Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/28/2012

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Councilmember Wise noted it has already been discussed that the City needs to build up a fund for road projects. He believed it made sense to use those positive funds to start up that fund so the City would not have to immediately bond. Councilmember Elvig noted that several years ago, the Council approved a policy to take over sealcoats but did nothing to raise the budget or cut costs. He indicated the Council needed to be careful how far it cut the budget, if it wants to fit in roads, and maybe a small franchise fee will be needed. Mayor Ramsey stated he would rather take the political hit of less service than having to pay extra each year. He stated he would not support a combination franchise fee or tax increase. Councilmember McGlone stated he supported a franchise fee from a sense of frustration that this is a big issue, yet every prior Council did nothing to fix the problem, which only grows. He stated he is hoping to fix this problem before he leaves office so the decision is not put off for a future Council. Councilmember McGlone stated he is always asking how the City spends his tax dollars and if there is a way to fund roads from the tax base, he would firmly support that option. He explained that when he was running for office, staff was about 70% of the general fund budget and with all the cuts to date, staff is still 72% of the general fund budget. Councilmember McGlone stated the City needs to fix the roads and Mayor Ramsey's plan, in some form, makes sense to him and it should be considered. City Administrator Ulrich stated staff will bring this item back to a future Work Session. 2) Discuss Federal Legislative Consultant Proposals City Administrator Ulrich asked whether the City Council would like to engage or interview the two legislative consultant firms or preferred to tag onto the County's efforts. Mayor Ramsey stated he does not support hiring a consultant. Councilmember Tossey stated he is not sure these are the right consultants but it would be good to get federal funds for the overpass project and Highway 10. He stated the City needs representation but he did not know if tagging onto the County's efforts was sufficient. Councilmember Backous stated it is probably worth the dollars to have a presence because you don't know what the opportunities are. He indicated it may be worth investing some money, but maybe not this much. Following a brief discussion, Council consensus was reached to interview both firms. FUTURE TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION Noted. City Council Work Session / February 28, 2012 Page 5 of 6