At the August 24 meeting of the city council, proposed revisions to the residential utility billing policy were approved. Councilors Mike Urban and Josh Broadwater were absent.
The billing policy approved in 2017 was revised to include updated provisions; the revised policy will supersede the policy adopted on March 27, 2017. Residential customers will be billed monthly for actual water usage. Sanitary sewer charges are based on metered water usage unless otherwise adjusted under this policy.
If excessive water usage is beyond the control of property owner, the city may reduce charges for usage exceeding typical usage to 50%. Sanitary sewer charges may be waived if the excess usage didn’t enter the sanitary sewer system. There is a one-time one-month adjustment for water usage for the establishment of a new lawn.
Other Business in Brief
•A Wellness Policy for the Police Department was approved as presented. The policy includes a confidential and preventative annual wellness check-in with a licensed mental health professional. All sworn police officers are to complete one annual mental health wellness check-in. One check-in per employee will be paid for by the Chatfield Police Department.
•A retainer agreement with Flaherty & Hood P.A. for legal services was approved.
•A grant contract with the state of Minnesota to conduct an energy efficiency study was approved. The grant amount is $20,000.
•The Committee of the Whole met prior to the council meeting. The 2027 budget was reviewed. Other items discussed include a comprehensive plan (parks and recreation) and street closure and park use requests.
•A library donation in the amount of $30 was accepted to be used for purchases for the library.
•Mayor John McBroom asked residents to quit blowing grass clippings on to the streets.
•City Administrator Michele Peterson said it has been recommended to only blow the sirens in an emergency, following best practices.
Leave a Reply