Subject: Re: [Mpls] Stormwatergate NOT

[J L Strand]

Date: Wed, 02 Mar 2005
Subject: Re: [Mpls] Stormwatergate NOT
To: mpls at mnforum.org

I served along with a number of other residents or stakeholders on the Stormwater Utility Rate Model Implementation Citizen Advisory Committee called together by Minneapolis Public Works to review and comment on the establishment of the Stormwater Utility and the new methodology.  Despite informational mailings (about 90,000 blue postcards) or inserts, three community meetings, and public hearings as part of the city council review, I suspected some ratepayers would only become engaged in this process when they received the bill reflecting those changes. 

As a low water user with a large lot, I expect to pay about $50 more annually under the new rate model in my combined utility bill.  In theory the new model is more equitable as to the billing rationale, is more consistent with stormwater utility practices in Minnesota and nationwide, and the utility will fund needed stormwater capital improvements citywide, will encourage development of best practices and allow for credits to perhaps lessen the stormwater load on the public infrastructure and reduce to some extent the millions of dollars of future capital improvements.  I respect Jim Graham, especially for his leadership on neighborhood issues.  In this instance the mayor and council members who were elected to lead did so.  The ratepayers and voters will have to evaluate and draw their own conclusions about the policy change.  I was concerned about rate increases on residents on fixed incomes who were low water users, and believe so noted at the public hearing.

Below is an excerpt from an article I had published in the Camden Community News March 2005 issue on this subject:
"As reported in the December 2004 Camden Community News, the City Council last year amended Title 19 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances relating to Water, Sewers and Sewage Disposal by adding a new Chapter 510 entitled "Stormwater Management System and Operation of a Stormwater Utility and Stormwater Utility Credit Rules." The 2005 sewer and stormwater rates were first approved by the Transportation & Public Works committee on 1/18/05, then referred to Ways and Means/Budget committee where the rates were approved 1/24/05. Final City Council approval was given on 1/28/05 establishing the utility rates for sewer rental and stormwater services....

The Public Works report approved by City Engineer Klara A. Fabry, P.E. for the council committee requests stated "The impact of this methodology change for an average single-family residential property (average is defined as having 1,530 sq. ft. of impervious area and currently consuming six units of sewer) will be a reduction of $1.00 on their monthly combined sewer/stormwater bill. However, current low water users may see an increase in their combined sewer/stormwater bill."

The action last year to implement a new stormwater utility methodology followed fifteen months of preparation including necessary legislative changes, a process review by a citizen advisory committee, the holding of a series of open house meetings for property owners, and a prolonged council committee discussion. The stated project objective was "To develop and implement an equitable funding mechanism for storm water related activities." The City sought a more accurate way to charge fees for storm water management services tied to water runoff instead of the existing system based on units of water consumption.

The City of Minneapolis web site provides detailed information about the Stormwater Utility change process at: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/stormwater/what-we-do/StormwaterRate.asp

Municipal utility ratepayers may contact Public Works Project Manager John McLain at (612) 673-2990 for more information."

Jeffrey L. Strand, Shingle Creek (Ward 4)

(and CLIC Member 2005-2007)