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Sharon Dahlgren stated the ordinance looks as if nothing has really changed. There is still a 3% charge recommended for residential customers and nothing for the commercial custorners. Mr. Schroeder pointed out that the 3% limited to only residential users is Staffs recommendation. Ms. Dahlgren asked if charging a tax from April through October was a consideration. Mr. Schroeder stated that he believes a seasonal tax would limit the participation by the gas company because their revenue is primarily generated in the winter months, whereas the electric company's revenue is more balanced year-round. Marilyn Steiner, 6121 - 158th Lane N.W., Ramsey - stated she saw the notice of the proposed franchise fee when she went to pay her gas bill. She stated that to tax residential and not commercial users would be unfair and discriminatory. She added that the commercial customers can use their costs for utilities as a tax deduction and residential customers cannot. Ms. Steiner added to keep quiet about this proposed fee makes it appear as if the City wanted to "slip it by the public". Becky Lemke, 14361 Uranium Street N.W., Ramsey - stated that the City of Coon Rapids already has a franchise fee imposed on their bill and it's existed since the 1970's. Minneapolis has a floating scale and it includes the commercial customers, as well as the residential ones. She stated taxing only residential users is unfair. Bill Miller, 16765 Nutria Street N.W., Ramsey - stated he owns a business in Ramsey and in rebuttal, feels it is unfair to tax the businesses. Some businesses use $5,000 worth of utility services per day while some use nearly nothing. Bill Dubats, owner of business property in the Cit~,, stated that businesses pay a disproportionately high tax in comparison to residences. Motion by Councilmember Zimmerman and seconded by Mayor Gilbertson to table the introduction of the franchise fee ordinance until a full Council is present. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gilbertson, Councilmembers Zimmerman and Hardin. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmembers Beyer and Peterson. Case #4: Introduce Ordinance to Amend Chapter 9 of the Ramsey City Code, Sections 9.02 to 9.21.23, 9.50.37, 9.50.50, and Section 9.50.57 Zoning Adminisu-ator Frolik stated that the first area to be amended in Chapter 9, is Section 9.02, Definitions. The purpose of this change is to eliminate the opportunity to include road right-of-way when meeting minimum lot area requirements and to include a definition for parcel. The second area is amendments to Sections 9.50.37, 9.50.50 and 9.50.57 relative to subdivision design standards. It requires developers to not only dedicate land for parks and trails to satisfy park dedication requirements, but also to install the improvements. The third area is modifying the B-3 Highway Business District to broaden the permitted uses to include retail activity and professional offices. Bill Dubats, 6740 Highway #10 N.W., stated he would like to request that day care be added as a permitted use in the B-3 District. City Council/il/24/92 Page 6 of 8