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Mayor & City Council <br />July 7, 1998 <br />Page 2 <br />Upon surveying surrounding cities, we found that all of the cities surveyed charge a sewer <br />minimum on vacant accounts. Only White Bear Lake will lower that charge and to do so <br />requires a utility shut -off by the City. (see attached survey) No credit is provided. <br />In an effort to be fair to all account holders, I recommend that we charge all accounts the sewer <br />minimum (currently $37.50 per quarter) whether vacant or not. However, if the Council feels we <br />should continue to give the sewer credit, staff will prepare an ordinance amendment for your <br />consideration that will allow such credit. Once adopted, we will then advertise it in the <br />newsletter so that all account holders can take advantage of this service. <br />Long -term vacancies can be addressed by turning off the water at the curb stop. They would <br />then pay shut -off and turn-on fees ($10 each), but would avoid billings during the shut -off <br />period. Short-term vacancies could also abate their bills by this process. The problem with this <br />concept relates to possible problems of shutting water off at the curb in the winter when <br />problems are more likely to occur. <br />Your comments on this matter are appreciated. <br />JRH:kpv <br />Enclosures <br />Page 24 <br />