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