Laserfiche WebLink
COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 23, 2000 <br />brought up. She asked Acting Mayor Dahl to read the minutes from the Charter Commission's <br />meeting regarding this issue. <br />Acting Mayor Dahl read the draft minutes from the meeting of the Charter Commission. The minutes <br />indicated the Charter Commission does not support the use of a franchise fee to pay for road <br />reconstruction. <br />The Administration Director provided Mr. Bening with information regarding his questions and the <br />types of utility services. He reviewed the usage relating to residential use for each company. <br />Mr. Bening stated the information answers his question to a certain extent. He clarified the number <br />of residents using natural gas. He stated that he presumes all commercial uses natural gas. He stated <br />that right now there are about 100 residential NSP customers that will not be included in the meter <br />fee. He stated he would prefer a more equitable way to fund roads. He requested the proposed meter <br />fee be denied. He stated there is a mechanism within the City Charter to provides for road <br />reconstruction. <br />Mr. Warren Ahers, 6426 Polka Drive, came forward and asked what money has been used before for <br />street repairs. He stated the City has been going for 28 years without this fund. <br />Acting Mayor Dahl advised the meter fee will be used for road reconstruction, not road repairs. <br />Mr. Ahers asked what means the City has used in the past for road reconstruction. <br />Acting Mayor Dahl stated road reconstruction has been put on a ballot in the past. <br />Mr. Ahers asked who will benefit from the road reconstruction. The Administration Director stated <br />the meter fee will not be used for new roads. The Council needs to pass a referendum to reconstruct <br />roads because the City Charter prohibits the use of general funds for road reconstruction. The City <br />Council has been asked to find a fund for reconstruction. The idea of a franchise fee came up and <br />road reconstruction seemed like a logical placed for the money to go. <br />Mr. Ahers asked if the City gets gas tax money. The Administration Director stated the gas tax <br />money goes to state or federal roadways. <br />Mr. Ahers stated the franchise fee bothers him. He stated it sounds like a bad set up. <br />The City Engineer stated the City of Lino Lakes gets tax revenue for heavier used roadways. <br />Developers pay for new roads within the City. The franchise fee will go towards road reconstruction <br />on existing roadways within the City. The Charter does have a tool for road reconstruction and it did <br />work last time. <br />Council Member O'Donnell moved to close the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. Council Member Carlson <br />seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. <br />4 <br />