1992-07-28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 1992 Page 4 Council Business. continued Greene said the State will begin charging cities a $5.21 water testing fee per the number of customers (New Brighton = $30,000). The FPAB reviewed a policy for the preferred method for fee collection, options were: fold into basic rate structure, a $ 5.21 charge to each customer, or use of the Environmental Fund. The FPAB recommends the fee be folded into the basic rate structure because it is a state tax with no tie to service received; it is an ongoing expense and not a one-time item. The Environmental Fund should be held for potential future environmental issues. Larson feels this fee is another mandate which cities are asked to bear. Egan verified withholding of the water fee may result in a late penalty. Childs said the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Financial Policy Committee took an initial position against the fee and the State's trend in passing costs to municipalities. Acceptance of the policy does not put the City in the course towards paying the fee, but simply is a recommendation. Motion by Benke, seconded by Williams, to WAIVE THE READING AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE POLICY FOR PAYMENT OF THE STATE FEE FOR WATER TESTING. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Williams, to AMEND THE MOTION TO INCLUDE THE PREPARATION OF A COMMUNIQUE TO FEDERAL AND STATE REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING THE WATER TESTING FEE. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Motion by Williams, seconded by Gunderman, to AMEND THE MOTION TO AUTHORIZE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN ANY LEGAL ACTION REGARDING THE WATER TESTING FEE. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Margaret Egan thanked Greene for his valuable assistance to staff. City Planner Erny Mattila presented Halva's First Addition Final approval. The applicant requests to subdivide three existing lots into six single family lots. An added condition of approval refers to a drainage easement along the north property line of lots 5 and 6 be expanded 1 5 feet in width from the proposed 10 feet. The changes are minimal and acceptable to staff and the developer. Williams said there is a substantial grade change on the north end which resembles a wetland. Mattila said the grading plan was reviewed by staff members and the Planning Commission and is acceptable. He confirmed the area is not a wetland. Williams asked if a grade change could adversely affect adjacent lots. Mattila noted the 7th Street interim drainage improvements and feels the development will not cause problems. Council Business Water Testing Fees Report 92-167 Resolution 92-077 Halva Final Plat Approval Report 92-168