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Sharon Dahlgren, 6328 - 143rd Lane N.W., Ramsey - inquired why, after all these years <br />with Anoka Electric Cooperative, are we concerned with covering the cost of the rigl~t-of- <br />way. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that the ordinance sets out an operating relationship between the City <br />and the utility company. He stated that Council and City Staff have been discussing <br />recovering some revenue from the utility companies for services the City delivers to them <br />and one of these services is the use of the fight-of-ways. <br /> <br />Doug Fountain, 15255 Garnet Street N.W., Ramsey - asked what specifically are some of <br />the services the City provides for the utility companies. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that the primary service is providing right-of-way. The City <br />encumbers expense in acquiring right-of-ways. We use a large share of it for the road and <br />the balance for cable TV, electric and gas utilities. Another expense would be when the <br />right-of-ways are opened up for line repair, this requires action by City forces. It may <br />require cutting into pavement or contacting citizens relating to the lines being worked on. If <br />utility lines have to be moved, the City is billed for that also. <br /> <br />Mr. Fountain inquired if Ramsey is the only City that doesn't have such an ordinance. <br /> <br />Mr. Uhrhammer stated that Ramsey is not the only City but the u-end has been to pass the <br />franchise ordinance so relationships are clearly defined. <br /> <br />Mr. Fountain inquired at what cost are we providing services to the utilities companies. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder replied it varies. If we even just look at right-of-ways alone, there is a <br />significant value. <br /> <br />Rebecca Lemke, 14361 Uranium Street N.W., Ramsey - asked if the utilities would receive <br />any revenue. <br /> <br />Mr. Uhrhammer stated that the utility company does not receive revenue from such fee. <br /> <br />Ms. Lemke stated she is opposed to the franchise fee or additional tax regarding utility <br />usage. She feels this is basic trickle-down economics. She sees it as a recessive issue that <br />impacts the elderly, fixed income people and the average tax payer. There is a Minnesota <br />State Statute where the sales taxes are not collected on the primary source of heat from <br />April to November. She asked what the purpose of the revenue is going to serve. <br /> <br />Mayor Gilbertson stated that the State takes away dollars and tells the cities they have to <br />help themselves by figuring out ways for more revenue. <br /> <br />Ms. Lemke inquired what services from the City would be compromised. <br /> <br />Mayor Gilbertson replied all departments would suffer, including the Police and Fire <br />Departments. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder added that Council is in the process of preparing the 1993 budget and <br />they've had to cut $70,000 from that budget. He stated an added situation is that Ramsey <br />is growing rapidly and because of State law in the past years, the City has had the inability <br />to effectively fund services at the standard level. The City of Ramsey has about 10 police <br />officers, Champlin has twice that number, Anoka has 30 officers, etc. The Fire <br /> <br />City Council/November 10, 1992 <br /> Page 5 of 10 <br /> <br /> <br />