02-12-2020 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 12, 2020 Healy stated that they are looking at a change in space or a move, and they are in the process of going through a name change to better reflect what they do now, which is very unique. She explained that Centurylink is no longer be offering cable, and now only provides phone, security and internet services. She stated that CTV has an agreement with Centurylink to help existing customers with their questions such as what to do with their cable boxes. She noted that any questions the City may get can be forwarded to CTV. Montour stated that the Commission recently did a review with Comcast to make sure they are paying CTV what they should be. He stated Comcast is almost ready to settle since it was determined that CTV was being underpaid. Healy stated their audit came back saying they were under paid by approximately $106,000 over about 18 months, but Comcast claims it is only $5,000, so they are working on agreeing on a final number. The Parks & Rec/Community Services Manager stated that CTV will be starting the Phase 1 upgrades to the Council Chambers, and then Phase 2 will be reviewed and possibly started yet this year. He noted that both of these phase upgrades were budgeted in 2020. Healy explained that there is another decrease of around 2% to 4% coming in franchise fees in 2020, which is less than it has been, but she predicts that these fees will be completely gone eventually. Montour asked what other groups besides the nine contract cities they are working with. Healy stated that they are working with non -contract cities, non -profits and government organizations such as Ramsey County, watershed districts, and several Chambers of Commerce. Keis asked about where they are at with their space change. Healy stated that their current lease expires in January 2021, and their infrastructure is very expensive to move. She reported that they are considering a smaller footprint at their current space, a space on Fairview Avenue in the same building as Comcast, and the Old Fire Hall in Little Canada. DISCUSS RENTAL The City Administrator explained that the City adopted a rental housing HOUSING licensing ordinance in 2009 that requires all single family and multi - LICENSING family residential dwelling units to obtain a rental housing license. He PROGRAM stated that this program was adopted in response to crime issues at some apartment buildings, but rental licensing is typically not an effective way to directly reduce crime. He reviewed how a well -run rental housing licensing program could benefit the community and the rental housing