M.S. § 429.021, as it may be amended from time to time, authorizes cities to install, replace, extend, and maintain street lights and street lighting systems and special lighting systems. The City Council has determined that, in order to promote the general health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city, it is in the best interest of the citizens that the city operate and maintain a city street lighting utility system and has further determined that the operation and maintenance of such utility benefits each and every property within the city. The City Council has therefore determined that it is fair, appropriate, and reasonable that the costs of such operation and maintenance be paid on a fair and reasonable basis by all of the property in the city so benefitted and the cost should be charged and collected from all such benefitted property, except for those exempted in subsection 830.03, Subd. 4.
(Ord. 2013-05, passed 12-11-2013)
A city street lighting utility system is hereby established and continued. The utility system consists of all street lighting, whether owned by the city or otherwise, for which the city purchases and supplies electrical energy from a public utility and any additional facilities acquired or operated by the city in the future. The operation of such utility shall be under the supervision of the Public Works Director.
(Ord. 2013-05, passed 12-11-2013)
Subd. 1. Costs. The cost of the street lighting utility system are the administrative costs, capital costs, maintenance, and energy costs associated with the operation of the street lighting utility system.
Subd. 2. Fees. The City Council shall, by ordinance, establish a fee schedule to pay for the cost of the street lighting utility system. The City Council shall apportion the cost of the system against all developed property in the city. Residential property shall be charged based upon a per-unit charge and all other property shall be charged based upon a front foot charge.
Subd. 3. Billing. Street lighting fees shall be billed with water and sewer utility bills.
Subd. 4. Exemptions. The following land uses are exempt from any fees for street lighting costs:
1. Public street right-of-way;
2. City-owned land;
3. Railroad right-of-way;
4. Cemeteries; and
5. Undeveloped property.
(Ord. 2013-05, passed 12-11-2013)
Any street lighting service charges in excess of 90 days past due on October 1 of any year may be certified to the county for collection with real estate taxes as a special assessment. An administrative charge of $25 shall be added to each street lighting service charge so certified. In addition, the city may bring a civil action or to take other legal remedies to collect unpaid charges.
(Ord. 2013-05, passed 12-11-2013)
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