Minutes - Council - 09/22/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6. PUBLIC HEARING 6.01: PUBLIC HEARING: Adopt Resolution #26-214 Adopting Assessments for Past-Due Charges on Municipal Utility Bills and Current Services Rendered Presentation The staff report was shared with Council. Public Hearing Ms. Kareen Hodgman, 5540 144th Avenue NW, explained that she and her family had lived at the property since 2018 and were disputing an unusually high water bill received in January 2026. She reported that the bill reflected approximately 260,000 gallons of water usage during a winter billing period and was approximately $1,400. She immediately contacted the City because she could not identify any reason for that level of water consumption. She then hired a plumber, who found no leak or evidence of water damage to explain the reported usage. She noted that the City's records indicated the water consumption returned to normal without any action being taken to correct a leak. She had continued working with staff but remained unable to determine where the reported water had gone. Mr. Dustin Waigiou joined Ms. Hodgman in discussing the disputed bill and the household's efforts to determine the source of the unusual water consumption. They questioned how approximately 260,000 gallons of water could have passed through the residence without producing visible evidence of a leak or substantial property damage. Staff explained that the City's meter records water after it enters the residence and discussed how the City's tiered billing structure applies to unusually high usage. Staff had offered an adjustment based upon the City's existing policy, including reducing the charge to the applicable maximum base amount and waiving interest if the account was resolved before certification. Ms. Hodgman responded that the proposed reduction would only reduce the approximately $1,500 charge by roughly $200 and did not address the underlying concern. She emphasized that the family was not simply requesting relief from a large bill; they wanted an explanation for the extraordinary reported consumption. She reiterated that a plumber had found no evidence of a leak and that no structural water damage existed in the home. She requested that the disputed amount not be certified to the property's taxes while the matter remained unresolved. Mayor Heineman acknowledged the unusual circumstances and expressed confidence that staff had followed the City's procedures while also recognizing that the amount and unexplained consumption warranted additional review. He indicated he was willing to continue discussing the matter with staff and the residents after the meeting. Citizen Input Motion by Councilmember Peters, seconded by Councilmember Stewart, to close the public hearing. City Council /September 22, 2026 Page 5 of 10