Minutes - Council Work Session - 09/23/2014

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Mayor Strommen stated she was sincere when asking what the Council can do to support the EPB and asked them to share ideas that come up. She stated the Council does see a purpose and respects the work of the EPB but there needs to be honest and candid communication when something is not working. EPB Member Lewis stated this meeting has been in response to some of those concerns and the EPB appreciates the opportunity to express that frustration and seek the Council's guidance. It was agreed that staff will synthesize the suggestions made tonight along with deliverables to map out a planning process including intermediate steps on what will be delivered by the EPB from this point forward. If needed, this topic will be brought back to a future Council Work Session or at a Joint Work Session. 3. TOPICS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION Councilmember Riley suggested a future discussion on creating a policy to get earnest money for all City -owned land sale deals including terms under which that earnest money goes from `soft' to `hard.' Councilmember Riley asked whether the Council should consider selling any of the Right of Way Acquisition Fund (RALF) properties once the Highway 10 Study is completed. Community Development Director Gladhill stated staff did ask that question during the Access Planning Study and the appropriate time to ask that question again will be when a project is occurring. Councilmember Johns asked staff to address the question raised about a reduced water fee. City Administrator Ulrich explained that as part of the County's Alpine Road and County Road 5 project, the City installed a water trunk line on the north side and that project is moving ahead this October. He stated a gentleman on the northeast corner lost a few trees and wants a variance to install a six -foot or higher fence on the front and side yards. Staff proposes to waive the fee since it was a City - initiated project that impacted his property. The second issue is the connection to the water service that costs $9,300 plus hook up fees. City Administrator Ulrich explained staff would like feedback on the option for the City to assess that cost over a ten -year period, which may be a fair and reasonable option. The second option is to give a discount since the water line is now revealed so there would be a savings to tap the water line. He stated the engineer's estimate on the savings is $2,600 to $3,500. Staff proposes to put forward a discount policy if the connection is made while the watermain is exposed for 40% of the lateral connection fee. Mayor Strommen stated that since the City will realize a cost savings, she agreed a portion should be passed on to the property owner if the connection is made while the watermain is exposed. City Council Work Session / September 23, 2014 Page 9 of 10