Agenda - Council - 04/23/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Shryock stated that she believes that this process should continue. She noted that the feedback from residents that she has received is that they would like more information. She stated that she would like more input from the Charter Commission and how the properties that have been assessed would be handled should franchise fees go forward. Councilmember Riley stated that he would also like to hear more and have this go forward. He stated that at the meeting he attended, the strongest proponent for franchise fees were residents that have been assessed. He stated that there is data on the assessment process and residents have been vocal on their dislike for assessments. He stated that his biggest takeaway from the meeting he attended was the cost savings that would be provided through franchise fees, as that would be a cost savings for all taxpayers. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he would also like additional information on how the properties that have been assessed would be handled. He stated that the residents that he has spoken to have expressed support for franchise fees. Councilmember Heinrich stated that she has received mixed feedback, almost a 50/50 split. She was unsure if going forward in the process would help the Council make the decision. She asked why the decision is just not made on the information that has been given. She stated that she is not comfortable with the open house meeting format that has occurred thus far. She noted that her opinion was that the open house was a sales pitch for franchise fees rather than an open house. She commented that residents opposed to franchise fees were afraid to raise their hand as they felt their opinion would be shot down. She stated that if more public outreach efforts occur, she would prefer a different format. She was unsure if she had a clear position on whether this should move forward. She did not feel that the community has been educated enough, and felt that more education and outreach need to occur. She stated that a part of her thinks the Council is going to make the decision anyways, so the decision should just be made. Councilmember Shryock stated that education will be a huge component, explaining what the difference would mean to residents. She stated that perhaps something can show the difference people would pay comparing an assessment to franchise fees. Mayor LeTourneau stated that the City is still very early in the process and this seems to be a milestone in the process. He agreed that if the Council chooses to move forward there would be more work to do. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she believed that financial information would be part of the discussion. She stated that she has a different perspective, as she owns a smaller portion of property and with the franchise fee; she would not have the same benefit as others. She stated that she does not believe churches and schools should have to pay. She explained that churches and schools have members that belong to the community and those residents are already paying taxes or would be paying franchise fees for their homes. She stated that there is a portion of people that do not have utilities and asked how that would be equal. She stated that this is a regressive tax, as there is already a property tax. She stated that she would like additional information on financials, including the franchise fee and how this would look on the taxes. She asked what is being prioritized above roads currently. She stated that she is looking forward to City Council Work Session / April 9, 2019 Page 5 of 7