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Mounds View City Council October 11, 1999
<br />Regular Meeting Page 16
<br />• Mr. Weineke stated he has been in the insurance business for approximately 20 years, and the
<br />fore-mentioned $10,000 deductible for the City's water truck is shocking to him. He explained
<br />the City saves nothing in terms of the difference between a $10,000 or $1,000 deductible. He
<br />stated he would like to discuss this matter with the person who made this decision.
<br />Mr. Weineke stated he budgets, small businesses budget, and even large companies budget,
<br />however, government does not seem to be able to comprehend this concept, and he could not
<br />understand this. He remarked this builds a tremendous amount of animosity towards
<br />government. He reiterated that when the funds are set aside for street improvements, they must
<br />not be utilized for any other purpose.
<br />Mayor Coughlin stated he is also a small business owner in the Metropolitan area, and
<br />understands the concept of budgeting. He commented that when he entered into government, he
<br />had a very difficult time understanding this as well. He explained, however, government has
<br />mandates upon it, and pressures from may different directions that business does not.
<br />Mayor Coughlin explained he was going to push for language in this fund creation, which would
<br />outline exactly what these monies are to be utilized for, so that the fund can not be raided, and
<br />any other proposed use of these funds would require a vote of the people. He stated this may
<br />ultimately become the largest pool of money at the City level, and he has seen what the
<br />temptation can be, in terms of borrowing from such sources, however, that is not the purpose of
<br />this fund. He explained the purpose is to attempt to deal with the infrastructure, and if this is a
<br />• true, honest, and genuine need, the funds can not be dedicated for any other purpose. He stated
<br />this was his personal goal m the discussion of this issue.
<br />Cam Obert, 8315 Greenwood Drive, inquired if anyone remembered the telephone operated
<br />water meters, or more recently, the Bel Ray, and what occurred in these situations. He stated
<br />that he could not comment on the fact that Mounds View is a home ruled Charter City, because
<br />he is not necessarily in favor of that, however, this is what the City has, and therefore, it must be
<br />abided by. Mr. Obert stated promises were made over a year ago, that things would be different,
<br />and not the way they have always been in the City. He stated the City Charter governs and tells
<br />the Council how to operate the City. He added the Clerk Administrator's job description is
<br />indicated the Charter, and his performance is rated based upon the standards set forth therein.
<br />Mr. Obert stated the residents have been told that public notification is not required for the
<br />passage of an ordinance, and if the public does not like the ordinance, they can petition to have it
<br />overturned. He explained all were aware how difficult a process this is, adding that this matter is
<br />being viewed as "another sneaky, backroom deal," due to the manner in which it has been
<br />handled. He stated he would not even comment on whether or not he is personally in favor of
<br />the proposed fee.
<br />Mayor Coughlin noted this is the purpose of the present public hearing, and he would request
<br />Mr. Obert keep his comments germane to the issue.
<br />• Mr. Obert stated he believed his point was very germane, as it has already been brought forward
<br />in a citing of the Charter. He noted the City had also been "backhanded" in terms of the
<br />pedestrian bridge that did not follow through, which was an issue before the previous Council.
<br />He stated the Council owed the community, as a Charter City, at least the courtesy of public
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