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JT CITY COUNCIL /CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING July 8, 2010 DRAFT 224 work because it was beginning to bring the council and the commission together toward a 225 solution. Can that language be explored again? 226 227 Commissioner Drennen noted that he feels the crux of the issue is how does the city get 228 to the issue of citizens paying for streets that don't benefit them because that seems like 229 taxation without representation. 230 231 Commissioner Trehus added that it isn't accurate to always refer to the projects as "road 232 reconstruction" because in many cases the proposed projects include other improvements. 233 He is also concerned that the lack of sewer and water utilities can affect a roadway's 234 rating in the pavement management plan. 235 236 Mayor Reinert asked for input on the idea of forming a subcommittee to work on a 237 proposal, including using the work that has already been done on the subject. 238 239 Commissioner Lyden suggested that the solution could be to fund necessary road 240 reconstruction by making city budget cuts. 241 242 Mayor Reinert suggested that he is confident there is a better way to do things and he 243 thinks a subcommittee is a good way to look for that information. 244 245 Council Member Roeser noted that he is very committed to reducing the cost of 246 government and to keeping taxes down. There needs to be a way to handle road work and 247 the concept of bringing people together, using the information already on the table, seems 248 appropriate to him. 249 250 Commissioner Gunderson pointed out that in discussing the history of the matter it should 251 be noted that the only road project to go to referendum is somewhat unique (not a 252 thoroughfare, water and sewer) and considering that should be part of the equation. The 253 Mayor suggested that most of the roads in town fit that description however. 254 255 Commissioner Carlson remarked that history is speaking loudly in the area of what the 256 citizens want. The commission already gave the council a good proposal that was 257 rejected. 258 259 Commissioner Drennen said he feels it is appropriate to look forward on the matter and 260 he hopes that the commission will be discussing if and who for a subcommittee at their 261 regular meeting. 262 263 Chair Dahl remarked that the discussion shouldn't be about whether or not the charter 264 works because it does. She doesn't support a subcommittee at this time because some 265 charter members are absent, the concept wasn't commission initiated, and the idea needs 266 to be fully discussed. The charter commission is doing other good work for the citizens 267 in the meantime. 268 6 —44— • • •