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Councilmember McGlone mentioned the Andrie Street project — an MSA road through <br />North Fork. Staff proposed to widen the road and put in concrete curb and gutter, with a <br />sidewalk, etc. Petitions came and went — three of them in fact. With this petitioning <br />process we get people misinforming the public to get to their own goal. The money spent <br />on staff time for all of this would "blow your mind ". Many people who signed these <br />petitions have their homes for sale. Everyone in the City bears the cost for that. We have <br />professionals monitoring the roadways. When the petition process went into play, it was <br />biased. Many people with a proper understanding of the project would be in favor of it. <br />The process we have to do this with is flawed. <br />Commissioner Niska asked about allowing names to be taken off the petitions they have <br />signed. <br />It was stated that this is allowed. <br />Chairperson Deemer suggested the storm water fund could be changed to the storm water <br />and street funds and the assessments would just go away. <br />City Attorney Goodrich stated this is a major topic if you want to talk about getting rid of <br />assessments. <br />Commissioner Field stated that in hearing what Councilmember McGlone had to say it <br />occurs to him (Field) that there was some reason we had this counter petition introduced. <br />What if you had a mandatory opposition viewpoint statement? It would say we oppose <br />and why — that way the other side is also known. Make reference by website to the City's <br />statement and standpoint. That would be listed on the petition. Maybe the premise is if <br />people were informed correctly, they may make long -term wiser choices. <br />Commissioner Niska stated there might be first amendment problems to require people to <br />include opposing viewpoints — forcing them to speak something they do not agree with. <br />Maybe your point is we should not have a petition at all. Maybe a neighborhood meeting <br />where people can all come and voice their opinion would work better instead. <br />City Attorney Goodrich stated there is a public hearing. <br />Assistant City Engineer Himmer added that there is also an open house informational <br />meeting to talk about these projects. If there is opposition to the project, those people <br />usually come to the open house. To Commissioner Field's point, most of Ramsey was <br />built in the 1970's and 1980's. Now we have 30- year -old infrastructure and we are <br />getting to the point of rebuilding. We are trying to maintain improvements we already <br />have. He added that he would like to take the utilities out of the discussion. <br />Mr. Goodrich read the State Statute language regarding a petition. <br />Discussion ensued regarding petition language. <br />Charter Commission — September 24, 2009 <br />Page 4 of 10 <br />