11/10/1997 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 1997 OPEN MIKE Mayor Landers called for representatives of the Parks & Recreation Department in order to present to them the 1998 Annual Distinguished Budget Award in appreciation for their thorough and complete submission of their contribution to the 1998 Budget. Mr. Schumacher explained further that the reason this award was presented to the Parks & Recreation Department at this time is not just because of their excellent work, but because they accomplished the necessary budgetary goals in a timely manner without the aid of a director. He added that this award is not given routinely every year, but is presented only when extraordinary service is rendered. Kim Sullivan of 7132 Whippoorwill Lane commended the Parks Department for its efforts in connection with budget preparation, and to Ms. Vaske individually for her willingness to recognize the good work of fellow employees. She then expressed concern that plans thus far for the new City Hall complex are not being considered by all affected parties, and strongly encouraged Council to hold the City Staff accountable to ensure that everyone involved is offered the opportunity to provide input. 6:30 P.M., PUBLIC HEARING, CERTIFICATION OF CERTAIN DELINQUENT SEWER AND WATER UTILITY BILLS, MARY VASKE Ms. Vaske explained that each year the Utility Department experiences difficulty collecting some quarterly sewer and water bills. Notification has been forwarded to those residents having outstanding bills explaining the deadline for payment of those bills would be November 14, 1997. Most bills left unpaid when a resident moves are turned over to a collection agency, and are collected in this manner. However, bills not collected by a collection agency and delinquent bills of current residents are certified to Anoka County by resolution for collection with property taxes. The residents named in Resolution No. 97 - 166 have received the required notification of this public hearing, which is being held to allow residents to speak regarding their delinquent bills. Following adoption of this resolution, the Finance Department will continue to receive payments on delinquent bills. Some of the delinquent utility bills included in Resolution No. 97 - 166 will be paid before the certification date and will be stricken from the assessment roll. Mayor Landers opened the public hearing at 6:51 p.m. There being no public response, Council Member Kuether moved to close the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. Council Member Lyden seconded the motion. Council Member Neal pointed out that in some cities utility services are discontinued when bills go unpaid. Ms. Vaske indicated that there is only one city in the area that has handled unpaid 2