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Bernerd Vevea stated that they opened their bill from Con_nexus 'and there was a large fee on his <br />electric bill. One of the largest maintenance costs will be the ditches in the residential areas <br />where septic systems are backing up and yet the City is going to put the burden on businesses <br />with the unfair amounts. Most of the businesses have their own holding ponds and yet they are <br />being charged this unfair amount to clean out these ditches in a residential area. He again urged <br />the Council to take some action and further study the fairness of the utility. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec replied that there are other areas along Highway #10 that will need to be <br />maintained also. <br /> <br />Bernerd Vevea agreed that there needs to be some charges, but feels the current charge is unfair. <br />He stated that he would like to review the aerial photograph that was used on his property. <br /> <br />Lowell Vasseur, 153rd Avenue, stated that the City Council will not change anything. The <br />fairness issue is one issue and how can it be fair when it was instituted the way that it was. He <br />stated that he did not know that the businesses were getting hit so hard by the utility. He <br />questioned how Connexus became the tax collector for the City. Mr. Vasseur stated that the City <br />Council won't listen to anyone and once the tax is implemented it is here to stay. If the Council <br />wants to do the people justice he suggested listening to the residents. <br /> <br />Mr. Peterson clarified that Connexus Energy is a billing agent for the City of Ramsey and they <br />are paid a fair fee and don't have any problems with that. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that using Connexus Energy is the cheapest and easiest way for the City to <br />handle the billing and the City appreciates the working relationship with Connexus. <br /> <br />Mr. Peterson noted that he had recommended that there be some prior notification sent out to the <br />residents explaining the charge. The Ramsey Resident that was sent out was received after the <br />bills were mailed and stated the "proposed storm drainage utility". <br /> <br />Mark David Johnson stated that the Council had indicated that Mr. Davis would receive a <br />discount on his utility charge if he were to construct a holding pond that could handle a 100 year <br />storm, but would he still have to pay a fee. <br /> <br />City Engineer Olson replied yes. <br /> <br />Mr. Vasseur stated that the charge is based on a value because not everyone is paying the same. <br /> <br />City Engineer Olson replied that the land that has a higher value tends to have more property. <br /> <br />Mr. Vasseur stated that it is not right that he is unable to'research what everyone is being charged <br />for the utility. <br /> <br />City Council/September 26, 2000 <br /> Page 29 of 36 <br /> <br /> <br />