Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/14/2003

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City Attorney Goodrich inquired if the Council was in agreement that the letter drafted by the Finance Officer should be included in the next bill. Consensus of the City Council was to include the letter with the next utility bill. Councihnember Zimmerman inquired if it was the opinion of the Council that they intend to collect all of what is owed. Councih-nember Kurak replied yes. Councihnember Elvig replied yes with an incentive to reduce the amount 15 percent if the amount is paid in full in 90 days. Councilmember Zimmennan stated that he would agree with that. Councilmember Cook stated that he did not have a problem with Connexus taking a financial responsibility for them making the mistake and if they do they can reduce that amount from the customers. Councilmember Elvig stated that he felt that the City should take the issue up with Connexus first and if the City offers a 15 percent reduction to the customers then Connexus should be paying that difference. Finance Officer Lund noted that Connexus is placing partial blame on the City. Mayor Gamec stated that pressure needed to be put on Connexus to take responsibility for their error. The Council agreed. Consensus of the City Council was to direct staff to send the letter written by the Finance Officer with next the bill and between now and the next work session, have the Mayor and staff meet with Connexus to discuss the issue. Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler suggested the possibility of Connexus waiving the $50,000 fee they charge to the City for invoicing and meter reading. Consensus of the Council was to direct staff and the Mayor to discuss the possibility of waiving the $50,000 fee for a two-year period with Connexus. Finance Officer Lund inquired if the letter sent to the businesses should include the dollar amount that is owed. Consensus of the Council was to include the amount owed with the letter. City Council Work Session/October 14, 2003 Page 4 of 5