Agenda - Council - 08/10/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7. 1. CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 08/10/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Identify and implement operational efficiencies, cost savings and additional funding sources. Title: Adopt Ordinance #26-13 Amending 2026 Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges for Hydrant Meter Rental Program Purpose/Background: Purpose The purpose of this case is to adopt Ordinance #26-13 amending the 2026 Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges to incorporate charges for the new Hydrant Meter Rental Program. Background Prior to construction of the Water Treatment Plant, contractors were only allowed to purchase water from the city at two water fill stations due to significant concentrations of iron and manganese in the city's water supply system. Whenever hydrants were opened, residual iron and manganese sediment that had settled in the bottom of watermain lines would be stirred up and staff would receive "rusty" water complaints from residents and businesses. To help minimize such complaints, fire hydrants were not allowed to be used by anyone other than Fire Department and Utilities staff. Now that the Water Treatment Plant is in full operation and iron and manganese are being almost completely removed from the municipal water supply system, staff support allowing contractors to obtain water for their various construction needs through fire hydrants. This is proposed to be facilitated by renting either a 5/8" or 3" water meter with backflow preventer from the city upon filling out and signing the applicable rental agreement form. Proposed Hydrant Meter Rental Agreements for each meter size (5/8" and 3") are attached for reference. This is a common practice among cities and contractors working in the City of Ramsey have been requesting this service for decades. In fact, city staff developed the attached agreements using neighboring city's meter rental agreements as templates. Therefore, the terms and associated fees in the attached agreements will be familiar to contractors working in the City of Ramsey. Hydrant meter rental fees are proposed to include an administrative fee of $100 and a weekly rental fee of $35.to recover city costs. Water rates will be charged for all water used based on the city's current tier 6 water rate, which in 2026 is $5.78 for every 1,000 gallons used. Rental deposits are proposed in the amounts of $800 for 5/8" meters, and $4,350 for 3" meters. Deposits will be cashed and held by the city until rented meters are returned. If the meter or hydrant is damaged, the cost of repairs or replacement will be deducted from the deposit. If the meter is lost or stolen, the deposit will not be refunded and will be used to purchase a new meter for future rental. City water fill stations will continue to be available for use by contractors and others that do not want to rent hydrant meters. Notification: The required Public Hearing was held during the introduction of Ordinance #26-13 on July 28, 2026. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: Alternative #1 - Motion to adopt Ordinance #26-13 amending 2026 Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges for Hydrant Meter Rental Program. Alternative #2 - Motion of other. Funding Source: As with other city services requiring fees, city staff will review and update all fees associated with these hydrant meter rental agreements annually prior to City Council adoption of the Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges. Recommendation: Staff recommends adopting Ordinance #26-13 per Alternative #1.