CC 11-30-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 30,1998 4 . Council member Larson referred to the discount to senior citizens for utility rates and requested background information on why this was offered. He indicated it was his understanding that the discount was available to all senior citizens and they do not have to apply for it. Mr. Post explained the senior rates apply to two different charges, The water charge for a resident not on the senior rate, using less than 10,250 gallons per month, was a minimum charge of $21,95, A customer on the senior rate was not subject to the minimum charge, With the sanitary sewer charges there was a flat 50% reduction for senior citizens. A non-senior residential customer pays $53.95 per quarter, a senior pays $26.95 per quarter. Mr. Post indicated, regarding the history behind this discount, the only other community which has a similar rate structure was Roseville, He stated he believes these two rate programs were created in a similar time frame. He added that, in reviewing the utility consumption, it appears that senior water usage compared to residential water usage was closer to two-thirds rather than the 50% in the current rate structure, Therefore, there will be a staff recommendation to review the senior sanitary sewer rate, Councilmember Larson stated the discount would make sense if the intent was to relieve certain senior citizens of some financial burden, However, there was no application requirement to determine a need for the discount. Mr. Post explained, although the senior rate is not needs tested, there is an application process and one of the conditions on the application was that the applicant must live on the property. He noted the rate program was also available to certain . citizens, MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein, The motion carried unanimously (4-0), PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited those present to come forward and address the Council on any items not already on the agenda, Mr. Steve Nixon, 1369 Forest Lane, stated he was close to completing the rebuilding of his home, The project was delayed over the weekend as the dry wall taper did not show up and he was unable to paint the kitchen and bathrooms and install the appliances, Mr. Fritsinger stated the Building Official had been working closely with Mr. Nixon to ensure the project was proceeding. The Building Official had indicated that Mr. Nixon was making progress on the improvements and corrections needing to be made. Although Mr. Nixon did not meet the November 30, 1998 deadline, he was making a good faith effort to complete the project. The home is enclosed and no longer exposed to the weather. Staff believes the best approach is to continue to work with Mr. Nixon and have the Building Official stay abreast of the situation, . Mayor Probst asked if Staff was confident that Mr. Nixon will receive a Certificate of Occupancy, Mr, Fritsinger stated the Building Official had indicated the progress was good and the Certificate of Occupancy should, at some point, be granted.