Agenda - Council - 01/10/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Engineer Himmer explained it is for new developers building new infrastructure so while the City is phasing out assessments to residents, this fee would be to developers to cover those costs. Councilmember Backous noted a correction to the staff report that the $100 administrative fee at 120 residential would be $12,000, not $1,200. Planning Intern Brama indicated he would make that correction. Councilmember Elvig asked about the street light fee. Public Works Director Olson explained the City hires Connexus to install City -issued street lights and three years operation and maintenance is required. Staff recommends keeping the three years of operation and maintenance fees but allow the developer to hire the contractor they want to use. The developer will still have to buy the streetlights and pay for installation but that work would not be done through the City. Councilmember Strommen asked whether a particular light would have to be installed. Public Works Director Olson answered in the affirmative and indicated the street light would have to meet City standards. Planning Intern Brama recommended traffic signs be shifted from the City to the developer at $225 per sign. Based on Scenario #2, this would reduce fees charged by the City to the developer by $3,375. Planning Intern Brama noted the Sewer Access Charge (SAC) administrative fee has been considered by the Council and reduced from $200 per address to $25 per address in 2012. Finance Officer Lund explained staff has to track SAC fees, submit reports to verify the building permit, submit reports, and cut the check to the Met Council. Councilmember Elvig asked why staff is recommending reducing that fee. Finance Officer Lund explained the fee was $200 per address but staff felt that fee was too high and a fee of $25 is more justifiable. Public Works Director Olson noted the Met Council charges $2,230 and the City added $200 to that fee to cover administrative costs. The City's portion went directly into the Sewer Fund. Finance Officer Lund explained all fees go into separate funds and the only fee related to the General Fund is the administrative fee for erosion control and the certificate of occupancy. Planning Intern Brama noted the Water/Sewer Trunk fee is listed but staff will not know the change until after the rate study is completed. City Council Work Session / November 22, 2011 Page 2 of 10