09-24-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View City Council September 24, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 9 ~ Mayor Marly said that he felt he was doing the right thing at the time, because it was being portrayed that the Council was shoving this down the citizens throats whether they wanted it or not. He then said that is not the case. Mayor Marty indicated that this is, in his honest belief, the most economical solution for all residents. Mayor Marty said that doing this program and getting all of the streets, water and sewer done in 10 years would save money. Mayor Mariy said that, since that meeting, it has been the total, unanimous opinion of residents that have contacted him not to do a referendum. Mayor Marty indicated that anyone in the City could have volunteered to serve on the Task Force. Mayor Mariy indicated that he has asked Director Lee if it is possible to get back on schedule in an attempt to get a project going for 2008. That may be possible, but the schedule is very tight. Mr. Battin indicated that the idea of the tax levy came from the citizen task force, and they have been pushing it, not the City. Council Member Mueller indicated that there was an amendment to the Charter for an annual levy increase of a maximum of 2% plus CPI or 5% maximum, and the levy for the streets could be an increase of 11 % only, and she is wondering if that can be done without giving the people the right to vote on that. • Attorney Riggs said that is something that should be discussed, researched, and considered before moving forward entirely on this. There is a new provision in the Charter that will take some reviewmg. Council Member Mueller indicated that perhaps the question could be placed on the primary ballot, if required by the Charter. Council Member Flaheriy said that he is not in favor of a referendum on this matter and would like to see a project get done in 2008. Council Member Hull said that he is not in favor of a referendum and would like to move forward with a project for 2008 to get something done on the streets and improve the City. Council Member Stigney said that he would need to know the opinion of the City Attorney, but he does feel that residents should have the opportunity to comment on the program. He then said that he would have liked a referendum for this November, but the timeframe is too short. He further said that the recommendation of the Public Works Director seems to waver on whether or not to do a project in 2008. Valerie Amundsun said that Finance Director Beer told the Task Force that he had researched the • legality of the financing proposal, and asked City Attorney Riggs if he discussed that with Mr. Beer.