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councilmember. He did not support it and did not like where housing was being placed, but the City was <br /> forced into this by the RHNA process and a court order and have only approved 8 units this year and it <br /> is being recommended that this residential development be metered out over 3 years. Therefore, he will <br /> support the project and thinks it is a much better outcome than placing public and institutional uses on <br /> it. <br /> Councilmember Narum clarified that her motion included 3 of the 25 homes in 2018 so it was not <br /> spread out, as well as the fact that it is a moot point if the City moved to stage 4 in the drought. <br /> Councilmember Pentin recognized this and said if they move to a stage 4, he will vote for a moratorium <br /> for any building in the City. <br /> Mr. Fialho said the growth management agreement will reflect the metering over a 3 year period as <br /> described, but if the City moves to Stage 4, it will include a provision that allows them to pull back the <br /> growth management until such time the City is out of Stage 4. <br /> Vice-Mayor Brown clarified her comment about 5 feet, stating it is 5 feet setback on this project <br /> between the fence and the side of the house, or a 3 foot setback if there is an accessory structure. <br /> Motion carried by the following vote: <br /> Ayes: Councilmembers Olson, Narum, Pentin, Mayor Thorne <br /> Noes: Councilmember Brown <br /> Absent: None <br /> Absent: None <br /> 21. Public Hearing: Consider resolution adopting Water and Sewer Rates and amending the Master <br /> Fee Schedule effective October 15, 2015 <br /> Finance Director Emily Wagner presented the staff report and described the scope, layout, and key <br /> elements of the request for the Council to adopt a resolution adopting the water and sewer rates and <br /> amending the master fee schedule, effective October 15, 2015. She presented the proposed increases <br /> as recommended by staff that seeks to recover costs for providing service. She noted the City is in <br /> Stage 3 drought, and unless the City moves to Stage 4, the Council will be asked in the future to adopt <br /> drought rates, which she briefly explained. <br /> Councilmember Pentin referred to the chart and top list of 4 categories under drought rates and <br /> percentages of stages and penalties. Ms. Wager explained that if the City is requiring a 5% reduction <br /> Stage 1 and the ratepayer does not comply, their bill would go to $68.86. However, if they do comply, <br /> the bill increases approximately 70 cents. <br /> Councilmember Pentin confirmed that the penalties allow the City to force a customer who is not <br /> conserving to conserve. However, by law, penalties must be used for new mechanisms in order to <br /> conserve water, i.e., recycled water. <br /> Councilmember Narum said she struggles with the idea that when including a drought rate surcharge, <br /> the City ends up collecting more money than if they were under normal conditions. If people get to <br /> Stage 4, their bill is increased and she likened it to taking advantage of the drought. <br /> Ms. Wagner said analysis is done and staff hones in on the correct numbers. She said the City has <br /> 26,000 customers and they are asked to conserve. Those ratepayers that conserve save the most, and <br /> while it is a balancing act, it has funded the utility becoming fiscally solvent and has allowed them to not <br /> implement rate increases going forward. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 19 of 28 October 6,2015 <br />