HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-02; City Council; Minutes (2)MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF: THE CITY COUNCIL AND CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER
DISTRICT
(Joint Special Meeting)
DATE OF MEETING: December 2, 2008
TIME OF MEETING: 6:00 p.m.
PLACE OF MEETING: City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor/President Lewis called the Joint Special Meeting to order at 6:46 p.m.
ROLL CALL: was taken by the City Clerk/Secretary, as follows:
Present: Council/Board Members Lewis, Hall, Packard and Nygaard.
Absent: Council/Board Member Kulchin.
PUBLIC HEARING:
This item is continued from the Joint Special Meeting held September 9, 2008.
17.AB #19.657 - WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASE.
Senior Accountant Helga Stover and Public Works Manager Cari Dale presented the staff report
and reviewed a PowerPoint Presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
Ms. Stover explained that the San Diego County Water Authority and Metropolitan Water District
have increased the purchase price of water to their member agencies and that a large portion of
the proposed water rate increase will help offset the increase being charged to the City of
Carlsbad.
Ms. Stover further explained that even with the proposed increases, Carlsbad will still have the
lowest water and sewer rates compared to surrounding agencies.
In response to an inquiry from Council/Board Member Nygaard, Ms. Dale explained that the
Wastewater Discharge Requirement (WDR) is an unfunded state mandate that requires the City to
implement measures to ensure that the wastewater system in the City is properly maintained.
Council/Board Member Hall confirmed with staff that the State does not direct how the City is to
implement the WDR and allows the City to determine the method that is adequate to adhere to the
WDR.
Council/Board Member Hall expressed concerns relating to a five year forecast indicating the need
for additional personnel in the Water Department and the costs associated with increasing staffing
levels.
Ms. Stover explained that no new positions will be created as a result of the rate increase being
proposed.
Mayor/President Lewis opened the duly noticed Public Hearing at 7:10 p.m.
Dale Kubacki, Carlsbad, came forward to address the Council/Board. Mr. Kubacki expressed
concerns relating to the proposed increased based on the current economic conditions. He also
December 2, 2008 JOINT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND Page 2
CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT
expressed concerns relating to the validity of the information in the Public Hearing Notice that was
provided to the citizens of Carlsbad.
Walt Meier, Carlsbad, asked how much the City will pay per acre foot for water purchased from the
desalination plant once operational.
Mayor/President Lewis stated that the City has entered into a contract to pay no more than what
would be paid to San Diego County Water Authority.
Seeing no one else wishing to speak, Mayor/President Lewis closed the Public Hearing at 7:14 p.m.
Council/Board Member Nygaard thanked staff for the Report.
Council/Board Member Packard stated that he could support the increase to offset the water rate
increases being imposed on the City of Carlsbad from San Diego County Water Authority and
Metropolitan Water District.
Council/Board Member Hall stated that he could agree to an increase to offset the water rate
increases being imposed by the San Diego County Water Authority and Metropolitan Water
District; however, he would vote no on the increase until the City's efficiencies are further
reviewed.
ACTION: On a motion by Council/Board Member Packard, the Council adopted
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-321, approving increases in wastewater rates
effective January 1, 2009; and,
The Board adopted RESOLUTION NO. 1346, approving increases in water
rates effective January 1, 2009.
AYES: Lewis, Packard and Nygaard.
NOES: Hall.
ABSENT: Kulchin.
ADJOURNMENT:
By proper motion, the Joint Special Meeting of December 2, 2008 was adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
LORRAINE M. WOOD, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary
Sheila R. Cobian
Deputy City Clerk/Deputy Secretary