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Chairperson Field stated that this request for a larger percentage to petition for a public <br />improvement project is based primarily on cost savings function — because of the cost involved <br />in responding to a counter petition. <br />Mr. Goodrich pointed out there are times when the City Council feels it's not feasible to do an <br />improvement project but if 50 percent sign a petition for a project, it would be more leverage to <br />find it feasible. <br />Director of Public Works Olson stated that both the City Council and staff recognize that <br />petitions are time consuming and difficult to put together and it will take more time to get a <br />larger amount of signatures. Since 2009, the City Council has looked at ways to streamline our <br />projects. The City Council has looked at doing away with assessments altogether but that does <br />come with some costs. <br />Commissioner Shea stated that she feels this is smart economic government. She added that <br />there was talk about a special assessment to all of Ramsey. <br />Mr. Olson explained that there has been a lot of discussion about how we will finance our road <br />improvements. A franchise fee spread throughout the entire City was talked about but we are <br />also looking at other budget options. The City Council has not really decided yet. Mr. Olson <br />continued that the majority of the streets in Ramsey have reached their life span of 40 years and <br />we do not have an assessment policy for replacement. We did a survey with existing residents <br />talking about three options — assessments, franchise fees, and increasing property taxes. The <br />most popular option was the franchise fee as they felt it was more equitable. The Council is <br />reluctant to do that right now because of the economy so he was not sure how they will handle <br />this. <br />City Administrator Ulrich added that the intent of the City Council in general was to streamline <br />the process and to not waste money. Since we knew petitions against a project would stay the <br />same, this would accomplish both things — counter petitions an d to make sure there was enough <br />interest in the improvement. He noted that the Cities of Mounds View and Lino Lakes have at <br />least 25 percent to initiate a project and require at least an equ 1 number of petitioners against a <br />proj ect. <br />Commissioner Anderson stated that this does seem to be a more, efficient process. <br />Discussion ensued relating to the placement of this language in the Charter. Mr. Goodrich <br />offered that all of 8.4 would be amended. He reiterated that the only change will be the 35 <br />percent to 50 percent. Right now if we get a petition and it is by 35 percent of the property <br />owners, then the counter petition against that can be 35 percent. But if the project is approved by <br />a four -fifths vote of the Council and there is no petition, then it would have to be 50 percent of <br />the project to counter petition. <br />Motion by Commissioner Niska, seconded by Commissioner Deemer to direct the City Attorney <br />to draft an ordinance along the lines of the discussion this evening — changing the petition <br />Charter Commission/ March 26, 2012 <br />Page 5 of 8 <br />