Minutes - Council - 09/11/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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surrounding area, the storm runoff collects in the rear yard and remains until it infiltrates into the sandy soil. A dry well has been constructed to enhance the infiltration; however, this rear yard has been chronically flooded. There is no drainage and utility easement on this property. Mr. Jankowski indicated this project will allow for the diversion of storm water from this property by the installation of a storm sewer along the north side of 143rd Lane and the west side of Sunfish Lake Boulevard. The project will also remove the drywell and re-grade the rear yard of the property to allow it to drain. The project is being undertaken at this time in conjunction with the development of the property on the west side of Sunfish Lake Boulevard since that development will provide an outlot to the adjacent wetland to the west. Mr. Jankowski advised staff recommends that the City Council approve plans and specifications for IP 06-31 and authorize the solicitation of bids for this project. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey, to approve plans and specifications for IP 06-31 and authorize the solicitation of bids for this project. Further discussion: Councilmember Jeffrey requested clarification that this project will be funded by the Stormwater Utility Fund. City Engineer Jankowski responded in the affirmative. Motion carried. V oting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Elvig, Jeffrey, Cook, Olson, Pearson, and Strommen. Voting No: None. Case #7: Report from Finance Committee 1) Resolution Regarding $6,000 Water Bill at 14720 Germanium Street Councilmember Strommen stated the proposed resolution is regarding the $6,000 water bill at 14720 Germanium Street due to the irrigation system that had not been winterized and burst. The homeowner had a lot of water flowing through the pipes and ended up with a $6,000 water bill. The Finance Committee held a meeting with Connexus Energy where they learned there might not have been such a problem if there had been a reading done at an earlier time. The Finance Committee has learned that Connexus Energy decided not to take any financial responsibility for the issue. The recommendation of the Finance Committee was to set the homeowner's responsibility at $2,000 and for the City to work with Connexus Energy to recover the other costs. The homeowner is taking responsibility for the fact she was not aware the irrigation system should have been winterized, and the City is not taking responsibility for that. The issue is that the City has a contract with Connexus Energy to provide a service and if they believe Connexus failed, that is the City's issue with the subcontractor. The City should take responsibility for the issue with Connexus and resolve the situation with the homeowner. Councilmember Strommen stated this is the second fairly significant issue the City has had with Connexus and the contract needs to be reviewed. The utility billing is scheduled to be brought in house by 2008, but in the interim there needs to be some stronger performance language included in the contract. Mayor Gamec suggested a resolution be drafted stating the findings of fact for this situation so that a similar situation does not arise in the future. City Council! September 11, 2006 Page 8 of 15