Laserfiche WebLink
Councilmember Bauman requested further information on how the program worked and the City’s role. Mr. <br />Freudaman indicated the City would help him introduce the program through the public awareness campaign <br />letter that would be sent out in a City envelope. He explained that all billing for the program would be done <br />through the National League of Cities and would not be managed by the City. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson questioned how the royalty program worked. Mr. Freudaman described how the royalty <br />program was established. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg asked what the costs were for a sewer or water line replacement. Mr. Freudaman <br />explained the program would c over up to $8,500 for the repair or replacement of a water or sewer line. He <br />noted this also included having the line rooted out. He reported this program was only being offered to <br />residential homeowners at this time. <br /> <br />Further discussion ensued regarding the repair services offered through this program and how they would be <br />administered by the National League of Cities. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson inquired if homeowner’s insurance typically covered the cost of a sewer line replacement. Mr. <br />Freudaman stated typically this was not covered by homeowner’s insurance. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strub questioned what the participation rate was for cities involved in this program. Mr. <br />Freudaman stated this would depend on how long the program has been rolled out. He estimated during the <br />first year there was only a 7% to 10% pick up rate. He indicated this would increase over time. Schlichting <br />commented on the number of homes that would be prime candidates for this program. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen asked how this program differed from the program the City already had in place. <br />Davitt reported the existing program protected homeowners from any backups and property damage within <br />their homes. She indicated the City’s program would dovetail nicely with the proposed service line program. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson inquired if there was a downside to the program. Mr. Freudaman stated he had a large number <br />of partners with a 96% satisfaction rate. He indicated his call centers were all US based and were very prompt <br />with responses. He explained the National League of Cities has been working diligently to negate any down <br />sides to this program. He understood that issues can arise but are dealt with in a timely manner. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson questioned if residents would have to sign up for a certain period of t ime. Mr. Freudaman <br />stated there were no time restraints within the program. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg asked how much the price for the coverage has changed over the last decade. Mr. <br />Freudaman reported the pricing was very stable and noted he has not seen an increase in the past two years. <br />He stated the more people that participate the better the price point. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman inquired if homeowners typically purchased one or more of the products. Mr. <br />Freudaman explained his customers, on average, had 1.5 products. He encouraged the City to offer all three <br />products for their residents. <br /> <br />Council consensus was to direct staff to bring this item back to the Council for further consideration. <br /> <br />Comprehensive Plan Update – Phase 2 Community Engagement <br />Gundlach provided the Council with an update on Phase 2 of the Comprehensive Plan with respect to <br />community engagement. She was pleased to report the City has received a great deal of feedback from the <br />public both at Stockyard Days and through the recent community survey. She commented on some of the