Independence City Council certifies delinquent sewer charges, approves consent agenda

At its Oct. 29, 2024 regular meeting, the Independence City Council voted 5-0 to certify delinquent sewer service charges under RESOLUTION NO. 24-1029-01, setting a Nov. 18 deadline for residents to pay to avoid having those charges assessed to their 2025 property taxes.

The resolution also changes the payment process: residents will pay the city, which will send an assessment payoff to Hennepin County to request removal of the assessment. Council materials note this differs from prior practice, when the county required payments made directly to it.

Councilor Grotting moved to approve RESOLUTION 24-1029-01; Councilor McCoy seconded. The motion carried on a 5-0 vote with Mayor Johnson and Councilors Spencer, Betts, McCoy and Grotting voting aye.

Earlier in the meeting the council approved a routine consent agenda by a separate 5-0 vote. The consent items included approval of the Oct. 15, 2024 meeting minutes (to be available for approval on the Nov. 19, 2024 agenda), authorization of accounts payable checks numbered 23179–23195 and 23196–23206, and a decision not to waive the monetary limits on tort liability as provided in Minnesota Statutes to the extent of liability coverage obtained from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT). Councilor Spencer moved to approve the consent agenda and Councilor Betts seconded; the motion carried 5-0.

During reports, Mayor Johnson listed recent meetings and announced that Shawn Ebling was named 2nd Sergeant for WHPS effective Nov. 1, 2024. Councilors provided brief committee updates: Councilor Spencer reported on planning and West Suburban Fire; Councilor Grotting reported on planning. City Administrator Mark Kaltsas summarized staff activity and had no additional items beyond those noted.

The council moved to adjourn at 6:45 p.m. The meeting minutes were submitted by Administrative Services Director Amber Simon.