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<br />Mr. Stocker stated that he is a first time homeowner and moved here from N ew York. He stated <br />that it seems illogical that someone can rack up a bill and just leave it for the next person and <br />there is nothing legally that protects the new owners. He stated that his non-disclosure statement <br />clearly states that he is not responsible for payment of the bills. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich stated that the City Council cannot give legal advice, however, he <br />recommends that Mr. Stocker could go to conciliation court against both the seller and the title <br />company. <br /> <br />Mr. Stocker asked if he could file for an extension beyond the November 2,2007 deadline stated <br />in the letter received from the City. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that he understands Mr. Stocker's frustration, but the City cannot give an <br />extension because this needs to be on the tax roles by a certain time. <br /> <br />Mr. Stocker asked why water is levied upon a property and not other utilities such as gas and <br />electric. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund stated that water is levied because it is a benefit to the property itself and <br />the City cannot shut off water to a property for health reasons. <br /> <br />Mr. Stocker asked if Connexus is given legal charge from the City to go after delinquent <br />accounts. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund stated that they follow'up with final bills after a homeowner moves out. <br />She stated that there are many other people in the same predicament as Mr. Stocker. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that it appears that Mr. Stocker was duped by the previous <br />homeowner, and that is where his complaint lies. He stated that title insurance is supposed to <br />prevent you from getting duped, however the insurance companies try to exclude as many things <br />as possible, which can include utilities. He reiterated that Mr. Stocker's issue was not with the <br />City, but with the seller and title company. <br /> <br />COUncilmember Olson stated that as a Realtor, she has spoken with closers who have stated that <br />this is becoming an increasingly large problem. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich suggested that this issue be mentioned to our State Legislators, to <br />specifically include utility bills as full disclosure items. <br /> <br />Mr. Stocker stated that he would like to have a copy of the minutes so he can show proof of his <br />official objection to paying this bill. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec suggested he contact City Clerk Thieling for a copy of the minutes in a few <br />weeks. <br /> <br />City Council / September 25, 2007 <br />Page 6 of27 <br />