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<br />overlay projects could not be completed as reconstructions would be needed instead. She stated <br />that Variolite was funded through MSA funds. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove asked why the unused funds would not have went towards the debt <br />levy or general fund. <br /> <br />Finance Director Lund provided additional details on how the fund was used, noting that the <br />balance remained because of uncompleted projects. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove asked for details on the homes constructed within the TIF District. <br /> <br />Finance Director Lund explained that the TIF District was used to put improvements into place, <br />such as infrastructure and other improvements that benefit the City as a whole. <br /> <br />Mr. Howsman commented that townhomes and apartments continue to be constructed and the <br />previous Council ran McDonalds out to town. <br /> <br />Mayor LeTourneau refocused the resident on the issue of roads. He stated that McDonalds made <br />a decision for themselves and encouraged the resident to stay focused on the topic. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove stated that her point was that currently the property taxes from the <br />residents in The COR are paying into the TIF District and will then pay into the general fund. <br /> <br />Finance Director Lund stated that the residents still pay property taxes that contribute to the general <br />fund. She noted that a majority of the townhomes have been removed from the TIF District <br />already. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove stated that she is against the franchise fees and believes that this should <br />instead be planned for in the levy. She commented that the assessment caused a hardship for some <br />residents, but the majority were fine. She commented that two road projects were stopped through <br />petition, but the remainder were completed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kuzma commented that the TIF District was started 12 plus years ago. He stated <br />that if the franchise fee is not approved and the road financing is put on the levy, the property taxes <br />will increase. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember Menth, to waive the City Charter <br />requirement to read the Ordinance aloud and Adopt Ordinance #20-11 Implementing a Gas <br />Franchise on Centerpoint Energy for Providing Gas Service Within the City of Ramsey, Adopt <br />Ordinance #20-12 Implementing an Electric Franchise Fee on Connexus Energy for Providing <br />Electric Service Within the City of Ramsey and Adopt Ordinance #20-13 Implementing an Electric <br />Franchise Fee on the City of Anoka Electric for Providing Electric Service Within the City of <br />Ramsey. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Councilmember Specht stated that he provided reasoning on why he opposes <br />franchise fees at the last meeting and would not review those reasons a second time but just wanted <br />City Council / July 28, 2020 <br />Page 11 of 16 <br /> <br />