Minutes - Council - 02/25/2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3. CITIZEN INPUT Derek Lind, 15230 Germanium Street NW, came forward and shared that he is a member of the Anoka County Elections Integrity Team. He shared that Anoka County had their vote today on the poll pads which did pass in a 4-3 vote. He added that Commissioners Heinrich and Reinert spoke out in favor of paper poll pads and city autonomy. He noted that the city of Oak Grove passed a resolution stating their intent to go back to using paper poll pads and they will be working with the Council on making this happen. Jim Benson, 14131 Junkite Street NW, came forward and shared that he has lived in Ramsey for over 37 years. He explained that he has had a septic tank and well the entirety of his time living in the City yet his charges for sewer and water keep going up even though they have never used these services. He asked why he is being charged for these services when he has never used them. City Administrator Hagen shared that only residents who receive the service will receive utility bills. He said if Mr. Benson has his own private service, then he should not be receiving a water and sewer bill; however, if he is receiving this bill then Staff can look into this. He explained that they did post the updated sewer and water rates per the legal requirement but anyone with private services will not be paying these rates. He added that the new water treatment plant is being paid for only by the users of the City’s water and sewer. He shared that all residents are charged for stormwater and street lighting fees. Councilmember Specht asked why all residents are charged for stormwater and street lighting. City Administrator Hagen explained that there are stormwater pipes and ditches throughout the City that carry this water to the stormwater pond. He noted that there are regulations around these ponds and as they fill up with sediment over the years they require maintenance. He said they collect this from every property in the City. He added that they also collect street light fees for the lights that are at major intersections where everyone travels through. He explained that there is a second fee charged to neighborhoods that have street lights within the neighborhood. Roxanne Tersteeg, 6263 Rivlyn Avenue, came forward and asked if they are looking at having permanent generators installed for the sewer system as she is worried that what happened to her home because of a temporary generator could happen again. City Administrator Hagen shared that this project was ordered last year and he assumes it is done. Ms. Tersteeg asked if they will be fixing the sewer backup prevention with this project. City Administrator Hagen suggested reaching out to the City Engineer on this. Ms. Tersteeg noted that the Highway project turned out great and seems so much safer than it was before. She added that they will be having their mediation with Ames Construction in the coming weeks. City Council / February 25, 2025 Page 3 of 10