09-14-1993 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Kaim asked a question regarding whether the City could increase the mill rate and not increase taxes because property values are also increasing. Mr. Peskar said no, the courts would look at the private appraisals without improvements and then appraisals with improvements. Rosemary Storberg, 6978 Lake Drive - Asked if this proposal could be put on the November ballot so that the citizens could vote on the matter. She also asked if there is any record indicating that changing the Charter in this matter would void the entire Charter. Mr. Smith explained that there are several ways to amend the Charter and the Charter Commission is proposing to use the method of recommending a change to the City Council and then they would pass an ordinance enacting the Charter amendment. There would be a waiting period prior to the ordinance becoming effective and during this period of time the citizens could present a petition requesting a referendum. A second method of amending the Charter is to directly put the proposal to the voters and bypass the City Council. Mr. Peskar answered the question regarding voiding the City Charter. He noted that under Minnesota law, a home rule charter or city council can pass any legislation of a local nature that the legislature can pass. The legislature has the power to classify property and so does the home rule charter. Mr. Gontarek noted that this matter should be addressed in the Charter by-laws. Bob King, 198 Maryy Street - Mr. King asked how the Council Members felt about the proposal. John Bergeson, 6996 West Shadow Lake Drive - Mr. Bergeson explained that he supported the change. He noted that property taxes are higher than they should be and to moderate them, commercial/industrial development must be encouraged. He also noted the need to be competitive for this development. A prospective business looks at the process in Lino Lakes and then looks at the process in adjoining communities. There is no question that Lino Lakes has a longer more costly process. This amendment would facilitate attracting business to Lino Lakes. Ms. Kuether explained that she has not made a decision regarding the matter, however economic development is needed and she felt the need to support the EDAAB. Ms. Kuether also expressed the need to protect the 18 homeowners in the three (3) areas affected by the proposal. Mike Welch, 7164 Whippoorwill - Mr. Welch asked what communities are using Chapter 429? Mr. Peskar explained only one (1) community in the north metro area uses their Charter, and explained that most home rule charter communities use Chapter 429. PAGE 9