10-25-1999 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council October 11, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 9 He commented that the amount of the fee had been discussed by the Council, and the determination came in response to another question which had come forward, regarding how to fund street improvements in the future. He explained the Council's reason for increasing the fee from 2.5 to 4 percent was to provide that the increase could be dedicated to a fund that would go toward future street improvements, an idea which originated from a report generated by the Streets Policies Committee. City Administrator Whiting stated the ordinance pertaining to the franchise fees sunsets each calendar year, and therefore, requires to be revisited annually. He noted this matter generally comes forward as part of the budget, and the intention of the prior City Council, by doing this in one year increments, was to eventually eliminate the charge, by reducing it one half a percent every other year. He stated each one-half percent represents $40,000 to $45,000 in revenue for the City, and the difference proposed, between 2.5 to 4 percent, amounts to approximately $125,000. He noted the next item on the agenda is a resolution, which authorizes staff to proceed with the drafting of language that would insure the additional funds would be put toward a dedicated fund for street improvements. Mayor Coughlin stated, in keeping with the City Charter, the Council has the right to set reasonable limits on input. He requested, in light of the number of people present, the audience honor the time of other audience members who wish to speak, and keep their comments brief, and further, once having spoken before the Council, allow any and all other people to speak prior to coming forward to counterpoint. He explained he would allow additional input prior to closing the public hearing, however, he would like everyone to have the opportunity to speak so that their voice can be heard. He added it was not easy for some people to speak before the Council, and requested they be extended respect, as he would like their voices to be heard as well. David Jahnke, 8428 Eastwood Road, stated when the franchise fees were instituted, the residents were promised this was only a temporary measure, and the fees would eventually be removed from their utility bills, however, the fee has not only continued, but is now proposed to be increased. He stated he had a problem in this regard, and inquired how the fee could be increased from 2.5 at the first reading, to 4 percent. He stated it was his understanding the first reading was a public hearing, however, he had not seen anything regarding this in the newspaper. He inquired if there was a requirement to publish notification, prior to holding the public hearing. City Administrator Whiting stated the City Code does not require a public hearing for the passage of an ordinance. He speculated the reason for this is that once an ordinance is adopted, the community has the opportunity to petition to overturn the decision. He noted that to do so would involve much work,however, this is how the rules are written. Mr. Jahnke requested clarification. Mayor Coughlin explained any ordinance passed by the Council could be challenged through the process set forth in the City Charter. Mr. Jahnke asked if it was not proper to inform the residents that the fee was proposed to increase.