Adopt new 2014 water, sanitary sewer rates
At their Tuesday, December 17 meeting, members of the Mountain Lake City Council reviewed the 2014 city budget and levy. For 2013, the proposed increase is 2.3%. Following discussion, the 2014 city budget and property tax levy was unanimously approved. The levy was set at $576,355.90, an increase of 1%.
Water, sanitary sewer rates
In the spring of 2012, the City of Mountain Lake retained Northland Securities to conduct an analysis and supplemental analysis for both the sanitary and sewer fund to analyze project expenditures and costs for the 2012-2014 Utility/Street Improvement Project. After reviewing both analyses, council members concluded that water and sanitary sewer rate increases were necessary to repay debt incurred for the project, to maintain and operate the improvements and to maintain sufficient reserves.
Water rates effective January 1, 2014 are as follows:
- Base – residential, $28.09; rural, $29.13 and commercial/industrial, $28.09.
- 1,000 to 6,999 gallons – residential, $6.50; rural, $7.28.
- 7,000 to 12,999 gallons – residential, $7.28; rural, $8.32.
- 13,000 to 25,999 gallons – residential, $8.32; rural, $9.36.
- 26,000+ gallons – residential, $9.36; rural, $10.40.
- 1,000 to 50,000 gallons – commercial/industrial, $7.02
- 51,000+ gallons – commercial/industrial, $7.28.
Sanitary sewer rates effective January 1, 2014 are as follows:
- Base – residential, $38.25; rural, $40.80 and commercial/industrial, $0.
- 0 to 3,000 gallons of water used – residential and rural, $0 and commercial/industrial, $40.80.
- 3,001+ gallons of water used – residential and rural, $0 and commercial/industrial, $7.64.
In other business
- Extended the agreement with Mountain Lake Public School for support of the district’s indoor swimming pool for one year. The agreement was to expire on December 31, 2013. The school had requested a one-year agreement.
- Two bids were received from Midway Farm Equipment of Mountain Lake for a new lawn mower were reviewed. Council members elected to purchase a Simplicity Cobalt zero turn mower with a list price of $11,199 less trade-in and discounts, for a cost of $5,600.
- Unanimously adopted the the 2014 Utility Budgets as recommended by the Utility Commission after review.
- Discussed the 2014-2016 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Contract. The city is still waiting for the final contract from the business agent. The last draft was reviewed by Mountain Lake City Administrator Wendy Meyer with no further changes are needed. Following the discussion, council members approved the last draft of the contract and authorized Mountain Lake Mayor Dean Janzen and Administrator Meyer to sign the final contract when available, provided there are no changes.
- Heard from Lynda Cowell, Utilities Office Manager, concerning non-union wages and salaries. The council instructed Administrator Meyer to prepare a pay study Request for Proposal (RFP). Members discussed 2014 salaries and wage increases for non-union employees, but no action was taken.
- Reviewed the 2014 council meeting schedule. Meetings will be held the first and third Mondays of the month with the exception of the second January meeting, which will be moved to Tuesday, January 21; the second February meeting moved to Tuesday, February 18, the second June meeting moved to Monday, June 26; the first September meeting moved to Tuesday, September 2. Due to conflicts with Christmas programs, December meetings were moved to the first and third Tuesday.
- Reviewed the 2013 Audit Agreement with Abdo, Eick and Meyers. The rising audit cost was discussed. Council authorized Mayor Janzen to sign the agreement and directed Administrator Meyer to prepare a RFP for auditing services.
- Learned the Lake Commission intends to submit an application to the Mountain Lake Area Foundation to paint one-, and one-half mile markers on the Mountain Lake Trail surface and to purchase trail markers to identify vegetation and trees. Council members authorized submission of the grant.
- Council members decided to close Mountain Lake City Hall at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 24. Employees have the option of working or using vacation time.
- Members of the council conducted an evaluation of Administrator/Clerk Meyer. Each council member rated the administrator in areas of organizational and fiscal management, program development, problem-solving, long-range planning, and communication skills, noting strengths and weaknesses and making suggestions for improvements. No action was taken.
- Approved 2014 cigarette licenses for Maynard’s, Casey’s, and Country Pride.
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