6.1.
CC Regular Session
- Meeting Date:
- 06/10/2014
- By:
- Jo Thieling, Administrative Services
Information
Title:
Public Hearing to Consider Introduction Ordinance #14-06 Amending Chapter 7 of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Ramsey, as it relates to Franchise Fees
Purpose/Background:
Purpose: The purpose of this case is to conduct a public hearing to receive input and hold Council discussion regarding a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the City's Charter, as it relates to franchise fees.
Background: Since last October, the City Council and the Charter Commission have been exchanging proposals for an amendment to the City Charter that addresses franchise fees. Most recently, draft ordinance language was presented to the Charter Commission at a meeting held on April 23rd. The Commission modified the Council's proposal by altering the manner in which the franchise revenue limit is calculated. Instead of a revenue limit equal to 20% of the previous year's tax levy, the Commission changed it to 15% plus an amount equal to the amount in the current budget designated for street maintenance projects. The idea was to ensure that street maintenance was not financed solely with franchise fees. The Commission also modified the Council approval language such that a super majority of 6 of 7 votes is required to approve a new franchise fee (but annual adjustments to the fee only requires a simple majority).
The draft ordinance, with amendments as recommended by the Charter Commission, is attached for Council review and action. If Council determines this ordinance shall be introduced, it will be placed on the June 24th City Council agenda for formal adoption. Introduction of the ordinance can be by simple majority, however, because this is a Charter Amendment, a unanimous vote of the entire Council is required for final adoption.
Background: Since last October, the City Council and the Charter Commission have been exchanging proposals for an amendment to the City Charter that addresses franchise fees. Most recently, draft ordinance language was presented to the Charter Commission at a meeting held on April 23rd. The Commission modified the Council's proposal by altering the manner in which the franchise revenue limit is calculated. Instead of a revenue limit equal to 20% of the previous year's tax levy, the Commission changed it to 15% plus an amount equal to the amount in the current budget designated for street maintenance projects. The idea was to ensure that street maintenance was not financed solely with franchise fees. The Commission also modified the Council approval language such that a super majority of 6 of 7 votes is required to approve a new franchise fee (but annual adjustments to the fee only requires a simple majority).
The draft ordinance, with amendments as recommended by the Charter Commission, is attached for Council review and action. If Council determines this ordinance shall be introduced, it will be placed on the June 24th City Council agenda for formal adoption. Introduction of the ordinance can be by simple majority, however, because this is a Charter Amendment, a unanimous vote of the entire Council is required for final adoption.
Observations/Alternatives:
Alternative No. 1: Introduce the Ordinance as presented.
Alternative No. 2: Propose amendments to the Ordinance for further consideration by the Charter Commission.
Alternative No. 2: Propose amendments to the Ordinance for further consideration by the Charter Commission.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends Council introduce the ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the City's Charter.
Action:
Motion to introduce Ordinance #14-06 amending Chapter 7 of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Ramsey, relating generally to Franchise Fees.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kurt Ulrich | Kurt Ulrich | 06/05/2014 04:31 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Jo Thieling
- Started On:
- 06/03/2014 04:15 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 06/05/2014