Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/05/2012

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fully fund road projects, which would spread the cost over thousands of properties and solve the problem for all immediately. Public Works Director Olson explained that a franchise fee of $28 /month generates $3.6 million a year, the amount needed for average street projects. The cost estimates have been refined and significantly lowered 35% from $1 million /mile to $648,000 /mile for reconstruction but the cost for maintenance activities (sealcoat /overlays) was added, generating the same costs. He advised the City cannot handle 20 miles of roads per year so the projects will have to be evened out. The City Council discussed whether staff should be directed to bring back a proposal including the franchise fee as a component and to continue its initiative to find additional funding options to fold into a more comprehensive plan. Support was also expressed that if assessments were part of the plan, consideration should be given to an approach that would phase out that method of financing over a five to ten year period. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Wise, to move forward with the Long Term Road Maintenance Initiative to be financed by use of franchise fees and /or a combination of other lawful revenue generating resources and direct staff to report back at the City Council's March 27, 2012 meeting, (after the City Council has met to identify all reasonable expense, deductions measures) with recommendations based on this evening's discussion. Further discussion: Public Works Director commented on the need to approve a funding mechanism for the 2012 Street Maintenance Program and timeline to hold a public hearing and adopt an ordinance to institute a franchise fee. Mayor Ramsey noted the motion on the floor would force a decision in March. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Elvig, Wise, Backous, McGlone, Strommen, and Tossey. Voting No: None. Councilmember Elvig left the Council Chambers at 8:40 p.m. 7.01: Adopt Ordinance to Repeal Minnesota Building Code Chapter 1306 Entitled Special Fire Protection Systems (Optional) Senior Planner Gladhill reviewed the staff report. Motion by Councilmember McGlone, seconded by Councilmember Wise, to Waive the City Charter requirement to read the ordinance aloud and Adopt Ordinance No. 12 -02 to Remove Minnesota Building Code Charter 1306 from the Ramsey City Code. A roll call vote was performed by the Recording Secretary: Councilmember Elvig absent Councilmember McGlone aye Councilmember Tossey aye Councilmember Strommen aye City Council / February 14, 2012 Page 6 of 10