04-12-2012 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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voter confusion no other amendment was forwarded by the council. The petition amendment was defeated in the election. The Citizen Task Force report to the council best defines the overriding issue: • The lack of authority and the inability of the City to reconstruct streets in the most responsible, timely and cost-effective manner. The following is a list of issues, broken into three categories; Process; Financing; and Design, that shape the arguments both for and against street reconstruction and proposed changes to the City Charter. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list but captures the varied components of this complex policy discussion. Process Issues • Lack of clear, consistent, interpretation regarding charter requirements, by all parties. • Election requirement eliminates the city's ability to predictably complete reconstruction projects. • Improvement process in charter does not currently conform to timelines established by recent legislative changes in State Election requirements. Financing Issues • Delays in reconstruction lead to increasing program costs due to inflation. • Lack of clear understanding of financing methods and their impact on property taxes. • Financing methods affect improvement process. • Funding upfront costs i.e., feasibility studies, with no assurance that projects will proceed and funds recovered. • Public perception that existing property taxes already pay for street reconstruction. Design Issues • Lack of acceptance that streets need to be reconstructed. • Differing opinions on City standard street design i.e., urban vs. rural; street widths. • Inclusion of public sewer and/or water in reconstruction projects in areas not currently served. • Plan development process and procedure is not clear to the public. Requested Council Direction Staff is requesting council direction regarding next steps.