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A resident questioned the overall operation budget for 2000. <br /> <br />City Engineer Olson explained that not all of the funds have been expended for this year. <br /> <br />The resident stated that at the end of three years there will be a $600,000 deficit in the storm <br />drainage utility fund and questioned where the funds will come from to recover the deficit. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund explained that the City would be drawing from the other utility funds and <br />then pay those funds back with the funds collected from the storm drainage utility. <br /> <br />John Rowe, 17059 Nowthen Boulevard NW, Ramsey, made a plea to the Council to reconsider <br />the way the funds are being raised. He stated that if the City needs funds to complete a project <br />than he is not against that, but he would like the Council to revisit the way that the fee is being <br />assessed. One of the issues that has been brought up is fairness. He stated that the City does not <br />assess a higher fee to more hazardous businesses that are more apt to use fire protection and the <br />City does not asses bars because they utilize the Police Department more. Mr. Rowe stated that <br />businesses know that they pay higher taxes than residents pay and if it is proved that they really <br />do need the additional funds, then include it with City taxes. If it is included in the budget, it is <br />not trying to hide things, it is part of doing business. It would be more equitable to handle it the <br />same way as other City services are handled. <br /> <br />Chris Bulow, developer in the City, stated that developers are required to pay a storm sewer <br />impact fee and questioned what those funds are used for. <br /> <br />City Engineer Olson explained that there are impacts above and beyond what happen on the site <br />that is being development such as residential neighborhoods that have storm sewer mn-off <br />because of a development. <br /> <br />Mr. Bulow stated that he paid a substantial amount of money for the Mallard Pond subdivision. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski explained that Mallard Ponds drains into the Kano pond and only has <br />an outlet because of the City. <br /> <br />Mr. Bulow replied that he paid the fees and know they are being charged another access fee. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski replied that the storm drainage utility is for maintenance of the existing <br />system. There are areas of the City that will need an outlet to the River and the impact fee would <br />pay for those types of projects. <br /> <br />Mr. Bulow inquired if the impact fees could also be used for maintenance of the existing system. <br /> <br />City Engineer Olson replied no. <br /> <br />City Council/September 26, 2000 <br /> Page 26 of 36 <br /> <br /> <br />