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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 24, 20147 <br /> <br />David Monson <br />, 1175 Edgewater Avenue, reported that he has lived in Arden Hills for the past 15 <br />years and he is opposed to the franchise fee. He loves s parks and trails and suggested <br />that another funding source be sought for park improvements. He discussed the ratio of franchise <br />fees that would be paid between residential and tax exempt/commercial properties. He <br />recommended that the Council not pursue franchise fees. <br /> <br />Gregg Larson <br />, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, explained that he loves the parks and trails in Arden <br />Hills. He indicated that he has supplied ovethat the real <br />issue is not how residents feel about City parks, but rather how to finance the improvements <br />needed in the City. He believes that the Council should pursue a property tax increase instead of a <br />franchise fee. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> closed the public hearing at 8:31 p.m. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> thanked the residents in attendance for their comments. He appreciated the <br />feedback that was given. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br /> discussed the transparency concern stating that the Council had not <br />gathered all the necessary information from Xcel Energy because it wanted to see how residents <br />felt about franchise fees prior to spending too much time on the topic. At this time, she is not <br />comfortable moving forward with franchise fees given the lack of support from the community. <br /> <br />Councilmember Werner <br />stated that he does not support the franchise fees either. He explained <br />how gas prices have risen over the past winter and how this has adversely impacted residents. He <br />recommended that the Council pursue an alternative funding source. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> thanked the public for providing the Council with their thoughts on <br />parks and trails, and he understands that the residents are against franchise fees. He reviewed the <br />impact a property tax increase would have on homeowners versus a franchise fee. He explained <br />that the Council has worked to keep property taxes low in Arden Hills. He discussed how the <br />economic downturn is still impacting the community. He believed that after taking into <br />consideration all of the comments from the public, franchise fees are not supported and for this <br />reason, he does not believe franchise fees should move forward. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung <br /> explained that Arden Hills is a unique community and has a fairly <br />diverse tax base, as a large percentage of the property in Arden Hills is tax exempt. This presents <br />the City with challenges for funding much need road improvement projects. He believes roadway <br />improvements are an essential service provided by the City. In addition, many residents in Arden <br />Hills view the parks and trails as essential services which require maintenance and improvement. <br />This led the Council to discuss the possibility of a franchise fee. He discussed the budgeting <br />process and his viewpoints on franchise fees stating he does not support them. He thanked the <br />public for taking part in this discussion. He anticipated that the Council would be having <br />additional discussions on how to prioritize the much needed streets and parks improvements. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes <br /> thanked everyone for coming and speaking this evening. She explained <br />that the Council has heard loud and clear that the public does not support franchise fees. For this <br />reason, she does not believe that the Council should move forward with franchise fees. <br />