Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />APRIL 23, 2003 <br />WITH A TARGET DATE OF JULY l sr FOR COMPLETION OF <br />NEGOTIATIONS AND A TARGET DATE OF SEPTEMBER I sr FOR <br />COMMENCEMENT OF COLLECTION OF FEES <br />The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by LaValle. <br />Ayes (5) Blesener, LaValle, Montour, Fahey, Anderson. <br />Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. <br />Fahey suggested that the Council reach consensus on the four points listed <br />on page 1 of the Administrator's April 18°i memo that Xcel's task force is <br />cunrently considering. The first relates to mailed notice to Xcel's <br />customers whenever a city implements a fee of 2% or higher on the gas <br />and/or electric utility. It was the consensus of the Council that the City <br />would like the ability to review and comment on the notice before it is sent <br />to customers by Xcel. <br />The second issue relates to a cap on high volume accounts, typically <br />commercial accounts. The Administrator reported that Xcel is considering <br />a cap as they feel if the fee is Coo large it will be a disincentive to <br />economic development. Council discussed this issue and the need to <br />arrive at a plan that is fair to both the residential and the commercial user. <br />Anderson expressed concern with the Council getting itself in the position <br />where the franchise fee becomes a negotiating issue with developers. <br />Anderson also noted the concern that Xcel has with providing exemptions <br />to the fee for low-income users, and the difficulties and costs associated <br />with providing a variety of exemptions. It was the consensus of the <br />Council that their goal was to put together a fair and equitable approach in <br />applying franchise fees to the various customer types. <br />The third issue was Xcel would like reconsideration of the fi•anchise fee on <br />a periodic basis, such as every three to five years. Council agreed, and it <br />was noted that the goal would be to eliminate the fee as soon as would be <br />practical. <br />The fourth issue was of fairness and equity in applying the fee, which <br />Council noted was their goal. <br />Council next reviewed the spreadsheet prepared by the Accounting <br />Supervisor relative to residential water bill comparisons of St. Paul rates <br />versus Little Canada rates. <br />AMERICAN It was the consensus of the Council to take down the American flags <br />FLAGS currently being flow along Little Canada Road and Centerville Road. <br />Blesener noted that the flags have been up for 30 days, some of the troops <br />