Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/18/2011

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Councilmember Elvig suggested the website include options available to the City. Public Works Director Olson noted the fact sheet identifies three options. Councilmember Wise stated he thought the City would hold more open houses. He stated he still has questions on the fairness in how fees will be charged. Public Works Director Olson acknowledged that all of these issues need to be resolved and details worked out. He reported that bar none, the biggest comment from the resident's opinion survey and telephone calls relates to the Ramsey Resident article and is from residents who just got an overlay assessment of ten years and are now being asked to pay a franchise fee. Public Works Director Olson stated his answer to them was that is a City Council decision whether some should be paid back and the rate to charge. This is why staff is asking the Council to look at the communication plan. Councilmember McGlone stated he believed the Ramsey process worked well because there were a lot of different viewpoints at the start but by the end there was a better understanding. He stated he did not want information cards available on the internet where there was not an opportunity to educate but, rather, at the informational meetings. Councilmember McGlone felt the Highway 10 and Armstrong Boulevard charettes were wonderful and that residents who do not attend either don't care about the issue or are okay with it. Councilmember Tossey felt this will come down to how it is marketed and the City did a good job with the survey. However, he thinks a franchise fee at the proposed rate would come back with objections. He suggested the franchise fee be lowered and marketed in a positive way, emphasizing the good value we get from roads and the fee is equal for all involved. Councilmember Tossey stated he wants to make sure Ramsey's roads are the best in the county and supports moving ahead. Councilmember Elvig stated he does not think it is a bad idea to have a website but agreed the Council needed to "get in the room" with residents. He suggested the website include the meeting schedule, advertise the meetings, to get people motivated enough to share their ideas. Councilmember McGlone stated the only part of the website he does not like is the survey /comment card. City Administrator Ulrich suggested the use of collaborative groups like the Ramsey to educate residents and ask them to come up with recommendations. He agreed with the importance of reframing the issue because it is not only about the franchise fee. City Administrator Ulrich stated another option is asking the Charter Commission to make assessments more feasible. He noted that many cities get by with assessments to improve streets but the City's Home Rule Charter has a provision that stops road reconstruction projects. He asked the Council whether assessments are a better option for funding road projects than franchise fees. Councilmember Elvig agreed that should be one of the options listed. City Council Work Session / October 18, 2011 Page 8 of 11