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I I I Council Meeting Minutes December 18, 1996 Page 5 Council Business. continued City Attorney Charlie LeFevere said the County could include that fme in the nature of a liquidated penalty under the hauling contract. It would be payable to the County as a matter of contract, rather than a crime, and subjected to fine distribution. The City could require the liquidated damage be paid as compensation under our permit. Benke asked staff to include that information in the permit and plan process. Williams agrees with Heideman's concerns. Benke confirmed that the intent of the discussion between the cities and Mpls was to outline safety requirements. Williams believes those requirements should be in written form. Larson said Mpls will be required, if needed, to install crosswalks or some form of traftic control, and feels the Driftwood soccer facility may need a crosswalk with flashing lights. Benke said any costs related to traftic controls will by borne by Mpls. Fulton presented the fmal consideration of the 1997 budget and tax levy. The 1997 budget will total $12,053,000 which is an 5.6% increase over the 1996 budget; and a 3% increase in costs and service changes is anticipated. The 1997 tax levy will total $2,871,100 and is equal to a 4 % increase over the 1996 levy. A majority of the tax levy increase reflects service enhancements associated with expanded public safety. Finance Director Margaret Egan stated that customer charges are an integral part of the financing the 1997 budget. For the General Fund, customer charges will total $2,502,000 which represents 35 % of tinancing. Residents can expect a 50 % reduction in the City's share of the proposed taxes as what was stated in Truth in Taxation notice. Larson thanked Egan in providing a clear and concise budgeting document. Williams suggested inviting the Commissioner of Revenue to 1998 budget hearings. Motion by Williams, seconded by Larson, to WAIVE THE READING AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 1997 ANNUAL BUDGET. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Egan presented the certitication of 1997 delinquencies. Annually, delinquent charges for water and sewer utility services are certified for collection to Ramsey County which provides the City assurance of payment. The delinquent amount includes an interest charge of 8 % per annum, and customers have been advised of the certification process. The minimum amount eligible for certification is $100. The City's total for 1997 certifications is $68,300 which is 3 % of the annual revenues. Benke asked if other cities deal with delinquencies by shutting off utility service. Egan said many cities utilize the certification process, but turning off utilities does increase labor charges. There are only a few months when utility shutoffs can occur without causing damage to the internal plumbing system. Council Business Mpls Reservoir Report 96-270 Resolution 96-104 1997 Annual Budget Adoption Report 96-271 Resolution 96-106 Certifying of utility delinquencies for 1997 Report 96-272 Resolution 96-107