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June 9, 2026 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 6 <br /> <br /> <br />near future. Councilmember Randle stated that if that were the case, he would be interested in <br />requiring that the funds be allocated to these debts rather than allowing them to be used for other <br />projects. <br /> <br />Assistant City Manager Morello requested that the Council discuss whether they would like <br />Franchise Fees to be allocated specifically for special projects or to be used for special projects. <br />Municipal Advisor Kvilvang noted that this cannot be used for levy relief and that Franchise Fee <br />revenues are traditionally dedicated to Capital Improvement Projects, Park Improvements, or Road <br />Reconstruction Projects. She recommended allowing flexibility in the policy. <br />Mayor Webster asked if that was required in State statues. Municipal Advisor Kvilvang confirmed <br />that you must outline how Franchise Fees will be used. <br /> <br />Mayor Webster commented that Franchise Fees are a way to allocate funds from all properties to <br />projects that benefit all properties, such as the police force, firefighters, sidewalks, roads, and <br />more. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jenson asked how City-owned parks play into this. Municipal Advisor Kvilvang said <br />there is no current language in the draft addressing this, but that some cities charge themselves at <br />the residential rate. Councilmember Jenson noted that it does not really matter, as the cost will still <br />fall on the taxpayer. <br /> <br />Mayor Webster asked the Council whether they would like to move forward and which option they <br />were most interested in. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jenson expressed interest in the third plan, which shifts the majority of the burden <br />onto commercial properties. He proposed utilizing these fees to build seed money for a new Public <br />Safety Facility. He also commented that many City buildings are over 30 years old and in need of <br />maintenance. Councilmember Jenson encouraged the Council to plan for these renovations. <br /> <br />Councilmember Randle stated that if they move forward, he would be more supportive of the two <br />plans that shift the burden off of the residents. He also noted a higher level of support when the <br />funds are dedicated to specific, necessary projects. <br /> <br />Mayor Webster acknowledged the community value of public safety. She noted that the police <br />facility is outdated, and the fire station is past capacity. She highlighted that public support for <br />these fees may be higher, given general support for public safety, if the funds are allocated to <br />improving public safety resources. <br /> <br />Mayor Webster noted that the burden on residents does not change, as it remains at 4 dollar per <br />utility per month across all plans. <br /> <br />Mayor Webster noted Councilmember Randle’s preference for a lowered burden on residents, and <br />Councilmember Jenson’s preference for the third option. <br /> <br />Councilmember Randle expressed support for the third option. He stated that his support is <br />contingent on Franchise Fees being dedicated to a specific project. <br /> <br />Mayor Webster reiterated the immediate need for a new Public Safety Facility and the longer-term <br />goal of improving City Hall. She proposed utilizing Franchise Fees for building improvements at the <br />8