Agenda - Council - 10/22/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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not enough money for roads but is still considering hiring so there is some money. He stated he is a prior Councilmember and the emphasis was to cut taxes because the economy was dipping. Mr. Look supported the Council looking at staffing levels, which are 70% of the budget, even if services are not as efficient. He noted that if the average house pays $600 for the City tax portion, adding $200 in franchise fees is an onerous addition, an increase of 30-33%. He stated while campaigning he found situations of two -parent and single -parent unemployment resulting in a level of uncertainty where it becomes an issue of feeding their families and keeping their house, not a matter of what sports their children will play. Also, there are many foreclosed homes because of the difficult economy. Mr. Look stated he felt fortunate he had not gone through those financial concerns but thinks a $200 increase is significant. He stated there has been discussion of "leaders versus politicians" and that leaders make difficult decisions but elective government represents residents and he does not think this direction represents his personal view. Mr. Look suggested that if there is public support, put it on the ballot and ask residents if they support paying $200 a year for roads. Jim Bendtsen, 14131 Junkite Street NW, asked if the City will receive a large amount of money from TIF coming off line plus LGA. He asked if that total was more than $800,000 a year and if it is planned to be spent and what on. Grant Rademacher, 15920 St. Andrews Lane, stated he hopes to be rich some day and it baffles him to hear comments about "taxing the rich more than me." He stated he has been a Ramsey resident for many years and a franchise fee is a fee and should be called a fee. Mr. Rademacher stated he pays water and sewer rates for a business in Ramsey that is twice what he pays in Andover or in Brooklyn Park and it is all money out of the pockets of residents. He stated the Council was voted to do the job, to be honest, and to do what is best. With regard to picking battles, he noted all were sitting at a "Taj Mahal," which is crazy, and he wished he had a steady pool of income but many are out of funds, are putting off vacations, projects, their children's college funds, and there is not a lot left at the end of the day. Mr. Rademacher stated the City is now adding more taxes. Mr. Rademacher stated he is firmly against this. Vicky Hesselgrave, 7601 166th Avenue NW, stated good points have been made relating to housing without gas service or those that use wood and if they would receive a break with franchise fees in only paying half or not at all. She stated Elk River was said to have a franchise fee and she knows residents who are disappointed in the outcome of their franchise fee and there was also a recent article in the newspaper about that. She asked the City Council to do more research and to listen to the people. Ms. Hesselgrave stated Ramsey has been fairly okay over the years in listening to the people and she appreciates that. She stated the City already bills for utilities and asked why a franchise fee was chosen instead of charging a fee through that means. With regard to property owners who cannot afford to pay their utility bills, she asked what happens to that fee and who is paid to collect it. Ms. Hesselgrave asked the Council to listen to all of the input and come away with a better solution. Todd Embury, 9041 159th Lane NW, stated he came without an opinion or fully understanding the concept. He stated he has sympathy for the Council as they are taking "a lot of heat" but they have to listen to resident feedback. Mr. Embury stated no one likes taxes and no one will vote to increase taxes, if given the choice. He stated Ramsey needs first class roads and the staff gave a City Council / October 8, 2013 Page 14 of 24