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and probably collected the amount back through fee increases. However, towards the end of the <br />meeting it seemed they might participate in some fashion. He explained the committee had <br />suggested a proactive approach of explaining there has been an error and offering a discount for <br />early payment, as they realize this is a difficult thing to pay back all at once. This would be more <br />proactive than trying to collect everything and seeing what lawsuits occur. From that point the <br />discussion was tabled, and direction is needed from the Council. <br /> <br />Councihnember Zimmerman commented it needs to be understood that some of the customers <br />will likely not pay. They discussed offering a 10 percent discount to those that would like to pay <br />up fi'ont. The full backing is needed from the Council to offer this. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen explained Connexus did not think the dollar amount was as large as <br />presented, and thought the City collected some of that amount in the rate increase. Information <br />has been compiled regarding what the dollar amount would be if the rates were held constant. <br /> <br />Councihnember Elvig noted a couple of other things that came to light during the discussion are <br />that some of these customers will not be collectable. Tenants may have moved on from shared <br />buildings. Dennis Sharp has indicated that he sets his rates for the year, and an increase of this <br />nature will all have to come out of his pocket. One more point made by Connexus is that they do <br />not want to go back any further than three years because it is a better picture of accuracy in their <br />opinion. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund stated legally the City has the right to go back six years. <br /> <br />Councilmember Pearson inquired if any of the businesses have come forward and said they xvill <br />pay. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund replied a couple businesses asked when they would get billed; they likely <br />wanted to finish their 2003 expenses. However, six months have now passed and she has not had <br />any contact lately. <br /> <br />Public Works Director/Fire ChiefKapler reported a staff member asked to speak about some <br />documents at Vision Ease Lens and was asked to leave the building. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund indicated the attorney for Vision Ease Lens had contacted her, but she has <br />not heard anything since then. <br /> <br />Councihnember Cook stated his biggest concern is that Connexus is not standing up for their part <br />of the liability. The City paid them to read their meters correctly and they made errors. If the <br />City is going to bill for the error it would be a lot easier if Connexus were to also send out a letter <br />saying the error was not on the City's side of things. <br /> <br />Councihnember Stromlnen indicated they now have information they can go back to Com~exus <br />with. Connexus did indicate they would be willing to participate in some way, and now that the <br />City has this information they can go back in a stronger position. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session/March 23, 2004 <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />