CR 98-89 Ordinance Amending Section 715.19 of the Hopkins City CodeMay 28, 1998
Proposed Action
Staff recommends that the Council approve the following motion: Move to approve Ordinance #98 -814 for
first reading.
Approval of this motion will begin the process of amending section 715.19 of the Hopkins City Code
removing outdated language.
Overview
Primary Issues to Consider
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 715.19
OF THE HOPKINS CITY CODE
Council Report 98 -089
The proposed ordinance is largely a house keeping measure. Section 715.19 makes reference to a specific
Minnesota Statute as well as an old Hopkins resolution. Staff proposes that the reference to the Minnesota
Statute be made more generic. Staff is also proposing that the reference to a specific resolution be removed.
In its place would be a reference to a legislative policy. The finance department will be proposing a
Legislative Policy at the June 16 City Council meeting that incorporates current utility billing procedures.
♦ What is the purpose of these changes?
Removing the specific reference to a subdivision of a Minnesota Statute will avoid the necessity of
amending the City Code if the Minnesota Legislature renumbers the specific section sometime in the
future. More recent ordinances and policy decisions have superseded portions of Hopkins Resolution 82-
3039. The City's policies on billing and charges would be clearer if they were contained in a single
legislative policy. The City Code should then reference the legislative policy.
Supporting Information
♦ Ordinance #98 -814
♦ Draft of Legislative Policy
A. Genellie
istant City Manager
ORDINANCE 98 -814
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 715.19 OF THE HOPKINS CITY CODE
The City Council of the City of Hopkins does hereby ordain:
Section 1. The Hopkins City Code, Section 715.19 is hereby amended to read
as follows:
715.19. Unpaid charges. Unpaid city utility bills shall be certified to
the county director of property taxation for collection as other charges
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 441.075, subdivision 3, and council
resolution 82 3039 as amended from time to timc City Legislative Policy.
The owner of the property shall be liable to the city for all bills
accruing through the use of water and sewer facilities upon his or her
premises whether the same be personally used by him or her or his or her
renter or lessee or other occupant of the premises.
Section 2. The effective date of this ordinance shall be twenty days after
p ublication.
First Reading: June 2, 1998
Second Reading: June 16, 1998
Date of Publication: June 24, 1998
Date Ordinance Takes Effect: July 15, 1998
ATTEST:
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
CITY OF HOPKINS
Hennepin County, Minnesota
Charles D. Redepenning, Mayor
LEGISLATIVE POLICY #8 -I
FINANCE BILLING COLLECTION POLICY
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures to ensure the collection
of utility bills and accounts receivable invoices.
2. POLICY
2.01 Utility Bills. Utility bills will be sent out on the third working day of
the month and are due in 20 days. Payments received in the mail will not be
charged a penalty if postmarked before the due date. Payments received in
the night deposit by 8:OOAM the day after the due date will not be charged
a penalty. A penalty of 10% of the water, sanitary, sewer, storm sewer
and refuse charges will be charged if the bill becomes delinquent.
2.02 Utility Bill Reminder Notices. Reminder notices will be sent out fifteen (15)
days after the bill becomes delinquent.
2.03 Accounts Receivable Invoices. Invoices for tree removal, rental of city space,
repairs to City property, and other miscellaneous charges are billed and due
20 days from the bill date.
2.04 Certification of Delinquent Amounts. Delinquent amounts dated prior to
June 1 of the year will be processed for assessment certification on a yearly
basis to Hennepin County. Written notice shall be mailed to each such debtor
during the month of June, advising him or her of this policy. There shall be a
$50.00 service charge added on each such utility account or accounts receivable
invoice.
3. SERVICE DISCONTINUATION POLICY
3.01 Refuse service charges may be discontinued for a period of no less than ninety
(90) days. The resident must contact the City and make a request for a special
meter reading for the day they leave and return. The readings will be taken
the day the resident vacates the property and when they return. The water
usage will be limited to a maximum of 1000 gallons per quarter during the
period the property is vacant. If usage exceeds the maximum limit, refuse
charges will be applied.
Drat