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Two Harbors council approves 2024 utility rate increases and $3.74M financing
Summary
On Nov. 27, 2023 the Two Harbors City Council adopted consent resolutions that raise 2024 water, sewer and gas rates effective Jan. 1, 2024, authorized several public-works purchases and hires, and approved issuance of a $3,742,361 general obligation revenue note Series 2023A.
The Two Harbors City Council on Nov. 27 approved a package of consent resolutions that raise utility rates for 2024 and authorized the sale of a $3,742,361 general obligation revenue note.
Finance Director Pietila presented proposed increases to the city’s water and sewer fees and proposed adjustments to gas distribution rates before the council adopted Resolution No. 11-304-23 (water and sewer fees) and Resolution No. 11-306-23 (gas distribution rates), all effective Jan. 1, 2024. The council also approved Resolution No. 11-305-23 to increase the portion of gross operating revenue transferred from the gas and electric funds to the general fund from 13% to 16%, effective the same date.
Those utility and budget items were bundled into a consent agenda motion moved by Councilor Passe and seconded by Mayor Conner and carried by the council. The consent agenda included a number of additional items: authorization for the library director to apply for a $10,000 accessibility grant, purchases of pit-run and Class 5 gravel for public-works projects, and Resolution No. 11-313-23 to hire four fire department candidates contingent on background checks and to establish a hiring pool.
In new-business actions, the council unanimously adopted Resolution 23-315-23 updating airport hangar lease agreements (motion by Councilor Glaser and Councilor Kasell) and Resolution 11-316-23 authorizing an agreement with the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon for a Cub Run at Lakeview Golf Course on Jan. 20, 2024 (motion by Councilor Glaser and Councilor Passe). The council also approved Resolution 11-317-23 (motion by Councilor Erickson and Councilor Glaser) authorizing issuance and sale of a $3,742,361 General Obligation Revenue Note, Series 2023A.
Administrator Patricia D. Nordean summarized recent administrative activity including employee benefits and open-enrollment meetings, work on an Employee Sick and Safe Time policy to begin Jan. 1, 2024, and meetings about a liquor-store project and potential city planner options. Mayor Conner said the Housing Committee expects to have an RFP draft for area developers by late February 2024. Councilor Hefter reported library improvements and the committee’s pursuit of an accessibility grant. City Engineer Joe Rhein updated the council on 2024 construction planning and lead service line replacement work.
The council called a public hearing on the MnDOT Highway 61 corridor project during the meeting’s opening motions; the agenda named MnDOT Project Manager Josie Olson and HR Green representatives Tim Thoreen and Jordan Horejsi as planned appearances. The record shows the council adjourned that public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn moved by Councilor Erickson and seconded by Councilor Kasell. The council recorded seven members present.
