11/18/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 18, 1998 TRAPPER'S CROSSING UPDATE, JOHN POWELL John Powell stated that because a developers agreement has not been prepared, a letter was sent to the developer telling him to stop the work in progress. The developer indicated the Rice Creek Watershed District was making subtle changes to the grading plan and has asked for a complete review of the changes. The developer has been working on a plan that the Rice Creek Watershed will approve. At this time, the developer has gone back to the original grading plan which does have a permit. The developer will submit a new grading plan tomorrow and will be allowed to continue grading based on the plan approved by the Rice Creek Watershed District. John Powell noted he had been asked to research and determine if the approval of the first addition of Trapper's Crossing contained language stating that a certain percent of the first addition must be completed before the second addition could be started. He did not find such language Caroline noted it was a stipulation even if it was not found in the minutes. John Powell added that a fence will be included in the developers agreement. PRIVATE UTILITY DISCUSSION, JOHN POWELL John Powell indicated that he, Andy, Rick, and Tim Hillesheim are going to have a meeting regarding gas utility and to review the franchise agreement the City has with the City of Circle Pines. He expressed concern regarding encouraging a property owner to use the Circle Pines Utility because of a franchise fees could be collected by this City. He stated the goal is for the City to have a level playing field for all utility companies. An option would be to charge a fee for reading the gas meter. Many maps regarding this issue are available. The Circle Pines gas area is to the extreme south/west corner of the City. Minnegasco has a good share of the City. Specific service areas have not been identified. Kim asked that John give Jim Keinath an update regarding this issue. John Powell stated that an autodial meter reading system is also an option which would eliminate labor costs and give the City an opportunity to check sump pumps. He stated this option will be revisited. A down side to this option is the possibility of people not paying their phone bill. Andy noted if this option is chosen it should be implemented as soon as possible so contractors have to pay for the new style meters in new houses. John Powell indicated another option is the way NSP does it which is more expensive. He indicated a meeting regarding this issue will take place every two (2) months. Caroline asked for a map of existing utilities in the City. John Powell indicated he will provide her with one.