Alturas City Council
Acting as Board of Directors for the Alturas Municipal Sewer District Special Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
February 15, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Pursuant to Resolution #2021-55 adopted by City Council on October 19, 2021, the Alturas City Council Mayor Mark Steffek called the special meeting to order at 4:50 p.m. at the City Council Chambers and via teleconference. Councilmembers present acting as Board of Directors: Mark Steffek, Kelly Crosby, Cheryl Nelson and Loni Lewis. Councilmembers acting as Board of Directors absent: Samantha Wood.
Staff present: City Clerk Macey Binning, City Attorney Jeff Hedlund, and Director of Public Works Joe Picotte. Public attending: None. All present joined together in Pledge of Allegiance.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adjourn the City Council Meeting at 4:50 pm, and to convene as Board of Directors for the Alturas Municipal Sewer District. ALL AYES.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Lewis to adopt Resolution #2022-1 approving the guidelines for the submission and tabulation of protests in connection with rate hearings conducted pursuant to Article XIIID, Section 6 of the California Constitution for the City of Alturas Municipal Sewer District. ALL AYES.
Director of Public Works Picotte informed the Alturas Municipal Sewer District Board of Directors that SHN Consulting Engineer, Inc conducted a Wastewater Rate Study for the City of Alturas Municipal Sewer District. When conducting the rate study, they reviewed all expenses that would affect maintaining the system which include operating, maintenance, employee salaries, etc. Once they collected the expense data for the past 6 years, they projected the future costs and added inflation. In conclusion they propose a
6.4% increase implemented each year for the next 5 years. Once they complete the 5 year increase another rate study should be conducted to review rates. This will be a total of $15 increase over the next 5 years.
Director of Public Works Picotte explains depending on the Board’s pleasure today, if they agree and would like to proceed with the proposed rates, the next step would be for Mr. Picotte to conduct public outreach sessions before hearing letters are sent to property owners. Once letters are sent to the property owners it starts the 45-day period before the public hearing. Mr. Picotte does not want to rush this process without the proper education. Mr. Picotte will have an update on the process during the next City Council meeting.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Lewis to approve the Wastewater Rate Study, and move forward with the proposed rate increase that was presented in conjunction with the City. ALL AYES.
With no further business to come before City Council. MOTION by Councilmember Crosby to adjourn the meeting at 4:57 p.m. and to return in regular session on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., City Hall. SECONDED by Councilmember Lewis. ALL AYES.
Respectfully,
Macey Binning
City Clerk