HomeMy Public PortalAboutFebruary 26, 2018 - Journal of Rate Commission MeetingMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE RATE
COMMISSION OF THE METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT
The Members of the Rate Commission of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (the
"District") met on February 26, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the District's Administrative Offices at
2350 Market Street, Room 109 in St. Louis, Missouri. Commission Delegates Hawes, Bresnan,
Brockmann, Croyle, Goss, Mahanta, Mahfood, Palans, Ratzki, Schoedel, Stein, and Ziegler were
present. Commissioners Beckmann, Jones, and Toenjes were absent.
Also present were Brian Hoelscher, Executive Director of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer
District (the "District") and other District staff; Tom Beckley of Raftelis Financial Consultants,
Inc.; Pamela Lemoine of Black and Veatch; and Lisa 0. Stump and Brian J. Malone of Lashly &
Baer, P.C., counsel for the Rate Commission.
Agenda Item 1 — Call to Order
Vice Chair Mr. Hawes served as Chair and called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Secretary Mr.
Schoedel called the roll and declared that a quorum was present.
Agenda Item 2 — Approval of Minutes
The Commission was presented with draft minutes from the Rate Commission's meeting of
January 9, 2018. Ms. Stump noted two typographical errors which were corrected. Ms. Stump
also explained the footnote to the minutes regarding the disclosure of a potential conflict of
interest. A motion was made by Commissioner Brockmann and seconded by Commissioner
Palans to accept the minutes with corrections. A voice vote was taken. All Commissioners
present voted Aye. No Commissioners voted Nay. No abstentions. The minutes from the January
9, 2018, as amended, were approved and signed by Secretary Mr. Schoedel.
Agenda Item 3 — Consideration and Approval of Resolution Adopting Revised Operational Rules
The Commission was presented with a Resolution to approve amendments to the Rate
Commission's Operational Rules. Vice Chair Hawes explained the changes, and noted they were
as proposed and presented to the Commission at its meeting of January 9, 2018. A motion was
made by Commissioner Palans and seconded by Commissioner Ratzki to approve the Resolution
adopting the amended Operational Rules. A voice vote was taken. All Commissioners present
voted Aye. No Commissioners voted Nay. No abstentions. The Resolution was approved and the
amended Operational Rules were thereby approved and adopted.
Agenda Item 4 — Distribution of the 2018 Stormwater Rate Change Proposal
The District's Rate Proposal was provided to the Commission at the meeting. The District will
post the Rate Setting Documents on stlmsd.com to be available to ratepayers. A flash drive with
the Rate Setting Documents was provided to each of the Commissioners.
Agenda Item 5 — District Presentation on 2018 Stormwater Rate Change Proposal
Mr. Hoelscher conducted a presentation for the Commission on the 2018 Stormwater Rate
Change Proposal. The District proposes a rate to be assessed on properties based on their total
impervious area. This rate will be in addition to the property tax approved by Proposition S in
2016 for stormwater operations and maintenance. Mr. Hoelscher explained the proposed
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stormwater rate, the use of Equivalent Residential Units ("ERUs") to calculate the rate, the four
tiers of residential properties, their corresponding proposed rates, and the proposed rates for non-
residential property. The proposed rate will be used to fund capital improvement projects to
address stormwater issues. Mr. Hoelscher answered questions of the Commissioners.
Agenda Item 6 — Update on Possible Calendar and Other Procedural Matters
Ms. Stump presented the Commission with a tentative calendar. Under the Rate Commission's
Operational Rules, the Commission has twenty days from the date a Rate Change Proposal is
received to adopt a procedural schedule. A discussion was held regarding the appropriate
deadline for motions to intervene and the methods of notifying the public of the Rate Change
Proposal. The proposed procedural schedule will be voted upon at the Rate Commission's
meeting on March 5, 2018. The Commission requested that the Application to Intervene be
placed immediately on the Rate Commission's website.
Commissioners Brockmann presented an update from the Public Affairs Committee on possible
public hearings and other activities.
Agenda Item 7 — Training on Stormwater Rate Change Methods
Mr. Beckley of Raftelis, the District's Rate Consultant, gave a presentation to the Commission
regarding the use of ERUs throughout the country to measure impervious area and impose
related fees and charges by taxing districts. The presentation included a description of the
District's current funding sources and estimated capital improvement needs to adequately
address stormwater. The presentation also described fee reduction opportunities for eligible
property owners. Mr. Beckley answered questions of the Commission.
Agenda Item 8 — Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, a motion to adjourn was made
by Vice Chair Mr. Hawes. All Commissioners present voted Aye. No members voted Nay. No
abstentions. The meeting was adjourned at 3:55 p.m.
The Commission's next regular meeting will b'e at 3:00 p.m. on March 5, 2018.
BY:
Commissioner Mark Schoedel
Secretary of the Rate Commission of the
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District
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