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Councilmember Cook stated that they are all citizens of Ramsey and the advantage of collecting <br />franchise fees is that the money collected stays within the City rather than going to the State. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that he appreciated the comments from the residents. As Councilmembers, <br />they have obligations to all the citizens of Ramsey. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich suggested an amendment to the ordinance adding language that the <br />ordinance shall be effective for three years beginning August 1, 2003 and ending August 1, 2006, <br />and that the ordinance will be reviewed on a biannual basis and, if necessary, repeal or amend the <br />ordinance prior to the sunset date. <br /> <br />Councihnember Cook stated that he would also like language included that would state that the <br />City would only collect the $525,000 that the City needs. In addition, if the City intends to levy <br />back the loss in LGA he would like to see the total impact on the residents before he voted on the <br />issue. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec noted that all of the 2004 budget numbers are very preliminary so it will be <br />difficult to give an accurate figure. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund stated that she has received some proposed numbers from the County and <br />based on the preliminary numbers it appears that property taxes from the City will be reduced <br />because of the additional housing. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stated that she felt strongly that they provide the citizens more <br />information and table action until their next meeting. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Strommen, seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman, to table action <br />until the next City Council meeting to allow for more time for residents to be informed on the <br />issue. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Councilmember Kurak inquired if they had the time to delay action. Mr. <br />Hendriksen and Mr. Broberg noted that it will take their companies about 60 days to implement <br />the franchise fee once the ordinance is adopted. Mr. Uecker inquired if the Council were to <br />reduce the fee would the companies administratively be able to handle the adjustments. Mr. <br />Hendriksen replied that once the fee is in place it is simply a matter of changing the percentage. <br />Councilmember Strommen inquired if delaying action two weeks will still provide enough time <br />to implement the fee. Finance Officer Lund replied yes. Mayor Gamec stated that the Council <br />could introduce the ordinance and then still provide information to the residents prior to final <br />adoption. City Attorney Goodrich replied that it is a significant ordinance and it was probably <br />more appropriate to have the actual language that he was recommending prior to introduction of <br />the ordinance. <br /> <br />Motion was amended to direct staff to include language as discussed. <br /> <br />City Council/June 24, 2003 <br />Page 19 of 37 <br /> <br /> <br />