Homebuilders and developers will now have to pay a $3,500 fee for each new _-inch home sewer connection. The ordinance had been a contentious one with both home developers and several Douglas City councilmen. Developers and some councilmen argued that the increase would be too high of a cost for developers to absorb, which could lead to a decline in the building of new homes.

Other councilmen and the city manager argued that the increase was necessary if upgrades were to be done to the City’s waste water plant, upgrades that are by now urgently needed.

Councilman Bob Fernandez said that the reason the City was in the predicament was because the City had failed to act on passing the ordinance in the past.

Councilman Ray Shelton asked for an amendment that would set the connection fee at $1,500 then increase that amount by 25 percent each year for four years and cap it at $3,500.

The council passed ordinance 08-923, which approved the $3,500 sewer connection fee.

The council approved third reading of ordinance 08-946, which establishes new fees for solid waste collection and disposal. For the first year, starting in 2008, the increase would be from $9.24 to $15.50.

 In 2009 the increase would be from $15.50 to $18.50; in 2010, the fee would increase to $20. In the fourth year and in subsequent years, the fees would be reviewed for possible revision.

In other action the council approved:

√ Third reading of ordinance 08-944, which amends City personnel rules and regulations.

√ Second reading of ordinance 08-952, which rezones about 2.2 acres of property generally located west of Washington Avenue and north of SR80 from single family residential 32 square feet(SFR32) to mobile home residential.

√ First reading of ordinance 08-953, which authorizes the City to acquire some unimproved real property from Richard Puzzi. The property is located on the east side of A Avenue between 25th and 26th Streets in Douglas.

 √ Resolution 08-582, which grants Southeast Gas Corporation a utility easement for installation and maintenance of a gas pipeline, together with appurtenant facilities and fixtures, which is adjacent to the former Bayless building.

√Resolution 08-585, which authorizes a grant from the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission in the amount of $23,993.45 to buy hazardous material equipment for use by the Douglas Fire Department, the Agua Prieta Fire Department and the Agua Prieta Civil Protection Organization.

√ Resolution 08-586, which grants Arizona Public Service company a utility easement for installation and maintenance for installation and maintenance of electrical lines on property located on City land adjacent to the Best Western Hotel now under construction on 7th Street and Pan American Avenue.

√Resolution 08-587, which authorizes a memorandum of understanding regarding an amendment to the assurance agreement between the City and Vista Del Monte Properties.

√ Resolution 08-588, which authorizes the City to enter into an agreement with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety for a reimbursable grant in the amount of $10,000 for Arizona DUI Task Force Enforcement overtime.

√ Resolution 08-589, which authorizes a consent order between the City and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

√ A request from Enriqueta Escarcega for the placement of a handicapped parking space at 627 4th Street and a fee waiver.