Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2014 6 <br /> Beverly Aplikowski, 1443 Bussard Court, does not support the franchise fees. She suggested that <br /> property taxes be raised marginally to cover the City's necessary capital improvements. She fears <br /> how the non-profit agencies would be impacted by the franchise fees. She is happy with the parks <br /> in their current condition. <br /> John Stenglein, 1785 Lake Valentine Road, is against the franchise fees. He is of the opinion <br /> that the parks are in fine condition. He encouraged the Council to further review the City's needs <br /> versus wants. He appreciated that the Council was allowing the public the opportunity to speak to <br /> the issue. <br /> Paul Trites, 1858 Indian Place, explained that he spoke with the City Administrator regarding the <br /> proposed franchise fees. He commented that he is very familiar with franchise fees and their <br /> contracts. He encouraged the City to proceed cautiously through the legal process of creating the <br /> franchise fees. <br /> Rich Rheault, 1139 Tiller Lane, discussed the difference between needs and wants. He is pleased <br /> with the condition of the City parks; however, he would support a $57 increase in his fees to the <br /> City so long as it is tax deductible. He suggested that a 401(c)(3) be created to improve the City's <br /> parks. <br /> Debbie Dondlinger, 1761 Gramsie Road, loves the City's parks and trails; however, she is <br /> opposed to the franchise fees. She supports the large non-profit organizations in the community <br /> as these organizations are keeping property values high. She is concerned how elderly residents <br /> would be able to continue to pay their utility bills if the rates were to increase. She suggested that <br /> the community come together to generate funding for park improvements and that the franchise <br /> fees not proceed. <br /> Jerry Moehnke, 1463 Bussard Court, reported that he is a 20-year resident of Arden Hills. He <br /> loves the City's parks but does not support the franchise fees. <br /> Greg Schmitz, 1471 Bussard Court, explained that he has been a resident of Arden Hills for the <br /> past 35 years. He thanked Gregg Larson for the comments he made this evening. He questioned <br /> why the City has the authority to raise private utility rates. <br /> David Sorley, 1125 Edgewater Avenue, appreciates the presentation from staff this evening. He <br /> is surprised that the City is proposing to double the amount of trails. He appreciates the City's <br /> trails, but does not feel it is necessary to increase the number of trails. He does not support the <br /> proposed franchise fees and feels the parks and trails are fine as is. <br /> Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, commended the Council for holding a public hearing and <br /> for taking comments from the residents. She is pleased that the City is in good financial standing. <br /> She reported that she likes the City's parks and trails, but also takes advantage of the local County <br /> and State trails. She is not in favor of the franchise fees and suggests that if a fee were to move <br /> forward that it be tax deductible. <br /> Nancy O'Malley, 1851 Gramsie Road, reported that she has lived in Arden Hills for the past 24 <br /> years. She stated that she is a bicyclist and she supports increased trails in the City. She <br />