CR 98-097 Adoption Of Legislative Police 8-IJune 11, 1998
Proposed Action
Overview
Primary Issues to Consider
Legislative Policy #8 -I
Resolution No. 98 -032
Lori Yager
Finance Director
ADOPTION OF LEGISLATIVE POLICY #8 -I
Council Report 98 -097
Staff recommends adoption of the following: Move to adopt Resolution No. 98 -032
which approves the legislative policy #8 -I.
Adoption of this motion will facilitate the billing ordinance and billing procedures.
We are changing the city code section 715.19 to reference the city legislative policy instead
of referencing council resolution #82 -3039. The city code addresses unpaid charges and the
procedure for collections. This new legislative policy is a combination of the old council
resolution and any recent changes in procedures or policies that have been adopted. The
new legislative policy follows current procedures adopted by council.
What is the purpose of adoption of this policy?
Recent ordinance and policy decisions have superseded portions of Hopkins Resolution
82 -3039. The city's policies on billing collections would be clearer if they were
contained in a single legislative policy.
Staff Recommendation
Finance recommends adoption of legislative policy #8 -I for Finance Billing Collection.
Supporting Information
City of Hopkins
Hennepin County, Minnesota
RESOLUTION NO. 98 -032
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Hopkins has approved a document entitled
the Legislative Policy Manual to provide uniform guidelines on City policies so
that actions taken are consistent and fair; and
WHEREAS, certain city bills for utility services, accounts receivable miscellaneous
invoices and other services requested or required, are allowed to become
delinquent in anticipation of a interest rate upon city assessments,
WHEREAS, city assessment policy for construction of improvements was never
intended to benefit those owing delinquent bills,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Hopkins
hereby adopts the attached Legislative Policy #8 -I which sets forth the
policies and procedures for collection of delinquent bills.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Hopkins this
ATTEST:
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
By
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 st 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 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
water meter reading for the day they leave and the day 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.