08/24/2009 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT August 3, 2009 83 The group concurred that the schedule will proceed as proposed with the understanding that there could 84 be a revision in the language and that language will be provided as soon as possible after the commission 85 considers the matter on Thursday of this week. 86 A council member suggested that there will be questions about the concept of televising all the meetings. 87 City Clerk Bartell reviewed the proposed schedule of consideration by the council. The council elected 88 to schedule a public hearing on the amendment for September 8, 2009, 5:30 p.m, to precede the regularly 89 scheduled work session that evening. 90 5. Centennial Utilities Commission — Robin Doege (city rep) — Mr. Doege said that he is 91 reporting to the council as he promised he would do when he interviewed for appointment to the position. 92 He has met with the city's former representative, Vernon Reinert, and received valuable historical data 93 about the work of the commission through many years. The franchise agreement is in place until March 94 31, 2012. There was some discussion about how the franchise agreement could ever be amended (all Mr. Doege pointed out that there is an option in the agreement for the city to acquire 95 parties must agree). g P system is in good shape. Mr Doege 96 as property the lines located within the city. In his opinion, the 97 shared information from an auditor's report that was recently received by the commission. The city does 98 receive a franchise fee but that does mean that there isn't as much funding left with the utility for capital 99 improvements. 100 A council member noted that the utility is clearly presented as a department of e City of Circle Pines. 101 As the utility has grown and other cities joined, perhaps that isn't as appropriate 102 Mr. Doege remarked that the franchise agreement indicates that passing a certain revenue point entitles 103 the city to another representative on the commission (and that point has been surpassed). He will ask 104 Circle Pines Administrator Jim Keinath about that situation as a direction from the council. 105 A council member asked when Mr. Doege recommends that the city start working on a new franchise 106 agreement, knowing that the expiration lies ahead. Mr. Doege will research that question. 107 The council thanked Mr. Doege for his volunteer service to the city through the commission. JPA with Anoka County — Community Development Director Grochala 108 3. I- 35E/14 Fondling/ funding for the project. The new 109 reported that discussions with Anoka county have continued regarding es of 110 base cost is $5.4 million for a project that encompasses both intersections. There are several types flow — grant funding, state funding, county funding and federal stimulus funding. 111 funding proposed ;� 112 is an issue since the city wouldn't be in a position to issue bonds on deferred assessments. The county 113 understands that situation and has indicated that it would be willing to issue the bonding for the city's 114 share (with the possibility of a surcharge). The percentage rate for the bonds cannot yet be determined 115 but the county does carry an AAA rating, so that will keep the rate low. He added that the city has also 116 been looking at the opportunity to gain credits through the process (such as turn back of county roads or 117 reservation of land for a county maintenance facility), to keep costs as low as possible. The two big 118 unlmowns are right -of -way costs and construction bids. Staff wants the council to have this information 119 so that they can begin drafting a joint powers agreement for the project. Mr.Grochala then pointed out 120 that the proposed assessment area for the project encompasses vvnesv�h,n area cov�edrbayr the nd regulations asked if 121 and an area that is exempt. There are seven property 122 the result of four of those property owners signing a petition against the project would be to halt the 123 project. •