Agenda - Charter Commission - 01/27/2014

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Councilmember LeTourneau stated the other threat is the City has a known need that is projected over time and the whole concept is to have a sustainable model to do the work needed on the roads. With this level of restriction, it creates a variable and high probability that even in the first year, funds may not meet project needs, depleting the true spirit of the exercise. City Administrator Ulrich stated the Charter Commission wants to see a restriction through a percentage or dollar amount and maybe also capture other components such as having a fixed rate that would be easier to calculate. He stated a flat fee is an option because it captures that level of funding and is at about the 20 %. Mayor Strommen stated this is being forwarded to the Charter Commission and suggested this language be flagged so they can provide input relating to the Council's goal for an upper limit while still providing sustainable funding for road maintenance costs that have been based on assumptions. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if it is more about the cumbersome nature of going to the Charter Commission in five years to meet a new number. Mayor Strommen stated if subject to change, it belongs in an ordinance instead of in the Charter. The purpose of the Charter is governance- related issues so it is not wise to put a number in the Charter that has to be amended over time. Finance Director Lund stated if the franchise fee number changes each year, she would ask whether both utility ordinances also have to be amended since the utility ordinance language included the dollar number. City Attorney Langel stated that is correct. He reviewed the final paragraph language and stated the content of the notice is up for some discussion (projects completed versus projects still in play), and why the money is being solicited and its purpose. Councilmember Johns asked if this notice can be inserted with utility bills or posted to the City' s website. Mayor Strommen stated the Charter requires the City to do other mailings, such as with the City' s newsletter. City Attorney Langel recalled that the utilities also send out an annual notice about franchise fees to tell their customer it is not a utility fee but a City fee. He stated it may be possible to work out a combined notice. Mayor Strommen stated the Council also wanted a mechanism to report balances and assure the money is spent for its intended purpose. Councilmember Riley stated that information is important and he would support the most cost effective and efficient method to provide that public notice. City Council Work Session / January 14, 2014 Page 5 of 9