Agenda - Council - 06/26/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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support using the consultant. He stated that although he would like a decision sooner rather than later, he agreed that it is more important to ensure that this is done right rather than fast. Councilmember Shryock suggested including breakpoints in the contract, perhaps after the first public meeting which would allow the City to assess whether to move further in the contract process. Acting Mayor LeTourneau agreed that it would be helpful to have an escape in the contract based off of learned information from the public. City Administrator Ulrich confirmed the consensus of the Council to move forward and start the process of engaging the public through the contract with WSB, amending the contract to include breakpoints where the City can determine whether to continue moving through the process. Acting Mayor LeTourneau asked if the Council shares his concern of trying to communicate this message during an election cycle. Councilmember Shryock stated that if the process begins, but is not rushed, that could provide a positive opportunity. Councilmember Johns stated that she wants to start the discussion but does not want to rush the process to put it on the ballot and would simply suggest starting on the longer timeline. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he believes that this would become an election topic. He stated that he supports franchise fees but would be leaning towards waiting until after the election to ensure that there could be an honest discussion. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that part of the communications piece will be how the topic is phrased and therefore the discussion could be positive. Councilmember Shryock stated that she does not want it to seem like the topic is being pushed off because people are near the end of the term. She agreed that the communications portion could begin with proper phrasing and communications. She stated that the longer the decision is delayed, the more impact there will be to residents. She suggested starting the process, thoughtfully to get the discussion going. Councilmember Riley stated that if this cannot be done quickly, he would agree with using the long-term process to ensure that it can be done right. Councilmember Johns agreed that she is not afraid of the election but that the topic would be exploited into a political football. She stated that her intention is for the discussion to be clear and honest and not clouded within the election cycle and potential misinformation. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the topic can be phrased as a road funding discussion and not franchise fee discussion. He stated that there has to be proper information for the public in City Council Work Session / June 12, 2018 Page 4 of 8