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Community Development Director Hanson reviewed the Staff report concerning implementing a <br /> lodging tax and entering an agreement with Minnesota Metro North Tourism (dba Twin Cities <br /> Gateway.) <br /> Councilmember Musgrove shared that when the Council was first introduced to this during a Work <br /> Session, she did not understand that this agreement would also be putting the lodging tax on any <br /> future hotels in the area which a future Council could expand. She said she does not support this <br /> as she does not like that the City would be responsible for the funding of this and she also does not <br /> like the philosophy of the Minnesota Metro North Tourism. <br /> Councilmember Specht noted that he also did not originally support this; however, he has decided <br /> to support this after talking to the local business owners that this would affect. He noted that future <br /> Council's will have the ability to do a lot of things, and the current Council cannot control what <br /> future Councils will do, they can only control what is decided now. <br /> Councilmember Howell shared her concerns with the 3%tax as everyone is pinching pennies these <br /> days. She noted that this could be putting the City at a disadvantage by adding this cost to people <br /> who will be staying in the City. She stated she will not be supporting this. <br /> Councilmember Riley stated that the City considered this a number of years ago; however, it was <br /> not the right time back then. He said the two hotels currently in Ramsey are both asking for this as <br /> they expect it to help them. He added that he will be supporting this. <br /> Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Woestehoff, to waive the City <br /> Charter requirement to read the ordinance aloud and introduce Ordinance 424-17 to Implement <br /> Lodging Tax. <br /> A roll call vote was performed: <br /> Councilmember Musgrove nay <br /> Councilmember Riley aye <br /> Councilmember Howell nay <br /> Councilmember Olson aye <br /> Councilmember Specht aye <br /> Councilmember Woestehoff aye <br /> Mayor Kuzma aye <br /> Motion carried. <br /> Motion by Councilmember Woestehoff, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to adoption of <br /> Resolution 424-317 Approving Agreement with Minnesota Metro North Tourism(dba Twin Cities <br /> Gateway) (as presented); subject to City Attorney review. <br /> Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Kuzma, Councilmembers Woestehoff, Olson, Riley, and <br /> Specht. Voting No: Councilmember Howell and Musgrove. <br /> City Council/November 12, 2024 <br /> Page 9 of 17 <br />