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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 21, 2011 7 <br /> happens if we fall below our fund balance amount. She explained that she can add something to <br /> the Fund Balance Policy to address that; a statement that"In the event that the fund balance is less <br /> than the minimum,the next year we will work it into the budget to bring it back up." <br /> Mayor Grant and Councilmember Holden indicated they did not want that statement included. <br /> G. Revised Utility Ordinance <br /> Director Iverson explained what they are proposing is from a cost-efficiency standpoint and <br /> because of the economy, foreclosures, and bankruptcies they want to change the City's ordinance <br /> to the responsible party for payment of utility accounts be the property owner, not the renter, and <br /> that we certify the delinquent utilities on a quarterly basis rather than at year-end. If a property <br /> owner files bankruptcy before the delinquent utilities have been certified, the City cannot collect. <br /> She also stated staff believes they can achieve more efficiencies in the Finance Department and in <br /> Public Works if the City bills all residential accounts on a quarterly basis at the same time. She <br /> explained this change will save at least two days of Finance staff time and three days of Public <br /> Works time per month for eight months of the year. <br /> City Administrator Klaers explained that one item not included that the City Attorney needs to <br /> review is whether or not the City has the authority to shut off water to homes in forfeiture. <br /> E. 2012-2016 Capital Improvement Plan <br /> Director Iverson stated the CIP has been previously discussed by the Council. She reviewed a <br /> summary of the major changes as listed in the packet provided. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked how the Pavement Management Program changes previously <br /> discussed are reflected in the CIP. <br /> Director Maurer responded that he tried to address in the CIP the items discussed with the <br /> Council at their last work session by moving some projects around, adding some maintenance <br /> items, and crack and seal coating projects. <br /> CIP Changes: <br /> Public Works <br /> • Mounds View Trail—High School Connection—Lake Valentine Road ($200,000 - 2012) <br /> Mayor Grant asked about assessing the school for these improvements. <br /> Director Maurer stated that staff is not clear about the ability to assess the school when <br /> the project crosses County park land. He explained that preliminary topographic work has <br /> been done and it was determined that a retaining wall is necessary for a portion of this <br /> trail. That amount was not included in the original CIP schedule. Accordingly, staff <br /> increased the amount they consider to be the maximum amount including the retaining <br /> wall. Staff has not yet contacted the school regarding their willingness to participate in the <br /> cost of this project. <br />