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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – FEBRUARY 20, 2018 2 <br /> <br /> <br />Councilmember Fran Holmes asked what more specifically would be covered under the plans. <br /> <br />Mr. Freudeman said he would provide a list of terms and conditions. The goal of the program is <br />to be affordable and to be sure residents can use it when they need it, so there is a low exclusion <br />limit and they encourage homeowners to call. Aging infrastructure, education to residents and <br />cost are three reasons for the City to partner with Utility Services. Residents can choose to enroll <br />in one, two or all three programs. Campaign letters are sent up to three times a year. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden noted that some Arden Hills homes have an individual sewer line that <br />comes to a manhole and the line is shared to the street. She wondered what part of that line would <br />be covered. <br /> <br />Mr. Freudeman stated that if each property has its own lateral line it could be covered. He said <br />he will look into that situation to be sure what would be covered. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes asked if the City had any marketing responsibilities with the program. <br /> <br />Mr. Freudeman said if the City decides to enroll, there will be an onboarding call with the <br />contact person at the City, samples of the campaign letter would be provided and edits can be <br />made, and all campaigns thereafter would also be approved by staff. There are no telesales or <br />door-to-door sales. All mail and marketing costs are paid for by Utility Services. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden asked about rate increases. <br /> <br />Mr. Freudeman responded that their rates have been stable for approximately three years. Some <br />partners that have been with the program for a long time may have higher rates, but most cities are <br />within a dollar of the costs list provided. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant asked about exclusivity. <br /> <br />Mr. Freudeman said there is an exclusivity provision in the agreement but they are willing to <br />delete it if that would hold the City back from becoming a part of the program, but they would <br />want to have the right to terminate the contract if the city partnered with another entity. <br /> <br />Mr. Freudeman will follow up with a marketing letter, terms and conditions, separate <br />lines/shared lines information, a revised version of the non-royalty marketing agreement and <br />optional language removing the exclusivity clause. <br /> <br />B. Johanna Marsh Park <br /> <br />Public Works Director/City Engineer Sue Polka noted the Capital Improvement Plan includes <br />$100,000 for resurfacing the tennis court. Playground equipment was ordered last fall. WSB <br />provided concept plans that have been reviewed, the latest version shows the playground areas, a <br />concrete pad with a picnic shelter and two tables, and a viewing platform with seating overlooking <br />the marsh. Site work is estimated at about $139,000, design and construction services are <br />$33,000. Total estimated cost is $219,096. She said a suggestion was made to complete the <br />platform and picnic shelter at a later date, bringing the cost down to $185,000. The installation