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COUNCIL MINUTES <br />February 22, 2016 <br />APPROVED <br />135 related to this project would be made through the City of Circle Pines so that would provide for an <br />136 exemption. <br />137 <br />138 Council Member Rafferty asked about the cost of the project to subscribers in the form of fees and <br />139 Ms. Amson explained that there are PEG and franchise fees to subscribers; the PEG fees are static at <br />140 $3.16 while the franchise fee amount is tied a percentage. Council Member Rafferty asked how <br />141 many people actually use the services; he's heard examples of cities that have broken away from this <br />142 type of communication (noting the City of Shoreview) and he wonders why. Ms. Amson explained <br />143 that cable programming services offered by North Metro are actually a very small part of their <br />144 services (and she reviewed the many services they provide). <br />145 <br />146 Council Member Reinert noted that the City's government channel is pretty old; he wonders how that <br />147 will be enhanced. Ms. Amson explained that the change to HD will obviously improve the picture <br />148 quality and also add certain technologic graphics capabilities. She added that she understands that <br />149 the City will be upgrading its city hall facilities and the North Metro engineer will be available to <br />150 assist with that process. Council Member Manthey asked if this funding will help the city in its own <br />151 upgrade project and Ms. Amson replied that the less they spend on the upgrade project, the more the <br />152 city will get back so that could concievably be used for the project. <br />153 <br />154 Council Member Manthey asked if other member cities have signed on and Ms. Amson said that six <br />155 cities have done so. <br />156 <br />157 Administrator Karlson added that when he started in his position as city administrator, he saw that the <br />158 city should start saving for an upgrade project to the council chambers and perhaps the community <br />159 room. That funding has now grown and is available for a project here at city hall. <br />160 <br />161 The council discussed delaying consideration of the bond issuance and joint powers amendment and <br />162 heard from staff that the bond must be approved prior to March 2; the joint powers amendment could <br />163 be delayed. Mayor Reinert noted that he's never seen a budget for the North Metro organization and <br />164 is interested in learning more about the budget for this proposed project. <br />165 <br />166 Council Member Manthey moved to approve Resolution 1640 as presented. Council Member <br />167 Maher seconded the motion. <br />168 <br />169 Council Member Rafferty noted that he has some concern about moving forward at this point. <br />170 <br />171 The motion was adopted on a voice vote; Council Member Rafferty recorded as voting "no". <br />172 <br />173 Regarding Item 3C, Administrator Karlson explained that the resolution would provide for an <br />174 amendment to the joint powers agreement (governing North Metro Telecommunications) to reflect a <br />175 change regarding the issuance of bonds. Ms. Amson explained that the amendment serves to clean <br />176 up the JPA; some of the language in the agreement relates to the previously bonded project, their <br />177 building. The new language means that North Metro wouldn't have to ask for a change to the JPA <br />178 everytime they bond. It also would change how cities can spend fees, giving more latitude. <br />179 <br />0 <br />