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Thursday, September 02, 2010
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| | Email this article • Print this article | | 2009 Ki Chi Saga Days Button Winners: | Savings Bond from the RiverBank $200 # 426
Gift Certificate $25 Smokin Georges BBQ: #543
Gift Certificate $5 Coffee Depot: # 080
Gift Certificate $10 Wagon Wheel Café: #074
Gift Certificate $10 Schmidt Oil: # 195
2 Brinks Soft Touch Car washes: # 260
Video Vault Rental $5 -#017
Video Vault Rental $5 -#335
Tanning Session at Video Vault: # 118
Tanning Session at Video Vault: # 077
Please call 257-4162 for prize information. You must pick up voucher at Chisago City Hall before you redeem your prize.
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Compromise worked out on years of delinquent sewer and water bills; one percent hike in next year's budget
BY DENISE MARTIN
The Chisago City Council compromised on an outstanding water and sewer bill owed the city by a property owner, who apparently used city sewer and water for years without notifying the city. The property at 11265 278th probably connected to water and sewer around 1998, according to the best city estimate.
The property owner told the council he didn't think he had to install a city meter and get on the billing system until he built a "residence." The property now houses an oversized garage and bathroom, (that the owner disagreed with the city as to when it was added.)
The property owner also advised city council that he wouldn't be paving the driveway-- which the city was also requesting.
The owner stated the impervious surface requirement was only a condition of building a house. He has no plans to build a home and in fact, he said, he's listing the parcel for sale because he needs to move closer to where his new job is.
Council member Sue Skow first motioned to have the property owner pay what city staff calculated he owes for the ill-gotten services, $2,500.
After discussion, and viewing information presented by the property owner, Skow withdrew this motion.
Mayor Don Taylor made a compromise motion for $924, which basically deleted any water and sewer charges for the period of time that the owner disputes he was even connected to city service.
"We could go on and on and on arguing this," Taylor said. The motion was approved 5-0.
Council member Greg Freer chastised the property owner as he disputed what he was told to pay. Said Freer, "You stole from the city. if you'd had a meter installed then we'd know exactly how much you used. You owe the city taxpayers this money, you took something you weren't paying for."
The paving of the driveway was resolved in a motion made by Skow to leave it gravel until such time either the garage is utilized as a business, or a dwelling is constructed. This was approved unanimously.
2010 budget and levy
The council reviewed information about the 2010 budget and will take action adopting a preliminary levy at the Sept. 8 council meeting. This sum is a maximum and can't be increased before December, when the final levy is acted on. The preliminary can be decreased.
The 2009 budget also was revised unanimously by motion of Larry Parker.
The city finalized tweaking for this year's budget in reaction to the governor's state aid unallotments and to better-position the city for 2010. Chisago City's 2009 revenue was down from what was expected by $67,000.
The revisions included: leaving the contingent of Lakes Area Police at 12 (not hiring one additional as planned), reducing hours for the planner, lifeguards went to weekend only, parks programmer and seasonal worker hours were reduced, and a part time position in public works was eliminated. In the motor vehicle registration office the city cut two positions to 76 hours in a pay period.
In reviewing next year's budget and levy, Administrator John Pechman advised council that the tax rate will remain fairly constant but because of the gradual increases due to the annexation process agreement, properties in sections 36, 35 and a section of 34 should expect an increase in taxes.
Worked as planned
The business park has been a success, with money remaining in the account.
About 10 years ago Chisago City bought 20 acres along Liberty Lane and platted seven lots.
The Tax Increment Financing district established has generated enough revenue to pay back the city for the land purchase. Balances in the fund were transferred to the city EDA for future redevelopment projects ($10,227) and to cover administrative expenses the transfer of another $12,950 was approved.
The final lot in the business park went to Aldrich Woodworking. The company plans to start construction soon.
There was discussion about deferral policies, in connection with recent action to approve a request from Frank Dusenka for deferral of assessment interest the city has charged him for improvements.
City Attorney Tom Miller presented the state law under which deferral can be allowed. The action the council already took falls under the criteria, but city council members wanted a written policy created so staff and any future deferral applicants have something to work from. Staff will bring a draft back to council on this policy.
The city is tying up loose ends in the Raspberry Hill development, where the developer handed over responsibility to complete improvements. The city has drawn on the letter of credit to finish roads and sidewalks, and council last week approved -- first completing the watermain hookup and then the bike trail along #19, from the development to County Road 77.
The new public works building project hit a snag. The contractor for the mechanicals abruptly pulled out, and hasn't responded to default communications from the city. Staff was scrambling to find professionals who are willing to complete the work and a plumbing and an electrical team has been put together. Dick Lamere Plumbing, Forest Lake and Lakes Electrical were authorized unanimously to proceed.
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