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City Council Minutes Page 10 <br /> August 19,2013 <br /> 1. Property owners submit year-end bill showing classification and amount <br /> paid or last bill if property changes ownership. <br /> 2. Property owner completes a waiver and staff verifies the information <br /> with the utility company. He stated this was met with some resistance <br /> from Connexus Energy citing data privacy concerns. <br /> 3. Amount paid towards franchise fee is listed on year-end utility bill. He <br /> noted this option is more challenging for the utility companies and all <br /> bills would show this information,regardless of whether or not they <br /> qualify for the rebate program. <br /> Consensus of the Council was to simplify the rebate program by implementing <br /> option one as described above. <br /> Mr. Femrite stated that residents will be notified of the change in December when <br /> reminder letters are mailed. Mayor Dietz questioned if this change could be included <br /> in the city newsletter and in the Star News. <br /> Multiple meters—residential <br /> Mr. Femrite stated that account classification varies between utility companies and <br /> that a clearer definition of account is necessary. He stated account should be defined <br /> as all meters on a single property.An ordinance amendment with a revised definition <br /> will be brought back for formal approval. <br /> Multiple meters-commercial <br /> Mr. Femrite indicated that the clarification of account as described above will help <br /> define this issue as well. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated he would like language allowing property owners <br /> to petition for review on a case by case basis. Mr. Beck indicated it could be done; <br /> however,there may be challenges. Councilmember Motin suggested a petition that <br /> would be recertified each year. Mr. Femrite stated that staff will draft language to <br /> address the petition but in the meantime,work at more clearly defining what an <br /> account is. <br /> Outdoor advertising <br /> Mr. Femrite indicated that billboards are currently classified as small commercial and <br /> questioned if the Council feels this is appropriate or if a new classification should be <br /> created. The Council discussed whether or not outdoor advertising should be <br /> exempt or classified at the lowest commercial rate.Mr. Femrite was directed to check <br /> with the City of Saint Louis Park for examples. <br /> Irrigation systems <br /> Consensus of the Council was for irrigation systems to be exempt because they <br /> would not have historically been assessed. <br /> Lift stations <br /> Consensus was to treat lift stations in private developments like irrigation systems. <br /> P 0 W I R I U 9 Y <br /> 1`4M UREJ <br />