07-11-1994 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes July 11, 1994 Page 3 e Mayor Duitsman noted that if the undeveloped lands were deleted from the government rate at $4.00 per acre, the annual revenue may end up being only about one-half. or $30,000. Lori Johnson added that if the park land was excluded, as the ordinance states, that would take out a large portion of the 1,262 total acres in the government classification. Discussion followed regarding making exclusions on property 10 acres or more in size, or, excluding property north of of the County Road 33 boundary. Also, it was discussed whether or not to charge a surface water management fee to all the area north of County Road 33 . Lori Johnson indicated that the Utilities needs the information in within two weeks in order to process the billing for August. She stated that each month delay in billing costs approximately $25,000 to $30,000. Therefore, it is important to be ready for the August billing.She explained that there is still some cross-checking with the acreage and units on the government classification that needs to be done. Lori further explained that if the Council could agree on the residential fee, that portion could be started. . Council member Farber expressed his concern that he felt using County Road 33 as a boundary would place an unfair hardship on farmers south of County Road 33. e Marlon Glines, Elk River resident and developer, expressed his concern that the surface water management proposal is unfair to property owners and developers who take care of their storm drainage on-site. Mayor Duitsman stated that the storm water drainage problem is a city problem and everyone should help pay for the improvements. City Engineer Terry Maurer explained that he felt it makes sense to charge a nominal fee to owners of undeveloped property now with an increase when developed, rather than excluding them now and charging a high fee when the property is developed. Terry Maurer indicated that if all property in the City was included, with the undeveloped land at $1 .00, it would add approximately 50 percent in revenues. The City Council reached the following consensus on surface water management issues: A rebate program would be set up for property owners presently receiving a county ditch assessment. An appeal board will be established, similar to the refuse collection appeal board. The proposed initial Storm Water Impact Fee will be increased by 20 percent, with a 3 percent increase at a future date. e