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Mounds View City Council October 11, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 8 Ms. Olson explained she would like Council Member Thomason to state her understanding of why she believed the citizens wanted and voted for this form of local government. Council Member Thomason stated she was not around when the citizens voted for the Charter, therefore, she was unable to answer that specific portion of Ms. Olson's question. She stated, however, she was aware that a home-ruled Charter was very popular in the State of Minnesota, and that it allows for citizens to have voice. Council Member Stigney stated the reason he was a member of the Charter Commission and originally voted for the Charter was because the charter empowers the people with an alternative to the Council. He explained the charter provides that the Council does not control all the actions, and there is some recourse for the residents. Council Member Quick stated he would decline to answer, as this was not in keeping with Council rules, which indicate that all questions should be directed to the Mayor, and not put forward in the form of a"drill session"to the Council Members. Council Member Marty stated he was also a member of the Charter Commission, and he believes this indicates another form of checks and balances for the City and the citizens with the Council. He added he viewed this as a positive and necessary thing for the citizens, as long as the Charter is adhered to. Mayor Coughlin stated he would echo Council Member Thomason's comment in that he would not attempt to place himself in the minds of others and theorize on why he believed they did something. He explained this was not something he could answer. There were no further requests or comments from the floor. 10. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Consideration of Ordinance 641 and 643, Implementing a Franchise Fee Increase from 2.5% on Electric and Natural Gas Companies for the Operation of the Utility within the City. 1. Public Hearing on Said Ordinance. Mayor Coughlin opened the Public Hearing at 7:25 p.m. City Administrator Whiting stated the discussion of these two ordinances pertains to setting a franchise fee on gas and electric utilities for the year 2000, and perhaps beyond, if the Council so desires. He explained that during the past two years, the Council has set a 2.5 fee charge on gas and electric uses, and anyone paying for gas and electric service, primarily through NSP and now, also Minnegasco, would see what amounts to a 2 percent charge on their usage. He added that five years prior to this, the franchise fee was set at 3 percent. He explained that the revenues generated from the fee have been directed to the City's General Fund. City Administrator Whiting stated that earlier in the year, as the budget discussion commenced, it was determined the City Council would review this matter in the fall, in order to facilitate the utility providers enough time to adjust their software for the billing cycle at the first of the year.