Agenda - Council - 09/10/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor LeTourneau stated that tonight is not a public hearing. He explained that should this move forward; a notice would be provided for a public hearing on September 10. Councilmember Riley noted that there are residents present that wanted to speak and he felt that they should be able to speak. Mayor LeTourneau stated that he will stand firm as this is not a public hearing. He stated that residents will be given the opportunity to speak on this topic on September loth' should this move forward. He noted that notice would be provided for the public hearing for all residents that would be interested in speaking on the topic. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma to order a public hearing for September 10, 2019 to Introduce Ordinances #19-11 implementing a gas franchise fee on Centerpoint Energy for providing gas service within the City of Ramsey, #19-12 implementing an electric franchise fee on Connexus Energy for providing electric service within the City of Ramsey, and #19-13 implementing an electric franchise fee on the City of Anoka Electric for providing electric service within the City of Ramsey. Motion failed for lack of a second. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Musgrove, to table this topic for a later date. Further discussion: Mayor LeTourneau stated that he would prefer to follow the path and hold a public hearing on September 10th. Councilmember Heinrich thanked the residents that came tonight that were willing to speak publicly for or against franchise fees. Mayor LeTourneau echoed those comments but noted that he is attempting to be consistent and transparent and wants to ensure that everyone has a chance to share their voice at a public hearing. Motion failed. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Riley and Musgrove. Voting No: Mayor LeTourneau, Councilmembers Heinrich and Kuzma. Councilmember Kuzma stated that if the franchise fee is not implemented, that will not solve the topic of road financing. He stated that there could potentially be an increase of 26 percent if the road financing is added to the budget. Finance Director Lund stated that if the total road funding were placed on the tax levy there would be a proposed 26 percent increase, with 18 percent of that related to road funding. City Administrator Ulrich stated that a possible solution would be to consider September loth an open house meeting rather than a public hearing, should that be preferred. He noted that the public could be invited to an open house/worksession. He stated that there have been three public open house meetings already, but another meeting of that type could be an option. Mayor LeTourneau stated that the three public open house meetings that were held were productive but solid direction was not received from the residents that attended. City Council / August 12, 2019 Page 8 of 13