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Mark David Johnson, 17301 Unicom Street NW, Ramsey, stated that the City of Ramsey has <br />sugar sand and when it rains it drains. He stated that the way that the City has initiated this <br />utility is wrong and most of the neighbors want to begin a petition against the fee because the <br />Council is coming across as being crooked. He questioned if there is an end to the fee. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec replied that when a fee is established you should not look for an end to it. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson stated that he would prefer to pay higher taxes. <br /> <br />Mr. Olson explained that the reason the charge was added to the electric bill is because the City <br />has the available facilities to send out the bills and it was the most cost effective method to get <br />the utility in process. <br /> <br />Tom Wright, 17105 Nowthen Boulevard NW, Ramsey, stated that he has often thought of <br />expanding into Ramsey and the local business people have spoken very strongly. He questioned <br />that once the Council hears'the concerns of the business community would they consider <br />changing their minds regarding the utility. As a resident, if he comes to them with a similar <br />problem, he would like to know if he will be told that this is the law and leave if you don't like it. <br /> <br />Councihnember Hendriksen replied that Mr. Wright is a resident of Ramsey and he owns a <br />business in Anoka, and the businesses who produce a higher amount of run-off, are requesting <br />the Council use a method that would distribute the cost of the run-offto all residents. <br /> <br />Mr. Wright replied that he firmly believes that taxes should be raised all around. Some of the <br />businesses are very small businesses and the City is hittin~g them with very large fees because <br />businesses have been an easy target. The business people are not saying that they are not willing <br />to pay more, but feel it should be spread-out and made more equitable. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated that he would change his mind if it is proved that the current <br />storm drainage utility is proven to be not equitable, but right now he feels it is equitable because <br />each unit is charged by their amount of run-off. <br /> <br />Mr. Wright replied that perception is fact and the business community feels like the City is <br />ripping off the businesses and as a perspective business owner he is interested in how the Council <br />will respond. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated that he believes that the businesses are producing more run- <br />off than residential properties and should have to pay for that. <br /> <br />Mr. Wright questioned if the Council is willing to change their decision based on the reaction of <br />the business community. <br /> <br />City Council/September 26, 2000 <br /> Page 27 of 36 <br /> <br /> <br />