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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/17/1985 Council Minutes1 1 JOINT COUNCIL MEETING December 17, 1985 A Special Joint Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Benson at 6:50 P.M. Council members present: Bohjanen, Marier and Kulaszewicz. Members absent: Reinert. City Administrator, Schumacher and Clerk- Treasurer, Anderson were also present. Circle Pines Mayor Dahl, Council. members Parsons, Runbeck, Schneider; Public Works Director, Thiel and Utility Commission member Gibas and City. Administrator, Keinath were also present. Mayor Benson stated the purpose of the meeting; to discuss the joint Circle Pines, Lino Lakes gas utility commission. Mr. Schumacher explained one of the major concerns is represent- ation on the gas utility commission. The Lino Lakes Council has had Voto, Reardon and Tautges, City Auditors, prepare some figures dealing with representation. Mr. Tautges explained his report which deals with different thoughts on how representation could be determined. A copy of this report was given to Mayor Dahl. The State legislature has enacted legislation which now allows Circle Pines and Lino Lakes to determine the number of members on this joint commission. Mr. Gibas gave the Council some background information as to how the gas franchise was originated. He stated that there is noth- ing in the original agreement that mandated there be Lino Lakes representation and said Lino Lakes should not be represented. He was concerned since the Circle Pines Utility Commission deals with Circle Pines sewer and water utilities as well as gas and did not feel Lino Lakes should participate in this commission for this reason. Mayor Benson said the gas utility commission should be a separate commission. Lino Lakes does not want to be involved with Circle Pines sewer and water utilities. Mayor Dahl explained that Lino Lakes did have representation on the utility commission but the representative was not re- appointed because there did not seem to be any interest on the part of Lino Lakes. Also there was a time when the Circle Pines franchise area could have been expanded but the Lino Lakes Council chose to not do this. Circle Pines wanted a demonstration from Lino Lakes that would indicate support of growth of the franchise. 1 220 JOINT COUNCIL MEETING December 17, 1985 Page -2- Mayor Dahl said he feels representation is important but wanted it to be fair and equitable. He and the Circle Pines Council had discussed what would be fair representation and they were leaning toward a five member commission. Mrs. Parsons noted the potential growth in Lino Lakes and asked if the projected growth was all in the area thaf could be serviced by the Circle Pines gas franchise. She was told, yes. Mrs. Runbeck asked why this was an issue at this time. It was explained that the franchise is due to expire in 1987 and the Lino Lakes Council is preparing to negiotate a new franchise. There was further discussion of past problems with Mr. Kulaszewicz and Mr. Gibas expressing their opinions on the matter. Mayor Benson asked that past differences not be discussed at this point, no more bickering. The point tonight is, will Circle Pines and Lino Lakes get together and look at where the gas utility can go in the future. This is an opportunity for both cities to profit since Circle Pines is nearly fully developed and Lino Lakes has a great area in which to expand. Mr. Marier indicated he was here to go forward and not be negative. He stated that Lino Lakes deserved some representation because Circle Pines does not have the growth potential and cannot operate the gas utility as a maintenance item, the only place to grow is in Lino Lakes. Mayor Dahl again said representation should be proportional. He told the Council he initiated the legislation which now allows the utility commission to expand and this indicated Circle Pines desire to allow Lino Lakes representation. Now a formula should be negiotated. Mr. Juleen, Mrs. Rector and Mr. Ross from the audience expressed some concerns; could there be a liason from Lino Lakes rather than actual representation on the utility commission. Why does Lino Lakes not have a representative on the North Central Board? Mr. Gibas questioned the need for a seven member commission; why should a subordinate body have more members than the City council. It was explained that the Circle Pines Police Commission and the Centennial Fire District Commission have seven members and there is not problem there. Mayor Dahl suggested that the representation on the commission could change as the number of users in Lino Lakes increases. 1 1 1 JOINT COUNCIL MEETING December 17, 1985 Page -3- The formula for representation could be based on the number of customers, usage or a combination of these factors as well as other factors. Mayor Benson suggested that the length of the franchise change so that these factors could be reviewed period- ically. Mayor Benson said the Lino Lakes Council is thinking in terms of a seven member commission. Also Lino Lakes would like this to be a gas utility commission only. Lino Lakes does not want to be involved with Circle Pines sewer and water utilities. Mr. Schumacher expressed concern on how future councils will view the gas utility commission. He asked about granting Circle Pines an exclusive franchise. Mr. Gibas said exclusive franchises can now be challenged and further stated state law now forbids granting exclusive franchises. Mr. Keinath, Circle Pines Administrator said the Circle Pines Council should now decide what they feel would be a workable size for the gas utility commission and also work on a formula for representation. Mayor Benson asked that Mr. Schumacher send the proper information to Circle Pines regarding the Rice Lake Estates Area, including Council minutes when Lino Lakes formally gave Circle Pines the franchise to this area. Mr. Marier moved to have the City Administrator send a letter to the Circle Pines gas commission informing them that the Gear - man plat (Rice Lake Estates) which is scheduled for the spring of 1986 was awarded to the Circle Pines gas utility and they have the right to go in and service the area. Mr. Kulaszewicz seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Ross said many of the problems of the past have been because there has not been proper communciations. He felt it is real important to maintain proper communications and have trust in each other and go forward and have a real viable situation and a profitable utility. Mr. Kulaszewicz moved to adjourn at 8:00 P.M. Mr. Bohjanen seconded the motion. Aye. These minutes were considered and approved at a regular Council meeting on January 13, 19861�,r „�_ enjami �: - Mayor 'Marilyn G. Anderson, Clerk - Treasurer 221