 6495030
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1 1i
By Dave Orrick
dorrick@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 11/01/2010 11:32:09 PM CDT
Thanks to lower -flow showerheads and a growing
sense of thrift when it comes to watering lawns,
water conservation is working around the Twin
Cities.
People are using less water.
And the reward?
Higher water bills.
St. Paul Regional Water Services, which serves the
capital city and several surrounding communities, h
as proposed a rate increase of roughly 5.5 p
ercent, which would cost the average family
$10.56 next year, according to the department's
estimates. The St. Paul City Council will hold a
public hearing Wednesday.
Minneapolis has proposed a 4.9 percent hike, which
would cost users of its water — including suburbs
such as Bloomington, Golden Valley and Columbia
Heights — about $14.40 a year, if approved,
according its department's estimates.
In both cities, the past several years have shown a
steady trickle of rate increases. In a trend that's
playing out across the country, municipal water
departments are tapping their customers for more
Page 1 of 4
money to use less water, according to officials and
studies.
The paradox — that widespread conservation is not
leading to lower bills — is the result of underlying
infrastructure demands and the nature of water
utilities, especially in the water -rich Midwest, water
officials and experts say.
Meanwhile, conservation advocates say they hope
utilities will change their billing structures to at
least penalize those who don't conserve —
something water agency officials
say they're strongly considering.
In St. Paul, the average water rate (winter and
summer rates differ) has increased every year since
2005, records show. In 2005, 100 cubic feet of
water — about 748 gallons — cost $1.61 on
average.
In 2011, that amount would cost $2.32 on average
under the current proposal, an increase of 44
percent over the years, according to the agency's
figures. (Minneapolis proposes increasing the rate
to $3.20.)
During that period, water use has generally fallen in
the agency's communities of St. Paul, Falcon
Heights, Lauderdale, Maplewood and West St. Paul.
This year, when a particularly damp summer didn't
require much lawn -watering, is likely to result in the
lowest water consumption since the 1960s. But
almost everything else the utility spends money on
— materials, fuel, treatment chemicals and labor —
costs more today than back then.
And unlike other agencies, the water department has
no other sources of revenue besides water rates
and nowhere to cut but water services, said Pat
g3 _ t
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Twin CitiesIscom
Harris, a St. Paul City Council member who chairs
the water agency's board of directors.
RISING COSTS
"When usage is down, revenue is down, but you still
have all the same infrastructure," Harris said.
"We can't say we've got less money, so we're going
to clean the water less. The water utility exists to
provide clean and available water to the public. You
do that at a cost that does that and nothing above
that."
Harris and water agency Executive Director Steve
Schneider point out that the utility has cut staffing
— from about 330 full-time employees in the late
1980s to about 250 now. Next year's budget
assumes no wage increases except step increases
for unionized workers or for department brass.
But the department's costs are still rising. Among
the increases are $1.29 million for personnel,
largely from a projected increase in health
insurance costs, and $441,000 in debt service
payments to maintain $30 million in taxpayer -
backed loans for capital programs.
The two biggest capital programs are $6.5 million
to demolish the outmoded Dale Street Reservoir and
$20 million to replace nearly every water meter in its s
ervice area, a multi-year effort that began last
month and, eventually, should save the agency
money.
Harris and Schneider also defend the proposed
budget as not including as many capital
improvements as they would prefer, such as
additional money to replace old cast-iron mains at
the same time as St. Paul street crews dig up
residential streets to replace curbs and gutters.
"People hate having their street dug up a second
time for that," Harris said. "But we don't have the
money to avoid it every time."
PUSH TO CONSERVE
There's little question that conservation — not the
current recession, changing commercial uses or a
few damp growing seasons — is driving the
decrease in water use, officials say. They point
especially to winter water use, which has been
steadily decreasing for years and is obviously not
subject to the whims of quenching a lawn's thirst.
"It's all those plumbing fixtures," said Bernie Bullert,
director of water treatment and distribution for
Minneapolis' water department. "Over the years, the
toilets, showers, dishwashers, laundry machines,
they all get replaced, and all the new ones use less
water."
Of course, that's a good thing, said Anne Hunt,
sustainability coordinator for St. Paul Mayor Chris
Coleman. Like most elected officials, Coleman has an
official policy of discouraging waste of natural
resources. But such policies aren't currently
reflected in water pricing as they are with, say,
electricity use.
"It took a long time for regulators to correctly set
financial incentives so that publicly traded energy
companies could encourage conservation, and right
now we're in the same old paradigm for water," Hunt
said.
That's especially the case in the Midwest, where,
whether it's Great Lakes -gulping cities such as
Milwaukee and Chicago, or Mississippi River -
slurping cities such as St. Paul and Minneapolis,
water has seemed unlimited — and cheap.
"It was backwards for a long time," said Joel
Brammeier, president of the conservation -minded
The Daily Deal
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Minneapolis I 9t Paul : $54 for One Month of Parking at
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Page 3 of 4
Alliance for the Great Lakes. "For years, in Midwest
communities where water was plentiful, people paid
less for the more they used. That gave people a
completely false sense of the cost of sustaining the
drinking water supply. The reality behind what
comes out of your tap is that somebody is paying
money to get you that water. It's the end of miles
and miles of pumps and pipes and filters, and
somebody needs to pay for those."
Minneapolis and St. Paul charge the same rate for
water regardless of how much a customer uses.
They also get kudos from watchdogs for generally
not hiding the true costs of their operations behind
other revenue, such as property taxes. For example,
St. Paul's campaign to replace old lead water mains
is paid for by its water rates.
WE DRINK CHEAP
St. Paul residents, in particular, enjoy some of the
cheapest water prices in the country for major cities,
well below those of Seattle, Boston, New Orleans and
St. Louis.
That's a double-edged sword when it comes to
conservation, though, Brammeier cautions, because
the underlying costs of running the utilities aren't
falling, and using less water doesn't mean, for
example, fewer pipes to maintain.
"Ultimately, everybody's going to have to pay a little
bit more, but we have to make sure that money is
going to be charged fairly," he said.
Water officials noted that if a St. Paul family uses 5
percent less water next year, the bill wouldn't go up
a dime, but Bullert acknowledged that in the core
cities, there isn't a ton of room for conservation.
"It's not like in the suburbs where you have huge
lots," he said. "In old cities, you've got small lots
with big old trees, so there's less room to water
your lawn, and less opportunity for evaporation."
CHANGING RATE STRUCTURES
There is a way to change how we're billed for water
that would discourage heavy use — or at least make
those users pay a greater share — and both cities
are thinking about it.
Under what's known as an "inclining block -rate
structure," homes and businesses would be charged
a higher rate for each gallon of water above a
certain threshold. Advocates such as Brammeier say
it's a smart and fair move.
St. Paul is likely to study that option, as well as an
option to increase the minimum amount billed as a
way to cease the current pattern of increasing rates
every year, or finding late budget surprises because
a year was wetter than projected.
"It's something we definitely want to look at before
next year's budget," Schneider said. "We just want
everyone to understand that we're not expanding
our customer base like a power company. We have
costs, and we have to meet them."
$1.61
Average 2005 St. Paul water rate (per 100 cubic feet)
$2.32
Average proposed 2011 rate
20,619,077
2007 water consumption
19,000,000
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Estimated 2010 consumption
IF YOU GO
St. Paul will hold a public hearing on a proposed
water rate hike of about 5.5 percent at 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday in City Council chambers, third floor of
City Hall, 14 W. Kellogg Blvd.
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