08-21-23-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 21, 2023 5 Councilmember Monson stated she supported prohibiting the use of THC, adult cannabis and cigarettes in City owned spaces. She favored simplicity over complexity when it comes to regulating this topic. Councilmember Rousseau indicated she preferred Maple Grove's ordinance. She supported the City being smoke free in its parks. Councilmember Holden explained parks were to be smoke-free in order to keep the products away from youth. She supported parks continuing to be smoke free from cannabis and tobacco products. Mayor Grant favored prohibiting smoking cannabis and edible use in City parks. Councilmember Fabel recommended the smoking of cannabis be prohibited as well. He stated he did not know enough about edibles to make a determination on how they should be regulated. Mayor Grant was of the opinion people should not be under the influence while in City parks. Councilmember Fabel agreed with this but questioned how law enforcement would be able to enforce this matter. Mayor Grant indicated this would be difficult for law enforcement to enforce. He requested staff take the feedback from the Council and draft an Ordinance for consideration at a future meeting. C. Franchise Fees Discussion Administrator Perraultexplained at the last worksession, the City Council discussed the use of Franchise Fees to help support the Permanent Improvement Revolving (PIR) Fund. The City's financial advisor, Ehlers, has put together a memo on the topic and will be present to give an overview and answer questions. If the Council is supportive, further discussions will need to be had with Xcel, and the Council may want to consider what marketing activities need to take place to help inform and educate residents. Ms. Kvilvang requested the Council consider providing further direction on how to proceed with franchise fees. Mayor Grant asked if franchise fees could be used to pay off a bond. Ms. Kvilvang reported this could be done. Councilmember Holden questioned how residential taxpayers would be impacted by a $400,000 increase in the tax levy. Finance Director Bauman discussed the impact this would have on residential taxpayers and stated it would be cheaper for residents to have a franchise fee as this would be paid by more users in the community. Councilmember Fabel stated he would like to see a combination of gas and electric franchise fees.