Agenda - Charter Commission - 12/10/2015

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to raise general revenue." He added this text was taken from the Charter Commission's January 27, 2014, minutes. Commissioner Bendtsen asked whether there are other funding sources available as a stop gap without a franchise fee. He stated he supports the Niska amendment. Commissioner Zaetsch stated there is emergency bonding. City Attorney Langel stated City staff has discussed the proposed language of the "Niska" amendment, and what it would mean in terms of dollar value to the City. He added City staff would struggle to provide a cost amount that corresponds with the restriction in the statute, and franchise fees would not be in place. He added a motion was approved by the City Council to direct the Charter Commission to review counter -petitions to Council -initiated improvements during budget discussions in the fall, to find a way to pay for roads. He reiterated the City Council has made it clear that they have no further interest in franchise fees, and it seemed, in his opinion, it would be pointless to pursue an election. Commissioner Niska stated that taking the proposed amendment to a vote would present voters with the question of whether franchise fees should be used as a general revenue source, or linked to something related to the franchise. He added the Charter Commission and community members have expressed their feelings about using franchise fees as a source of general revenue, and the issue will eventually resurface and create additional cost to the City in terms of a special election. He noted he does not support the Charter Commission moving forward on the franchise fee amendment at this time. Commissioner Zaetsch stated he fully concurs with Commissioner Niska's comments, and agrees that the Commission should not do anything that might be considered confrontational at this time. He added Chapter 7 of the City Charter relates to borrowing mechanisms that would provide options for relief, independent of franchise fees. He reiterated his support of the "Niska" amendment. Commissioner Niska stated he would propose a motion in light of the City Attorney's opinion regarding the intent of the City Council not to bring the franchise fee up again in 2014. City Attorney Langel stated, in response to Commissioner Niska's comment, that he does not speak for the City Council, but provides his own opinion of the City Council's actions in this matter. Commissioner Zaetsch stated the Charter Commission could consider tabling the issue indefinitely with the understanding that the question of franchise fees can be revisited in all aspects. Chairperson Field stated a motion to indefinitely table might prevent the Commission from raising the issue. Charter Commission/ June 25, 2014 Page 5 of 9