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Mounds View City Council October 11, 1999 <br />Regular Meeting Page 7 <br />8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS <br />• None. <br />9. RESIDENTS REQUESTS AND COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR <br />David Jahnke, 8428 Eastwood Road inquired if there would be time available for the public to <br />comment upon the proposed franchise fee increase. <br />Mayor Coughlin explained there would be a public hearing in regard to this matter, at which <br />time, the public could provide their input. <br />Mr. Jahnke stated he was very pleased with the lively discussion between Mayor Coughlin and <br />Council Member Stigney at the previous Work Session, which presented both points of view, <br />and was handled very well. He stated he was disappointed in the comment that this was an <br />argument. He stated everyone's opinions were very good, and he hoped the Rules of Conduct <br />would be observed. He noted a comment during the discussion, which indicated "If you don't <br />stop arguing, I'm out of here." He remarked he did not appreciate this comment. He reiterated, <br />in his opinion, this was a lively discussion, presenting two good points of view. <br />Mr. Jahnke prefaced the following comment by asking the City Administrator if he could use <br />him as an example, adding he did not intend to criticize. He noted Mayor Coughlin has stated "If <br />you buy good tools you will not have to buy two," and commented "If they had a good <br />Administrator maybe they would not need a second one." <br />Mayor Coughlin stated this comment was summarily unfair. <br />Mr. Jahnke remarked that he had asked the City Administrator's permission, and this was just an <br />example, however, as he sees the spending and the issues raised, there appears to be a "rubber <br />stamp" for everything, and he did not believe the thoughts of the people were being followed. <br />He commented that the hiring of more people, the spending, and the golf course issues, indicate <br />to him that "there do not seem to be any `noes' any more." He stated he could understand Mayor <br />Coughlin's point of view, and Council Member Stigney's, but would like the Council to take a <br />look at the other sides. <br />Mayor Coughlin stated there are many sides to every issue. <br />Julie Olsen, 2663 Lake Court Circle, stated the residents of Mounds View voted to have their <br />City run under the processes and procedures of a "home ruled" Charter City, which indicates <br />citizens' input and rights. She asked Council Member Thomason to provide one reason she <br />believed the residents wanted and voted for this form of local government. <br />Mayor Coughlin interjected that Ms. Olsen was free to ask this, however, he would request she <br />clarify her point. <br />Ms. Olsen stated as long as her three minutes prevail, she would direct her question to each <br />Council Member. She clarified she was not requesting a response from only one individual. <br />