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Mayor Strommen reviewed the process for consideration of amendments to the Charter when <br />proposed by the Charter Commission. She noted putting this within the Charter will provide <br />extra protection but the current amendment language does not well define the limitation (capping <br />as a percentage of the levy) and other issues. She stated the goal is to have initial discussion <br />prior to discussion at tonight's Regular Session. <br />Councilmember Backous stated the alternative language does a good job of addressing concerns <br />of the Charter Commission and Council. He noted the intent has been to rebate if a property <br />owner is already under assessment; however, when this sunsets those property owners will not <br />receive a rebate on franchise fees that are paid. <br />Mayor Strommen stated that would be a consideration of the Council at that time, whether to <br />enact a new franchise fee or consider another alternative. <br />Councilmember Backous stated his preference is to get rid of special assessments and budget for <br />the road costs in the levy. He noted over time, if special assessments and franchise fees are <br />eliminated, then there would be no double dipping because it would be within the levy. <br />Mayor Strommen expressed concern with removing the ability to assess from the Charter <br />provisions. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated the Council discussed creating a sustainable model, going <br />forward, and the fifth year of the sunset is when it should be considered whether this is an <br />appropriate model and should move forward, overriding assessments or other funding sources. <br />He agreed with Mayor Strommen that it is not known now what will be faced at that point so it is <br />up to the Council at that time. Councilmember LeTourneau supported a five -year sunset and <br />looking at other alternatives to cover this cost. <br />Councilmember Johns stated she would like to see road costs in the levy as well, but by the same <br />token she would ask if the alternative language limits future Councils if the Charter has language <br />indicating franchise fees are dedicated only to the road maintenance projects. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau asked if this alternative language represents consensus or direction <br />from the Charter Commission. <br />Mayor Strommen explained the Charter Commission has not yet looked at this alternative <br />language but it is based on the conversation held between the Council and Charter Commission. <br />She stated Chair Field felt this language addressed some of the concerns and issues; however, the <br />Charter Commission will have to hold a meeting to discuss it. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated the Charter Commission will be meeting again.in January or <br />February 2014. <br />Councilmember Riley stated he likes the alternative language as it includes a lot of what was <br />going to be in the ordinance. On the issue of assessments, he noted the Council's consensus was <br />that there would not be assessments when the franchise fee is in affect. However, he would not <br />City Council Work Session / December 10, 2013 <br />Page2of6 <br />