Agenda - Planning Commission - 10/07/2004

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Further Discussion: Mayor Gamec noted sunounding communities are at a salary rate of about $9,500 to $10,000. Motion by Councilmember Cook, second by Councilmember Strommen, to move Case No.2, item 1, The Qumierly Review of Franchise Fee Collections, next on the agenda. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Cook, S trOlmn en, Elvig, Kurak, and Zimmenllan. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Pearson. Case #2: Report from Finance Committee 1) Quarterly Review of Franchise Fee Collection Motion by Mayor Gamec, second by Councilmember Cook, to discontinue the franchise fee in the City of Ramsey at the end of the third quarter. Fmiher Discussion: Councilmember Elvig indicated this case was reviewed in the Finance Committee and it was recommended to do the same as the mayor's motion, and to repeal the franchise fee at the end of the third quarter, which would be the end of Septembei'. Mayor Gamec thanked the people of Ramsey and the businesses. He stated they went out to the businesses and met with everyone, and worked with the businesses people. The business people backed the City on the franchise fees and understood it. At the time there was a commitment on his paIi that if money came through they would eliminate the fee. He did want to make sure they brought this up, and the businesses he met with in the last couple of weeks reminded him of this. He thinks with the finance situation now in the City, and the things happening with building, providing there are no major emergencies, they will be in good shape. He noted there are some outstanding large bills and things that about to come due. City Attomey Goodrich advised an ordinance will need to be passed to repeal the franchise fee, which will be done at a subsequent meetmg. Motion canied. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Cook, Elvig, Kurak, Strommen, and Zimmenllan. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Pearson. Further Discussion: Councilmember Kurak stated it is well noted that when this franchise fee was initiated the Council was adamant it would not go on any longer than needed. There were people that said once a fee goes on it never comes off, but this fee did come off That is something to be said for the Council; this time the fee did go away. Mayor Gamec commented the Council needs help from the people. As far as the Council is concemed, they want to make their decisions on what is needed for the City and is light for the people. There are always controversies, but they do need the independence and to be able to work alone. Levy limits are coming off, which gives them the chance to run their City as they feel, and he feels much better when they control their destiny and budgets. If the residents want to blame the Council for their budget. they can blame them, and he would hope the residents can support them in no levy limits for cities. He thanked the residents and businesses of Ramsey for going through this with them. City Council/August 10, 2004 Page 10 of 27 P24