Posted: 7/3/02

Wyoming reviews utility rates

Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area Reporter

Although postponing a final decision on commercial water rates within the city, Wyoming City Council laid groundwork for some changes at its Monday meeting.

Study of water use patterns shows that the same fee can be charged per gallon for businesses as for residential customers, for somewhat larger consumption, yet still achieve conservation, as an overall approach for the city as a whole.

A number of local business owners have participated in discussions, provided input, and believe council can come to a balanced rate schedule. For their part council members are approaching this with an eye to fairness to residents and businesses with regard to water rates.

Final action by the council requires an ordinance amendment, in which details about rate structure would be finalized.

Also to be determined is how sewer rates are to be assessed for businesses if a change is made in the commercial water rates. Currently business rates are calculated for the whole year, determined by an average of water consumption during the year's first quarter and previous three quarters.

Entertainment plan,
other topics

Council granted permission for continued planning for a family entertainment center proposed for the Remes property in Wyoming Business Park.

The property is located between the freeway and the Sunrise River, south of the Regal site. This project is tentatively to include a restaurant, bar, bowling alley, meeting rooms, and banquet facilities.

At its meeting June 17 the council tabled a decision to buy the Morrell property north of the Wyoming Business Park as a second access point for the downtown. There was no pressing reason to take action at the meeting. TIF proceeds are to be used to buy the property.

Mayor Vern Haag thanked the maintenance department for its good work, citing a complimentary letter from the PCA about the safety and efficiency of the operation. The wastewater treatment plant has enough capacity to handle wastewater when the city is as fully developed as planned.

Resident Arnie Lahd commended council on its moratorium and planning efforts in the northwest quadrant of the city, just west of I-35. The letter from the PCA reinforces the cityís efforts to be attentive to population densities in the area.

Attorney Tom Miller told council he has ordered an owner and encumbrances report on the Vogel property at the east end of Viking Blvd, near Rolling Green.

On the recommendation of Engineer Kathryn Jones, council approved a pay estimate to Renner Company for the third city well in the amount of $17,959.75. This amount covers all remaining work less retainage. Jones said tests for radium and radon are to be completed within two months.

Council member Sandy Standridge reported that parks maintenance employee Jerry Headley is working on improvements to Centennial Park. These include repair and improving visibility of monuments and closing the restroom/storage building.

In his report to council, Administrator Dennis Coryell said interviews with the land use planners are complete with the selection to be made soon.

He said the preliminary grading for the Viking Commons II project has begun. Coryell was to attend the annual conference of the League of Minnesota Cities in Rochester, beginning June 18.

Other business

In other business, council:

ïDeferred action on establishment of a smoking ban in every commercial building in the city.

ïLearned from Council member Lynn Koalska a joint meeting of the city park board and Wyoming Township Park Board is to be scheduled.

ïComplimented police Sgt. Scott Dexter on the detailed police reports.

Top of Page