Minutes - Charter Commission - 02/13/2019

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Commissioner Bendtsen stated that during the last presentation on road financing there was approximately 10 minutes spent on each of the other options and 90 minutes on franchise fees. Commissioner Fuhreck agreed that it would be helpful to spend the additional funds to see not only the pros of franchise fees but also the pros and cons of all the options. Chairperson Field stated that a motion is required to extend the money for this study. Motion by Chairperson Field, seconded by Commissioner Sivertson, that Charter Chapter 10, Section 10.4 would be amended to state, "except that any franchise fees imposed under applicable State Statute must be limited to defraying increased municipal costs accrued as a result of utility operations, and may not be used to raise general revenue." Further discussion: Chairperson Field stated that he would entertain a motion to table this action until a study can be completed. Commissioner Anderson stated that she would believe that the City Council has done some of this work already and would not just be leaning towards franchise fees on a whim. City Administrator Ulrich stated that they do not have to start from zero as there is past research that can be updated, and the funds can be used to provide an extra level of analysis. Motion by Commissioner Bendtsen, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to table the motion until a study can be commissioned. Further discussion: Chairperson Field stated that the original motion was needed in order to propose an amendment that will provide the $1,500 to use for the study. Commissioner Anderson asked who would be commissioned to be responsible for the study. Chairperson Field stated that a Committee could be selected to assist in the process. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the suggestion of a Committee appointed to study this would work well from a staff perspective. He noted that the Committee could first define the scope of the study. Commissioners Bendtsen, Anderson, Sivertson, and Chairperson Field agreed to form a Committee. Chairperson Field stated that he would like ample time to review the study results prior to the next discussion. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Field, Commissioners Bendtsen, Anderson, Fuhreck, Leistico, and Sivertson. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Barrows, Deemer and Niederhaus. Chairperson Field stated that the motion has been made that will allow the funds for the study to be allocated and noted that the Committee of four will meet outside of this Commission with staff to continue the work. 5.3 Approve Year End Activity Letter to Chief Judge for Year 2018 Chairperson Field noted that included in the case was the draft summary letter for the year 2018 for the Commission's review, comment, and approval. Once approved by the Commission, staff will forward the letter to the Chief Judge. Charter Commission/February 13,2019 Page 10 of 11