09.03 - Exhibit 4 - Red-lined Water Ordinance

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(a) a tenant has the right to continue or restore service; (b) a tenant has a continuing right to pay the current charges, which do not include late payment fees or reconnection fee incurred by the landlord, for the most recent billing period and retain service; (c) a tenant has the same amount of time provided by this Chapter within which to pay the charges; (d) a tenant is not subject to any deposit requirements; (e) a tenant may deduct documented payments from rent obligations; and (f) a tenant may consider seeking assistance from legal aid, a private attorney, or housing organization in exercising the rights of the tenant under Minnesota Law to maintain utility service. 3. Certification for collection with taxes. A. Unpaid charges on sewer and water accounts shall not be certified to the county auditor until notice and an opportunity for a hearing have been provided to the owner of the premises involved. The notice shall be sent by first class mail and shall state that if payment is not made before the date for certification, the entire amount unpaid plus penalties will be certified to the county auditor for collection as other taxes are collected. The notice shall also state that the occupant may, before such certification date, attend or schedule a hearing on the matter to object to certification of unpaid utility charges. In addition to any penalties provided for in this ordinance if any person, firm or corporation fails to comply with any provision of this ordinance, the Council or any city official designated by it, may institute appropriate proceedings at law or at equity to procure payment. B. The owner of the property shall have the option of paying the balance due on the account until the date the notice of the certification hearing is mailed. After the date the notice of certification hearing is mailed, payments will still be accepted but will include unpaid penalties.