Agenda - Planning Commission - 12/01/2011 - Work Session

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1. Contact the LMC and Metro Cities, do they do a study? The LMC does not do such a study beyond their normal activities. They would be willing to take the request to their board. Metro Cities does do a survey that is bi annual. It is known as a "Rates and Fees" survey. They did complete a survey this spring. You need to be a member of the association to be involved with the survey ($7,500). The City of Ramsey is not part of Metro Cities. Attached to this case are the results of the 2011 study, please see "Metro Cities Survey Results." NOTE: the Metro Cities survey is heavily focused on administrative fees. The development costs questions are not based on development scenarios like the Ramsey survey. Therefore, the Metro Cities questions are not answered in an apples -to -apples basis. Finally, the Ramsey survey covered many development costs that were not covered in the Metro Cities survey. 2. Comprehensive Sewer and Water Study, what are the costs/timelines/benefits? The purpose of a comprehensive sewer and water plan is to provide the city with necessary information regarding the city's sewer/water systems, water supply, water storage and sewer/water transportation. We can use this information to establish priorities, plan, fund and implement future sewer/water system improvements. Specifically regarding the development costs study, this information will help the city make policy decisions as we continue reviewing the development process. One important note to make, in regards to the 2004 comprehensive sewer/water studies, is that the population (i.e. demand) projections are off from reality. The 2004 plan projected a total city population of nearly 35,000 in 2010. Therefore, many of the recommendations from the 2004 study need to be adjusted. The last time the City of Ramsey completed a comprehensive sewer/water study it took about three months. The cost is about $25,000-$35,000 per utility (one for water and one for sewer).