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City Council Minutes <br />March 4, 2024 <br />Page 5 <br />oversight and banking errors and noted how challenging it was running a small business. She asked <br />the council to waive the penalties by suspending the late payment fees if she meets the payment <br />schedule for the remainder of the year. She again apologized to the city and wished to continue their <br />great relationship. <br />Councilmember Wagner explained she understands the role of a small business owner but as a <br />councilmember has to think about the residents of Elk River and balancing the fairness of setting <br />precedence for others. She wondered if by waiving her penalties, does that set up the council for <br />future requests and issues. She stated the lease was outlined very clearly and didn't know what the <br />right answer was. <br />Mayor Dietz agreed with Councilmember Wagner's comments and noted the council answers to the <br />taxpayers. He too was struggling with the right answer. He asked Ms. Christian if she was willing to <br />pay back the city in a repayment plan. <br />Councilmember Grupa stated he too was struggling with the right decision and pointed out there was <br />one payment made on time with the rest of the payments late. <br />Ms. Christian indicated she understands the city's standpoint and asked if something could be <br />negotiated. <br />Councilmember Beyer stated he was struggling with the right answer as well and felt there were many <br />opportunities for her to communicate with staff to get back on track. He felt he could probably <br />4 support a repayment plan to repay the $4,000 owed. <br />Councilmember Westgaard agreed with all the councilmember's comments and understands there are <br />hardships. He asked Ms. Christian if she was agreeable to working out a repayment plan. <br />Ms. Christian indicated she was agreeable to working out a repayment plan. <br />The council crafted a repayment plan to give Ms. Christian an extended time to repay the $4,460.71 <br />and add that to the regular payment each month. If at any time the lease payment or outstanding fees <br />aren't paid on time, the entire amount of the outstanding lease payments and penalties would become <br />due. <br />Ms. Christian was agreeable with that plan. <br />If for some reason Ms. Christian was unable to make timely payments as outlined in the agreement, <br />Mr. Stremcha would report back to the city council. <br />Moved by Mayor Dietz and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to approve a monthly <br />repayment plan for Chrisi Jo Christian of iBackCheck, PLCC, to pay the outstanding <br />lease/penalties owing to the City of Elk River in the amount of $4460.71 divided by 12 and <br />first payment due with the monthly lease payment for April 2024. <br />Motion carried 5-0. <br />I/ 1 [I F I 171 <br />AtURE <br />