Minutes - 1991/12/12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~unds View City Council gular Meeting Page Seven November 12, 1991 Councilmember Quick stated that if we don't implement the street light utility we are going to be in a position that the residents really don't want to be in. The City of Mounds View was plowed out 3 times before anybody else was plowed out once. Quick stated that last year the Council cut $100,000 worth of items and he hoped they wouldn't have to do it again. Quick stated that Mounds View lost all Federal government aid in 1984 which had been used for fire protection. Now, fire protection fees have to be taken out of the general fund. Quick stated that the trickle down effect he had heard of for years isn't working well. Quick further stated his home budget is shrinking also. Quick stated it appears there are more mandates for cities with more expenses, but less money. Quick stated that if the City does not take positive action to keep fund and service level as it is, the City will go into a tail spin and not be able to turn back. The City needs to keep funds on hand to deal with the cash flow as the City does not get money from the County until July. This leaves the City in a place to live from January to July on what it has in the fund balances. Councilmember Blanchard stated she hates this but realizes something has to be done as the situation won't improve. Blanchard stated she is not in favor of implementing either utility but would • reluctantly go along with the street light utility. Blanchard received some calls and one letter from a resident who is not opposed to paying their fair share but "double dipping" is out of line. Councilmember Blanchard suggested to amend the motion to accept the street light utility for one year and to go back and negotiate with Northern States Power for a different payment schedule. Blanchard stated the City would not receive the fees until 19.93. Blanchard stated further that perhaps the franchise fee could be started in the middle of the year. Blanchard stated the City is moving too fast. Blanchard stated that the City could .negotiate with NSP as far as to how this franchise fee would work. Blanchard stated the City could take more time and start the franchise fee later, maybe in July instead of right away. Councilmember Blanchard made a motion to amend the previous motion to approve the street light utility for one year. Motion fails for lack of a second. Councilmember Wuori suggested that the amendment can be revisited at any time. Wuori further stated that going with a street light utility gives residents in Mounds View local control. Wuori stated Mounds View can collect these monies in a more timely way. and only take amount of money that is needed for special projects. Wuori stated that the residents she has spoken with feel more comfortable with the street light utility than a franchise fee.