12/11/2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 23, 2000 Council Member Carlson distributed a letter she received earlier in the day indicating opposition to • the meter fee. She stated that at the last meeting, the issue of the Charter Commission's position was brought up. She asked Acting Mayor Dahl to read the minutes from the Charter Commission's meeting regarding this issue. Acting Mayor Dahl read the draft minutes from the meeting of the Charter Commission. The minutes indicated the Charter Commission does not support the use of a franchise fee to pay for road reconstruction. The Administration Director provided Mr. Bening with information regarding his questions and the types of utility services. He reviewed the usage relating to residential use for each company. Mr. Bening stated the information answers his question to a certain extent. He clarified the number of residents using natural gas. He stated that he presumes all commercial uses natural gas. He stated that right now there are about 100 residential NSP customers that will be included in the meter fee. He stated he would prefer a more equitable way to fund roads qH� a rep sted the proposed meter fee be denied. He stated there is a mechanism within the City C art prvides for road reconstruction. Mr. Warren Ahers, 6426 Polka Drive, came forward . d asked w = ° money has been used before for street repairs. He stated the City has been going for 2': ithout this fund. Acting Mayor Dahl advised the meter fee will bused dr road reconstruction, not road repairs. Mr. Ahers asked what means the City h in the past for road reconstruction. Acting Mayor Dahl stated road rec t ction °p as been put on a ballot in the past. Mr. Ahers asked who will be e • m t f road reconstruction. The Administration Director stated the meter fee will not be sed for - w roads. The Council needs to pass a referendum to reconstruct roads because the City Ch ¢ ' f its the use of general funds for road reconstruction. The City Council has been asked to ° d a nd for reconstruction. The idea of a franchise fee came up and road reconstruction seemed ke a logical placed for the money to go. Mr. Ahers asked if the City gets gas tax money. The Administration Director stated the gas tax money goes to state or federal roadways. Mr. Ahers stated the franchise fee bothers him. He stated it sounds like a bad set up. The City Engineer stated the City of Lino Lakes gets tax revenue for heavier used roadways. Developers pay for new roads within the City. The franchise fee will go towards road reconstruction on existing roadways within the City. The Charter does have a tool for road reconstruction and it did work last time. 4 • •