Minutes - Council - 06/10/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Backous noted fees and taxes are just part of running a city. He explained the cost of street maintenance falls at least partially on the residents. This could be via franchise fees or assessments. He said he agreed that restraints do need to be placed on franchise fees. He said the roads are in need of repair, and something needs to be done as far as funding. Councilmember Kuzma stated the Charter amendment includes too many restrictions, and he will not support the amendment. Mayor Strommen said the assessment policy that is in place now has not served the residents well. She explained the residents are not in a place to handle payment in one lump sum, and the alternative is to take on financing with interest added. She stated she has heard residents state they would like to budget for these costs. The roads need to be maintained. She asked the City Attorney what the options are to move this forward. City Attorney Langel explained the options, noting that few options are left if this will be added to the ballot in August. The last date to add language to the ballot is July 8. The Charter could add this item to the ballot, or the Council could send the item back to the Charter for discussion. Motion by Councilmember Backous, seconded by Mayor Strommen, to introduce Ordinance #14 -06 amending Chapter 7 of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Ramsey, relating generally to Franchise Fees. Further discussion: The Council discussed whether the item should be added to the ballot, or further discussed between the two governing bodies. Discussion ensued whether there is sufficient time to send it to the Charter. Consensus was reached to introduce the Ordinance and take votes. Motion failed. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Backous and Johns Voting No: Councilmembers Kuzma, LeTourneau, Riley, and Tossey. Mayor Strommen posed the question of whether the Councilmembers would be interested in forwarding this issue to the voters. The consensus of the Council was to send the item to the voters via ballot. Councilmember Backous asked the Councilmembers that voted no on the motion what language they were opposed to in the amendment. Councilmember Kuzma responded the language binds future policies. If there is an emergency of some kind, this language restricts the use of the funds for that situation. Councilmember LeTourneau added he found the language encumbers future Councils and the Council did not want this tool to become something that could be its own identity. He noted the Council could keep that control outside the Charter without having language in the Charter to have control or mitigate the concerns. He said he believes this issue should be put in front of voters. City Council / June 10, 2014 Page 6of13