Water rate increases and an animal shelter were some of the issues discussed at Wednesday's city council meeting.

The council approved third reading of the water rate increase. The rate will take effect on Feb 15, 2007. Water and sewer customers will see new rates in their bills on April 1, 2007.

The council approved resolution 07-474, which enters into an agreement with Cochise County to provide animal shelter services. The city will sub-lease the facilities from Ames Diversified Services LLC.

In other action the council approved:

ˆ Ordinance 07-905, which relates to the library and the library committee. The ordinance reviewed eligibility requirements for membership on the library committee. Because many library users reside outside of the city limits, but within the services area, the library committee recommends that the residency requirements be changed from "residents of the city" to " residents of the library service area within the United States." The committee defines service area to include Pirtleville, Double Adobe, Elfrida, McNeal, Rodeo, Portal and Agua Prieta.

ˆ Resolution 07-472, which authorizes the city of Douglas to join the Collaborative Border Region Alliance (COBRA). The program was developed to provide a mechanism for local governments to work cooperatively to find joint solutions for interoperability and communications issues.

ˆ Resolution 07-473, which adopted revisions to the Housing Rehabilitation Guidelines for FY 2007.

ˆ Resolution 07-475, which declared and adopts the results of the City of Douglas special elections held on Nov. 7, 2006

ˆ Resolution 07-476, which authorized the mayor to enter into amendment 6, amending the medical direction plan to the contract with TMC Healthcare to provide base hospital emergency medical services to the Douglas Fire Department.

ˆ Resolution 07-477, which authorizes an agreement between the city and the Arizona Department of Public Safety to increase reimbursements to the city from 75 percent to 85 percent for payroll expenses.

ˆ Special event liquor license requested by Blessed Nuno Society for the Border to Border Airshow on March 16, 2007 at the Douglas Municipal Airport.

ˆ Authorization to city manager to enter into addendum number 4 to assurance agreement entered between the city and MT Development LLC to begin construction of infrastructure improvements in block 4 of Rancho La Perilla.