CCP 05-14-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— APRIL 9, 2001 7 sump pumps. He read from a joint letter to Hydro Supply regarding how disappointed the city was with the results of the inspections. He quoted that"with these issues, the city has lost all confidence in sump pump program". He added the letter resulted in over 100 telephone calls. Mr. Post stated, as a co-author the purpose of that letter to Hydro Supply was to reduce the fee the City was charged. He noted they received a fifty-percent reduction in fees. Mayor Probst asked for clarification. Councilmember Grant responded staff sent letters to 250 people stating there was a violation, and they do not know whether there was one or not. He stated they have received 100 resident telephone calls, and it appears no where in the council packet. Mayor Probst stated that last Monday the Council knew about the mailing. Councilmember Larson stated he got one of those letters. He noted he was there during the inspection. He noted the person saw the sump pump and did not note it. He added the letter accomplished what it was supposed to do. He stated he contacted the inspector and he will come out. He noted that, although he sympathizes with what Councilmember Grant is saying, but other than have the City's Building Inspector go visit every house again he does not know how else to accomplish this. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if the issue is that they did not see letter prior or that the people who got the letter in error. She questioned what to do to rectify it and whether they send a letter of apology. Councilmember Grant asked staff for a recommendation. He stated there are 2400 residential utility meters and staff received 100 telephone calls. He noted the follow up from the first call should be with a letter. He added this did not indicate what a violation looks like. Mayor Probst asked if the concern is that staff has acted inappropriately and correction is needed. He questioned whether the concern is they should be reviewing letters and if so they should have that discussion. He stated at their retreat they discussed their roles and the Council offered to allow staff to get its arms around the sump pump issue. He noted staff was directed to go forward. He added it is unfortunate that people who should not have gotten a letter received one. He stated it is more a result of what the contractor did. He noted if there is a change in the process they want to investigate,then they should do that. Councilmember Larson stated the letters came certified and the people had to go down to post office. He noted he did not know that he should have seen the letter ahead of time. He asked whether the city feels it can accept word over the telephone or whether there would be additional inspections. He added a follow up letter is a good idea. Mr. Lynch stated to the extent staff can verify by cross-reference,they will check off by pass or isfail. He noted staff would do as many sites as they can. He added they simply tried to be more efficient than making 250 telephone calls and inspections.