Minutes - Council Work Session - 11/15/2011

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assessment, and if the residents counter petition the City will move on to the next project. He suggested the Council consider how to eliminate the petition process. Councilmember McGlone agreed the petition process is counterproductive, unfair to the rest of the residents, and sometimes petitioning residents no longer live on the road as it deteriorates. Councilmember Tossey stated the Charter Commission has no desire to eliminate the counter petition option and neither does the Council. He did not feel that $28 /month/household was feasible. Mayor Ramsey stated if a Communication Plan is needed, it should include dates, milestones, etc. of when things will get done. Public Works Director Olson noted the Communication Plan identifies project milestones and staff wants to be sure it reflects Council's comments. City Administrator Ulrich indicated to get the issue on the table and residents to provide input, the sooner the Council makes a decision, the better. He felt that a $28 /month/household franchise fee will raise the issue to a high level, be controversial, but get discussion started and a resolution within three to four months. Councilmember Wise felt that "Do Nothing" was not an option, so there are only two available options. Public Works Director Olson stated that option was discussed at last Work Session and if that option is selected, the City will either not rebuild roads or finance all road construction with 100% assessment. Councilmember Wise stated his support to only offer two options, without the "Do Nothing" option. Councilmember Backous noted this item has been included on the posted agenda for each meeting it is discussed yet no one is here to talk about it. He felt that bypassing citizen involvement would cause problems and the City needs to be ready to deal with the message that Connexus will send to residents. Councilmember Strommen did not support bypassing citizen input because this is a good issue for residents to weigh in on and provide understanding of the tough decisions the Council has to make. She stated she has no objection to the Communication Plan and supports moving forward with the public process. Councilmember McGlone stated the public pays taxes and has reasonable expectations on how the City will use those dollars. He noted that the Council is raising taxes whether through a franchise fee or tax increase because there is a need that has never been addressed before. Councilmember McGlone stated that as a resident, he would have no problem if the Council City Council Work Session / November 15, 2011 Page 5 of 9