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Ms. Lund added that she talked to that same representative the next day and it was like talking with a completely different person than had been present at the meeting. Connexus says we can always increase our rates to make up for our shortfall. Councilmember Jeffrey stated he asked this to be brought back again this quickly. He asked Ms. Audrey Smith (resident at 14720 Germanium) if she realized she has some responsibility for this too, which Ms. Smith replied yes. Councilmember Jeffrey continued that a discussion was held that suggested each party would be liable for $2,000 - (Ms. Smith, Connexus, and the City of Ramsey). He stated he would like to recommend we come to an agreement with the resident- that she would be liable to pay the $2,000 and the City would work with Connexus Energy. He felt the resident had done a good job bringing in information relating to this issue. Motion by Councilmember Jeffrey and seconded for discussion by Councilmember Elvig to settle with the resident for $2,000 and that the City will work with Connexus for payment. Further discussion: Ms. Smith was asked if she would like to speak to which she replied she had no new information for the Council. Councilmember Elvig stated he appreciates Councilmember Jeffrey's position and it would have been the same motion he (Elvig) would have made, but now he feels the City needs to look at the level of service and responsibility we are getting from Connexus. He did not feel they did a quality service. Was it the responsibility of the homeowner - yes - but should service have provided a double check for them - yes. There are holes in their procedures. He expected there are other problems with their quality of service. We hired that contractor (Connexus) and it is up to us to decide something and deal with them. Councilmember Jeffrey stated that they have had a lot of discussions on this issue. We cannot leave our resident hanging in the balance; maybe we need to re-craft our contract with Connexus. Chairperson Strommen stated she also wants to be clear on the City's responsibility. We cannot . ask the City to take responsibility for Ms. Smith's failure to know the operation of equipment. We are willing to take responsibility of the fact that we do have a contract with Connexus - that's the only responsibility of the City - Connexus is our subcontractor - that is the only responsibility the City has. She felt too, that the contract needs to be looked at. If this is the quality of service they are providing for their residents, that's a concern. She added we do not want to raise our rates to cover this. She suggested there is a need to look at renegotiations or bring this utility billing in-house. Chairperson Strommen pointed out that this is not the first large mistake Connexus has made. The City needs to be more aggressive. Finance Officer Lund offered that staff is looking at bringing utility billing in-house for 2008. Chairperson Strommen cautioned that we do not set a precedent with this action. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Strommen, Councilmembers Jeffrey and Elvig. Voting No: None.