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with State law; removing duplicative language; remove the need for primaries, with one option <br /> to remove primaries all together and another option to remove primaries for special elections; <br /> clean-up the language regarding advisory elections, with an option to remove advisory elections <br /> all together and another option to state that advisory elections can only occur with general <br /> elections; and regarding section 4.5.4, an option should be brought back to remove that section <br /> which would default to State law, and another option cleaning up the language and allowing <br /> appointment for terms of only less than 365 days. <br /> City Administrator Ulrich noted that sometimes there are special elections that align with general <br /> elections, as the City did this past fall. He noted that in that circumstance that might be an <br /> exception that would allow for a primary for a special election as it coincides with the regular <br /> general election. <br /> 5.2 Discuss Commissioning a Study on Alternate Sources for Road Funding <br /> Chairperson Field stated that the City of Ramsey is considering alternate sources for road <br /> funding, noting that he recently attended a public meeting on the topic. He reviewed the options <br /> that would be available that include 100 percent assessments, the current assessment policy, or <br /> franchise fees. He stated that there is a provision in the Charter on franchise fees and provided <br /> background information on how franchise fees work. He noted that lengthy discussions occurred <br /> in 2013, and reviewed a proposal that was made by a former Commissioner. He stated that <br /> proposal imposed a limit on how franchise fees could be used. He stated that he is not <br /> suggesting that the Commission take up action on the proposal but suggested that the language <br /> be considered for future debate until a private study can be commissioned to review options for <br /> road funding. He believed that the information would be useful to the Commission and to the <br /> Council as well. He stated that he reached out to City staff to determine if there are funds <br /> available for this type of study and learned that $1,500 could be allocated for this type of study. <br /> Commissioner Bendtsen asked how much the City of Ramsey is paying WSB for the <br /> presentation that is currently underway. <br /> City Administrator Ulrich explained that the price of the WSB contract was $35,000 and was <br /> separated into three different phases. He stated that phase one was to review the current <br /> pavement management plan and make recommendations, phase two moved into additional staff <br /> and public meetings along with presentation of resources, and phase three would include <br /> additional public meetings and potentially leading to a recommendation on a funding source for <br /> road improvements. He noted that the contract does have check-in points where the contract can <br /> be stopped. He stated that currently the City uses assessments for road financing and noted that <br /> if there is a consensus of the public input to continue with that, the service proposal would stop <br /> after phase two. <br /> Commissioner Anderson asked how Elk River is funding their road improvements, as they seem <br /> to have sufficient funds. <br /> Charter Commission/February 13,2019 <br /> Page 8of11 <br />