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City Council Minutes May 5, 2020 Page 11 of 19 ----------------------------- 10.1. COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Considerations 10.1.A.Utilitv Billina Fees Nancy Malecha reminded the Council that at the last meeting there was discussion on what the City do for our community during the pandemic and the staff and the administration departments started the discussion on what type of fees that could possibly be prorated for Council to consider. She said one that staff came up with was the late fees for utility billing fees. She is suggesting the Council to consider waiving the late fees for utility billing customers for the months of March through June of this year. She stated the total late fee amount for the month of March was just over$317 therefore for the four month period the estimated relief amount would be $1,270. Ms. Malecha said it is just for the Council's consideration. Council Member Akerson stated that he does not know how this fits into the budget but he likes it. Council Member Pederson stated that it is a start to try to help but there is more to be done. He stated over the last couple of weeks he has listened to the needs of some of the business owners and some of our businesses probably will not even survive this. He said he would love to do this but looking at the big picture that they should maybe form a task force of the Council and Administrator, EDC, Chamber business owners and work solely with the idea of how can we help our businesses. Council Member Seils stated that this is a step in the right direction and getting rid of late fees is a good thing for the Council to do. Council Member Swanson stated that it doesn't do a lot because they have to still pay their utility bill. COUNCIL MEMBER SWANSON MOVED TO WAIVE THE LATE FEES FOR UTILITY BILLING CUSTOMERS FOR THE MONTHS OF MARCH, APRIL, MAY, JUNE OF 2020 IN THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $1,270 DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. COUNCIL MEMBER SEILS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 10.1.6.Lipuor License Fees Nancy Malecha is suggesting the council consider providing a four month reduction in the renewal liquor license fees to establishment for the remaining current license period, which expires on June 30th. She stated the governor's executive order required all bars and restaurants to close to customers on March 17t" and this reduction would be for establishments who currently hold an on Sale/Sunday license and On Sale 3.2% Malt Liquor/Wine/Strong Beer license. She presented a breakdown of the establishments that would be affected by this reduction and that ranges from $667 to $75 reduction. Ms. Malecha stated surrounding communities have done similar reductions in fees for four month period.