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COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 23, 2000 PUBLIC HEARING, FIRST READING, Ordinance No. 15 — 00, Establishing a Meter Fee for Customers of Reliant Energy Minnegasco (3/5 Vote Required) — Staff advised the City's expired franchise agreement with Reliant Energy Minnegasco did not contain a franchise fee. In 1999 the City Council directed staff to negotiate a new agreement that included a franchise fee. That agreement is contained in proposed Ordinance No. 14 — 00. In conjunction with the agreement, Ordinance No. 15 — 00 establishes a meter fee equivalent to approximately 3% of the average customer bill in each category of customers. In August 2000, letters were sent to more than 3,400 customers of Reliant Energy Minnegasco informing them of the proposed fee and opportunities to provide feedback. The City Administrator received and documented 28 phone calls opposing the meter fee. Ordinances require two (2) readings and a public hearing. A public hearing for Ordinance No. 15 — 00 was held September 25, 2000 and continued to October 9, 2000. The first reading was scheduled for October 9 and tabled in order to obtain additional information. The continued public hearing and the first reading of the ordinance are now scheduled for this evening. The second reading is scheduled for November 13, 2000. Acting Mayor Dahl opened the public hearing at 6:48 p.m. Mr. Robert Bening, 6788 East Shadow Lake Drive, came forward and stated he had presented questions to the Council at the last public hearing. He stated he has not yet received a response. Acting Mayor Dahl stated the questions were given to the City Administrator. The City Administrator is currently on medical leave. The Administration Director stated the City was having a hard time figuring out the types of customers of the utilities companies regarding business vs. residential use. Mr. Bening stated he had requested figures that included residential numbers. The Administration Director excused himself from the meeting to look for information regarding Mr. Bening's request. Council Member Reinert stated the information that was requested is trying to show that the meter fee is unfair. He stated it is reasonable to assume that not everyone will be charged the same. Mr. Bening stated he would like to know the figures regarding usage. Acting Mayor Dahl stated that businesses are being charged differently than residents. Council Member Reinert stated he is also concerned about the issue of fairness. 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 3