03-14-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES February 22, 2016 DRAFT 4 related to this project would be made through the City of Circle Pines so that would provide for an 135 exemption. 136 137 Council Member Rafferty asked about the cost of the project to subscribers in the form of fees and 138 Ms. Arnson explained that there are PEG and franchise fees to subscribers; the PEG fees are static at 139 $3.16 while the franchise fee amount is tied a percentage. Council Member Rafferty asked how 140 many people actually use the services; he’s heard examples of cities that have broken away from this 141 type of communication (noting the City of Shoreview) and he wonders why. Ms. Arnson explained 142 that cable programming services offered by North Metro are actually a very small part of their 143 services (and she reviewed the many services they provide). 144 145 Council Member Reinert noted that the City’s government channel is pretty old; he wonders how that 146 will be enhanced. Ms. Arnson explained that the change to HD will obviously improve the picture 147 quality and also add certain technologic graphics capabilities. She added that she understands that 148 the City will be upgrading its city hall facilities and the North Metro engineer will be available to 149 assist with that process. Council Member Manthey asked if this funding will help the city in its own 150 upgrade project and Ms. Arnson replied that the less they spend on the upgrade project, the more the 151 city will get back so that could concievably be used for the project. 152 153 Council Member Manthey asked if other member cities have signed on and Ms. Arnson said that six 154 cities have done so. 155 156 Administrator Karlson added that when he started in his position as city administrator, he saw that the 157 city should start saving for an upgrade project to the council chambers and perhaps the community 158 room. That funding has now grown and is available for a project here at city hall. 159 160 The council discussed delaying consideration of the bond issuance and joint powers amendment and 161 heard from staff that the bond must be approved prior to March 2; the joint powers amendment could 162 be delayed. Mayor Reinert noted that he’s never seen a budget for the North Metro organization and 163 is interested in learning more about the budget for this proposed project. 164 165 Council Member Manthey moved to approve Resolution 16-10 as presented. Council Member 166 Maher seconded the motion. 167 168 Council Member Rafferty noted that he has some concern about moving forward at this point. 169 170 The motion was adopted on a voice vote; Council Member Rafferty recorded as voting “no”. 171 172 Regarding Item 3C, Administrator Karlson explained that the resolution would provide for an 173 amendment to the joint powers agreement (governing North Metro Telecommunications) to reflect a 174 change regarding the issuance of bonds. Ms. Arnson explained that the amendment serves to clean 175 up the JPA; some of the language in the agreement relates to the previously bonded project, their 176 building. The new language means that North Metro wouldn’t have to ask for a change to the JPA 177 everytime they bond. It also would change how cities can spend fees, giving more latitude. 178 179