10-05-2015 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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