Minutes - Council - 09/23/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Gamec stated that this would be a decision of the Council, but he wouldn't count on it ending because he thinks the best way is to charge all the residents and noted that the funds are also used for upgrading and maintenance. City Attorney Goodrich noted that this is not a special assessment. He stated that a special assessment is when there is an improvement project like a street and that is one that would end and there does need to be proven benefit. He stated that this is under a different statute for public services that are ongoing, as Mayor Gamec described. Mr. Kowalzek asked if there was a way to change this. Mr. Kowalzek's written comments are attached to this set of minutes. Mayor Gamec stated that right now this is the most economical way for it to be done, and even if it goes on the general tax rolls, residents will still pay for it. He noted that there have been several problems with billing and a little difficulty in the change over from Connexus to City billing, but they are being addressed. He reminded residents that this is billed quarterly. Councilmember Elvig stated that he got a phone call from someone regarding this issue. He stated that his issue was that he was getting a bill that he felt was not his and that it came from a developer or builder prior to him using the house. He stated that the resident was upset that the City would go after him and not the developer. He stated that he explained to the resident that the City wasn't interested in who was at the house, but the property and the bill was generated out of that property and if there is a dispute on who the property owner was or who utilized the service, that needs to be taken care of as a civil matter, not with the City. He stated that he understands that the title company did step in today and paid the bill, so the situation was resolved in the private sector. Finance Officer Lund stated that Councilmember Elvig is correct and the City follows the PIN # and is not a collection agency that goes after a property owner address to address. She stated that is why it is so important when people move out or in that the title company calls and checks with the City to make sure they get outstanding balances taken care of or residents will be held responsible for them. Mayor Gamec stated he has found that many title companies are not making these phone calls. Councilmember Olson stated that one of the problems with townhomes in this situation is that there is the assumption that the association takes care of sanitation and water, they don't think to call the City and see what other charges there might be. Councilmember Jeffrey stated that in talking with people, one of their biggest concerns is that when Conexxus did the billing they saw it monthly, so it would serve as a reminder if it wasn't paid. He stated that he feels the City needs to let residents know that this will be City Council / September 23, 2008 Page 6 of21