Agenda - Council - 07/23/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report and recommendation to authorize an amount of up to $5,000 from the Public Improvement Revolving Fund to be used for a local road funding study, to be completed by the University of Minnesota as outlined in the staff memorandum. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he does not support this action as he believes it to be a poor use of funds. He stated that after the past five years of bonding and assessments, he believes that is not a good option. He believes that franchise fees will be the best method for road funding and believed that this study would delay that process. Councilmember Riley referenced specific language used and suggested that language read similar cities rather than random cities. He asked for input on the suggestion that at least half of the survey cities be found outside of Minnesota. City Administrator Ulrich stated that was a proposed structure from the Charter Commission, which could be subject to debate. He explained that the Charter Commission wanted to get a good cross section from outside of Minnesota. He agreed that data may not be as relevant because of different laws and regulations. He noted that there was an interest in determining how other states fund roads, limiting the reach to cold weather states. Councilmember Riley stated that he only has input on how Ramsey funds things and not how the State funds things. Councilmember Heinrich stated that she sees value in funding this road study as it will look at the different methods for road funding. She believed that the study would provide value in making a decision on road funding moving forward. Motion by Councilmember Musgrove, seconded by Councilmember Heinrich, to authorize an amount of up to $5,000 from the Public Improvement Revolving Fund to be used for a local road funding study, to be completed by the University of Minnesota as outlined in the staff memorandum. Further discussion: Councilmember Riley asked if the issue of percentages or random selection needs to be addressed or whether the direction discussed was adequate. City Administrator Ulrich confirmed that he could take the direction discussed tonight and will have further discussion with the Charter Commission. Councilmember Kuzma stated that this will be funded through the PIR and it was noted earlier that the Council did not want to use these funds in this manner anymore. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor LeTourneau, Councilmembers Musgrove, Heinrich, and Riley. Voting No: Councilmember Kuzma. 8. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF INPUT City Administrator Ulrich announced upcoming meetings and events. City Council / July 9, 2019 Page 12 of 13