Fire service charges in general

A. The collection of fire service charges for fire service shall be pursuant to Minnesota Statute §§ 366.011 and 415.01 and any other applicable statute. Collection of unpaid service charges shall be as authorized in Minnesota Statute § 366.012. B. Said fees shall be established at a fixed rate for certain specific types of incidents or for actual costs incurred by the fire department in responding to the incident for other specific types of incidents as identified below. For any incidents not listed below the fee shall be for the actual costs incurred by the fire department in responding to the incident. C. For incidents for which the actual costs incurred by the fire department in responding to the incident is charged, the fees shall include, but shall not be limited to, actual manpower costs for all personnel that respond to the incident (minimum of one (1) hour) and the cost on a per hour basis for each fire apparatus or other city mechanical equipment that responds to the incident (minimum of one (1) hour per unit). D. When a particular service rendered by the Fire Department directly benefits more than one person or property, the owner of each property so benefited and each person so benefited (where the property protection only is not involved) shall be liable for the payment of the full charge for such service to their respective property as hereinbefore outlined. E. Parties billed the fire service charge will have thirty (30) days to pay. If the service charge is not paid by that time, it will be considered delinquent and the City will send notice of delinquency. F. If the fire service charge remains unpaid for thirty (30) days after this notice of delinquency is sent, the City will use all practical and reasonable legal means to collect the service charge including the provisions of Minn. Stat. § 366.012. The party receiving the service shall be liable for all collection costs incurred by the City including, but not limited to, administrative costs, attorneys' fees, recording fees and court costs. G. Any party aggrieved by a charge authorized in this Section may appeal the charge as follows: 1\. Within the time period for which a bill is payable, the party shall file a written request with the City Clerk setting forth specific reasons why the charge is improper. 2\. The Clerk shall notify the aggrieved party, in writing, of the time, place and date the City Council will hold a hearing on the issue. 3\. The City Council may grant relief on appeal if it finds good cause and sufficient proof to satisfy the Council. 4\. The City Council may extend the time for payment for a reasonable period.