2019.04.15 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 1, 2019 Page 5 of 7 John Waller began by thanking previous mayors and councils that worked to restore ditch infrastructure. He stated that as drainage authority, the RCWD had done special taxing districts and this legislation would treat the County as a taxing district. They would still be able to use ad valorem tax money for some projects, but the legislation would provide a steady floor of money. Maintenance on drainage systems had been deferred for the past forty years, and if not for previous councils, they would not be working on Ditch Number 3. The legislation would make for more accountability, transparency, objectivity, and impartiality. Waller talked about changes that had been made since he has been on the board, and he talked about some of the work that still needed to be done on some ditches. He acknowledged there has been a tremendous change in spending money lately but not if you look back 30-40 years. He asked for Council to support the legislation. Weidt said he could see the argument from both sides. He compared it to Hugo's Council districts and questioned how projects would get done if money raised from each district had to stay in that district. He acknowledged the relationship with RCWD has improved greatly thanks to Waller. He pointed out that earlier this evening, a grant was approved from the watershed district for a water reuse project. RCWD is also doing a ditch project, so Hugo is receiving money. Weidt stated that the district needed to make decisions as a group and not be limited as to where the money can be spent. Klein talked about water quality issues related to water coming out of jurisdictions that are controlled by others. He felt it was important to keep projects consolidated and support programs that produce quality water. He stated cost sharing has improved, and they are moving forward. Hugo has been recognized as a leader and should continue forward with that in mind. Klein said he would have difficult time supporting the legislation. Miron agreed and said he appreciated Manager Waller's history and longevity with the district, and he recognized that things have not always been as balanced as they are now. Regardless what happens in the legislature, he said it was important to get continued reporting from the District and information about taxes that are collected and spent, and to make sure the current trend continues. He said he realized the district is more than one county and one city, and the projects help all. Miron said the board has done a great job of supporting Hugo, and he wanted that to continue. Petryk said she agreed with everything said, and the important thing was that they are moving forward. She stated there have been issues in the past, but people now realize that the RCWD is the City's partner, and they have been extremely supportive. She said she agreed on transparency to show that people are being treated fairly and do see a return on the money they are putting in. She stated that things have changed over the past four years, and she would like to move forward instead of backward. She was not in support of the bills. Klein made motion, Petryk seconded, to draft a letter opposing the house and senate bills. Ayes: Becky, Klein Nays: Weidt, Miron Motion failed.