09/22/2008 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -5- DRAFT September 2, 2008 185 but will pursue with further direction. Mr. Heitke said the numbers he put together indicate some 186 basic figures on what the city could be looking at if fees were done in the future. There does not 187 seem to be any argument from utilities on three percent. Xcel is interested in getting this settled 188 and would accept five but not seven. It was confirmed that a cap would be allowed (such as 189 allowing a three percent but only charging one), but the utility companies want it equal across 190 the agreements which means the Centennial Gas situation may have to be addressed when that 191 agreement terminates in 2012. 192 193 Administrator Heitke added that Circle Pines is in the process of instituting an across the board 194 three percent franchise fee that will be earmarked for road improvements. 195 196 The council expressed interest in the franchise agreements reflecting a one percent fee but 197 including a cap (possibly three or five percent). Administrator Heitke also indicated that he is 198 attempting to limit the term of the agreements to ten years. He suggested that the city will hear 199 from the utilities that they would prefer a meter fee rather than a percentage. It is easier for 200 utility administration and it is a fixed addition to the consumer's bill that can be categorized by 201 user. There is some movement among cities to that way of charging. 202 203 The Administrator indicated that, based on the council's direction, he will come back with 204 additional information. 205 206 10. Policy/Procedures for Cancellation of Council Meetings — Mayor Bergeson recalled 207 that the council agreed that the procedure will be that when there is a question about cancelling a 208 meeting, the council will be polled and majority rules. 209 210 Administrator Heitke presented alternatives for a policy relative to cancelation of meetings. 211 212 The council concurred that they prefer alternative two — with no differentiation between work 213 sessions and council meetings. If there might be a reason to cancel a meeting, council or staff 214 could propose the cancelation, the council will be polled and majority rules. 215 216 Administrator Heitke added that he will continue his current practice of monitoring and advising 217 the council on possible quorum or diminished attendance (three council members) situations. 218 219 11. Liquor Ordinance — City Clerk Bartell noted that the city has a moratorium on the issuance 220 of off -sale liquor licenses. The council wanted to review the city's current liquor regulations as 221 they relate to off -sale licenses for possible changes. A citizen petition was submitted by two 222 store owners requesting additional restrictions (mirroring the City of Blaine's ordinance). Other 223 ways of limiting licenses according to the League of Minnesota Cities are through zoning 224 restrictions or simply limiting numbers. Cities are allowed considerable authority in establishing 225 their local liquor regulations. 226 227 Chief Pecchia indicated that he has mixed feelings about any change. From a public safety 228 aspect, he is comfortable with the current regulations. 229