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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, October 27, 2008 Page 10 further opined that she was concerned about the apparent arbitrary and capri- ciousness of deferral consideration due to the property owners' age and costs to them, when it was obvious that the homeowners had chosen not to complete the sewer service in the first place to their benefit, and now being faced with current conditions in evidence based on that original decision. Councilmember Pust spoke in support of a consistent application or treatment, justified on established criteria, not based on your age or health. Councilmember Pust noted that other property owners were not provided additional public benefit based on their indi- vidual circumstances; and suggested a standardized system for such determina- tions. Further discussion included staff s analysis of why the Housing Resource Center was unable to assist the property owner in this instance due to their lack of com- pletion of the process. Mayor Klausing clarified the two issues before the City Council: whether to com- plete the abatement, given the property's proximity to the lake; and further dis- cussion on consistency of compliance issues. Councilmember Pust spoke in support of the abatement, but not of a deferment for this individual case unless applied to similarly-situated residents. Councilmember Ihlan sought clarification of the interest rate to be determined; and whether the City's discounted utility payments for senior citizens were means tested. Finance Director Miller advised that the City's interest rate for public improve- ment projects was typically 1-1/2% above what the City could earn on their in- vestment portfolio, since the City was losing interest; and today would be ap- proximately 6%. Councilmember Miller advised that discounted utility payments for senior citizens were not means tested; however, noted that if owners were on a fixed income, you were on an "honor system," and asked to sign an affidavit; and for others receiving a discount, they were asked to demonstrate an income means test based on federal poverty levels. Councilmember Roe sought clarification, confirmed by Mr. Miller, that any items assessed to taxes, would come before the City Council at year-end prior to being certified to Ramsey County. Councilmember Roe spoke in support of review of the financial aspects at a later date. Klausing moved, Pust seconded, directing staff to abate public nuisance violation at 411 Owasso Boulevard S by hiring a general contractor to repair or replace sewage holding tank, as detailed in the Request for Council Action dated October