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City Council Minutes Page 3 <br /> October 5,2015 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Mayor Dietz felt property owners were given ample time to hook up and doesn't <br /> think it is fair to those who have hooked up if the city doesn't make the others hook <br /> up. He would like to have a discussion with Attorney Beck regarding enforcement. <br /> Attorney Beck explained current enforcement is by way of not issuing permits for <br /> new or failing septic or wells and requiring connection at time of sale. <br /> Mayor Dietz stated he was on the Council when the city water and sewer was <br /> installed in the Highland area and he didn't think it was fair for those people not to <br /> be forced to hook up as other developments were not given the option to wait. <br /> Councilmember Wagner questioned what happens after the sunset date. Mayor Dietz <br /> explained property owners will no longer receive city assistance and will be <br /> responsible for financing the connections on their own. <br /> Councilmember Burandt questioned what action a property owner has to take before <br /> the sunset date in order to qualify for the incentive program. Mr. Femrite indicated a <br /> petition would need to be submitted by November 15 in order for staff to process <br /> the paperwork and certify it with Sherburne County. <br /> Councilmember Burandt expressed concern with forcing property owners to hook <br /> up in this time of economic hardship. Mayor Dietz stated a majority of these <br /> property owners were supposed to hook up years ago and have had ample time to <br /> comply. He added the city initiated this incentive program in hopes of assisting <br /> property owners with the connections. <br /> Councilmember Wagner questioned how many property owners responded to the <br /> recent reminder. Ms. Fischer stated a few have responded but the response is much <br /> lower than staff had hoped. Mr. Femrite indicated he been contacted by less than <br /> 10% of the remaining property owners. <br /> Moved by Mayor Dietz and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to <br /> terminate the incentive program for the payment and assessment for <br /> connections as scheduled on December 31, 2015. Motion carried 4-0. <br /> 8.2 Membership Expansion of Utilities Commission <br /> Mr. Adams presented the staff report. <br /> Mayor Dietz provided some additional background explaining it is difficult to serve <br /> on a commission of three. He stated he would like to have the option for two <br /> Councilmembers to serve on the commission. Attorney Beck indicated language <br /> allowing for up to two Councilmembers would need to be included in the legislation. <br /> Mayor Dietz would also like to make it a policy for at least one person on the <br /> commission to be serviced by city water. <br /> UREJ <br />