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ounds View City Council Page Six ~egular Meeting August 24, 1992 Bill Werner asked what Schwinn's percentage would be in regard to the gas and electric fee. Mr. Wollins stated it to be $470. Phil Sipe, 2400 County Road J, Sysco, stated that he is in the food warehouse business where he needs to maintain ambient temperatures. The refrigeration and frozen areas use a tremendous amount of electricity. This franchise fee would be a tremendous disadvantage to his business. Charlie Hall, Mermaid, 2200 Highway 10, for the past twenty years. Mr. Hall stated he is happy and proud to have his business in Mounds View. Mr. Hall complemented Samantha on being a very good business person. Mr. Hall went on to say that he doesn't drive a nice new car, nor does his wife or daughter - - that he just doesn't have the money to purchase a new car. Mr. Hall stated that the Mermaid looks like a flourishing business, but it takes a lot of electricity to keep the building running. Mr. Hall stated that he used to pay the highest property tax in the City. Mr. Hall believes everyone should pay their fair share. Perhaps each person should pay a higher tax. NSP could raise the franchise fee to 5~ or 6~. One suggestion might be to give the people who use alot of electricity and gas a cap. Mr. Hall proposed a cap of $200 to $300. Mr. Hall stated that he doesn't have an extra $2600 per year. Mr. Hall stated he paid $78,000 in taxes three years ago. It is tough to do. In 1987/88 Mr. Hall stated that he went to ~he bank to borrow money to stay in business. Mr. Hall stated he simply an't afford anymore. Ed Donatelle, 5269 Jeffrey Drive in Mounds View, resident and owner of Donatelle's Supper Club. Mr. Donatelle stated that he doesn't have the money to hand over that easily for another tax. Mr. Donatelle stated that perhaps the City could delay this franchise fee and put a task force together to study another alternative. Mr. Donatelle stated that because he is a resident he will also pay an additional $100 to $200 for his use of electricity and gas at home. Neal Hamlin, 2260 Woodale Drive, owner of Garment Graphics. Mr. Hamlin explained that he owns a business that consumes alot of electrical energy. Mr. Hamlin stated that his company provides 125 to 150 full time jobs in this city. Unlike the other businessmen who spoke above, Mr. Hamlin leases his building and his lease is up in two years. Mr. Hamlin stated that it would be taxes like this which would make him consider moving out of the City. Rich Wollins stated that if the tax is imposed the City of Mounds View will be on the road to seeing more vacant buildings. The City should wait for the economic situation to turn around. Another tax will just force people out. Mayor Linke asked Mr. Wollins if he would rather see the possible implementation of a franchise fee or an increase in property tax. Mr. Wollins stated the he would rather see the property tax because it would