Minutes - Council - 09/26/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Gamec replied that the utility is something that the Council really looked at and did consider the impact on businesses, but there are some that he, too, has been surprised by. He stated that it has been a tough issue. Mr. Wright stated that the people want a more up front approach and for the City to call it what it is because it is an assessment to the business. Mayor Gamec replied that it is a fee that is being paid to the City. Mr. Davis stated that it is a question of fairness. None of the water that he generates goes into any other area. Councilmember Hendriksen replied that the Public Works Committee reviewed the layout of Mr. Davis's property and the water is not contained entirely on his property and if he were to construct holding ponds he would receive a significant reduction. Mr. Davis stated that he was told by the Public Works Committee to construct a pond to handle a 100 year rain fall even though there is already a wetland on his property. He felt that he has not seen fairness in this process. Councilmember Zimmerman repl!ed that the Clean Water Act requires that there be a holding' pond before any run-off discharges to the wetland. Todd Cook, 17359 Puma Street NW, Ramsey, stated that he agrees with the charge because they are collecting fimds from the people who produce the most runoff. He explained that runoff has become ahnost a pollutant and it has to be handled like a pollutant. It is no different than if a business were to have a smoke stack. If a business was being told that he would have to pay the same for pollution as being dispersed by NSP that would be unfair. It does not seem fair that if someone has a property valued at $300,000 on a half-acre would have to pay an increased amount because he has a higher market value. If a business can prove that they are not making an impact, then they can reduce the fee by 50 percent. If there is a flat three percent tax increase to all residents and businesses it does not address who is producing the most runoff. He explained that it is costing more and more for the City to meet the standards that are put on by the State. If the businesses don't want to pay the base charge then they need to prove that they are not creating the problem. He thinks it would be something under the table if it was a flat tax. John Vevea, Ve-Ve Incorporated, stated that the average house has less than 2,500 square feet and his building has 25,000 square feet. The house is paying $6.00 and he is paying 36 times that. All the business are asking is to be treated fairly. Bernerd Vevea stated that Mr. Hendriksen made the comment that he does not understand why people are upset, but if he were to put himself in their position he would probably be upset to. Councilmember Hendriksen replied that he thought it was an equitable situation. City Council/September 26, 2000 Page 28 of 36