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<br />City Administrator Ulrich suggested referring this case back to the Public Works Committee <br />next week for further discussion. He stressed that without proper maintenance of the City's <br />sanitary and storm sewers things can go drastically wrong and expose the City to liability. At this <br />point the maintenance is not at the recommended standard. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson noted this case could be added to the special City Council meeting <br />that has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 19. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig suggested running the full cost of the purchase through the Sewer Utility <br />Fund. He noted the sewers are the primary purpose for the purchase, and the Sewer Utility Fund <br />has a large balance of $6 million. This purchase would bring the balance of the Storm Sewer <br />Fund down to $100,000 and there are projects that arise in this fund. <br /> <br />Consensus of the Council was to direct staff to include the purchase of the jet vac truck on the <br />agenda ofthe February 19,2008 Special City Council meeting for Council approval. <br /> <br />2) Water Meter Replacement Program <br /> <br />Utilities Supervisor Nelson stated the Public Works Committee discussed this case at the January <br />15, 2008 Committee meeting. At that time staff was recommending a IS-year replacement <br />policy. The Public Works Committee felt that a IS-year replacement program was too long and <br />directed staff to come up with 5, 6, 7, 7.5, and lO-year replacement options and full Council <br />review of the program. Mr. Nelson provided an overview of the following program options: <br /> <br />Option A: <br />Option B: <br />Option C: <br />Option D: <br />Option E: <br /> <br />5 year meter replacement program in house <br />6 year meter replacement program in house <br />7 year meter replacement program in house <br />7.5 year meter replacement program in house <br />10 year meter replacement program in house <br /> <br />Utilities Supervisor Nelson advised the meter replacement program would be funded through the <br />Water Utility Fund. At this time there is a positive balance in the Water Utility Fund. A portion <br />of the balance could be used to finance this project. All of the numbers presented in this case are <br />close estimates, but will require additional refinement before a program is established. Mr. <br />Nelson stated staff recommends Option A. A five year replacement program would have the <br />benefit of eliminating the contracted meter reading costs in only five years, which is also the <br />contract time with Opus 21. The City of Ramsey is a growing city with a small amount of water <br />accounts and the advantage of the builders paying upfront for all new accounts would save the <br />City money in the future. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund provided an overview of the projected balance of the Water Utility Fund, <br />including estimated costs associated with the meter replacement program. She stated the Water <br />Utility Fund is fairly healthy. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig verified with Finance Officer Lund that the water treatment plant is <br />incorporated into the projected fund balance of the Water Utility Fund. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session I February 12,2008 <br />Page 3 of 4 <br />