08/15/94 Staff Budget - Laserfiche WebLink

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Environmental Services - Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that staff'mg stays the same for Environmental Services. There is money requested for general office supplies, film, etc. There are miscellaneous operating supplies requested and the small tool is for diagnosis kinds of things. The training requested is for uv~e certification. He explained that this ceatificafion is necessary for access to certain external funds. Councilmember Hardin inquired how many certified tree inspectors the City has. Mr. Boos replied there are three. He stated it's intended that he will remain certified and the other persons holding the certification could be shared with other park maintenance. The certification is good for one year. Upon inquiry, Ms. Hart stated that we have $50,000 in a contingency fund for unforeseen activities. Ms. Hart stated that she is proposing a 4.5 percent increase in water rates - water sales at $98,500. Commercial water sales at a 4.5 percent increase equals about $27,000. Special district water sales - 0 percent sales. The increase is proposed to cover Staff time. Staff time would be water mm-on and turn-off; usually HUD, foreclosures, etc. Meter installations - 180 additions at $75.00. Residential water penalties are approximately 3 percent of projected annual billings. Total anticipated water revenue is $173,550. Ms. Hart continued that more revenue would be 180 at 1,300 WAC which equals $234,000. The ending balance is $786,400 to construct water towers, wells, etc. Mr. Boos explained the percent of staff time for personnel complement relating to water. Operating supplies is typically related to meter installations. Utility maintenance supplies is hydrant flags, etc. He stated that he just ordered some so this amount may be able to be reduced by about $600. Small tools relate to drill bits which his department utilizes frequently. Other expenses - the pump house has automatic dialing and there is a charge for the Gopher State One calls which could be higher. The postage request is for special mailings, etc. With regard to electric utilities, he stated he based his estimate on the amount he thought would be used in 1995. He also touched on refurbishing the wells. Mr. Boos stated that we have completed our interconnect with Anoka. With regard to rental - it's for valve cleaning and it equals a big compressor to blow out the valves. We do our best to keep up with the valve maintenance. Miscellaneous expenses deal with a DNR permit for drawing water in excess of 1,000 gallons. Money is requested for boiler inspector license, etc. Dues are for Water Works Operators dues. He commented on depreciation for various things in the department- truck(S1,466) dictaphone ($20), etc. Ms. Hart stated that thc beginning balance deficit is estimated to be at $50,550. This is the drive factor for increasing water rates. Wc are still playing catch-up on both water and sewer. Contributing capital is contributed by developers. Councilmember Beyer felt that $30 for each hydrant flag was high. She inquired what the standard amount is. Mr. Boos stated that the standard is about $22. The flags make it easier for the Fire Department to find the hydrants. We also do not have to worry so much about keeping the area so clear because the flags alert where the hydrants are. Councilmember Beyer asked if anyone "shopped around" to which Mr. Boos replied yes. Mr. Jankowski stated there are different products you can get and gave a description of some and the reasons they chose what they did. Staff Budget Meeting/August 15, 1994 Page 6 of 11