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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/06/1996 Work Session ~ -' . . . MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY, MAY 6,1996 The City of Springfield Council met in Work Session in the Jesse Maine Room, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, May 6, 1996, at 6:03 p.m., with Mayor Morrisette presiding. ATTENDANCE Present were Mayor Morrisette, Councilors Ballew, Beyer, Burge, Dahlquist, Maine and Shaver. Also present were Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Attorney Tim Harold, City Recorder Eileen Stein, Administrative Aide Julie Wilson and members of the staff. 1. Proposed Regional and Local Sewer User Rates. Environmental Program Manager Gary Colwell presented the staff report on this issue. Current user fees for local and regional sanitary and local storm sewers were adopted by the Council on June 5, 1995. Due to changes in the regional rate structure, a new schedule of local and regional fees for the next year needs to be in effect by July I, 1996. A public hearing on the proposed ordinance setting regional and local sewer user fees for FY 96/97 has been scheduled for the Council's regular meeting on May 6, 1996. Mr. Colwell reported on the May I, MWMC public hearing on the vote structure. He indicated that the approval of the rate structure had been held over until the MWMC's next meeting in May. Mr. Colwell explained the new structure for determining regional rates. He stated the new structure would allow for better distribution of costs. Mayor Morrisette discussed increases in the categorized low strength user rates. He explained that the increase was due to a change in the base rates and stated an attempt was being made to better distinguish between commercial and non-commercial users. He stated a goal was to establish base rates that were both equitable and consistent. Councilor Burge asked how apartment complexes were classified. Mr. Colwell explained that they are classified as residential users. Mr. Colwell discussed the residential and non-residential rates. He stated each non- residential account was reviewed to ensure they were charged as they should be. He felt this was an equitable rate system. He noted that the City of Eugene did not review each non- residential account as Springfield had done. Councilor Maine questioned how monitoring would be done for rate classes. Mr. Colwell explained that in addition to the residential class, there were five commercial/industrial strength classes in the proposed regional rate structure ranging from "low strength" to "super high strength." Under the old structure, the low strength covered from 0 to 400 BOD and SS , middle strength from 400 to 800, and high strength 800+. Under the new structure, high strength would cover 800 to 1200. The new classes, very high strength and super high strength would cover from 1200 to 1600 and 1600+ respectively. With the new categories, . . . .. . City of Springfield Work Session Meeting Page 2 new testing will need to be done. Mr. Colwell stated there were only a few businesses falling into these new categories, such as breweries and dairy businesses. Mr. Colwell explained the sampling process. He stated that after a level was determined, a business could request retesting if necessary. Mr. Colwell explained that effluents would be evaluated for gauging. There was no routine check to monitor new changes and additions. Mayor Morrisette stated that some businesses attended the public hearing held by MWMC and requested time to become more efficient before their business was evaluated. Mayor Morrisette would provide MWMC with comments and concerns made by the Council. Councilor Ballew asked if there was a mechanism to indicate whether someone was discharging something they should not be, or discharging at excessive levels. Mr. Colwell explained the discharge process. He also explained that the color of discharge or out of ordinary discharges could also be an indicator of problems. Councilor Burge questioned whether the formula for determining rates was scientific in nature and asked if there was a simple way to implement the rates.' Mr. Colwell explained that once structure is identified and established, the process gets much easier. The budget and flow information can simply be input into a computer and the rates generated. This amount of work load would not need to be recreated as it was this year. Public Works Director Dan Brown explained the process of receiving input from MWMC to staff members. He also explained that the work completed by Mr. Colwell was to provide MWMC with different options and stressed the need for consistency. Mr. Colwell discussed local fees and stated there were adequate revenues to fund the operations and maintenance budget for FY96/97 and major capital improvements through the turn of the century. A public hearing is scheduled for this evening. The public hearing will be held open and continued to June 3, 1996. 2. Liquor License Endorsements for the Renewal Period of 1996-97. Community Services-Manager Dave Puent presented the staff report on this issue. At its April 15, 1996, regular meeting, a public hearing was conducted for the opportunity to hear public testimony relative to the liquor license renewals. Although no oral testimony was provided in opposition to Council endorsement of the 111 existing businesses, two letters were received in opposition. On December 19, 1994, Council approved Ordinance #5768 which established specific criteria to be used when reviewing an application for a license. Council may recommend denial based upon reliable, factual information as it relates to any criteria listed in the ordinance. . . . .. .. City of Springfield Work Session Meeting Page 3 Staff recommends pre authorization by Council of all liquor license renewals which would allow staff to issue the licenses in a timely manner. All departments will continue to review and monitor compliance with the criteria prior to issuance. Mr. Puent stated that Police Chief Bill DeForrest was present to answer Council questions about the police activity reports included in the Council's agenda packet. Councilor Maine discussed the Driftwood. She questioned ifthere were any issues related to the changing conditions of the business. Chief DeForrest explained that the Driftwood was on the list of businesses to be monitored. Councilor questioned if they would receive another six month update. Chief DeForrest explained that Council had asked for the report on an as needed basis. Art Haffing from the Mill Camp provided information regarding his business. He stated he now had live bands at the Mill Camp. Councilor Shaver suggested the Planning Commission review the zoning and level of establishments allowed city-wide. Council requested that staff first see what other cities are doing regarding this issue. Once the information is reviewed, Council could determine if the information should be forwarded to the Planning Commission. Staff would be working within a three month time-frame. Council discussed population based enforcement by OLCC. Councilor Ballew discussed the difference between responsible businesses versus irresponsible customers. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m. Minutes Recorder - Julie Wilson ~Y!~ Mayor Attest: ~Uv~ Eileen Stein City Recorder