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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 5 <br /> Mayor Grant suggested that White Bear Lake, Fridley, Blaine, Shoreview and Roseville be <br /> removed from the list of consideration, based on their size. <br /> Councilmember Holmes recommended Maplewood be removed from the list. <br /> Councilmember Holden was in favor of removing Shoreview, Blaine, Fridley, Roseville, Circle <br /> Pines and Maplewood. <br /> Councilmember Werner agreed with this suggestion. <br /> Councilmember Holmes recommended that Circle Pines, Blaine, and Maplewood be removed. <br /> She was in favor of keeping Shoreview and Roseville for comparison purposes. <br /> Councilmember Holden supported this recommendation. <br /> The Council was in agreement with the recommendation from Councilmember Holmes. <br /> Ms. Antonsen stated that these communities will continue to be in the pool of comparable <br /> organizations for the gathering of data, but that they would be identified as outliers when <br /> information is presented to the Council. <br /> Mayor Grant asked if the Council was ready to decide how to position the City employees' <br /> salaries. The Council was not prepared to make a decision and will discuss this matter at a future <br /> meeting. <br /> C. Franchise Fees <br /> City Administrator Klaers explained that he has been in contact with Colette Jurek with Xcel <br /> Energy regarding a potential franchise fee. He noted that Arden Hills is quite unique given the <br /> number of businesses and colleges located in the City. He reported that Ms. Jurek was again <br /> present this evening to review the matter in more detail with the Council. <br /> Colette Jurek, Xcel Energy, indicated that based on the July Council discussion, she understands <br /> that the Council is interested in collecting $650,000-700,000 in franchise fees. She commented <br /> that Arden Hills has three large energy customers: Bethel College, Land O'Lakes, and Boston <br /> Scientific and all have multiple premise situations. For this reason, the City may have to consider <br /> charging an annual rate to these large businesses, instead of a basic rate per address. <br /> Mayor Grant questioned how Xcel Energy determined how franchise fees in the three scenarios <br /> were"reasonable". <br /> Ms. Jurek discussed how fees are determined and evaluated by Xcel Energy. She indicated that <br /> there is a unique customer base in Arden Hills. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked if Presbyterian Homes would be significantly impacted by a <br /> potential franchise fee. <br />