Minutes - 2000/12/11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council December 11, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Stigney inquired as to whether there was a curb stop box on either side of the street allowing the City to shut off water should there be a water service leak or someone is not paying for their service. Public Works Director Ulrich indicated there was a curb stop box on either side of the street to allow the City to shut off water service if the need arose. Council Member Stigney stated what the City is proposing is ongoing repair for any break in service now or in the future whether or not somebody has already paid to repair their service. He knows of no other City that does this in the area so Mounds View would be setting precedent by approving this program. In his opinion it gets back to who is responsible for what. Residents should not expect the City to provide a driveway, water and sewer lines to the street that is a resident responsibility. Providing the ability to hook up to streets, sewer and water is a City responsibility. Council Member Stigney stated he believes the City is remiss as it did not survey residents through the water bill to determine how many residents would be in support of paying for such a program. Mayor Coughlin indicated Council did not direct Staff to survey residents when water bills were sent out. Staff was directed to inform residents of the proposed change through other forms such as the billboard out front of City Hall. Council Member Stigney indicated the majority of Council did not want residents surveyed when the water bills were sent out but he had expressed a desire for polling of residents to determine interest level and inform of the proposed change. Mayor Coughlin indicated Council and City Staff had done a responsible job of informing residents of the proposed change as shown by resident turnout at the first public hearing and at tonight's meeting. Council Member Stigney indicated the Council elected not to have residents surveyed as he believes should have been done. Council Member Stigney inquired as to how much the City will have to pay the contractors to be under contract with the City. Public Works Director Ulrich explained that contractors had not yet been contacted so he had no price at this point in time. Council Member Stigney indicated the City is attempting to help residents pay high water service repair bills through this program. He knows of one City who helps by paying the first $1,000.00 of the repair. In his opinion there is a question as to whether or not the City should be paying for repairs. The way to fund those repairs is also an issue for Council Member Stigney. If the City took 1/10`" of the franchise fee and put it into this fund the City would not need to charge residents for water service repair.