Agenda - Council - 07/09/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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He stated that the survey was as much about how the City will spend its money but also about how choices will be made for the community using the limited resources. City Administrator Ulrich stated that some of the items are funded by different funds, such as the enterprise fund, rather than the general fund and therefore would not have the same impact as other items. Finance Director Lund provided an overview of the budget calendar as proposed. 2.03: Local Road Funding City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Heinrich referenced the perception that has been coming up about people not liking the assessment process. She stated that only two assessments were petitioned and stopped over the past five years and therefore perhaps that perception is incorrect. Mayor LeTourneau stated that it would be helpful to know the number of projects that were completed in the past five years to provide an accurate percentage of projects that were petitioned/stopped. City Engineer Westby estimated 11 or 12 projects occurred during that five-year period. Mayor LeTourneau noted that provides more context to that number. Councilmember Kuzma stated that on the Andre Street project there was a resident that challenged the assessment and took it to the point where the City almost had to go to court. He believed that residents understand the franchise fee system much better now than when it was discussed in the past. Councilmember Riley stated that in addition to the two projects that have been stopped, the City has to be on the defense from the beginning with projects and noted that there are extra steps in the assessment process that add cost. City Engineer Westby stated that indirect project costs through the franchise fee process are generally at least five percent less than through the assessment process. He reviewed some of the additional steps that are necessary for the assessment process. Finance Director Lund stated that the appeal process has additional legal costs as that is above the City's retainer. Mayor LeTourneau asked for input on the $6 franchise fee model shown for the five-year period. Finance Director Lund stated that in order to fund the five-year program the amount needed would be $7.25 per utility. She stated that if $6 per utility is used, an internal loan could be completed from the PIR fund for years four and five. City Council Work Session / June 25, 2019 Page 3 of 7