Minutes - Charter Commission - 04/23/2014

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Commissioner Deemer stated that the Charter has amended policy type issues in this manner in the past. Commissioner Zaetsch stated that there is a problem with the current method of assessment, noting that assessments cannot exceed the benefit of value to the property and explained that this creates difficult issues in regard to valuation. He stated that one Councilmember has told him that he would not vote for franchise fees, which would mean that the Council vote would not be unanimous. He believed that should be weighed. Commissioner S. Anderson questioned whether the Commission is putting forth the amendment through for a unanimous vote of the City Council or whether the Commission is putting forth the amendment to go forward as a referendum vote. Commissioner Deemer believed the Commission would be putting forth the amendment to the Council, which would require a unanimous vote of the City Council. Chairperson Field stated that the Commission has been working with the City Council in order to develop an amendment, which is agreeable to both parties. He stated that the decision could be made to exit that discussion and go to the voters. He believed that the Commission should review what has been proposed with an attempt to go back to the Council for a unanimous vote. Commissioner Niska stated that if the Commission can develop a set of restrictions that could act as a floor, and could be agreed upon by the Commission and passed by a unanimous vote of the Council, the voters would still have the option to act through petition if they desired. Commissioner Zaetsch stated that perhaps the decision to work together with the City Council would avoid a plethora of ballot issues. He stated that if something could be agreed upon by the Commission and Council, an official version could be presented to voters. City Administrator Ulrich agreed that it would not be beneficial to have multiple questions on the ballot to present to voters. He explained how the 20 percent referenced was devised. Chairperson Field stated that he was in agreement that the limit would be tied to the City levy rather than utilities as well. He also suggested a revision that would tie the franchise fee to a percentage of the general fund that is dedicated to road repairs, noting that currently there is $500,000 identified for roads within the general fund and suggesting perhaps 150 percent or 200 percent of that amount. He explained that if the desire was to raise the franchise fee the dedication in the budget for road repairs would also need to be raised. Commissioner Deemer stated that he is not in favor of franchise fees and advised that he views this as the City willing to tie its own hands in order to please residents. He stated that he would support moving the language proposed by the Council back to the City Council for a vote. He stated that he would not be in favor of triggering a special election for this. Commissioner Niederhaus stated that he has lived in Ramsey for 25 years and recognized that the road quality has diminished. He confirmed that the Commission does not want the City to go Charter Commission/ April 23, 2014 Page 4 of 8