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March 4, 1988 TO: Chris Andersen, PW Director FROM: Bob Hammitt, PW Maintenance Superintenden SUBJ: VEGETATION PROGRAM CHARGES Last year, mowing that was performed by the City contractor was billed at $75.00 for the first hour and $40.00 per hour thereafter, with a minimum charge of $75.00. Attached are some documents containing rationale for those charges. I recommend that we adopt the same structure for billing purposes this year. As this is our first year with the program, we will do some analysis to determine if this rate structure is adequate to cover all City costs. The City code doesn't designate methodology for setting the rates, nor does it specify who sets the rate. It simply says that we will charge an amount that covers our costs. We will work with finance staff this vegetation season to ensure that the rate we establish next year does that. I also want to make you aware that we will not be readily cancelling bills to squeaky -wheel complainers as has been done in the past. Jim was told to run the program in a manner that did not cause any waves. Therefore, if a customer hollered loudly about their bill, Jim simply cancelled it. So, we have a group of property owners out there that are used to us operating in that manner. We will probably go through some grief trying to educate those folks that we are no longer operating in that mode; that they are going to be responsible for their vegetation abatement. Some of these people may go upstairs, trying to get their bills cancelled, so I will need support from you and the City Manager's office during the collection process. In the past, Jim has been given authority to cancel bills. Now George or I will have to give authorization for any bills to be cancelled. Please initial below if you concur with the proposed rate structure and the more aggressive collection philosophy. Approved: 1�" Date• 1 11n Chris Director Public Works Department