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SWIFT CONSTRUCTION,, INC. <br /> 92a' ? ?.LT i,IOR ST =.EET N I .E. • ELAINE, MINNESOTA 55a49. 5121783 -1000 • FAX 512;733 -1921 <br /> September 16, 1998 <br /> Jim March - City Administrator <br /> City of Centerville <br /> 1880 Main Street <br /> Centerville, MN 55038 <br /> Dear Mr. March, <br /> I am the owner and builder of Eagle Pass townhomes and single family homes, a planned <br /> development totaling approximately 100 units once totally completed. Both home styles <br /> have separate homeowners associations. A common element to both associations is a <br /> lawn sprinkler system. <br /> On September 2nd of this year, I was informed by your office that Centerville charges a <br /> water connection fee of $1,300 per water tap for lawn sprinkler systems Due to project <br /> design, size, and development patterns, a total of 18 individual water taps may be required <br /> to complete the sprinkler system for the entire project. The permitting cost for this system <br /> is an unbelievable $33,400. This constitutes approximately 30% of the construction cost <br /> of the entire system.. which is not a budgeted item. I build in many communities but have <br /> never encountered such a high permit cost. <br /> I have had the opportunity to discuss this issue with several other communities. Without <br /> exception, they use the impact on the sanitary sewer system as the basis for determining <br /> thF number of ronn Pf_6-1, fee- va,ioi)q 19nd 11CPS Would uenerAtP, 140uvevt tjle" Hn <br /> charge tapping toes which cover the cost of the required inspections. By charging a <br /> connection fee for a sprinkler system, you are saying that it is equivalent to a residential <br /> unit, which it is not The principle reasons most communities charge connection fees are <br /> for debt retirement, Iona range capital improvements, and system maintenance. To <br /> calculate the amount of the connection charge, communities use the utility and land use <br /> elements of the comprehensive plans -which is the most accurate way to measure and <br /> project the need tot revenue. I rather doubt that Centerville has a chapter in their <br /> comprehensive plans pertaining to sprinkler systems. <br /> EPWATER.WPS <br />