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

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Council Business Mayor Strommen called the regular City Council meeting back to order at 9:38 p.m. Mayor Strommen again thanked all who shared input tonight, noting the Council is also struggling with this issue and appreciated listening to comments made. She explained the ordinances are in draft form and agreed the directives need to be incorporated. Mayor Strommen stated given the amount of input received and the need to have the draft ordinances in better form, she would suggest continuing action to the next meeting so there is more time to wrestle with the issues raised. She suggested the two ordinances in Case 6.1 also be continued for the same reason. Mayor Strommen asked staff to respond to the questions raised by the public. City Administrator Ulrich stated in 2014, additional levy capacity of $931,000 was not exercised. Since the Council established a preliminary levy, at this point, that additional levy capacity cannot be captured for 2014. He stated if living on private roads, there may be a way to accomplish not charging them if the Council establishes such a policy but the thought is that all use public roads. On the question of projects the EDA Manager brought in, that can be researched and presented. City Administrator Ulrich stated if there is an excess of franchise fee funds, the Council can reassess revenues and expenses. If there are excess funds the franchise fee can be lowered and if there is a shortfall, the franchise fee can be increased. He explained that funds not used within a calendar year would be invested and used for future projects. Mayor Strommen stated when looking at five-year needs, Year One may be less and Year Two may be more. Because of this, there may be an excess or shortfall in any given year; however, it is annualized to be equal each year. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that is correct. He stated cities that do not have franchise fees for road repairs typically use a 20-50% special assessment. He suggested the City Attorney address the question raised relating to a Charter amendment to include rates and sunset dates, noting it would have more stature and be more difficult to change than an ordinance. With regard to the tax increment district coming back on line, it was projected to coincide with debt service on the Municipal Center so there would not be a big hit to property taxes. City Administrator Ulrich explained if homes do not have gas or electric service, they would not be charged for the franchise fee. He stated staff discussed whether it was an option to put a fee on the City's sewer, water, street light, or storm sewer bill; however, there is no Statutory right for such a road improvement utility. If someone is on financial support, he does not know whether the fee would be waived by the utility company. Mayor Strommen asked staff to determine whether The Residence at The COR have both gas and electric service, respond to the process to eliminate assessment in the ordinance, and determine if maintenance is conducted whether or not it is required or within the PASER. She also requested clarification on use of future MSA funds, and definitions around street maintenance. City Council / October 8, 2013 Page 17 of 24