CC Minutes - 05/09/05 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Manager Taylor said he had spent considerable time thinking about the council's goal of promoting the arts and outdoors, and the First Friday Art Walk that occurred on May 6 was a wonderful example of the community's spirit around that goal. He further noted the recent track meet at Hayward Field, which was another important element of the council's goal. City Manager Taylor expressed appreciation for the work done by Chief Tom Tallon and Deputy Chief Ruth Obadal with regard to completing the site visit needed as the final step toward accreditation of the department. Mayor Piercy said she toured new Fire Station # 1 on Friday, and it was fabulous. Ms. Solomon arrived. B. WORK SESSION: Ratification of the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission FY05-06 Regional Waste- water Program Budget and Capital Improvements Program Peter Ruffler of the City's Wastewater Division and General Director Susie Smith of the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) joined the council for the item. Mr. Ruffler provided an overview of the proposed budget, noting the proposed rate increase of six-percent, which was anticipated as part of a multi-year strategy adopted by the commission the previous year. It would generate about $727,000 in revenue, $430,000 of which would go to operations, $265,000 to revenue bond requirements, and $32,000 for funding capital improvements directly. Mr. Ruffler reviewed flow breakdowns for residential and commercial users, and said the rate increase would be paid proportionately. Mr. Ruffler noted the addition of an FTE (full-time equivalent) staff person for bio solids management. Mr. Ruffler called the council's attention to the proposed capital budget and noted the new projects and their funding sources. Mr. Ruffler indicated the council could choose to ratify the budget or return it to the MWMC with questions or requested modifications. Mr. Ruffler noted that the Board of County Commissioners was scheduled to consider ratification of the budget on May 11; the Springfield council would consider the budget on June 20. The MWMC would adopt the final budget on June 23. Mayor Piercy solicited council comments and questions. Ms. Taylor asked if the council's action had the effect of ratifying the rate increase. Mr. Ruffler said yes. Ms. Taylor asked if the council could stop the increase. Mr. Ruffler said yes, if the council decided not to ratify the budget. The rate increase was needed to implement the budget before the council, so it was not MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 9, 2005 Page 4 Work Session