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want to limit future Council action and if assessments are eliminated from the Charter, the City <br />could not bond for improvements. <br />Councilmember Kuzma asked if the Council had to vote on this Charter amendment language <br />tonight. <br />City Attorney Langel stated the Council is required to hold a public hearing tonight and then take <br />a vote within 30 days. He stated the expectation of the Charter Commission is that the Council <br />would turn down this language, but it would open dialogue with the Council, and that alternative <br />language would be offered. <br />Mayor Strommen stated the public hearing will be held tonight on the amendment language <br />submitted by the Charter Commission. The Council can discuss that specific language, whether <br />it is supportive of alternative language, and if not then give direction for staff to continue <br />refining the language for consideration by the Charter Commission. <br />City Administrator Ulrich recommended the current Charter language be turned down in favor of <br />another alternative and that the Council continue to refine the amendment language. <br />Councilmember Backous stated support of that process but indicated he wants it made clear that <br />in the future, residents may be assessed and their franchise fees may not be rebated. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated if the Council agrees it wants to pursue alternative language, <br />then it will be refined and discussed in January prior to presentation before the Charter <br />Commission. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated he felt after the Joint Session, the Charter Commission understood <br />there was a problem with their amendment language and that they were open to alternate <br />language. <br />2.02: Continued Discussion of 2014 General Fund Budget and levy <br />Finance Director Lund reviewed the staff report and $159,000 in budget cuts proposed to obtain <br />the same tax rate as adopted in 2013. She noted most of the reduction is from employees opting <br />out of insurance. In addition, there has been the resignation of one police officer, reduction to <br />the communication line item, and the office employee would not start until mid -year. She stated <br />this reduced levy will result in a savings of $11 for the median valued home. <br />Mayor Strommen stated at the meeting tonight, Finance Director Lund will present the 2014 <br />budget and levy, a public hearing will be held, and then the Council will take action. <br />Finance Director Lund stated with this reduction, the levy has remained almost constant for the <br />past three years. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated this budget still reflects most of the Strategic Planning items. <br />City Council Work Session / December 10, 2013 <br />Page 3 of 6 <br />