Agenda - Council - 10/27/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Heineman described the vendor contacts as a substantial benefit that could save the City time and expense in developing its own event. The Council also discussed the possibility of coordinating a future market with the City's Christmas tree -lighting ceremony to draw additional visitors and whether cleaning, including restroom cleaning, was included in the proposed arrangement. Community Development Director Hanson confirmed that it was. The Council also expressed concern that granting a discount could lead other nonprofit or networking groups to request similar reductions. Community Development Director Hanson explained that such discounts rarely have been approved and that this request was unusual because it involved a full -day event, coverage of staffing costs, and potential assistance with a City initiative. Councilmember Buscher questioned whether guidance should be developed for future requests. Mayor Heineman suggested that each request could be evaluated on its own merits and that Councilmembers should be able to explain the public benefit supporting their decision. Councilmember Stewart indicated that the commitment to share vendor contacts helped address her initial concern. Council expressed general support for the $600 rental fee in these circumstances. Community Development Director Hanson stated that formal consideration of the reduction would be placed on a subsequent regular Council agenda. 2.02: 5540 144th Ave NW Past Due Utility Bill Assessment City Administrator Hagen reviewed the history of the disputed utility assessment and referred to the chronology and meter data included in the meeting packet. The disputed quarterly bill totaled $1,344.26, of which $1,202.27 represented water charges. He explained that the comparison with the property's prior bills used water charges only, not the entire utility bill. The City had investigated the unusual reading and replaced the meter; the property owner continued to dispute that a leak could explain the reported consumption. Mayor Heineman characterized the volume as an extraordinary anomaly, comparing it to an Olympic -sized swimming pool. He acknowledged staffs work and indicated that, despite the investigation, the unusually large amount was difficult to account for. Council discussed whether a compromise was appropriate without concluding that staffs meter information was incorrect and asked whether the proposal would reduce the full $1,344.26 bill to $236.02, staff sought clarification. City Council Work Session / October 13, 2026 Page 2 of 7