03-01-2010 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION March 1, 2010 APPROVED 46 by Comcast at no cost,valid through the course of existing franchise agreements (those L 47 vary in terms). There is a threat that the same arrangement may become unavailable in 48 the future so the concept of leasing circuits at a cost is on the table as well as cities 49 putting in their own fiber connections. The AFS network proposal fits well into the 50 concept of cities moving away from the franchise connection. He noted that the grant 51 process will be very competitive with many proposals expected. 52 53 The council discussed the annual maintenance obligation. Mr. Heiser explained that 54 although it would be new cost to the city, it is divided among the nineteen Metro-INET 55 user groups according to the number of units and should remain fairly stable. The costs 56 may be reduced further by the inclusion of more groups in the future as well as identified 57 savings. 58 59 The council agreed to consider a resolution of support at the council meeting. 60 61 3. Budget 62 63 Response to council questions—Finance Director Rolek noted that the management 64 team has collectively prepared answers to budget ideas brought forward by the council. 65 Many of the suggestions came from Council Member Roeser. The list was reviewed with 66 the following comments. Acting Administrator Tesch noted that Council Member 67 O'Donnell had submitted some budgetary ideas but they are not included in the current 68 report; responses on those items will be sent out to council members. 69 70 Snow Plowing—the interest is in providing/sharing services with other jurisdictions in 71 areas where that makes sense. 72 73 Emergency Services Dispatch—a merger to provide services to Centerville has been 74 discussed in the past and did not result in a change but is there a way to look again and 75 make it a successful and cost saving venture for all. A council member recalled past 76 discussions on the subject and the related concerns and expressed uncertainty that an 77 agreement is possible; it needs to be a fair situation for all. 78 79 Utility Billing—there remains interest in sharing or providing services to other 80 jurisdictions. The council plans to look at all city resources and look for those 81 opportunities as a larger project. Such a process is vital and must be undertaken as part of 82 budget discussion. 83 84 Fees for Services—Although staff reported that fees are reviewed annually,the council 85 remains committed to charging fees in direct correlation to the cost of services provided. 86 Where outsourcing makes sense it should be considered(example given where the City of 87 Ramsey contracts with a private service for electrical services previously provided by the 88 state and receives a portion of the fees). 89 `...„ 90 Seek Funding for Shovel Ready Projects— Staff has noted that qualified projects are 2