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Mounds View City Council October 11, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 28 them, he made the statement that this would be the best Council the City ever had. He stated nothing has changed his mind, and this is the best Council the City has ever had. He requested the Council persevere, as there were many people behind them. He added that he was aware that this was a difficult job, and most of the people recognize this. Mr. Jahnke stated he believed the majority of people want to pay for their services, however, one of the issues is that the fee increased from 2.5 to 4 percent, which caused a problem in terms of communication, and he believed this should be looked at. He stated another issue is that the people have been told many things, which have changed. He explained that he understood that the franchise fee would go into a road fund, and he had no problem with this, however, if it goes into the General Fund, which is supposed to bail out the golf course for $200,000, that is different. He stated the people are thinking that if the golf course situation worsens, more of this fee will be directed to it. He stated these were the fears and concerns of the people. Mr. Jahnke stated he has discussed many things with Mayor Coughlin, and the Mayor has even called him and apologized for a statement he had made. He stated he really commends that type of honesty. He stated he did not think, and has been given no reason to think, that the comment regarding "backroom dealings"is appropriate. Mayor Coughlin requested Mr. Jahnke remain at the meeting for the consideration of the following resolution, which will designate the funds. He explained, in terms of communication, he has been one of the major proponents of putting every commission meeting on cable television. He explained that the only commission meeting that is not broadcast is that of the Charter Commission, and he will request, once again, they consider televising their meetings, as this is the citizens' Charter. Mr. Obert stated once again, it appeared that the audience misunderstood his comments. He explained he did not accuse anybody of conducting "backroom dealings" nor did he do this in regard to the Bel Ray issue, or the telephone operated water meters. He explained he was simply attempting to communicate that this was the perception this issue conveyed. He stated his major concern with this proposal is this perception. He stated he had not read the Streets Policies Committee report, which was indicated to state that the assessment was reduced to 25 percent, with an outside funding source to pick up the balance. He inquired if the report had indicated a 1.5- percent increase in the franchise fee. He explained that this represented the communication problem. He stated this matter had been rushed along, with consideration that date, and then enactment. He stated there was a difference between a street commission's recommendation and discussion, and the enactment that was being proposed that date. He stated through the years, one of his frustrations has been in regard to the difficulty in getting word out to the community. He stated there must be better notification, and as a Charter City,the citizens' input is necessary. Mr. Obert stated he was aware that the Council was honorable, and had not conducted a "backroom deal" however, there are citizens who are still angry regarding previous actions because of the way in which they were handled. He reiterated there were no "backroom deals," and he was not accusing anyone of this, however, this was the perception. He requested they try something different and attempt to get the people more involved. Council Member Marty explained the Streets Policies Committee has been before the Council a number of times, and has been before the Work Session, both of which are televised. He stated the Streets Policies Committee never requested or projected the raising of the franchise fee. He