07/14/1986 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MEETING July 14, 1986 Page Four ATTORNEY'S REPORT - ANTI -TRUST OPINION Mr. Hawkins handed out a letter from LeFevere, Lefler, et al, giving an opinion on the question which has arisen in conjunction with the residential development known as Rice Lake Estates and whether the City of Lino Lakes could require this developer to be serviced by one of two entities that have been granted gas franchises by the City. (This opinion was requested by Mr. Hawkins.) Mr. Hawkins explained that the developer has chosen North Central Public Service over Circle Pines Gas Utility because the lines would be installed free of charge through North Central whereas Circle Pines Gas Utility would require approximately $40,000 at the time of installation. Mr. Hawkins noted that the opinion from LeFevere, Lefler et al suggested that Lino Lakes could impose a franchise fee on North Central. Mr. Marier suggested that Lino Lakes pursue this recommendation. As to the question of whether or not Lino Lakes could require the developer to be serviced by Circle Pines Gas Utility rather than North Central Public Service, the opinion concluded that the City essentially does not have the authority to dictate which entity a gas customer chooses. Mr. Schumacher reported that he is awaiting a report from the Public Utilities Commission and from the City Engineer with regard to this issue. These reports should be available in two weeks. No action was taken on this issue at this time. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING THE SIGN ORDINANCE - INPUT FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES Mr. Bohjanen reported that, as requested by the Council, he met on July 8th with local businessmen regarding the sign ordinance. As outlined in a 7/11/86 memo from Mr. Bohjanen on this subject, the following three recommendations were made to be used on a six -month trial basis, the end of which time the Council could consider further adjustment or adoption of these changes: 1) That the City eliminate the annual sign fee (not including commercial signs such as Naegele), and enforce on an as need basis. 2) That portable signs be used a maximum of 4 times a year at a total of 15 days per time. These should be limited to special events or promotions, a fee shall be charged that will reflect the cost of the administration of this permit not to exceed $10.00 and would be policed by the Building Official. 133