Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/24/2012

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Public Works Director Olson stated it was based on the number of current customers with CenterPoint and Connexus. Councilmember Backous noted the franchise fee could be lowered in anticipation of more residents. He agreed with Public Works Director Olson that there may be an onslaught of people wanting their roads maintained if paying the franchise fee. Councilmember Backous asked whether the road maintenance chart can be put on the City's website so residents can see when their street is due for overlay or sealcoat. Public Works Director Olson answered in the affirmative and explained the City sealcoats an average of 13 -15 miles of roadway each year and overlays 1 7 4 miles of roadway. He stated if the Council eliminates the assessment process, it would be much easier because the City would not have to do the mailings except to notify residents of the project and ask if there are drainage problems. Councilmember McGlone asked if there may be a funding deficit with a franchise fee of $14 /month instead of $28 /month. Public Works Director Olson stated a deficit could be created if there is not an assessment because he thinks the demand will be high. Councilmember McGlone stated the Council needs to establish policy on which roads are done first. He stated he would argue there are maintenance savings with 9 -ton roads because the worst pavement failures are at the edge of the road where the water runs and trucks drive. Concrete curb and gutter protects road edges. City Engineer Himmer explained that once funding and the amount it will generate are determined, this software will create a five -year program in how to move forward, providing more certainty to notify residents. Mayor Ramsey stated he would support a franchise fee only after asking the Charter Commission for tougher counter petition standards, such as requiring 50% to start a petition, so the City does not waste money on planning and then have the project counter petitioned. The Council discussed that petition results can vary depending on the way the project is presented. It was noted that City Attorney Goodrich had indicated property owners can only petition against the project being assessed so if a sidewalk is included, and not being assessed, it cannot be part of a counter petition. Mayor Ramsey commented that in a "perfect world" the City could get rid of assessments but that may also create a nightmare because all will want a new street tomorrow if not being assessed. Public Works Director Olson asked the Council what level of franchise fee it supports and whether it does or does not support assessments. He noted that as soon as residents know the City Council Work Session / January 24, 2012 Page 6 of 9